Episode 13

**

Jun glanced to his left. Mao had suddenly jumped up from her position, just when he was feeling contented, which was probably a good thing, saying she’d go find some sweets from her suitcase. When she came back, she had sat at the opposite end of the couch. Well away from him. Now, she had a piece of licorice in her mouth and was absently pulling on it with that slight pout on her lips. He looked away but finds his eyes straying to her again. A preoccupied frown on her brow could be seen. The movie was probably the last thing on her mind.

Mao chewed, not even aware of the sweet in her mouth. She had simmered enough and has now calmed down. But the calmness also brought to her attention another thing. Something she was trying to deny still.

She had missed her old house.

That’s all. Nothing else.

She took a savage bite off the licorice.

Okay, she had missed the Geekus too. To an extent that surprised even her. But she shouldn’t be missing him! B-Because… he doesn’t feel the same way… It was her pride talking again.

Why did he come here and showed his face anyway? It was not fair! The things he was making her feel… And then all those things he said! She already feels stupid enough with all the thoughts about him and he’s made it much worse! And even if that was the case, it didn’t change things… He was still-

Gar.

Thought be eliminated must! She can do this. She can definitely do this. She can use the Force. Only with the Force- SITHSPIT! Must he be in every freaking thought she makes?

He is the worst! She should remember that! He forced her to leave over a mug! A mug! Something she didn’t even intentionally break! If she did, she’d understand if he gets mad enough to kick her out. Not that the thought had ever crossed her mind… What is she thinking again? No one can do that to anyone who’s got nowhere to go! And then he comes here for his stupid Guitar Hero (Okay, not stupid coz it’s fun). Well, she hopes they have a happy life together!

The worst of all worst things? She still feels bad for having broken one of his favourite things… She just wants to make it up to him. That thought just keeps popping up from time to time.

What could she do? Maybe arrange another date for them at the theme park? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Okay, cross that off the list.

But she just wants to do something. She had thought of calling Aoi…. What to say? She had no idea. No plans. If only she could just control time and space. That way she can travel back through time and stop all this from happening.

Jun’s lips quirked into an amused smile as he watched Mao shut her eyes real tight and then wiggled her cheeks.

“What are you doing?” he asked, that faint amused smile still there.

Her eyes opened. She blinked and looked around. “Nothing…”

Cross that off the list as well. She continued to chew on the licorice trying to come up with more ideas as Jun looked at her curiously.

**

Nino looked down at the huge popcorn bowl in his hand. As well as the packets of candies and chips scattered on the table. He had forgotten that tonight it was just him and the following nights will be like that still. But he’d gotten so used to having her to veg out in front of the TV with that it’s still in his system. He’s never going to finish all this.

And it was quiet. Too quiet… His eyes went to the other side of the couch. The image earlier of her and Jun on the couch then suddenly flashed before him. He munched on some popcorn, forcing himself not to think about it. But…

Did they have to cuddle? Were they still cuddling right now? How come they never cuddled when they- Holy Darth! He really should be careful about the direction his thoughts are going.

Aiba and Jun’s conversation came back to him. Lose control. Those two words… His cellphone lay on the table. Suddenly giving him the urge to send a text message to Jun right now.

“Cuddle Inoue you shall not!” or “Abort cuddling! Abort cuddling! Abort! Abort! Abort!”

He gave a jerk and stuffed his mouth with more popcorn, huffing. He should just concentrate on the movie. He felt like re-watching a few old movies and started with “Revenge of the Sith”. Kinda ironic when he thinks about it.

He stared absently as the battlecruiser starships raged a war on each other. What is this all about? Why can’t he just forget the Moo? Maybe he just needed time to get used to this. It’s the same for everyone. Once you get so used to having something or someone, the moment they’re gone, you just need time to sort things out. So yeah, nothing out of the ordinary here. What he’s feeling is just normal.

Then why is it he prefers everything back to the way they were? It’s just the guilt. It’s just the guilt. And it was his personality, right? It has nothing whatsoever to do with missing her or not wanting her with Jun or not wanting her to cuddle with Jun or not wanting Jun to come within two meters of her or-

Abort thoughts! Abort! Abort! Abort! Abort!

