Episode 15: Black and White
Haruko: (pleading) Come on, Takkun! Just taste it!
Naota: (annoyed) No!
Haruko: Just try a little! It won't kill you!
Naota: (grumbling sarcastically) Really...? I'm not so sure...
Haruko: Aww, come on! Have I ever let something bad happen to you?
Naota gives her a dramatic look of disbelief, his eye brows twitching and the right side of his top lip arched up closer to his nose.
Haruko: (sighing) Okay, okay...
Haruko rolls her eyes and pulls the fork of noodles away from the boy's mouth. Naota sighs, thinking he's finally won. Slowly, he slumps over the table and places his head in his folded arms. Haruko grins slyly, he scheming wheels turning rapidly in her head.
Naota: (quietly) I don't understand how you can stand that spicy stuff anyway...
Instead of answering, Haruko reaches over to the back of Naota's neck and gives it a sharp pinch. Naota springs up, howling in pain. Haruko, seeing her opening, crams the fork full of noodles into the boys mouth and holds his jaws shut.
Naota: (muffled screaming) Mmphhh! Mumumph!
Haruko: (shaking her head playfully) Chew and swallow, Takkun.
Naota thrashed in her arms like a freshly caught salmon. The spice from the noodles erupted in his mouth, sending intense waves scorching heat through his entire body. Tears welled up in his bloating, blue eyes.
Naota: (desperately) MUMPH! MUUUUMMMMPH!
Haruko: Nope. You've got to swallow it...
Finally, with one last kick, Naota gave in. His entire body went limp as he collapsed into Haruko's lap. She looked down at him, grinning from ear to ear. Slowly, he chewed the noodles and let them slide down his throat in one big clump. It felt like gasoline-soaked charcoal (or at least what he imagined that might feel like).
Haruko: (beaming) See? I told you you'd be fine!
Naota: (choking) You... almost... (gasp) killed me...!
Haruko: (taking a bit of her noodles) Did not...
Naota: (gasp) You... tried to... (cough)
Haruko: Oh, stop being so dramatic! It was just some spicy soba...
Naota: (gagging) ...!
Haruko: Well, fine then. That's the last time I share MY lunch with YOU...
Naota: (thinking) She says that like it's a bad thing...
After recovering, Naota decided to head down to the park. It'd been a while since he'd gone (mostly because of all the damage done to it during a robot attack). He walked along the sidewalk, kicking pebbles into the grass. There really wasn't anything to do today. School was out (some ridiculous holiday he couldn't remember the name of) and there wasn't much of anything on TV, either.
He sat down on a table in a pavilion and sighed. It was going to be a very uneventful day. But, that wasn't all that surprising. Boredom eventually turned into fatigue, and Naota soon gave in and laid back on the table. After only a few seconds of staring up at the ceiling of the pavilion, he felt his heavy eyelids close.
Naota had no idea what time it was when he woke up. At first everything was blurry. All he could really see were shades of white and black. Then, basic colors. Finally, a face came into focus, looming barely six inches over his.
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Afternoon, sleepy head...
He rubbed the back of his throbbing head as he tried to sit up. Kitsurubami sat down beside him and took a deep breath.
Naota: (groaning) What are you doing here?
Kitsurubami: Looking for you. Haruko said you might be here.
Naota: (thoughtfully) Haruko...?
Kitsurubami: She's quite the character...
Naota: You're telling me...
Kitsurubami: Is she always that ... spontaneous?
Naota: Unless she's asleep.
Kitsurubami: Must make you're home life pretty interesting...
Naota: Well, you saw it, yourself. (You saw it yourself.)
Kitsurubami: (giggling) I guess you're right.
Naota: (standing) But, it's not that bid a deal... Just something I deal with...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (distant) It's a nice day...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Do you want to come over to my place?
Naota: (blushing, taken aback) Huh?
Kitsurubami: (again) Do you want to come see my apartment?
Naota: (thinking) She... she's inviting me... to HER house...?
Kitsurubami: (waiting patiently for an answer) Well...?
Naota: ... Okay...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Okay.
Naota was surprised how close she lived to him. She was only about five blocks away. There wasn't really a reason for her to have driven. They could have just as easily walked the distance. They pulled into a small parking lot. Naota got out of the car and looked around.
It was a pretty normal looking building. Just an ordinary brick apartment structure, maybe four stories or so. Naota stopped on the sidewalk as she headed for the door. After she unlocked it, they went in, immediately faced with a flight of red carpeted stairs. Naota walked slowly behind Kitsurubami. The walls were an off-white, giving the whole place a sort of old look.
The stairs ended in a short hall with another set of stairs at the far end. Kitsurubami kept going, stopping at the last door on the right. Naota looked up at the apartment number as she unlocked the door.
Naota: (thinking) ...018...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Here we are.
She opened the door and disappeared inside. Naota waited a moment, cautiously checking his surroundings before entering. He had never been much on visiting the homes of others.
Finally, he gathered up all of his nerve and stepped inside. There was a small hallway starting at the doorway and opened up into the living room. Naota peered down the hall, trying to get a good look without having to venture too far from the door. Why was he so uncomfortable?
Kitsurubami peeked around the corner. She'd removed her hat and the top button on her uniform blouse was undone. Naota blushed and looked away.
Kitsurubami: Come on in and close the door behind you, please.
She ducked away, leaving Naota standing by the coat hooks. He closed the door and slowly made his was to the doorway of the living room. Naota took a moment to look around. It was simply put together, conservative yet casual. The walls were perfectly white, accenting the hard wood floor below. A large flatscreen TV sat at the center of a massive entertainment system set against the wall to his left. A DVD player/VCR sat on the shelf just below. To the right was a tape deck with a CD changer on top. To the left was a cabinet filled with various DVD titles, most of them American. Naota spotted the speakers on either side of the system.
