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]

[thanks mom

He does lean against her then, sighing a little, ducking his head.]

... I was not expecting to be...quite so affected by them, still.

[The nightmares, that is.]

[mombastic]

[ Well, with him so close, it makes all the more easy to rest a hand on his head, gently stroking her fingers through his hair. Whatever helps him relax, really. ]

Our strongest memories never really fade completely. They're the ones that tend to resurface, over and over again, in different forms... likely because the painful memories are the ones we try to consciously suppress. When you're asleep, that consciousness is gone.

It's why it's recommended that you talk with someone you trust about your nightmares.

[discard]

[Just being near to Otome seems to work, so this is all doing a pretty good job of relaxing him, if nothing else. He leans into her touch subtly, sighing softly.]

... I do not wish to even acknowledge them.

[Maybe it's not a healthy way to cope, but he doesn't like the idea of even pretending to acknowledge the nightmares and what he sees there.]

[mombastic]

Leon... [ well, she can't really blame him for that thought. ]

Just saying that you had them is progress. It's obviously affecting your health.

[discard]

[Mom...]

I have...had this problem for some time now. It is not that large of an issue.

[He's had nightmares for a very long time now.]

[mombastic]

It's still an issue, Leon. I can do what I can to help, now that I know... but for now, let's see if you can get some sleep in here.

[ She'll be nearby... maybe that will help. ]

[discard]

[He...startles a little.]

In here?

[???]

I can return to my bed, Otome.

[mombastic]

Humor me-- you might find it easier to stay asleep if you're not alone.

[discard]

[... He's not sure about that, really.]

... I... are you certain?

[He's not going to argue it, if that's what she wants.]

[mombastic]

Mm-hm! If it doesn't work, at least we can say we tried.

[ And she can keep an eye on him if he starts having another nightmare. ]

[discard]

... Fine then. If this is...truly what you wish, I will not argue it.

[Even if he's a little awkward about it... he'll at least eventually curl up on his side of the bed.]

[mombastic]

Let me know if you need anything, all right? [ And she's settling back down again. Yeah, she probably won't be able to cuddle with him, like she would have with Koharu, but this much is improvement. ]

[discard]

... Very well then.

[He's still hesitant... but slowly he curls up in the bed, allowing his eyes to slide shut. He tries to remain as far away from Otome as possible without falling off the bed--but slowly as the night continues, he turns towards her, and ends up sleeping just a few inches from her back.]

[mombastic]

[ It's... a little funny to see how he slowly gravitates towards her, but only when he's unconscious. Otome maintains a watchful eye, if just to make sure he's actually sleeping properly, before she smiles and closes her eyes.

He'll be fine. ]