Episode 18

“What are we doing over here?”

“A-hee-hee-hee (Fake giggle). You are too funny and just so cuuuuuuuute!”

Mao didn’t seem to hear his question. Yamashita gave her his usual deadpan expression and followed where her eyes had been glued for the last half hour. Ninomiya and the guild/league/SugusFleet, or whatever they refer to themselves on Tuesdays are gathered around a small makeshift table with a new member. She didn’t look crazy so he didn’t know why she was here.

But she was for sure the reason why he’d received a call from his companion over here, seeming to be mumbling incantations under her breath right now and throwing around the sugar bits from her cinnamon roll like it could make someone disappear, inviting him over for said cinnamon rolls in their new headquarters. He had been about to decline; thinking he could say he was ironing his socks even though he’d done it yesterday, when the matter of their headquarters being a treehouse came up. And somehow he couldn’t say no to that.

His eyes went over to them again. They were laughing and conversing normally. Now he’s the one who has entered a different dimension. All three seemed to be enamored with her which was leaving his companion steaming in her spot.

“Why do we have these aluminum foils as hats?”

“A-ha-ha-ha-ha (Fake flirty laugh). Of course I’d adopt babies with you if you ask me to! You are sooooo cheeky.”

Mao’s eyes never left Nino and Aoi. She narrowed them slightly, wanting to pull a Rambo on them, aiming a machine gun as “Eye of The Tiger” plays in the background. Was it “Eye of The Tiger”? Maybe it wasn’t… Wondering if Yamashita knows… Well, anyway, she just wasn’t happy about all this. She already hasn’t got much time left with Kazu… And he decides to invite Aoi to THEIR treehouse. THEIR treehouse. Someone should invent a capslock to a capslock. Because she can’t stress that enough.

After last night, after he gave her the ViewMaster which still leaves her giddy, after she kissed him on the cheek which still leaves her over the moon and the sun and the stars and the aliens and the- You get the picture- which he SHOULD be feeling too (Again, capslocking capslock anyone?), she just finds him sitting in the far corner, facing the wall when she woke up. Wondering what he was doing there, she had stopped by his side and asked just that. He had this serene smile on his face, saying he was just waiting for her to wake up so they can go.

And he had on that unsettling smile all the way home.

And this morning she finds out the reason for that smile. He had received a text from Aoi last night. She’d come back from a trip and was telling him she’s bought home some souvenirs for them. He’d pushed her out of the picture just like that! It felt like her heart was shattered into a million pieces and she doesn’t have a 1-Up Mushroom to revive her…

And he actually brings her over to THEIR treehouse. She doesn’t even know the password! Although Kazu just had to remind her they don’t really have a password. But girls aren’t allowed up the treehouse! He just had to go all Yoda and remind her girl she is a. Now she had no more reasons to keep the door locked and let them up.

So she thinks of the best way to tell him how she feels about him inviting the girl he’s smitten about. By inviting Yamashita over; the boy she’s supposed to be smitten about. Because seeing him with Aoi doesn’t affect her at all.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Though she was really planning on inviting Yamashita all along; wanting him to see a different her inside a treehouse. Just that now, a new purpose has been added to his profile.

“Keep that on.” She felt him reaching to take off his hat.

“What are we doing with these anyway?”

“So they can’t hear our thoughts.”

“They don’t really work.”

“Of course they do.”

He doesn’t see himself winning this argument.

“I don’t think they’re remotely interested in knowing what we’re doing.”

“They are.”

Yamashita’s eyes went to them.

Nope, they aren’t.

“They’ll notice because we are being adorably random and we look cute with the same foil hats on.” She told him with confidence when she sensed his reluctance.

“Hold my hand,” she then finished, reaching out with her palm up. Her eyes locked on Nino.

She turned her head to look at him when she’s been holding it out for like a full minute already and he’s still not taking it.

They stared at each other for a long while.

“Hold my hand,” she huffed. Now was not the time for him to be uncooperative.

He broke eye contact with her and started inching away. And she followed him inch by inch, hissing at him under her breath to hold her hand. It will just be a minute! She just wants to get Kazu’s attention!

“Come back here!”

She reached over and pulled on his arm; he pulled right back taking him with her. She closed her eyes, wincing as she landed on top of him; her head had hit the wall. The flow of conversation seemed to have stopped. She cracked open an eye and saw four pairs of eyes staring at them.

At least she got what she wanted: their attention finally. More specifically Kazu’s attention. Maybe she should have clung to Yamashita right from the start but she had to be subtle. He hasn’t even once looked over to the both of them even if she was making it clear she was having so much fun. She’s only seen Aiba looking once in a while. But that may be because he wanted a foil hat too.

“O-ha-ha-ha (Faker flirty laugh). You have such big guns!”

Okay, where did that come from? She just panicked. Yamashita had gently but firmly pushed her off him and back on the floor. The four seemed to have gotten over them and turned back to talking to one another like nothing happened.

They were talking about holding a costume party tomorrow. The four of them have talked about it once; about doing something big before the end of summer. Kazu had announced then that he had an idea. And with the air of someone that was about to divulge the most major secrets of the universe, he had suggested a costume party. They had all exclaimed in mock awe how come they hadn’t come up with that; Kazu was too predictable.

She was supposed to be part of the committee but then Aoi was there already so she didn’t want to botch it up for Kazu. She has the tendency to embarrass him in front of her. So she’s a little sore that she’s the girl Kazu likes like. If that isn’t the case, she feels they could get along really well.

She pursed her lips at the four and decided that her and Yamashita’s achingly adorable ‘couple-ness’ is not getting the desired effect. She looked at Kazu; so happy in his element. So happy with Aoi…

She turned to Yamashita, who seemed to be back on guard lest she tries anything again.

“Come on, I’ll buy you a Slurpee.”

Wow, offering to give something rather than take. Her mood seemed to have dropped a whole lot more.

“Yams and I are going to go get a Slurpee and share it. I don’t think we’ll be back,” she made her loud announcement with unnecessary details plus an exaggerated wink. She couldn’t help it, wanting to sneak in a last futile attempt. She could have left out Yams, but the nickname she gave him on the spot to act sweet was stuck on her. She kinda liked it. He didn’t. Though he doesn’t like anything anyway.

Was that a second– no-third stolen glance from Kazu? She wasn’t sure. She should just get out now before her heart is pulverized to powder. Grabbing Yams’ arm, they headed toward the way down. She took one last peek before going but Kazu was back to talking to Aoi.

Yams’ eyes were on her as he felt her squeezing his arm, trying to act like nothing’s wrong.

**

“We should get back to the house first.” Mao’s feet landed on the ground after she jumped down from the last step. “I only have enough money for one Slurpee.”

“You’re really buying?” He thought the ground would be shaking when the end is near.

Mao stuck a tongue out at the tone of his voice. “Shut it. Unless you really want to share one with me.”

Ha. Obviously not, she thought, smirking. She somehow can see the small differences in his one expression. Her smirk faded when her eyes fell on a spot under the tree. The spot where they buried their time capsule. Or time candy dispenser. She thought about what memory she wrote and hid inside it. And then wondered what Kazu could have written… Was she part of the memory that stood out for him? Was she someone he wouldn’t forget…?

She looked up and thought of him and Aoi again. And then felt something push at her and she instantly went to action. She brushed past Yams and got to her knees and started clawing at the dirt with her hands.

She heard him stop just behind her asking what she was doing. She was almost there, could almost see the storm trooper and then her hands stopped. What was she doing? Even if she was part of his unforgettable memory, that was just because they shared so many moments in this summer together. It will just be about their adventures. The OT4 as Aiba said. Not about anything else…

But was Aoi a part too…?

She looked down.

Did she really want to know…? To confirm it in her heart…? That Aoi is just a bit more different…

She pushed all the dirt back in. Maybe it was better not knowing… At least she wouldn’t take the heartache with her when she goes… At least she could still have the chance, that miniscule chance, to pretend that Kazu could actually be thinking more about someone else…

Her, maybe…

“Are you okay?” She heard Yams ask.

She patted the ground when she was done and started to get up. “Yeah. I thought I could dig up the time capsule we buried here and find some answers out. But I don’t think I want to know anymore…”

She had her head down, looking a little dejected. But she made her choice. And she’s going to end this summer in the right way… Just keep things as they were… She shouldn’t fix something that isn’t really broken… Then at least she’ll have the most epic memories to think back on…

“We should go get that Slurpee now.”

“Who are you talking to?”

Mao looked up, meeting Jun’s confused gaze. He had just climbed down the steps of the treehouse and was looking around.

“Yams, of course, who else?”

“No one’s there.”

Mao whipped her head around and then did a 360. What the frack? He was just here beside her!

“W-Wha-?” She would have heard if he walked away.

“You’re just trying to make it look like you’re going for a Slurpee run with Yams- er- Yamashita but in fact, it was all just for show. I bet he took off the moment you two got down here,” Jun said with an all-knowing look.

He’s seen what was going on earlier. Knows full well Mao was doing all she can to make sure Nino feels threatened by Yams’- what is it with that nickname getting stuck on all of them- Yamashita’s presence. He let it go on, hoping that Nino will crack. Will show just how much it pains him, how much it drives him crazy to see the two being all cute. But he didn’t. He was even tougher than Thor’s hammer.

How did he do it? What experiments have he been doing and where is all these references coming from?

“No, I wasn’t! (No wonder Jun always wins in Cluedo.) He was really just right beside me!” Mao jerked a thumb over her shoulder.

“Motorcycle’s ready.”

Mao and Jun cried out, simultaneously jumping almost a feet into the air at his voice. They blinked at Yams who was holding his helmet, seeming unperturbed.

“How do you do that? Is that even possible?” Mao asked, looking at him in awe. Jun was just staring and still blinking.

“Is what even possible?” Yams gave a frown. What out of this world topic are they on about now?

“You just disappeared like- Poof!” That was all she could really come up with.

Yams gave her his look as he pointed towards the back. “I told you I was going to get the motorcycle ready.”

“You did?” Mao asked distractedly, still gaping up at him. Was he a real life superhero?

“Do you still want that Slurpee?”

Mao seemed to shake herself out of it. She’ll try to figure that one out next time. “See, Jun? I’m not masterminding a scheme where I want to make Kazu jealous and crazy by acting like we’re totally in like with each other. Because we are. Totally in like with each other, I mean. Not the part about the scheming and the acting. And o-ha-ha-ha (Fake awkward laugh), isn’t he one fine specimen of a man?”

Jun and Yams were both staring at the wide wobbly grin on her face.

“Anyway!” She exclaimed, snapping them all out of it. “Let’s go get that Slurpee! GTG! TTYL! TUVM!”

She pulled Yams’ arms again and they stalked off. Jun watched as they went, shaking his head. It was better this way anyway. Maybe it can push Nino into finally seeing what’s right in front of him.

They both need that.

