{ATTENTION: THE TODAY'S EPISODE CONTAINS SCENES THAT MAY OR MAY NOT PROVE TO BE CRINGY FOR SOME. EVEN "I" FEEL THE CRINGE FROM MOST OF IT! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED IN ADVANCE}
~During The Morning~
I got up early and put on my school uniform to be prepared for school as always, and was waiting in the living room for when the others will get ready as well. It's quite boring waiting. Maybe I should stop putting the alarm to ring so early from here on. No point if everyone else is not on the same schedule, after all.
Ionas: ...
I want to drink something. Specifically a cup of my favorite refreshment! I walk to the kitchen, place a cup on the table, and open the fridge. I don't see the one I was looking for.
Ionas: *Somewhat Annoyed* Ah, damn it! There is no lemon refreshment.
Must have drank it all last night. That's unfortunate. Well, I guess some cola will do instead.
*Ion fills his cup with some of the cola, and after placing the bottle back in the fridge, he takes the cup and goes to the living room where he sits down on the couch, before drinking some of it*
Ionas: *Somewhat Refreshed* Ahh. Not as good as lemon, but still good enough.
I place the cup on the table, and then notice coming from upstairs Mikan with Celine in her arms.
Mikan: *Smile* Good morning, Ion.
Celine: Mau!
Ionas: Good morning.
Mikan lets Celine down, with the latter searching the place around for whatever she can play with.
Mikan: You're early as usual I see.
Ionas: Yeah. But seeing how everyone is so slow in comparison, I will not be up that early from now on. *Bored* There is nothing good on TV this time of the day to keep myself preoccupied while I wait, and it's just boring.
*While looking about, Celine notices the cup of cola on the table beside Ion*
Mikan: Well ok, but just make sure to not take your time sleeping, or I see you ending up being as late as Rito usually is.
Ionas: *Somewhat Amused* Heh, no prob-* *Notices His Cup* Hey!
I see Celine taking my cup and drinking the little cola it had.
Ionas: *Annoyed* That was mine to drink, you little-!
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* Ion, what was in the cup?
Ionas: Eh? It was cola, why- *Realizes* Ooh~.
We both look at the now blushing Celine concerned, who seems to have gotten drunk by it. I FORGOT THE DAMN COLA DOES THAT TO HER!
Celine: *Drunk Blush* MAU~!
Mikan: *Alarmed And Fast* Quickly, catch her before she runs out!*
Ionas: *Alarmed* On it!
As Celine attempts to make a run for it, I get up and use my bone power to extend a bone-vine from my arm, making it coil around her fast, covering her entire body, with the head as exception, stopping her movements completely and bringing her close to me.
Ionas: *Smile* Gotcha! *Realization* Wait- *Troubled* OH SHI-!
*Realizing too late, Ion gets sprayed with pollen by Celine's flower, which makes him unplug the extending bone from his arm in reaction, letting the still constricted by the bone-vine Celine fall down lightly onto the floor, and him covering his face with his hands soon after*
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* Ion!
*That moment, Nana, Momo, and Rito come from the upstairs to the living room in a hurry*
Nana: *Concerned* What happene-? *Notices Celine Is Tied Up* *Sweat Drop* Eh?!
Rito: *Sweat Drop* Why is Celine-?
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* She drank from Ion's cola, and he got hit by her pollen!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* What?!
Momo: *Sweat Drop* Oh no!
*They all see Ion who still seems to be fighting with himself as he covers his own face and grunting in resistance*
{Nana's POV}
Momo: *Alarmed* Everyone, keep your distance!
We all do as Momo says, and move fast close to the stairs, with Rito grabbing the tied up Celine and moving her fast at a safe distance from Ion and us, and down onto the floor a few meters away to be sure. We then see as Ion keeps on struggling while standing in the living room, but without any obvious changes on his body so far.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Wait, what am I doing? *Concerned* I should go to him and-!
Momo: *Alarmed* No, it's too dangerous since we don't know what kind of effect Celine's pollen will have on HIM!
*Momo takes her D-Dial out*
Momo: *Focused and using her D-Dial alarmed* I will bring out the Kenja Flower, and use it so-
Rito: *Notices* Wait, look!
He says that while pointing at Ion, and we see that the latter has just stopped with the struggling, and now he simply stands there, with him now facing the other way, as he moves the hands off his face. I hope he is ok.
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* Think it didn't have an effect on him this time?
Rito: *Sweat Drop* Well, I mean his body didn't change, so I guess he is fi-
*Ion turns his head around fast to look at them, startling them in the process, and with them noticing on top of his head a small flower with white petals, and black swirling-looking lines in the middle of each, with its center looking like a single open eye. Also the irises in Ion's eyes are now pink colored instead of brown*
Momo: *Sweat Drop* He is totally affected!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): ... *Stares at them with a dead serious look on his face*
Rito: *Sweat Drop* W-Why is he staring at us like that?
Momo: *Sweat Drop* I don't know, but I think he is staring mostly at Nana.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* M-Me?
Ion then walks toward us, with the others backing away a little, and with him stopping right in front of me, towering over me and looking now straight down at me. It actually scares me with that serious look on his face and the affliction thing!
*Momo at the moment has finally taken from her D-Dial a Kenja Flower in hand, and has it at the ready*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Serious* Nana...?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Gulps* Y-Yes?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): ...
Out of nowhere that moment, he extends his arms around me and hugs me tightly, surprising me and everyone else.
Nana: *Blush* Huh? Wha-?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Blush* I love you.
...
