Episode 15

“Kazu?”

“Chuchuurool.”

“Uh… Kazu, I never really got the chance to learn your species’ language so…”

“Aiwoolatooobo… Haha… Messhhweemoo… Hahaha.”

“Seriously, are you playing me? Coz if you don’t want to-“

“Aiwoolatooobo! Waikitsineeet?”

Mao noted the shaking of his head and his panicked voice. Somehow wanting to convey to her that it was just the opposite. She met his one eye not covered by the bandages.

“So, a-are you saying you’ll be my date?” Her voice suddenly turning shy.

Nino gave a nervous swallow.

“Yeeen daaawatahseh!”

She didn’t understand a single word out of his mouth but him nodding gave her the answer she was happy to hear or see in this case. She tried to keep it cool but her giddiness just wouldn’t let her. She became all bouncy as she held onto Nino’s hands. If his face wasn’t covered with bandages, the telltale flush of red would be seen from outer space. And never would he have thought he’d be thankful for the bandages.

Now if they wouldn’t catch fire because of the heat from his face…

Mao gave his hands a squeeze and he was caught off guard at the softness in her expression.

“Thanks, Kazu,,,”

The way she was looking at him, he’d pledge allegiance to the Dark Side even.

“I just know with you there-“

“Hey, door was open! We let ourselves in,” came Jun’s voice before Mao could finish. He came in with Aiba and stopped in his tracks at the scene that greeted them. His eyes went to Mao’s hands holding Nino’s.

“Boonba! Hah! Tuuuplassuu! Hah!” He didn’t know why he suddenly pulled away. Maybe he couldn’t let anyone see how she’s affecting him. But that doesn’t seem to be all successful as Jun and Aiba kept staring at him. Was he that obvious? Or maybe it was the bandages. He can't be sure.

“He’s been speaking Kazuic.” Mao gave a shrug. “I should really study that one of these days.”

“Man day seeeeoog?” What are they saying?

“What happened?” Jun asked. “The last time he was speaking like this something big shocked him.”

“Beeet oool! Haha!” They really need to stop saying these things, remembering they have claimed he was speaking gobbledygook (Aiba had looked that word up as he had claimed proudly.). He was saying perfectly normal sentences. He always thought Jun and Aiba were just messing with his head. He isn’t THAT weird. But now, Mao is having in on the game. Though she is Mao after all.

“He actually thinks he’s speaking normal speak still,” Jun observed.

“Maaa meen. Ahh noo taaa looooop.”

Aiba rubbed his chin. “You think he’s asking us if we want Froot Loops?”

Jun gave him a look.

“I’m hungry.”

“Waaaa chooo sseeeeeii.” Mao attempted at a shot. So she wasn’t a natural at the language.

The three were staring at her silently.

“Beeet oool!” They are still not letting this go?

“It’s actually entertaining,” Mao said. “Can we keep him like this for a while?”

Her voice was so excited as if discovering a new pet and in this case, a new alien pet who talks.

“I don’t think I can listen to him like this the whole day,” Jun shook his head.

Nino opened his mouth to protest once more when Aiba interrupted him.

“I’ll handle this.” Aiba rubbed his hands together. “Hey, Nino, what was that line again in Avatar? You know, said between the blue guy and the blue girl? Something like “I’m watching you”, right?”

Mao and Jun was full of anticipation as Nino opened his mouth.

“It’s “I see you”! How many times do I have to remind you? “I’m watching you” sounds creepy, okay? You should pay attention!”

He was watching the work of a master! That’s like an insult to him. Anyone who can create Terminator and Avatar can only be hailed as the “Master of the Universe”. He-man won’t mind.

“He just feels compelled to correct you, see?” Aiba advised.

“Whoa! That is so cool! Do it again! Do it again!”

“We have to shock him into Kazuic again.”

“We are not doing that.” Jun.

“Why are you talking about me like I’m an experiment?” Nino demanded. “And stop with this Kazuic thing already.”

“What made it come out anyway? What actually happened?” Jun asked.

Mao and Nino exchanged glances.

“I just asked him to go with me to Mirai’s party,” Mao said in one breath. She was cool. Icy cool.

