Mahoromatic – Seasons of Change
By Dr. Memory
(AKA Carl A. Potaczala)
Disclaimer
Mahoromatic and all associated characters are the property of Gainax, TBS, Pioneer LDC and the character creators, Ditama and Nakayama. This story is not written for personal profit, but as a tribute to a wonderful story that I think ended poorly and knowing that as long as I write, Mahoro lives. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
Episode 20: Christmas Confessions
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens showing the outside of the Misato residence, which is decorated with typical Christmas decorations. Scene fades to the kitchen where Mahoro is working and singing a Christmas tune to herself. She is dressed in a red dress with white fur trim. Suguru enters the kitchen. He is wearing a red sweater with Christmas pattern woven in it.
Suguru: Mahoro, it there anything I can help you with?
Mahoro: (Stops singing) I think everything is under control in the kitchen. Does Minawa-chan need any help decorating the living room and dining room?
Suguru: Hamaji-kun, Riku-kun and Kaito-kun are helping her. I feel like I'm in the way out there. Are you sure there isn't something that I can help you with in here?
Mahoro: Until the turkeys are finished cooking, there isn't much left for me to do. I just have a few more vegetables (indicating a rather large basket still half full of assorted vegetables) to cut.
Suguru: (Smiling) I see… only a few… Mahoro, what were you singing?
Mahoro: I don't really know. Just some Christmas song I heard while I was shopping? Why do you ask?
Suguru: No reason in particular… I noticed that you are singing again like before.
Mahoro: Is there a problem with my singing?
Suguru: Oh… no… I love your singing. You have a very sweet sounding voice.
Mahoro: Thank you Suguru.
Suguru: It's just that after we came back from the Command Ship you didn't sing that often. I really missed it… and I was afraid that there was something wrong.
Mahoro: Nothing was wrong. I guess I might have been a bit pre-occupied, but nothing was wrong. (Staring to cut vegetables again) Suguru, could you get me another platter for vegetables.
Suguru: (Going to the cupboard) Sure. Are you going to need more than one?
Mahoro: Probably. While you're there you might as well bring two.
Suguru: (Taking two platters from the cupboard and binging them to Mahoro) Here you go. Anything else?
Mahoro: Not at the moment. I'll need your help once the turkeys are done. I hope I'll have enough food.
Suguru: You're only feeding the people from my class… not the entire school. There will be plenty of food.
Mahoro: Everyone from you class will be here?
Suguru: Everyone. Nayoko-chan even convinced Takara-chan to come.
Mahoro: Do you understand why Takara-chan feels the way she does?
Suguru: Not really. We haven't really talked since the beginning of school.
Mahoro: The fact that we are sharing a bed seems to bother her.
Suguru: There isn't much that I can do about that… Although I think she really doesn't understand the extent of our activities.
Mahoro: True… there isn't much we can do about that. Did you ask Principal Matsuhira?
Suguru: Yes, he will be here… Along with Saori-sensei, Ryuga-sensei and Sera-san.
Mahoro: That should make Kenta-kun happy. Isn't Leesha-san going to be here?
Suguru: She may stop by later with Yasou and the other students from the embassy, but my Grandmother is having a Christmas party for the Saint Embassy staff.
Mahoro: Did your Grandmother and Sera-san have their double date with Sachio-kun and Kenta-kun?
Suguru: Last night. Grandmother said that they went out for dinner and then went to see a movie and then had ice cream afterwards.
Mahoro: (As she finishes filling the first platter with vegetables) It sounds like the relationship between Sera-san and Kenta-kun is getting quite serious.
Suguru: I'm not sure how serious Kenta-kun is, but Sera-san seems to be taking it quite seriously. I just hope neither of them gets hurt.
Mahoro: To me it seems just like when Saori-sensei was chasing after you.
Suguru: Not quite. Sera-san is actually considerably younger than Kenta-kun… and Sera-san is not being as aggressive toward Kenta-kun as Saori-sensei was toward me.
Mahoro: You can say that again. Do you remember the Christmas parry last year? The idea of her taking off her bra and panties to give to you as a Christmas gift.
Suguru: Saori-sensei really was quite outlandish. I like the way she is now, but there are times I miss the old Shikijo-sensei. I admit that there were several occasions… before you came… that I almost gave in to her.
Voice of Saori: Why… I'm honored to hear that.
Both Suguru and Mahoro jump at the sound of Saori's voice. They turn and face Saori who is at the kitchen door carrying a large tray with treats on it.
Suguru: I… ahhh… I… ahhh…
Saori: Although that was before you met Mahoro-san… and it was only an almost.
Mahoro: I didn't hear you come in.