**

Nino’s face appeared behind the towel as he walked past Mao’s room. He stopped at her door, looking at it for a while. He then moved his feet and stepped into his room, closing the door. His towel landed on the floor and he padded towards his bed. He sat down, feeling the frustration at his throat. He messed up his hair in irritation, his ears reddening, thinking back to earlier where Mao was getting a little too comfy with Yamashita. He knew the moment he heard him call up from below the treehouse that trouble will be on like Donkey Kong.

And it was just the night before that they shared an incredible moment of epic proportions. Presenting the ViewMaster, giving him a kiss on his cheek, and him taking her hand in his under the planets… They could have made a movie about that! Well, okay, he may be exaggerating but it could very well what it feels like if he acquires a superpower.

But he had woken up then, his whole being zooming into panic mode; still holding her hand. Which he didn’t want to let go of at that time. He did though as something struck him.

He grabbed his chest. He looked around panicked. He couldn’t count the ‘dokis’ anymore. He couldn’t count them!!!

He looked back down at her when his phone vibrating on the makeshift table caught his attention. He had reluctantly gotten up and went to check on it. It was Aoi…

It felt like he had been struck by lightning and a Wookiee. Aoi… There was this existing thing between him and Aoi… It’s not like they’ve really talked about it or labeled it, but it was there. It was just there… And he can’t be feeling all these for Mao when he hasn’t even sorted out what is between him and Aoi…

What is it really? He was getting too confused. I mean, why does he think he needs to choose? No one will really think twice about choosing Aoi, right? He had looked back to Mao, still asleep. Felt that undeniable tug in his heart.

Mao on top of Yamashita came back to him. He heard a growl. Who was that? Was it him? His brow furrowed. She forgot all about their moment the night before. What was up with the matching foil hats? And why does she have to press so much against him? It was taking every effort not to let out a wounded howl and then charge at him with a- a cinnamon roll. Why does she do that? It’s not like he can post up rules for the treehouse. His ears perked up. Maybe he can…

He let out a frustrated sigh and dropped on his bed. He covered his face with an arm. It’s not like it was any of his business really. Who she likes. Who she shares cinnamon rolls with. Who she shares foil hats with. He should just forget about it…

Forget all about it…

So what if he had big guns?!!

… Oh yeah, forget about it…

**

He smacked his lips and scratched his neck, turning to his side. A faraway noise seemed to be penetrating his sleep. He felt something soft beside him. It smelled really nice. He reached out a hand and pulled it closer. It was wiggling a bit. Something brushed his lips. A sleepy smile lifted his lips. His eyes cracked open a bit, looked at what he was holding, and then closed them again.

He gave a frown and opened his eyes once more. Blinked twice and then giving a shout, he pulled back instantly, his body and head connecting with the hard wall.

“Whatwhatwhat?” He heard her as he cried out in pain. He tried rubbing the pain away but he was still seeing stars.

He carefully massaged his forehead and looked at her. She had her sheets wrapped around her, covering her from head to toe. Her face the only thing he can see. Like a makeshift ghost. A cute makeshift ghost.

“W-What are you doing here?” The throbbing seemed to be gone but then he had a new problem. It’s like The Hulk was back to stomping on his heart.

A clap of thunder answered him. Mao gave a little yelp and put her head down. It was the rain that he had been hearing. She peeked out at him. She didn’t want to be alone in her room with this going on. She can’t be alone… He noted the frightened look in her eyes.

“D-Don’t make me go.”

His eyes softened at her. Of course he won’t do that. He will never do that…

“I-I’m not…”

Her grateful gaze made his heart soar. It became shy in the next moment as she lowered her eyes. The Hulk seemed to be skipping now.

He started to move. “You stay here on the bed then… I’ll take the floo-“

“Stay,” she asked quietly. He was the only one that can make her forget about the noise outside. Another clap of thunder. She tried to hide further into the sheet. His presence was the only one that can make her feel at ease. “At least until I fall asleep…?”

His brain seemed to have turned to ice. He pointed at the bed. “Y-You mean here?”

She slowly nodded her head. He gave a swallow. He couldn’t feel his scalp anymore. He suddenly gathered up his sheets and started wrapping it around him. He looked to her when he finished. They looked like identical pods sitting on the bed.

She had been watching him and gave an amused laugh as soon as he finished.

“What are you doing?” She gave another giggle.

Having her by his side again… He was making sure he doesn’t do anything like what he did in the treehouse… He might not be able to help himself if he doesn’t wrap himself up like this. He suddenly remembered her sweet cinnamon scent. He heard another giggle when he realized he had shut his eyes tight as if to make himself forget about it.

He opened his eyes once more. She had lain down on her side, yawning. Her eyes watering slightly. Their eyes met and she gave a smile, her nose wrinkling gently. He hesitated for a moment and slid down to the bed himself. Making sure there was a considerable amount of space between them.

He could feel her gaze still on him. He lifted his eyes to her sleepy ones, a soft glow coming from her.

“You know what, Kazu? I missed you today…”

His eyes widened slightly. She did? Something seemed to be caught in his throat.

“I felt bad… We didn’t spend much time together… It’s like we wasted a whole day…” Wasted a chance… Didn’t they say they’d spend as much time as they can together…?

“I… I missed you too…”

She lit up at that and he really liked seeing it. Before he knew it, she had buried her head close to his chest when another clap of thunder resounded. He froze and swallowed convulsively. Wondering if she heard that.

“Let’s not waste anymore days…” Her sleepy voice whispered.

He gave a nod, slowly closing his eyes.

They really shouldn’t…

**

“So does this all happen in a far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far-“

“That’s enou-“

“Far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far-“

“Stop it!”

“Far, far, far away planet?”

“Am I going to regret joining this conversation?”

“Yes, Mao, it happens in that kind of planet. So basically, you’re an assassin who is recruited by Nino, leader of a vigilante league.”

“Is there a part where I annihilate him in the course of this story?”

“Yes. I think each of us more or less annihilates one another but we manage to come back due to magic, evil scientists, and plot inconsistencies. But we mostly have an unbreakable alliance which is key.”

“Ha! I annihilate you too. My character has a Segway, right?”

“How come I’m the villain here? With telekinesis and a scar over his eye. That doesn’t sound anywhere near cool.”

“But do I annihilate Nino more times than he annihilates me? Oh, I’m immortal! But I get amnesia? Why do I have to get amnesia?”

“We’re all basically immortal.”

“But I don’t disappear for a period of time, come back in corporeal form or flashbacks, or come back as a totally different character. I’m always my character.”

“Since I’m the villain, I’m immortal too. Coz I get decapitated, burned, strapped to a bomb, shot into outerspace, but I manage to come back whole and offer cliffhangers for ‘who dunnit’. Who the hell wrote this script?”

“I have a solo song here somewhere…”

“Why do we all become vampires at one point in the story?”

“Vampires are really in right now.”

“Ooooh, Yams has a part. A zombie!”

“Remember he watches ‘Vampire Diaries’.”

“A zombie who comes back from the dead.”

“You weren’t complaining when you saw your scene with Mao inspired by the series.”

“A zombie who comes back from the dead. Is it just me or does it sound a little off? Oh, I got amnesia because I’m a god!”

“You’re giving all the best parts to her! And what scene is that?”

“Do you guys want the singing parts? Coz I feel it’s going to come across better if I do all of it.”

“What scene is that? And yes, I am a multi-billionaire who discovers he has natural superpowers. Good, I hate getting powers through lab accidents.”

“Please change the part where I find out you’re my half-brother.”

“It’s an integral part of the story.”

“You just added that in at the last minute. In one line.”

“How come Nino gets to stop me from destroying the world?”

“It’s because you’re really good inside. You’ve just been possessed by the demon Jun has summoned. And because Nino is supposed to save the day in his Federation uniform because he insisted I write it that way.”

“So I summon demons too?”

“Did you just mix in all the plots you asked me to compile? Am I going to find computers threatening to kill us here?”

“Here it is. Computers in Darth Vader masks.”

“Before I forget, I can only give you each a minute for your solos.”

“Hey, I get only 100 points when I kill Nino?”

“What?! 100 points?! Are you kidding me?!”

“I’m worth 15 million points. Yeah.”

“I’m worth 100 million points.”

“What do you guys think our 1UP Mushroom should be? A macaroon or a cinnamon roll?”

“I volunteer to have my character forever eliminated from this story.”

“What’s missing is an alien invasion in the plot.”

The doorbell rang, signaling the end of their meeting. They’d been planning to make a short movie about their summer together but they made the mistake of assigning Aiba as the scriptwriter. Mao laughed out loud at a part where Nino comes back for the fourth time from the dead as a cheerleader. Having died from a virus infection that as usual threatened to eliminate all humanity. Nino’s narrowed eyes met hers. She gave a mischievous grin.

Something in them suddenly changed though causing Mao to become self-conscious. Suddenly remembering they’d woken up to each other again; still covered in their sheets. When the sleep had gone from their eyes, they ended up staring at each other, obviously blushing, before realizing that someone was at the front door.

They forgot that Aiba and Jun were coming in earlier to work on their costumes and preparation for the party. They basically tried to not think too much about it, think too much into it. Good thing working out their costumes proved to be distracting.

They didn’t want him controlling what kind of costumes they should come up with though. He had easily agreed. How hard is that? But as he watched Aiba putting on his Doraemon costume, Mao as the simple ‘Boo’ and Jun putting on a fake muscled obscure superhero costume… Torture is just a mild way of describing it. But, he did promise… He promised… He promised… He had to brainwash himself with that.

They looked away from each other as Aiba went to answer the door. And then was calling for them seconds later. He couldn’t open it with his Doraemon hands. Aoi was the first to arrive, dressed as his fellow Enterprise officer (He was Spock, btw), saying hi to everyone as she stepped into the living room, passing the sushi she brought to Jun. He asked her to sit down as his eyes went to Mao, but she had gone with Jun to ready the food and drinks.

Other guests have arrived not long after. Shun came as Shrek, with just his Shrek ears. Ryo was a store clerk, sticking a name tag on his shirt. Eita came as Elvis. Asami as Lara Croft. Tabi, the bartender still calling him Lord of The Geek, forgot it was a costume party. He didn’t expect Yamashita to come though he knew he’d never be in costume.

And the party was in full swing. An A.I. competition was up first, started by none other than Aiba. People mingling, sharing laughs, having a few drinks (rootbeer and KoolAid). It was fun. He’d spent most of the time with Aoi but he would always be looking out for Mao… He couldn’t help it… His eyes just automatically search for her… He found her surrounded by Shun, Ryo and Tabi; they looked like they were enjoying the finger foods. Mao being all radiant and just charming… He wished Shun and Ryo wouldn’t crowd her in like that; Tabi on the other hand was a gentleman.

