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 53: …Are Usually Equally Reliable
Show opens with the regular opening theme.
Scene opens with Mahoro (wearing her maid's uniform) and Suguru (wearing a tea shirt and shorts) in the lodge kitchen. Mahoro is cooking at the stove while Suguru is sitting at the kitchen table, sipping from a glass of iced teas
Mahoro: He didn't explain. Professor Hokato just asked if we could stay an extra day so that he could do some additional tests.
Suguru: I'm sure he has his reasons… and it really isn't all that big of a deal.
Mahoro: But that means that we won't be getting home until sometime Sunday.
Suguru: It won't be that big of a problem. I have all of my homework done.
Mahoro: It's not just your homework. There'll be laundry I'll to do and all that housework to catch up on.
Suguru: (Takes a sip of iced tea) Mahoro, I'm sure that there is someplace at the headquarters that we can do laundry… and as for housework… I doubt that Minawa-chan, Hamaji-kun or Riku-kun have spent any time at the house at all. Any cleaning that needed to be done, Minawa-chan is more than capable of handling.
Mahoro: (Turning away from her cooking to face Suguru; Sigh) I know… It's just that…
Suguru: (Smiling) Since everyone else will be leaving… it means we'll get to spend an extra night all to ourselves. Maybe we could take another walk together without being interrupted.
Mahoro: (Blushing slightly) Not completely alone. The Professor would also like to do some additional tests on Nekoto-chan. He didn't explain, but he said there was one or two of tests where he needs to clarify the data. It wouldn't be fair to do something like that with Nekoto-chan here.
Suguru: Nekoto-chan will understand if we want to have some time to ourselves. (Pause) Hmmm… I wonder how much Nekoto-chan has at the Sakura's?
Mahoro: I don't think she has much. Why?
Suguru: I'll talk with Miyuki-chan and Riku-kun. If Riku-kun can pack before we get back, Nekoto-chan can move right in when we get home on Sunday.
Mahoro: I'll talk with her later when she gets back from her testing session.
Suguru: How is everyone doing?
Mahoro: I think well. Professor Hokato and Doctor Mihoshi haven't said much about the test results, but at least half of my defensive systems have recalibrated from a thirty percent level of operation to a fifty percent level even though my power utilization has been reduced by ten percent. Nekoto-chan and Sanako-chan demonstrated similar results… although not as dramatic as my power utilization changes.
Suguru: I don't really understand what all of that means, but I assume that it isn't a bad thing.
Mahoro: No… it's not a bad thing. A ten percent reduction of power use would significantly increase my operating lifespan.
Suguru: Maybe that's why the Professor wants to do more tests on Nekoto-chan.
Mahoro: If that's the case, why isn't Sanako-chan staying for additional testing? (Long pause) Ahhh… there is one other test result… My bust measurement has increased by two centimeters. It's not really all that much but…
Suguru: Stop worrying about how big your breasts are. I think you're beautiful no matter what size your breasts are.
Mahoro: (Quietly) I know…
Suguru: (Stands up, walks over to Mahoro's side, puts his arm around her and hugs her) What's wrong Mahoro? This hasn't been an issue for a long time.
Mahoro: It's not an issue… really…
Suguru squeezes Mahoro and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
Suguru: What's wrong Mahoro?
Mahoro: (After a long pause) Did you know that Nekoto-chan and Chiako-chan's bust measurements are bigger that Saori's?
Suguru: No I didn't… but yeah… I guess Nekoto-chan and Chiako-chan's breasts might be about the same size as Saori-sensei's…
Mahoro: (Increase in intensity) Chiako-chan measures two point five centimeters bigger that Saori's and Nekoto-chan's breasts are almost a centimeter bigger.
Suguru: Almost a centimeter really doesn't make a difference… especially when you're talking about breasts the size of Saori-sensei's.
Mahoro: Do you think Nekoto-chan's breasts are pretty?
Suguru: Sure… I think Nekoto-chan's breasts are pretty. I think Nekoto-chan is pretty. I think all of your sisters are pretty… Kanoko-chan… Chiako-chan… Minawa-chan… All of you sisters are pretty… (Kissing Mahoro) But as far as I'm concerned, you are the prettiest of them all. (Pause) Is it bothering you that Nekoto-chan is going to be moving in with us?
Mahoro: (Tentatively) No, that doesn't bother me at all…
Suguru: You don't sound very convincing.
Mahoro: (Smiling) No, Suguru… it doesn't bother me at all… really…
Mahoro turns to give Suguru a hug and a kiss as the scene fades 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. Each is carrying a small "bath" bag.
After taking a few more steps, Tani slows down, allowing Takumi to catch up. They continue to walk next to each other, unconsciously holding hands.
