001 ☀ Stahn Aileron, Otome Yanagiya

[majinken]

Comments

[majinken]

Dating... before we realized it?

[well, this is absolutely what it is, but stahn doesn't even understand this as a concept. explain, mom!]

[mombastic]

Mm... basically, your bond has been so tight that you began doing things couples would do, without thinking of it in any sort of romantic light. I imagine because of that, things feel natural for you, even if your relationship's officially changed.

[majinken]

I... didn't really think about it like that. That couples... really do the same kinds of things we were.

[of course he didn't, because all stahn ever really considered were then notes of romantic feelings, and things like the physical affection that come with it.

he knows how he feels about leon, but it's not like he ever really considered it that way. that romance and friendship have a fine line and that what they did was so on par with that.]

Do you really think that's how I am with Leon, Otome?

[mombastic]

From what I've had the chance to see for myself... [ dryly. ]

Very much so, yes.

[majinken]

[huh.]

I really had no idea... I wonder how long it's been like this for...

[mombastic]

I couldn't say, honestly... you'd have to ask one of your friends.

[ For as long as she's known them, she knows it's not as long as others have. ]

[majinken]

Ah...

[that's... kind of an awkward thing to try and ask them, given the circumstances.]

I guess if a chance comes up sometime, I can. [strangely enough, he's definitely more comfortable talking to otome about this kind of thing.]

[mombastic]

... Do they know?

[ Maybe she should ask that first. ]

[majinken]

[he shakes his head, a bit sheepishly.]

There... really wasn't any time to talk about it. What happened, we had so much to do.

[and everyone went their separate ways pretty quickly afterwards that there just wasn't a chance. he still plans on it, but he needs to have an actual opportunity to do so.]

[mombastic]

Are you traveling on your own now? [ well, he's here, which means his world is at peace, but still-- ]

[majinken]

Yeah. Or... I guess I'm going to, when I have some time to.

[he'd asked rutee if she wanted to, but she kind of never answered, and everyone else is busy. but he still wants to see a lot in the world, so... maybe he'll go alone one day.]

[mombastic]

Just make sure to take care of yourself. Traveling alone is twice as dangerous, and you have to be prepared for all sorts of circumstances.

[ dial it down, mom. ]

[majinken]

[mom, pls...]

I know. There aren't many places I'm going to alone anyway—just when it's something I have to do.

[he hates traveling alone, so it's not really part of his big plan here.]

[mombastic]

All right... and you'll be sure to check in when you can?

[majinken]

Mm... I don't think I can go that long without doing that, Otome.

[he'll miss them too much if he doesn't come to visit often, obviously!]

[mombastic]

I'd hope not! Or we'd have to come find you ourselves.

[ DON'T THINK THEY WOULDN'T. ]

[majinken]

I promise... I'll do everything I can so that you and Leon don't have to worry about me.

[they've both worried enough for stahn already—he wants to turn that around and make sure they can both just live happily in their new life.]

[mombastic]

I think we'll always worry... at least a little. But you're the same, aren't you?

[ You can't help but worry about the people you care for. ]

[majinken]

Yeah... I guess so.

[he always worries about them, it's true.]

But I don't want to give you more reasons than that.

[mombastic]

I don't think you will! Call it intuition.

[ ... well, he also tends to get into trouble, but he's the sort who can somehow get himself out of it for the most part. And she knows he'll be consciously trying not to worry them anyway. ]

[majinken]

Then... you really don't have to worry!

[NAILED IT.

or maybe, mostly... he just doesn't want otome or leon to worry.]

Things are peaceful now... it's safe.

[mombastic]

That's really what we were all fighting for, in the end... so I'm glad that it's come to pass, for all of us.

[ No more demons, no more... whatever Stahn was fighting. ]

[majinken]

Yeah... I'm glad for that too. I think... we're all ready to stop fighting so much now.

[stahn knows he's tired after so much of that. he knows leon is too—and he's sure otome also has to be just as tired.]

[mombastic]

...

So, Stahn, have you ever been to the beach?

[ Nice transition, Otome. ]

[majinken]

I've been on them, but I've never just gone for fun or anything. Leane's not really close to any beaches!

[clearly, he's missing out on his beach episode here.]