Episode 3: Can't Stop Falling in Love
Tuesday. Morning. June 23rd.
Nasa and Tsukasa sit in front of their cooked breakfast.
Nasa: Itadaki-
Tsu: Nasa... Can we talk about what we said last night?
Nasa: Okay.
Nasa waits patiently as Tsukasa faces the floor.
Tsu: … A good marriage shouldn't start off with a lie.
Nasa: What lie? You never told me why you were marrying me.
Tsu: Technically, yes. But, I still feel like you should divorce me because of my false pretenses. I made you think it was just out of love. I-I'll go back to my parents and maybe we can start dating then?
Nasa: … That sure sounds reasonable.
Tsu: I knew it...
She tears up.
Nasa: … Why did you remember my name?
Tsu: Huh?
Nasa: After two years, you somehow still knew my name. I only said it once.
Tsu: Well, I... Wrote it down. You were my way out. I had to remember you.
Nasa: Then, why were you so excited at your new name?
She blushes.
Tsu: Because I like your name.
Nasa: Because you like me?
Tsu: Y-Yes.
Nasa: Why do you like me?... Tsukasa?
She rubs her left shoulder.
Tsu: Romance manga... I used to read them a lot. The way you acted that night reminded me of the guys in those books. I f-felt so special. I wanted you to be just like them, and I think you might be even better.
Nasa: Then, why do you want to leave?
Tsu: I don't want to, but I just don't deserve to stay.
Nasa: Why not?!
Tsu: I'm not special! I'm just... Me.
Nasa: … That same night, I saw you walking away and I remembered the story of princess Kaguya. A tale of a man who falls hopelessly in love for a woman only to never be able to see her again... I mythologized you too. I like you too. I feel undeserving too... Just, if we feel the same way for each-other, then why can't we give each-other more of a chance for love?
Tsu: ….. You're right. I'm giving up on us way too quickly... But, what do you like about me?
Nasa: You're a good person. That's all I need to know.
Tsukasa smiles and looks up at Nasa.
Tsu: … Itadakimasu.
After breakfast, the two head towards the bathhouse while holding hands.
Tsu: You're a good person, too. And, smart and kind.
Nasa: So are you. And, a good cook and a beautiful woman.
Tsu: Well, you're a handsome man and a good provider.
Nasa: Oh yeah? You're a great kisser!
Tsu: *Gasp!*... S-So are you.
They both blush and smile at each-other. Once at the bathhouse, the two find Mimi sweeping outside.
Nasa: Miss Arisugawa? What are you doing up so early?
Mimi: My job, dear Nasa. Ah! This must be the little lady who took you from my Aya.
Tsu: I-I didn't mean to intrude.
Mimi: Oh, I'm just kidding, my dear. I'm sure your quickly begotten romance will be the one to last forever.
Nasa: Thanks, Mimi.
Mimi: Anytime!
The two head inside.
Nasa: Sorry about that. She can be very direct.
Tsu: (She might be right) It's alright.
They step up to the counter.
Kaname: What's up guys?! Had sex yet?
Tsu: We may have gotten a step closer.
Tsukasa blushes.
Kaname: Ooo! Which Step?!
Nasa: The step where we pay for our baths.
Kaname: Ah, come on!
Nasa pays up.
Kaname: Let me know if you two get stuck. I can give pointers!
Tsu: How would you know more about it than us?
Kaname: I'll never tell!
The two enter their own bathing rooms. In the male side, a thick fog obscures the large bath.
Nasa: Is someone there?
? Don't worry. I can't see anything.
Nasa gets in the large bath and the fog dissipates, revealing a black man with white hair and yellow eyes sitting casually with one leg over the other across from him. He has a short mullet, an air of confidence, and-wait! Is that...
Mason A. Dreemurr (From the Star Fight series)
Mason: Come here often?
What one Earth are you doing here, Mason?
Mason: (I've got my reasons. Don't worry about it)
Alright then. Guess I just can't get rid of this guy.