Takumi: (After catching his breath) Do you want to explain what that was all about?
Tani: That was Commander Leesha about to hit critical mass. The Commander specifically told the Ambassador's wife not to bother Natsune's parents about a marriage contract again, but apparently she went to see them today to make one final offer and Commander Leesha found out.
Takumi: When I heard all of the yelling I thought I came at a bad time.
Tani: Your timing couldn't be any better. (After walking several seconds) Takumi-kun, have you thought about the idea of going to the Command Ship with me? Commander Leesha said that it would be all right as long as your parents approve.
Takumi: After what happened at the ocean last year, my parents won't have a problem if I don't go on vacation with them and my sister.
Tani: So, are you going to explain what happened?
Takumi: (Pause; slowly at first) I was swimming in the ocean and Rini snuck up from behind and pulled off my swim trunks. She wouldn't give them back to me so I ended up staying out in the water for almost two hours. Then she gets the brilliant idea to announce to everyone that I was out there swimming naked.
Tani: And your parents didn't do anything about it?
Takumi: That was the only time I ever heard my parents raise their voices at her and all she said was that she couldn't understand what the big deal was since I didn't really have anything to show off. I ended up spending the rest of the vacation in the hotel room.
Tani: I would have smacked her. Why do your parents let her get away with stuff like that?
Takumi: Because my parents don't want to do anything that would interfere with her creativity… and they don't want to get her angry with them because they'd like to live off the money from her art.
Tani: So that's probably the reason you're so shy around girls?
Takumi: Probably… (Pause) Will your parents have a problem with me going to the Command Ship with you?
Tani: My parents are the ones who suggested it.
Takumi: This doesn't have anything to do with that marriage contract thing, does it?
Tani: (Chuckling) No… my parents are happy that I have a steady boyfriend. (Long pause) You know about my reputation… that I would go out with any guy… I'll warn you… If you come to the Command Ship with me, you'll hear people say some really terrible things about me… And most of the things they'll say are true. I used to have a nickname at my school on the Command Ship. I haven't heard that specific word here on Earth and there doesn't seem to be a word that means quite the same thing, but translated as closely as I can, my nickname meant 'a woman who exposes her private parts in public for men to use'.
Takumi: (Stops and lets go of Tani's hand) That's… that's a terrible thing to say about you.
Tani: (Quietly) It may be terrible… and I never walked naked in public inviting men to have sex with me… but it is an accurate description of my behavior.
Takumi: Have… have you ever had sex with a man?
Tani: (Pause) I won't lie to you. I like you too much to do that… Yes, I've had sex… more than once. It's nothing I'm proud of. Mostly I did it because I thought I had something to prove to everyone… and to myself.
Takumi: (Long pause; head bowed) How long… I mean… when… I mean… how long ago?
Tani: The first time was about six weeks before we left for Earth… and the last time was the night before we left.
Takumi: Did he force himself…
Tani: No he didn't force me to do it. I invited him… And the same is true about each of the others too. (Pause; head bowed) Takumi-kun… I'll understand, knowing about what I've done, if you didn't want to be around me any more.
Takumi: But you're not doing that any more…
Tani: Not since I came to Earth… And not since Akine-chan and Misaki-chan taught me a really hard lesson… and not since I met you.
Several seconds pass with nothing said.
Takumi (Gently takes hold of Tani's hand; Tani raises her head) Tani-chan… what happened in the past is in the past… but if we're going to be boyfriend and girlfriend… I'd expect that you wouldn't do anything like that again.
Tani: (Smiles) You have my promise. No more sex with anyone… except you… (Takumi begins to blush brightly) eventually.
Takumi: I'm afraid that you'll be terribly disappointed.
Tani: When the time comes, let me be the judge of that.
Tani puts her arm around Takumi and kisses him; first on his cheek and then after several seconds, on the lips. For a moment Takumi is startled by the kiss on the lips, but he recovers and kisses Tani in return. Scene fades to show the sign for the "Maid to Order" restaurant. Scene fades to the interior showing Yaeko in her restaurant uniform standing next to a booth table of customers (three men and one woman). She has a notepad and pencil in hand. Yaeko, looking perturbed, tugs down on the edge of her uniform skirt.
Yaeko: (Reading from her notepad) Let me repeat your order… One hamburger set with lettuce and tomato but no onion and a cola… One teriyaki set and a cola… one ramen bowl with shrimp and vegetables and iced coffee extra sweet… and one hamburger set with everything and extra onions and a cherry cola… Is that everything?
Male Customer: That's everything.
Yaeko: (Bowing to customers) Thank you very much. I'll put this order right in for you.
