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 21: Midnight Reflections and Dawning Feelings
Show opens with the regular theme
Show opens with Riku and Kaito lying in their beds.
Kaito: You're an idiot.
Riku: I know. You've told me that twenty times now.
Kaito: That doesn't change anything. You're still an idiot.
Riku: Twenty-one
Kaito: What would you have done if Miyuki-chan had said no? Or what would you have done if her mother or father had said no?
Riku: The point is though that they didn't. Miyuki agreed to marry me and I couldn't be happier.
Kaito: Do Miyuki-chan and her parents realize that at least by Saint tradition, you already are married?
Riku: I explained everything to them afterwards… and the fact that I had changed the wording sufficiently that, even by Saint tradition, it was not a binding marriage ceremony. I went over everything with Leesha-san and Ambassador Hoshi to make sure. So what is your problem? Are you angry because you didn't think of it first?
Kaito: (Silence) No, I'm not angry. Although I would have liked to be there when you did it.
Riku: You took off before I could tell you.
Kaito: Didn't you know you were going to do this tonight?
Riku: I wasn't sure I would be able to. I didn't get Miyuki's wedding dress until an hour before the party and I had to talk to Leesha-san about a few loose ends at the party. I didn't realize she was going to be that late.
Kaito: Where did you get the wedding dress?
Riku: Leesha-san got the pattern for me and Mrs. Hamaguchi made it.
Kaito: And where did you get your robe from?
Riku: I borrowed it from Ambassador Hoshi, although I'm going to see if Mrs. Hamaguchi can duplicate it.
Kaito: How does it feel to be married?
Riku: Engaged! …. It feels like… like… I can't really describe it. It feels like I given a part of me away, but like I've gotten even more in return… Are you going to ask Chizu-chan to marry you?
Kaito: If you must know, I think I already did.
Riku: What do you mean you think you already did?
Kaito: Back when Chizu found out about her medical condition… I asked her if someday she might be interested in marrying me.
Riku: And what did she say?
Kaito: That someday she might be interested in being my wife.
Riku: That sounds like a real commitment.
Kaito: I was going to ask her tonight but things didn't quite work out like I wanted them to.
Riku: In other words, you wimped out.
Kaito: I didn't wimp out. I didn't expect that Chizu's parents would be going out for dinner with twenty other people tonight. I had hoped it would have been a quiet dinner with just Chizu and me and her parents.
Riku: So, when are you going to do it?
Kaito: I don't know… but soon. (Silence) Do you think our parents approve of our choices?
Riku: I think so.
Kaito: (Silence) Riku, were you all that confident that Miyuki-chan and her parents would say yes?
Riku: Honestly… I was scared to death. I almost backed out when it was time to dress for the ritual. I had to explain to Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun what I was going to do… and when I told them that I was afraid, Suguru-kun said that if it is meant to happen, it will happen. But both Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun seemed absolutely certain that it was meant to happen.
Slow pan to ceiling.
Kaito: You know that I really am happy for you.
Riku: Thank you.
Kaito: (Silence) But you're still an idiot.
Riku: Twenty-two.
View of the ceiling fades to that of the ceiling in the "family baths" at the Sakura baths. There is a slow pan down to show Miyuki sitting in the bath. She is lying back in the bath, staring at the ceiling.
Voice of Natsune: Onee-chan… are you all right?
Miyuki returns to reality at the sound of Natsune's voice.
Miyuki: Oh! … I'm fine. I just couldn't sleep.
Natsune: I wonder why… Do you mind if I join you?
Miyuki: Sure… but why are you up?
Natsune: (Natsune undresses, back to the viewer) Probably for the same reason you are. I'm excited about Riku-kun's proposal and excited for you.
Miyuki: I could have hit him. All of that ceremony.
Natsune: You do have to admit… it was impressive.
Miyuki: (Silence) That it was. (Shaking her head) Ojōsama…
Natsune: (Walking to the shower and rinsing) The robe he gave you is beautiful.
Miyuki: That robe is my wedding dress… My wedding dress… Somehow, the only way I could ever imagine wearing a wedding dress was standing next to Suguru-kun.
Natsune: But Suguru-kun is already taken.
Miyuki: I know... He and I worked that out a while ago. And now that I think about it, he was always more like a big brother than anything else.
Natsune: (Turning off the shower and walking to the bath and stepping in; head shot only) Except when you had to protect him from getting beaten up.
