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]

But that is what I... [What he's learned. What he's always been told.

What he's believed, for so many years.]

I...

[This is a hard thing for him to wrap his mind around, please hold.]

[mombastic]

If it's too uncomfortable for you to talk about, you don't need to mention it at all. I'll just be more observant!

[ This isn't a struggle he has to deal with alone. ]

[discard]

That is not--

[Otome's responsibility either...

He sighs, grimacing.]

I...do like sweets, yes. I am aware I should not, but...

[Here he is anyway.]

[mombastic]

... I don't believe there's a rule that you shouldn't.

[ For the record... ]

[discard]

But I was always told--

[...Ah.

Um.]

... Never mind.

[mombastic]

Were you told it was childish?

[discard]

[He just crosses his arms more tightly, looking away sharply.

Yeah.

Basically.]

[mombastic]

Leon...

I understand how difficult it is to believe differently if you've been told something all of your life... but please believe me when I say that I'll never tell you that. I'll never believe that.

[discard]

... I...

[He hesitates, uncertain.]

Are you certain? I was always told that others would take me less seriously if...they knew.

[mombastic]

I've known for awhile now. Have I ever treated you differently?

[discard]

No, but... you are different.

[Otome has always been different.]

[mombastic]

In this, I'm not that different from a lot of people. Trust me, no one here is going to judge you for liking sweet things.

[discard]

[... It's hard for him to change years of belief just like that, but... after a long moment of looking down at the treat in his hands, he just sighs, shoulders slumping.]

... I enjoy this... quite a lot. It is...very good, honestly. Thank you, Otome.

[He's trying.]

[mombastic]

[ Otome smiles slightly, resting a hand on his shoulder. He really is trying. ]

I'm glad you like it. This isn't the only time these are sold, so we'll have to make an outing out of trying different kinds.

[discard]

I...would like that as well.

[QUITE FRANKLY.]

I did not often get to try sweets, as... I was not supposed to. But I am very fond of these.

[mombastic]

Then we'll go searching another weekend. I'm sure we'll be able to get you some new sweet experiences out of it.

[ She's so pumped now. ]

[discard]

... I would appreciate that.

[Sparkles.]

Thank you... Otome. For always being so understanding. I am aware that I am--occasionally unnecessarily difficult.

[mombastic]

... Mm. I don't really see it that way. Everyone has different reasons for why they do things.

[discard]

[... His reasons are....a bit fussier than most.]

... I suppose that is why you were the one to--

[Convince him to go to her world, mostly....

Never mind.]

[mombastic]

...? I was the one to what?

[ SHE CAN'T READ YOUR BRACKETS. ]

[discard]

[SORRY MOM]

... To-- well...change my mind in many ways...

[mombastic]

That's an honor, actually! [ And she means it, bright-eyed. ] People can be stubborn and set in their ways... I'm just lucky you're open-minded and willing to think about things in more than one way.

[discard]

That is not...

[um... mom???]

"Open-minded" is...not a word most would use to describe me, especially as I was in the past...

[mombastic]

But you're not entirely who you were in the past, are you? I couldn't have changed your mind if you hadn't been open to the idea.

[discard]

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

Otome... do you truly not see just how remarkable you are? It was...you who changed my mind in many ways.