Yaeko takes a step back and then turns and walks slowly back to the order station. Shiori is standing next to the order station wearing a uniform that is identical to Yaeko's. Yaeko tears the page from her notebook and sets it on the ledge of the order station window.
Yaeko: (Calling into the kitchen through the order station window) Order in!
Yaeko tugs down at the bottom of her uniform skirt again then proceeds to the drink station where she prepares the drinks for the order and places them on a tray. Before picking up the tray she again tugs her uniform skirt down. She picks up the tray and carries the drinks to the booth.
Yaeko (As she places the drinks on the table) Two colas… One cherry cola… and one iced coffee… extra sweet… Your order will be ready in a few minutes.
Yaeko bows to the customers, walks back to the order station, stands next to Shiori and again tugs down on the hem of her uniform.
Yaeko: (To Shiori) Did you see that creep? He slid down in his seat and was looking up my skirt.
Shiori: He wasn't the only one. The girl at the table was a little more discreet about it and the guy at the table behind you couldn't take his eyes off your butt. I thought he was going to have a hemorrhage every time you bowed. You are wearing underwear, aren't you?
Yaeko: Yes I'm wearing underwear. I'm not like some people I know. That's why I hate these uniforms. I don't like showing off my ass to everyone in the restaurant.
Shiori: I'd kind of like to think that was reserved for me… but I'm willing to share.
Yaeko looks at Shiori sternly.
Yaeko: Before you got here this morning, Kumi-chan was putting an order on the table and her boobs fell out of her uniform right in front of a table of old men.
Shiori: Well, at least we don't have to worry about that… and Kumi-chan should wear the type of uniform like we wear… not one with the low cut neckline if she isn't going to wear better fitting bras. There's no way she's going to keep boobs that size in one of those uniforms if she keeps wearing a bra that's three sizes too small.
Yaeko: Even so… if the uniforms had a more reasonable neckline and hemline, it wouldn't be a problem at all… (Pause) OK now, explain to me again… Why the hell were you so late?
Shiori: Mai-chan was still sick this morning. I stayed with her until Usagi-chan woke up.
Yaeko: We're going to have to figure out some way of cleaning that up before the Dragon Lady gets back.
Shiori: Already taken care of. Bridget-chan said that she's had to clean up messes like that before. You can hardly tell that anything happened.
Yaeko: So what's everybody doing today while we're at work?
Shiori: Kimiko-chan is going to the liquor store to help with the big order that's coming in today. She won't be back until late… And Usagi-chan, Mai-chan, Maria-chan and Bridget-chan are going to get same more sleep and then they're going to go to the baths. Bridget-chan wanted to know what we're doing for dinner and what we're doing tonight.
Yaeko: We should probably take it easy tonight. Usagi-chan and Mai-chan can't take too much more partying.
Shiori: I wasn't planning on doing much of anything tonight. Kimiko-chan said that she would be home late… and since we have to be up in the morning for the early breakfast shift.
Yaeko: Don't remind me. I can't wait until Sanako-chan gets back.
Shiori: That's only three more days. (Pause) Is your mom going to give us the day off for Mahoro-san's party?
Yaeko: She's giving everyone the day off… well at least most of the day. She's closing the restaurant at noon. She figures that with the university and high school dining halls opening up, there won't be that much business… plus mom was invited to the party too. She's not planning to open back up until dinnertime on Monday.
Shiori: It sounds like your mother is planning on doing some serious partying. To bad we have to be back at school Monday morning.
Yaeko: And back in our dorm room by eleven.
Shiori: That sucks. (Pause) Hey, you want to have a serious party on Friday?
Yaeko: You don't call what we've been doing serious?
Voice of Mihiro: (From inside the kitchen) Ya-chan… Order up! (Tray of plates appears in the window) Table seven!
Yaeko: That was quick.
Shiori: Hey Ya-chan, why don't you take off your panties and give them a real show.
Yaeko: (Shaking her head) Shiori, you are one very sick puppy…
Yaeko turns to the order widow and begins to collect the plates as the scene fades to show Minawa and Hamaji 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. Minawa is wearing her maid's uniform while Hamaji is wearing a tee shirt and shorts.
Hamaji: Well, I've contacted everyone on the list and they've all said that they'll attend… So there'll be fifty-two attending… not including Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun… so that makes fifty-four. I've ordered a tent for the back yard… just in case the weather is bad… and the tent people are going to supply extra tables and chairs.
Minawa: It sounds like you have everything under control.
Hamaji: I don't feel that way. Rin-chan and Chizu-chan still haven't pinned down the menu… We have to wait until Saturday when Saori-sensei gets back to order the "adult" beverages. And we have to wait until then when Ryuga-sensei gets back to find out what we have for decorations.
Minawa: Everything will work out fine. What was the call?