Miyuki: Yeah.
Natsune: So how does it feel to be engaged?
Miyuki: I can't describe it. Part of me is keeps saying that it's just a dream… but another part is begging that it isn't.
Natsune: Yukio-kun said that he didn't recognize what Riku-kun was doing until he got to the end. Yukio-kun says that was almost precisely a Saint wedding ceremony.
Miyuki: That's what Riku said.
Natsune: Would it really be all that bad if you and Riku-kun were actually married right now?
Miyuki: (Silence) I guess it wouldn't be.
Natsune: You would be in bed with him right now.
Miyuki: Don't get your perverted mind going there. Are you ready to be the good aunt who helps change diapers?
Natsune: Euuu! No I guess not.
Miyuki: Well I'm not ready to change diapers and do middle of the night feedings and all that other stuff. I remember all of that, especially when Akine and Harune were born.
Natsune: I don't remember what it was like when Akine was born… and all I remember of Harune was her screaming in the middle of the night.
Miyuki: You did your share of screaming too… How are things between you and Yukio-kun?
Natsune: Please don't start with that. That's all I hear at school. (Sarcastic imitation of another voice) How are things going between you and Yukio-kun? (Natsune's normal voice) Yukio-kun and I are just friends.
Miyuki: It just seems like you are one of very few. Yasou-kun told me that Yukio-kun is not even close to any of the others from the embassy.
Natsune: He seems to have problems around large groups of people. There have been a few times when I thought he was going to run away when he was confronted by four or five people at once. He seems like a very nice young man, but he also seems like he is very hard to get to know… I did ask him if he would go to the Shrine with me on New Years Day.
Miyuki: (Smiling) That's good. (Silence) Natsune, what do you think of Riku?
Natsune: Does that really matter?
Miyuki: No, not really. I was just wondering.
Natsune: He is handsome. He's seems strong and assertive and yet very gentle and kind. You can feel that his life has not been easy. You can also feel how much he loves you, Miyuki.
Miyuki: I know… I can feel it also. I hope I can love him as much as I feel he loves me.
Natsune: Don't be silly. Of course you can… (Silence) Hey, I meant to ask. We all know what Riku-kun got you for Christmas. What did you get him?
Miyuki: (Blushing) I feel so silly about that.
Natsune: What did you get him?
Miyuki: Well, he's been helping dad so much around the baths and he's really gotten very good with doing the piping and well…
Natsune: So you got him his own set of tools?
Miyuki: (Head bowed) I got him his own set of tools.
Natsune: How utterly romantic.
Miyuki: I know. After his little ceremony, when it was time to give him his gift, I felt like crawling into a little hole and hiding. But you know what he said when I gave them to him?
Natsune: I'm sure it was something absolutely romantic, but what did he say?
Miyuki: Riku said thank you for having the confidence in him that he would be able to help father with the baths.
Natsune: Riku-kun really is something else. I think you are one very lucky woman to have found someone like him.
Miyuki: I think so too. Thank you Natsune.
Natsune: For what?
Miyuki: For being here to talk with me when I really needed it.
Natsune: No problem. That is what sisters are for.
Natsune slides over right next to Miyuki and gives her sister a hug.
Scene fades to the guest room in Saori's apartment where Shiori and Yaeko are lying in their futons.
Shiori: I still don't believe it. My sister is finally getting married.
Yaeko: Your sister really didn't know what to say when Ryuga-san asked her.
Shiori: I'm surprised he got the courage together to say how he felt. Sera-san is going to have a fit.
Yaeko: And what is with Sera-san. Does she really have a thing for a fifteen-year-old boy?
Shiori: That's not funny. Remember my sister used to chase after Suguru-kun. But when you think about it, Sera-san is what, five or six years old?
Yaeko: I guess you're right.
Shiori: Remember, we can't tell anyone until Saori has a chance to tell my mom and dad.
Yaeko: I understand that.
There is a long moment of uncomfortable silence.
Shiori: Ya-chan, is there something wrong?
Yaeko: No, not really. Why do you ask?
Shiori: It's just that you've been very quiet tonight and I was concerned.
Yaeko: It's just that I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. And Doctor Kasumi and Commander Leesha have been keeping me up to date on the condition of Hana.
Shiori: (Shiori sits up and turns to face Yaeko) How is she doing?