He was too late in looking away; Mao had caught his gaze. They lingered on each other for a while before they turned back to their respective conversations. And it was that way the whole time. Their eyes would be meeting across the room, in between people, waiting for their turn at the Guitar Hero guitar-off. But they couldn’t seem to spend some time together. He didn’t know if it’s because some of the guys always hoarded her or because everytime any of them comes to him and Aoi, conversations seem to falter faster than Scotty beams people up or other people just get in the way.

But weren’t they supposed to not waste any more chances…? Having this party is a reminder that they didn’t have much time… And yet, they can’t seem to find each other in this house…

She seemed to be thinking along the same lines when their gazes met again. She went back to laughing at Aiba as she played another turn of rock, paper, and scissors with him. She loved winning against a defenseless him with his Doraemon gloves.

Things were really not going their way so far. And he never expected it to get worse. He didn’t know how it happened but someone seemed to have knocked Mao’s glass from her hands as she walked towards the couch, spilling its contents on Aoi who happened to be sitting there. Worse, the mug had hit her on the head before crashing onto the floor.

Mao was fussing over her, apologizing profusely and he found himself pushing her hands away and checking Aoi for himself, asking if she was okay. Turning to her wanting to know what happened. His tone may have come out in a snap but he didn’t mean it; he had just been stressing about this whole party being a sort of disaster when it came to spending time with Mao.

Mao looked at him for a while, mumbled an apology and crouched down, intending to pick up the broken pieces. She’d pulled back her hand, muffling a cry of pain. She was suddenly pulled up by Jun, holding the hand she was trying to hide and he steered her towards her room. Nino looked up just in time to see Aiba following them as Eita apologized; he was the one who had bumped into Mao.

He didn’t seem to be hearing anything as the three disappeared from his sight.

**

Jun pulled his hands back. The Star Wars band-aid he found in Nino’s room was in place around her finger. He didn’t care if it was one of his collectibles; Mao needed them. His eyes went to her face. She still had her head down; still looking upset about something. Aiba was sitting on the floor in front of them, asking if it still hurt.

It did. Something in her heart still hurt…

“Nino’s tone was nothing. He’s probably just stressed because Eita seemed to be eyeing his lightsaber again,” Jun attempted to humor her.

“It’s a wonder too how he’s still not foaming in the mouth. The state of his living room is not pretty,” Aiba added, holding up his round hand.

She loved them for trying to make her feel better. And she did, at some point. It’s just that… It just hurts to think he forgets about her… And Aoi is still all he sees… It’s something she should know so well already…

When will she learn that it’s always going to be that way?

She really was that stubborn.

But because it was Kazu…

She looked to Jun and Aiba. To her superhero with the uneven muscles and to her super-robot with the weird hands. She managed a smile.

“You guys really make it better…”

“You seemed skeptical. Do you sense skepticism, Aiba?”

“I sense. I sense.” Aiba did not approve.

She gave a chuckle.

“Mao, we are your friends. Don’t forget that.”

“Yeah, when you don’t see us that way, it kinda stings, you know,” Aiba said in a quiet voice. He tried scratching his face with his hand. “You can talk to us.”

“Whatever it is,” Jun finished.

Mao met their gazes. Took in their warm smiles. They were right. She hasn’t been treating them as friends she shared her problems with. It’s always been the fun parts. She never knew they really wanted to be there for her. Wanting to give support whatever she may be going through. Well, that was going to change. She sees clearly now…

“I’ll be taking you guys up on that offer then.”

“Anytime.” Jun ruffled her hair.

“Don’t strain your muscles now.” She gave a laugh, pressing his fake biceps down.

“I don’t know why I even agreed to wearing this.”

“Admit it, you just enjoy it,” Aiba joked. “Hey, Mao, wanna play rock, paper, and scissors again?”

“Sure!” Mao said, her eyes crinkling.

“Wonder what it feels like to hug someone with this thing on,” Jun suddenly mused.

Mao gave a surprised yelp as Jun’s arms went around her.

“Hey! No hugging!” Aiba protested, trying to poke Jun away.

Mao had pushed Jun off her and he landed on Aiba. Both supers got tangled together with Mao laughing out loud.

Nino stood by the door, peeking in. He gave a sad smile as he watched Mao push Jun back down again; he was finding it hard to find his balance in his suit. He was glad both he and Aiba were there for her. He knew they will definitely always be there for her.

Unlike him…

As he watched the three being silly together, he wished he was part of it. But it didn’t feel right to barge in right now. He might take some of the fun away. Mao needed to be with just them for a while. As he smiled at the scene, he could almost hear these words… that evoke so much of what he was feeling for her right now… What he wanted her to know…

“I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You.can.take.my breath away…”

And then he realized the A.I. game was on in the living room. He soundlessly closed the door, turning to go back to the party. He slowly made his way. Knowing his mind will be in her room with them…

With her…

“You can take my breath my breath away
I can be your hero…”

==
Song: Enrique Iglesias "Hero"

Episode 17

Mao opened her eyes, squinting at the sunlight coming from her window, and gave a low groan. The last images of her dream slowly seeping away from her mind. She had no complaints though; having a feeling it would be nothing but weird. Her faint recollection of someone taking her away to a Gamma Quadrant of Sector 4 only to be met by Doraemon standing before her claiming he’s her father in some ways confirmed that. Pixie dusts and moonpies serving as ninja stars were also part of the equation but her mind really wasn’t trying that hard to remember it all. Though something else was there… Something…

She placed a hand gingerly on her head, wincing slightly. She then slapped a hand on her forehead; in hopes the pain could get her mind off the throbbing headache. No use. The only way is to detach her head from her body right now. She blinked slowly up at the ceiling; the curious feeling still nagging her.

Something… There was something besides the weird feeling her dream left for her… She just couldn’t quite put her finger on it… As if her body knew just what it was, she felt herself being enveloped by a ball of warmth… Covering her from head to toe, momentarily letting her forget the pain in her head… Only one person could make her feel this way…

Kazu…

She stared at the ceiling for a second more and then understanding started dawning on her. She suddenly jerked up.

Fuse my bus-bars!

She held her head in her hands, whimpering slightly. She shouldn’t have done that. Taking a deep breath, she pushed her hair off her face and looked around, as if expecting to find someone on the floor.

Maybe hugging KazuPi to him, with his mouth hanging open in that adorable way…

But no one was there.

She tried to stifle the disappointment that was making her head twinge more. But that’s not going to work. It was as unavoidable as comic book characters having their first and last names start with the same letter. Her nose wrinkled gently. Kazu’s always in her head now….

In more ways than one…

She looked down at her clothes. Still the ones she had on last night. He was the one who had probably taken her home. Had taken care of her again…

Her ears perked up. She didn’t call him up, did she? Was she the one? She’s had one drink too many and with her emotions running amok because of her father… But there’s no way she could have said anything reallyreallyreallyreally compromising… Right? She raked a hand through her hair, trying hard to remember. But it’s as if someone’s Obliviated her memory.

Okay, Kazu should really get out of her head.

No, she didn’t mean that!

She gave a grimace at herself and then tried to focus on the problem at hand. She remembers sneaking out and then going to the bar. Tabi, the bartender… There was some sort of club… And- And-

Where is the force when you need it?

She expelled a frustrated breath. Nothing probably happened… She was just being paranoid. Her hand brushed against something soft.

Kazupi…

She took him and placed him on her lap, idly fidgeting with his one big arm and poking his big belly. The frustration from last night came back to her again. She bit her lip and collected Kazupi into her arms, hugging him tight. Feeling like she can never let go. She then gave a sigh after a while. She can’t hide in here forever… She can’t pretend that this reality isn’t really happening…

She doubled back when she went past her door, taking a look at the sheets posted. Her eyes zipping right and left. She had almost forgotten about this. If she did anything that will unleash Kazu’s ire, he’s probably already listed it. But she didn’t find any new must-follow-at-all-cost rule. (Stopping at #20: The Guitar Hero must never leave the Holy Ground a.k.a this house.) So it’s safe then. She just had to make sure… Whatever she was feeling last night…

She looked at the rules once more. All twenty of them. A lingering smile appeared. The memories they invoked in her warmed her up again. She stopped at Rule #14 (Resident Inoue shall always maintain a distance of two meters from the landlord. At all times.). She felt the blush creeping up her cheeks. They’ve broken the rules though. That night… Her eyes narrowed. Although he fell asleep! It was something that still stings… She was suddenly brought back to how she felt kissing him… Her hand involuntarily went to her lips. But just as quickly as that slight giddiness came, her smile began to wobble.

Kazu wouldn’t have to worry about any of the rules soon…

Her shoulders drooped, moving away from her door. She started for the kitchen, belatedly realizing that the house was cleaner than usual… If that was even possible. She stood there, letting her eyes roam all over the place. The curtains had been changed. The floors were practically gleaming. Not a toy, memorabilia or Star Wars candy dispenser in sight (Now she has to search for her Storm Trooper one). The Darth Vader mask could very well be glowing on the bookshelf. Laundered clothes from yesterday were piled neatly in the basket by the couch. She went towards the sliding doors; fresh laundry fluttered in the breeze. She rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn’t seeing things; her laundry was done too.

“Leprechauns…,” she muttered to herself. Kazu can’t have done this. He had told her time and again that she should do her laundry on time and stop borrowing his clothes. He said her diabolical plan of seeing if he will do it for her will never work on him. Her Sith Mind Tricks won’t work on him. Hah-hah!

She had just stared at him deadpan. She wasn’t back to her old ways! Jedis-in-training slip once in a while! It’s very hard to keep up with this whole force sensitivity thing. Shee. She just took a little break, okay?

She turned towards the kitchen once more, sniffing what seemed to be a whole can of air freshener released earlier. The kitchen was spotless. She picked up the Yoda mug, still feeling a little weirded out with everything.

She sipped her orange juice, still observing the whole house from the rim of her mug. Why would Kazu suddenly clean house? At the crack of dawn? The tiny frown was still on her; she placed her mug on the table and turned to open the refrigerator for some eggs. Her eyes fell on Kazu’s photo with Jun and Aiba. She moved the “The Truth is Out There” magnet and took the photo down, smiling at it. And then a pout appeared. Why isn’t her photo up in this house? She’s going to do something about that. She had to leave her legacy. She gave an amused smirk and put the photo back. She looked at it for a while more, a sudden pang in her heart. Maybe she’ll take this with her when- She stopped herself.

But there really is no stopping all that they have from becoming just memories in the end… She gave Kazu’s face a poke and busied herself with breakfast.

Yawning widely and stretching, she felt a shower would be good now, having fed her stomach. And then maybe she’ll go see Kazu… He’s probably still sore at her for last night. But when did she ever care? She gave a slight grin. She wants to see him… Her eyes snapped towards the basket of Kazu’s laundered clothes. She stepped towards it and took a peek inside. She has first dibs on these. Her eyes crinkled once more, already imagining his reaction. She picked up the shirt on top of the pile. His “Batteries Not Included” blue shirt. This will do. She brought it to her nose, as if imagining his scent still on it. Kazu’s warmth… She misses him… A sad smile flittered across her lips. She slowly put on the shirt, pulling the ends. She stood there looking down at it for a while. She then grabbed a pair of his shorts and headed for the bathroom; taking a deep breath, as if trying to convince herself everything will be okay…

**

“What’s up with you?”

