Episode 4: Just The Way You Are

Wednesday. Morning. June 24th.

The two slowly wake up as they hold onto each-other.

Tsu: Mm. Good morning.

Nasa: Hey... You know, the last two nights you got up and walked around in your sleep, but you just stayed still all night this time.

Tsu: Really? I usually just do that when I'm upset.

Nasa: Maybe I calmed you down somehow?

She blushes.

Tsu: M-Maybe... Can you keep a secret?

Nasa: Of course I can.

Tsu: You know how I wrote down your name to remember it?

Nasa: Mm-Hm.

She looks at their pillow.

Tsu: Well, I... I must've written it a thousand times. B-Both in Hiragana and Katakana... I even wrote mine with yours several times.

He smiles.

Nasa: You're too cute.

He brings her closer, they close their eyes, and they kiss each-other gently. Just then, Kaname slides into the room.

Kaname: Oh my! Just what am I interrupting?

Nasa: Hey, Kaname.

Kaname: You two finish up and join us for breakfast. I'll make sure there's plenty of cream in the morning for you too, Tsukasan!

Tsukasa blushes and bursts into laughter as Kaname leaves. Nasa then laughs in response to her. The two get through their morning routines before joining the Arisugawa family at their dining table and eating with them.

Nasa: Thank you for letting us stay with you, miss Arisugawa.

Mimi: Not like I had much of a choice.

Kaname kicks her mother.

Mimi: I mean, why should we make you pay for a hotel when we have so much room here?

Nasa: Mm-Hm.

Aya: How did you sleep last night?

Tsu: Very well. Thank you.

Kaname: I bet you did. Tell me, do you like sleeping on your back, on your side, or from behind?

Tsu: Why are you so obsessed with s-sex? *Blushes* Maybe you're compensating for something?

Kaname: Are you making fun of my body? I'm under-aged, you know.

Nasa: Kaname, there's more to love than just physical contact.

Kaname: Yeah, but who cares about that other stuff?... Wait, has she not put out yet?

She starts laughing uncontrollably and Tsukasa gets up.

Tsu: I'm going to go take a bath.

Nasa: I should go too. We have a lot of shopping ahead of us.

Mimi: Leaving without complimenting the chef, are we? How nice.

Aya: I don't need compliments, mom! Stop being mean!

Mimi: I'm not being mean. I'm being truthful!

The couple sneaks out and heads towards the bathhouse.

Tsu: … Do you think we should talk about... “That?”

Nasa: About what?

Tsu: *Blushes* You know. Us s-sleeping together.

Nasa: Oh. I don't think we're ready for that. First, I need to get you a stable living situation. Then, we need to get comfortable living with each-other. I predict that it'll be another month before we're close enough for that.

Tsu: Oh... (He makes it sound so impersonal) Are you not attracted to me in that way? (Why does that hurt so much to say?)

Nasa: Th-That's not an issue. At all.

Their cheeks grow red as their hands find each-other.

Nasa: The way you looked yesterday... I never want you to be that scared again.

Tsu: Nasa..... Darling, keep saying things like that, and... N-Never-mind.

She looks away.

Nasa: (Did I make her...) You know, it's only a prediction. Maybe it won't take that long.

He puts an arm around her back and holds her right side as she blushes harder.

Tsu: W-We shouldn't talk about such things in public.

Meanwhile, Mason stands in the middle of an ornate room as he Levitates different fabrics and feathers and stitches them together. Suddenly, everything stops in the air in front of him.

Mason: You again? Why'd you come back?

I needed something to cut to.

Mason: Well, nothing interesting's gonna happen here.

He continues stitching before he hears a crash and he turns around to see his butler standing there with tea all over the floor.

Ni: My gosh! Sir, you're telekinetic!

Mason: *Sigh*

Mason magically fixes the tea set, Levitates the pieces back into place on a table, and makes the liquid fly from the floor back into the pot.

Mason: Don't drink that.

Ni: When did this development occur?!

Mason: Get my parents. Might as well just explain this once.

Ni: Right away, sir.

Meanwhile, Nasa and Tsukasa enter the women's side of a clothing shop.

Mason: (Really? Just leaving like that?)

Tsu: Have you ever been in the women's section before?