Nasa: Yes. All the time. You must be new around here?
Mason: I'm just visiting. What kind of work do you do?
Nasa: Um. Programming and tech support. You?
Mason: You could call me an investigator.
Nasa: Oh yeah? Are you looking into a crime around here?
Mason: I'm looking into that girl you're with.
Nasa: … Are you with her family?
Mason: Why would I be?
Nasa: Has she done anything wrong?
Mason: No. She's clean. You see, she's an old crush of mine. Probably wouldn't know I exist. Thing is, I'd really like to know one thing about her.
Nasa: As long as it isn't too personal.
Mason: Of course not... Crap. I'm still getting used to this language. I forgot the word for that thing you call yourself.
Nasa: Namae?
Mason: Namae. Right.
Nasa: For what it's worth, you speak Japanese very well.
Mason smiles.
Mason: Thanks. Anyway, what's her name?
Nasa: It's Tsukasa Yuzaki.
Mason: Yuzaki? Hm. Must be the wrong girl. Apologies.
Nasa: Who were you looking for?
Mason: The name I got was Tsukasa Tsukuyomi.
Nasa: That's correct.
Mason: But-
Nasa: That was her name before I married her.
Mason's face quickly grows furious.
Mason: You What?!
Nasa: We got married re-
Mason: When?!
Nasa: Just two nights ago... Were you planning on proposing to her?
Mason's face steams as his fists shake. Even his somewhat deep voice shakes.
Mason: I... I need some air.
Mason gets up and a fog almost magically covers his privates as he leaves the bath.
Nasa: I'm sorry if I upset you, sir.
Mason: Whatever!
Mason enters the locker-room, flies his clothes to himself, uses Quick Change to put them on, and portals away to a serene landscape that's full of mountains.
Mason: AAAAAGH!!!
He hits the ground with magic covering his fists several times, making many small craters appear all around him.
Mason: (What's She Doing With Him?! She Belongs With Me!!) WHY HIM?!!
He picks up a huge rock and flings it into a mountain in the distance, creating a huge crater. He then sits down and tries to breathe calmly.
Mason: (It's okay. I can just wait an entire lifetime to be with her again) A Whole LIFETIME!!! AAAAH!!!
He screams at the top of his lungs as if he's dying. Back in Japan, Aya and Tsukasa meet Nasa in the lobby.
Aya: Hey, Nasa!
Nasa: Hey, Aya. Look, I'm sorry you had to find out about us that way.
Aya: Don't worry about it. I've already found my next passion.
Tsu: It's quite the goal.
Aya: I'm gonna be the most Popular Cosplay Streamer In ALL Of Japan!
Nasa: Heh. Well, I sure believe in you.
Aya: Thanks! See you in the chats!
She runs off.
Kaname: Hey! You've gotta be the receptionist!
The two hold hands and walk back to the apartment.
Nasa: See you this afternoon.
Tsu: See you!
He smooches her cheek and walks away. She then touches her cheek and smiles and blushes before going inside. Meanwhile, Mason looks on in anger from a nearby rooftop. When Nasa comes back later in the day, he stares at the apartment building for a while before heading up the stairs. He knocks on the door and Tsukasa lets him in.
Nasa: It's great to see you again.
Tsu: You too... I was about to start cooking. Any requests?
Nasa: I have no idea, but I like whatever you make.
She smiles.
Tsu: Okay. I'll figure something out. You can just relax.
Nasa: … How about we go looking at bigger apartments after dinner?
Tsu: Bigger? But, wouldn't that cost too much?
Nasa: Not at all.
Tsu: But, moving on its own can be so expensive.
Nasa: We don't have that much to move. We can do it ourselves over a couple of weekends.
Tsu: But-
He grabs her shoulder.
Nasa: Tsukasa, how do you really feel about it?
Tsu: I...
She looks down.
Tsu: I just moved in with you. I need some time to settle down first.