Nino shook his head in response to Aiba. He rolled his shoulders, looking really haggard. Dark circles were under his eyes and he kept yawning every two seconds. Try cleaning house non-stop without getting any sleep and then come straight to work. That will make one feel like poodoo like he does now. Though he could have been micro sleeping having a vague image about all four of them in an Ewoks musical and then suddenly seeing Mao crop up everywhere. Like his brain was trying to tell him something… He gave a loud yawn as Aiba greeted the customers that just stepped in.

Even with his watery eyes, he could see Mao so clearly in front of him. She was the reason he had all those pent-up energy. He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t really think straight and just went to work. As if he was in one of those home makeovers on television. All the adrenaline in him seemed to have come out right after she… She…

He rubbed his face, trying to stop the bit of giddiness he feels right now. Was that a confession of some sort? That he was her happy thought? He rubbed his face even harder. But… But that could mean anything… Happy thought doesn’t exactly mean… what he thinks it means… It could mean he was her friend. That he can make her problems go away; which holds true in most occasions as she points out he was her minion, Igor, Renfield, et al. To which she automatically asks if she could name the throbbing vein in his temple when he looks at her darkly. Or that he makes her laugh… He’s done that on most occasions. And he likes that feeling that comes when he hears her laugh. She has that distinct laugh that makes his ears tingle. He rubbed his face some more.

It could be nothing…

Or it could mean everything…

The way she looked at him when she said that… Though the intoxicated part is what’s leaving him so unsure right now. She was really out of it. He had given her a piggyback ride till he managed to hail a taxi. And he isn’t Superman so the sight of him almost toppling over to his left or to his right could have happened. But he held it together while she slept on. Luckily there weren’t much people around to see the uncool side of it.

Would she remember anything though? If she does… what will she say when they meet? What will he say when they meet? He rubbed his face in again.

“You look like Ghostface,” Aiba stated matter-of-factly, handing him an order slip.

Nino continued to stare at him for a second, his hands still on his face, his mouth still open. He shook himself and grabbed the slip, intending to go back in the kitchen.

“By the way, Jun said he’s coming over.”

Nino froze in his tracks. Jun did say they need to talk about Mao. He wasn’t really ready with a reaction that time so he probably looked exactly as frozen as he is now. Jun hadn’t stayed long to get an answer too because Aiba was getting his throat ready for AI. He turned to ask Aiba what time Jun said he’ll be dropping by but he had been called by a customer.

And as if on cue, the door to their shop slowly opened and a blinding light hit him directly in the eyes. He squinted trying to see who it was as the door closed. Jun stood there looking around for a second with his aviator shades on, wearing a plain white shirt, jeans, boots, capping the whole look off with a fedora. He suddenly heard an Aerosmith song starting in the background as Jun started walking towards him. It was as if the whole store was just in awe of him as he made his way. He could swear there was wind in his hair and it was as if he was walking in slow motion to the beat of the rock song. The epitome of cool.

Can he ever command that kind of attention? Wondering what his strut song will be… Probably “Crazy Frog”?

“Nino? Yo!”

He blinked, mouth slightly agape as Jun stood in front of the counter and took off his shades, a puzzled look aimed at him. He could hear Aiba in the background asking a customer kindly if he could turn down the music in his laptop as it is disturbing the other customers. He gave himself a firm mental shake.

“Your usual coffee?” He immediately turned around to get it ready. Everything should be as casual as they usually are.

“I’d rather we talk about Mao,” Jun suggested, leaning on the counter.

Nino didn’t turn around. He kept his voice neutral. “Mao? You want to see her? She’s at home right now. She’s probably still asleep though. You can go see.”

Jun gave an exasperated sigh. “Nino, you like her.”

Nino immediately whipped around, the coffee pot still in his hand. “It wasn’t me! It was Mao in the Death Star with the candlestick!”

“What are you saying?”

He honestly didn’t know.

“What are you saying?”

Jun gave him a level look. “Your sudden alien blustering is proof of that.”

Nino was spared having to react to that when Aiba sidled up to Jun, placing an empty tray on the counter. “What’s this about?”

“Nino likes Mao.”

“Son of a Pervickian dung camel!”

Two pairs of eyes stared at him.

“Mao and I may have thrown that back and forth one time,” he explained. And then seriously, “You mean he likes Mao likes Mao?”

Jun stared at him. “You’ve been watching too much ‘Vampire Diaries’.”

Aiba seemed put off. “I told you it’s not a girl’s drama!”

“There’s ‘vampire’ and ‘diaries’ in the title. You’re not fooling anyone.”

Nino gave a solemn nod at Aiba.

“So you like Mao.” He aimed this at Nino pointedly. They needed to get back on track.

Nino sputtered. They caught the words Sith, never, Moo and something Vulcan-like. “You guys like her!”

They shouldn’t pin this on him. They don’t know what they’re talking about. He doesn’t even know yet how can they know? They don’t know everything. They’re not Oracles or Professor Xavier. They- They just don’t know. Right?

“Yeah, I do.” Jun.

“Of course.” Aiba.

He stared at the both of them. They can admit it just like that? “S-So that’s that then.”

“No, it’s not. Because you like her. I mean-“ How should he put it in Nino code? “Like how Wolverine likes Jean Grey. Or Clark Kent likes Lois Lane. Or-“

“You do realize those don’t have happy endings,” Nino informed them.

“Well, we’re not exactly experts on your universe,” Jun countered with Aiba nodding profusely.

Yeah and they manage to cite the ones that don’t happen to work out. That could be a sign. “Do you guys have a point? Because people need a refill right now.”

Jun and Aiba both looked back. Nobody seemed to be drinking coffee really. Aiba quickly stepped behind the counter, preventing Nino from his great escape to the kitchen.

“Why can’t you admit you like her?” Jun challenged. “Is it because you feel like there’s no going back when you tried to exorcise her with holy water screaming ‘Devil Child, Devil Child’ at her before?”

What? He did that to her? Oh, yeah…

“Or that one time she got wet and he suddenly freaked she’d multiply in seconds or something,” Aiba added.

It was just that one time! Maybe he should ban Fright Night in their house now. Is that why he had that vague dream about seeing her everywhere? Maybe that was just it… It’s not because he-

“Just because you were awful to her before doesn’t mean it’s not possible you develop some-“

“Aren’t you supposed to be in like with her?” He avoided the question.

“I told you that there’s no chance she will ever feel the same way. The fact that I still like her shouldn’t be a factor in stopping you.”

He pretended to not hear that but it was probably imprinted in his brain already. He pointed to Aiba, “And you.”

Aiba shrugged. “We have so much fun together. We crack each other up. I like being with her. But for you… Maybe her sweet moonbeam is in every single dream you dream. Once you guys collided, you’ve decided she’s one of your kind…”

Nino and Jun stared at him for what seemed like forever. He seemed undaunted though.

“Please. Just please stop quoting song lyrics.”

“You should try it. It’s fun. It leaves a certain satisfaction.” Aiba grinned.

“You’re insane. Insane in the membrane.” Nino. He kind of understands what he means.

“See?”

Jun gave him a sharp glare and then to Nino, “Just admit it already.”

“I don’t need to do anything! Why are you so adamant I admit I like her?”

So he can really move on and see for himself that Mao is happiest with someone else. Because he sees that in her whenever she’s with Nino… No matter what he says of him not being really affected, he still needs to see this…

“Because you’re insane. Insane in the membrane.” His teeth gritted as Aiba shouted his ‘Ah-ha!’ Nino really was insane if he doesn’t sort it out soon. He was so obvious. They weren’t friends since high school for nothing. But he wasn’t going to tell him that it looks like Mao may feel the same way about him… Mao deserves more than that. He needs to face whatever he’s feeling first. He needs to get over his insecurities and finally see…

“Look, Mao needs a guy who’s got wind in his hair and can look really cool in slow motion, okay?” Nino said, getting all worked up. He’s not cool like Jun or Aiba. He doesn’t have the height, the build, the fashion sense, the cool background music. Mao’s always surrounded by them. By guys like them. How can he ever really compare? Besides, there’s Aoi…

“I’m supposed to like Aoi,” he added.

“Nino, did you hear what you just said? That’s a weird way of saying you like someone,” Aiba pointed out mildly while Jun couldn’t agree more. “Coming from you, that’s saying a lot. Knowing how much in awe you were at Aoi before.”

Nino looked alarmed. “You guys just messed me up a little, that’s all. It’s really-“

“I think Mao’s your Princess Leia now,” Aiba interjected thoughtfully.

“Of course she’s not,” Nino automatically answers.

“Then who is she in Nino-speak? Not including Darth Vader or Sith or Moo,” Aiba answers, genuinely curious.

Nino opened his mouth but somehow there was just white noise in his mind.

She is Mao…

Nino opened his mouth once more but whatever he had to say was interrupted when one of their co-workers informed him they needed him for a delivery.

“I gotta go. Just stop trying to-“

“Fine. But don’t say we didn’t try getting you to see the light,” Jun conceded. Maybe he should just leave it alone… If he can…

“Go to the light, Nino. Go to the light~” Aiba said, trying his own version of an ethereal voice.

Silent staring.

“You know, think of it as a UFO abducting you. I thought you wanted that?” Aiba shrugged.

More silent staring.

“I… gotta go,” he then said, turning right around, still feeling their eyes on his back.

He did want that, didn’t he…?

**

Didn’t he? Didn’t he?

Why couldn’t he admit it? Is there even anything to admit…? Sure, he likes her company… He could be just himself with her around… He didn’t really have to think of anything else… But that’s just because of their budding friendship/archenemy-ship… But if they’re talking about a whole different thing… About him liking her…

He felt his scalp going numb.

Okay, hypothetically. He’s just thinking hypothetically really. Really. So, if he hypothetically likes Mao… Maybe he was just hypothetically afraid she’d never see him the same way… Be it he is her happy thought… But that was just a drunken thing… It could be that… It most probably is that… She was feeling so vulnerable then she could have said that to a stray dog even…

He knows he had felt a little possessive at one time, with all the ‘My Precioussssssssss’; but that happens between friends too. Like when others get more attention than one does that’s just normal phenomenon. Right? Yeht.

His head suddenly snapped to his right and he stopped in his tracks. He backtracked and peered at a small clearing. He looked around. Where was he right now? Belatedly realizing he should have arrived at the shop already. He’s been so preoccupied after coming from his delivery he didn’t know which direction he took anymore.

He slowly made his way, looking at what he discovered. A small smile beginning to form on his lips.

**

“Kazu!”