Nino seemed to have stiffened a bit. Jun and Aiba were quiet for about a millisecond.

“You mean like a date?” They simultaneously asked.

Jun’s eyes went to Nino who was suddenly preoccupied with swatting away an imaginary fly or something.

“Why ask Nino then?” Aiba had the same question as Jun. “He’s not exactly date material.”

“Yeah…,” Jun started, trying to catch Nino’s reaction from the corner of his eye. “We- Or should I say, I would be the most proper candidate.”

There’s some truth in what they’re saying but…

“Hello! I’m standing right here!”

No one seemed to pay any attention to him.

“W-Why?” Mao felt jumped by that question. Why? Why did she ask Kazu? Of course she knew why. He was her spaceman. Kahaha! That sounded so cheesy but it made her all giggly inside. But she can’t exactly let them know that. She should have just given a vague answer. Like “Why not?” or “Anyone up for some cheeseballs?” She didn’t have to answer the question but she went into Godzilla-is-coming-panic mode.

“Because he was right there! Convenient. I mean, it’s not like it’s a date date. It’s just a date.” Yeah, date as a singular entity. That explains it all so clearly. “But it’s not exactly a date, you know what I mean?”

Jun probably got the gist of it. Aiba’s brain refused to process that. And Nino… Granted that he felt like gravity came crushing down on him after hearing that… Well, what was he expecting? He was just convenient… He wasn’t Master of the Universe material. He gets that. He really does.

No, he really does.

Mao stole a worried glance at his expression. By the Immortal Gods of the Sith, why can’t she just tell the truth?

“Let me take you then. It will leave a lasting impression for Mirai,” Aiba grinned. His expression then turned a bit unsure. “Who’s Mirai again?”

Mao pursed her lips for a while before offering the information reluctantly. “She’s my stepsister.”

“Stepsister?” Jun asked carefully. “What-“

“I’ll explain it to you guys next time,” Mao gave a small smile. “It’s her sweet sixteen so I have to go.”

Well, she can refuse to go like she did at first but there’s something she needed to do. A mission, as Kazu would say.

Aiba knew there was some underlying issue there judging from her being a bit guarded. And he tried to make her forget about it in his own simple way.

“Well, then don’t you think someone prince-like should take you to the party?” He then said, pointing to himself and pushing Jun away with his other hand.

Jun raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He couldn’t disagree more.

“Again, I am standing right here.” Nino.

“I-I can’t exactly just change my date.” She said date so shyly. “I’m very considerate that way. And what’s with the expressions?”

The three looked like they disagreed about something she said.

“Mao, come on. I need some love like I never needed love before,” Aiba said with the most serious face.

Mao blinked. “Did he just quote Spice Girls to me?”

“I told you, you shouldn’t have let him borrow your American Idol game,” Jun aimed this at Nino.

“He wouldn’t stop singing in front of me!” Try having to listen to “Poker Face” Aiba version infinite times a day.

“Anyway,” Mao cut them all off. She had to put a stop to this inquiry before she says anything that’s not really going to appease Kazu. She didn’t want to see the re-appearance of Kazu, the polka-dotted Hulk. “I won’t be changing my mind.”

She wants Kazu with her… She needs Kazu with her… But they didn’t have to know that so it’s best to move on like right now.

“Besides,” she continued. “I much prefer frogs than princes.”

Maybe Kazu won’t feel so bad now. The soft expression on her face was lost to all three. They didn’t seem to get it was meant as a term of endearment as evident by the expressions materializing on their faces one by one…

Kazu’s thought process: Is she implying I’m a frog? What? That I look like a frog? I am not that funny-looking!!!! Why does she have to say things that really irk him? She’s doing that on purpose! A conspiracy!!

Jun’s thought process: I’m not even going to try to analyze that. Why can’t girls just tell it straight to us what they really mean? Though she looks really cute looking all confused at our reactions. But not as confused as Aiba is with his conclusion.

Aiba’s thought process: Frogs? That’s me right? Amoeba? (Hugely mistaking it for amphibian.) So that’s why I’m Amoeba? So shouldn’t she be going with me?