Turning his attention to the rest of the room, he saw a wooden coffee table and tan sofa sitting in the middle of the room, facing the TV, and behind that a counter, complete with three stools, dividing the living room and the kitchen.
The kitchen was normal for someone who obviously didn't cook very often. Stove, microwave, and refrigerator. A potted plant sat at the end of the counter.
With a little more audacity, Naota slowly left the doorway and began to wander the room. As he walked, he noticed that she didn't seem to have any pictures lying around. He'd have thought that as much as she said she missed them, she'd have at least one picture of her family.
He shrugged. Wasn't his concern? She probably had her own reasons. Kitsurubami's voice startled him into turning around. To the right of the kitchen, there was a second hall. Naota assumed it led to her bedroom and bathroom.
Kitsurubami: (from the second hall) Make yourself at home. I'm going to take a quick shower, okay? I shouldn't be long.
Naota: Uh ... okay...
Naota heard footsteps, then the closing of a door. He shrugged and continued to walk around the room. After about ten minutes, he heard a door open in the back hall and footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Naota turned to see Kitsurubami, dressed in a large T-shirt and black jeans. As she walked, she rubbed her blonde hair gently with a white towel.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Sorry... I just wanted to get out of that uniform...
Naota: Don't like it...?
Kitsurubami: Well, I don't dislike it... I guess after a day of military formality, it's nice to come home and be casual...
Naota: You got off early today?
Kitsurubami: Yeah.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: You can turn on the TV if you want...
Naota walked over to the television and looked it over. There were so many buttons, he wasn't sure which one was the POWER button. None of them seemed to be labeled. Suddenly, the TV blinked on, startling Naota. He looked back to see Kitsurubami pointing the remote at the TV, through him.
Naota: (shortly) Oh.
Kitsurubami: (plopping down on the sofa) Come sit down.
Naota moved sluggishly, trying to give the impression that he was bored. In truth he was actually pretty nervous. Something about being in her house, with her, alone, made him a little uneasy. It took him a minute, but he eventually made it to the couch and sat down at the far end.
Kitsurubami: (looking over at him) You know, I just took a shower... So I'm pretty sure I'm cooty-free.
Naota: (blushing) ...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) You know, you're cute when you blush...
What little composer Naota had, he lost with that comment. The shock almost made him bite his own tongue off. His face flushed bright red and he turned away, staring at the wall to his left.
Kitsurubami: (laughing) Aww, don't be shy...!
Naota: (trying to sound angry) Stop!
Kitsurubami: (laughter slowing) Okay okay...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Want something to eat?
She got up and headed into the kitchen. She opened the freezer and looked around inside.
Kitsurubami: I should have some... Aha! Here it is!
Naota: (thinking) What?
Both of her hands disappeared into the fridge and emerged with a carton of frozen chinese. She bumped the freezer door with her shoulder to close it at as she placed both cartons in the microwave.
Kitsurubami: I usually don't have time to cook, and even when I do, I'm not really in the mood. You like beef and broccoli, right?
Naota: Uh ... yeah.
Kitsurubami: Good. (looking at the microwave settings) Now, let's see... Put them in at 100 power for twelve minutes... There.
The microwave flashed on and hummed as the two cartons spun slowly inside. To Naota, they kind of looked as though they were dancing, or maybe even dueling.
Kitsurubami: So, where was everyone? When I went to you're house, the only one there was Haruko...
Naota: I don't know... Haruko said they probably won't be back until tomorrow morning...
Kitsurubami: Oh.
Naota: Yeah ... but, whatever.
Naota turns around and looks at the TV screen.
Man: I'm sorry, but I can't stay with you...
Woman: (throwing herself into his arms) Please don't go!
Man: You know I can't stay...
Woman: But I thought you loved me?
Man: I do! How can I make you understand that...
He slowly raises an eyebrow and glances back at Kitsurubami.
Naota: Soap operas...?
Kitsurubami: (shrugging) I don't watch them...
Naota: (watching the screen) I don't know what's more pathetic; the thought of someone getting paid to script this stuff, or the idea that there are actually people in the world that act like this...
Kitsurubami: (leaning on the counter) Tell me about it.
Naota: ...Stupid dramas...
Kitsurubami: See what else is on.
Naota picks up the remote control and looks it over. His mind is immediately thrown into overdrive as he desperately searched for the CHANNEL button.
Naota: (thinking) Why are there so many buttons on this thing? (externally calm) Uhh...
Kitsurubami: Halfway down and to the right...
Naota spots the button and clicks.
Naota: (thinking) Nope. (click) Nope. (click) No. (click) No. (click) Seen it. (click) No. (click) Boring... (click) Is there anything good on...?
(BEEP)
Kitsurubami: (opening up the microwave) Food's ready.
Naota: Okay...
They sat down on the sofa and began to eat, quietly at first. Then, Kitsurubami decided to strike up a conversation.
Kitsurubami: Hey, there's something I've been meaning to ask you...
Naota: (looking a bit surprised) ...?
Kitsurubami: That guitar that you carry... I've never heard you play it, before...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (looking away) I don't play guitar.
Kitsurubami: Oh.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, haven't you ever wanted to learn...?
Naota: What's the point?
Kitsurubami: I don't know, it might be fun...
Naota: (looking back) Fun?
Kitsurubami: Well, yeah.
Naota: What's so fun about it? It's not like it's anything special...
Kitsurubami: On the contrary, I think it's something quite special, being able to play a musical instrument...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Not to mention the fact that guys who play guitar tend to be more popular with the ladies...