Saori: Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun were putting up decorations outside, so they let me in. I didn't mean to startle you.
Suguru: Startling Mahoro is not a good thing to do when she has a knife in her hand.
Zoom in to show Mahoro's hand, which no longer has a knife in it. Pan up to show the knife embedded in the ceiling.
Saori: (Looking up at the knife) I'll keep that in mind.
Mahoro: It is early… I wasn't expecting you.
Saori: I just stopped by to drop off some treats I made. This is fudge, but instead of being made with chocolate, it is made with almond paste. I understand that somebody likes almonds.
Mahoro: How did you know?
Saori: Chizu-chan finally figured it out. She told me in school yesterday… But you really did have her stumped.
Mahoro: Thank you, but you didn't have to.
Saori: Of course I did. As I've said on more than one occasion, I owe you both so much… not just for the meals I mooched… but for all of the other things you've done to help me get my life together. But that aside, do you need anything from the store? … Ryuga and I are going to get Shiori-chan and Ya-chan.
Mahoro: I don't think so. Everything is almost ready.
Saori: OK, then Ryuga and I will see you later. Where would you like me to leave the fudge?
Mahoro: Just leave it on the table there.
Saori finds space on the table (which is already full of various trays and platters of food) and sets the tray of fudge on the table.
Saori: I will see you later.
Mahoro and Suguru: See you later.
Saori exits the kitchen.
Mahoro: I think she still likes you, Suguru.
Suguru closes his eyes and shakes his head.
Scene fades to Mahoro and Suguru standing at the entrance of the house as Nayoko and Kanoko approach. Both are carrying small packages.
Nayoko: Sorry we're late, but it took forever to convince your sister that it was all right for her to come to the party with me.
Kanoko: But the invitation said that the party was for members of…
Mahoro: (Shaking her head) Kanoko-chan, you are always welcome. Come in please. Almost everyone is here.
Nayoko: Did Takara-chan make it?
Suguru: She's here. She came with Aoi-chan, Midori-chan and Yoko-chan… although she doesn't look all that comfortable.
Nayoko: I'm glad she made it. She has some pretty wild ideas about what goes on in this house.
Mahoro: Hmmm… I should ask her about it. Maybe get some new ideas for things to try.
Nayoko is obviously shocked by Mahoro's comment.
Suguru and Kanoko: Mahoro!
Mahoro: (Broadly smiling) You're no fun… Please come in and have something to eat. Saori-sensei, Ryuga-sensei, Shiori-chan and Ya-chan are the only ones who aren't here yet. Oh! Kanoko-chan… Akiko-chan and Nekoto-chan are here also. Chiako-chan and Sanako-chan may be here later after they are done with work.
Nayoko: (To Kanoko) See, I told you they would be here.
Mahoro: Please come in and make yourself at home.
Nayoko and Kanoko enter.
Mahoro: I hope nothing has happened to Saori-sensei, Ryuga-sensei, Shiori-chan or Ya-chan.
Suguru: I don't think anything has happened. The trains are always packed and running late on Christmas Eve.
Mahoro: Of course you're right… I'm going to go and make sure there is enough food out.
Suguru: I'm sure that Minawa-chan is taking care of that, not that I can imagine that the first platters you put out are anywhere close to empty. Is something wrong Mahoro?
Mahoro: I guess I'm a bit nervous. I want everything to be perfect for all of your friends.
Suguru: Mahoro, you have nothing to worry about. Everything is perfect. In fact… everything is better than perfect…
Mahoro looks at Suguru quizzically.
Suguru: You're here with me… and that makes everything so much better.
Suguru and Mahoro embrace and kiss.
Voice of Shiori: If you're going to do that, go to your own room.
Voice of Saori: I seem to remember someone telling them that once.
Suguru and Mahoro continue to embrace and kiss.
Voice of Yaeko: Oh! Geez! I think they're gonna do it right on their front porch.
Mahoro and Suguru break their embrace, both smiling. They turn and face Saori, Ryuga, Shiori and Yaeko who are walking up the walk toward the front door.
Mahoro: We'll have to ask Chizu-chan's dad if that is as good of place as any also.
Saori: (Shaking her head) You two… Sorry we're so late, but the train service is all messed up tonight.
Shiori: And we had to stop back at my sister's apartment since she forgot to bring her gift for tonight.
Saori: I didn't forget. I didn't see any point in carrying it all that time.
Mahoro: Well, come in and have something to eat. I'm sure that Hamaji-kun wants to get the gift exchange going as soon as possible.
Shiori: Hamaji-kun?
Suguru: The gift exchange is always his little pet project… It always turns out funny, although last year was the best.
Both Mahoro and Saori give Suguru a bit of an evil look.
