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]

[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.

[mombastic]

... Leon...

[ He always says things like this that make her heart ache, and Otome nods firmly, quickly. ]

Things will always remain this way. You'll never be alone, okay?

[discard]

[His head ducks a little at that, throat tight, and...for a moment, he doesn't know what to say.

She's always so certain, so fierce about it.

He knows he's lucky.]

... All right.

[If Otome says so, it must be true.

And that means...his birthday wish has already come true.]

I-- I...appreciate it.

[mombastic]

You've given me just as much as I've given you, Leon. Believe me, I'm grateful every day that you came into my life.

[ He gave her what she thought she'd never really experience the same way again... a family. ]

[discard]

[Well.

Well!!

That's pretty overwhelming in basically every single way, Leon's just going to go ahead and take in a shuddery breath before he nods.]

I...see.

[He's still lucky.

He knows he is.]

Regardless, if it is my birthday and I am allowed to make such requests, then--there is no need to be so embarrassing.

[Mooooom]

[mombastic]

... Is it embarrassing to be honest?

[ she didn't even get that sappy, Leon?? She was behaving herself!! ]

[discard]

The way you are honest is certainly embarrassing...!

[MOM YOU'RE EMBARRASSING.

Or, more likely, he's just overwhelmed by how much this is--he's never been given so much before.]

[mombastic]

... Well, now I really feel like a mother.

[ embarrassing her kid. ]

[discard]

[Aaaaa.......

Leon just mutters, though:]

That is because that is what you are.

[... Ahem. More loudly.]

Shall we... cut the cake, then?

[mombastic]

[ ... he's so cute. ]

Yes, of course! Would you like the honors?

[discard]

... Yes, of course. [Better he handle the knife instead of her.]

Perhaps simply a slice for each of us, then?

[mombastic]

I think so, yes. I don't know how sweet it's going to be, but we should pace ourselves.

[discard]

[....... sweet cakes.....

But he'll at least

Pretend like he doesn't want to eat all of it, nodding and cutting reasonable slices for both of them.]

Here you are. This should do.

[mombastic]

Thank you!

[ There are strawberries inside this cake, she's not sorry-- ]

[discard]

[Nor should she be sorry, this looks delicious.

And Leon perks right up despite himself when he takes a bite.

Aaaaa it's so tasty.]

[mombastic]

How is it? [ she's got her fork ready, but she's still studying him rather anxiously-- even if he looks perfectly content. ]

[discard]

[There's a long pause, and then, slowly and deliberately:]

It...is delicious. Thank you, Otome.

[Look at that sincerity!]