Hamaji: That was Suguru-kun calling to confirm that he, Mahoro-san and Nekoto-san won't be back until one in the afternoon on Sunday. Oh… and I have to let Miyuki-chan and Riku-kun know that it's all right for Nekoto-san to move here and for Riku-kun to move into the guest room at the Sakura's.
Minawa: It's going to be very different not having Kaito-kun and Riku-kun living here.
Hamaji: They really haven't been living here since school started. Kaito-kun has been living with Chizu-chan and Riku-kun spends most of his time at the baths helping Mr. Sakura.
Minawa: So when will the move happen?
Hamaji: Riku-kun can move as soon as his things are packed and Suguru-kun doesn't think Nekoto-chan has any more that a suitcase of things at the Sakura's, so Suguru-kun thinks that Miyuki-chan can pack her things and Nekoto-chan can move in here when they get back from the lodge.
Minawa: Did Suguru-kun say how the testing was going?
Hamaji: Not really. He didn't say that there were any problems. (Pause) He did say that Mahoro-san was overjoyed because her bust measurement increased by two centimeters.
Minawa: I'm sure Onee-chan was overjoyed. I'd be overjoyed if my breasts got two centimeters bigger.
Hamaji: I think you and your sister obsess too much about the size of your breasts. I'll love you no matter how big your breasts are.
Minawa: But wouldn't you like it if my breasts were as big as Asaoka-san's or Saori-sensei's?
Hamaji: I don't think so. I don't think breasts that big would look right on you… and I don't think they would feel as nice either. When Saori-sensei first started teaching our class, she used to give all of the boys hugs; not just Suguru-kun. I don't know about everyone else but when she buried my head between her boobs I thought I was going to suffocate. No, I like your breasts just the way they are.
Minawa: So, you wouldn't like if my breasts got two centimeters bigger?
Hamaji: Two centimeters are fine… Twenty centimeters would be way too much.
Minawa: (Smiling) Thank you Hamaji… (Pause) So are we done with party planning for now?
Hamaji: At least for now. Rin-chan and Chizu-chan were going to finish with the menu this morning before the liquor store opened and then Chizu-chan and Kaito-kun said they would stop over with it later. (Hamaji looks at his Command Ship wristband) But right now I have to go over to my house and help out my mother.
Minawa: Is your mother all right?
Hamaji: My mother is fine, but suddenly she's decided that the living room needs to be rearranged.
Minawa: I can help with that… and I have to pick up the party dress she made for me for Onee-chan's birthday party.
Hamaji: I'm kind of nervous about what she made for you. The last party dress she made for you, you could almost see right through it.
Minawa: No you couldn't… at least not while I was wearing it. (Hamaji scowls) The dress wasn't that bad. It hid the parts that needed to be hidden.
Hamaji: Barely… but every dress my mom has made for you has hidden less and less.
Minawa: Don't think you have anything to worry about. She made a matching dress for Onee-chan.
Hamaji: That worries me even more. Mahoro-san won't be happy if she ends up with a completely see through dress to wear for the party.
Minawa: I'm sure it will be fine… (Minawa kisses Hamaji) After we're done helping your mother, how would you like to come back here and you can check to see if my breasts have gotten any bigger?
Hamaji: You want me to measure you?
Minawa: No silly… I think you can find a better way to check.
Cut to mid show break.
Scene opens with Umeko, Takara and Roka walking together gown a hallway on the Command Ship.
Takara: (To Umeko) I wish you could stay one more day.
Umeko: I wish I could too, but I've been told that I'd be in a whole lot of trouble if I miss Mahoro-san's birthday party.
Roka: What time does the ship leave?
Umeko: Tomorrow morning at eight… give or take a little. Kira-chan says that it will depend on when the transport arrives. Apparently there are some passengers and cargo that will be going to Earth with us. (Pause) Any idea what was up with Midori-chan? I though she was going to take my head off when I asked her how she was feeling this morning before class started.
Takara: I'm going to bet that things didn't go as she planned on her date last night.
Umeko: Midori-chan had a date last night?
Takara: According to Aoi-chan, one of the girls in class arranged a date for Midori-chan with her brother. What she failed to mention to Midori was that her brother is only eleven years old.
Roka: I would have loved to seen her face when she met her date.
Umeko: Then I can understand why she wasn't in the best of moods this morning. I'd be irritated if someone did that to me.
Takara: Well… it's not as if she didn't have it coming. She's been trying to get a date with any of the guys in our class since she got here… and the girls in the class don't like it. It's bad enough that out of sixty-five students in the class, only nineteen are boys. There are Roka-kun, Kyoshi-kun and Sachio-kun… all of whom are somewhat committed to a relationship.
Umeko: Sachio-kun doesn't really have a serious relationship with Leesha-san?