Naota: (blushing) What's that got to do with anything?
Kitsurubami: (looking up at the sky thoughtfully) I wish MY boyfriend played guitar...
Naota: (wrinkling his nose) You have a boyfriend...?
Kitsurubami: Oh, no! I mean IF I had one ... yeah, I'd want him be play guitar...
Naota blushed slightly and looked away, not that Kitsurubami would have seen if he hadn't.
Kitsurubami: Anyway ... you should think about taking lessons or something...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: And, it'd give you something to do in your free time.
When they finished eating, Kitsurubami cleared the coffee table while Naota got up to look around again. He'd been over the room dozens of times, but there wasn't really anything to do.
Kitsurubami: (suddenly from the kitchen) Hey, I haven't shown you my rec-room have I?
Naota: ...?
Kitsurubami: (grinning) You've gotta see it...
She motions for him to follower her as she heads down the back hall. Naota sighed. He'd just gotten used to this part of the house and now here she was, dragging him into more unknown territory. By the time he made it into the hall, she had already ducked into one of the rooms. Naota instinctively went for the only open door and peeked inside.
Kitsurubami sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a second TV. Cords of all sorts covered the area around the television, with various gaming systems here and there. Naota raised an eyebrow and stepped in.
Naota: Games...?
Kitsurubami: What, you don't like video games?
Naota: They're okay ... but...
Kitsurubami: "But," what?
Naota: Aren't you a little old for video games?
Kitsurubami: You're never to old for video games.
Naota: (scoffing) Hmph.
Naota watched her as she switched on one of the games a began to play. It was pretty weird, watching the respected lieutenant, hunched over a game controller like this.
Naota: (thinking) It's almost like she's a different person altogether...
Kitsurubami: (while playing) You know, there's nothing wrong with a little frivolity every now and then, Naota...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: People who grow up too fast are the ones that end up wanting their childhood back, you know...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (pausing and turning to him) I've got a second controller...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (hesitantly) Okay...
She turned the system off, plugged in a second controller and replaced the game. It was some kind of fighting game that, (between not knowing the control configurations and not being used to moving his fingers so quickly) Naota was sorely losing at.
Kitsurubami: (cheering herself on) Whoohoo! Yeah!
Naota: Don't you think you're a little over excited?
Kitsurubami: You're just saying that cause I'm kicking your butt!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (dropping the controller) Oh yes! I win, again!
Naota: (grumbling) You don't play fair...
Kitsurubami: (teasingly) Aww... widdle spoiled sport...!
Naota: (sarcastically) Ha...ha...ha...
They continued to play, stopping only for brief bathroom breaks. After quite a while, Naota stops playing and looks around.
Kitsurubami: What's wrong?
Naota: What time is it...?
Kitsurubami: (looking at her watch) Uhh... ten 'til eleven...
Naota: I should probably go...
Kitsurubami: Are you sure? You know, you can stay over if you want.
The thought hit Naota like a musket ball. Spending the night at her house? Five or six possible scenarios played out in his head, and he doubted anything good would come of any of them.
Naota: (blushing) Uhh... I'd better not...
Kitsurubami: (grinning) What's the matter? Afraid you might do something you'll regret...?
Naota: (blushing furiously) ...!
Kitsurubami: (reassuringly) Just kidding! (thinking) He's so easy to embarrass...!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: But, if you really want to go, I'll take you.
Naota: (thinking) Well, it's not like I have school tomorrow... And no one's home but Haruko... And it's not like anything can actually happen, right... (sighing) ...Okay...
Kitsurubami: So you're staying?
Naota: (quietly) I guess...
Kitsurubami: Great! You can go call home and tell them you won't be home tonight. I'll see about getting you something to sleep in.
Naota: Uhh... okay... (thinking) What did I just agree to...?
Kitsurubami: The phone is on the wall in the kitchen... You can't miss it.
Naota found the phone with ease and dialed his house. after three rings, the answering machine picked up. He waited, hoping that Haruko would get off her lazy butt and pick up. Finally, just before the BEEP, the receiver was picked up.
Haruko: (harshly) WHAT!?
Naota: Wha...? Haruko?
Haruko: (sweetly) Oh! Hi, Takkun!
Naota: Please don't tell me you answer the phone like that...
Haruko: Pretty much...
Naota: (thinking) That would explain why those telemarketers don't call anymore... (to Haruko) Dad's still not home, right?
Haruko: Nope. Why?
Naota: I'm not gonna be home tonight. I'm staying at someone's house...
Haruko: (slyly) It's a girl... Isn't it...?
Naota: (annoyed) What's it to you?
Haruko: My little Takkun's growing up so fast...! Seems like only yesterday we were sharing bunk beds...
Naota: (losing patience) Haruko...
Haruko: (still rambling) ...Wait, that WAS just yesterday...
Naota: Haruko!
Haruko: (sweetly) Huh-what?
Naota: If dad asks where I am, just tell him I'll be back tomorrow, got it?
Haruko: (lazily) Yeah, yeah... Got it... "Be back tomorrow..."
Naota: Good... I'll see you later then.
Haruko: (teasingly) Bye bye, Takkun...
Naota: (hanging up) Weirdo...
Kitsurubami came in holding a folded t-shirt and a pair of boxers. She handed them to him and headed to the fridge. Naota unfolded them and looked them over, briefly.
Naota: (flatly) Are those cowboys...?
Naota glanced over at her, but her face was hidden behind the open freezer door.
Kitsurubami: (not really paying attention) Uh... yeah.
Naota: (suspiciously) What are you doing with boxers anyway...?