Nino’s thought process: I am not that funny-looking!!!!!!

Mao took a leaf out of Yamashita’s book and was staring at them with his signature deadpan look.

The reactions she’s getting by far: Aiba was reasoning out frogs were amoebas so he should take her. Jun was wondering how his species (Aiba) managed to evolve and Kazu was just staring daggers at her. His eyes narrowed in full concentration. She sees what he’s trying to do here. Probably trying to see if he can make her grey matters explode. She’d force choke the hell out of him first before that happens.

She remembered him saying he doesn’t dwell in the Dark Arts; another way of him saying she’s evil. Then why’s he trying to make her head explode? She could see no Force can help her with the three. Especially the one whose anger is pouring out like the lavas of Mt. Doom.

Wow. Kazu is contagious.

That’s it.

Still doing a Yamashita, she turned to go without another word. Cupping her hand close to her mouth as if pretending to hold a transmitter, she issued a progress report.

“There is no intelligent life on this planet. I repeat; no intelligent life.”

**

“Step away from the blaster, Kazu,” Mao asked slowly.

“What? I’m just trying to let you see it works,” Kazu complained, pushing up the sunglasses on his nose and shifting the weapon in his hand. “It’s not like I’m considering going like this to the party. It’s not like I feel it’s going to waste.”

He let out a scoff. “Honestly.”

“Are you sure it isn’t a costume party?” He finished with a hopeful air.

They were getting ready for the party. After leaving Aiba to his protests for an adequate amount of time (even suggesting a Mexican standoff to determine who really should be Mao's date) and the visible throbbing vein on Kazu’s temple seeming to disappear; indicating he didn’t change his mind about going with her after the fail she let slip out of her mouth. (Cheer for victory.) She then informed Kazu over lunch that the night’s party is formal.

“What? It’s tonight? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I have no time to prepare my costume!” He’d have to wear one of the available costumes in his closet then. Which he really doesn’t like doing so much. This is supposed to be his art.

“Okay, no one said anything about it being a costume party.” Mao raised an eyebrow. Although it would be cool to go there with just them in costumes. That would be the entrance. But it was not the right time. Not this party.

She then chose not to address the issue that she had pushed off inviting Kazu because she was still unsure if she can actually go through with her plan. But earlier, spending all that time with him, she’d be a fool if she didn’t at least make an effort. He’s her spaceman-kahaha! Ehem.

So finally, she had decided just in time. Although it is kinda cutting it close. Procrastination is one of her stronger points.

“Oh.” Kazu gave an awkward grin, slight disappointment there. He just assumed coz costume parties are all he’s ever been invited to. Something he carefully chose not to share with them. Although who wouldn’t want a costume party for their sweet sixteen? Something is wrong there. Very wrong.

Okay, maybe he’s loving costume parties too much. Hm.

Nah.

“I would be a smoking Tony Stark,” Aiba made a little grumble as he shoved his food.

“She just said it wasn’t a costume party.” He doesn’t know why he even bothers though.

“You do have a suit, don’t you?”

Another awkward grin. “Yeah, about that. I may have sold my suit in order to buy that light-saber umbrella online I’ve always wanted.”

“What do you need that for?” Jun. Honestly, why is he bothering asking?

“It’s a light-saber umbrella!” Indignant.

Yes, why does he even bother?

If that’s Jun’s reaction then he’s not going to breathe a word about his Darth Vader humidifier. Or that R2D2 trash bin. Or the Space Invader belt buckle.

“I’ll just ask Toma to handle this,” Mao got up.

She needed to tell him she will be going anyway, but still contemplating if she should let him in on what she’s planning to do once she gets there. He’d probably ask, knowing she won’t be going without a reason. And she needs a dress too. A car. And oooh, money. She’s running out. And some Bubble Yum, watermelon flavored. She doesn’t care to hear that they’ve stopped manufacturing them. And a Princess and the Frog DVD. And a Rock Band Wii. That will put Kazu’s Guitar Hero to shame. And a jet pack. No, two jet packs so she and Kazu can race.

It’s been a while since she last messed with Toma.