Nasa: I understand. We'll take it slower... How about we go on that date tonight instead?
Tsu: (Right! We're supposed to be dating) You'd be up to that?
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Nasa: Definitely.
A few minutes later, the two walk outside and onto the streets. Once they're out of sight, Mason stands tall atop the nearby roof and raises his hand towards the sky.
Mason: (You took everything from me. Let's see how you like it. Stormy Weather!)
In the skies above, Mason's magic brings about clouds that spread across the whole area.
Nasa: Hm? (It's not supposed to rain today)
Mason then summons rain from the clouds that falls all around. With great concentration, he summons a massive lightning-bolt from up above, which crashes through Nasa's window and sets fire to his kitchen. Mason then points his hand towards the fire and makes it spread faster. As the flames burn higher, he sets his arm down and watches on in complete apathy.
Meanwhile, Nasa and Tsukasa sit next to each-other in a local restaurant and look at some menus.
Nasa: How about we get some sushi?
Tsu: I can make that any day. We should get stuff that's unique to this restaurant.
Nasa: “Unique,” huh?... Heh. Would you like the lemon ramen?
Tsu: Sure. Why not?
Nasa: Oh. Really?
Tsu: And, you can get the crispy honey bread.
Nasa: (That actually sounds pretty good) Cool.
As Mason stares at the fire, someone runs out of the flaming building and he jitters.
Mason: (What am I doing?! There's people in there!)
Mason jumps off of the roof and runs up to the building as people run out of it.
Mason: Anyone In There?!
Hana: My Daughter's Trapped In The Bathroom!!
Mason: What Floor?!!
Hana: S-Second!!
Mason: Crap!
Mason dashes up the stairs and into a flaming apartment, where the roof has collapsed in front of the bathroom. He instantly grabs the beam and lifts it.
Mason: I'VE GOT YOU!!!
Sakura: Please!! Save Me!!
He throws the beam over and opens the door to find a ten year old girl. As soon as he sees her, he picks her up and runs out of the building. Meanwhile, the two stare at each-other as they wait for their food.
Nasa: So, what would you like to know about me?
Tsu: Tell me your whole story. I want to know how you're so nice.
Nasa: Well, I guess we should start with my father naming me “Nasa.”
Tsu: (It is a bit of an odd name, but I'm sure there's a lot of meaning behind it)
Nasa: Basically, he's just a huge fan of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the USA. So, he named me after them. Probably wanted me to work for them. The name's a bit silly, isn't it?
Tsu: I think it's a nice name for you.
He gets lost in her eyes for a second.
Nasa: … W-Well, the other kids didn't think so. They thought I'd be the know-it-all when I wasn't and they bullied me for it.
Tsu: Aw. Poor little Nasa.
Nasa: It wasn't That bad. Honestly, I took it as a challenge to get smarter. So, I studied every book I could find around the clock after that. I made myself the know-it-all they thought I was and they never stumped me again.
Tsu: (So, he Is a genius!) I bet you got good grades in school.
Nasa: I blew the other kids out of the water with my grades. They always begged to see my perfect, or almost perfect, scores.
Tsu: Did you get into a good university?
Nasa: Well, I wanted to, but I changed my mind and got into game development instead. Somehow, I became their tech guy too and now I'm really important to the company.
Tsu: Y-You gave up on university because of me?
Nasa: I felt like it would be a waste of time because of how much I already knew, and I wanted to start saving up for the family I-I want to have.
Tsu: (He's really into me, he wants kids, and he... And he.....)
She blushes, smiles, leans on her hand, and twirls her hair with her finger. She almost has hearts in her eyes.
Tsu: (Maybe this'll work out after all) What company was that again?
Meanwhile, Mason watches the blaze from a distant rooftop with horror.
Mason: What have I done? I just ruined these people's lives. Why? I know that I'd kill for her, but murder?!... I need a place to think.
He jumps down and walks away. Meanwhile, the two start eating.