Mao saw his head snapping to her direction as she ran towards him. She stopped beside him, placing her hands on her knees, bending to catch her breath. She held up a finger; he should give her a moment. Her pounding heart slowly evened out. She could breathe now.

“What’s this about? I was doing something really important, you know,” she said, immediately straightening up as if to cover how this may look to him.

She wasn’t that excited after receiving a text from him to check something by the door. She found a map with directions to a place he would like her to see. She’d ran as fast as she could, suddenly realizing she really misses him. Technically, she was doing something important. She had thought about going to the shop to see him earlier but was distracted by the camera she found. It held the photos of them from before and she couldn’t help looking at them again… Getting really sentimental as she reminisced, forgetting everything for a while…

“Important?”

“Yeah, I was… doing an autopsy on one of your action figures.”

Nino’s eyes bulged out. “What? Are you serious? Who?”

Mao gave an enigmatic smile then held up the map he drew. “What did you want me to see? And did you really have to draw what you think a Moo looks like?”

She pointed towards what would serve as her on the map. It was like a cross-breed between a zombie and an oompa loompa. Mao missed the way he was looking at her. He had suddenly turned his back on her and asked her to follow him. No, it wasn’t really a sign of him trying too hard to convince himself there wasn’t anything special about what he feels towards her…

“What is it-“ Her voice trailed off when she had a clear view.

She looked up at it with Kazu at her side. Her eyes then went to him, looking at her with one of his gentle smiles. The warmth washing over her so suddenly made something catch in her throat. She returned his smile, her eyes softening. She looked back to it.

An old abandoned treehouse.

“Come on. Let’s go check it out.”

She followed him; their sneakers making much noise with all the twigs and leaves on the ground. Stopping at his side, she looked at the boards nailed to the tree’s trunk. Their way up.

He indicated for her to go first.

“You go first. That way if there are any mutant monsters up there, I’ll know for sure.”

Mao grinned at the dark look he gave her and watched as he hoisted himself up. Her heart starting to race in anticipation and a bit of trepidation. She felt much like a kid right now. Wondering if she’d find anything wonderful up there this time around… She grabbed hold of one of the boards and started her way.

Kazu’s feet had disappeared inside. Her head snapped up in surprise when he heard him screaming in horror. She immediately moved faster. What? Like she can save him from any weird mutant zombie? The screaming stopped and she saw Kazu’s head poking out in the entrance, grinning down at her.

She paused for a while, rolling her eyes at him as if anyone could really fall for that. He continued to grin down at her, claiming he totally got her with that. She protested at first and then despite herself smiled back up at him in the end, saying she’ll let him win this time then.

He gave a slight scowl and then grinned again. He got her!

“Come on up.”

Mao’s eyes went to him, at his crinkled eyes and his lopsided grin. She bit her lip and gave a nod, moving again towards him.

This time around truly is much more different…

Kazu is there…

He had helped her up and they started to look around the small space. It was empty save for the leaves, twigs, a few empty boxes and dirt. Lots of it. How could they have missed this? It wasn’t really in their usual route though. It must have been some of the neighbourhood kids’ old hideout. Having outgrown it, the place was left untouched now. No one will probably mind if they borrow it for a while. And they started with their plans on what to do with the place.

“This will be where the time machine is,” Mao joked, as she gestured towards the corner.

“The command center will be here,” Nino decided, acting all serious.

“The space aquarium will be placed over there,” Mao laughed as they went around some more.

Nino gave a laugh as well as she padded towards the small back window, looking out with that big smile on her face. He carefully made his way towards her.

“I hope this helps…”

Mao turned towards him. The tender look in his eyes made her want to run to him right now and just hug him. And it looked as if he was waiting for her to do that. But that can’t be. She’s just imagining things.

She gave a smile, understanding what he meant. “It does…”

“Mao, you know you can talk to me, right…? Just don’t do anything like last night again, okay? You should take care of yourself…” He seemed to have gone a little nervous when mentioning last night.

She jammed her pockets into her or rather his shorts and nodded mutely. Her eyes on the floor, nudging some leaves with her sneakers. She could feel Kazu’s eyes on her.

“Kazu… About last night or should that be this morning…,” she started sheepishly.

Nino gave a swallow. Does she remember…?

She raised her eyes to his. “Why did you clean house all of a sudden? Everything’s almost glowing. And you even did my laundry!”

Nino tried to not let himself feel too disappointed at that. Does she not really remember anything? Or is this just her first question?

“I told you not to wear my clothes anymore, didn’t I?” He indicated to her wardrobe today, trying not to appear to be avoiding the question.

“I like your clothes!”

It was as if his heart was zooming into space only to end up burning up in the atmosphere. His clothes. She said his clothes. Get it together, soldier!

She clutched the ends of his shirt. “I just- I just like wearing them, okay?”

Was she blushing? No, his eyes must be playing tricks on him. That seems to be happening a lot these days.

“Fine,” he said, a bit weakly; his ears burning. “It’s not going to be a regular thing in case you’re hoping for it. I was just unable to sleep so I thought cleaning will help me.”

Her ears perked up. “What happened anyway? I can’t remember anything… I didn’t do anything stupid, did I? How’d you know where to find me anyway?”

Stupid…? No, maybe he did though… Actually thinking-

“You really don’t remember…?”

She shook her head, a bit confused at the expression that flitted across his face. She didn’t quite know what to make of it…

He drew himself up as if ready to give her the lecture of a lifetime.

“Well, then I’m not going to tell you what you did,” Nino said, making faces at her, mocking her.

“Oi!” Mao growled. “I really didn’t do anything, did I? You just want to make me think that I did something but I really didn’t. Ha!”

Nino had stopped mocking her. An irritatingly innocent expression appeared on his face instead.

“Maybe?”

Mao narrowed her eyes at him. He stood there with a grin on his face, enjoying this thoroughly. She pounced on him and he quickly turned around, laughing at her. She was pulling on his shirt as he pulled away, insisting he cough up everything. He gave another laugh, feeling her pull harder on his shirt. The grin on his lips faded as she ended up laughingly warning him once more.

She didn’t remember… Maybe it was just one of those drunken things… And he was naïve enough to think it could mean something… She was just having a really awful night… She just needed a friend…And he is her friend… He is…

He screwed up his courage and the grin returned to his lips. It felt like Mao was intending to pull his shirt till it tore. He suddenly pointed out excitedly that there was a makeshift balcony outside. What would the view be like?

That stopped her. She had gone past him to step out and see. He caught her arm though and instantly pulled her back. She had slammed into him; her face bumping into his chest. His arm went around her waist to support her.

Their gazes locked and they continued to stare at each other till Mao seemed to blush and looked down shyly.

He immediately let go of her and took a step back. “L-Let’s not be hasty. We have to check out if it’s stable first.”

He went ahead of her, scratching one of his burning ears. He stuck a foot out and tapped the panel of wood outside. He then tested it with his weight carefully for a bit. Looking satisfied, he then turned to her.

“It’s safe.”

She gave a sunshiny smile and stepped out. Nino took a step back, holding the wooden rail for balance. She brushed past him (She was using his Star Wars shampoo again.) and then took a seat, her legs dangling off the board. She looked up at him and patted the space at her side. He lowered himself down slowly, his hands still on the rail. Their knees brushed together; the space was a bit cramped.

“They should have thought about space, huh?” His voice sounded like it had gone a decibel higher.

“I don’t mind,” she shrugged, closing her eyes, taking in the fresh air and stretching her arm upwards, purposely hitting him on the head.

“Oi!”

She did this a couple more times, grinning widely. She decided to spare him as Nino gave her an amused smirk. A comfortable silence fell between them as they stared ahead; a few rooftops and more trees in their line of sight. They then launched into an animated conversation on what color they’ll be using to paint the walls inside. Though it struck Nino that the treehouse wasn’t theirs to mess with really. Maybe they’ll just clean up a bit but nothing too drastic.

“Don’t worry. We can bring everything back to the way they were. Like nothing ever happened!”

Her smile faded as she realized what she just said. Back to the way things were… Much like what they need to do soon, huh?

Nino noticed the sudden change in her expression. Like she wanted to cry… He wasn’t the only one that’s sort of had the end of summer in mind… But so what? So what if they get back to their lives? It doesn’t mean they can’t find time to spend with each other, right? He felt the urge bubbling inside him again. To tell her… That she can stay for as long as she likes really… The end doesn’t really mean the end… Even the world survived in 2012.

But… She doesn’t really bring that part up… If she really wanted to stay, she’d concoct one of her plans or just declare outright that he can’t do anything about it as she has decided her supremeness is needed in their house. Complete with evil wheezy laugh.

Her father probably had his hand in this somehow…

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked quietly, his eyes on her.

She gave a smile, looking down and shaking her head. “This is enough… You’re going to make me forget all about it, right?”

That was what he does best for her…

He gave a disapproving look at the bossiness of her last sentence but had that small understanding smile on his lips.

“Isn’t this or isn’t this the best summer of your life?” He asked, smugly. “It’s epic. Of course we will always have something.”

And then his voice softened, “Have we ever failed you yet?”

Mao’s eyes went to his.

He’s right; whenever they were together, it was epic.

They were epic.

“No…” She didn’t think that will ever happen.

Her eyes were bright as a soft smile graced her lips. She then held up the Vulcan salute in agreement. Their laughter carrying to the skies, where one of them went high-pitched for a second as knees brushed together once more.

**

“You’re ‘Moonbeam’!”

Jun stared incredulously at the bright smile Mao aimed at him as she christened him his new name for their fleet. The Star Wars Monopoly: The Original Trilogy Version lay forgotten in front of them (Mao: Darth Vader. Nino: Han Solo. Jun: Luke Skywalker. Aiba: Princess Leia, because that was the last piece left. The other pieces were misplaced at the house.). This sits fine with Nino because Mao clearly had been cheating as she made herself banker. The Coruscant, Death Star properties were hers. All he got was Yoda’s Hut and an Imperial coin in the end because she kept changing the rules and adding nonsensical ones. Jun at least had Jabba’s Palace and a $100 note. Aiba had the Ewok Village though; he must have turned to the Dark Side. He just knows it.

They were in their new treehouse. Or the SSSugusEnterprise for today. Sugusfleet if you will. Mao was just purposely, and successfully, trying to irk him by assuming position of Captain, which resulted to her coming up with the most ridiculous name in the history of fictional fleets. The smell of fresh paint was currently thick in the air of their new ship. DVDs, a portable DVD player, comic books, Kazupi, decks of cards, a few board games were scattered around along with a few opened cans of light blue and white paint. The bags of chips, Star Wars candy dispensers and a tray of cinnamon rolls lay close by their little circle. Of course, rootbeer were also present. They were taking a little break from their new mission.

