Two worlds, one family--

[mombastic]

[ It's strange to be in a world with not one set of memories from another world-- not two, but three, not that Otome can really discuss this with anyone. It's difficult enough, when she wakes up these days, and can't remember if she's in her own home, or her apartment. If she needs to call Fumi to check on preparations for the day, or...

But no. This is her world. And not a school day, so she's stuck trying to focus not on what she's missing or what she's lost, but on what lies ahead.

What that actually is, she doesn't know, but she's out and about today, and there's a strong breeze. Maybe today will be a good day for clearing her thoughts. ]

Comments

birthday;

[discard]

[He never really felt any reason to bring it up.

It wasn't even that he was willfully avoiding it. It was just that... birthdays were never a part of his world. His birthday meant nothing to anyone, he'd always known, and so there was no reason to bring it up.

But...

He always remembered the date even so.

And when he spots the calendar and makes a note of the date--well, he lingers.

Seventeen, huh?

(Can he possibly still be seventeen with all of the things he's been through...?

And yet... he thinks that very well must be true. It's his birthday, and now he's seventeen.)

But that's all there is to it; a moment later he shakes his head, and moves back towards the kitchen to begin making breakfast. At least it's a weekend--it means it's relaxing, today.

[mombastic]

[ Otome's actually not far behind him, and although somewhat tired, she's still taking note of the way he pauses in front of the calendar. Today...

As far as she knows, there's not any major holiday or any type of event happening today. It's a weekend. But all the same, something about the date had given him pause and therefore, Otome's curiosity is piqued.

For now, though, she'll keep her thoughts to herself, calling in the direction of the kitchen. ]

Good morning, Leon!

[discard]

[It pulls him out of his thoughts, at least; he tilts his head slightly, but responds entirely calmly.]

Good morning, Otome.

[A brief nod, and--]

What would you like for breakfast?

[At least he's adapted to domesticity pretty well.]

[mombastic]

Mm... I was thinking pancakes, but anything you're in the mood for is perfect!

[ She's pretty darn simple. ]

[discard]

Pancakes should be fine.

[They're easy!! So Leon will just roll up his sleeves and get to work briskly, focused on breakfast now, all thoughts of the date long gone already.]

[mombastic]

[ Too bad for Leon, Otome's mind is already hard at work-- ]

... Do you have plans for today?

[discard]

Not as such, no.

[He can respond to that easily enough, because he's oblivious to any Otome Plotting.

Instead, he's just whisking the milk and mix.]

Why do you ask?

[mombastic]

I have to do a short conference call today, but I also needed to drop by the office to grab one of the newer textbooks for you. The office won't be open all that long today, though, so I thought...

... Although that might be inconvenient for you.

[discard]

...As I said, I do not have any plans today.

[He tilts his head vaguely.]

It would not be inconvenient for me. Did you want me to accompany you?

[mombastic]

I was actually wondering if you'd mind swinging by the office and grabbing it while I took that call. If I can finish that, then I'll be free to spend the rest of the day with you.

[discard]

Oh--is that what you were getting at?

[Leon just nods in response to that, pouring the batter out onto the pan as he goes.]

That should be fine, yes.

[mombastic]

[ Good, that's the hardest part of this newly-formed plan down. Otome beams, before she moves past him to pull plates from the cabinet. ]

Perfect! I was thinking it's been awhile since we've just had a day to ourselves. [ Even on the weekends, she tends to work. ]

[discard]

[And he'll neatly deposit the pancakes on the plates when they're finished, nodding simply. He's still not thinking about much in regards to the date--so he's just assuming Otome has decided she wants a day at home, which is nice.

She deserves more breaks.]

I suppose it has been some time--but today should be perfectly serviceable for that reason.

[mombastic]

Mm, I think so too. It's important to spend time together, as a family... so I hope I haven't been neglecting you.

[ She does have to work, yes, but she at least tries to bring her paperwork out into the living room while Leon's reading. ]

[discard]

No, of course not.

[Mom, pls, you're great!!!

Granted it's not hard to be better than Hugo, but still. Leon thinks she's the best mom ever.]

We are still able to take dinners together, and generally have time for such things. I am not concerned with it.

[mombastic]

You'd tell me if you were?

[ IT'S OKAY TO BE DISSATISFIED. ]

[discard]

[Slowly, he blinks.]

Well... yes, I suppose. [No, probably not.]

But I have no reason to be dissatisfied with things right now. [??? Otome is Superior Parent to Hugo by 170%]

[mombastic]

[ That really isn't hard, considering Hugo. ]

... Okay. You can leave the dishes to me today, too. I should have some time before that call.

[discard]

Ah... very well then. When we have finished eating, I will go pick up that book.

[But first, breakfast!]

[mombastic]

Thank you, Leon!

[ BUT FIRST. Delicious pancakes, yes. ]

[discard]

... Naturally.

[But yes, he'll settle down to pancakes as well.

With lots of syrup.

Mmm, syrup.]

[mombastic]

[ She won't have as much syrup, but at least he's happy(???) so it's fine! And the pancakes are so nice and fluffy and warm and honestly, she's half-surprised he'd not interested in becoming a chef with his skills.

... Then again, maybe that's just her proud mother side. ]

[discard]

[He's just a perfectionist, mom....

Either way, it's a nice, warm and comfortable breakfast. Leon's content with it, and... it's a weird feeling, to realize that he's so commonly happy.

It's something he's never experienced before, and...it's all thanks to Otome.

For now, though...he keeps his eyes on his pancakes and eats, quietly.]

[mombastic]

[ It's fine, she's still thinking over her plans here-- but once she's done eating, she'll reach into her pocket and pull out a key to pass over to Leon. ]

Here you go. This should get you into the office.

[discard]

Thank you.

[He accepts the key and stands, nodding.]

Then I suppose I will leave dishes to you, and go run this errand.

[Bye mom!!!]