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 52: …Of Mice and Men…

Show opens with the regular opening theme.

Scene opens with Natsune and Yukio walking hand. Natsune is carrying a small stuffed panda bear toy.

Natsune: So you really liked the movie?

Yukio: Yes, I really liked the movie. Some of the things they were talking about I really didn't understand, but I liked the movie.

Natsune: There were a lot of things you wouldn't know about because you haven't been on Earth long enough.

Yukio: But that just meant you had to explain some of the jokes to me. I hope that didn't disturb the other people in the theater.

Natsune: There weren't that many people in the theater, and I don't think the couple that was in front of us was paying any attention to the movie, let alone us.

Yukio: I was trying to ignore them. Was she doing what I think she was doing?

Natsune: I think she was.

Yukio: Euuu! Gross!

Natsune: I guess some guys like that. (Pause) Yukio-kun, are there things like movies on the Command Ship?

Yukio: We have movies… sort of… but there isn't anything like a movie theater. If you want to watch a movie, you watch it on a screen in your living quarters. Each of the common rooms in the residence blocks has a big screen where people can watch important news and announcements together but that wouldn't be someplace to go out for a date.

Natsune: What kinds of things to couples do for dates on the Command Ship?

Yukio: Dating on Saint ships isn't like anything like here on Earth. The tradition is different on different ships but usually once a marriage contract is arranged, the couple meets on a regular basis to get to know each other better. On some of the older city ships, the couple's first date may be the first time they ever met. At first one or both sets of parents supervise these dates, but after a while the boy and girl are allowed to meet on their own. After at least a year of dating, and if the parents agree that the couple is compatible, a commitment and marriage ceremony is held.

Natsune: Don't the boy and girl have any say? What happens if they hate each other?

Yukio: That's one of the changes that Commander Leesha made on the Command Ship. Before the commitment and marriage ceremony can be held, the boy and girl have to meet with an independent counselor who has to approve the marriage.

Natsune: What do you mean by commitment and marriage ceremony?

Yukio: On most ships it's all one ceremony… like when your sister's teachers were married… but on some ships… like Misaki-chan's ship, they are two separate ceremonies. After the commitment ceremony, the boy and girl live together for three months, then the marriage ceremony is held and the marriage contract is sealed.

Natsune: It all sounds very cold and businesslike, like no one really cares about the feelings of the boy and girl.

Yukio: Most parents try to find matches for their children where there is at least some hope for feelings to develop. Children who were childhood friends are often matched… but you're right. The only real purpose of marriage on Saint ships is for the couple to have at least one child, to raise that child and to arrange a marriage when that child comes of age. If a couple has feelings for each other, then its all the better, but it isn't required. (Softly) Sometimes a husband and wife never have any feelings for each other… other than contempt. (Yukio and Natsune stop walking) Natsune-chan, do you have feelings for me?

Natsune: Of… of course I do. I've never felt like this about anybody else.

Yukio: Natsune-chan, do you love me?

Natsune: I… I… guess that's what it is that I feel. Yukio-kun, why are you asking me questions like this?

Yukio: Because I love you. (Pause) I know I asked you this before… but that seemed… seemed… like it was more for my mom's sake than an actually proposal. (Pause) Natsune Sakura, will you marry me, when the time is appropriate, and be my wife, that I might be your husband, that we might be by each other's side forever and for always?

Voice of Riku: (From behind) You know… you're supposed to arrange for proper witnesses for your commitment ceremony… And you should have asked permission from her parents first.

Voice of Miyuki: I think technically he already did.

Startled, Natsune and Yukio turn. Zoom out to show Miyuki and Riku standing about five meters away from Natsune and Yukio.

Yukio: How… how long have you been standing there?

Riku: Long enough.

Miyuki: We were in the theater about three rows behind you, but for some reason you never noticed us.

Natsune: I thought that you and Riku-kun were helping dad tonight?

Miyuki: We were, but there are hardly any customers tonight, so dad said we could have the night off.

Natsune: So you followed us to the movies?

Miyuki: We had no idea that was where you were going. We spotted you when we came in. We thought about joining you but we decided that we should let you have some private time together. (Pause) Well, Natsune, I believe Yukio-kun asked you a question. I think you owe him an answer.

Natsune: Wha… what do I say? (Pause; Miyuki smiles at Natsune) Yukio Hoshiko, I will marry you, when the time is appropriate, and be your wife, and you will be my husband, that we might be by each other's side forever and for always.