*Everyone exclaims a big long "what" in great surprise at what they just heard*
~A Few Minutes Later~On The Way To School~
*The scene shows everyone walking on the way to school, with Celine along with them and sober now, while looking in a "sweat dropping way" on the middle at something. Then the scene shows that what they are looking at, is Ion who was happily holding Nana by the hand, with her greatly blushing about it while looking down in embarrassment*
This is so embarrassing! How did it come to this?!
{Flashback}
*The scene shows Momo in the living room some minutes ago*
Momo: *Seemingly Serious* Considering how things are, you should stick with him till he is back to normal, since we can't really cure him just like a normal human. You never know how much trouble he might cause for everyone if left alone like this, and we also can't have you both skip school like last time.* *Wink* You don't have a problem to bear with it for a little while, do you?
{End Of Flashback}
I mean, it's not that I don't understand his deal this time, but...
*Nana looks at her hand which is still held by Ion while they walk together, with her eyes then catching view of his smiling face as he looks at her, and after a moment she looks the other way again out of embarrassment*
This is really so embarrassi~ng! As if what he said earlier was not enough already! If only he was not under that affliction...
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* What a situation... (Not sure how to feel for Nana-San considering...)
Lala: *To Momo* So, because of Celine's pollen, Ion has now fallen deeply in love with Nana?
Momo: Yeah. Normally it would have been Rito, knowing how Celine's pollen normally works, but for Ion it seems to have made him be like that for Nana instead. *Sweat Drop* (I actually expected him to turn into a monster again or something at the start. Seriously, that physiology of his is just the most random thing ever.)
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *To Nana* *Smile* OH, Nana~.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* Y-Yes?
Ion leans a bit toward me.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Blush* Wanna cuddle on our way to school?
Nana: *Flustered* Eh-?!
He lets my hand and starts moving his own around my back, in an attempt to hug me, but I pull myself back while blocking his attempt.
Nana: *Flustered* I-I'm good, n-no need for that! *Awkward Laugh*
Momo: (His case seems to be more romantic-like than overly obsessive, as it normally goes for those afflicted by the pollen so far. Actually, thinking how he IS in love with Nana in reality, the pollen could have simply made him more honest with those feelings? That's most likely the case with this.) *Smile* (How convenient this is! That might actually give the chance to Nana to become bolder with her own feelings, so she can make an actual progress in this relationship. It's the perfect plan!)
Lala: *Sweat Drop* Wow, that's quite troublesome.
Momo: *Somewhat Surprised* Huh? You think so, big sister?
Lala: Well, I mean if it was under normal circumstances, I would be really excited about the fact. *Sweat Drop* But right now Ion is not really himself, so it's kinda...
Momo: (Well, in a way she is not wrong, but let's not forget that she also has no idea about their true feelings for each other.)
*At the moment, Ion seems to be trying to press his romantic matter more, as he leans closer to the troubled Nana, bringing his face in front of hers*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* Come o~n, do me the favor. It will be SO romantic! Won't it?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* W-We really shouldn't do that! *Looks The Other Way Embarrassed* What are the others at school gonna think?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): I don't think about any of them, nor care.
He grabs that moment with both his hands one of my own, and raising it a bit higher toward him, drawing my attention.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted):*Blush* *Smile* Only about you, and nobody else.
Nana: *Flustered* *Internal Screaming*
Momo: *Big Smile* (Ahh, that was so smooth! Definitely a critical!)
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* Oh, I know! How about a "princess carry" instead?
Nana: Eh?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Yeah! *Fantasizing* I can imagine it. You and I at school while carrying you like the princess you are...* It's settled, I will carry you like that right now. *Smile* Come here!
Nana: *Flustered* W-Wait a-!
He tries to puts his arms around me, with me grabbing them with my hands, and struggling to avoid his grasps as much as possible.
Nana: *Flustered And Troubled* J-Just a moment, Ion! Y-You can't just...!
This is getting really out of hand! If I let him carry me like that all the way to school, everyone there is definitely gonna get the wrong idea! While this is happening, Rito approaches us, seemingly wanting to put a stop to it.
Rito: *Sweat Drop* Hey, Ion, aren't you going a bit-?
*As Rito extends a hand toward them, Ion turns suddenly his head back and hisses at him with an upsetting look on his face, startling Rito, and the rest, and making him back away fast*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Aversion* She is mine! Don't you dare touch her, you clumsy, shameless perversion of an inept dog!
*That shocked Rito for a moment, before taking Ion's words to heart, and feels greatly depressed about it*
Momo: *Sweat Drop* R-Rito-San!
Momo goes beside Rito, trying to comfort him.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* ...
As always his words hit the spot when it comes to insulting.
Mikan: *To Ion* *Sweat Drop* *Smile* U-Um, look, Ion, we know how you feel right now, but I believe you're going a bit too fast with this. Even Nana-San thinks so.
Ionas: (Pollen Afflicted): *Shocked* Wait... *Turns his head toward Nana* Really?
Nana: *Blushes And Looks Away* Y-Yeah...
Even if you really meant all that, I would still not want to face anyone at school in such an... Embarrassing way. Think about me for a moment, idiot!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): ... Very well then.
Ion lets my hand, surprising me.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* In that case I will work my way into your heart as slowly as humanly possible, and still give you all the attention and affection you deserve to have. *Wink* Be sure about it, my lovely Nana.
Nana: *Blush* ... *Shakes Her Head*
Wake up, Nana! He is not himself, don't take his words seriously just like that!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *To Mikan* *Smile* Thanks for the warning, Mikan. You might be dirty, but you're really reliable.
Mikan: No prob- *Sweat Drop* Wait, dirty?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *To Nana* *Smile* Alright, Nana, let's go to school!