Shiori: I won't ask.
Suguru opens the front door and allows Saori, Ryuga, Shiori and Yaeko to enter the house followed by Mahoro and Suguru. Scene shifts to interior of the house showing the living room and dining room filled (pan room) with the members of Suguru's class, Kanoko, Akiko and Nekoto; Sera and Principal Matsuhira. Slash is curled up on the floor next to the chair where Umeko is sitting.
Voice of Hamaji: It's about time. (Hamaji walks over to Saori, Ryuga, Shiori and Yaeko) I almost started without you. Give me your gift and I will assign it a number and we can get started.
Mahoro: Give them a chance to catch their breath and have something to eat. The gift exchange can wait a bit. (To Saori, Ryuga, Shiori and Yaeko) Give him your gifts and go and have some of the turkey.
Saori: Is this the same turkey as last year?
Mahoro: From the Henderson Farm in Kentucky, USA. I had them fly in four of them this year.
Saori: Four of them… Suguru-kun, you're going to be eating turkey for the next two weeks.
Suguru: Maybe even longer. (Looking at his watch) Hamaji-kun, why don't we start the exchange in about a half hour and let people talk a little longer.
Mahoro: Hamaji-kun, do you have film for your camera?
Hamaji: (Holding up the camera that is hanging from a strap around his neck) No need. Mi-chan and I exchanged gifts earlier today. She gave me this. It's a digital camera. She said that she remembered that she and I had to go out and get film.
Suguru: So what did you get for Minawa-chan?
Hamaji: She's wearing it… around her neck. (Focus in on Minawa across the room and then zoom to the jewelry suspended from a thing chain around her neck) It's a locket. I'm sure she'll show it to you when she gets the chance. (Refocus on Hamaji, Mahoro, and Suguru) So what did you and Mahoro get for each other?
Suguru: We haven't exchanged our gifts yet. We're waiting for after the party.
Mahoro: (As Mahoro walks toward the kitchen) Suguru, I'm going to check to see if I need to bring out more food. Could you find Rin-chan and ask her to join me in the kitchen.
Suguru: Sure Mahoro.
Hamaji: (Taking the gifts from Saori, Ryuga, Shiori and Yaeko and walking toward the gift table) Let me number these gifts and get them ready for the exchange.
Saori: I need to ask Principal Matsuhira something… I'll be right back. You girls should know most of the people here from the trip to the resort.
Saori walks to where Principal Matsuhira is standing and talking with Nayoko and Kanoko. Shiori and Yaeko walk over to the table where the food is displayed leaving Ryuga and Suguru standing together.
Suguru: (To Ryuga) How are you dealing with the Christmas holiday?
Ryuga: I hope Saori likes the gift I purchased for her.
Suguru: Don't worry. I'm sure she'll like anything you got for her… And if it makes you feel any better, I didn't have an easy time of picking out something for Mahoro.
Ryuga: Will it always be this difficult?
Suguru: Probably… as long as Saori-sensei is someone special to you. Come on, let's find Rin-chan and then we can have some of Mahoro's punch.
Scene fades, as Suguru walk to find Rin, to Hamaji standing by the gift table mixing slips of paper in a box wrapped with red paper. Suguru and Mahoro are standing to the left of Hamaji and Minawa (dresses in a red maid's uniform) to the right of Hamaji
Hamaji: Now, the way we will do this is, everyone will draw a slip of paper from the box. The numbers on the slips of paper correspond to a gift and that is the gift you get from the exchange.
Kiyomi: And I'll assume that you'll draw first so you can get the gift you want…
Hamaji: Now why would I do that? No actually, I will take the last slip of paper that's left in the box… just to keep things fair. But before we start, I was going through the gifts and arranging them and I found this gift that didn't have a number on it, but it does seem to be designated for someone specific. In fact I would say that someone has a secret admirer. Let me read this if I can… the handwriting is terrible. (Clearing his throat) From S A N T A C L A W S (Both Suguru and Mahoro look with suspicion at Slash who is still curled up next to the chair where Umeko is sitting) To Umeko Kitamura.
Hamaji walks over and hand the poorly wrapped package to Umeko.
Aoi: Wow! Umeko-chan has a secret lover. Come on, open it up and let's see what it is.
Umeko: (As she slowly opens the package) I really don't understand who it could be. (Looking at the opened package) Oh! (Smiling) This isn't from some secret lover. I know exactly whom this is from. I just want to know how you got it.
Roka: What is it?
Umeko: It's a CD from a band from the United States, but their CD's are really hard to get, (Holding up the CD) especially their first CD.
Tori: So how do you know who gave it to you?