Kitsurubami backed away from the fridge with a bucket of ice cream in her right hand.
Kitsurubami: (closing the door) I wear them. (adding) They're comfortable.
Naota: Boxers are for guys.
Kitsurubami: (getting a spoon) Says who?
Naota: Everyone.
Kitsurubami: (taking a spoon of ice cream) Well, I'm not everyone.
Naota: (scoffing) Feh. You're really weird...
Kitsurubami: You should probably take a shower. Leave your clothes at the door and I'll get them washed.
After Naota had taken his shower, he wasn't really in the mood to play video games anymore. Instead he and Kitsurubami went through her CD collection (which was pretty impressive).
Naota: (picking through the stack) Most of these artists are... American...
Kitsurubami: Well, after spending some time there, it just sort of grows on you...
Naota: (interested) You've been to America...?
Kitsurubami: Lived there for two years.
Normally, Naota wasn't a curious person. He always though it was better to mind his own business and keep questions to a minimum, but for some reason, he found himself wanting to know more.
Naota: (hesitatingly) What's it like... in America...?
Kitsurubami: Well, for starters, they drive on the right side of the road...
Naota: (annoyed) ...
Kitsurubami: (thoughtfully) Well... To tell you the truth, it's not an easy thing to describe... You have to go see it for yourself...
Naota: (looking disappointed) Like that'll ever happen...
Kitsurubami: (shrugging) Hey, it might.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: It's late... We should probably get to bed...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: So... Where do you want to sleep?
Naota: Uh...
Kitsurubami: (waiting) ...
Naota: ...
(ten minutes later)
Naota laid on the sofa, staring up the ceiling. He hadn't realized it before, but she had a living room skylight. Despite the firm cushioning under him, Naota enjoyed staring up the night sky. It reminded him of the countless nights he and his brother used to spend under the stars.
Naota: (thinking) But, those days are over...
Naota's thought were interrupted by the sound of someone approaching.
Kitsurubami: Are you sure you'll be okay in here, by yourself...?
Naota: (blushing) I'm not a kid... I can manage.
Kitsurubami: Okay then. Just come get me if you need anything. (yawning, quietly) Good night.
With that, Kitsurubami headed back down the lighted hall. Naota waited until he couldn't hear her moving anymore, and released the breath he had been holding.
Naota: (thinking) Girls...
Naota rolled over on his side. He'd never felt like this before. Being around Kitsurubami made him feel ... overly self conscious, but in a different way than he was used to. With everyone else, all he had to do was pretend that it wasn't a big deal and he was fine. But with her... With her, he never felt hidden. It always seemed like she could see right through his act, right through to the real him. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not. Maybe the fact that someone actually understanding scared him.
Naota: (to himself) Whatever...
Between the gentle, systematic hum of the refrigerator and the gentle glow coming down from the silvery moon above, sleep came quickly to Naota, despite his stranger surroundings.
Kitsurubami had finally settled down when the phone in her room rang. With a mumbled curse, she kicked off her sheets and snatched up the receiver.
Kitsurubami: (barely polite) Hello?
Amarao: Kitsurubami?
Kitsurubami: Yes... Commander?
Amarao: Good. I thought you might have already gone to sleep...
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I would be asleep now if you hadn't called in the middle of the night you... (to Amarao) Sir, do you know what time it is...?
Amarao: (ignoring her) Medical Mechanica is making its move.
Kitsurubami: What?
Amarao: I just got a call saying that several Medical Mechanica space stations have mobilized and are headed this way...
Kitsurubami: (surprised) What?!
Amarao: That's right. They're closing in on us...
Kitsurubami: Well, what are we going to do?
Amarao: I'm not sure yet. The Council is meeting about it as we speak. Where's the boy...?
Kitsurubami: Uh... He's here with me...
Amarao: (seemingly unfazed) Good... that's good. We need to keep a close eye on him. He may be our last line of defense and possibly our only offense...
Kitsurubami: ...
Amarao: I've got to go...
Kitsurubami: All right... Goodnight, Commander.
Amarao: And Kitsurubami...
Kitsurubami: Yes?
Amarao: Stay close to him...
The Commander hung up and ran a hand through his dark, red hair. It had been a long night. Behind him, a shadowing figure sat in his swivel chair with its legs propped up on the desk.
Haruko: (sneering) Secret phone calls in the middle of the night? That's creepy, even for you...
He didn't look back or reply.
Haruko: You know, there's no way you can stop it, right?
Amarao: (sweating) ...
Haruko: The only reason it was prevented the first time was because of HIM... It was a fluke, that's all.
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (grinning devilishly) But you already know that, don't you...?
Amarao: Why are you here, Raharu...?
Haruko: You know me... I go where my nose leads me...
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (sitting up) You really bit off more than you can chew...
Amarao: You forgot one factor...
Haruko: What ... him? What help will HE be to YOU?
Amarao: I wouldn't expect you to understand...
Haruko: No, you're the one that doesn't understand...
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (getting up to leave) But... You do what you want... It's not MY planet, so it's not like it means anything to me what happens... I just came for the show.
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (before disappearing out of the door) Good night... Taro*...
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô chû
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: This one was intriguing, if nothing else... And since when did I become a MINOR CHARACTER?! What's up with that? Oh, well... I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens... Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 16: Russian Roulette!
* AUTHOR'S NOTES: In case you were confused by the "Taro part," I'll take a moment to explain... During an interview the director of Fooly Cooly said that the significance of the relationship between Haruko and Amarao was that the Commander had once been in Naota's position. That explains why Haruko called Naota "Taro-kun" when she first met him; it was her pet name for Amarao. Sort of a situation association.