There is a long pause.

Riku: Yukio-kun, you know what you need to say next.

Yukio: (After a brief pause; slowly at first) I promise that I will love you and care for you so long as I will live. I will provide for your comfort always and protect you from all harm, sacrificing my life in your defense. I will do nothing that will bring disgrace or dishonor to your name. To this end I pledge my life to you.

Miyuki: And now, by the power vested in me by no one in particular, I hereby pronounce you future husband and wife. You may now kiss the fiancé.

Natsune: Onee-chan!

Miyuki: Come on… It's late. Mom and dad will be worried if we stay out too much longer.

Yukio and Natsune kiss and begin walking hand in hand with Miyuki and Riku following directly behind them. Slow zoom out.

Yukio: You won't tell my mother about this… will you?

Miyuki: Not a word. No offence Yukio-kun, but your mother can really be irritating.

Yukio: No offence taken… You're not telling me something I don't already know.

Hold zoom and begin low fade to black and Natsune, Yukio, Miyuki and Riku walk out of the scene.

Miyuki: Natsune, you had a better view than we did. Was that girl in front of you doing what I think…

Natsune: (Quickly; cutting off Miyuki) Yes she was.

Scene fades to the student block galley on the Command Ship. Takara and Umeko are sitting at a table drinking tea.

Umeko: I'd forgotten how obnoxious Midori-chan can get.

Takara: She isn't that bad, it's just that once she gets fixated on something, she doesn't know when to stop.

Umeko: Like you and Roka-kun?

Takara: Midori-chan is so sure that there's something really perverted going on between Roka-kun and me. But all it is that we like spending time together because we can talk to each other about things I could never talk to anyone else about.

Umeko: So you and Roka-kun have become pretty good friends.

Takara: I guess you could say that. Midori-chan is right. Roka-kun and I do spend a lot of time together. If we're not in class together or working on homework together or eating meals together, we're spending time with Hana-chan.

Umeko: That's Ya-chan and Shiori-chan's friend… (Takara nods) How is she doing?

Takara: Better. You know that Hana-chan is a cyborg like Minawa-chan is?

Umeko: Ya-chan explained that to me.

Takara: They did some really terrible things to her. She'll probably never be able to walk again because of the damage the implants did to her brain. (Smiles brightly) But she is such a sweet girl. Everyone has fallen in love with her.

Umeko: Kira-chan said that she had a letter for Hana-chan from Ya-chan and Shiori-chan.

Takara: She gave it to Roka-kun and me when the ship arrived. We read it to her today when we went to see her. I don't think I've ever seen anybody so happy, especially when we read the part about Ya-chan and Shiori-chan coming to visit during summer break.

Umeko: If you'd like, I can take a letter back to Ya-chan and Shiori-chan.

Takara: Kira-chan already said that she would.

Umeko: (After a break in the conversation) You've changed quite a bit since the last time I saw you.

Takara: What do you mean?

Umeko: For one thing, I haven't seen you smile like this in a very long time. And… you haven't mentioned even once how gross and disgusting the male gender is.

Takara: I haven't, have I? A lot of things have changed… and you're one of the people responsible for it.

Umeko: Me? How am I responsible?

Takara: Everything that happened when we were coming to the Command Ship.

Umeko: You mean the thing with the apron?

Takara: That… and all of the other things… it made me realize what an idiot I was being… and had been… (Long pause) and all of that helped me find someone I could talk to about my problems.

Umeko: Roka-kun?

Takara: Yeah… Roka-kun… (Smile) Well, I guess you'll be the first to know… Roka-kun and I are officially dating.

Umeko: You mean you haven't told Roka-kun yet?

Takara: (Laughing) Stop that!

Umeko: That's something else I haven't seen in a long time.

Takara: (Still laughing) What's that?

Umeko: You… laughing…

Takara: I haven't had very much to laugh about… up until now.

Umeko: You know, you really looked good when you were wearing the apron.

Takara: So people have told me. I don't know… I've been considering doing that again when it's my turn to cook.

Umeko: You're joking… right?

Takara: Yeah, I'm joking.

Scene fades to Mahoro and Suguru sitting side by side in the hot spring.

Suguru: Do you have any other plans for the day?

Mahoro: Not really. The testing that Professor Hokato seems rather extensive. Today may be the only day we'll have to relax and spend time together.

Suguru: Then we should probably make the best of it. Where is everyone else?

Mahoro: Sera-san and Kenta-kun are taking care of some things on her ship. Saori and Ryuga-san are still asleep.