Roka: I think serious enough. There's been more than one time when Sachio-kun was out all night, only to show up at school, escorted by Leesha-san.
Umeko: Suguru-kun won't be pleased when he finds out about that.
Takara: Not much we or Suguru-kun can do about that. Suguru-kun's grandmother is an adult… even if she doesn't always act like one… But back to what I was talking about before… That leaves the sixteen boys who are Saint. Two of them are already married and three more are engaged, which leaves eleven boys for all of the rest of the girls in the class. It's not a pretty sight when Midori-chan is trying to make time with two or three of them.
Umeko: OK, so she deserved it. But I do agree with Roka-kun. I would have loved to be there to see her face.
Takara: So would I. (Pause) So, what do you think of our school?
Umeko: Other than you have twice as many people in your class as I have… and there isn't a school building… it just rooms along a specific corridor… it really isn't that different. Oh… and no books to carry.
Roka: (Taking a device that looks like a thick credit card out of his pocket) Oh we still have books to carry…
Umeko: (Swatting Roka gently on the back of the head) That's not what I mean and you know it. I have six pretty heavy textbooks and four workbooks that I end up carrying home every night.
Takara: Basically the card is our workbook. Our textbooks are on the ship's computer system and we can access them from any terminal. We get a fresh workbook card at the beginning of every class cycle.
Umeko: Class cycle?
Roka: (Putting the card back in his pocket) We go to school for six days and then we get a day off… Then we go for another six days and get another day off… Then we go for another six days and then get eight days off. That's one class cycle. We get grade reports after every cycle and then it all starts over again.
Takara: Actually our parents are supposed to get the grade reports, but I don't think they forward them to Earth. Matsuhira-sensei gets the reports and goes over them with us. Anyway three class cycles make up a term and three terms make up a school year and when you throw in a one term break between the first and second term and a few other extra odd days off, it somehow matches up with the school year on Earth.
Umeko: Sorry I asked.
Umeko, Takara and Roka stop outside a doorway labeled 'Continuing Care'.
Umeko: With everything that's been going on, I wasn't sure I was going to get to meet Hana-chan before I had to go back to Earth.
Takara: You understand that is going probably going to feel rather peculiar.
Umeko: After everything that's happened over the past year, nothing is peculiar any more..
Roka: And you can't talk about this to anyone… especially here on the Command Ship.
Umeko: If Hana-chan has any messages for Ya-chan and Shiori-chan, I'll pass them on them on to them, but beyond that, what happens today really isn't anyone else's business.
Takara presses a contact at the side of the door and it slides open. They all enter and start walking down the corridor as the door slides close behind them.
Takara: They moved Hana-chan here just before you arrived. She's still getting used to her new apartment. It's nothing fancy but it's much nicer than the hospital room she was in before.
Roka: Nothing is very fancy on the ship.
Takara: No, but at least she has a regular bed and there isn't all kinds of medical equipment all around the room and we can decorate her room to make it feel more like a home.
Umeko: Ya-chan was telling me before I left that when she was here the last time the doctors didn't think Hana-chan would ever be able to walk again. Has there been any progress?
Takara: (Shaking her head sadly) No… unfortunately not. Doctor Kasumi doesn't understand why. At first she thought that it might damage caused by when they removed the cybernetic implants, but she's regained her strength in the other parts of her body… and she has feeling in her legs and feet, but something is preventing the strength from returning to her legs that would enable her to walk.
Umeko: That sound like to same situation as Slash. As far as they can detect, his self-repair has fixed all of the damage he suffered, but his hind legs won't respond to any kind of stimulation. There's no reason why he can't walk… he just can't.
Roka: Maybe he's not getting the right kind of stimulation.
Takara and Umeko turn and look at Roka.
Umeko: Why is it that when Roka-kun says that it sounds so filthy?
Takara: Because he's a guy and guys are always thinking filthy thoughts.
Roka: (Blushing) That's not the way I meant it.
Takara: (Smiling and taking hold of Roka's hand) I know that isn't the way you meant it… I know…
As Umeko, Takara and Roka go around a corner in the corridor and meet Doctor Kasumi, the scene fades to show Miyuki and Riku walking side by side. Riku is carrying two cardboard boxes and Miyuki is carrying a suitcase.
Miyuki: One more trip should do it.
Riku: I should be able to manage the rest of it myself.
Miyuki: That's all right. Dad said we could take the rest of the afternoon to move you. If I stay at home, he'll put me to work… Unless there's something in that last load that you don't want me to see… hmmm.
Riku: (Defensively) There's nothing in that last load that I don't want you to see… or in any of my loads.
Miyuki: I don't know if I'm relieved or disappointed.