Haruko: (pleading) Come on, Takkun! Just taste it!
Naota: (annoyed) No!
Haruko: Just try a little! It won't kill you!
Naota: (grumbling sarcastically) Really...? I'm not so sure...
Haruko: Aww, come on! Have I ever let something bad happen to you?
Naota gives her a dramatic look of disbelief, his eye brows twitching and the right side of his top lip arched up closer to his nose.
Haruko: (sighing) Okay, okay...
Haruko rolls her eyes and pulls the fork of noodles away from the boy's mouth. Naota sighs, thinking he's finally won. Slowly, he slumps over the table and places his head in his folded arms. Haruko grins slyly, he scheming wheels turning rapidly in her head.
Naota: (quietly) I don't understand how you can stand that spicy stuff anyway...
Instead of answering, Haruko reaches over to the back of Naota's neck and gives it a sharp pinch. Naota springs up, howling in pain. Haruko, seeing her opening, crams the fork full of noodles into the boys mouth and holds his jaws shut.
Naota: (muffled screaming) Mmphhh! Mumumph!
Haruko: (shaking her head playfully) Chew and swallow, Takkun.
Naota thrashed in her arms like a freshly caught salmon. The spice from the noodles erupted in his mouth, sending intense waves scorching heat through his entire body. Tears welled up in his bloating, blue eyes.
Naota: (desperately) MUMPH! MUUUUMMMMPH!
Haruko: Nope. You've got to swallow it...
Finally, with one last kick, Naota gave in. His entire body went limp as he collapsed into Haruko's lap. She looked down at him, grinning from ear to ear. Slowly, he chewed the noodles and let them slide down his throat in one big clump. It felt like gasoline-soaked charcoal (or at least what he imagined that might feel like).
Haruko: (beaming) See? I told you you'd be fine!
Naota: (choking) You... almost... (gasp) killed me...!
Haruko: (taking a bit of her noodles) Did not...
Naota: (gasp) You... tried to... (cough)
Haruko: Oh, stop being so dramatic! It was just some spicy soba...
Naota: (gagging) ...!
Haruko: Well, fine then. That's the last time I share MY lunch with YOU...
Naota: (thinking) She says that like it's a bad thing...
After recovering, Naota decided to head down to the park. It'd been a while since he'd gone (mostly because of all the damage done to it during a robot attack). He walked along the sidewalk, kicking pebbles into the grass. There really wasn't anything to do today. School was out (some ridiculous holiday he couldn't remember the name of) and there wasn't much of anything on TV, either.
He sat down on a table in a pavilion and sighed. It was going to be a very uneventful day. But, that wasn't all that surprising. Boredom eventually turned into fatigue, and Naota soon gave in and laid back on the table. After only a few seconds of staring up at the ceiling of the pavilion, he felt his heavy eyelids close.
Naota had no idea what time it was when he woke up. At first everything was blurry. All he could really see were shades of white and black. Then, basic colors. Finally, a face came into focus, looming barely six inches over his.
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Afternoon, sleepy head...
He rubbed the back of his throbbing head as he tried to sit up. Kitsurubami sat down beside him and took a deep breath.
Naota: (groaning) What are you doing here?
Kitsurubami: Looking for you. Haruko said you might be here.
Naota: (thoughtfully) Haruko...?
Kitsurubami: She's quite the character...
Naota: You're telling me...
Kitsurubami: Is she always that ... spontaneous?
Naota: Unless she's asleep.
Kitsurubami: Must make you're home life pretty interesting...
Naota: Well, you saw it, yourself. (You saw it yourself.)
Kitsurubami: (giggling) I guess you're right.
Naota: (standing) But, it's not that bid a deal... Just something I deal with...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (distant) It's a nice day...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Do you want to come over to my place?
Naota: (blushing, taken aback) Huh?
Kitsurubami: (again) Do you want to come see my apartment?
Naota: (thinking) She... she's inviting me... to HER house...?
Kitsurubami: (waiting patiently for an answer) Well...?
Naota: ... Okay...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Okay.
Naota was surprised how close she lived to him. She was only about five blocks away. There wasn't really a reason for her to have driven. They could have just as easily walked the distance. They pulled into a small parking lot. Naota got out of the car and looked around.
It was a pretty normal looking building. Just an ordinary brick apartment structure, maybe four stories or so. Naota stopped on the sidewalk as she headed for the door. After she unlocked it, they went in, immediately faced with a flight of red carpeted stairs. Naota walked slowly behind Kitsurubami. The walls were an off-white, giving the whole place a sort of old look.
The stairs ended in a short hall with another set of stairs at the far end. Kitsurubami kept going, stopping at the last door on the right. Naota looked up at the apartment number as she unlocked the door.
Naota: (thinking) ...018...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Here we are.
She opened the door and disappeared inside. Naota waited a moment, cautiously checking his surroundings before entering. He had never been much on visiting the homes of others.
Finally, he gathered up all of his nerve and stepped inside. There was a small hallway starting at the doorway and opened up into the living room. Naota peered down the hall, trying to get a good look without having to venture too far from the door. Why was he so uncomfortable?
Kitsurubami peeked around the corner. She'd removed her hat and the top button on her uniform blouse was undone. Naota blushed and looked away.
Kitsurubami: Come on in and close the door behind you, please.
She ducked away, leaving Naota standing by the coat hooks. He closed the door and slowly made his was to the doorway of the living room. Naota took a moment to look around. It was simply put together, conservative yet casual. The walls were perfectly white, accenting the hard wood floor below. A large flatscreen TV sat at the center of a massive entertainment system set against the wall to his left. A DVD player/VCR sat on the shelf just below. To the right was a tape deck with a CD changer on top. To the left was a cabinet filled with various DVD titles, most of them American. Naota spotted the speakers on either side of the system.