Yaeko: They don't really know. The cybernetic implants did quite a bit of damage and were more integrated than the ones they retracted from Minawa-chan. (Yaeko sits up and turns to face Shiori) When they retracted the implants in Minawa-chan, they saw an almost immediate improvement in her condition. They are not seeing that with Hana. Doctor Kasumi had an update just before the party started and Leesha-san said that there was no sign of change… none at all. I don't think she is going to make it.
Shiori: Ya-chan, you can't think that way. No change doesn't only mean she is not getting better, but it also means that she is not getting any worse.
Yaeko: I suppose. I would like to get the chance to talk to her again though.
Shiori: But aren't they keeping her sedated most of the time.
Yaeko: She was sedated when I talked to her at Vesper Headquarters, but we kind of talked without words. It's hard to explain.
Shiori: You mean you can each hear what the other is thinking?
Yaeko: I think it's more than that. At first, it made my brain feel all squishy, but after that it felt nice and calm and relaxing.
Shiori: Ya-chan, have you ever listened what I'm thinking?
Yaeko: I think when this all first started, a little, but I really try hard not to. I mean, it's not as if I deliberately try to listen to what other people are thinking… it just happens, unless I work to block it out.
Shiori: Would you like to try?
Yaeko: (With shock in her voice) Not really… I'm not even sure how I would go about doing it.
Shiori: I'll just think about something and see if you can hear what I'm thinking. Come on… Let's try it. It might be fun.
Yaeko: But I don't know how well I can control what I hear. I might hear something that you really want to keep secret.
Shiori: Don't worry about it. I don't have any deep, dark secrets that I need to hide from everyone. Let's try. What can it hurt?
Yaeko: That's what I'm afraid of. (Silence; Point of view changes to what is being seen through Yaeko's eyes, which is Shiori sitting directly across from her) OK, (Sigh) think of something and I'll try listening for it.
Nothing happens for a moment, then Shiori closes her eyes and after a moment Yaeko closes hers. Almost immediately Yaeko "hears" a loud screaming sound and she jumps and opens her eyes. Point of view changes to third person.
Yaeko: Are you all right? Don't be so loud or you'll wake everyone.
Shiori: I didn't say anything… Are you all right?
Yaeko: (Deep breath) I'm fine. I'm fine. Maybe we're trying too hard. It sounded like a loud scream.
Shiori: I'm sorry, but suddenly my head felt funny and well… I guess I thought about a scream. Try again. This time I'll know what to expect.
Yaeko: Are you sure?
Shiori: Go ahead.
Point of view changes again to Yaeko's point of view. Yaeko takes a deep breath and again closes her eyes. After a moment Yaeko feels a light pressure and she again opens her eyes. Shiori is sitting as before, wide eyed from a mild surprise. The following conversation occurs without any spoken words.
Voice of Shiori: Wow! That was different.
Voice of Yaeko: Are you all right?
Voice of Shiori: I'm fine. It's like I know you're not actually talking but I can hear you all around me.
Voice of Yaeko: This is what it was like when I was talking to Hana.
Voice of Shiori: You're right though. At first everything felt all kind of funny, but now it feels very calm.
Voice of Yaeko: Same here. OK, think of something and I'll see if I can hear it.
Voice of Shiori: (Shiori smiles) Isn't that what we're doing right now.
Voice of Yaeko: Yeah, right. And it looks like this works both ways.
Voice of Shiori: Yes it does. Hey this could come in handy in class. No more getting yelled at about whispering in the back of class.
Voice of Yaeko: I'm not so sure. You look pretty spaced out right now.
Voice of Shiori: So do you. I wonder if you do get good at this if we could do it while we are doing other things, like listening and participating in class.
Voice of Yaeko: I don't know. I'm not sure I want to get too good at this. I'm supposed to be learning how to block doing it.
Voice of Shiori: Maybe you could learn to block it some times, but be able to use it like this at other times.
Voice of Yaeko: That sounds like it would be very difficult.
Voice of Shiori: I wonder what my sister and Ryuga-san are doing right now.
Suddenly Shiori's images of what is happening between Saori and Ryuga appear in Yaeko's mind.
Voice of Yaeko: Shiori, don't do that. Please!
The images blur but don't go away completely.
Voice of Shiori: I'm sorry. I didn't realize…
Voice of Yaeko: That's OK, but I get to see and hear everything you think quite graphically. And the image is still there, but not really in focus.