Umeko: You should know. I was telling you, Yoko-chan and Kioko-chan at the resort. I just want to know how you got this. I've been looking on the Internet for it for months and I couldn't find anyplace that sold it.
Tori-chan, Yoko-chan and Kioko-chan look at each other for a moment.
Yoko: Umeko-chan, we didn't have anything to do with getting you that CD.
Kioko: I barely remember you telling us about it.
Tori: And I don't think any of us told anyone else.
Suguru looks at Slash, who smiles back weakly to Suguru.
Midori: Now we have a real mystery.
Hamaji: It's no real mystery… it had to be someone here… and not something we can't figure out later. So let's get to the gift exchange. Midori-chan, why don't you go first? (Midori takes a slip of paper from the box and shows it to Hamaji) Number sixteen. Mi-chan, I think that gift is on your side.
Minawa turns and finds the gift with the number sixteen on it and gives it to Midori.
Hamaji: All right, who's next?
As Yoko picks a slip from the box the scene fades to Mahoro and Suguru standing with Leesha, Yasou, Miyuki, Riku, Natsune and Yukio.
Mahoro: I'm glad that you all could make it. It's just too bad that you missed the gift exchange.
Leesha: We had a little party and gift exchange at the embassy.
Suguru: (To Natsune) So you and Akine and Harune went to the embassy party?
Natsune: Akio-kun invited Harune-chan and mom and dad didn't want her going by herself, so we tagged along. So Onee-chan, how did the gift exchange go?
Yasou: I understand that the gift exchange generated some interesting situations.
Miyuki: Most of the gifts were pretty typical… books… CDs… games…
Riku: Saori-sensei didn't look particularly happy when Ryuga-sensei received that hand-held game.
Suguru: I think I'll have to have a talk with him about that.
Miyuki: And you should have seen Takara-chan's face when she opened her gift.
Mahoro: I though she was going to walk out.
Yasou: What did she get?
Miyuki: Chizu-chan always gives an ecchi video. Last year, Rin-chan got it. This year Takara-chan got it.
Yasou: You're right. I would like to have seen that.
Miyuki: The big mystery though this year, at least for some people, is who is Umeko-chan's secret admirer.
Suguru: That, and who gave the handcuffs that Principal Matsuhira got as a gift.
Miyuki: I had no idea that Principal Matsuhira was going to participate in the gift exchange.
Natsune: Onee-chan, you gave the principal handcuffs for a Christmas gift?
Miyuki: (Blushing) I didn't say that.
Leesha: Riku-kun, were you able to find everything you were looking for?
Riku: Ahhh… yes… at least almost everything, but ahhh… I… ummm.
Leesha: Oh! Right. I'll talk to you later about it.
Miyuki: Kaito-kun was right. You are up to something. Come on, what is it?
Riku: Please, I'll explain later.
Mahoro: Speaking of Kaito-kun, I haven't seen him for some time.
Suguru: He and Chizu-chan excused themselves not long after the gift exchange finished. Something about going out for dinner with Chizu-chan's parents.
Miyuki: Chizu-chan going out for dinner after all she ate here. I don't think I'll be able to eat for a week.
Suguru: You know Chizu-chan. If food is involved…
Riku: Leesha-san, could I talk with you for a moment… please?
Leesha: Of course.
Riku: (As he and Leesha walk away) I'll be back in a moment.
Miyuki: I don't know. Riku hasn't been himself since last week. He's been out talking with Leesha-san and Hamaji-kun's mother since Sunday and he's really been quiet whenever I ask him about it.
Suguru: Remember, this is his first Christmas… and the first time he has had an opportunity to get something special for you. He's probably nervous about making sure it just right. He's probably as nervous as I was about my first gift to Mahoro.
Miyuki: You're probably right. Hey, when the party finishes here, would you like to come to the baths. Dad just put the finishing touches on the family baths. Would you like to try them out?
Mahoro: Sure, if it's not too late.
Zoom to show Mahoro, Suguru, Miyuki, Natsune, Yukio and Yasou in the foreground and Riku talking with Leesha in the background.
Cut to mid-show break
Opens showing Miyuki, Riku, Mahoro, Suguru, Natsune, Yukio, Harune, Akio and Akine walking along the street to the baths. Riku is carrying two large bags, both obviously filled with wrapped packages.
Mahoro: Thank you so much for your help cleaning up.
Miyuki: No problem. I'm really looking forward to a nice hot bath. It's just too bad that the rest of the crew couldn't make it.
Suguru: Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun are spending the evening with Hamaji-kun's parents and Rin-chan said that they need to get ready for Chizu-chan's parents' party.
Riku: Kiyomi-kun hoped that they had enough in stock. The reception at the embassy put a big dent in their stock and he wasn't sure if another shipment would come in before the party.