Aiba then excused himself for a therapeutic session of AI, after this harsh rejection from Mao. He knows Nino keeps at least two copies of each game. He can always count on the geek in him.

“You just want to sing!” Jun had called to him, not really wanting to hear another one of Aiba’s delusional concerts.

He couldn’t be thwarted.

“It’s not a costume party and besides you’re more suited to go as the aliens the MIB are up against,” Mao snickered, always glad to get a reaction from Kazu.

The words that were supposed to accompany his slight scowl were drowned thanks to Aiba’s rendition of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” in the background. He was still trying to convey his hurt but totally enjoying it at the same time. This can’t be said for Toma who was seated on the couch with the question “Why?” on his face. He should have just left as soon as he dropped off Mao’s many requests (except for the jet packs which Mao had said they needed a long talk about). Jun was one step ahead of everyone and had said goodbye when Aiba was setting up. But not before saying something to Nino, which led to latter’s stiff reaction, as witnessed by Mao when she came out of her room. Wondering what it was about but was immediately distracted as the AI game blasted away.

“Come here, you big baby,” Mao had pulled him by the tie and dragged him over to his room. Protests and all.

“What are you doing?” Nino asked exhaustedly, rubbing the back of his neck; watching her push aside his clothes (okay, more like his costumes) looking for something. It’s not a good sign he’s always being manhandled by her. Maybe he should have a lab accident or something to become stronger.

“You’ve been pulling at your tie every chance you get. Here, put this under your suit instead.” She handed him his Green Lantern t-shirt she found between his Jedi robes. Which she made the mistake once of asking why he needed two. And he said in that trying-to-be-patient-with-her voice that one is from the 1980s films and the other is based on the 2000 films.

He wasn’t used to being formal and she didn’t want him to be uncomfortable. So what if the party’s formal? Who says they can’t bend the rules a bit? Something she forgot due to her nervousness. Sure, she needed to make a good impression but… It would be more fun if they were themselves. It always is.

“You sure it’s okay?”

“Just don’t wear the sneakers with the Star Wars shoelaces and we’re good,” Mao grinned.

Nino regarded her for a moment while she tried to take out her hand tangled in some of Spiderman’s web.

“Forget it. I’ll just wear it as it is. It’s not-“ He was about to throw the shirt back into the closet.

“Going as us isn’t such a bad idea. I don’t want to lose that.”

Her voice may have sounded more affected than she had intended. And what was that? A confession of some sort? It’s not like she drank any Veritaserum to start spilling her heart out. (Okay, she was now realizing how seriously serious the Kazu outbreak is.) But maybe it’s that fear of losing them… She didn’t want to lose them… She can’t…

“You-“

“Do you want me to change your shirt for you?” She batted her eyelashes.

Spidey senses!!!

“Okayokay, I’ll change,” Nino sputtered.

“So now that’s like the seventh kind of color you can turn into,” Mao observed somehow feeling she’s close to disclosing Kazu’s real alien identity. Not that they needed anymore proof.

“Stop the wisecracks,” Nino was not amused. “I said I’ll change.”

“Okay!” Mao cheered, grinning.

Nino held up the shirt then looked at her. She grinned some more.

“Uh… Not to be rude or anything, I can’t change with you standing there…” He made it a point to avoid eye contact, wringing the shirt in his hand.

“Oh!” Mao exclaimed, giving a jolt. A shyness suddenly came over her and she tried hard to cover that.

“Why? Do you have a glowing thingy on your chest? If so I want to see!” She tried to still play the part where she teases Kazu like that, but this time, there was a need to mask a kinda giggly voice.

“O-Of course not.” He sorta shielded himself. Though he did wish he really had a nuclear reactor on his chest powering a special suit he designed.

Mao rolled her eyes. “Like I really do. (She really doesn’t!) I have to change too anyway!”

Giving an exaggerated wave she quickly went to wards the door, reminding Nino once more about the shoelaces. The door closed behind her. Her back to it, feeling a little blush creeping up her cheeks. The light slaps she gave them were to wake her up from the giddiness. A giddiness that far surpassed any Tony Stark could ever make her feel.