What’s he supposed to do now? The answer’s always been there. If he would just stop pushing it away. But is she willing to come back? Wait, is he…?

**

Mao closed the fridge door, looking disappointed. There was no food around the house. If it were Kazu he wouldn’t allow that to happen. She scratched her hair irritably and padded towards the couch. She doesn’t need to associate every little thing to him!

Her ears suddenly perked up. Something was moving outside the door. She heard more furtive shuffling. What was that? It’s early in the morning, for galaxy’s sake! She shouldn’t be so paranoid! Jun was still out. He had texted he’d be home for lunch. Kazu suddenly popped into her mind. She’s always felt safe when she’s with him. Someone really needs to take her memories away right now.

She looked around for something to serve as a weapon. The Guitar Hero would have been a nice choice. She spotted something and pulled it out from under the couch. A large squeaking toy hammer. Oh well, it was better than nothing. She crept towards the door. The shuffling still there. She then flung the door open, gave a shout, caught a distracted glimpse of a person standing there and her hammer connected with it, hitting away.

Squeaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueak~

“Cut it out! Oi! Cut it out!”

She stopped and stared at Nino, who had his hands up, protecting himself from her.

“What’s the matter with you?”

“I heard something moving around outside and thought it might be a burglar! Have you been here long?”

So he had been pacing around outside, working up the courage to ring the doorbell and ask something that’s not going to be easy.

“I just got here!”

The happiness that erupted inside her when she saw him again threw her off. She gave a slight scowl at that. Why does he have to make her feel this way!

“What are you doing here? Again?”

“I’m not here for you!” he said defensively. And wished he didn’t.

The door slammed shut in his face. He gave a frustrated sigh at himself and rang the doorbell. He kept ringing it till the door opened again and she was firing a toy laser gun at him.

TSEEW! TSEEW! POING! POING! JEET! JEET! PEW! PEW! Begone alien scum!

It releases the frustration in a way. They stared at each other for a while.

“Are you done?”

“No.”

TSEEW! TSEEW! POING! POING! JE-

He pulled it away from her. The door shut in his face once more. His jaw tightened. He rang the doorbell again.

“Avada Kedavra!” Mao shouted as soon as she opened the door pointing the toy hammer at him.

Nino looked at her with a horrified expression. “Did you just use the ‘Avada Kedavra’ on me?”

“You wouldn’t go away!” she huffed. Then added, “I don’t even know how that came up. Just go away!”

Mao stomped back inside. The doorbell ringing once more after a while. What is the matter with him? Why can’t he just go? Seeing him, it just reminds her of how she wants to go back… That’s never going to happen, right? Kazu’s most probably not thinking the same thing… She went back and angrily flung the door to shout at him but the words got stuck in her throat.

“Ole!”

Nino was standing there with a large colourful sombrero, a poncho, and maracas in his raised hands. And started doing the cha-cha as the maracas made their sounds. Ramon?

Mao’s lips twitched.

“Ah-ha! Is that a smile I see?”

Why does he make her smile?

“No, it isn’t!”

“Yes, it is!”

She made to close the door again and he stopped it just in time.

“Can you stop doing that?”

“You’re not here for me anyway,” she tried again.

“Of course I am.”

Mao’s eyes snapped to him. He took off the sombrero, trying not to meet her eyes.

“I’m dressed like this aren’t I? Which I can’t fathom and have actually stopped trying to understand,” he chuckled lightly.

Mao peeked at him. “Why?”

“I-I…,” he started. It was a bit difficult to get out. How to say it? Can he actually say it? He looked at her expectant eyes. Of course he can dot it. “I’m just here to tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry about what happened. I didn’t mean any of those idiotic things I said. It must have been the hangover. I-I’m sorry. I really am.”

“It doesn’t give you the right to be mean,” Mao said quietly. But her heart had lifted considerably as soon as she heard those words.

“I know. I know. I’m sorry… W-Will you accept my apology?” he sincerely asked.

Mao regarded him for a moment. She tugged at his poncho, trying to stall. “Where did you get the costume anyway?”

Uh… It doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that it came from his slightly large collection of costumes. Stemming from the fact that he and his online friends had decided that every Friday night they will play in costumes. In front of their computers.