Ion grabs me by the hand again and makes me walk with him on our way like before, with the rest following from behind.
Mikan: *Sweat Drop* (Why is Ion calling me dirty all of a sudden?!)
I could probably tell him to knock it off with the hand-holding as well, but...
*Nana looks at their hands, blushes softly, and smiles for a moment, before looking away seemingly annoyed*
I-I guess he can have it his way for this one. N-Not because I want this, of course! It's just to keep him busy and not make him think of anything more crazy while we walk, that's all!
...
I wonder how long the pollen will be in effect.
~Some Time Later~At School~
Student: *To Another* Hey, look-look.
When we reached school, everyone there were watching at both me and Ion, talking about our hand-holding, and chattering in general about it, as we were both walking on the way for our classes. The others went ahead of us, leaving us behind.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* This is gonna be a long and embarrassing day...
Risa: Oh, my-!
Mio: Goodness!
We stop and see Risa and Mio approaching us with a big smile on their faces. Oh.
Mio: *Smile* So the rumor about you two is true? Are you really at that kind of relationship?
Nana: *Flustered* Th-That's n-!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Big Smile* Yep! We are both lovebirds!
Nana: *Flustered* I-Ion!
Risa: *Smile* Ma~n, it's so hard to believe this. Of all the girls, Nana-Chi was the one to steal this guy's heart in the end.
Mio: *Smile* They make such a cute couple!
Nana: *Flustered* N-No, we are not really-!
Risa: *Laugh* Relax, Nana-Chi, we are just teasing you.
Mio: *Smile* The others have already told us that it's because of that thing on his head that he acts like that around you.
She says while pointing at the flower on Ion's head.
Risa: We know the love feeling is not real.
Oh, they were just joking. These two...
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Eyes Wide Open* Whoa, just a moment! *Serious* What was that you just said?
Ion lets my hand and goes in front of Risa.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Anger Intensifies* Are you saying my love for Nana is not genuine, you goddamn w*nch?
We can all feel a pressuring aura coming from Ion. This looks really bad! Both Risa and Mio make a step backward real troubled.
Risa: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* N-No-No-No-No! Of course not!
Mio: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* W-We were just joking around, that's all!
Risa: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* Y-Yeah! We are just being the usual goofballs! Nothing to get so serious about! Actually, we just remembered, we have to go be goofballs somewhere else now, right Mio?
Mio: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* R-Right!
Risa: *Sweat Dropping Like Crazy* Off we go then, see you both later!
And with that, they both run away at high speed, disappearing from view, and with Ion relaxing himself. That was so scary!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Turns around with a smile on his face* SO, where were we, my fairest of them all?
Nana: *Groans in frustration*
Those compliments will be the end of me, they are just so sweet and I can't even enjoy them due to the way he is!
Mea: Nana-Cha~n!
I turn around and see Mea coming fast on our way, before stopping right in front of me, before her eyes spot Ion behind me, along with the flower on his head.
Mea: Ah, so it's true what the others said! Senpai is really affected by that pollen thing!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Yeah... *Blush* And he has really fallen head over heels for me because of it, in case it was not obvious enough already.
*She says that while looking at Ion behind her, who makes a small heart-shaped sculpture with his bone power, which he points to, then points at himself, and then at Nana, making her blush even more at the meaning, before she turns her attention back at Mea again*
Mea: Wow...I'm so jealous of you, Nana-Chan. If Ion-Senpai was like that with me, *Blushing and smiling Mischievously* I would make sure to make full use of this.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* Wait, you mean-?
Mea: *Wink* Oh yeah, that's what I mean. It would have been a wonderful experience! *Giggle*
Nana: *Flustered*
She would actually take advantage of him in the state he is, and in SUCH way no less?!
Nana: *Blush* *Real Upset* I can't believe you! That's too much even for-!
Mea: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* WHOA! Calm down, I'm just kidding, Nana-Chan. Not even "I" would take advantage of him at such an extent.* Not if it's not HE that wants it. I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings or trust toward me, after all.
Nana: ...
I guess I shouldn't have thought of her that way. It seems that even Mea has her-
Mea: *Smile* But I would still let him hug me and kiss me to my heart's content.
Nana: *Flustered* Wha-? Mea!
That's still wrong! Especially considering the fact you two are not even married!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Seemingly Annoyed* ...
*Ion grabs Nana from her shoulders, surprising her, and he turns her around to look at him*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Pouts* Enough with her already, pay some attention to me too.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* What are you, a dog?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Wink* I can make a few "woof" sounds for you if you want.
Nana: *Troubled* N-No need to!
I don't want you to act more weird than you already do for me!
Mea: Not that I want to get between this lovely moment you two have, and trust me I don't,but what about class? The bell will ring for the first period soon.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Oh, right! Let's go.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Happily* Sure things, sweetie!
Nana: *Looks At Him Troubled* Umm...
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Hm? What is it? Anything troubling you?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* You don't intend to follow me in my own class, do you?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* Obviously!
Oh boy.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Look, Ion, I know you want to stay close to me-
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Like crazy.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* But you can't just come in my class during teaching, even YOU know that.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Shocked* Bu-But I can't...
Ion that moment falls on his backside, and grabs me by the leg, causing me surprise at his sudden action.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Saddened And Tearing A Bit From His Eyes* Please, don't leave me behind like this. Just thinking about being away from you is torture! Actual torture! So please...
Mea:Oh my.
H-He is making a scene over it! This is bad, I must think of something!
Mea: *Smile* Ion-Senpai, you love Nana-Chan, right?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Serious* You bet your actual life I do!
