This story if a "what if/sequel" to the episode "Thrilling Summer Date" of the anime. The idea of what a second date would be like, with a weakened Ataru that's slowly falling in love. I wanted to write something that is all "fluff", it's just Lum and Ataru enjoying their day without much drama apart from their usual old couple fights! The story is inspired by a few anime episodes, the "Endless Summer" video-game and somewhat the manga version of this story!
This is the second fan fiction I've ever written, the first one being in 2021. it'st he first time I write something this long too, the story i wrote was only 1 chapter long. This time it's around 10 chapters! I had a lot of fun writing this story as I love those two and their dynamics, I hope you'll have fun reading too! English is not my first language so i'm not as eloquent as I wish i could be, but I hope it's still enjoyable to read for you!
This first chapter focus on setting-up the date itself!
It was a nice morning in Tomobiki. An unusually calm one, which was rare these days. However, in a certain household, Ataru Moroboshi was uncharacteristically still at home, even more uncharacteristically, deep in thought. His first date with Lum was already a few days ago, but he still couldn't forget about it. In fact, he couldn't focus on his usual hobbies or anything in that matter. Hid mind constantly finding his thoughts drifting back to that day, and to her.
"'I'm wasting so much girl-hunting time, why can't I get in the mood?" he exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he threw his hands in the air. Lying down in his room. "Stupid Lum, it's probably one of her schemes again" he shouted, casting a resentful yet curious, and maybe somewhat melancholic glance towards the windows.
He slowly walked towards the balcony, leaned on the railing and looked up, where Lum's UFO had been stationning ever since their first date. At least it was still here.
I've barely seen her since then, she's really serious about this, he thought, reminiscing about what she said. I'm sure she's waiting for me to make a move, he shrugged, walking away. "If she thinks I miss her, she's dead wrong. Hear that Lum? My real summer vacations begin now!" he roared. He was obviously lying to himself; In fact, he felt empty ever since she started to stay up there, but he couldn't even admit it to himself.
Still, he could use that. If he went girl hunting and get a few dates, he could make her jealous and come back. There was no way he would call her and ask her on a date anyway. It was all her fault after all, if she truly wanted to come back, she'd do it. He quickly got dressed and took his notebook, thinking he could at least try to call a few girls before going out. He convinced himself it could be a good way to forget and get over the weird thing he was feeling. Those weird sentiments growing inside ever since his date with Lum. Whatever happened, he would not call her, no way she'll win. He started skimming the notebook, trying to remember which one rejected him lately. A few names seemed nice enough.
"Heheh she's a cute one, it would be great… Emi-Chan too, she doesn't live far, it could be great..huh?" His eyes locked, staring at something he hadn't noticed before. "When did she..." At the end of the list, a name had been added, in a way prettier handwriting "Lum, Above the Moroboshi's residence" with a phone number added. Really funny Lum he thought. He skimmed a bit more and realized she wrote her name, address and phone number all over the following pages, some of them also had "Call me Darling" with a heart drawn next to the word "darling"
"Is she trying to brainwash me with this junk? This notebook had so much going for it too.." he cried. He tried to be upset, but he somehow didn't mind Lum's joke. Moreso bothered by the thought of calling her coming back strong.
He angrily started dialing a few of the other numbers, now even more motivated to get a date, ignoring the fact that his failure to notice Lum's name was proof enough that he hadn't been girl hunting at all since their date. The few times he went out, motivating himself to do it, always ending up with Ataru aimlessly walking around, sitting down in the park feeling alone. He wasn't realizing it himself, but most of the spot he visited during those walks were the same places Lum wanted to visit during their date.
While Ataru was busy scheming his next date, up in the UFO, Lum was also reminiscing about their first time going out as a couple. She wasn't coming back to the Moroboshi's house-but she was still observing his every move–and she obviously noticed that he wasn't going out as often.
"I'm sure he noticed the notebook now, he's gonna call any minute, I'm certain of it" She giggled, spinning around on her chair filled with excitement. A bowl of spicy pop-corn resting on her laps.
"Luuum-chan, do you really want to stay here every day?" Ten exclaimed, rubbing his eyes "It's boring to be here all day" he added, still not completely awake from his nap
"I'm sorry, Ten, but I need to check on darling's behavior right now" She grinned
"No, I mean going out at all. You've spent almost all day in front of your screen. Aren't ya bored?" The small Oni asked, genuinely a bit concerned
"He could call me anytime now, I can't risk missing it" She exulted, "But I promise we'll go have fun once I'm done, Ten" she quickly added, not even looking at him and focusing on the screen
Ten didn't bother insisting. Sometimes she was as stubborn as her "husband." It was going nowhere, he thought, flying back. A few moments later, the screen lit up; there was a call in the Moroboshi household. Ataru finally made his move. Way better than the hundreds of calls Ms. Moroboshi.
"Hello? Is that Emi-chan? How are ya doing..." Usual womanizer speech for him.
"Darling, you idiot! Why would you call someone else when I'm right here? Haven't you seen the notebook yet?!" She screamed at the screen depicting the call. She did hesitate to interrupt but decided to wait; she knew how it was going anyway. Lum took her bowl of pop-corn and started eating again, staring at the screen. It was nerve wrecking, but still entertaining.
Bingo! A few seconds later, the short conversation ended with the girl terminating the call, not knowing who this guy was and not bothering with it.
"Now, Darling, come on, I'm right here, I know you want to!" She exclaimed, slowly losing her patience, burning a few of the pop-corn with her electricity in the process.
Ataru skimmed back, dialing another number
"Hello? Mio-chan?" Still refusing to call Lum
Lum's electricity built up even more for a few seconds, then she calmed herself
"Darling... you're way too stubborn. He knows I'll say yes too, why bother with them?" she loudly thought. Munching on moe pop-corn.