She shook herself; she still had to change for their date.

That pushed her into a whole new nebula of light-headedness; which failed to let her notice Toma’s signal for help from the couch as she floated away to her room.

**

Nino smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles on his blazer. The green lantern shirt can be seen underneath. He moved a bit to dispel the sudden nervousness he feels. His pants catching on the leather seat making a not-so-cool sound. He winced inwardly. His eyes shooting to Mao to check if she’d heard.

She was still deep in thought, looking out the car window. The crease between her brows still there. Still uncharacteristically quiet. She’s not planning on going all Carrie at the party, is she? Is that her whole purpose on suddenly deciding to go? To unleash the rage?

Okay, their horror movie marathon that one time may have had irreversible effects on him. Hence, the stupid conclusion. Besides, he should have faith in the Sith. Though lost this one is, she’s not too far gone into the Dark Side… He thinks.

He stole another glance at her. Wondering what could be the reason for this sudden change of heart of hers to attend Mirai’s party. She’d been strongly against it right from the start. Is she willing to give herself and Mirai a chance? Maybe she’s willing to see the good things between them from now on… A soft smile couldn’t help but slowly appear on his lips.

Maybe she wanted to try settling a few things first before she goes back home…

Back home…

Something hurt as he thought about that… He tried to forget it.

Maybe now she’ll allow herself to have the simple happiness she deserves…

If only he can catch a glimpse of that happiness right now… He hated seeing her like this… Wanting to see her bright smile…

A montage of her cutest expressions, even when she’s angry like that time he’d beaten her at Mario Kart, was flashing nonstop in his mind. He gave a jerk. He really should stop!

Whew. Finally.

B-But it’s just the way he is. An empathic person. Too empathic when it comes to her. If this was his super power, then it sucks.

His eyes strayed to her.

Or maybe not…

He couldn’t look away. He was too concerned about what was troubling her. It wasn’t till now he was able to notice how cute she looked with her curled hair down, in her little black dress, picking at her lace gloves. The red Chuck Ts she had on her feet just made her more adorable. So they’d match, that’s what she said. He unconsciously moved his own chucks-covered feet.

His gaze softened all the more.

Mao suddenly turned to him. He whipped his head back so fast he hit the window frame. He could hear a breathy laugh coming from her as he rubbed his head sheepishly.

“What happened to you?”

His mind raced for an answer. “There was a bump in the road!”

“No, there wasn’t.” She gave another laugh looking at him.

At least she’s laughing now. He gave a wry smile. Her eyes crinkled at him and she went back to the window. Her expression… He could smack himself really. Why didn’t it occur to him? He should have seen it! But the nervousness just overwhelmed him.

“A-Are you nervous? About the party?” he asked carefully.

Her dad.

She was going back to where her dad is. He wanted to know how she’s really doing seeing she wasn’t going to volunteer any information to him. Why is she really going? He wanted to ask but he didn’t want to be prying.

She lifted her chin up and scoffed. “Of course not. Besides, I have you with me, don’t I?”

Nino watched as she aimed a coy smile at him. There she goes again pretending to be all tough. “I’m serious…”

The coy smile faded away. The side of her lips lifted again slightly. “I am too…”

She turned back once more to the window. Her profile looking so lonely. His heart went out to her. He wished there was something he can do. He didn’t want her to think his concern is out of pity though… It isn’t… Truly isn’t… He just wanted to make it all better for her…

“Kazu?” came her small voice. Her fingers back to picking at her gloves.

“Hm?” The gentleness in his voice he couldn’t keep.

She peeked at him. “Can you lend me your arm and shoulder?”

Normally, she wouldn’t be asking. Just suddenly pouncing on him, grabbing him or hugging him, all resulting to a slightly panicked Nino everytime. His stunned expression proves that as well. But this time, she wanted to hear… Hear him actually want to be there for her… Not because he had no choice… She wanted to hear it so much she was holding her breath waiting for his answer.

“Anytime you want…” It was the most honest answer he’s ever said.

Mao gave a smile. She bit her lip and slowly slid towards his side. Their knees almost touching. He watched as her hand slowly lifted, attaching to his arm.