The Star Wars Monopoly had been suggested by he and Jun when their conversation about creating a story of a team of CSJs (Crime Scene Jedis) solving crimes in Deep Space Two and a Half went slightly out of hand. And he didn’t know why they didn’t just abort mission when they got to Deep Space Two and a Half. Mao and Aiba were particularly excited about it, running away with the idea that it could make for a hit movie or at least a TV series. They had been having a delightful conversation and he didn’t know how it turned into a contest of who gets to come up with the non-existent show’s best one-liners right before they cut to the opening credits.

“The chicken did it.”

“There can be miracles when you believe.”

“Tanananan~tanan~Tanananan~tanan~” (The X-Men Theme.)

“Giant mushrooms are super.”

“I like ninjas.”

“Here we say, ‘You’ve been probed’.”

“The chicken nuggets did it.”

“What’s wrong with the world, momma?”

“Don’t I need my shades for this part?”

“Dundundundun.”

They had to end it; it looks like it wasn’t stopping anytime soon. They’ve had enough of the chickens and random sound effects. Though he had second thoughts about that when he sees her lighting up. But it would have surprised him if Monopoly was able to stop yet another invasion into madness. Their kind of madness.

“That name will make me want to ram our ship into oblivion.”

“What’s wrong with ‘Moonbeam’?” She was serious.

“Yeah, I think it suits you.” Aiba muffled a giggle. Just because he liked what Mao had given him. Space Cadet McNugget.

Mao ignored Jun, clearly thinking she’s doing him a favour here. She then turned to Nino.

“First Commander Minion!”

Nino stopped sipping his rootbeer and almost blasted her with some. He gave a scowl. “First Commander?!”

You’d think he’d mind ‘Minion’ more.

“First Commander?!” He repeated. She was really trying to rub it in his face.

“You can have ‘Moonbeam’, seriously.” Jun.

“I should be Captain! Mutiny, anyone?” He looked around, his hand raised. He doesn’t see McNugget’s hand. No surprise there. Jun had his hand raised but was suggesting to Mao if she changes his name he’ll be on her side. This earned a ‘Gar’ for him.

“I like ‘Moonbeam’! We’re two for two anyway. Mutiny-ing is not valid!” She bit into a cinnamon roll and started counting her Imperial money.

They continued bickering for a while. With occasional interjections from Jun, still concerning his name. Nino had taken to trying to swipe Mao’s hard-earned-by-cheating Imperial money and was unsuccessful. Mao had casually thrown a piece of cinnamon roll at him, as she tried to emulate a very clichéd villain laugh.

“Man, I’m going to miss this summer.”

Mao and Nino turned their heads to Aiba, who was nibbling on a piece of potato chip, searching for a bigger piece inside the bag. He seemed to notice the sudden silence and looked up, a bit perplexed. Jun too was observing them carefully.

Mao met Nino’s eyes after and quickly looked away. Aiba took the words right out of their mouths and hearts. And had also reminded them that Jun and Aiba still have no idea that this will probably be the last of a summer much like this. Though Nino still held on to that tiny sparking belief the movie 2012 brought him. Besides, they are always going to be epic. It was sort of like a motto now.

Mao gave a sudden awkward laugh. Nino had told her that she should let them know she’s going back soon. They will soon be immersed in their separate lives, that was inevitable and they should have a chance to say a sort of proper ‘prospering wishes’. He couldn’t seem to say the word ‘good-bye’. And Mao being the only one knowing what ‘good-bye’ really meant for her, it was harder than she imagined…

“Why don’t we bury a time capsule under this tree?” She suggested, her eyes shining. Nino wasn’t sure if it was from excitement at her idea or something else…

“Yeah! That will be great!” Aiba was all for it.

Jun rolled his eyes. “As if you guys won’t be digging it up right after.”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen since I won’t be here. Though you guys can still go ahead and do it.”

Jun and Aiba’s eyes snapped to Mao. At the stiff grin on her lips. There really was no escape. She had to tell them sooner or later… “I-I’m moving out of Kazu’s soon… Summer’s coming to an end and well, there’s life.”

She finished sort of awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Jun and Aiba still had their eyes on her.

“Unless you’re going back to Planet Glog (Great Leechers of the Galaxy!), there really is no problem in us meeting up even if summer’s over,” Jun said, a small crease between his brow.

“Even if a whole lot of summers are over,” Aiba agreed.

Mao wanted to hug them.

So did Nino.

Mao’s warm smile seemed to seep through the three of them. They started making plans of what they could do in the future. A trip for the next summer was also in order. It was added that there will be capital punishment if someone fails to make an effort to do everything they can to see one another.

Nino observed Mao subtly. She just had that small smile on her face but she never said anything that felt like she was committing to this pact of theirs. Something that felt really wrong to him. Why wouldn’t she be happy at the prospect…?

Mao tried to keep it in. Her heart hurt like something was squeezing it and she had to make it stop. She felt the emotions threatening to surface again and she can’t let them see that. Shields up! Rrrrrrred alert!!! Or whatever they say or do whenever danger’s afoot.

“So, let’s do it then?” Mao’s bouncy old self was back.

A search for the perfect capsule then ensued. There was nothing big they can use; that can stand the test of time. Only Nino’s and her Star Wars candy dispensers could work, but then they weren’t much good at holding things. After a flick of her eyes to Nino, Mao had suggested why don’t they write a secret or whatever stood out for them about this summer in a piece of paper and put them inside the dispensers. Reading it up the next time would be interesting.

The scratching of a pencil on paper could be heard over minds working silently. Thinking of what they should write. The four had their backs to each other, a small slip of paper in front of them each. Aiba murmuring out loud what he was writing exactly distracted them. Something along the lines that he wanted to watch High School Musical on Ice. Jun pointedly told him no one is supposed to know just yet. No one should really know that, he then added. They could hear Aiba erasing the sentence, making tutting sounds.

Nino stole a glance back at Mao. She was staring at her slip of paper for a while, biting her lower lip. Her pencil hovered hesitantly and then it met paper. Nino tore his gaze away, feeling she was going to turn around now to see how they were doing. He stared at his paper much like she did.

All three of them were finished now; starting to roll the papers up. His heart flip-flopped when they asked about his. He hastily wrote in the first thing to pop in his mind.

As Aiba capped off the candy dispenser; the Storm Trooper now staring at them, his eyes slowly went to Mao at the same time hers were drawn to him.

In her eyes he saw again that look she had been giving him ever since they arrived here that morning. He basked in that gentle, grateful look.

The look that tells him once again, they didn’t fail her…

**

“What the frack?” He sputtered out as he walked past Mao’s part of the wall. She had drawn an image of him. A stick figure but nonetheless it was him. Thanks to the arrow pointing to it stating his identitiy: Kazu. The decapitated stick version of him. His head had rolled a few inches away, with his tongue sticking out.

“I had to work with what’s left,” Mao pointed matter-of-factly to the last can of white paint left. “Don’t you think this shows your heroic side? Sacrificing yourself for the sake of the universe!”

“Paint over it!” Something as morbid as that doesn’t really go well with the sky-inspired feel of the interior of their treehouse. She must be getting back at him for his Moo drawing.

“There’s no more paint.” That was that for her. She turned around as Nino scrambled to see if she’s telling the truth.

Mao shook her head in amusement, opening the box of cinnamon rolls again. There was one piece left. The sweetness of it made her giddy. Or it was just Kazu still running around unable to accept that his image will be staying up on the wall for at least a night. Or it was the fact they were the only ones left in the treehouse. It was already early evening; Jun had to go to his part-time job and Aiba’s lunch hour has already passed. Way over.

She looked around her, the small giddy smile on her lips. Her eyes went up to the ceiling. Painting it had slipped their minds. She spotted the picnic blanket Kazu had brought with him. With the cinnamon roll in her mouth, she went towards it and picked it up. Pushing away some of the boxes, she laid the blanket on the floor.

Nino had looked up at her voice. She was lying down on the blanket, chewing on a cinnamon roll; her eyes on the ceiling, saying they should paint over the ceiling too. That way it could really be like they’re watching the sky above them. It felt sort of incomplete now.

She heard Kazu moving around above her and then a burst of stars appeared before her. All around her. The whole universe surrounding her.

“I knew this would be great here.”

She propped herself up on an elbow and saw him patting his Death Star projector night light like a proud father. Mao beamed at him and she lay back down. Throwing her hands up as if wanting to hug the whole galaxy to her, still cheering. She loved this mini-planetarium of theirs and started her favourite past time: Trying to pinpoint his home planet.

“Come on, Geekus! You have to see it this way!”

There seemed to be a pause. A few movements and then she felt him beside her. She tried to quell the whooping in her heart; thankful that the blanket Kazu took with him was just big enough for two. She tried to bite back the giddiness, concentrating on the cinnamon roll instead. Something caught her eyes though.

“What’s that, Kazu?” She pointed to the box he was holding against his side.

He was trying hard to sound like it was no big deal really. “It’s just a little something I prepared. Here.”

Mao turned the unmarked box in her raised hands. She looked to Kazu, who had been casually pointing out where the Death Star is located. She set the box on her stomach and pried open the lid. Something red and shiny peeked at her.

“Hey, it’s the ViewMaster I saw in your room last time!” She started, holding it up. Her face turned a little wary, gesturing to the place, “This isn’t you trying to give a lecture about the Galactic Empire, is it? Am I going to find slide projections of Darth Vader’s early years?”

“Of course not! Just take a look!” He had the nervous-excited feel to him.

He had somehow passed that feeling to her and she immediately placed the eyepieces on her eyes. And the squeal of delight that came from her seconds later almost made him shoot towards the stars.

He was wrapped in her laughter. The sound he loved hearing best. She turned to him, eyes shining and a buzzing energy seems to be coming from her. Or maybe that was him. Well, he can’t really concentrate so it’s hard to tell.

“You’ve been working on this?” She had turned her head to him. Her wide excited eyes, the smile on her face was so close to him…

“Yeah… Had it custom-made. I wanted to give it to you when- when-“ He decided not to finish that sentence. “Well, I thought here and now will be the best time.”

Filling this treehouse up with memories was their goal in the first place. And also maybe add the fact that he really wanted to see her reaction as soon as possible… He looked at the perfect smile on her lips and felt really good about his decision. It looks like the sun, the moon, the stars, the Milky Way and a bunch of other glowing things were all shining through her as she took a peek into his gift once more.

The first photo had Aiba sitting on the floor, wrapped in a white sheet, looking like he’s complaining to her and Kazu. He was. Complaining about the fact he seems to be always playing the dead body when they started their Cluedo role playing game. Jun had taken the shot.

The next was of her and Kazu having a duel in their slankets. Each holding their own lightsabers.

Their Bioman group photo. Yamashita Pink slumped in the background.

A photo of their backs; they were on the porch, a plate of watermelons between them. The photo was skewed; Aiba had accidentally pressed the button when he was about to step out.

Another group photo. In it, they were all teaching Yamashita to show just a little expression. No luck there.