Suguru: Where are Kanoko-chan and Kiyoshi-kun… and the rest of your sisters?

Mahoro: Kanoko-chan took Kiyoshi-kun for a tour of the Vesper Headquarters … and then I think they're going to spend some time together in the garden baths.

Suguru: I wouldn't mind doing that some time this week too.

Mahoro: We'll have to see how we can fit that into our schedule. Sanako-chan and Akiko-chan went to headquarters to get some supplies for lunch. They volunteered to cook today.

Suguru: Any idea what Nekoto-chan and Chiako-chan are doing?

Mahoro: I don't really know. I haven't seen either of them this morning. (Pause) Did you have any plans for today?

Suguru: Nothing special… Although I thought it might be nice to take a walk to the place where we had our picnic last summer.

Mahoro: That does sound like a nice idea. Maybe we could do that after lunch… although we do need to be back in time for dinner. Commander Hayato is having a formal dinner tonight to announce Kanoko-chan and Kiyoshi-kun's engagement.

Suguru: And I think Saori-sensei is planning a party afterwards. She did say she was expecting some help getting rid of all of the leftover beer and sake from the wedding.

Mahoro: I imagine then that it's going to be a very long evening… (Pause) You don't mind if I help Saori and Ryuga-san get rid of some of the leftover beer… do you?

Suguru: (Laughing) It would be impolite if you didn't do your part. If you don't mind, I may help too… but I think I'll stick with the sake. I really don't like the taste of beer.

Mahoro: I don't mind. Just don't drink so much that you do something silly.

Suguru: I won't. But you shouldn't drink too much either. You don't want to set a bad example for your sisters.

Mahoro: I think Saori will do enough of that before the night is done.

Suguru: No doubt about that.

Scene fades to show the interior of the common room for dorm block 10-6. There are various pieces of clothing scattered around the room and a random pile of playing card in the middle of the room. The empty bottles of "SoCo" and the mint liquor are lying on their sides with the three quarter full bottle of licorice liquor standing upright (and capped) next to them. There are empty bags of snacks scattered among the clothing.

Shiori enters the common room from her dorm room, walking slowly, head down and dragging her feet. She is naked. She slowly looks around the room and then walks over to where the bottle of licorice liquor is located and stares down at it. After several seconds Shiori slowly bends over and picks up the bottle of liquor. She stares at the bottle in her hand and then unscrews the cap and takes a drink.

After several seconds, Bridget slowly shuffles into the common room. She is wearing only her panties (black). She walks to where Shiori is standing. Without a word, Shiori hands the bottle to Bridget, who takes a long drink and then hands the bottle back to Shiori. Shiori takes another drink, replaces the cap on the bottle, and sets it back down on the floor. Both girls turn and slowly shuffle side by side toward the bathroom.

Scene fades to show the entrance desk of the Sakura baths. Natsune is sitting behind the desk. Akine, Harune and Akio enter. Akio is carrying an overnight bag.

Akine: Hey Onee-chan, why are you at the desk? I thought it was Miyuki's turn this morning.

Natsune: It was, but dad sent Miyuki and Riku-kun to the hardware store.

Akine: Don't tell me we have another leak.

Natsune: No… no new leaks… yet. Dad is adding some new decor to the family bath to make it more [sigh] romantic. Some new lighting fixtures and dimmer controls; corner shelves for candles; and a small table to set things on by the bath… like drink glasses.

Akine: Whose idea was that?

Natsune: Mom's. She thinks that it would make it more 'family friendly'.

Harune: It sounds like mom wants to make it friendlier to people who want to have families… not that Akio or I would mind.

Natsune and Akine turn to look at Harune and Akio.

Natsune: And how do you know about things like that?

Harune: From the magazines that Miyuki keeps in her bottom dresser drawer. You should really ask Miyuki if you can borrow them Natsune. They have all kinds of things in there about how to may your boyfriend feel really special.

Natsune: I think Miyuki needs to find a new place to hide her porn magazines.

Akine: I think it's too late. It sounds like Harune has them all memorized. Natsune, would you like me to take over for you?

Natsune: That's all right. Miyuki and Riku-kun should be back soon.

Akio: So, Natsune-chan, where are you hiding my brother?

Natsune: He's in the family bath helping my dad move things around so that Riku-kun and my dad can put up the new shelves and hang the wall scrolls that my mom picked out.