Suddenly the images of Saori and Ryuga come very sharply into focus.
Voice of Shiori: That's because it's hard not to think of something like that.
Voice of Yaeko: You're doing it again.
Voice of Shiori: I'm sorry.
Voice of Yaeko: Ahhh… don't think about an orange and pink panda.
Voice of Shiori: What?
Voice of Yaeko: No matter what you do, don't think about an orange and pink panda. (The image in Yaeko's mind changes to an orange and pink panda) That's better. Keep not thinking about it.
Yaeko closes her eyes (view changes to third person) and starts one of the blocking exercises that Doctor Mihoshi taught her. In a moment, her mind is clears and she opens her eyes.
Yaeko: Shiori-chan, are you all right?
Shiori: I'm fine, but are you all right?
Yaeko: I'll be OK. I'm doing one of the blocking exercises.
Shiori: Why did you tell me not to think about a panda?
Yaeko: It was something Doctor Mihoshi taught me. The harder you try not to think about something, the more you actually think about it and it blocked out those perverted thoughts you had about your sister.
Shiori: I'm sorry. I didn't start doing that deliberately… It just suddenly popped into my head… Ya-chan… when I started thinking about that, did you start to feel all warm and fuzzy?
Yaeko: (Deep breath) Ahhh… ahhh… a little… actually more than just a little.
Shiori: I know. I could feel you getting all… ahhh…
Yaeko: I'm sorry.
Shiori: Does that mean that if we're… I'm not sure of the right word to describe it… ahhh… linked like that and I think about something really naughty, you'll see and feel it just like me?
Yaeko thinks about the question and is distracted from her exercise for just the briefest moment, but in that moment the vision of Shiori and Yaeko naked and embracing passionately fills her mind. She gasps and tries to regain her composure and begins the blocking exercise again.
Shiori: Ya-chan…
Yaeko: (Trying to catch her breath) I'm fine… I'm really OK… but I think… I have… to relax and concentrate on my exercise.
Shiori: Ya-chan…
Yaeko: I think we need to be… very careful about… any other experiments that we do.
Shiori: Ya-chan…
Yaeko: It's not that I'm into that kind of thing, but…
Shiori: (Almost in tears) Ya-chan… It's all right… It was me… I'm sorry… I just suddenly visualized that… I didn't mean… Ya-chan, I'm sorry. Please don't be angry with me. Please.
Yaeko: Shiori, I'm not angry. Not at all. Not at all. Maybe just startled.
Shiori: Ya-chan, don't be angry with me. Please don't leave me. Please.
Yaeko sees the look of panic on Shiori's face. After a moment Yaeko closes her eyes and stops the blocking exercise.
Voice of Yaeko: Shiori, I'm not angry with you and I won't leave you. See, I'm here with you. I'm here with you.
Shiori and Yaeko embrace.
Voice of Yaeko: Shiori, I love you too.
Cut to mid show break.
Scene opens with Mahoro and Suguru in the kitchen. Mahoro is making some tea and Suguru is making sandwiches from the turkey.
Suguru: You're sure about this, Mahoro?
Mahoro: I'm sure. I said that I would watch it with you… unless you don't want me to.
Suguru: No it's not that… it's just… I guess that I don't want you to be angry with me because the video embarrasses you.
Mahoro: I can't promise that I won't be embarrassed, but I promise that I won't be angry. Let's go watch this before it gets too late.
Suguru: Mahoro, are you sure you don't want a sandwich?
Mahoro: I'm sure. The tea will be enough for me.
Mahoro picks up a tray with two teacups and the teapot. Suguru picks up his plate with two sandwiches on it. Both exit the kitchen.
Scene fades to the Saori and Ryuga lying next to each in bed in Saori's bedroom. Ryuga is lying on his side (facing away from Saori) and Saori is lying on her back.
Saori: Ryuga, are you asleep?
Ryuga: Yes. (Saori turns to face Ryuga) At least I'm trying to.
Saori: I can't sleep.
Ryuga: I know. Neither can I.
Ryuga turns in bed to face Saori.
Saori: I guess I'm too excited. I can't believe I'm getting married.
Ryuga: I can't believe you said yes.
Saori: Ryuga, what kind of wedding would you like to have?
Ryuga: What do you mean?
Saori: (Turning on her side to face Ryuga) Would you like a traditional Japanese style wedding, or a Western style wedding? … Or I guess we could have a wedding like the people of Saint have.