Miyuki: I expected Saori-sensei, Ryuga-sensei, Ya-chan and Shiori-chan to stop in at least.
Natsune: I'm not sure how well Ya-chan was feeling. She was very quiet most of the evening and after I saw her talking with Leesha-san, I thought she was going to cry.
Suguru: I hope nothing has happened with Hana-chan.
Harune: Who is Hana-chan?
Suguru: Ahhh… she's someone that Ya-chan met when she was in the hospital for tests. She is very ill and she went to the Command Ship for treatment.
Harune: If the doctors at the Command Ship are taking care of Hana-chan, I'm sure that she will get better.
Miyuki: (To Riku) Would you like some help carrying those packages?
Riku: I'm fine.
Miyuki: You know, you didn't have to buy gifts for everyone.
Riku: I know, but just bear with me. Suguru-kun gave me the part of the idea so you can blame him.
Miyuki looks over at Suguru questioningly, but Suguru only shrugs his shoulders.
Riku: All I ask is that you let me set something up first before we go into the baths. I'd really like for your mom and dad to participate also. It's just something that I remember from our ship and it seems to go with the Christmas theme.
All continue walking, but Natsune, Akine and Yukio drop back a bit to talk.
Natsune: (Quietly) Yukio-kun, do you have any idea about what he's talking about?
Yukio: Not really, but each ship seems to have it's own set of traditions and many of the old customs are not practiced on the Command Ship.
Akine: Onee-chan has been concerned about Riku-kun. He's been very quiet lately… not that he isn't quiet normally, but even more so.
Yukio: I don't have a clue.
Natsune: (After a moment of silence) Yukio-kun, I was wondering… would you like to go to the Shrine with me on New Years day. I mean, if you don't have any other plans.
Yukio: I don't think I have any other plans, but I don't understand the significance of going to the Shrine.
Akine: It's an Earth tradition. Friends and family go to the Temple together on New Years Day to pray for blessings for the New Year.
Yukio: I guess we have a similar tradition aboard our ship, but each residence or group of residences has their own Shrine. I wasn't quite sure what we were going to do this year.
Natsune: Well if it's all right with your mom and dad, you could come with me… and no wise cracks out of you little sister.
Akine: I wouldn't think of it. I was going to ask Misaki-chan and Tani-chan if they would like to go with me.
Scene fades to Saori and Ryuga sitting on the couch together. Ryuga is playing a hand held game (and is quite engrossed in playing) while Saori sits next to him scowling. The game plays a short victory fanfare.
Ryuga: Yes, I cleared level seventeen.
Saori: (Sigh) Ryuga, may we talk for a moment?
Ryuga: Ahhh… sure.
Ryuga presses a button on the game to turn it off and sets it down on the couch next to him.
Saori: I didn't mean for you to turn it off. I just wanted you to pause it for a moment.
Ryuga: No, that's OK.
Saori: But didn't you lose all of the effort you put in to get to that level.
Ryuga: Not really. I have all of the moves I made stored in my battle processor. I can always get back to where I was before and the real challenge is to improve my time and my reflexes. So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?
Saori: Ummm… ahhh… (Sighs and bows her head) I guess I was feeling a little bit ignored.
Ryuga: I'm sorry. I do get preoccupied when I'm playing these games, don't I.
Saori: A bit…
Ryuga: I don't mean to ignore you… I really don't… Please, whenever you feel that way, tell me. I'm still kind of new to this relating with humans thing. And it certainly won't hurt my feelings if you tell me to pay attention to you.
Saori: It is kind of funny. I'm really new to relating with humans too… at least in a civilized way. When I dropped the fudge off for the party, I overheard something that really made me think.
Ryuga: What do you mean?
Saori: Last year I sort of invited myself to Mahoro-san's and Suguru-kun's Christmas party… And I did some pretty obscene things while I was there. When I think back to the way I was, I really wasn't very human. And if it weren't for Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san, I don't know what I would be doing today.
Ryuga: Suguru-kun is still very special to you.
Saori: Yes he is, but not in the same way as before. He's like a big brother… that just happens to be ten years younger than me. I have never met anyone like him.
Ryuga: I think you're right. (Silence) Oh! With my preoccupation with my game, I almost forgot. I have something for you.
Saori: I have something for you too. I really had a hard time finding a Christmas gift for you.
Ryuga: It took me a long time to find the right thing for you also.
Saori: (Standing up) I'll be right back.
Saori walks to a bookshelf and opens the door to the cabinet base and takes a small wrapped package from one of the shelves. She returns to the couch and sits back down next to Ryuga (although a bit closer than before)
Saori: (Handing the gift to Ryuga) I… I… hope you like it.