Riku: Why would you be disappointed?
Miyuki: I guess I figured all guys were interested in ecchi magazines and videos.
Riku: It's not that I'm not interested, but I don't think there'd be a reason that I'd hide them from you… considering the magazines you have in your dresser.
Miyuki: You've seen those?
Riku: Harune-chan showed them to me. You might consider getting something new. She has most of those memorized.
Miyuki: My little sister knows too much for her own good. It's going to get her into trouble some day.
Riku: Why do you have them?
Miyuki: Suguru-kun gave them to me.
Riku: Suguru-kun? Why would he give you porn magazines?
Miyuki: I'm sure he doesn't remember, but it was right after Mahoro-san came to live with Suguru-kun. Mahoro-san discovered the magazines he had in his bedroom and she confiscated them, but Suguru-kun had some in his book bag and he asked me to hide them for him so that Mahoro-san wouldn't find them. I promised to hide them for him thinking that I could use them to blackmail him into going out on a date with me.
Riku: But that never happened…
Miyuki: No… it never happened…
Riku: You were really in love with Suguru-kun, weren't you?
Miyuki: Chizu-chan, Rin-chan and I were all in love with him… each for our own special reason. For Rin-chan, Suguru-kun was a guy she could talk to without feeling worthless. When Rin-chan's father had the time to talk with her, he made her feel like she was a piece of garbage. Rin-chan would go crying to Suguru-kun when that happened and he would put his arm around her and let her cry on his shoulder. Chizu-chan would go to Suguru-kun's house when her parents were entertaining. Suguru-kun's house was a mess but for Chizu-chan it was a haven from the mass insanity that happened at her house when it was filled with movie people.
Riku: How about you? Why did you love him?
Miyuki: I still do love Suguru-kun… just not the same way I love you. You remember the way my house was when you first came… all the screaming and yelling. Well, if you can believe it, it used to be worse. None of my friends would come to the house to visit me. They came to use the baths but I never had a friend come to the house just to visit… except for Suguru-kun. He said that he liked all of the noise. That it was better than his house where he was all alone and there wasn't any noise.
Riku: It sounds like Suguru-kun spent a lot of time at your house.
Miyuki: Yeah… After his mother died, he would come and stay with us when his father had to be away. And after his father died… before the arrangements were made for him to stay in his house by himself, he stayed in the guest room. That was for almost six months. (Pause) He didn't stop crying for almost the first two months… and he used to have terrible nightmares. He'd wake up screaming in the middle of the night…
Riku: And you would console him…
Miyuki: All I ever did was hug him… and sometimes I would give him a kiss… but eventually he would fall back to sleep and I would lie down next to him and cuddle up with him… (Pause) That doesn't bother you… does it?
Riku: No it doesn't bother me at all. If fact, I think that's what makes you special… your loving, caring feelings.
Miyuki: Not all of my feelings were caring and loving. (Blush) There was more than one occasion when I fanaticized what it would be like if we were married and sleeping together as husband and wife.
Riku: I'm sure Chizu-chan and Rin-chan did the same.
Miyuki: (Smiling) I know they did. We compared notes. (Pause) Riku, was there a girl you wanted to have a relationship with on your home ship?
Riku: Of course there was. I'm a guy… Not that any of them would have had anything to do with me.
Miyuki: Because you and Kaito-kun are twins?
Riku: Pretty much.
Miyuki: Did any of the girls you fanaticized about have big boobs?
Riku: Almost all Saint girls have big breasts. It's unusual to find any who don't… and since I can see where this is going… I like you just the way you are.
Miyuki: (Smiling) Thanks.
Riku: Nekoto-san didn't have anything to move to Suguru-kun's house.
Miyuki: When she arrived at our house when Rin-chan's father was killed, she only had the one small bag. She probably took everything she had to the lodge with her.
Riku: I think I had more when I came here from the Command Ship.
Miyuki: You did, but most of what you had was those ugly grey uniforms that didn't fit you. They all ended up in the trash after your first shopping trip.
Riku: Most of them did. I kept one set as a souvenir.
Miyuki and Riku walk silently for a moment.
Miyuki: Riku, has my dad talked to you at all about a new project?
Riku: Your dad hasn't recovered from the renovation of the family bath. He probably wants at least a little bit of a break. Why do you ask?
Miyuki: (Pause) Last night after you and Yukio-kun and Aiko-kun went to bed I overheard mom and dad talking. Mom was saying how it would be nice if my sisters and I had our own rooms.
Riku: So your mom wants to add two new rooms to the house.
Miyuki: That's the thing. It sounded like mom was only planning to add one new room.
Riku: (Pause) I guess that would work if someone moved… moved into the guest room.