Ryuga: I don't know that much about marriage rites here on Earth. I really don't know that much about the marriage rites of Saint. What type of wedding would you like to have?
Saori: I'm sure my mother would want me to have a very traditional wedding… but… I guess I've always dreamed about wearing a beautiful white western style wedding dress.
Ryuga: Then that is what we will do.
Saori: Wouldn't you want to something of the Saint tradition?
Ryuga: Like I said, I really don't know much about Saint marriage rites, but I believe it just involves the ratifying of the marriage agreement between the two families and the exchange of vows. The Earth traditions sound so much more exciting. And I think a western style wedding dress would be perfect for you.
Saori: (Smiling) I love you, Ryuga.
Ryuga: I love you too, Saori.
Saori and Ryuga embrace and kiss.
Scene fades to Asaoka Riho and a male companion embracing and kissing. Asaoka steps back from the man and begins to unbutton her blouse, exposing her breasts. Scene pulls back to show Mahoro and Suguru (from behind) sitting on the couch next to each other with the television (showing the Asaoka Riho video) in the background.
Voice of Asaoka: Would you like me to help with that?
Mahoro: (Sweetly) Suguru, what are you doing?
Suguru: (Startled) Nothing, Mahoro… Nothing
Mahoro: (Giggling) Nothing?
Suguru is silent but it is obvious that he his blushing (even from behind)
Mahoro: (Sweetly) Would you like me to do that, Suguru?
Suguru: Do what?
Mahoro: What Asaoka-chan is doing in the video.
Suguru: I ahhh… I don't know… I guess…
Mahoro giggles and puts her arm around Suguru.
Mahoro: You are still so cute when you're embarrassed.
Scene fades to show the entryway of a darkened house. There is a short moment of silence and the sound of a doorbell ringing. This continues for several second before a light turns on and Nayoko appears at the door, followed a moment later by Kanoko. The doorbell continues to ring.
Nayoko: Who is it?
Voice of Umeko: It's me… Umeko… Please let me in… I need to talk to you… Please.
Kanoko looks at Nayoko with concern.
Nayoko: (To Kanoko) It will be all right.
Nayoko unlocks the door and opens it. Umeko enters. She looks absolutely frazzled.
Umeko: I'm sorry to be bothering you at this late hour, but I need to talk to you… Please…
Nayoko: Come in… Come in… and calm down. You look terrible. Are you all right?
Umeko: I need to know. Nayoko-chan, please, I need to know.
Nayoko: Umeko-chan, come in and sit down. Do your parents know that you are out?
Umeko: Probably not… It just keeps bothering me and I couldn't sleep, so I decided to go out for a walk.
Nayoko: Well calm down and have a seat.
Nayoko leads Umeko in from the entryway to the living room and turns on the light. The living room is devoid of furniture, except for a few simple chairs and a single table.
Nayoko: I'm sorry about the selection of seating. My mother decided that even though the house is mine, the furniture belonged to her. I came home from school last week and it was all gone. I'm lucky she left me my bed and a few cooking utensils. Kanoko-chan, would you make some tea please. Umeko-chan looks like she could use some.
Kanoko: Of course, Nayoko-san.
Nayoko: Kanoko-chan… what did I say?
Kanoko: I'm sorry, Nayoko-chan. I'll be right back with some tea.
Kanoko exits to the kitchen.
Umeko: That is one of Mahoro-san's sisters?
Nayoko: Yeah. She's staying with me as my guardian. It took me almost a week to convince her not to use "sama". But she is very nice and we get along pretty well. So, what are you doing out this late?
Umeko: It's the gift… Nobody will admit that they gave it to me or tell me who it might be from. I kept thinking about it and I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk.
Nayoko: How long have you been out walking?
Umeko: I don't know… maybe an hour… maybe more than that. Then I thought that if there were anyone who might even have a hint, it would be you. Nayoko-chan, if you have any idea at all… anything at all that might help me figure this out… please tell me… or this is going to eat me up inside.
Nayoko: (Silence) Umeko-chan?
Umeko: I know it's silly. I know I'm being silly. It's just a CD, but… I've never gotten a gift like that before. I've never had someone, other than my parents, who thought that I was special enough to go that far out of their way to get me something like that. I looked it up on the Internet. There is only one place on the web that lists that CD as available… and they are in the United States… and they don't ship outside of the United States. Whoever got that CD for me had to go to the United States to get it… to New York City.