Turning his attention to the rest of the room, he saw a wooden coffee table and tan sofa sitting in the middle of the room, facing the TV, and behind that a counter, complete with three stools, dividing the living room and the kitchen.
The kitchen was normal for someone who obviously didn't cook very often. Stove, microwave, and refrigerator. A potted plant sat at the end of the counter.
With a little more audacity, Naota slowly left the doorway and began to wander the room. As he walked, he noticed that she didn't seem to have any pictures lying around. He'd have thought that as much as she said she missed them, she'd have at least one picture of her family.
He shrugged. Wasn't his concern? She probably had her own reasons. Kitsurubami's voice startled him into turning around. To the right of the kitchen, there was a second hall. Naota assumed it led to her bedroom and bathroom.
Kitsurubami: (from the second hall) Make yourself at home. I'm going to take a quick shower, okay? I shouldn't be long.
Naota: Uh ... okay...
Naota heard footsteps, then the closing of a door. He shrugged and continued to walk around the room. After about ten minutes, he heard a door open in the back hall and footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Naota turned to see Kitsurubami, dressed in a large T-shirt and black jeans. As she walked, she rubbed her blonde hair gently with a white towel.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Sorry... I just wanted to get out of that uniform...
Naota: Don't like it...?
Kitsurubami: Well, I don't dislike it... I guess after a day of military formality, it's nice to come home and be casual...
Naota: You got off early today?
Kitsurubami: Yeah.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: You can turn on the TV if you want...
Naota walked over to the television and looked it over. There were so many buttons, he wasn't sure which one was the POWER button. None of them seemed to be labeled. Suddenly, the TV blinked on, startling Naota. He looked back to see Kitsurubami pointing the remote at the TV, through him.
Naota: (shortly) Oh.
Kitsurubami: (plopping down on the sofa) Come sit down.
Naota moved sluggishly, trying to give the impression that he was bored. In truth he was actually pretty nervous. Something about being in her house, with her, alone, made him a little uneasy. It took him a minute, but he eventually made it to the couch and sat down at the far end.
Kitsurubami: (looking over at him) You know, I just took a shower... So I'm pretty sure I'm cooty-free.
Naota: (blushing) ...
Kitsurubami: (smiling) You know, you're cute when you blush...
What little composer Naota had, he lost with that comment. The shock almost made him bite his own tongue off. His face flushed bright red and he turned away, staring at the wall to his left.
Kitsurubami: (laughing) Aww, don't be shy...!
Naota: (trying to sound angry) Stop!
Kitsurubami: (laughter slowing) Okay okay...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Want something to eat?
She got up and headed into the kitchen. She opened the freezer and looked around inside.
Kitsurubami: I should have some... Aha! Here it is!
Naota: (thinking) What?
Both of her hands disappeared into the fridge and emerged with a carton of frozen chinese. She bumped the freezer door with her shoulder to close it at as she placed both cartons in the microwave.
Kitsurubami: I usually don't have time to cook, and even when I do, I'm not really in the mood. You like beef and broccoli, right?
Naota: Uh ... yeah.
Kitsurubami: Good. (looking at the microwave settings) Now, let's see... Put them in at 100 power for twelve minutes... There.
The microwave flashed on and hummed as the two cartons spun slowly inside. To Naota, they kind of looked as though they were dancing, or maybe even dueling.
Kitsurubami: So, where was everyone? When I went to you're house, the only one there was Haruko...
Naota: I don't know... Haruko said they probably won't be back until tomorrow morning...
Kitsurubami: Oh.
Naota: Yeah ... but, whatever.
Naota turns around and looks at the TV screen.
Man: I'm sorry, but I can't stay with you...
Woman: (throwing herself into his arms) Please don't go!
Man: You know I can't stay...
Woman: But I thought you loved me?
Man: I do! How can I make you understand that...
He slowly raises an eyebrow and glances back at Kitsurubami.
Naota: Soap operas...?
Kitsurubami: (shrugging) I don't watch them...
Naota: (watching the screen) I don't know what's more pathetic; the thought of someone getting paid to script this stuff, or the idea that there are actually people in the world that act like this...
Kitsurubami: (leaning on the counter) Tell me about it.
Naota: ...Stupid dramas...
Kitsurubami: See what else is on.
Naota picks up the remote control and looks it over. His mind is immediately thrown into overdrive as he desperately searched for the CHANNEL button.
Naota: (thinking) Why are there so many buttons on this thing? (externally calm) Uhh...
Kitsurubami: Halfway down and to the right...
Naota spots the button and clicks.
Naota: (thinking) Nope. (click) Nope. (click) No. (click) No. (click) Seen it. (click) No. (click) Boring... (click) Is there anything good on...?
(BEEP)
Kitsurubami: (opening up the microwave) Food's ready.
Naota: Okay...
They sat down on the sofa and began to eat, quietly at first. Then, Kitsurubami decided to strike up a conversation.
Kitsurubami: Hey, there's something I've been meaning to ask you...
Naota: (looking a bit surprised) ...?
Kitsurubami: That guitar that you carry... I've never heard you play it, before...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (looking away) I don't play guitar.
Kitsurubami: Oh.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, haven't you ever wanted to learn...?
Naota: What's the point?
Kitsurubami: I don't know, it might be fun...
Naota: (looking back) Fun?
Kitsurubami: Well, yeah.
Naota: What's so fun about it? It's not like it's anything special...
Kitsurubami: On the contrary, I think it's something quite special, being able to play a musical instrument...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Not to mention the fact that guys who play guitar tend to be more popular with the ladies...
