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

[mombastic]

Correct! Then let's get moving, Leon-- we'll be dealing with a lot of people.

[ She's not kidding. ]

[discard]

A--

[What??

Wait hold on??]

How many people is--

["A lot of people"]

[mombastic]

Upwards of... a few hundred? We're going to one of the smaller temples.

[discard]

[O...h.......]

But we do not have to... deal with all of those people, correct? We can just... handle the situation on our own and avoid the majority of them.

[he doesn't want to talk to people]

[mombastic]

We won't have to deal with them, no! Just the attendants and... well, a lot of them will want to wish you a good New Year's going forward.

[ Sorry, Leon. ]

[discard]

[Grumbling:]

They do not even know me...

[But, more loudly:]

It shall be fine. It is not the first time I have dealt with a crowd of people.

[mombastic]

And we'll be together! I can't wait to show you everything!

[ which she's saying as she's ushering him out, beaming like the sun. ]

[discard]

[She's so...happy..........

He can't ever argue with happy Otome; it softens his own expression as well.]

Very well then. I shall... look forward to learning everything with you.

[mombastic]

Mm! Just let me know if there's anything you have questions about-- I'll try my best to explain everything, but it can be a lot.

[ And indeed, the closer they get to the temple, the more people seem to be joining them and chattering loudly. ]

[discard]

I certainly will.

[And he will because he's Leon and has questions and is curious--

But not yet.

Because the more people who show up the more Leon just kind of shuffles towards Otome, even if none of them give him a second glance (except some of the girls because he's pretty)]

[mombastic]

[ It's all right, Otome's reaching for his hand to keep him close and safe from all of the people-- just in case. And she'll only release him once they've ascended the steps and it opens out into... well. A lot. Vendors, a place to hang bad fortunes and wooden plaques with wishes inscribed on them... ]

Here we are!

[discard]

[... Oooohhh...

He's never seen a place like this before, and it's obvious from his expression; the temples he's seen are nothing like this, and while he doesn't release Otome's hand, he's definitely clearly engrossed and fascinated.

Also he has no idea where to start.

But whoa.]

[mombastic]

Are you hungry, Leon? [ Let's start there. And then, she thinks, she can show him the fortunes and take him over to ring the bell--

Really, it's been awhile since Otome's been this excited for a shrine visit, but seeing Leon's reactions just makes her feel as though she's also witnessing this for the first time. ]

[discard]

... I suppose I haven't eaten.

[He's still looking around, wide-eyed, but he finally turns his gaze back to Otome.

And.

Flushes when he realizes he was like a kid in a candy shop. A-AHEM.]

Was...there something you had in mind?

[mombastic]

Not really, but let's see what they have to offer.

[ which is amazake and a whole lot of delicious things that Kia is too lazy to look for BUT FOOD ]

[discard]

[FASCINATING FOODS, OOOH, AHHH

Which

Admittedly the foods do look and smell pretty good, but Leon can't help but drift when he spies the desserts.

Look!! At these!!]

[mombastic]

... [ she really should have seen that coming. ] Why don't you take your pick? It's your first time, so I'll treat.

[discard]

[...!!!]

W-well, it is not as though I know what any of these are, so...!

[he wants the sweets]

[mombastic]

Well, the little rounded balls over there are mochi...

[ He'll get a dessert lesson, that's fine. ]

[discard]

[he's listening, thoughtful--and then he sees it.

holy shit

He straightens despite himself, brightening a little.]

What--what are those?

[HE'S TRYING NOT TO SOUND TOO EXCITED but it's not really working]

[mombastic]

-- Oh! Taiyaki! It's, ah... sort of like a waffle with filling inside. Ice cream in this case, it looks like.

[discard]

I... suppose I should... not mind trying that, then.

[it looks delicious wtf]

[mombastic]

All right-- hold on, then.

[ She's going to speak to the vendor and grab one of the taiyaki for him after paying, passing it over. ]

Let me know what you think?

[discard]

... Of course.

[He accepts it with a nod of gratitude, and...casually takes a bit...

(This is the best thing ever.)

A-ahem.]

It is...tolerable.

[(He's so happy.)]

[mombastic]

Tolerable? [ Hmmmm. ] Well, if you'd prefer a different flavor...

[ Leon, you can say it's good, it's fine!! ]