Holy meteors. Why is everything in slow motion in his head right now?

Maybe it was his subconscious wanting to remember every single second.

Her warmth was close to him. He gave a swallow as she laid her head gently on his shoulder. The whole of her leaning against him. Her hand slid down close to his wrist. His eyes following it, telling himself this whole while to chill. Mao might notice his nervousness. Okay, relaxing, relaxing. His eyes were still on her hand.

A calming silence enveloped the back seat with the occasional dokidokis.

Mao spoke after a while. “Thank you… for being here…”

Nino looked at the top of her head. She pressed closer. Her hand caught his attention once more. And then slowly, his hand closed on hers, collecting her fingers into his. Now intertwined. He gave her hand a squeeze as Mao lifted her head. Their eyes locked. He brought her hand up, slowly coming close to his lips. He could almost taste the softness. His lips brushed the back of her hand….

He pulled himself back to reality. His eyes back on her hand so not intertwined in his. It was resting close to his wrist still. Why is he going all James Bond?! No way he can pull that off. His imagination really was becoming a very dangerous place.

As if wanting to erase the high-def thoughts that were just in his mind, he tried for a different atmosphere.

“Sure. You wanted to go with someone who is equivalent to a frog. Avery convenient frog. A frog who just happened to be home with you sitting on his lily pad.” Okay, so it helped he didn’t really get over that yet.

Mao’s head snapped up. She knew he’s going to get it all twisted. And he didn’t need to remind her of the things she’s said. She was feeling really bad about that so why can’t he just get it? “I didn’t mean it literally!”

“Oh, so meaning it figuratively is way better then, huh?”

Mao made an annoyed noise. Does he want her to explain it to him? B-But that’s sorta embarrassing on her part! How can she possibly explain it without really giving anything away? She glared at the scowl on his face.

“You do know I like frogs, right?”

“I feel so much better now. Really,” Nino replied sarcastically. He was totally missing the point. Nervousness tends to slow brain functions.

“Whatever! You’re right, it’s because you look like a frog that I wanted you to come with me so everyone can see for themselves!”

“See, you’re finally admitting it!”

Mao’s had enough. His alien brain must be devolving. “Can I have your arm and shoulder back now?”

“Of course you can!”

They scowled at each other and Mao went back to her position. Squeezing Nino’s arm real tight so he’d feel pain.

They seethed for just a while till their breathing evened out, suddenly feeling ridiculous. Nino gave a smirk and looked down at the top of her head. Her lips had split into a crooked grin.

They sat in comfortable silence till Mao’s phone got a text message. Nino sorta resented the fact she had to move away to get her phone but was back quickly. He scratched his ear to ignore the funny feeling he was getting again.

“It’s Toma. He’s already there,” Mao informed.

They were supposed to go together but Toma couldn’t take Aiba anymore and was able to escape his singing clutches. He’d taken the car and had called for another to come pick them up. He’d see them at the party.

“He knows I’m really sorry about Aiba, right?” Feeling like it’s his fault, lending him the AI game. He had created a monster.

“Don’t worry about it. Its kinda fun, really.” Aiba had rendered them Michelle Branch’s “Goodbye To You” as they walked out the house. Talk about dedication to music. That wasn’t even in the game.

Nino noticed her distracted answer. Toma’s text must have reminded her they too would be there soon.

“We can turn around right now.” As much as he wanted to see she and Mirai maybe work it out, he didn’t want to see her hurt when she sees her dad… They could work it out someplace else…

Mao shook her head and injected as much perkiness in her voice as she can. “It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay!”

Yeah… As long as they can stay like this… As long as she can have this… She’s going to make it all okay… It has to be…

She held onto Kazu tighter. Uncertainty weighing on her once more…

**

Is this a high school party? Everyone looks so dapper. Dapper. That’s the word he’d like to describe himself. If he ever gets the chance to look like these kids. So cultured, distinguished. Even their geekiest looking kid looks way cooler than him. That and add the fact that he’s a few years their senior makes it really depressing.

He needs a rootbeer.