Akio: Don't let him near any tools. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

Voice of Yukio: I heard that! (Enters the entry way area from the men's locker room and stands next to Natsune) And it's not that you're any handier with tools.

Akio: At least I know my limitations and know enough to leave the tools to the professionals. He almost dropped a wall on himself when he tried to move the view screen in his room.

Yukio: And who was on the other side of the wall pushing on it?

Akio: I was only trying to be helpful.

Yukio: Yeah… right… (Turning to Natsune) Natsune-chan, your dad would like "a woman's opinion" about what he's doing in the family bath.

Natsune: "A woman's opinion"… That means he wants me to go ask mom what he should be doing. She probably told him exactly what to do, but he's too much of a coward to admit that he forgot.

Yukio: Why don't you go and find out. I'll stay here and take care of the desk.

Akine: You go with Natsune. I can take care of the entrance. It's still early to be too busy.

Yukio: You haven't been home recently, have you?

Akio: We just came from there. I wanted to get some things out of my room but Toshiro-san spotted me first and said he would get what I wanted from my room. I got some fresh clothes for you too.

Yukio: Any idea why our house seems to be off limits to us?

Akio: Toshiro-san says that Commander Leesha and mom had a big argument after the reception Friday night and mom has been on the warpath ever since. Now, not only does mom want a signed and sealed marriage contract for Natsune-chan and you, she wants one for Harune and me too… but Commander Leesha threatened to put mom on the next ship back to the Command Ship if she even comes anywhere close to the baths to talk to your parents.

Natsune: This is getting out of control.

Akio: Dad and Commander Leesha are supposed to stop by some time today to talk to your parents.

Akine: Why is your mom so set on having marriage contracts for you and Akio-kun? She has to know that things like that wouldn't be valid on Earth.

Yukio: That's not really the point. Once she has signed marriage contracts for Akio and me, her responsibility under her marriage contract to dad is fulfilled and that contract would no longer be binding.

Natsune: What do you mean… would no longer be binding?

Yukio: It would mean that if my mother wanted to, she could pack up and leave dad and there wouldn't be anything my dad could do about it.

Cut to mid show break.

Scene opens with Mahoro and Suguru walking hand in had on a wooded pathway. Mahoro is wearing a white tee shirt and blue shorts. Suguru is a dark polo shirt and long khaki pants.

Suguru: I didn't expect it to be this warm today or I would have worn a tee shirt and shorts too.

Mahoro: It is a beautiful day, isn't it?

Suguru: Not as warm as it was the last time we were here.

Mahoro: No, not as warm. But the last time we were here it was the middle of summer.

Suguru: It's been ten months since you accepted my proposal.

Mahoro: It doesn't seem that long.

Suguru: No it doesn't. (Pause) Mahoro, what were you and your sisters talking about at lunch? You seemed to be making quite an effort to make sure that Kiyoshi-san and I didn't hear what you were talking about.

Mahoro: (Hesitate; Blush) Just… just a lot of girl talk. Talking about Kanoko-chan's wedding… And Nekoto-chan had some questions about moving in with us.

Suguru: What does she think about that?

Mahoro: She doesn't have a problem with it… but she's afraid that she'll be imposing on us.

Suguru: With Kaito-kun staying with Chizu-chan… and Riku-kun spending most of his time at the baths… and Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun spending time at Hamaji-kun's house… it's almost too quiet around the house.

Mahoro: I miss Saori coming by to mooch food and trying to have sex with you… I mean, I don't miss her trying to have sex with you… but I do miss her being around.

Suguru: I think she's too busy with school and Ryuga-sensei to do much else.

Mahoro: I think Saori is far busier with Ryuga-san than she is with school.

Suguru: (Smiling) I think you're right. (Pause; looking around as he walks) I never noticed how nice it is the last time we were here

Mahoro: It is beautiful.

Suguru: Yes it is.

Mahoro and Suguru walk in silence until the path ends at the grassy hill. At the top of the hill is a solitary tree.

Mahoro: So, Suguru, what would you like to do now?

Suguru: I don't know… How about climbing the tree?

Mahoro: But we did that the last time we were here.

Suguru: We did… but we didn't get to spend very much time sitting in the tree. After you said that you'd marry me, we spent the rest of the time we were here on the ground. Remember… Rin-chan kept asking what kind of wedding dress you were going to wear… and Chizu-san was already planning the menu for our wedding reception.

Mahoro: (Smiling) And Miyuki-chan wanted to know if we'd had sex yet.