Nasa: How is it?
Tsu: Here. Try it.
She uses her chopsticks to feed Nasa some noodles and he blushes.
Nasa: (That was so sexy!) Kind of bland.
Tsu: I know, right! Let me try your bread.
He breaks off a piece of his bread and guides it into her mouth with his fingers, leaving a small amount of saliva on his fingertips. They both blush and look away from each-other.
Nasa: (How am I ever getting up from here?!)
Tsu: Mm. (There's that feeling again!) Pretty good.
He wipes his fingers off on a napkin and she shifts her legs around before they look at each-other again.
Nasa: I like it too... Did you try the lemons?
Tsu: Aren't they just there for flavor?
Nasa: Come on. It's part of the unique food experience.
Tsu: Well... Alright. But, you have to eat one too.
Nasa: Deal.
Tsukasa takes a lemon slice and bites into it. Her face then scrunches up from the taste. In response, Nasa quickly takes out his phone and takes a picture of her.
Tsu: Hey! What was that for?!
Nasa: You made a really cute face.
She swipes the phone from him.
Tsu: My turn, lemon boy!
Nasa: Okay, okay.
Nasa takes the chopsticks, bites a lemon, and makes a scrunched up face. She then takes a picture of him and sets the phone on the table.
Tsu: There!
They look at their pictures and laugh together. Tsukasa then holds Nasa's hand.
Tsu: Darling, Aya told me that you helped them out when you moved here. What exactly did you do for them?
Nasa: Well, their tax numbers weren't up to date, so I did those. Their advertising wasn't very good, so I made them some ads online and some posters. Built new computers for them and had them programmed for their needs. Set up their card reader. Created their bucket washer. Helped clean up everything. Helped them shop for new cleaning supplies-
Tsu: You made a whole machine for them?
Nasa: Yeah. I just had the idea and went with it.
Tsu: And, you didn't get paid at all?
Nasa: I get to go to their bathhouse everyday and see how grateful they are. I'd say I got the better end of the deal.
She stares at him with a smile for a while.
Nasa: ….. What did I say?
Tsu: Something really sweet.
He smiles back at her.
Nasa: Tell me more about you.
Tsu: I think you already know most of my story. I think my childhood was pretty normal, just with some strict parents.
Nasa: Old-fashioned, too.
Tsu: Yeah... I spent most of my free time watching movies, anime, reading manga, listening to music-
Nasa: Maybe you could introduce me to more movies. I haven't seen that many.
Tsu: I'd love to.
They stare deeply into each-other's eyes.
Tsu: A-Anyway-
Nasa: I hope you don't find it creepy when I stare at you like that. I'm just...
Tsu: Captivated by you.
Nasa: That's it.
Tsu: I don't mind at all... Let's finish up and take a walk.
Nasa: Alright.
As the two eat, Mason stands in front of a lake and stares at the reflection of the moon in the water as he holds onto a wooden fence with his hands.
Mason: … There's always a Mason and there's always an Aria.
A woman with long, red hair and blue eyes replaces the moon in the water.
Aria: Ever since our first incarnations, we've always fallen in love, haven't we?
The fence becomes her hands as he holds it.
Mason: No matter where we are, no matter how much time has past, we always find each-other again.
Aria: You just can't keep away from me. It's like it's our destiny to be together.
Mason: But, why not this time? Why did you marry that guy in this universe?
Aria: Maybe I loved him more than you. *Giggles*
Mason: Maybe I forgot that I don't deserve you just because you're there.
Aria: That's why you almost killed those people? Because you thought you deserved me?
Mason: No. There has to be more to it than that...
Aria: Where's your home?
Mason: Home... I've had so many in all of my lifetimes. Nothing ever stayed the same. Nothing was consistent between universes.
Aria: Except?
Mason: … Except for you. You were my rock. My home. Now that you're gone, what do I do without you?
Aria: You've had other wives when I died before, right?