Nasa: With my mother, yes. But, I try to avoid it.

Tsu: Do the fabrics scare you?

Nasa: Ha ha. I don't see you going in the men's section either.

Tsu: I actually have. Quite a bit.

Nasa: Nani?

Tsukasa looks away from him.

Tsu: You never know what you'll find in there.

Nasa: (What would a woman want in the men's section?)

The two approach the underwear section.

Nasa: Maybe I should go to the men's side. We can shop for our own clothes at the same time.

Tsu: No. I want to shop together. We should help each-other choose what to wear because we know what the other will look good in.

Nasa: Then, let me stay out of this section. I'd feel perverted.

Tsu: The mannequins aren't real women, darling.

Nasa: I know it's just... *Blush* Whenever I'm near this stuff, I think about women wearing it... And, because you're my wife...

Tsukasa blushes, looks away, holds Nasa's hand, and drags him into the underwear section gently.

Tsu: You won't look perverted if we're holding hands.

Meanwhile, in the theater room of Mason's mansion, his parents and butler stand on a stage in front of him as he morphs a chair into different shapes and objects.

Mason: So you see, I'm not actually those other Masons. I'm still your son, just with the memories of all of the Masons who came before me.

JoDio: Therefore, magic?

Mason: Magical prowess is based on knowledge. I've learned countless different spells throughout my lives and each universe has the same source of magic in it. That said, I think the best use of this power is for me to become a superhero. Just think about all the good that one of these powers could do. That said, I understand if you think it's too dangerous. That's why-

Nani: I think it's a great idea.

Mason: Nani?

Nani: You have countless lifetimes of experience and fighting prowess, right? Those bad guys don't stand a chance against you. I say, “Go get them!”

Mason: D-Dad?

JoDio: You probably know what you're doing better than I do, and if you don't we'll be here for you.

Mason tears up.

Mason: You know, out of all the parents I've had, you two have to be the best ones.

He runs up to them and hugs them tightly.

Ni: Well, I've got no bloody clue what's going on.

Meanwhile, Nasa holds a shopping basket full of clothes outside of a dressing room. Tsukasa soon comes out in an outfit that shows her belly, shoulders, and legs almost up to her underwear.

Tsu: This one might be good for the summer.

He looks at her oddly.

Nasa: …

Tsu: What is it?

Nasa: It shows off a bit much, doesn't it?

Tsu: Shows off?

Nasa: Maybe we should get something just a little more conservative.

Tsu: … Now who's acting old-fashioned? You want me all to yourself, don't you?

Nasa: Well...

Tsu: Not that I mind... We don't have to get this one.

As she closes the curtain, Nasa gets a smug look on his face.

Nasa: Want me to help you out in there? It might go faster.

Tsu: *Blush* N-No, thank you!

Nasa: Is that a blush I hear?

Tsu: Changing!

Nasa: *Sigh* Itsumo totemo kawaii...

She smiles.

Nasa: Did I say that out loud?

Tsu: Tabun.

He blushes.

Tsu: You'd better mean it.

Nasa: You know I do.

Tsu: Yeah...

She sticks out her hand and he holds onto it.

Tsu: Our first naked touch!

Stolen story; please report.

Nasa: R-Really?!

She opens the curtain to show off a sporty outfit.

Tsu: Jodan!

Meanwhile, Mason finishes up his costume and calls Nasa's renter.

Rohan: Who's this?

Mason: Kore wa Kishibe Rohan-san desu ka?

Rohan: Yeah.

Mason: I'm with the JoDio corporation. We heard about that fire and we're starting a rehousing project in Tokyo. We want to go through you to get these people their new homes. Basically, we buy the homes, you take care of them. We pay some rent, you get those families into their new homes. What do you say?

Rohan: Ano... Could you say that again?

Nasa and Tsukasa walk away from the changing rooms with the basket of clothes.

Tsu: Let's see what looks good on you.

Nasa: Let's get another pair of underwear first.

Tsu: We have plenty.

Nasa: Yes, but they're all cheap.

Tsu: Affordable.

Nasa: I just want you to have at least one nicer pair. A pair that can feel especially comfortable.

Tsu: Well... Just one.

The two find a mannequin that's wearing a beautiful, white bra and panties.