Ryuga unwraps the small box and opens the box to show a set of matching cuff links and tie tack.
Ryuga: Thank you. They are very nice.
Saori: I know it's not much, but I just couldn't find anything that I thought would be right for you.
Ryuga: They are very nice… especially since they came from you.
Ryuga embraces Saori and gives her a kiss.
Ryuga: (After breaking the embrace, Ryuga removes a small unwrapped jewelry box from his jacket pocket) When I was shopping for your gift, I was thinking about many things that we have talked about, and about the other people here on Earth who have become my family. I'm not very good at wrapping things. Sera had to wrap the gift I took for the gift exchange. I hope this is to your liking.
Ryuga hands the box to Saori whose hands are trembling. She slowly opens the box to show a white gold ring mounted with one large diamond and six smaller diamonds around it.
Ryuga: Saori Shikijo, will you consent to be my wife?
Saori holds the box for a moment, looking first at the ring and then at Ryuga.
Saori: I… ahhh… I don't know what… what to say.
Voice of Shiori: Say yes you idiot. It's very simple. All you need to say is yes.
Saori jumps, startled by the sound of Shiori's voice. Saori turns to the sound of the voice to see Shiori and Yaeko peering out the door of the bedroom where the two are supposed to be sleeping.
Saori: You two are supposed to be in bed and asleep.
Shiori: Fine… fine… we'll get back to that in a minute, but right now you owe someone an answer. And if the answer isn't yes, I'm going to come out there and kick you.
Saori's attention turns back to Ryuga who is smiling broadly, trying to suppress a laugh.
Ryuga: Maybe you should do as she says. I have a feeling that a kick from your sister would really hurt.
Saori begins to smile, and almost begins to laugh.
Saori: I think you're right. Then I really don't have any choice in the matter. Ryuga Tou, I most willingly consent to be your wife.
Shiori: OK… That's taken care of. Now Ya-chan and I can get back to bed and you two can get to doing what two almost married people do.
With Shiori and Yaeko still looking on, Saori and Ryuga embrace and kiss.
Scene fades to Sera and Kenta walking to Kenta's house.
Sera: Thank you for walking with me, Kenta-kun.
Kenta: No, I should say thank you for walking with me. That was a really fun party. Did you enjoy yourself?
Sera: I really did, especially when Takara-chan opened her gift.
Kenta: I can't believe that Chizu-chan would give a gift like that.
Sera: Suguru-kun says that she has been giving gifts like that for the last few years. Originally they were meant for Suguru-kun, but last year Rin-chan got it. This year she did it more as a joke just to see how people would react.
Kenta: Do you have any idea who gave the gift to Umeko-chan? It really has her flustered.
Sera: I'm not sure, but I have a suspicion.
Kenta: I have a suspicion also, but I don't think she is ready to hear it.
Sera: I don't think so either.
Kenta: Sera-chan… We should probably say goodnight here. My parents are still unsure about you and me going out together.
Sera: All the more reason for me to escort you home. If they think we are sneaking around and doing things, they will always have misgivings about me. But I wouldn't mind a goodnight kiss here.
Kenta: (Smiling) Sure, I wouldn't mind a goodnight kiss either.
Sera and Kenta embrace and in turn, give each other a kiss on the cheek. Both smile as they break the embrace.
Sera: Well, let's get you home so that your parents don't think I'm trying to seduce you and steal you away.
Kenta: Maybe some day you could steal me away.
Sera and Kenta then continue to walk as the scene fades to the living room of the Sakura house. There in the living room are Mr. and Mrs. Sakura, Miyuki, Riku, Mahoro, Suguru, Natsune, Yukio, Akine, Harune and Akio.
Riku: Thank you for letting me do this. On our ship, there was nothing like Christmas or any other holiday that involved the exchange of gifts like you do here on Earth. But I was thinking and there were several special occasions when gift giving was done, usually with a very formal ceremony. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit homesick, but I'd like to demonstrate one of those occasions… if you don't mind.
Miyuki: So this is what you were up to. Why didn't you just say so?
Riku: Well, I wanted to make sure I had everything right first and I needed to get some help from Leesha-san.
Miyuki: And that's why you were spending so much time talking to her… but why did you need to talk so much with Mrs. Hamaguchi?
Riku: You'll see in a minute.
Harune: Is there anything in this for me, or can Akio and I go use the baths.
Mrs. Sakura: Harune… be polite.
Riku: Actually there is something in this for you.
Harune: Then I'll stick around.