Mea: *Cheeky* In that case, I dare you to prove it!* Give her the space she needs during classes, and attend yours in the meantime. She will be sad if she is the only one trying to get good grades, and with you slacking about, after all.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Shocked* ...
Ion lets my leg and gets up instandly, while holding his head.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Shocked* That would be absurd! I would die before I dare make her sad!
Ion then holds my hands.
Nana: *Blush*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Nana, as much as it pains me to leave you, it will pain me even more if I see you being sad because of me. *Smile* Don't worry, I'll always run straight to your class when the bell rings for the free periods. Ok?
Nana: *Blush* *Sweat Drop* O-Ok.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Shaking* I-I'll be on my way now th-then.
Ion hesitantly lets my hands, and starts walking away, while shaking, on the way for his class.
Nana: ... *Turns To Mea* *Sweat Drop* Mea, how did you know-?
Mea: *Giggles* No matter how you see it, Ion-Senpai was always keen to prove himself for anything he thinks important, not to mention how much he hates seeing sad faces. His character didn't change much than how he was before.
As expected of Mea. She never ceases to surprise me with how well she knows Ion. Kinda bugs me, though. It's not that I don't know him, but I don't like thinking of how to exploit him like SHE does.
*Bell Rings*
Nana: *Realization* Oh no, the class! Come on, Mea!
Mea: *Smile* Right behind you, Nana-Chan!
With that, we both run at high speed toward our class.
~The Next Free Period~At The Courtyard~
Me and Ion were outside at the courtyard, sitting together on a bench, and with students looking at us as they were passing by. Because of Ion's case, I had to tell Kotegawa that we will not take part in the Disciplinary Committee's activities for today, or till he gets back to normal. I don't like it, but we can't really perform our duties with both of us like-
*Ion humming happily to himself while holding Nana's hand down on the bench*
This. And also because of the way he is all clingy and loving with me, I was getting a great deal of piercing, hateful stares from other girls at me all this time, and even during class! Now I understand even better how Rito feels when that happens to him as well.
Nana: *Frustrated Sigh*
I look at Ion, and see how the flower is still on his head. When is the damn thing gonna fall?! I want Ion back to his normal, serious self! This is too much for me to handle!
*The scene shows that Momo is watching those two from behind a tree not far from there*
Momo: (So far everything seems to be as normal as they can be. Come on, Nana, make a move already, you know you want to!)
After class I asked Mea to come along, but she said-
{Flashback}
Mea: *Smile* I'm sorry, there is something I really need to do at the moment. *Wink* But don't worry, I'm sure you can handle him ju~st fine!
{End Of Flashback}
I bet she did it on purpose to make it more difficult for me or something. That Mea...
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* Hey, Nana, look what I've made for you.
Nana: Hm?
I look at him, and see on his free hand a small bone-sculpture that depicts him carrying me in what I will guess is the "princess carry" he mentioned before. When did he even-?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* Isn't it just the most beautiful little thing ever to be made?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* Ion, don't you think you're being a little too-?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Let's Nana's hand and places HIS on his head* *Shocked* Oh my God, you're right, what am I even saying?!
He grabs and holds my hand again.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Wink* YOU are the most beautiful thing ever to be made.
Nana: *Flustered* ...
No~, don't say stuff like that, you're making me blu~sh!
Momo: *Sweat Drop* (Oh my, he sure is quite the smooth talker, isn't he? Even "I" am amazed.)
Mea: *Smile* Isn't senpai just the sweetest?
*Momo surprised notices Mea beside her, hiding the same way she does*
Momo: *Sweat Drop* M-Mea-San, what are you-?
Mea: *Wink* Obviously what YOU do, Momo-Chan.* I want to see how things will go between those two. *Excited-Like* Ah, think they will do "this" and "that" in the end?
Momo: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* W-Well, I don't think things will go THAT far, but-
*The scene moves back to Nana and Ion, with her now holding with both hands the small sculpture*
Nana: *Blush* Well, it IS a nice sculpture, alright.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smiles And Moves Closer To Her* I always LOVE it when you like the stuff I make.
Nana: *Blush* *Sweat Drop* Y-You don't say.
He is too close! Ion then warps his arms around me and holds me even closer, pretty much pressing his cheek against mine.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Blush* Let us snuggle for a little while.
Nana: *Real Flustered* ...
*Nana bends down fast to get free of his hug, as she backs away a bit while still sitting, holding her hands in front of him as if to prevent any possible attempts to get close to her again, and surprising Ion*
Nana: *Flustered* N-Not that I don't like the- Er-Wh-What I mean to say is, I-I...* *Sweat Drop* *Smile* S-Say, I'm a bit hungry, could you bring us something to-?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Say no more. *Smile* I'll bring the best!
After saying that, he gets up and runs fast away, going to bring something for us to eat.
Nana: ... *Groans From Frustration* Seriously, what the hell with thi~s!?
Like it is not enough with the compliments and the small gifts, he even tries to get uncomfortably closer to me! And I mean more than how he was trying to not long ago after all this started!
Nana: *She looks down at the sculpture she holds, seemingly saddened* ...
I remember how much I wanted to hear from him those words.
*She remembers Ion's "I love you"*
How much I wanted him to pay that kind of attention to me.
*She remembers Ion's recent attention toward her*
But not like this! As someone else! This feels so wrong... His words make me feel happy. He makes me feel as if I'm really the most important person in his life... It makes me feel like I'm using him, even if unintentionally... And I feel horrible with myself because of it...!
*Nana now holds tightly the sculpture's base, being frustrated by the thought*
I wonder... Is what he shows me because of the pollen now how he would act with me if he and I were to end up together?
Nana: *Saddened Smile* ...