Mason: I know, but they weren't you. I know I'm a hypocrite for being mad about seeing you with another man when we were never together this time around, but...
Aria: You can't accept that your one rock is going away.
He takes a hand off of the fence.
Mason: Maybe I should. I can set you free from remembering your past lives.
Aria: What about you? Will you really keep on remembering forever without me?
Mason: I could break the curse. Not pass on the memories to the next me. Be a hero again.
Aria: It's not too late to be good where you are right now.
Mason: … I know what I have to do, but I don't know if I have the strength to do it.
Aria: Keeping your memories means keeping your magic.
Mason: Means helping more people. But, to go on forever on my own...
Aria: You could always marry someone else.
Mason: I know I could, but Can I?
Aria: You've already done it, haven't you?
Mason: Huh?
Aria: Think about how infinite the multiverse is. Somewhere out there, there has to be a version of you who's already gone through all of this and came out the better man for it. Whenever you lose faith in yourself, believe in that better version of you.
Mason: ….. Goodbye.
He lets go of the fence and Aria disappears. He then looks up at the moon with tears in his eyes. Meanwhile, the couple walks into a park with a lake as the hold each-other's hands.
Tsu: The nights around here are so pretty. Look at that moon.
They step up to the fence around the lake. Tsukasa looks at the moon and Nasa looks at her. He then wraps his arms around her chest from behind and raises one a bit too high, briefly touching her lower right breast.
Tsu: Stop!!
He immediately removes his hands and she turns around and Mason looks towards the two.
Mason: (Should I help her?)
Nasa: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!
She covers her mouth and blushes.
Tsu: I-It's... (He touched it! Was it really an accident? Should I slap him? I'm more embarrassed than anything, but... We're married, so was it okay?...)
Nasa: Did I just ruin our perfect date?
Tsu: I-I don't know...
Their hands slowly find each-other.
Nasa: It really was an accident.
Tsu: I... I believe you.
They stare into each-other's eyes.
Mason: (Better be treating her right)
Nasa: … I love you.
She smiles with a glisten in her eyes.
Tsu: … I love you too.
They wrap their arms around each-other with their eyes still fixed together and they gain large smiles without any red on their faces.
Nasa: May I kiss you?
Tsu: Darling, you don't have to ask for that.
As they bring their lips together, their eyes stay open for a few seconds before they close them in bliss. Mason sees this and he smiles.
Mason: Make her happy, Yuzaki.
Mason turns around and walks away.
Mason: (I'm not gonna be the bad guy. It's about time I become the hero again. First, I've gotta save the lives I've ruined today. Luckily, my parents are filthy, stinkin' rich this time around)
His father being JoDio Dreemurr. Mason takes out his phone, puts on some headphones, and listens to “If I Can't Be Yours,” from The End of Evangelion. As he walks into the night, the couple head back home happily.
Tsu: … Darling, there's something else I should confess to you.
Nasa: Nani desu ka?
Tsu: Well... I found your laptop yesterday.
Nasa: (Uh oh!)
They blush.
Tsu: I-I saw that it was running slowly and I cleared the history to make it faster. I hope that was okay.
Nasa: … You're so cute.
Tsu: Huh?
Nasa: You don't have to protect my honor. I know what you saw on there, and I'm sorry. I was weaker without you and I promise I'll never look at that stuff again with you in my life.
She smiles and leans her head on his shoulder.
Tsu: (There's my Nasa) Daisuki.
Nasa: Daisuki.
Tsu: ….. Is that smoke?
The two soon find the fire department hosing down their apartment building. Tsukasa puts her hands over her mouth.
Tsu: Oh my gosh! Your apartment!
Nasa finds the owner of the building.
Nasa: What happened? Is everyone okay?
Rohan: Yeah. There was some freak lightning strike that just burnt up everything. You should've seen this one nut-ball guy who jumped into the fire to save someone.
Nasa: Everyone made it out?
Rohan: Yup. Got a full headcount.