"Fine." she shrugged, listening to the conversation. Again, the girl seemed more confused than interested. "We'll see who gives up first." she exclaimed with false confidence in her tone. She was ready to call him herself; she couldn't hold it in anymore. Without thinking, the placed the bowl down, getting her hands free.
"He doesn't seem to be that much into it." she then thought. "He's usually far more pushy with those poor girls." she noted, convincing herself she finally was able to slightly change his behavior.
As the second girl once again terminated the call, Ataru growled and started to skim through his notebok again. He stopped for an instant on Lum's number but quickly laughed it off. As if he thought. But before he could do anything, someone was calling their household this time.
"It must be Emi-chan, she changed her mind." he giggled "Emi-chan, it's so nice of you to call ba..." but he quickly got interrupted
"Ataru!" The voice shouted with joy, hearing his name coming from it weirded him out
"Lum?" Clearly taken aback. He wasn't expecting her. But you could hear a glimpse of excitement in his voice as he asked slowly.
"I'm so glad you remember me! You answered fast, have you been waiting my call?" in contrary, she wasn't hiding her excitement
"I was just passing by!" he defended himself "..whatever, what do you want?"
"I was just wondering if you were available to go out with me, I've been so bored the past few days, you know, Ataru!" She said, focusing on his name
"Just go hang out with Jariten" He rudely answered "Or ask any other guy" his tone wasn't as harsh as expected, it was kind of pitiful, sounding like a kid
"I'd rather spend time with you" ignoring most of what he said "You're the only one i'm interested in going on a date with, Ataru!" She wanted to say love so bad, even slowing down as she was hesitating, but opted not to.
"You're still set on that huh?" He knew she was, He knew Lum too well, she'd never give up that easily, but it was an easy way to escape her embarassing answer.
"Yup," she smirked, pleased that she got the reaction she wanted. "Now stop dodging the question. Do you want to go on a date with me, or would you rather dial up some other girls?" she asked mockingly.
"You! How did you..." he exclaimed, realizing she either knew him too well or she was spying on him. "Fine, whatever. I probably don't have a choice anyway." he sighed. "It's better than to stay at home again." he also admitted, quietly.
Weird, he thought. Ataru would usually would act like he wasn't interested or at least fight the idea a bit more. But he felt somewhat excited about it and couldn't stop himself. Memories of their first date flashed in his mind. He could never admit it, not even to himself. He was eagerly waiting for this. He was secretly hoping she would call for a while, so he was somewhat relieved. Still, she couldn't know that. He had to be strong.
"But don't forget the rules. They're still on," He asserted, trying to keep the high ground.
"Sure thing. I'll call you back when I'll be ready. See you soon, Ataru!" she brightly answered, not bothered a bit by it.
He's softening up a little. She thought. At least he's agreeing on going on dates with her, without resorting to blackmail. She paused for a second and chuckled to herself. Or maybe he misses me so much it's even worse than blackmail for him. She had already prepared a lot of outfits for their future dates, so she quickly got dressed and styled her hair. Although she found it annoying to have to act like an earth girl, she thought maybe he preferred seeing her looking like one. Plus, it's always been fun to dress up; Earth had good fashion.
"Cute!" Lum exclaimed as she spun around in front of the mirror.
Satisfied, she returned to the meeting spot they had chosen for their first date. Upon arrival, she called Ataru, who surprisingly answered once more, instantly.
"So fast! You couldn't wait, could you, Ataru?" she asked, grinning to herself at her teasing.
"Shut up! I... was just passing by!" He growled, seemingly a bit embarrassed.
"Again?"
"I was going back, that's it." he lied. "Anyway, where do you want to go?"
He's really been eager for this, well, at least a bit more than last time. You're cute, Darling. She thought, giggling. He's even letting me choose where we go; that's new. I'm not missing this chance. She knew he probably asked that to dodge the first topic, but she still thought it was nice.
"I'm at the same spot as last time. Then we should go to the amusement park, I've always wanted to go with you, D-" She stopped herself, realizing her mistake. "D-dear Ataru"
"Fine, see ya." He answered, scratching his head, not getting what the big deal was with the nicknames.
On his way, Ataru reflected a bit on the situation. Although he still acted displeased by all that was happening—deep inside his heart—he was sort of happy and eager to have another date with Lum. The last one was enjoyable and one of the few times he didn't feel awkward, just being himself. And this time, they would probably be alone. Curse or blessing, he wasn't sure. Anyhow, the thought made Ataru excited for a second. They rarely could enjoy each other's company without any disturbance or the feeling of his whole body getting electrocuted. It was a fact that ever since their date, he was far less in the mood for any sort of girl hunting. His mind constantly finding a way to go back to her. That was annoying, but maybe a second date could salvage him and get his mood back up. Or at least make her come back, his mind also added, almost subconsciously. And still, Lum IS pretty attractive. Having her by his side was sometimes fun; seeing the attention they get when together was a good boost to the ego. Maybe he could get a few names and numbers as well. The girls may think he's really something if such a pretty girl is dating him. The idea made Ataru laugh to himself as he approached their meeting spot; it may well be a blessing in disguise after all.
Before he knew it, he was a few meters away from the rendezvous spot. He instantly felt a bit anxious. Weird, he thought. It's just Lum. he reassured himself, slowing down his pace.
As Lum became aware that Ataru was near, her excitement surged. She clenched her fist, as if to stop herself from doing loops in the air. Finally, a second date with her darling. It was all she had been yearning for. She could feel that Ataru wasn't as opposed to the idea of a date as last time. And even better, this time it was only the two of them. She truly felt happy at this prospect. It was always fun to spend time with him.