That's probably a false hope of mine... But even if it's true... Would he really be as intense about it as he is now?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* ...
I love him, but he better not make me feel embarrassed in front of people all the time, like he does today, or he better expect me to give him some-
?: *Feminine Voice* You!
Nana: Huh?
I see coming on my way multiple female students, seemingly from different classes AND grades, and surrounding me. They all seem to be angry at me for some reason.
School Girl 1: *Aversion* You have some nerve doing that.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Eh? What are you talking about?
School Girl 2: *Upset* Don't think we don't know what you aliens are capable of! It is clear you did something strange to our hunk of a giant Ion, for him to fall for you like that!
School Girl 3: *Upset* Yeah, we are not stupid! He was not like that some days ago! Not to mention the weird flower on his head!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Y-You really got the wrong idea! I-It's just-!
School Girl 1: *Aversion* Don't try to talk your way out of this, *Sarcastic* princess.* You have already shown your true colors. It probably went like this. You fell for him from the time you set your eyes upon him, but then thought you had no chance because of your small chest, since everyone in school knows how much that triggers you, and your bratty personality. And since that was the case, you used your advantage as an alien, and the fact he stays in the same place you also stay, to do something that would change him in order to make him all yours!
Nana: *Troubled* I-I would never-!
School Girl 2: *Aversion* You should be ashamed for taking advantage of poor Ion in such a way!
Nana: *Shocked* ...
School Girl 3: *Aversion* Using him like that as if he is nothing more than a piece of meat... You are truly an awful person, and you should FEEL awful about it.
*The school girl group start to chant that moment at Nana "You're awful" again and again, not stopping any time soon*
Nana: *Really stressed and having difficulty to find the right words to speak*
*Then, not long after, Nana breaks into tears while looking at the ground as she cries in a silent manner, with the group seeing that and stopping with the chant, somewhat surprised by Nana's reaction*
Nana: *Tearful And Weeping* I was already feeling bad for myself because of that... I really didn't have such intention... Just leave me alone...! *Covers Her Face And Continues To Cry Silently*
*The school girl group seemed a bit troubled, as if they were not expecting that reaction. While that was going on, Momo and Mea walk behind of the group*
Momo: *Serious* YOU are the ones who should be ashamed.
*Momo speaking catches the attention of the girls, with Nana looking as well through her covered with tears eyes at both her sister and friend Mea, who were wearing a serious expression on their faces*
Momo: *Serious* Nana is none of those things you just described her as. All this time, everything she ever did was help Ion whenever it was needed. Offering him both physical AND emotional support. Without ill intent, like any true friend would. What happened to him today was an accident and nothing more, *Real Serious* so don't you dare throw the blame on my sister for something she didn't do!
*The group of girls are taken aback a little by Momo's seriousness at both her words and expression*
Nana: *Tearful and emotional* Momo...
Mea: And that's not all. Nana-Chan is the very reason your world and lives are still intact to this day. SHE is the one who stopped Ion-Senpai from going berserk on many occasions after all, and of course let's not forget that time she stopped his transformation from destroying the town and pretty much taking over the world. I'm sure everyone remembers that day.
*Some from the group of girls seems to think about that day troubled for a moment*
Mea: At that time, if it wasn't for her... *Menacing* You would all end up being dead or worse.
*The school girls who are present get scared for a moment by the way Mea said that last bit and seem to be taken aback even more than before*
School Girl 1: *Sweat Drop* L-Let's go, girls! We have nothing to do here!
*By saying that, the group of school girls leave from the place, leaving the three alone*
Momo: *Disappointed* They didn't even bother to apologize. That shows just how much class they have.
Both Momo and Mea approach me concerned.
Mea: *Concerned* Are you alright, Nana-Chan?
Momo: *Concerned* They didn't try to lay a hand on you or anything, did they?
Nana: *A bit tearful* No.
I wipe some of the tears from my face.
Nana: *Sad Smile* Thanks for the help, guys.
Mea: *Wink* What friend would I be if I let them talk like that about you?
Momo gets closer and places her hands on my shoulders.
Momo: *Serious* And remember, no matter what anyone says, YOU are not an awful person. Don't EVER think of yourself in such a way.
Nana: *Gasps In Surprise*
Mea: *Smile* In fact, you're the most wonderful person we know.
Momo:Yeah! What do THEY know? Tell her, Mea-San!
Mea: *Smile* They are just jealous of you because senpai is so attracted to you at the moment. You know how popular he is with girls in school, after all.
Nana: ...
Momo: Nana... *Smile* Have some more faith in yourself.
Nana: ... *Somewhat Determined* Yeah...
Momo unhands me and I get up.
Nana: *Determined* Yeah, you're right! Who do they think I am?! *Serious* I was always there for him, making sure he is alright, and that's what I do now as well! I'm not taking advantage of him! I would never take advantage of Ion like that! I'm not that-!
Momo: Oh no, I never said that.
Nana: Eh?
Mea: *Smile* You should TOTALLY take advantage of him!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Eeh?!
Momo: I mean, it's not every day a chance like that appears. You should make the most of it while you still can.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Are you nuts?! That would make me look exactly like what those girls were calling me not long ago!
Momo: *Shakes Head* That's not the same. Unlike them, you have earned it after all this time.
Mea: *To Nana* *Smile* If someone deserves a special moment with senpai, *Wink* that's you, Nana-Chan.
Momo: *Sweat Drop* (Me and Mea-San are fully agreeing together to something. Seems almost strange.)
I can't believe what am I hearing! Those two are just- Wait a second.
Nana: Mea, didn't you tell me moments ago that you had something to do?