Miyuki and Riku stop in their tracks and look at each other wide eyed as the scene fades to show the dining room at the lodge. Sitting around the dining room table are Mahoro, Suguru, Kanoko, Kiyoshi, Sera, Kenta, Saori, Ryuga, Commander Hayato, Eimi Shina, Akiko, Sanako, Chiako and Nekoto. It's nearing the end of the meal and there is general conversation occurring around the table.
Sanako: Thank you for cooking dinner tonight Mahoro-chan. I didn't expect our testing to go as late as it did.
Mahoro: It really wasn't a problem… and it actually gave me a good opportunity to give Akiko-chan and Kanoko-chan some cooking lessons.
Chiako: And how did that turn out? Are you sure that was advisable considering not everyone at the table has the capability to repair the damage that might have caused?
Akiko: Chiako-chan! I'll have you know that most of what you ate tonight Kanoko-chan prepared. I made the soup and salad… and Mahoro-chan didn't cook at all. She just explained what we were supposed to do. She didn't cook at all.
Sanako: I am impressed. You've almost managed to duplicate Mahoro-chan's teriyaki sauce… although yours is just a bit sweeter… And the ginger sauce you used with the pork… I don't think I've ever tasted anything like that before.
Akiko: What did you think of the soup… and the salad?
Sanako: Both were very good. The dressing on the salad had a very different flavor to it.
Akiko: Mahoro-chan showed me the basic recipe and then told me to experiment with the taste until I was satisfied with it.
Sanako: I hope you remember what you did. That was excellent.
Akiko smiles.
Chiako: Yeah… Yeah… Everything was edible… But can you imagine what could have happened if they didn't have adult supervision.
Sanako: (Voiced raised) Chiako-chan! Why do you have to be like that? Kanoko-chan and Akiko-chan made an excellent dinner for us. Why can't you say something nice? Why do you have to say such mean things to them?
Chiako: (Indifferently) Because now that Mahoro-chan actually has some cleavage, it isn't fun to say things about her.
Complete silence.
Sanako: I thought it was decided…
Mahoro: (Softly) Sanako-chan… please… don't…
Silence.
Nekoto: Commander Hayato, do you know why Professor Hokato isn't here tonight?
Hayato: He said he needed to complete compiling the test result from today so he would be ready for tomorrow's testing? (Nudge from Eimi) Oh… right… He asked me to pass this message to you. Sanako-san, Nekoto-san and Chiako-san, the Professor would like you to report to the testing lab at eight. He wants to get some blood, but other than that, you have the day off. Mahoro-san, Kanoko-san and Akiko-san… the Professor has a full day of testing for you. Please report by six wearing your battle armor.
Mahoro: Understood!
Hayato: Suguru-kun… Kyoshi-san… If you would like to come and watch, you're welcome to come with your fiancés.
Suguru: Thank you Commander.
Nekoto: Commander Hayato, did Professor Hokato mention why he wants me to stay for an additional day of testing?
Hayato: Not in any detail… wait… let me rephrase that. When I asked him, he explained in so much detail that I didn't understand a word he was saying… But I don't think it's anything serious.
Mahoro: Did he say anything about why he'd like me to stay?
Hayato: Actually that I do understand… because Doctor Mihoshi explained that to me. She'd like to run a brain function test on you and Suguru-kun. She mentioned something about something you said during your pretest interview about some dreams that you and Suguru-kun were having.
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other and begin to blush as the scene fades to show Usagi, Mai, Shiori and Yaeko sitting on the floor in Shiori and Yaeko's dorm room.
Shiori: No matter how many times you tell me, I can't believe that Hotaru-chan and Mariko-chan have boy friends.
Usagi: What's so hard to believe about that? Kuri-chan and Kaede-chan have boy friends too.
Shiori: It's easier to believe about Kaede-chan and Kuri-chan… at least they're cute.
Mai: They're cute until they open their mouths to talk, but once they say something…
Shiori: OK… Until they open their mouths they're cute. Their boy friends must be deaf.
Yaeko: At least to high frequencies.
Usagi: You don't think Hotaru-chan and Mariko-chan are cute?
Shiori: Not really. To me they've always looked a little scary.
Yaeko: But that may be because of the way they used to treat us.
Shiori: You're probably right. Usagi-chan, have you met their boy friends?
Usagi: Mai-chan and I met them at the reception the third year students had for the new students. Everyone was allowed to bring one guest. Hotaru-chan and Mariko-chan brought their boy friends.
Mai: I think Mariko-chan's boy friend is a boy she knew in elementary school and Hotaru-chan's boy friend lives in the same apartment block.
Shiori: Were their boy friends cute?
Mai: I guess you could say they were.
Yaeko: Did you take anyone to the reception?
