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

[discard]

...Even just that you recognized and wish to celebrate it is...more than enough for me.

[It's honestly more than he could ever ask for.]

[mombastic]

Of course I do! But there's really nothing you want to do today? Or just want in general?

[discard]

[... Hm.]

... No, I cannot imagine what I could possibly want beyond what I already have.

[mombastic]

... Well, this makes it difficult to spoil you, doesn't it?

[ Really, Leon... ]

[discard]

Otome, you already--

[He bites his lip, ducking his head a little in embarrassment.]

I do not need anything else. [She already spoils him.]

[mombastic]

Well, if you insist... should we stick to the original plan of spending the day together, then?

[ He won't object to that, right? ]

[discard]

I...yes, I would appreciate that.

[Very much. He absolutely wants to spend his day with Otome.

It already sounds like the best possible birthday to him.]

[mombastic]

All right, then! We're going to make this day plenty memorable for you.

[ HE'S GOING TO GET SO MUCH MOM TIME. ]

[discard]

[He does love him some mom time.]

I...would say that it already has been that. But I certainly won't argue if you've already got plans.

[He's interested!!]

[mombastic]

Mm, honestly, they're in the making... I think spending with much time with you as I can sounds like a great idea to me.

But we'll have to do something about that cake in a bit, and have you make a wish.

[discard]

[He blinks at that, once again taken somewhat off-guard.]

...A wish?

[Is that a thing people do on birthdays?]

But--that seems rather frivolous. [And he doesn't know what he'd wish for.]

[mombastic]

It's a very important tradition, actually! Birthdays are about making that special someone's wish come true, after all.

[discard]

... I do not believe in wishes, but...

[He hesitates for a moment, uncertain, before he caves.]

If it is a matter of tradition, I suppose it cannot be helped.

[mombastic]

It's all right; the thing about wishing on your birthday is that you don't have to tell anyone what it is. It's the act of making it that's important.

[discard]

...Fine. If that is the case, then I will make a proper wish.

[He's been convinced! (Mostly because he doesn't have to share his wish.)]

[mombastic]

Good! We can save that for when we eat your cake, then.

[ Although he'll be eating most of it. ]

[discard]

[Ah......]

And...so there is also cake, yes. [Um.] What else...is necessary for a birthday celebration? [Should he be dressing up for this?]

[mombastic]

Well, normally there's presents... it's a little short notice, though, so I didn't have time to grab a whole lot of anything.

[discard]

[... He doesn't really know what to make of that.]

Otome, I do not require anything from you. You have already given me...so much.

[mombastic]

I happen to think you might be easily satisfied here, Leon...

[ He's never asked for anything. ]

[discard]

[...]

Do you think so?

[Leon's quiet for a moment, gaze downturned, and then--]

You have...given me a home, a place to live and a kindness that was not necessary. [But she did it anyway.] Even when I have...caused you some trouble, you still have been patient with me.

I fail to see what else I should ask for.

[mombastic]

I did all of that because I love you. [ simply. ] I wanted to live with you, and I wanted to be a part of a family with you... so in a way, a lot of that was my selfishness.

[discard]

No... it is hardly selfish at all.

[Not to want a family--or he's selfish too, in that case.]

I'm grateful even so. And if I were to have a wish, it would be--

[He hesitates a moment, uncertainly.]

[mombastic]

... Yes? [ it's a very gentle prompt; she's not about to judge, Leon. ]

[discard]

[Words are hard, mom!!!

But after a moment, he murmurs quietly:]

... That things remain this way.