He turns to Tsukasa.
Nasa: Your stuff. I'm sorry.
Tsu: W-What about your stuff?! Your home was just burnt down!
Nasa: You don't have to worry about all that.
Tsu: But-
Nasa: Tsukasa, I had so little before that it won't cost that much to replace it all, all of my important photos are on my phone, and all of my important documents have copies stored in different lockers in town. That includes renter's insurance, so you really don't have to worry about the money.
Tsu: …..
She stares at him for a while before burying her face in his shoulder and he holds her.
Nasa: … I have to find a place for you to sleep tonight.
Rohan: I'll let you know if I have any other places available.
Nasa: Thank you, Rohan.
Nasa pulls out his phone and texts with Kaname.
Kaname
You know any good hotels around here?
My apartment just burned down.
Might not be at the bathhouse tomorrow.
WHAT?!!!
There's a tiny housing unit behind our house. You can sleep there tonight.
Did you get permission yet?
Just get over here!!!
Nasa: Kaname's coming through for us. Let's get over there.
The two hold hands and they walk away.
Nasa: I should probably call my boss.
Tsu: Go ahead.
He calls his boss.
Kojima: How's my number one?
Nasa: Um. Okay. Sir, my home just burned down, so I might need a day or two to-
Kojima: Burned down?! Listen here, Yuzaki. I need my best worker in tiptop shape. Take two weeks off, and not a day fewer! Find that new home and really settle in there, understood?
Nasa: Y-Yes, sir.
Kojima: Very good. Nighty night.
The boss hangs up.
Nasa: Um. Alright.
He puts away the phone.
Nasa: I just got two weeks off of work.
Tsu: Nice. (Two weeks together? How will we contain ourselves?) It'll be like our honeymoon.
They blush at their own thoughts. After a bit, they reach the Arisugawa household and Kaname meets them in front of it in her pajamas.
Nasa: You didn't get permission, did you?
Kaname: Whatever! Just be quiet and follow me.
The two follow Kaname behind her house and into a unit that's about as big as the apartment was. The bedroom is already set up with a futon on the floor and a toothbrush and toothpaste at the sink. The kitchen being part of the same room.
Kaname: You get one toothbrush, one toilet, and, most importantly, one bed. So, don't be too loud now!
Nasa: *Sigh* Thank you, Kaname.
Kaname: Gotta help out our tech guy every now and then.
Nasa hugs Kaname and she soon joins him.
Kaname: … Let go!
They drop the hug.
Kaname: See you tomorrow!
Tsu: Thank you.
Nasa: See you.
Kaname leaves and they check out the unit.
Nasa: You can have the bed. I can find some other thing to sleep on.
Tsu: … Nasa... Darling, maybe it's time for us to start sleeping together? (What am I saying?!)
They both blush.
Nasa: Oh. O-Okay. Yeah. We can do that. (If this were an anime, my nose would totally be bleeding right now!)
The two brush their teeth, turn the lights off, and lay down under the blanket with their backs to the floor.
Tsu: (This is fine! We can just stay here and stay still all night)
Nasa: Tsukasa? May I... Hold you?
She looks at him.
Tsu: (Hold me?!... Do I... Want that?) ... Okay.
They turn towards each-other and Nasa puts his arms around Tsukasa. She soon instinctively joins him.
Tsu: … G-Good night.
Nasa: Oyasuminasai.
They both close their eyes and then Nasa opens his.
Nasa: (I'm not gonna sleep while touching her... I wonder how long it'll be before she sleep walks)
Her breath soon becomes more calm and he watches her face subtly twitch.
Nasa: (… So beautiful...)
He kisses her cheek. After a moment, her eyes partially open.
Tsu: D-Did you just kiss me?
Nasa: Just on the cheek.
Tsukasa kisses his lips quickly and Nasa kisses hers longer and then again for even longer before realizing she isn't moving with him.
Nasa: Tsukasa?... Daisuki.