Liking costumes isn’t a crime.

“Will you accept it?” he asked again, avoiding answering her question.

“You won’t go all Incredible Hulk and turn into a yellow polka-dotted monster ever again?”

“The Incredible Hulk is green.”

“Yeah, so you’re yellow and polka-dotted.”

“Yes, it won’t ever happen again. I promise.” He held up the Vulcan salute.

Mao tilted her head slightly. “I will then…,” she started. Nino’s eyes lit up. “When the planets align.”

Pause. “What?”

“We’ll see about that when the planets align,” she shrugged as Nino gave a look of disbelief.

It’s always fun teasing Kazu. She gave a smirk as he chuckled. And then her heart started to thump fast when Nino shifted his feet, looking like he was about to say something again. Could it be…

“A-And also…”

She was trying to stay calm.

“Ifeewamooback.”

“Come again?”

Nino took a deep breath. “If you want to move back into-“

SLAM!

Nino blinked at the door. What did he just say? Wasn’t he asking her if she wants to move back in? Does the idea repel her so much? Does she want to stay with Jun?... No, he doesn’t want to know the real and obvious answer to that. He gave a swallow.

Mao was standing on the other side of the door, trying to suppress the giddiness flowing through her entire being. She knew her face right now is probably showing signs of that. She wasn’t able to help it. And she couldn’t let Kazu see her like this! She bit back a smile, feeling like gravity wouldn’t be working for her soon. She needs to compose herself. But… he wants her to move back in… She was a closet geek. The doorbell was ringing again. She inhaled deeply and let it out; a hand over her heart.

She blinked at the sight that greeted her. Nino was holding the lightsaber with two cinnamon rolls covering his ears. The lightsaber lighted up.

“This. Is. Spartaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” he shouted all gung-ho.

There was silence for a long while till Mao burst out laughing, trying her hardest to choke out the words asking him what he was doing. Nino wasn’t clear himself. Just that he wanted to let her see that he can make her laugh. That she’ll have more fun back at the house. But so what? She likes Jun… and it beats out all the things he can come up with.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to move back, you know,” he then said, still misunderstanding Mao’s actions. “I just felt really guilty about what happened. Knowing you might not have a place to stay and yet I drove you out. Now that I see you’re fine, everything’s good. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to move ba-

“You’re asking if I want to move back in, just for the sake of asking it because you feel guilty? That’s all?”

He noticed the change in her eyes. Almost a sadness to them. What did he say now? He just comes up with all the idiotic things.

“If it’s just because of the guilt… Maybe it’s better if I don’t… In the end, you don’t really wa-“

“I want you!” he suddenly blurted out.

Mao’s heart skipped a beat and another. “Heh?’

“Imean, Iwantyoutomovebackin. ThatswhatImeant. Iwantyoutomovebackin Thatsall. Hehehe.” What in the name of Odd Ball was that?

Mao looked a bit apprehensive and bit her lip. Nino knew he had to say something and it should be what he really feels. It’s best to be honest right now.

“Forget what I said. Just listen to this. I’m not asking you. I’m telling you right now, I want you to move back in.” It was sorta uplifting to be able to admit it to himself now.

Their eyes locked.

“Why?” came her quiet question.

“Why? I want you to come home, isn’t that reason enough?” he said softly. There had to be another underlying reason. But he’ll figure it out next time.

Mao bit her lip again. He could see the shadow of a smile. She cast her eyes down. That sounded really good.

“Come home with me, Mao.”

Her eyes snapped back to his. “What did you just say?”

“What? What? Did I say something wrong?”

“You just called me ‘Mao’.”

It was refreshing to hear that. And she wanted to hear it always. (Okay, so she’s a geek.) He’s always calling her Inoue, Moo, Sith or Darth Vader.

“I did?”

Where did that come from? Mao smiled brightly up at him, her eyes shining. It was contagious and he grinned back at her.

“So what do you say?”

“I’m going home with you…,” she said, her eyes crinkled. She liked hearing herself say that. She’ll be home again… “On one condition.”

Heh?

“This punishment game ends here, okay?” Nino then ordered, his eyes mere slits as Mao tried to stop her laughter again. She handed her suitcase to him.