Riku: OK, like I said this is a bit formal, so I need everyone to be in the right spot for this all to work. Mr. Sakura could you sit here. (indicating a place on the floor; Riku pauses after each instruction allowing the person to move to the indicated position) And Mrs. Sakura could you sit her to Mr. Sakura's right… Natsune-chan, could you sit to the right of your mother… and Akine-chan sit to the right of Natsune-chan… and Harune-chan to the right of Akine-chan. OK, now, just so that you have someplace to stand, Yukio-kun, please stand behind Natsune-chan…. And Akio-kun could you stand behind Harune-chan… you can put your right hand on her shoulder if you like.
Miyuki: Mom… Dad… Are you all right with all of this?
Mr. Sakura: Don't worry about it. Riku-kun seems to have gone through quite a bit of effort. I'm not going to ruin everything for him.
Riku: Miyuki, could you kneel, like for a tea ceremony, to the left of your father… yes, right there… no… back maybe about a foot. That's perfect.
Miyuki: I feel silly… Have you been taking lessons from Hamaji-kun for setting up some of his infamous group pictures?
Riku: This is almost exactly how it would be done on my ship. I wish Kaito hadn't taken off so suddenly. I could have used his help. Now, I have to get one other thing ready, so if you could just wait for a moment. Suguru-kun, could you come with me and help me for a moment. Mahoro-san, I could use your help also. We'll be back in a minute.
Riku, Mahoro and Suguru leave the living room and go into the kitchen. Riku takes the bags of packages with him.
Miyuki: Yukio.. Akio… Do you have any idea what Riku is doing?
Yukio: Not really. The agriculture ships have a much older set of traditions. On the Command Ship we have almost no formal rituals, probably because our ancestors came from all of the other ships, so traditions and rituals were mixed and many were lost. Misaki-chan was telling me about some of the traditions on the city ship she came from, and we have nothing like it on the Command Ship.
Akine: Some of those traditions may be because more than sixty-five percent of the population is female.
Yukio: I didn't realize that.
Mrs. Sakura: Well, whatever he is doing, I'm willing to humor him. He really is a nice young man.
Mahoro and Suguru re-enter the room. Suguru is carrying one bag and Mahoro is carrying the other. Riku enters after Mahoro and Suguru position themselves facing the Sakura family about six feet away, Mahoro standing directly across from Miyuki and Suguru standing directly across from Mr. Sakura. Riku is wearing a light blue, just short of floor length robe. The opening of the robe is decorated with a darker blue band of material (about two inches wide) that is edged with yellow. The sleeves (the openings of which drape down almost twelve inches) are similarly trimmed. The robe is tied closed with a sash of the darker blue material, edged in yellow and with a dark blue fringe at each end. Riku stands between Mahoro (to his right) and Suguru (to his left). There is a little snicker from Akine. Miyuki is just staring blankly at Riku.
Riku: Please don't laugh. I will have enough problems remembering the ritual as it is. If I start to laugh, it will be all over. (Riku takes a deep breath and then continues) Please understand that this is not exactly as it would be done on my ship, but Leesha-san helped me modify it to better fit the situation tonight.
Riku walks till he is directly across from Harune. Suguru follows him, carrying the bag of packages. Mahoro smiles at Miyuki and Miyuki forces a smile to her face. Riku takes a package from the bag, kneels down in front of Harune, extends the package to Harune while bowing his head low.
Riku: Harune-ojōsama, I wish you and yours health and good fortune. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation of the good will you have shown to me.
Harune: Ahhh… ahhh… I… ahhh…
Riku: (Quietly) All you need to do is to take the package and say thank you… and you can even open it right away.
Harune: Thank you very much, Riku-kun.
Harune takes the gift and opens it as Riku straightens up from his bow. The package contains a stuffed Tiger (Tigger).
Harune: Thank you very much. I don't have one like this. Thank you very much Riku-kun.
Riku: You are very welcome Harune-ojōsama.
Riku gets up from the kneeling position and steps in front of Akine, takes a package from the bag and assumes the kneeling position as before in front of Akine.
Riku: (Bowing low as before) Akine-ojōsama, I wish you health and good fortune. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation of the good will you have shown to me.
Akine: Thank you very much, Riku-kun
Akine opens her package revealing a book.
Akine: This is brand new. I didn't even know it was available yet. Thank you.
Riku: You are very welcome Akine-ojōsama.
Riku again stands up and repeats the process with Natsune.
Riku: Natsune-ojōsama, I wish you and yours health and good fortune. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation of the good will you have shown to me.
Natsune: Thank you very much, Riku-kun… but what's this thing with the "and yours"?
Riku lifts his head slightly from his bow and smiles at Natsune. Natsune opens the package, which is a music CD.
Natsune: Onee-chan must have told you that I didn't have this one. Thank you.