Mai: No. My big brother said that he would go with me, but…
Shiori: That probably wouldn't have been a good idea. Usagi-chan, do you have a boy friend?
Usagi: No. I haven't met a guy that I like. Most of the guys who live near me are older and aren't interested in a flat chested first year high school girl.
Shiori: You're not that flat chested. You have bigger boobs than Rei-chan.
Yaeko: That's not fair comparison. I think Fumiko-chan from our class has bigger boobs that Rei-chan… and Fumiko-chan is only thirteen.
Mai: Thirteen and she's already in high school?
Yaeko: She's really smart. She gets perfect scores on almost every test.
Mai: (Pause) Ya-chan, do you really think we'll be able to go into space with you during summer break.
Yaeko: If your parents say that it's all right I don't see why not. I haven't talked to Leesha-san about it, but I don't think she'll object. I'll ask her when I see her on Sunday.
Cut to digital clock on desk showing a time of ten thirteen. Cut back to Usagi, Mai, Yaeko and Shiori
Yaeko: It's getting late. Shiori and I have to be to work by seven, tomorrow morning.
Shiori: Don't remind me.
Yaeko: If you'd like to get up with us, you can come with us for breakfast.
Shiori: Just don't let Ya-chan's mother convince you to try on a uniform and work.
Yaeko: I thought someone thought that the uniforms were cute.
Shiori grumbles.
Yaeko: (To Mai and Usagi) Some guy grabbed Shiori's butt today at work.
Mai and Usagi giggle.
Shiori: (Voice raised slightly) It isn't funny. It hurt… and it wasn't my butt he was trying to grab.
Long silence.
Mai: Ahhh… Ya-chan… I ahhh… have something I'd like to say.
Yaeko: What is it Mai-chan?
Mai: (Turns to Shiori) I… I'm sorry Shiori-chan… You see… (Turning to Yaeko) I love you Ya-chan. I really do.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Suguru, Kiyoshi, Kenta and Saori sitting in the hot spring. . Cut to Saori standing, facing Suguru, Kiyoshi and Kenta. Cut to Natsune, Yukio, Tani and Takumi sitting around a table in the school library. Each has a stack of papers in front of them. Tani and Yukio are writing. Cut to Hamaji, Minawa, Chizu and Kaito are sitting around the dining room table at Suguru's house. Cut to Minawa staring intently at Hamaji. Cut to Shiori, Yaeko (wearing their work uniforms) entering the dorm common room from the stairwell entrance with Setsuko Tsubo. Setsuko is carrying her suitcase and an overnight bag on her shoulder. Yaeko is carrying a box and Shiori is carrying a shopping bag.
[Voice Over]
Voice of Miyuki: It's been a while since we've done a preview together.
Voice of Rin: Especially with Midori-chan and Yoko-chan hogging the previews.
Voice of Midori: Hey it seems like previews are the only airtime we get.
Voice of Miyuki: Hmmm… I wonder why.
Voice of Rin: Hey, will you look at that. Suguru-kun, Kenta-kun and Kiyoshi-san are sharing the hot spring with Saori-sensei.
Voice of Miyuki: I can remember when Mahoro-san would have been right in there and there would have been a major battle.
Voice of Rin: Yeah, but now that Sensei is married she's been very well behaved and modest… at least most of the time. (Pause) Natsune-chan and Yukio-kun are really spending a lot of time together.
Voice of Miyuki: Well, duh! They are engaged. The couple that really surprises me is Tani-chan and Takumi-kun.
Voice of Rin: They really are the odd couple. Hey Chizu-chan, how are plans going for Mahoro-san's party?
Voice of Chizu: Pretty good. You are ready to bake the cake, aren't you?
Voice of Rin: As ready as I'll ever be. At least I'm not cooking everything for the party.
Voice of Chizu: And there's going to be a surprise guest for Mahoro-san's birthday.
Voice of Miyuki: Let me guess. Asaoka Riho is coming to the party.
Voice of Chizu: From the look on Minawa-chan's face.
Voice of Rin: That was quite a shock when Ya-chan's friend confessed to her
Voice of Miyuki: I don't know. It seemed like more of a surprise to Usagi-chan than it did to Ya-chan and Shiori-chan.
Voice of Chizu: Who is that with Ya-chan and Shiori-chan?
Voice of Rin: That's one of the people from their dorm. It looks like people are starting to come back from break.
Voice of Miyuki: Too bad. I wouldn't mind another week off from school. (Pause) Hey Midori-chan, how did your date go?
Voice of Midori Actually pretty well. Nobu-kun is really cute. We're planning to go out again next Saturday.
Voice of Miyuki: I hope you're joking. I really hope you are.
Episode 54: I Thought We Could Have Some Time Alone