The Moo’s condition: He shall invoke his old slave contract again. A slight refresher: Putting a hand over his heart, say “Inoue Mao is my Queen. All hail the Great Queen!” and then jump into a Bioman pose.

And then dance and sing to Britney Spears’ “I’m A Slave For You”. With the cinnamon rolls still covering his ears.

Nino glared at the snort that came out of Mao. She stuck her tongue out at him, looking giddy. He sighed, shaking his head and then smiled himself. He glanced at her.

“I-I didn’t think you’d move back in.”

“Why not?” Mao frowned at him. “It’s not like there’s an Aliens R Us here. I have someone to torture again!”

Nino gave another glare as she laughed.

“I just feel that you like Jun…,” he said, oh-so-casually.

“I do?”

“Don’t you?”

Mao then laughed out loud again.

“Of course I do!”

That somehow zapped all of his energy away.

“He’s a friend!”

His whole being just went into hyperdrive.

“S-So you just see him as a friend?”

“I think I just said that,” she said, her nose wrinkled. “Ne, Kazu, why are you being weird?”

He avoided answering the question saying they should go ahead now. Mao frowned at his back as he started to move. It couldn’t be, right? He stopped and turned around. She was just standing there, regarding him thoughtfully.

“W-What?”

“You should carry me all the way home!” she then beamed.

“W-Wait-“

Mao jumped on him. She was finding it hard not to move around. It was the giddiness, no doubt. She needed to let it out. Nino lost his balance and they both fell. The pain in his back made him wince. His full attention turned to the giggling on top of him. Their eyes met and he was finding it hard to complain right now.

“Kazu!”

“Y-Yeah?”

She bit her lip. “I… I…”

He was looking into her eyes, unblinking.

“I… I really missed Kazupi!” She gave a grin.

They continued to stare at each other, unmoving.

“Yeah… He missed you too…”

Mao beamed at him again. Gave a little giggle as she lifted herself off him and they both stood up.

“Let’s go home…,” Nino then said, his eyes softening at her.

Mao nodded happily at him.

And then all giggly again, said, “To the BatMobile!”

“Geek…,” Nino said endearingly, shaking his head as Mao hang onto his arm, laughing, ready to go.

**

“Aahrgutcha tu azar yungyet. (Pull the magic nut.)” Mao.

Heeheehee.

"Luka yit powa reh rehluu ota tu Kna Naa. (Pixie power dance to the Spirit Tree.)” Aiba.

Harharhar.

"Ne gata yeh yungyet jeejee? (Where is old nut face?)” Jun.

Heeharheehar.

“Dif-tor heh smusma-“

“That’s Vulcan.” Nino.

“It’s Ewokese!” Mao.

“Vulcan!”

“How can it be Vulcanese whe-“

“Vulcan.”

“How can it be Vulcanese when we’re on an Ewokese page?”

“This is Nino you’re talking to. I think he would know.” Jun.

“Ah.” True.

“Maybe it’s an Ewok trying to speak Vulcanese?” Aiba.

“Vulcan!”

“Hey Nino, can we get some food here?”

Nino grudgingly walked out of his room and trudged towards the kitchen. He started taking out chips and a loaf of bread. Jun and Aiba had come to hang around the house again. Aiba had sat in front of the computer as soon as he arrived. Probably to check his Facebook account and bathe his pet. Mao had turned up beside him and somehow they had ended up trying to learn Ewokese from a certain site. He could hear laughter again (Moo-wa-ha-ha). They probably had strung a new sentence that makes no sense at all. The side of his lips quirked as he opened the fridge for some turkey spread.

He was really glad she was back. He never thought he’d ever feel thankful and happy for that time he let her in his home. It’s weird how he’s always looking for her now. But somehow, having her in the house… it was always better… The realization had finally sunk in… He wants her in this house. It was just right. Like the planets aligning or something. He gave a grin as he took out some bread.

“That was something,” he heard Jun’s voice from behind. He turned his head back and saw him walking up. He stopped beside him.

“You didn’t even last for a day,” Jun smirked as he opened a bag of chips.

He had come home from work, looking forward to lunch with his new housemate. What greeted him was a hastily written note stuck to his front door.