Jun had his hands over Aiba’s mouth; he was using the lightsaber again as his imaginary microphone. Kazu had raised his sacred Guitar Hero high over his head, looking like he didn’t mind using it just to put a stop to Aiba.

The last was of all four of them squished into the frame. All that can be seen of Aiba was his crinkled eyes, Jun with his forehead, but her and Kazu’s laughing faces were there. They had disrupted Jun and Aiba’s camwhoring session and had ran into them from behind the couch. The camwhoring battle had ensued.

She had been giggling all the way through, with little comments here and there. Pressing the lever countless times now; not getting enough of their 3D images. She put down her hands and turned to Kazu. Who had failed majorly to look away in time.

He gave a little awkward grin and then turned towards the galaxy once more. Asking what did she think about it? He had a hard time picking out which photos to use. But she can always go ahead and make more slides if she wanted to. He could feel her eyes on him, still not saying anything. Her silence was pressing against his ears. Somehow wishing now that the Death Star projector came with commentary to distract him from the deafening quietne-

He felt a movement then the soft kiss on his cheek.

He stared wide-eyed for a moment, unable to move. His hand slowly going up to the spot on his cheek, which had been growing warmer and warmer.

His eyes snapped to her. She was back to the viewmaster, a grin on her lips.

He rubbed the spot gently with his fingers and turned to the ceiling again, a smile slowly appearing on his lips.

Somehow everything seemed bigger, brighter; more inviting as he felt himself soaring across the all familiar galaxy…

Feeling for the first time that Death Stars aren’t so bad…

Not at all…

**

Nino rubbed his eyes and let out a yawn. Their conversations and reminiscing had trailed off into comfortable silence for a while now as they watched the stars around them. He turned towards her, wanting to ask her if she was hungry.

His lips quirked. She had fallen asleep, her head tilted a little towards him. The viewmaster lay on her other side. He stopped himself from staring some more. It will lead to awkward questions if Mao wakes up to him looking like he was quite enjoying watching her sleep.

He will not become an Edward Cullen.

He moved a bit, his hand accidentally brushing against hers. He looked down. Her right hand lay slightly open beside his.

He weirdly heard Aiba’s “Dundundundun” in his mind.

He was still looking at her hand, so close to his… His eyes slowly went to her sleeping face. He felt something jump in his chest. His hand gave a twitch. Inching a bit closer to hers still.

It just had a mind of its own!

His gaze still on her.

No…

That’s not it.

His pinky slowly hooked onto hers and then surely sliding his hand into hers… Her small hand was now in his. His fingers closed in on the softness. Something in his chest jumped again.

His head automatically tilted towards her; taking a last look at her. His eyes went to their hands. His hold tightened a bit.

This time it wasn’t just in his mind.

His lids grew heavy; he drew closer to the scent of cinnamon.

Reality had become much more interesting than imagination…

Fascinating.

==
Fascinating = Spock's favorite line.

Episode 16

**

Mao stood on the patio, looking out in the distance. The cool night breeze lifted her hair. Fortunately, there weren’t much people in this part of the house. From inside, she heard a group of boisterous teenagers walking by. She set her lips into a thin line. She didn’t know what to feel yet. She felt so lost. It still wasn’t sinking in. Like maybe it didn’t happen. She suddenly imagined Kazu commenting that maybe she was supposed to be in an alternate universe. A sad smile appeared briefly. If only alternate universes were true, then maybe her situation would be the exact opposite.

She heard someone coming up behind.

“Mao? Are you okay?” Mirai.

She didn’t turn around. Didn’t acknowledge her. Her emotions were just all over the place right now.

Mirai stood quietly beside her. Occasionally stealing glances. “If you want to talk about it…”

A sigh escaped Mao’s lips. “Mirai… I know you mean well. I really do. It’s just that… I can’t do this right now. I just can’t.”

Mirai took one look at her face and gave a nod. She knew it was bad. And no matter how much she wanted to help, it wasn’t her place right now.

“Okay… You know I’m just here, right…?”

She waited for her answer. She thought she’d pretend to not hear, as was always the case. But then Mao gave a nod. She gave one last concerned look and went back inside. A few seconds later, familiar footsteps could be heard.

“There you are,” Nino’s relieved voice came after. He’d seen her walking towards here from across the room. The expression on her face said it all and he immediately wanted to go to her. But Mirai had followed her out. He slowly made his way too and had stayed back. Waiting just a few feet away. Maybe they were going to talk. It could help her.

Or maybe not. He saw Mirai coming back in. He should realize it wasn’t going to be that easy…

He tried for a joke at first. “You really shouldn’t leave me at parties. I just tried to give advice on how they could make the punch glow. My secret trick in our parties.”

“Yeah and you still won’t let me know how to do it,” Mao tried to keep the atmosphere light too. But it felt forced. It wasn’t lost on Nino.

He followed her gaze. Out to the old tree house… His eyes went back to her. He wasn’t going to ask if she was okay, because clearly she isn’t. She just shouldn’t be alone tonight...

“It’s that tree house, huh?” He started carefully.

Some of the boards were broken and hanging already. It looked like it could give out anytime. Mao gave a short nod.

“I don’t even know why he doesn’t take it down already. Or maybe he just considers it another waste of time…”

He caught the slight bitterness in her voice.

“I just wish it can disappear.” It was a forever standing memory of the worst memory of her life. How something she loves can bring so much pain. And knowing it will always be there…

Silence fell between them. And then, “Maybe we could go up and destroy it. Smashing things around. Sounds fun.”

Nino gave an exaggerated evil grin.

“Am I rubbing off on you, Geekus?” She gave a small smile.

Nino gave a laugh. And then so seriously, “No. Jedis are stronger than Siths.”

“Geek,” she gave a low chuckle. And then became somber as her eyes fell on the tree house once more. At least she smiled for a second there. He’d just have to try harder.

They stood in silence. Still racking his brain so he can do more for her. But he didn’t know that him just standing there was all she needs.

Loud music then blared from inside after a while followed by cheers. He looked over his shoulder. Seems like everyone was ready for some dancing.

His eyes fell on the people collecting on the dance floor. His eyes flicked towards Mao. And the sudden inspiration just beamed down. He took a look at her hand, grabbed it and started pulling her inside. He didn’t want her looking so sad anymore. This is all he can do for now.

“What are you doing? Where are we going?”

He didn’t answer. He might falter if he heard it out loud.

“Kazu? That’s the dance floor. You don’t ever go near them, remember? Well, as long as you’re not drunk. You claim you’ll self-destruct if you step on one!”

They weaved through the people all into the music.

“Kazu? Dancefloordancefloordancefloor!”

They’ve reached it finally. Weirdly feeling relieved that he didn’t explode or anything. He faced her and she appeared lost as he gave a grin. He slowly lifted his hand up an then showed off his moves. Her ever favorite Tentacles of Doom dance.

Maybe she was just imagining the stunned silence around her as her mouth dropped open. Kazu did a few new moves this time. Hey, it was his moment.

Mao blinked a couple of times and then genuine laughter erupted from her lips. Not really holding anything back. She couldn’t stop laughing as Kazu further demonstrated his lack of coordination, his face all Blue Steel. She tried to keep her sides from splitting. Her eyes sorta misting as Kazu gave a triumphant grin. It was the most wonderful feeling.

He’s always been like an antidote to all her problems. Her Felix Felicitus. Making everything just fall into place. No matter what kind of mess there is.

Oh wow, she’s really leveling up on the details.

She gave a giddy grin and didn’t hesitate in joining Kazu as they demonstrated the powers of the Tentacles.

They’d just worry about getting thrown out of the party later.

==

Mao’s giggles carried through the air as Nino took a bite out of the cake in his hands. They were walking through the shortcut on their way home, taking with them some of Mirai’s birthday cake wrapping it in aluminum foil. And no, they weren’t thrown out this time. Just that they probably scarred every person in that place for eternity.

“At least this time, you weren’t poking your own eye out. You’re improving!” Mao guffawed through a bite of cake. Kazu’s image still keeping her in stitches.

They thought they could get everyone to join in, you know like in the movies, but no, only Mirai did. But they know their dance is epic.

“You kicked that one kid in the choobies!”

“Hey, he was in my zone.”

“But it was fun, huh? With Mirai…,” Nino gave a smile.

Mao knew what he was doing. “Yeah…”

But she had to admit it was the first time they did something fun together. She took a large bite of cake and chewed thoughtfully.

“You got some on your chin,” Nino then pointed with his finger.

“Oh.” Mao tried to get it using her tongue.

“Use your hand.” Nino rolled his eyes.

“I can get it,” she still insisted.

“Here, let me,” Nino gave an exhausted sigh, stopping her and gently wiped the icing off with his thumb. His eyes fell on the rest of the icing on the side of her lips. She’s like a kid. A really messy one. He was about to wipe it off too when he caught Mao’s gaze on him. Something in them… He noticed the fierce blush on her cheeks and the way she lowered her eyes shyly. Something just pushed at him. He tipped her chin up and she had that sweet smile on her lips. He slowly leaned down, intending to get the rest of the icing with his lips…

Nonononono! What was he doing?! Where did that come from??

“Kazu? Kazu!”

She was looking down at him, weirded out. And she’s seen weird from him before. One minute he’s wiping the icing from her chin and the next minute he’s squatted down.

He had his hands in his hair; he must have been pulling on them. Okay, how to get out of this one?

“Look, you’ve lost your cake.” She pointed at it splattered on the ground. “Did you receive a message from your Elders?”

Mao gave a snort. She didn’t wait for his answer. As if coming to the conclusion he did. “Here, we’ll share then.”

His eyes went to the cake. The cake where her lips had just been. Her lips that are…

“No!” He suddenly jumped up. Where was all this Bond stuff coming from? His expression was quite frightened. “I’m okay. Really full now.”

Mao narrowed her eyes. “It’s not because you’re disgusted, are you? Do I look like I’m carrying a virus or whatever?”

He should be sure he didn’t answer yes. He walked ahead of her, still rambling on about how full he is. “Now, where were we? Ah, yeah, Mirai. You know… She really cares about you…”

“Hm,” came her voice from behind. It sounded like she just took another bite of cake.

He continued walking not knowing why he felt it necessary to say the next words. But maybe it’s because the end of summer was drawing nearer. (Or The Apocalypse as he calls it subconsciously) He had put it aside after the realization earlier because there were more important matters at hand. But coming from her house now… It reminded him that his house or their house here… isn’t her real home… and it suddenly hit him how it’s going to be over soon. Their housemate days. He wanted to convey to her that it doesn’t have to end there.

Their friendship. The battle between good and evil. That is if they share the same sentiments.