Tsu: (35,000 yen...) Do you like that?

Nasa: It certainly looks nice.

Tsu: … Feel it.

Nasa: Huh?

She grabs his hand and mushes their hands against the fake chest, making them feel the soft bra. They both blush hard.

Tsu: Feels good.

Nasa: …

They move their hands away and Nasa looks at the underwear under the mannequin.

Nasa: What... Size are you?

Tsu: *Blush* I'll pick it out.

She blocks his view and picks a pair. An hour later, the two walk towards a laundromat with several shopping bags.

Nasa: … Tsukasa, when can I see you in your new underwear?

Tsu: *Blush* Gosh, Nasa! Are you just trying to embarrass me today?!

She walks a few feet ahead of him.

Nasa: I... Gomennasai...

She gets less upset and walks next to him.

Tsu: Just, don't ask that kind of thing in public, okay?

Nasa: I understand. I won't ask it again.

Tsu: … You can ask it, just not here.

Nasa gets confused. After the two start their laundry, they find a bench in the laundromat and sit on it.

Tsu: Do we really need all that softener?

Nasa: If you want your clothes to be comfortable, you should treat them right.

She looks around at the empty room.

Tsu: … Anytime.

Nasa: Huh?

Tsu: You can ask to see me in my underwear anytime, just as long as you do it too. *Blush* I'm not that confident, so you have to do it too.

Nasa: Not confident? But, you're the one who proposed and... You look so healthy.

Tsu: … Look, you might not have body image issues, but-

Nasa: I do too.

Tsu: What?

Nasa: Of course I do. I never work out, I don't pay attention to what I eat, and I barely go outside. I know that I'm technically slender, but I feel fat.

Tsu: I... I'm not much better. I make sure not to eat too much and I take care of my skin, but that's it.

Nasa: … Do you want to know how I see you?

Tsu: O-Okay.

He touches her cheek and brings their stares together.

Nasa: For every second you're not being cute, you're being incredibly beautiful, giving, and lovely.

Tsu: Oh, darling...

The two kiss each-other for a good long time.

Tsu: If you're that worried about how you look, let me help you portion your meals.

Nasa: That's nice, but as long as you like how I look, that's all that matters.

The two smile and hug each-other. Just then, Nasa's phone rings.

Nasa: Hold on.

He answers it.

Nasa: Hello?

Rohan: I've got a new apartment for you. As part of a new rehousing project, the first year will be free. You in?

Nasa: Um. Can we see it?

Rohan: Yeah. It's at *Gives address info.* See you there in an hour.

Rohan hangs up and Nasa puts his phone away.

Nasa: Okay. We have a new apartment!

Tsu: That was fast. How soon can we move in?

Nasa: I'm not sure, but don't you need some more time where we are before we move again?

Tsu: As long as I wake up next to you, that's all that matters.

They hug and kiss again. Later, the two are shown an empty apartment by Rohan.

Rohan: Might not be much, but it's bigger.

On the left, there's a living-room area next to a kitchen that's spread along the north wall. To the right, there's a wall and a hallway that leads to a bedroom, master bedroom, and a laundry room that has a bathroom at the back of it. The only piece of furniture in the apartment is the master bed, which has no sheets on it and two pillows.

Rohan: That's all. Thoughts?

Nasa: Tsukasa?

Tsu: … What's the catch?

Rohan: Catch?

Tsu: Something this good always comes with a catch. Nothing's perfect.

Rohan: Well, this is. I'm a little surprised myself at just how generous and fast-acting these Dreemurrs are myself, but I saw all the docs. Perfectly legitimate. No strings attached. All you have to do is sign.

Tsu: (Dreemurr. Dreemurr. Why's that name familiar?) I don't believe it. Let me see the paperwork.

Rohan: That'd be with the owner. He should be here any-

Just then, JoDio walks in.

JoDio: Anybody home?

He has white hair and a white beard that makes him look like a dragon. His eyes are red and he has a scar on his right hand that looks like lightning shooting up his arm. In his left hand, he carries papers and a pen.

Nasa: It's really JoDio!

Tsu: You know him?

Nasa: I had to research billionaires for my finance class once.

JoDio: Thanks for the introduction, Yuzaki.

Nasa: Sir, why do you care about us so much?