Nayoko: Or they have a friend or relative there who got it for them and shipped it.
Umeko: Even so… I don't know anyone who would do something like that for me… I've never had anyone who would do something like that for me.
Kanoko enters carrying a plastic tray (that looks like it came from the local fast food restaurant) and three mismatched mugs. Kanoko places the tray on the table and Nayoko hands one of the mugs of tea to Umeko.
Nayoko: My mom took almost everything from the kitchen too. The only reason I think she left anything at all was because they ran out of boxes or time, so it's been paper plates and mugs from the discount store until I have the money to buy better.
Kanoko: You know that Commander Hayato will help you with anything you might need.
Nayoko: I know the Commander can help, but I need to make it on my own, or I won't ever be able to make it at all.
Kanoko sits down on the remaining chair and all three sip their tea.
Umeko: This is very good. Thank you.
Kanoko: My sister Mahoro-chan taught me how to make tea, but hers is so much better.
Nayoko: Your tea is excellent… and considering that this is the cheapest they have at the grocery.
Umeko: Nayoko-chan… Do you know who gave me that gift? (Nayoko and Kanoko look silently at each other) You do know, don't you? Please tell me… who is it?
Nayoko: Umeko-chan, I only have a suspicion and that's all it is. And it's not that I can't tell you, or that I don't want to tell you… It's that I know I shouldn't tell you. The one who gave you the gift needs to tell you. It is all very, very complicated and far beyond my ability to explain to you, but I will do my best to help you work this out.
Umeko: Is it someone I know?
Nayoko: That one will have to explain things to you… But I will tell you one thing, keep an open mind and understand, your life will be different.
Umeko looks at Nayoko with a questioning look as Nayoko and Kanoko continue to sip their tea. Scene fades to Mahoro and Suguru's bedroom. Suguru is standing with a wrapped package behind his back
Suguru: Mahoro, thank you for watching the video with me. I hope you weren't too embarrassed.
Mahoro: Thank you for letting me watch it with you, I wasn't too embarrassed, but there are still many things that I don't understand. I was hoping that you'd explain them to me.
Suguru: I'm not sure I'm the best person to explain them to you. There are quite a few things that I don't understand.
Mahoro: (Smiling and giggling) At least I understand what the handcuffs are for now.
There is a audible gulp from Suguru, followed by a moment of silence.
Suguru: With everything that happened today, I almost forgot about my Christmas gift for you.
Mahoro: I know. Let me get my gift for you.
Mahoro takes a small wrapped package from the back of the second drawer of her dresser.
Mahoro: I really had a tough time picking out a gift for you.
Suguru: So did I. I looked everywhere to find an ideal gift that would be just perfect for Mahoro. When I was shopping with Kaito-kun and Riku-kun I saw this little shop and then I decided something. I was going to be a little selfish. Although this gift is for you, in a way, it is also for me. I hope you like it.
Suguru hands his gift to Mahoro, who put her gift for Suguru down on the bed. She accepts the gift from Suguru and opens the package carefully. When it is completely unwrapped, Mahoro slowly opens the box. Mahoro's eyes widen and she puts the box on the bed and takes from it a pastel blue shear nightgown. The neckline is quite deep and is trimmed with lace, as are the sleeve and the bottom hem. Mahoro holds it up to her. The hemline is significantly above her knees.
Mahoro: It is beautiful Suguru, but it seems to be quite transparent.
Suguru: There is a robe that goes with it.
Mahoro: I suppose that you would like me to try it on.
Suguru: I had hoped that you would.
Mahoro lays the nightgown on the bed and again picks up her gift for Suguru.
Mahoro: I will try it on in a moment, but I'd like to give you my gift first. But I think I need to explain first. The first time I met your father was not long after I was commissioned and was on the Operations' Ship for testing and training. Your father had come for an inspection tour, mostly to see how my project was progressing.
I really didn't know how to take your father at first. The inspection did not go well and your father made it quite clear that he was not happy with the situation. I knew from Commander Hayato and Sub-commander Yoshihiko that my testing and training was behind schedule, and after the ship inspection your father went into conference with the staff working on my project. I did not see anyone else for the remainder of the day.
That night though, I saw your father fishing on the stern of the ship. I stood some distance away, but without turning his head, he called out my name and called me over. We talked for some time that evening. And at the end of the evening he seemed quite happy even though he had not caught one fish.