Naota: (blushing) What's that got to do with anything?
Kitsurubami: (looking up at the sky thoughtfully) I wish MY boyfriend played guitar...
Naota: (wrinkling his nose) You have a boyfriend...?
Kitsurubami: Oh, no! I mean IF I had one ... yeah, I'd want him be play guitar...
Naota blushed slightly and looked away, not that Kitsurubami would have seen if he hadn't.
Kitsurubami: Anyway ... you should think about taking lessons or something...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: And, it'd give you something to do in your free time.
When they finished eating, Kitsurubami cleared the coffee table while Naota got up to look around again. He'd been over the room dozens of times, but there wasn't really anything to do.
Kitsurubami: (suddenly from the kitchen) Hey, I haven't shown you my rec-room have I?
Naota: ...?
Kitsurubami: (grinning) You've gotta see it...
She motions for him to follower her as she heads down the back hall. Naota sighed. He'd just gotten used to this part of the house and now here she was, dragging him into more unknown territory. By the time he made it into the hall, she had already ducked into one of the rooms. Naota instinctively went for the only open door and peeked inside.
Kitsurubami sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a second TV. Cords of all sorts covered the area around the television, with various gaming systems here and there. Naota raised an eyebrow and stepped in.
Naota: Games...?
Kitsurubami: What, you don't like video games?
Naota: They're okay ... but...
Kitsurubami: "But," what?
Naota: Aren't you a little old for video games?
Kitsurubami: You're never to old for video games.
Naota: (scoffing) Hmph.
Naota watched her as she switched on one of the games a began to play. It was pretty weird, watching the respected lieutenant, hunched over a game controller like this.
Naota: (thinking) It's almost like she's a different person altogether...
Kitsurubami: (while playing) You know, there's nothing wrong with a little frivolity every now and then, Naota...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: People who grow up too fast are the ones that end up wanting their childhood back, you know...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (pausing and turning to him) I've got a second controller...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (hesitantly) Okay...
She turned the system off, plugged in a second controller and replaced the game. It was some kind of fighting game that, (between not knowing the control configurations and not being used to moving his fingers so quickly) Naota was sorely losing at.
Kitsurubami: (cheering herself on) Whoohoo! Yeah!
Naota: Don't you think you're a little over excited?
Kitsurubami: You're just saying that cause I'm kicking your butt!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (dropping the controller) Oh yes! I win, again!
Naota: (grumbling) You don't play fair...
Kitsurubami: (teasingly) Aww... widdle spoiled sport...!
Naota: (sarcastically) Ha...ha...ha...
They continued to play, stopping only for brief bathroom breaks. After quite a while, Naota stops playing and looks around.
Kitsurubami: What's wrong?
Naota: What time is it...?
Kitsurubami: (looking at her watch) Uhh... ten 'til eleven...
Naota: I should probably go...
Kitsurubami: Are you sure? You know, you can stay over if you want.
The thought hit Naota like a musket ball. Spending the night at her house? Five or six possible scenarios played out in his head, and he doubted anything good would come of any of them.
Naota: (blushing) Uhh... I'd better not...
Kitsurubami: (grinning) What's the matter? Afraid you might do something you'll regret...?
Naota: (blushing furiously) ...!
Kitsurubami: (reassuringly) Just kidding! (thinking) He's so easy to embarrass...!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: But, if you really want to go, I'll take you.
Naota: (thinking) Well, it's not like I have school tomorrow... And no one's home but Haruko... And it's not like anything can actually happen, right... (sighing) ...Okay...
Kitsurubami: So you're staying?
Naota: (quietly) I guess...
Kitsurubami: Great! You can go call home and tell them you won't be home tonight. I'll see about getting you something to sleep in.
Naota: Uhh... okay... (thinking) What did I just agree to...?
Kitsurubami: The phone is on the wall in the kitchen... You can't miss it.
Naota found the phone with ease and dialed his house. after three rings, the answering machine picked up. He waited, hoping that Haruko would get off her lazy butt and pick up. Finally, just before the BEEP, the receiver was picked up.
Haruko: (harshly) WHAT!?
Naota: Wha...? Haruko?
Haruko: (sweetly) Oh! Hi, Takkun!
Naota: Please don't tell me you answer the phone like that...
Haruko: Pretty much...
Naota: (thinking) That would explain why those telemarketers don't call anymore... (to Haruko) Dad's still not home, right?
Haruko: Nope. Why?
Naota: I'm not gonna be home tonight. I'm staying at someone's house...
Haruko: (slyly) It's a girl... Isn't it...?
Naota: (annoyed) What's it to you?
Haruko: My little Takkun's growing up so fast...! Seems like only yesterday we were sharing bunk beds...
Naota: (losing patience) Haruko...
Haruko: (still rambling) ...Wait, that WAS just yesterday...
Naota: Haruko!
Haruko: (sweetly) Huh-what?
Naota: If dad asks where I am, just tell him I'll be back tomorrow, got it?
Haruko: (lazily) Yeah, yeah... Got it... "Be back tomorrow..."
Naota: Good... I'll see you later then.
Haruko: (teasingly) Bye bye, Takkun...
Naota: (hanging up) Weirdo...
Kitsurubami came in holding a folded t-shirt and a pair of boxers. She handed them to him and headed to the fridge. Naota unfolded them and looked them over, briefly.
Naota: (flatly) Are those cowboys...?
Naota glanced over at her, but her face was hidden behind the open freezer door.
Kitsurubami: (not really paying attention) Uh... yeah.
Naota: (suspiciously) What are you doing with boxers anyway...?