He glances to his partner on his left. Her face set like she’s on a mission. Totally not caring about the surroundings around her. Just walking in Darth Vader style. You know, commanding attention and awe but not in the pee-in-your-robes kinda level. He should learn from her. Okay, he didn’t just think that. What would the Council say of a Jedi learning from a Sith?

He’s panicking again.

Because it’s really a party. A formal event. With the pocket squares and all. Somehow he feels naked without a costume. He wonders if-

“Ne- Mao!” Mirai’s voice broke into his self-destructing thoughts.

She quickly headed for them. Her face all lit up. He couldn’t help but smile himself.

“You came! I couldn’t believe it at first when Toma told me!” She leaned in for a hug. It was awkward and stiff, owing to the fact Mao looked like her mind was two planets away from here. She absently gave two pats on Mirai’s back.

“I’ll introduce you to my friends-“

“Where’s Dad?” Mao had cut her off, her eyes scanning the room.

“I-“ Mirai’s eyes went to him.

“Happy birthday!” He greeted with too much gusto. How was he supposed to cover up that moment?

“T-Thanks.” Mirai gave him a smile.

Mao was still intent on locating their dad. Nino’s eyes darted to her.

“Hey, Mao, maybe you should go with Mira-“

Mao seemed to have spotted the person she was looking for. She didn’t wait for Nino to finish and pulled him, walking away briskly. Nino turned his head back to Mirai and flashed an apologetic smile.

“Save a dance for me.”

Okay, has his brain cells vaporized? He never voluntarily appears on a dance floor (Being drunk doesn’t count.) Although maybe that was really the case, because it was hitting him now Mao was pulling him towards her dad.

Her dad.

This really isn’t the time to be imagining a slow motion sequence for this scene. And insert suspense-building music.

Where is his rootbeer?

**

He’s always wondered what her dad might look like. Though he never had the desire to actually find out for himself. In front of him. It’s just that he never felt real to him because he wasn’t a part of Mao’s world. He’d gotten used to just he and her own world. But the stories he’d heard had made him imagine him as someone all- powerful, stripped of humanity and could blacken any soul that comes anywhere near him. However, if he wanted to make a good impression, he should probably stop with all thoughts of that. And those thoughts should die with him.

Because right now, he is none too happy as he and Mao stood in front of him and his friends. If Mao was Darth Vader, then he is the Dark Lord Sauron. The One Ring-possessing Sauron. Equipped with the All Power. He could almost hear Mt. Doom.

Nino glanced at Mao. At the challenging grin on her lips. For her dad especially. But between Darth Vader and Sauron (with the One Ring) he somehow had a feeling how this will end up…

It was Mao who had once been committed to making their relationship work… He can’t say the same for her dad…

He leaned a bit closer to her.

“Can we go back to the Shire?” he asked under his breath. He didn’t want to break her confidence by showing that he didn’t support her in this, but he’s really afraid of what her dad might do to her…

“Later, Frodo,” she said. She’s definitely leveling up on coming up with the geeky comebacks. It’s almost like she’s a natural. She then turned her full attention to her dad.

“I believe you haven’t met Kazu yet, Dad!”

Nino gave a swallow.

**

“You came back just to put on that spectacle?” Inoue Tomoya turned around to face his daughter, trying to conceal his disdain.

The door to the study closed behind her.

“I was just trying to update you on how I’ve been so far. But wait, I should know you don’t really care.” She tried to put it mildly. Going against her dad right now would not be helpful. She had already pushed her luck.

She had planned to introduce Kazu formally to her dad. To let him see what a wonderful person he really is. How important he is to her. And the reason why she should stay. Also the reason she’s changed. Not completely but her heart’s in it… But then, one look at the way his eyes went when he saw her… She just crumbled…

“Running away from home. Living with a boy is not something my friends or anyone within earshot should hear about. Have you no shame? This is a family matter. You’ve embarrassed me.”

Family matter? Since when was she a part of this so-called family? She decided to let it slide.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t corroborate the stories you’ve spun but it’s the only way I know hot to get you to talk to me.” It’s sad enough it’s a fact. Hearing it out loud from her own lips just makes it worse.