Suguru: And she was so disappointed when we told her that we hadn't.

Mahoro: And the twins were so confused about what was going on.

Suguru: Well… what would you expect? They hadn't been on Earth for a full week.

Mahoro: And I thought Minawa-chan was going to ask Hamaji-kun on the spot to marry her…

Suguru: And I thought Hamaji-kun was going to hemorrhage every time Miyuki-chan even mentioned the word sex. And Saori-sensei and Shiori-chan just sat there and drank beer… and Ya-chan was absolutely certain that you and Ryuga-sensei were angels. (Pause) Although… I have to agree with her about you being an angel.

Mahoro: Well… If I'm an angel, so are you.

Suguru: OK… Fine… (Pause) What would you like to do, Mahoro?

Mahoro: I'm not sure I want to climb the tree… but it might be nice for the two of us to sit together for a while.

Suguru: That does sound nice. We can't sit too long though if we're going to be on time for dinner tonight. What time did Commander Hayato say that the dinner is going to start?

Mahoro: Six thirty… That's when Professor Hokato and Doctor Mihoshi are supposed to arrive. Don't worry. I'll make sure we're there on time.

Mahoro and Suguru begin to walk up the hill toward the tree. Mahoro smiles and begins to giggle

Suguru: What's so funny?

Mahoro: Oh… nothing really. (Long pause) It's just that… that this reminds me of something.

Suguru: What does this remind you of?

Mahoro: (Blush; long pause) Do you remember Asaoka-chan's video "The Lion and the Princess"?

Suguru: (Mahoro and Suguru stop and turn to face each other; Suguru blushing) You… you watched that?

Mahoro: Act… actually I've watched almost all of your videos… (Blushing brightly) I… I've actually bought a few of my own.

Suguru: You… you've bought your own videos?

Mahoro: Asaoka-chan suggested them… and you didn't have them in your collection. (Takes a deep breath; speaking quickly) But do you remember near the end of that video when the princess is walking with the bandit lord and they find that big open field on the hillside overlooking the river valley and there's the tree on the side of the hill and it's really warm and the princess and the bandit lord take off their clothes and run around naked on the hillside and then… (Slower and softer) then they make love in the shade of the tree…

Suguru: (Stunned) Ma… Ma… Mahoro…

Mahoro: Su… Suguru… I'm feeling really warm right now. (Mahoro reaches to unbutton the button on Suguru's polo shirt) I… I don't think anyone would care if… if we took…. took off our clothes… and we made love in the shade of the tree… Su… Suguru… will you make love with me?

As Mahoro removes her tee shirt, the scene fades to show Tani and Takumi walking side by side. Both are wearing shorts and tee shirts and each is carrying a small bag (bath kit).

Takumi: I really am sorry about that.

Tani: Takumi-kun… you can stop apologizing. I'm fine. It just startled me. (Pause) I've never had another girl grab my boobs before.

Takumi: Sorry…

Tani: (Interrupting Takumi) Don't apologize… it's all right. (Pause) Is your sister always like that?

Takumi: She always does things like that to embarrass me… That's why I usually don't have my friends over to my house. You should see what she does to the guys.

Tani: I don't think that's necessary. Your sister is older than you, isn't she?

Takumi: Two years older…

Tani: I've never seen her in school…

Takumi: Rini has always been an excellent artist, so my parents sent her to an academy that specializes in developing artistic skills. She's been going there since third grade. Her paintings are on display in a number of galleries and one of her paintings sold for over six million yen to a gallery in the United States.

Tani: I know six million yen is a large amount of money… but I guess I really don't understand how much that really is.

Takumi: (After several seconds of contemplation) That would be over thirty ice cream sundaes a day for a whole year.

Tani: That's a lot more ice cream than I could eat.

Takumi: The same for Rini, but that didn't stop her from trying.

Tani: I don't even want to imagine it… So why does your sister go around grabbing girls' boobs?

Takumi: It's something one of her art teachers told her.

Tani: Her teacher told your sister to go around and grab girls' boobs?

Takumi: No… The teacher told the class that they couldn't paint something unless they could feel what they were painting, so my wise-assed sister walked up to the girl that was modeling for the class and grabbed her boobs. Everybody in the class thought it was funny and since then it's kind of become my sister's trademark greeting.

Tani: I don't think that's what the teacher meant.

Takumi: I know that's not what her teacher meant… and Rini knew that too… but that didn't stop her from doing it… That's the way my sister is.

Tani: And your parents don't say anything?