Mea: *Rubs Her Head Seemingly Out Of Embarrassment And Giggles Awkwardly* I~ might have lied to you a bit to give you some alone time with Ion-Senpai.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* WHA-?!
Momo: *Notices to the side* Oh, he is coming!
Mea: *Thumbs Up* *To Nana* Good luck, Nana-Chan!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Ah- Wai-!
Before I say more, they have already run away at high speed, before disappearing from view.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* How is my beautiful flower doing?
I look at Ion and see him carrying with his arms together in front of him a bunch of sweets, sandwiches, and two cans of refreshments of what we usually drink.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Awkward Smile* Sorry for taking so long, but I just couldn't decide what to bring. So I took pretty much everything by one time each!
Are you for real now, Ion?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Anyway, which do you prefer? Chicken or- *Notices*
*Ion pauses as he notices the semi-dry tears upon Nana's face, letting fall off his arms everything he was carrying onto the ground*
Nana: Huh?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): ... *Fury Intensifies* Who...?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* U-Um-
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Real Furious* *Loudly* WHO'S THE FILTHY BASTARD THAT MADE YOU SAD?! I'LL RIP HIS F*CKING ARMS OFF AND FORCE-FEED THEM TO HIM!
*The few students that happened to be nearby start to run away the moment they hear that, being scared for their lives, even if some of them had nothing to do with it*
Nana: *Sweat Drop* N-No, Ion! No one did anything to me, calm down!
Ion looks at me with a confused look on his face, as his fury somewhat dissipates.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Confused But Serious* The tears. Why?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* I- Well... *Awkward Smile* It's just that I enjoy so much the love and affection you were showing me all this time, that I couldn't help but tear up a bit.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Gasps While Smiling From The Fact*
*Ion's Intensifying fury vanish in an instant*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Big Smile* Really?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* O-Of course!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Relieved* Goodness gracious, I got scared for a moment there. *Laugh*
*The scene moves behind of the building's corner not far from there, to show the hidden Momo and Mea, who are watching at the whole thing from afar*
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Smile* Nice cover-up, sister!
Mea: *Watching From Afar* *Quiet Giggle*
*Moving back to Nana and flower boy*
Nana: *Relieved* Phew.
Thankfully he believed me without further questioning. Must be because of the state he is in.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* A-Anyway, let me help you with-
As I make an attempt to bend down so I can help him gather the stuff he dropped from before, he grabs both my hands and makes me look straight at him, his face close to mine and serious looking.
Nana: *Blush* Eh, wh-what is it?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Serious* Nana, have I told you how much I love you?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* *Blush* A-About a dozen times already.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Serious* Then let me say these ones as well.
Ion pauses for a moment after saying that. What more is he gonna-?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Nana... *Smile* You are the light of my life.
Nana: *Blush* Hu-?!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* You are the most precious, kindhearted, and beautiful person I know.
No, please stop.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* You are my everything. The reason I keep on existing at all.
Please, don't make me feel like this. I feel like your words are melting my heart!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Even all the compliments I just said, and all those I still want to say, pale in comparison to the fact of how important you actually are to me.
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Excited* (Oh my! This is getting real good!)
Mea: *Watching From Afar* *Joyful* Keep going, senpai, you're doing great!
Momo: *To Mea* *Troubled* Shh!
*In the meantime, Nana can't get more red than she already is by Ion's words. Probably*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): You are someone whom I cannot live without.
When he says that, he let's my hands and takes out of his pockets a small white box, which he hands over to me.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): I could wait till I get you an actual one when done with school, *Smile* but I just REALLY wanted to do this move as soon as possible.
What is he talking about?
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Excited* Come on, open it!
I look at the small box in my hands, wondering what to expect, and then open it.
Nana: *Surprised Gasp*
Inside appears to be a ring, which has a white heart-shaped stone at its top, with the entire thing obviously being made by Ion's bone ability. This is-!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): I thought that after all this time and everything we've been through together, that it would be stupid of me not to suggest. Nana... *Blush* Will you marry me?
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Joyfully Surprised* (OH, he is actually proposing to her!)
Nana: *Flustered and strong heart beat soundings* ...
*That moment, Nana falls down onto the ground seemingly unconscious, with the box and ring still at hand*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Surprised And Real Concerned* H-Hey!
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Sweat Drop* Na-!
Mea: *Watching From Afar* Oh my.
*Ion raises Nana's front and shakes her lightly with his hands*
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Real Concerned* Nana, speak to me! Don't-! What do I-? *Realizes* Oh right, mouth to mouth!
*Ion lays her onto the ground again and brings his face close to hers, about to place his mouth onto hers. That moment Nana opens her eyes and sees what Ion is about to do*
Nana: *Flustered And Shocked* Ah!
*Just in time, Nana pushes him back with her arms on his shoulders, preventing him from doing it*
Nana: *Blushing And Seemingly Upset* Wh-What do you think you're-?!
Without warning, he hugs me real tightly.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Big Smile Of Relief* Nana, you're alright!
Nana: *While Strongly Being Pressed* I will not be if you don't let me breathe! Oxygen, oxygen!
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Frustrated Groan* (Damn, so close!)
Mea: *Watching From Afar* *Disappointed* (BOO~!)
Finally he unhands me, letting me take a breath as I gasp for oxygen. I then look at the ring in the box that I have in hand, having a hard time believing it.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Smile* So, what do you say, my dear, really dear Nana? *Excited Raising* Will we make it official finally after all this time?
Nana: ...
It's everything I always wanted... But...
Nana: *Sad Sigh* ...
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Raises An Eyebrow* Hm? What's wrong, love?
I just can't accept it the way things are. It would not be right for him, if it's not actually HE who makes that choice.