Riku: You are very welcome Natsune-ojōsama.
Riku stands up and positions himself in front of Mrs. Sakura, but instead of a wrapped package, Riku presents an envelope.
Riku: Sakura-ojōsama, I wish you and yours health and good fortune. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation of the good will you have shown to me.
Riku recovers from his bow.
Mrs. Sakura: I've never been referred to as a princess before. (Opening the envelope) Certificates for dinner… for two. Thank you very much, Riku-kun. That was very kind of you.
Riku: You are most welcome Sakura-ojōsama.
Riku bows again and then stands. Quite slowly and reverently he moves to stand across from Mr. Sakura. Riku kneels first and then bows.
Riku: Sakura-dono, I wish you and yours health and good fortune. (Riku straightens up from his bow turns to Suguru who hands him a bottle of sake from the bag) Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation of the good will you have shown to me. (Presents the bottle of sake to Mr. Sakura)
Mr. Sakura: Thank you, Riku-kun. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the formal title, but thank you. (Laughing) You know, you are almost part of the family.
Miyuki looks at Riku with a questioning look. Riku returns the look with a smile.
Miyuki: (To herself) What is he up to? All of this formality. I'm half expecting Hamaji-kun to show up… and… take… a… … picture. (Aloud) Riku!
Riku: (Bowing again, with his head almost touching the floor) Sakura-dono, I ask… no I beg a favor of you. I ask you and yours permission to ask your lovely daughter, Miyuki-ojōsama, to be my wife. I promise that I will love and care for your daughter so long as I will live. I will provide for her comfort always and protect her from all harm, sacrificing my life in her defense. I will do nothing that will bring disgrace or dishonor to her name. To this end I pledge my life to her.
Riku remains bowed. Mr. Sakura slowly turns his head and looks at his wife who has likewise turned to look at her husband. After a moment, Mr. Sakura turns and looks at Miyuki who has a look of shock on her face. Mr. Sakura looks back at Riku and then back to Miyuki, who, slowly nods her head.
Mr. Sakura: Riku-kun… you have my wife's and my permission to ask Miyuki to marry you.
Riku, still on his knees and still bowed turns his body to face Miyuki.
Riku: Miyuki-ojōsama, will you consent, when the time is appropriate, to marry me and be my wife, that I might be your husband, that we might be by each other's side forever and for always.
Miyuki: (Smiling and fighting back tears) Riku, you fool, I consent, when the time is appropriate, to marry you and to be your wife and to have you as my husband, that we might be by each other's side forever and for always.
Riku recovers from his bow.
Riku: Miyuki-ojōsama, please accept this gift as a token of my pledge to you… Mahoro-san…
Mahoro takes from the bag she is carrying a box. She moves to hand the box to Riku.
Riku: No, if you would please. Open the box and present it to Miyuki- ojōsama. I'm not permitted to touch it until she has worn it.
Mahoro opens the box and takes from it a robe of similar design to the one Riku is wearing, except that the material is white and trimmed with red. The sash is also white and is trimmed in red, with a red fringe at the ends. Mahoro advances to Miyuki and, after helping her to stand up, helps her put the robe on and then wraps the sash around and ties it. During the process, Riku stands up and once the robe is secured in place, Riku walks to Miyuki, takes her first by the hand, and then embraces her.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Riku and Kaito lying in their beds talking. The scene then shifts to Miyuki and Natsune sitting in the bath and talking. The scene shifts to Yaeko and Shiori talking in the guest room at Saori's apartment. Scene shifts to Suguru handing a wrapped package to Mahoro. Scene shifts to a frantic Umeko talking with Nayoko and Kanoko.
Voice Over
Voice of Kiyomi: That was some party. And Riku-kun really put on some production proposing to Miyuki.
Voice of Hamaji: Kaito doesn't look all that happy about it. I think it really took Miyuki by surprise too.
Voice of Kiyomi: I think it took everyone by surprise. And Ryuga-sensei actually got up the courage to propose to Saori-sensei
Voice of Hamaji: Hey, we're not supposed to know about that yet.
Voice of Rin: Know about what?
Voice of Kiyomi: Nothing… Nothing…
Voice of Hamaji: I wonder what Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san got for each other.
Voice of Kiyomi: Knowing Suguru-kun, he probably got something very practical for Mahoro-san, but after Suguru-kun's birthday present, I'm not sure what Mahoro-san will get for him.
Voice of Rin: Umeko-chan is still trying to figure out who got her gift for her.
Voice of Kiyomi: She doesn't look pleased.
Voice of Hamaji: I don't think she'll be any more pleased when she finds out who it is.
Episode 21: Midnight Reflections and Dawning Feelings