Takumi: My parents think it's cute. My parents won't say anything because they don't want to do anything that will interfere with her creativity. Basically she's a spoiled brat.

Tani: Is that why your parents sent your sister to your relative's house for the weekend?

Takumi: Pretty much. (Pause) So what would you like to do after we're finished at the baths?

Tani: I don't know. (Pause) Don't you want to go home for dinner?

Takumi: Not really… (Softly) I'd rather spend the time with you.

Tani: Your parents did say that it was all right if I came for dinner.

Takumi: But do you really want to spend the evening with my sister feeling you up?

Tani: That wouldn't be at the top of my list.

Takumi: But that's what will happen… Rini will do it to embarrass me… and my parents won't do anything to stop her.

Tani: Eating at my house is right out. Ambassador Hoshi and the rest of the staff are entertaining some delegation from someplace on Earth. I don't want to get involved in that.

Takumi: Would you like to try something a little different for dinner?

Tani: For me, everything is different.

Takumi: How about pizza?

Tani: I've had pizza.

Takumi: Not like this. There's a place near the train station that has real American style pizza.

Tani: Sure, why not. (Long pause) Takumi-kun, do you have any plans for summer break?

Takumi: Assuming that I don't have to take extra classes at school… not really. Our family usually spends two weeks at the ocean at the beginning of August, but after what happened last year, I really don't want to be anywhere near my sister when she's at the beach. Why?

Tani: Well… once the shuttle to the Command Ship is running on a regular schedule… I was thinking of going to visit some of my friends… and I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?

Takumi stops dead in his tracks. Tani continues to walk for an additional three steps. She stops and turns and comes back to Takumi. Tani takes Takumi by the hand and they start walking again as the scene fades to the dining room of Chizu's house. Seated around the dining room table are Chizu, Kaito, Miyuki, Riku, Rin, Kiyomi, Minawa and Hamaji.

Miyuki: So, who's minding the liquor store for you?

Rin: Kimiko-chan and my mom are.

Chizu: That sounds funny… considering that Kimiko-chan in your mom too.

Rin: My step-mom… but we decided that it would be easier to say that we're cousins.

Kiyomi: We can't stay away too long. We promised your mom that we wouldn't be too late. Hamaji-kun, have you heard anything else from Suguru-kun?

Hamaji: No, but he said that today he'd be spending most of the day with Mahoro-san. The testing doesn't start until tomorrow morning, so he didn't think that he'd be able to talk to us before then.

Chizu: So the party is scheduled for next Sunday?

Hamaji: Right now Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun are scheduled to come home Saturday evening, but Suguru-kun is going to talk to Professor Hokato to see if he can find some reason for Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun to stay until Sunday… like some special test to do on Mahoro-san.

Riku: What kind of testing are they doing?

Hamaji: Suguru-kun didn't go into too much detail, but it has something to do with things that aren't supposed to be working but are.

Minawa: Onee-chan said that some of her sensor and targeting function are still operating even thought they were all supposed to be deactivated. Akiko-chan and Chiako-chan have reported similar things also… and then there are the other biomedical issues.

Kiyomi: Bio-medical issues?

Minawa: Whether Onee-chan and the other combat androids can actually have babies.

Hamaji: (Blushing) That really isn't important now. We need to talk about plans for the party. There are only a few people for our class that I haven't been able to get in contact with… and that includes Shiori-chan and Ya-chan.

Rin: Kimiko-chan said that she and Shiori-chan and Ya-chan and the other girls from the dorm were doing some serious partying last night. Kimiko-chan said that they didn't get out of bed today until almost noon. I'll have Kimiko-chan deliver the message when she goes back to the dorm.

Chizu: (Pushing forward several sheets of paper) I've been working on the menu…

Rin: Wait a second… nothing too fancy. This is going to be me doing the cooking, not Mahoro-san.

Chizu: It's nothing really complicated… and I got recipes for everything… and the staff here is going to put together some trays of sushi and sashimi. But the most important thing for you to make is the cake… like the one you did for Saori-sensei on Sera-chan's ship last summer. That was one of the best cakes I ever had.

Rin: You're joking! That was one of my first attempts to bake anything on my own… and I wouldn't have been able to do it if Mahoro-san wasn't there to encourage me.

Chizu: Well, that may be the case, but that cake was one of my top three favorites.

Kaito: That's a high compliment considering all of the cakes Chizu has eaten that Mahoro-san baked.