Nana: *Saddened* Ion, I can't... *Looks Away* Do this.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Great Shock* Wha...?
Nana: I'm so-
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Incredibly Troubled And Confused* Wai-Wai-Wait! I don't understand, why would you-?
That moment Ion's face changes, as if he just realized something, before showing a saddened one.
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): *Saddened* Could it be... That you never liked me at all...?
Nana: *Real Troubled* Wha-?! No-No-No, it's not like that, it's just that... W-Well...
What do I do?! I want him to stop because he is not himself, but I also can't tell him anything that will make it look like I don't like him! Why such a troubling situation had to occu~r?!
Ionas (Pollen Afflicted): Nana...Do YOU love me?
Nana: *Highly Troubled And Blushing* I-I...
Momo: *Watching From Afar* Come on, Nana...
Mea: *Watching From Afar* Just say the "yes", you know you want to!
*After a short moment of emotional conflict, Nana clenches her fists, and looks somewhat determined. Flustered, but determined*
You know what? To hell with it! I NEED to be honest with my feelings! Even like this! It was meant to happen sooner or later anyway. Here goes nothing.
Nana: *Inhales* ... ION, I LO-!
*That instant the flower's eyeball on Ion's head pops like a balloon, making a really loud noise when it does so, with the rest of it falling off his head and with him falling unconscious onto the ground*
Nana: *Startled* WHA-?!
*Momo and Mea were equally surprised as they were watching from afar at what happened*
Nana: ... *Concerned* Io-?
*Suddenly Ion lifts his front*
Ionas: *Real Troubled As He Looks Around* AH, quickly someone lock me up before-! *Notices* Eh?
Ion seems confused as he looks around him while down. Is the effect-?
Ionas: *Confused* What is this? I was in the living room when- *Troubling Realization* Oh god, what did I do THIS time while not myself?!
Yep, definitely over it.
Nana: *Sighs And Smiles* Don't worry, Ion.
Ion looks at me as I crouch down a bit, offering him a hand.
Nana: *Smile* Nothing weird happened this time. You can be sure about it.
*The scene shows that Nana was holding behind her back with one hand the box with the ring inside, tightly*
Momo: *Watching From Afar* *Sigh* How unlucky.
Mea: *Watching From Afar* Yeah, *Smile* but it was still so much fun to watch!
Momo: *Sweat Drop* ...
After helping Ion to get up, I reassured him once more that he was just being weird and nothing more than that, without mentioning in what way. We spent the time together, with me making sure that no one will mention what he was doing while under the effect of the pollen. The less he knows, the better! I'm glad he is back to normal, but in a way at the same time SO frustrated that I was once more unable to utter those words to him! Well, I guess I shouldn't feel too bad about it. One day I'll-
Ionas: Hey, Nana, need to go use the bathroom. Be right back.
He says as he walks away.
Nana: Ah ok, I'll wait right here. Don't take your time!
Ion chuckles a bit before turning around the corner.
Mea: *Happily* Na~na-Chan!
I turn around and see Mea behind me, wearing her usual smile.
Mea: *Smile* You sure had a nice time with Ion-Senpai, didn't you?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* If by "good" you mean stressful-
Mea: *Wink* Maybe, but you still enjoyed some of the moments, don't lie now.
Nana: *Looks Away* *Seemingly Annoyed And Blushing* Sh-Shut up!
Mea: *Giggles*
That Mea... Always teasing me about...
Nana: *Smile*
But at least I know she is a friend I can depend on when I need support. Along with my sister. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Mea: And wanna know something else?
Nana: Hm?
Mea takes out her phone and opens it.
Mea: *Smile* I have taken some nice pictures of you two while like that.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Wha-?
Mea shows me through her phone picture of me and Ion hanging out together while he was still afflicted by the pollen, with the embarrassing moments, and ending it with the kiss he was about to give me while I was half-unconscious.
Nana: *Flustered* Ah... Ahh...
Mea: *Mischievous Smile* I wonder what his reaction will be if I happen to show these to him!
I make an attempt to grab her phone, only for her to crouch and then run away as I chase after her.
Nana: *Flustered* Give me the phone!
Mea: *Smile* You'll have to catch me first, Nana-Chan! *Amused Giggling*
*While Nana is chasing after Mea for the phone, Ion comes from around the corner of the opposite direction, having finished his business, and walking back to where the first was like he remembers, only to see she was not there anymore*
Ionas: Hm? Where did she go?
~Hours Later~After School~
{Iona's POV}
Me and the gang were on our way to our house after a calm day at school. I kept asking them what exactly happened to me after I was sprayed by the pollen, but they were just avoiding it as if it was not important, giving little to no information about it. It's a good thing I didn't cause damage or harm to anyone while at that state, but no knowing the details is rather concerning. Not like keeping on asking about it will help in any way, if it didn't so far. Might as well make a better question.
Ionas: Hey, Rito, think would it be ok to ask Mikan of a certain dish to make for the next day?
Rito: I don't think she will mind.
Lala: *Excited* What kind-What kind?
Ionas: *Smile* Oh, you will simply love it, if she can make it. It's-
?: *Male Voice* HELP ME~!
We all look around alarmed as we hear the voice filled with anguish.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* What the-?
?: *From Somewhere* PLEASE SOMEBODY~!
Ionas: *Alarmed* Where is it coming from?
Momo: *Alarmed* I think it came from the alley to the left!
Ionas: *Alarmed* Special phones on the ready!
We all run toward and inside the said alley, with Nana and her sisters having their D-Dials in hand and ready for whatever, and with me having a bone-shield on my left arm just in case. I don't know what this is about, but ignoring something that sounds like someone in great trouble is not my style nowadays.