Kitsurubami backed away from the fridge with a bucket of ice cream in her right hand.
Kitsurubami: (closing the door) I wear them. (adding) They're comfortable.
Naota: Boxers are for guys.
Kitsurubami: (getting a spoon) Says who?
Naota: Everyone.
Kitsurubami: (taking a spoon of ice cream) Well, I'm not everyone.
Naota: (scoffing) Feh. You're really weird...
Kitsurubami: You should probably take a shower. Leave your clothes at the door and I'll get them washed.
After Naota had taken his shower, he wasn't really in the mood to play video games anymore. Instead he and Kitsurubami went through her CD collection (which was pretty impressive).
Naota: (picking through the stack) Most of these artists are... American...
Kitsurubami: Well, after spending some time there, it just sort of grows on you...
Naota: (interested) You've been to America...?
Kitsurubami: Lived there for two years.
Normally, Naota wasn't a curious person. He always though it was better to mind his own business and keep questions to a minimum, but for some reason, he found himself wanting to know more.
Naota: (hesitatingly) What's it like... in America...?
Kitsurubami: Well, for starters, they drive on the right side of the road...
Naota: (annoyed) ...
Kitsurubami: (thoughtfully) Well... To tell you the truth, it's not an easy thing to describe... You have to go see it for yourself...
Naota: (looking disappointed) Like that'll ever happen...
Kitsurubami: (shrugging) Hey, it might.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: It's late... We should probably get to bed...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: So... Where do you want to sleep?
Naota: Uh...
Kitsurubami: (waiting) ...
Naota: ...
(ten minutes later)
Naota laid on the sofa, staring up the ceiling. He hadn't realized it before, but she had a living room skylight. Despite the firm cushioning under him, Naota enjoyed staring up the night sky. It reminded him of the countless nights he and his brother used to spend under the stars.
Naota: (thinking) But, those days are over...
Naota's thought were interrupted by the sound of someone approaching.
Kitsurubami: Are you sure you'll be okay in here, by yourself...?
Naota: (blushing) I'm not a kid... I can manage.
Kitsurubami: Okay then. Just come get me if you need anything. (yawning, quietly) Good night.
With that, Kitsurubami headed back down the lighted hall. Naota waited until he couldn't hear her moving anymore, and released the breath he had been holding.
Naota: (thinking) Girls...
Naota rolled over on his side. He'd never felt like this before. Being around Kitsurubami made him feel ... overly self conscious, but in a different way than he was used to. With everyone else, all he had to do was pretend that it wasn't a big deal and he was fine. But with her... With her, he never felt hidden. It always seemed like she could see right through his act, right through to the real him. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not. Maybe the fact that someone actually understanding scared him.
Naota: (to himself) Whatever...
Between the gentle, systematic hum of the refrigerator and the gentle glow coming down from the silvery moon above, sleep came quickly to Naota, despite his stranger surroundings.
Kitsurubami had finally settled down when the phone in her room rang. With a mumbled curse, she kicked off her sheets and snatched up the receiver.
Kitsurubami: (barely polite) Hello?
Amarao: Kitsurubami?
Kitsurubami: Yes... Commander?
Amarao: Good. I thought you might have already gone to sleep...
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I would be asleep now if you hadn't called in the middle of the night you... (to Amarao) Sir, do you know what time it is...?
Amarao: (ignoring her) Medical Mechanica is making its move.
Kitsurubami: What?
Amarao: I just got a call saying that several Medical Mechanica space stations have mobilized and are headed this way...
Kitsurubami: (surprised) What?!
Amarao: That's right. They're closing in on us...
Kitsurubami: Well, what are we going to do?
Amarao: I'm not sure yet. The Council is meeting about it as we speak. Where's the boy...?
Kitsurubami: Uh... He's here with me...
Amarao: (seemingly unfazed) Good... that's good. We need to keep a close eye on him. He may be our last line of defense and possibly our only offense...
Kitsurubami: ...
Amarao: I've got to go...
Kitsurubami: All right... Goodnight, Commander.
Amarao: And Kitsurubami...
Kitsurubami: Yes?
Amarao: Stay close to him...
The Commander hung up and ran a hand through his dark, red hair. It had been a long night. Behind him, a shadowing figure sat in his swivel chair with its legs propped up on the desk.
Haruko: (sneering) Secret phone calls in the middle of the night? That's creepy, even for you...
He didn't look back or reply.
Haruko: You know, there's no way you can stop it, right?
Amarao: (sweating) ...
Haruko: The only reason it was prevented the first time was because of HIM... It was a fluke, that's all.
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (grinning devilishly) But you already know that, don't you...?
Amarao: Why are you here, Raharu...?
Haruko: You know me... I go where my nose leads me...
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (sitting up) You really bit off more than you can chew...
Amarao: You forgot one factor...
Haruko: What ... him? What help will HE be to YOU?
Amarao: I wouldn't expect you to understand...
Haruko: No, you're the one that doesn't understand...
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (getting up to leave) But... You do what you want... It's not MY planet, so it's not like it means anything to me what happens... I just came for the show.
Amarao: ...
Haruko: (before disappearing out of the door) Good night... Taro*...
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô chû
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: This one was intriguing, if nothing else... And since when did I become a MINOR CHARACTER?! What's up with that? Oh, well... I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens... Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 16: Russian Roulette!
* AUTHOR'S NOTES: In case you were confused by the "Taro part," I'll take a moment to explain... During an interview the director of Fooly Cooly said that the significance of the relationship between Haruko and Amarao was that the Commander had once been in Naota's position. That explains why Haruko called Naota "Taro-kun" when she first met him; it was her pet name for Amarao. Sort of a situation association.