Hamaji: (Quietly) All by her self…

Chizu: I heard that!

Hamaji: Miyuki-chan, can you and Riku-kun take care of the decorations?

Miyuki: No problem. My sisters will want to help… and once Ryuga-sensei gets back from the lodge, I'm sure he'll help with balloons.

Hamaji: Don't let him help too much. We had so many balloons at Rin-chan's birthday party I almost lost Mi-chan.

Rin: I don't know. I thought that was kind of fun.

Kiyomi: Rin has become almost as much of a balloon fanatic as Ryuga-sensei. Are we going to need beverages for the party?

Chizu: I hadn't planned on anything other that fruit punch… but we should probably get some beverages for the adults who'll be attending.

Rin: And for Shiori-chan and Ya-chan. When they get back from the lodge, Saori-sensei can place the order.

Hamaji: I think that's all we can do right now. On the other hand, when you have the time, my mother would like all of you to stop by my house.

Miyuki: What's up?

Hamaji: When my mother found out about the party for Mahoro-san, she decided that everyone should have a new party dress for the occasion, so my mom decided to make dresses for everyone… for your sisters too Miyuki-chan.

Miyuki: Are you sure it's all right for her to be doing something like that, considering she's going to have a baby in a couple of weeks?

Hamaji: Making dresses is better than pulling boxes down from the attic and looking through old pictures.

Chizu: She shouldn't be lifting heavy boxes, should she?

Hamaji: No she shouldn't.

Minawa: If Akiko-chan had been home, she would have gotten them for your mother. I was there, so I did it for her.

Rin: What kind of pictures?

Hamaji blushes but remains silent.

Minawa: Pictures of Hamaji when he was a baby.

Miyuki: (Syrupy sweet) Awww… Isn't that special. (Regular voice) Any pictures of Hamaji-kun showing off his bare bottom?

Minawa: Lot's of them.

Riku: You mean like the pictures you're parents have of you?

Hamaji: Miyuki-chan, you're parents have pictures of you running around naked?

Miyuki blushes.

Riku: Of Miyuki and her sisters too.

Miyuki blushes brighter.

Kiyomi: Don't worry about it Miyuki-chan. I think it's some unwritten rule that all parents take pictures like that so that they can pull them out to show to your fiancé.

Miyuki: Your mom and dad have pictures of you naked? These I have to see.

Rin: No way. The position of fiancé is already taken.

Scene fades to show Mahoro and Suguru sitting on a couch in the main room of the lodge. Mahoro has a can of beer in hand and is not smiling. Suguru has a sake cup in his hand, is sitting to the right of Mahoro and is blushing brightly. Zoom out to show Saori (sitting cross legged on the floor in front of Mahoro), Ryuga (on the floor next to Saori), Sera (sitting on the couch directly across from Mahoro and Suguru), Kenta (sitting to the right of Sera), Kanoko (sitting to the left of Sera), Kiyoshi (sitting to the left of Kanoko), Eimi Shina (sitting on a couch that is to the right of the couch where Mahoro is sitting), Nekoto (sitting to the left of Mahoro), Chiako (sitting to the right of Eimi), Sanako (sitting to the right of Chiako), Akiko (sitting on a couch that is to the left of the couch where Mahoro is sitting), Professor Hokato (sitting to the right of Akiko) and Doctor Mihoshi (sitting to the left of Akiko). Saori has a bottle of liquor. Sera, Eimi, Kanoko, Kiyoshi, Professor Hokato and Doctor Mihoshi have cans of beer. Kenta has a glass of a milky looking beverage. Chiako, Nekoto, Sanako and Akiko have sake cups in hand.

Saori: (Takes a drink and passes the bottle to Ryuga; Doing her best to stifle a laugh) I'm sorry Mahoro. When your sisters asked me where you were, I didn't expect them to go out looking for you.

Chiako: (Seriously) It's a good thing we got there when we did. There's no telling what might have happened if we hadn't arrived when we did.

Sera: (Takes a long drink from the can of beer) I can tell you what would have happened. Suguru-kun would have…

Ryuga: (Interrupting Sera) Sera, there's no need for you to go into detail. (Drinks from the bottle and hands it back to Saori)

Sera: I don't know. It sounds like Chiako-chan needs a bit of a sex-ed 101 refresher course.

Chiako: That's not what I mean. I know exactly what would have happened.

Saori: I think Chiako-chan is jealous because she doesn't have a boy friend.