“Well now you have my attention.” he said. “And the first thing I’m going to do is send you off to New York. Tonight. It’s been long overdue.”

He went to the table and picked up the phone.

“No!” This isn’t going well. She took a few steps forward. She has to do this. She has to.

“Please… Dad…” She had promised herself way before that she won’t beg anymore. Will not ask anything from him like this. Showing him how he affected her so. How he can hurt her like no one can. She hated the sound of her voice right now. Hated letting him see her like this again. But she can’t go… She can’t leave…

She’s always known that one day her dad will grow tired of putting up with her and the problems she provokes. Always been prepared to hear the news he’s decided to send her off some place far from them. So he wouldn’t have to deal with everything anymore. She had taken the news well when Toma told her all about New York a few months ago. In fact, she didn’t care at all. There was nothing for her here anyway. And anyplace will always be the same. She’s tired of fighting it. So let him send her away then.

But that’s not to say she can’t enjoy a few last months of total freedom. Knowing her dad’s probably already got plans for her. So she wouldn’t want to spend her last days in his presence.

And so she’s giving him one last headache. Till the end of summer. And then she’ll gladly board a plane and be off on her own. She’s always been on her own anyway. There’s nothing to hold her back.

But who knew she was going to meet Kazu…

The geeky, obsessed about sci-fi it was getting unhealthy, sometimes short-tempered, never judgmental (only when he compares her to super villains), and always warm and squishy Kazu…

Somehow she’s found a place she can stay. A place for once she feels she actually belongs to. Something she doesn’t want to let go of. And so, doing this is worth it…

“Please… I don’t want to go… Let me stay…” Her voice was trembling slightly. She wanted this so much. And he has to listen to her.

“You are out of control. As evident from your behavior outside.”

“No. That was just- it was just a stupid thing to do. I know now. Please, Dad. I-I didn’t know how to face you. I didn’t know how to talk to you. You have to understand-“

“No, and I never will understand. There’s nothing I can do anymore here. You are-“

“It’s because you’re not even trying!” She almost screamed out. She could feel her defeat and felt helpless. Knowing her dad… She took a deep breath. “It’s the last thing I will ever ask from you again. Just let me stay…”

“I’m trying to change, Dad. I really am. And I’m making progress. I-I can cook a little now. I do the laundry, clean up house. I’m being more responsible. I will change. I want to change. My behavior. Everything. I will not cause you anymore trouble.”

She rambled on, ignoring the sinking feeling she’s never really had a chance of winning this conversation. She should have known, but she had to try… “I can move out permanently. I will stay away as much as possible. Just please, don’t send me away. Not that… If ever I break my word, you can send me anywhere then. You can do anything you want. So please…”

Her dad stood there silently. But she knew his answer even before he spoke. “I’ve given you several chances in the past. Not this time. You can’t change. I saw it myself tonight. There are people in New York that can help straighten you out. You’ve done enough damage here. And I can’t have you influencing Mirai in any way possible.”

She stood there, almost in a daze. Words seem to fail her for a full minute. She can’t allow herself to feel it. Feel the pain he of what he wasn’t saying. She will not cry. She will not.

“Do you hate me that much? That you can’t wait to get me out of your life?” The catch in her voice was a sign her resolve not to cry was crumbling. “Are you listening to yourself? The only person who can fix this is you! And don’t even bring any reason out other than your selfishness.”

“Do you really think after your actions, you’re going to get out of this easily? Do you now what ideas you’re putting into Mirai’s head? That it’s okay to just go out and do everything you want without even thinking of the consequences? That it’s okay to disrespect me?” His voice bit at every word. “You should know better. But what should I expect from someone who goes to live with a complete stranger. And a boy no less.”

Not really mistaking that for concern for her. All he cares about is appearances. “Kazu is a good person. He makes me want to change. He’s more than you’ll ever be.”

His brows snapped together at her admission. He then picked up the phone.” Then tell the good person he’s going back alone tonight.”

The lone tear rolled down her cheek. Mao quickly wiped it away. “End of summer. You can at least give me that, right?”

She didn’t wait for his answer and turned to go.

He looked at the closed door for a while. His eyes went to the phone in his hand.