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.