When I was shopping, I saw a painting that reminded me of that first meeting with your father. I was able to get some help from Commander Hayato. (Extending the package to Suguru) It isn't much. I hope you like it.
Suguru unwraps the package. Inside is a picture frame with a picture of Suguru's father fishing from the stern of the ship, with Mahoro (in her Vesper duty uniform) standing behind Suguru's father.
Scene shifts to Shiori lying in her bed, asleep. Yaeko enters, kneels down next to her and puts her hand on Shiori's shoulder.
Yaeko: (Shaking her slightly) Shiori-chan… Shiori-chan… It's time to wake up.
Shiori moans and tries to bury herself deeper under the covers.
Yaeko: Come on sleepy head. It's time to get up. It's almost noon.
At that pronouncement, Shiori's eyes open wide and she sits up suddenly, almost knocking heads with Yaeko.
Shiori: (In a panic) Oh! My! I'm late. Onee-chan is going to be pissed with me for sleeping this late. We have to be to my mom and dad's house.
Yaeko: Relax… relax… your sister and Ryuga-san didn't wake up all that long ago. They went over to see Sera-san to tell her the news, and then your sister said something about running an errand. She asked me to wake you up.
Shiori: (Deep breath) Thank you… How long have you been up?
Yaeko: I woke up about nine this morning and couldn't get back to sleep, so I just sat here until your sister woke up.
Shiori: (Silence) About last night…
Yaeko: Shiori-chan, please don't worry about it.
Shiori: But if I hadn't badgered you into experimenting…
Yaeko: (Sitting down next to Shiori) Shiori-chan, I'm fine with it. I have to admit what you thought your sister and Ryuga-san were doing was a little bit weird, but I'm fine with everything else. In fact, I kind of liked it.
Shiori: You looked so shocked. I thought you were really angry with me.
Yaeko: I wasn't angry. Maybe just a bit overloaded.
Shiori: You linked with me again, didn't you?
Yaeko: You don't remember.
Shiori: Everything after the first time is very fuzzy.
Yaeko: You were shaking so hard… It was the only way I could think to calm you down. And it took time to do that..
Shiori: I don't remember any of it… No wait… I do remember one thing… You said that you love me too.
Yaeko: I won't deny it… If love is the right word for it… but it's the best word I can come up with.
Shiori: I don't understand what I'm feeling.
Yaeko: Neither do I, but how long have we known each other?
Shiori: Since before we started school. We've always been together.
Yaeko: Shiori-chan, you have always been special to me. You were with me in some of my most terrible times.
Shiori: And how many times did you bail me out with my mother by saying I was with you when I was really out doing something that I shouldn't.
Yaeko: And you were always good for a six-pack of beer.
Shiori: We have been drinking buddies for quite some time.
Yaeko: Although I think your theory about beer and boobs isn't quite working.
Shiori: Don't quit on me now. We still have time… but about last night… …
Yaeko: I said that I was all right with it… If you must know… I've fanaticized a little bit like that too.
Shiori: That's right… That's all it was… a fantasy.
Yaeko: Right… a fantasy… (Silence) Shiori-chan…
Shiori: Last night, you called me Shiori… I remember that… I think I would like if you would do that.
Yaeko: People will begin to talk and say that we're lovers.
Shiori: It doesn't matter to me. But you were saying…
Yaeko: Shiori, if you had the chance to do what you were thinking about last night… would you do it?
Shiori: I… ahhh… I… (closes her eyes) If it is with you… yes.
Yaeko: I think I would do the same.
Yaeko moves to sit right next to Shiori.
Yaeko: Would you like a hug?
Shiori: What if my sister or Ryuga-san comes back?
Yaeko: I don't think they will be back for some time. Would you like a hug?
Shiori: Yes… I would very much like a hug.
The two embrace and after a moment Yaeko gives Shiori a kiss on the cheek as the scene fades to black.
Scene fades to Mahoro (wearing her maid's uniform) and Suguru at the dining room table eating lunch when the doorbell rings.
Suguru: (Starting to stand up) I'll get it.
Mahoro: (Standing up) No, I'll get it. I was going to get up and get some more ice tea anyway.
Mahoro exits the dining room and in a moment Suguru can hear a familiar voice.
Voice of Mahoro: Please, come in Sensei. We were just having lunch. Come in and have some with us.