“I have been kidnapped by an alien and he intends to take me back to his Mother Ship. He had the BatMobile with him, plus something was definitely moving in your house. Na-nu, Na-nu!

Nino could feel his ears growing a bit hot. They hadn’t talked about it yet ever since he’d taken Mao home yesterday. Jun hadn’t called and hadn’t even said anything since they arrived at the house. Till now. He knew there really was no avoiding it.

“You missed her, huh?”

Nino’s eyes snapped to him. “You know me, I can never really do that to anyone without feeling the guilt. It’s not about missing her or anything.”

Jun watched as Nino went back to concentrating on the sandwich, looking a bit nervous. “Why did you ask her to move back in?”

There should be nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s the best thing to ever happen. And it’s just natural, right? Friends have petty fights. Friends do things for each other to make up for their mistakes. But with Nino, it feels a bit unclear. His actions… And he’s looking a whole lot jumpy about something ever since they saw each other again. Like he’s feeling guilty. Somehow, he wanted to know. And he wanted to hear it from him. He wished he could just be honest about this.

“It’s just like Peter Parker.”

Jun stared blankly at him.

“With great power comes great responsibility…,” Nino started dramatically. “I am… Ninomiya!”

Long stare.

“You’ve always wanted to say that, huh?”

“Ever since Spiderman came out.”

“Why did you ask her to move back in?” Jun asked again. It was because of vague and distracting answers like this that he thinks he’s definitely hiding something. And he had the feeling…

“Just like I said, she’s somehow my responsibility and I have to make sure she-“

“She really isn’t. Tell me the real reason.”

“What do you want me to say?” Nino said, feeling cornered. What did he want to hear? Because he hasn’t really figured it out yet. Just that… it was definitely confusing. And he shouldn’t be feeling confused at all because-

“I like her,” Jun said.

“W-What?”

“I like Mao. But she rejected me. Do you like her?”

No, he can’t feel even the tiniest bit of happiness when he heard the part where she rejected him.

“You like her so I can’t like her. And why are we even talking about thi-“

“So is that what’s stopping you? The fact that I like her?”

“Look,” he waved a turkey sandwich at him. “It just felt weird that she’s not in the house anymore. You know me, I always get attached to things I’ve gotten used to and-“

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Don’t treat her as something you’ve just gotten used to. It’s not fair to Mao. I just feel she honestly likes being here. If you-“

“I just wanted her back home. I don’t know why but I just wanted her to be back here,” Nino said quietly. He didn’t say the ‘with me’ part that was at the tip of his tongue. Why couldn’t he just say it in the first place? But it was Jun. He’s a friend. And he likes her… That doesn’t happen much to him… So he needed to let him see that it was just nothing… Because it really is, right? She is a friend.

But when he heard the words he’s said from Jun. It just didn’t feel right… He honestly likes her being in the house too. And he should definitely admit that. Always.

“It’s a start,” Jun gave a small smile.

“Don’t think there’s more to it-“

Suddenly the doorbell rang and Mao came running out the room, yelling she’ll get it. And she came back with Aoi. Nino’s eyes bulged out.

“You’re back!” he exclaimed, dropping what he was doing. She had gone to visit her parents. Aoi gave a wave.

“Yep, so we’re going to have a mini-party!” Mao pumped her fist up in the air.

“Remind me again. This is supposed to be my house, right?” Nino turned to Jun. He doesn’t ever know what’s happening around here.

“Sometimes I’m not sure anymore,” Jun clapped him on the shoulder.

“Bring on the food!” Aiba yelled as he ran out. “Hey, Mao, I got the camera you asked for.”

“Awww, you’re the best, Amoeba!”

“He-he-he,” Amoeba pumped out his chest as Jun rolled his eyes.

Nino pulled Mao to the side after a while. They had been chatting, eating and taking tons of pictures (The flash from the camera was still in his eyes). They’d been mostly taking pictures of him and Aoi though.

“Are you having fun?” Mao grinned up at him.

“You’re making up for the mugshot?”

“I don’t want to owe you or anything,” she shrugged as Nino gave a small smile. “My initial plan was to take loads of pictures of Aoi and then surprise you by putting all of them up in your room!”

