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]

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!]

[mombastic]

[ ... this is the best day ever. ]

Well, I didn't make it or anything... [ but she's so happy. ]

[discard]

Even so, I appreciate it.

[HE'S TRYING REALLY HARD TO BE SINCERE, JUST ACCEPT IT...]

That is... all of this is--I am grateful for it.

[mombastic]

... Then I'm glad. But keep in mind, I'll be properly prepared for next year.

[ More time to prepare!! ]

[discard]

[... Mom.]

There is no need for that.

[mombastic]

There's every need for that! It's a very important day to me!

[discard]

It... it is merely another day, Otome.

[He's so flustered by this!!]

[mombastic]

Mm-mm... the day you were born is something precious, Leon. [ shaking her head. ] Don't let anyone tell you differently.

[discard]

[It wasn't, he thinks.

At the time, it wasn't precious, and for so long after, it wasn't precious either.

But today... today, it might actually be precious to someone. And that...that means something. He swallows, ducking his head a little.]

I... I see. Then...

[A slow breath.]

I will look forward to next year.

[mombastic]

I will, as well! [ .... no seriously, look how pumped she is. She's very excited for this. ]

[discard]

[....she's so pumped.]

But I do have one condition.

[mombastic]

...? What is it?

[ Well, it'll probably be reasonable. ]

[discard]

[He tries to be reasonable.]

When is your birthday?

[mombastic]

September 9th-- ah.

[ ... So that's where he's going. ]

[discard]

[And at that, he nods.]

Very well then.

[If she's going to celebrate his birthday, he's going to celebrate hers. So there!!]

That is my condition, and now I am satisfied.