Voice of Saori: I wish I could, but I have to take Shiori and Ya-chan home. (Both Mahoro and Saori enter the dining room; Saori is smiling broadly) I just need to stop for a moment and ask a favor of you Mahoro-san. Good afternoon, Suguru-kun.
Suguru: (Standing up) Good afternoon, Sensei.
Mahoro: So what can I do for you?
Saori: No matter how I say this, it's going to sound funny. I was wondering if you would consider being the maid of honor at my wedding?
Mahoro: (Looking somewhat blankly at Saori) Maid of honor… wedding… (Mahoro suddenly realizes what Saori has said) Ryuga-sensei?
Saori: (Showing Mahoro and Suguru the ring) He asked me last night… and again this morning… and again about an hour ago.
Mahoro: That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you.
Suguru: Congratulations!
Saori: You and Shiori and Ya-chan and Sera-san are the only ones who know so far. I want to tell my parents before it really becomes public knowledge.
Mahoro: We won't say anything until you make the announcement… but maid of honor?
Saori: The one thing we did decide on when we weren't floating on a cloud somewhere was to have a western style wedding. I like the idea of western wedding dresses, but a maid of honor is part of the wedding party… and usually the bride's best friend. Mahoro-san, will you be my maid of honor?
Mahoro: (Smiling) Of course I will.
Saori: And although Ryuga will ask you officially later, Suguru-kun, he would like to have you as his best man.
Suguru: I would be honored.
Mahoro: There seems to be a lot of this going around. Riku-kun proposed to Miyuki-chan last night.
Suguru: He put on quite a ceremony. I was impressed.
Mahoro: And Kaito-kun is officially going to ask Chizu-chan today.
Saori: Officially?
Suguru: They've talked about it in terms of "what if" and "someday", but Kaito-kun is going to ask permission of Mr. and Mrs. Oe and then officially propose to Chizu-chan.
Saori: He's going to ask permission first.
Suguru: It seems to be a Saint custom.
Saori: Well, I have to get going. We are going to have a family dinner at my parent's house, so I'll let my parents know then. If I don't see you before then, I will see you at Chizu-chan's party… and thank you so very much for everything you two have done for me.
Saori, Mahoro and Suguru begin to walk toward the front door.
Suguru: By the way, what did Sera-san say when you told her?
Saori: What do you expect? … "It's about time… So are you pregnant yet?"
Mahoro: Rather blunt. What did you say to her?
Saori: No, not yet… are you?
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Mahoro and Suguru walking together, hand in hand. Scene switches to Mahoro and Suguru being greeted by Mr. Oe (wearing a tuxedo and old basketball sneakers), Mrs. Oe (wearing a crop top tee shirt and a short jean skirt), Chizu and Kaito. Scene switches to show a woman wearing a very abbreviated crop top (pink) and an extremely short pair of short-shorts (light tan). Scene shifts to show Rin, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Riku, Sera, Kenta, Shiori, Yaeko, Saori and Ryuga seated together, all dressed informally. Scene shifts to show Suguru and Mahoro, Rin and Kiyomi, Miyuki and Riku, Minawa and Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito, Saori and Ryuga and Sera Standing next to Mr. Oe who is speaking into a microphone.
Voice Over
Voice of Yaeko: So, what are you wearing to Chizu-chan's party?
Voice of Shiori: I don't know. Onee-chan said not to wear anything too fancy.
Voice of Yaeko: Mr. Oe seems to be dressed up for the occasion.
Voice of Shiori: Sure, he's wearing a tuxedo, but check out those shoes. And looking at Mrs. Oe I feel absolutely overdressed wearing a tee shirt and skirt.
Voice of Yaeko: Chizu-chan and Kaito-kun look so happy. Mr. And Mrs. Oe are going to announce Chizu-chan's and Kaito-kun's engagement.
Voice of Shiori: Talk about making me feel overdressed. Will you look at that?
Voice of Yaeko: I don't think your sister would even wear something that skimpy.
Voice of Shiori: I'm glad to see everyone is here. Hey there are some pretty famous people here today.
Voice of Yaeko: They're never going to believe this in school.
Voice of Shiori: It looks like its time for Mr. Oe to make the announcement.
Voice of Yaeko: I'll be glad when this is over, then we can get into the hot tubs.
Voice of Shiori: Wouldn't it be great if we could share a tub with some famous movie star?
Episode 22: Holiday Surprises