“Uh…”

“But Jun and Amoeba said that would probably freak her out a bit if she ever finds out. And you might be mistaken for a psycho stalker. And then they’d take you away and do experiments on you once they find out you’re really an alien.”

“Such good friends.”

“I made the last part up.”

“I’m not surprised.”

They both then grinned at each other and chuckled.

“I just realized you’re so upset because it was your only photo with Aoi… So, this should probably do it! Aaand you’re spending time with her! I know that’s what you want!” She nudged him cheekily, her smile a bit too wide.

“Y-Yeah…,” Nino said, scratching his head sheepishly. It should be what he wants. It definitely is. It should be. Should be.

“It’s a chance to make memories for us as well!” she continued. Memories… but she didn’t want them, especially him, to be just a memory...

She looked up at him, her heart pounding. “Kazu… I…”

“Hm?”

“N-Nothing…,” she then shook her head.

Nino gave a frown. She’s been like that ever since last night. What did she want to tell him? They got distracted as Aiba bounded up to them and told them to pose for the camera. They looked at each other. Somehow, he wanted to talk to her about what she wanted to say instead. But then she suddenly pulled him to her and had him in a headlock; he protesting in good fun while she laughed happily as Aiba took their shot.

They reviewed the shot. Mao smiled softly down at the camera in her hands. He stole a glance at her. Something seems to be bothering her… There’s always a next time though… He’ll wait till she’s really ready to tell him. There’s plenty of time for that… He suddenly felt Mao pulling him close again for a self-cam shot of the three of them.

“Say Boboqueequee!”

**

Mao opened up the box from Toma that was delivered that morning. Everyone gathered around wondered what it was. Eita and Asami were back from their respective trips and were now lounging around with them in their house. Eita still couldn’t let go of the lightsaber and was still asking Nino, whose face was twitching again, for it.

“Here. Open it, quick!” Mao then handed Nino a small box. He turned it curiously around in his hands. A bit apprehensive. It might be a booby trap. But she’s been good lately. There shouldn’t be any danger here.

“Wow… Thanks…,” Nino said after he opened her gift. It was a new mugshot of Aoi and him. With a photo from their mini-party yesterday. He looked up to Mao’s beaming face. Now, Kazu is happy.

“I’m sorry about the mugshot last time, Kazu…,” she gave a small smile.

The Sith definitely has changed. And he was a little proud that he was somehow the one who’s greatly influenced her. Ah. The Force is strong with this one.

“It’s great! Thank you…”

Mao’s face lit up. She turned back towards the box and then started handing out similar small boxes to the others. Nino looked a bit puzzled. They all did.

“Open it!” she said excitedly.

“Is this our mugshot, Mao?” Aiba.

“Even better.” She gave an enigmatic grin.

Jun pulled out the mug from the box and stared down at it. “This is going to give me nightmares.”

Eita, Aiba and Asami were wheezing with laughter as they held onto their mugs. Mao watched in satisfaction at the reactions of the people present, except for Yamashita. He doesn’t have any reaction as usual.

“W-What?” Nino was afraid to ask as Eita and Aiba were pointing at him and laughing like a couple of crazy hyenas.

He stood up, went over to them and snatched Aiba’s mug away. He looked at it. Holy Sithballs! Now feeling like the one who’s going to go Super Saiyan on all of them. There it was in all its glory: his photoshopped picture, holding onto a lightsaber, with Princess Leia at his side.

He was so wrong. The Sith hasn’t changed one bit. He whirled around and she stood there waving at him innocently.

“You evil, evil, evil-“

“Why, thank you.”

“Give me those!” He yelled at the others, attempting to snatch the mugs to destroy them but they were not allowing that to happen. This was too good. It should be preserved for generations to see!

How did she even get the picture?! His computer was password protected! Ah, but the Dark Side always has their ways… The whole house filled with raucous laughter as he further failed to retrieve the incriminating evidence of his geekiness. Mao was breathless from laughing as she looked at him, all panicky. One last punishment for Kazu doesn’t hurt, she thought endearingly.

Sith: 999,000,000,000
Jedi: -500,000,000,000

===

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