Chiako: (Protesting) I am not jealous. Doing perverted things like that are bad… Tell Mahoro-chan that, Professor Hokato.

Hokato: Chiako-san, what Mahoro-san and Suguru-san were going to do is not perverted. Their choice of location was interesting… but when two people are in love with each other, there's nothing wrong with them having a sexual relationship.

Saori: I don't know… their choice of location sounds intriguing. (Hugging Ryuga) My husband and I may pay a visit there before the end of the week.

Eimi: It sounds like that area may be becoming quite a lover's retreat. Maybe I should have a reserved sign made up so that people aren't interrupted. Something that reads like… "Warning! Sex in progress!"

Saori: And maybe something so people could take a number… Now serving number sixty-nine.

Mahoro: (Takes a drink of her beer) Could we talk about something else?

Sanako: Mahoro-chan, may I ask you one more question? Why did you decide to have sex with Suguru-san there?

Mahoro: I don't know… It felt like the right time and place for Suguru and me to make love. I don't understand why myself.

Nekoto: I… I'm really sorry that I interrupted you and Suguru-kun. (Bowing her head) I hope you aren't angry with me.

Mahoro: (Gently) Suguru and I aren't angry with you, Nekoto-chan. But why were you looking for us?

Nekoto: I wanted to ask you and Suguru-kun about something.

Mahoro: What did you want to ask?

Nekoto: It's not really important any more. I think I already have my answer. (Pause) You and Suguru-kun were really happy when you were together like that, weren't you?

Cut to closing theme

Preview:

Preview opens with Mahoro (wearing her maid's uniform) and Suguru (wearing a tea shirt and shorts) in the lodge kitchen. Scene cuts to Tani and Takumi walking together. Tani is holding Takumi's hand and walking at a fast pace ahead of him like she is dragging him along. Cut to Yaeko and Shiori (wearing their restaurant uniforms) standing next to each other by the kitchen order window. Cut to Minawa (wearing her maid's uniform) and Hamaji (wearing tee shirt and shorts) sitting next to each other at the dining room table of the Misato residence. There is a notebook open in front of Hamaji. Hamaji has pencil in hand and is writing in the notebook. Cut to Takara, Roka and Umeko walking together and fast cut to Miyuki and Riku walking side by side. Riku is carrying two cardboard boxes and Miyuki is carrying a suitcase.

[Voice Over]

Voice of Midori: It looks like we're not in the next episode either.

Voice of Aoi: Why do you say that?

Voice of Midori: Because were doing the previews. Why does Takara-chan get to be in an episode?

Voice of Aoi: Never mind that. Let's just do the preview and get it over and done with. (Pause) It looks like Mahoro-san is back in the kitchen.

Voice of Midori: Where else would you expect them to be?

Voice of Aoi: I seem to remember she wasn't in the kitchen in this episode.

Voice of Midori: Hey, look at that. Isn't that that girl from the embassy that was always in trouble for trying to go out with other girls' boyfriends?

Voice of Aoi: (Quietly) Like somebody else I know.

Voice of Midori: What? (Pause) He's kind of cute.

Voice of Aoi: Down girl! He's kind of young for you.

Voice of Midori: You think so? Hey, isn't that Shikijo-sensei's little sister with her friend. Will you look how short those skirts are? I wonder if the guys would notice me if I wore something like that?

Voice of Aoi: Oh… They would notice you.

Voice of Midori: Hey and there's Hamaji-kun and Minawa-chan… And there's Takara-chan and Roka-kun…

Voice of Aoi: And Umeko-chan.

Voice of Midori: And there's Miyuki-chan and her husband to be… That's it. The only way you get to be in an episode is if you have a boy friend.

Voice of Aoi: Shikijo-sensei's little sister doesn't have a boy friend.

Voice of Midori: That's it. I've got to get a boy friend no matter what it takes.

Voice of Aoi: This isn't going to be pretty.

Episode 53: …Are Usually Equally Reliable

Author's Notes:

I realize that it has been some time since I published a chapter of 'Seasons of Change' and I apologize for the long delay. My work schedule has been somewhat crazy with travel (I just finished a three month road trip) and projects that require more hours than there are in the day. I also just celebrated the first anniversary of my heart attack.

All that aside, I am now working to complete 'Seasons of Change' (four more episodes after this), then I intend on taking a break on publishing Mahoromatic (I want to get a few episodes written of the last book before I start publishing again). I also plan to write a novel version based on the scripted story.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope to have the next episode published relatively soon.

Dr. Memory