?: *Loud Scream Of Pain*
Rito: *Alarmed* We are coming!
We then finally see at the dead-end of the alley a figure on the floor beside some trash cans, with a dirty long cloak and hood covering the person. Reminds me of a trap situation thinking about it.
Ionas: *To The Others* *Alarmed* Everyone, stay back!
Everyone stops confused, with me keeping on running forward.
Ionas: *Alarmed* *In A Hurry* I'll check, you stay there, watch your backs in case! *Eyes Turn Bloody Red*
After saying that, I reach and crouch down beside the person, extending my hand to pull the hood off his head. The last moment, he pulls the hood himself while also pulling from the cloak an advanced-looking pistol with his other hand, pointing it at me, and reveals himself to be an insectbot beetle-type.
Insecbot: *Cheeky* He-
*Ion smashes fast with the fist of his other arm the robot's head to pieces with one strike before he completes his action and sentence, deactivating him for good*
Ionas: *Real Alarmed* *To The Others* INSECTBO~TS!
That moment two insectbots, one beetle-type and one bigger Hercules beetle-type, fall from above at my location, at slow motion in my eyes because I had activated my Adrenal power from earlier just in case of a trick, with me backing away fast toward my friends, avoiding the falling robots as they land with their feet onto the ground. I f*cking knew it's gonna be a trap, even if somewhat late! Without losing time, I use the bone power through my arms to create in an instant a large bone-wall, covering the entire front and reaching as high as the buildings' rooftops, covering us, and then immediately after starting to shoot from the other side randomly and from the entirety of the wall large amounts of bone-spikes at the location the robots ought to be.
*The moment the spikes start being thrown, the robots quickly get into cover, able to avoid the incoming projectiles for now.*
Hercules Beetle Soldier: *To The Other Robot* Use it!
Beetle Soldier: *Aims With An Advanced-Looking Rifle Carefully At The Bone-Wall*
*Ion on the other side decides to deactivate the Adrenal power*
Ionas: *Alarmed* *To The Others* In A Hurry* Probably have done the trick, but get back into the road where the defense system reaches to be sure! Go!
Nana: *Sweat Drop* And you?
Ionas: *Smile* I'll be fi-
*The robot on the other side shoots, and a green energy-like projectile hits the bone-wall, with it then expanding in a tendril-like fashion within the said wall, with the spikes stopping on being thrown*
Ionas: *Notices* Eh?
I look at my bone-wall and see a green energy having been expanding at most of it already, with the part of the wall in front of me crumbling and falling apart, incredibly surprising me and the rest.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Wh-What?!
Momo: *Sweat Drop* Ion's bone-wall is breaking?!
The said green energy is now expanding at the bone extensions on my arms, which I was using to keep connection with the wall, and it's about to reach the said arms.
Ionas: *Real Alarmed*
I use my Adrenal power, and quickly remove the bone extensions from my arms, avoiding direct contact with whatever that green energy is, with me then deactivating my Adrenal power soon after. I fall on my backside from shock after that, with Nana worried crouching down close to me.
Nana: *Real Concerned* Ion, are you ok?
Ionas: *Gasping From Shock*
It didn't touch me, but I still felt some of that. It was as if my whole being was gonna rot like that wall if I had let that green energy go through me.
*The entire wall crumbles down, revealing the two insectbots on the other side*
What the hell is that thing they have created this time?!
Beetle Soldier: *Reloads Special Rifle* *To The Other Robot* Doesn't seem to have done anything to the main target.
Hercules Beetle Soldier: Probably didn't connect. Shoot again.
While saying that, the big one's shoulders open, revealing multiple small rockets inside each of them, with the other robot aiming with his rifle at me. At the moment, Nana, Lala and Momo get in front of me, and are about to call whatever might helps from their D-Dials, and I activate my Adrenal power once again. I'll finish this before they can even-!
*Out of nowhere, a black cloaked and hooded figure falls on top of the big robot, breaking the said robot's head into pieces with one punch, making it cease function instantly, and surprising everyone*
Beetle Robot: *Shocked* What the-?!
*While the other one was confused by the sudden appearance, the cloaked person turns his arm inside the big one's still standing robotic carcass, and the body itself turns toward the other robot, shooting all of its shoulder rockets at him, utterly destroying the robot, turning it into pieces*
Rito: *Sweat Drop* W-Wow...
The next moment, the hooded person takes his arm off the big one's carcass, and jumps away, letting the body fall down on its own as he himself lands in front of us.
?: *Supposedly Looking At Ion* ...
I want to say he is a friend, for taking down those robots for us, but you never know with the BS we are eating at times.
Lala: *Smile* Thanks for the help, mysterious stranger!
Of course Lala would talk as such, it's not even surprising anymore.
Momo: *Sweat Drop* *To Stranger* Um, if you don't mind us asking, who-?
?: Ion!
He says that while looking at me.
Ionas: *Raises An Eyebrow* Yes?
?: I am here to warn you about something which concerns both you, me, and the rest. I beg you to hear me out.
When he says that, the person grabs his hood and pulls it down, revealing his head and face.
*Ion and his friends gasp in surprise once they see that the hooded individual who helped them was none other than A-H-R-1, the black ant-looking robot*
Ionas: *Real Surprised* You?!
Nemesis: Wow, what a twist! Don't you agree as well?
Rito: I-It sure is to say the truth.
Nemesis: I wonder how this will turn out.
Rito: Let's hope not badly. Next time in To Love-Ru: The Fan Club.
Nemesis: Want to bet they'll fight?
Rito: I don't wanna take part to such thing.