“W-When you go back,” he started, raising his voice a bit so she could hear him from behind. “Give Mirai a chance. She really wants to be there for you… “

“We all do… If you ever feel like running away again, you can ask for my- our help anytime. Yamashita is included in that, even though he doesn’t know yet. But it’s not like I want you to run away again and appear on my doorstep with a fake story… but if ever it gets too much again… and I know you and Mirai can try to work things out…” He couldn’t seem to stop talking. “But if you don’t want to feel alone, you can come over and we’ll have an AI game. Okay, bad idea. We’re enabling Aiba.”

Mao had stopped in her tracks as Nino kept talking, not really noticing she wasn’t following. He probably won’t notice if a UFO landed in front of him.

Her chin quivered. What Kazu was saying was harder to hear now that she knows that all that isn’t going to be possible. She wanted it to happen. If only she can will it to happen. But her dad… was set on taking her away from here. Because he won’t even hear her out, won’t even let her stay in the one place she can call home…

But his thoughts are enough, right? It’s enough for her to hear he cares enough… To open his home for her… Always… It’s enough… She doesn’t need to stay…

“Anyway, what was I saying again? Yeah, what I’m trying to say is… you know it will always be your house too, okay? I just-“

He felt her crash into him from behind. Her arms going around his waist, holding on tight. She had buried her face in his back. He blinked at the suddenness, his heart racing abnormally. They stood their under the stars, not moving. He looked down at her hands. One of them still holding her cake. He lifted his hand slowly and was about to place it over hers when she spoke…

“Thank you.”

She whispered it once more. Something was pushing her to say more. To let him know just how much she wanted to stay… How that wasn’t possible because she is leaving… But…

She felt Nino stiffen up. She slowly pulled away, the cake in her hand gone. An evil grin slowly emerged.

“Sithspit!” Nino’s cursing voice in dramatic slow motion. He turned around, the cake falling to the ground from the position on his blazer. She made sure she missed his shirt. He loves that shirt.

The Sith had ambushed her. She could almost read the narration in his mind.

“You were so cheesy. Stopping you was the only logical move,” Mao smirked. “Fine, I’ll stop by sometimes and ask you to come out and play. Happy?”

He gave a battle cry, sending Mao laughing evilly as she darted past him and headed for home.

Their home.

Nino’s threats following her.

Maybe this was better. It was better to leave things like this. To always be his archenemy and not complicate things anymore. Like Green Goblin and Spider-man. Darth Vader and Han Solo. Lex Luthor and Superman.

This is enough…

It’s enough for her…

==

Nino opened his door, peeked out, changed his mind and closed it again. He might have been doing this for a full five minutes but who’s really keeping track? He couldn’t sleep, especially after looking at his Star Trek Next Generation calendar. It was so near now. The Apocal- End of summer. And it’s like there’s a buzzing in his head that wanted to make most of every second.

He checked the clock. Almost three in the morning. Would it be weird if he knocked on her door and offered a cup of Swiss Miss with her favorite mini marshmallows? Not weird right? It’s mini marshmallows. Besides, maybe she would want to talk about what happened earlier. Curiosity is truly getting the better of him. He just wanted to make sure nothing traumatic happened with her dad. He’s done enough of that.

Okay. Mini marshmallows. He can do this.

He stepped out and stopped in front of her door. Knocked and called out a couple of times. Tried again. Thinking of a blocking move just in case she gets angry for waking her up. And again. Still no answer.

Wouldn’t be creepy if he peeked in, right? He just wanted to make sure she’s okay, sleeping with Kazupi beside he- Whoa, okay, focus on the mini marshmallows. But the door could be locked… Or not. He turned the knob and peeked in.

Her night light was off. She always sleeps with it on. She told him. Not because he checked on her before!!! He flipped on the light switch. Her bed was empty.

What the frack? Where is she? Mini marshmallows! She’s sneaking out in the middle of the night? She said she’d hit the sack early because she was exhausted. Where in the blazes could she be? He went to get his phone.

What happened with her dad…? She should just talk to him. And not make him worry like this. She-

The Darth Vader ringtone blasted on his bed. He jumped for the phone, swiped it, and landed on the bed real cool. Wishing that’s what happened but the pain in his shoulder and sides reminded him how he lamely missed the phone, the bed, everything. He quickly reached up and answered it, still wincing.

“Where are you?”

“Hello?” It was a male voice. An unfamiliar male voice. Not Jun or Fifi. Is she disguising it?

“Is this Lord of the Geek?” The person on the other end questioned.

“Yes, I am.” He smacked his head. What’s she been putting on her phone? And that was such a quick answer too. “Who is this?”

It was Tabi, a bartender from that bar they she frequented before. “I checked Miss Mao’s contacts and the only normal contact she had is you. Lord of the Geek. Others were like Amoeba, Frogman, Tomato and one Jun.”

Maybe he’s drunk.

Which means Mao probably is.

“She went to the ladies’ room, luckily leaving her phone. I just wish she wouldn’t ban me from our club after this. But she really needs to be going home.”

He didn’t even try to get what he was saying. “I’ll be right there.”

“Okay, Mr. Lord of the Geek.”

Gar.

==

He pushed the bar door open, out of wind. He immediately located her laughing with who he supposed was Tabi. He wanted to get angry at how irresponsible and dangerous her actions were but she probably just needed an outlet. And of course she chooses this over more sensible things. He made his way towards them, just realizing he’d put on different shoes. So much for convincing himself all the way here that he doesn’t care that much.

“Mao!” he called.

“Mr. Lord of the Geek.” Tabi greeted with a smile from behind the bar as he neared them.

“Please stop calling me that.”

“Kazu? Why are you here?” She slowly slanted her eyes at Tabi. “Did you have something to do with this?”

“Please don’t ban me from our club,” Tabi requested.

She regarded him drunkenly. “I won’t do that. We are the only two members.”

Tabi looked relieved.

“But, hey, since Kazu’s already here! He’ll be the third member of our super secret super club!” Mao gave a whoop-whoop.

Nino directed his blank look at Tabi.

“The Jar Jar Binks Must Die Club.”

“Yep! I’m the Great Empress. He’s the Defense Secretary.”

Tabi flashed him a peace sign.

“You can be Treasurer!” Mao gushed.

“What are you doing? It’s late. Let’s go home.”

“I created this club for you! You should be more grateful,” Mao pouted.

“I am grateful. I’m just-“ He gave a sigh. He needs to get her home. Why is she doing this to herself? “Let’s go home and you can dictate your orders on the way.”

He made to help her off the stool when he suddenly saw stars in front of him. She had slapped him. He cursed out loud.

“What the frack was that for! That was my face! I need that!”

“I thought you were an evil hologram sent to lure me to go home with you so you can imprison me in a black hole forever.”

“You are drunk and I’m getting you back next time for that! Come on.” He pulled her off and supported her as she wouldn’t stand straight.

“Buktu! Buktu!” She cheered with a fist in the air. Tabi followed her.

“Yeah, yeah. Buktu. Buktu.” It wasn’t anything new to him. Their club’s cheer. Every club is supposed to have one.

The door swung shut behind them. He pulled her up as she giggled and started to slide down. At least the main road wasn’t that far. Hoping they’d be able to quickly catch a taxi

“Kazu…” She was looking at him, like she really needed an answer. “I need to ask you something…”

“What is it?” He asked softly. Is she going to finally talk to him? Finally just let it out so she wouldn’t torture herself like this?

“Why doesn’t Doraemon have fingers?”

He stared at her for a while and without a word went back to trying to help her walk with her feet not moving.

“How can he hold all those inventions?” She made a fist with her hand and kept waving it in front of her.

“Are you taking me to your planet, Kazu?” She suddenly asked.

“Yes, yes, I am. So let’s walk, shall we? Move your legs.”

“You’re lying.” She made a face. “I’m a Moo, remember? You told me I’m not allowed on your planet.”

“Generally, drunk people are off limits too.”

“Hey, I’m both! I’m a drunk Moo!” She laughed crazily. “But maybe you can make an exception, Kazu. I need to go to your planet so I’ll be safe. I’ll be safe forever!” She almost toppled backward. Nino caught her in time.

“Fine. We can get there by taxi! Oooh, fun.” He humored her.

“Taxi?” She slurred. “That’s so lame! There’s gotta be another way!”

“I will tell you once we get home. If you don’t move, you will never get it out of me,” Nino gave his warning. Hopefully, it will work.

She stopped him, pulling on him for balance. Her face scrunched up. “I can figure it out myself.”

So much for that.

She put her right fist up, her other fist on her waist and closed her eyes. “To infinity and beyond!”

Nino steadied her. He shook his head when she opened her eyes a crack. Disappointed at the surroundings.

“Didn’t work, huh?”

“The only way you will know is when we get home, alright? So let’s just moooove our legs,” Nino attempted to get her to walk again.

“Wingardium Leviosa!” She was now waving her index finger in the air. Her favorite spell. Second favorite actually, Aveda Kedavra being her first. Figures.

“Wingardium Leviooooosa!” She tried again, slowly becoming visibly upset. Blinking her eyes rapidly. “Shouldn’t we be flying now?”

“Mao…”

“Why don’t you teach me how I can get there right now?” Her chin quivered. Nino looked at her, worried. Seeing her like this, he felt so lost… Helpless… He doesn’t understand what she wanted…

“Don’t you want to help me escape…? I can’t be here... I can’t…”

He wanted to pull her to him so much. But then she all of a sudden gave a shout, her face lighting up. An idea coming to her. “Happy thought! I need a happy thought!”

Nino watched as she closed her eyes real tight, holding her breath. Her grip on him becoming more painful. He didn’t know what to do.

“Are we flying yet?” she asked hopefully.

He knew the answer will sadden her. “No….”

Mao’s eyes snapped open. And the hopelessness in them gave him a hurt that just shook him. Her legs then gave in. Her eyes shining with the tears welling up. She squatted down; placing her head on one of her knee.

“I can’t escape, huh? There’s no way, is there? I’m such a fool; so useless. All I come up with are these stupid things.” Her voice trembled.

Nino followed her down, peeking at her. He tried to console her. “No… You’re actually on the right track… See? You figured it out yourself. Happy thoughts are one of the ways you can use… Maybe something is wrong with your happy thought. You should change it and then we’ll try again.”

He knew it will just upset her more. But… He didn’t now what else to say. She seemed to really need this.

Mao shook her head really hard. If it didn’t work, nothing else will.

“Why not? What’s your happy thought?”

She peeked up at him. Her chin quivered.

“You.”

He froze right then and there. Her eyes were going heavy, her energy slowly seeping away, feeling the full effects of the alcohol. Nino stared at her for a while more before he slowly lowered his eyes to her lips. He felt something was pulling him towards them….

Mao’s eyes closed slowly. He was leaning in; growing so close… She was leaning towards him… Her head then lolled and she toppled over, landing right on his shoulder. He felt her warm breath.

She had fallen asleep.

He blinked. His heart feeling as if The Hulk was stomping on it nonstop. And as if his life always had that cool voice-over narrative, he can hear these words resonating so clearly…

Resistance is futile.