JoDio: We all deserve a second chance, right? Besides, it's more my son's doing. His heart's in Tokyo and he just couldn't bear with all these people going homeless at random like that.

Nasa: Oh, yeah. What's his name? I couldn't find it online.

JoDio: Good. He's a very private man... But, if you must know, it's “Hoshizora.”

Nasa: No way! That's how my name is spelled!

JoDio: That so?

Tsu: Sir, may I see the papers?

JoDio: Of course.

He hands over the pen and papers and Tsukasa quickly reads the text.

Tsu: … There is a catch! We have to pay for the utilities.

JoDio: Kishibe didn't tell you that?

Rohan: I was going to… You have to pay the utilities.

JoDio: Hm!

Tsu: … What do you say, Nasa?

She hands him the papers and pen.

Nasa: I think it's a great deal.

Nasa signs the papers, hands them to JoDio, and shakes his hand.

Nasa: Thank you very much, mister Dreemurr.

JoDio: The pleasure's all mine.

Nasa: I hope I can meet Hoshizora one day.

JoDio: I wouldn't get my hopes up. He's a bit of a, uh... Hikikomori. If you know what I mean.

Nasa: I have a cousin like that.

Rohan: Anyway, got places to be. Move in whenever.

Rohan leaves.

JoDio: We have to get the others their homes. Have fun, you two!

JoDio tosses the apartment's two keys to Nasa and exits.

Tsu: … Well, it's certainly a nicer apartment.

Nasa: We'll have to do some more shopping tomorrow for furniture and sheets.

Tsu: You're absolutely sure that we can afford all that?

Nasa: Yup. We're all covered!

Tsu: … Can I see your bank account?

Nasa: Okay.

He opens his bank app and hands his phone to her.

Tsu: (3.5 million yen plus 1.5 saved up. Thank goodness)

She sighs in relief and scrolls through the recent purchases. Her eyes widen, she gasps, and she puts her hand above her mouth.

Tsu: Th-The rings were 700,000 yen?! Each?!!

Her hands shake as her eyes tear up.

Nasa: Yes, and I'd pay it again and again for you.

He puts his hand on her shoulder.

Nasa: You're priceless.

Tsukasa tries to speak, but tears come out instead and she buries her head in his shoulder. Nasa then holds onto her with one hand on her head.

Tsu: D-Darling?

Nasa: Yes?

Tsu: … You-You're perfect.

Nasa: … I... I'm not perfect. I mess up. I get upset. I-

Tsu: But, y-you try to be better. So much better. I love that. I love you.

Nasa: I...

He holds her tighter and cries on her.

Nasa: I love you too.

Meanwhile, Mason meets JoDio at the side of a building.

JoDio: You sure this is all worth it?

Mason: Righting my wrongs is always worth it.

JoDio: I meant the whole superhero thing. Lots of danger's coming your way pretty soon.

Mason: I don't know if I'd call it “Danger.” I'm the strongest man on the planet.

JoDio: Still flesh and blood, right?

Mason: Yeah, but I'll stay safe. Don't worry about me.

JoDio: I'm not worried one bit, but is it worth it?

Mason: … Yes. Every single time.

JoDio smiles. Meanwhile, Nasa and Tsukasa set down their bags in the unit behind the Arisagawa residence and Kaname runs in.

Kaname: Guys! Come Look!

She runs back out.

Tsu: What was that about?

The two follow Kaname into her dining room, where Aya and Mimi are looking at apartments on a laptop.

Kaname: Surprise!

Aya: Come look at these places we found.

Mimi: This one with a cat mirror is sure to catch your eye!

Nasa: Thank you, but we just found an apartment. We'll be moving in tomorrow.

Kaname: What?!

Aya: Already?

Kaname: But, we didn't get to do anything together. How will I tease you now?

Nasa: It's not like we're That far away.

Tsu: Thank you very much for being so willing to take us in and house us. If we stayed here any longer, I might feel guilty about it.

Aya: Nonsense! We love having you here. Right, mom?

Mimi: Yeah, sure. Look, I've got these apartments pulled up here. You wanna look at them or not?

They all look at the apartments together. Later in the night, Mimi opens the fridge and pulls out a bottle of wine.

Mimi: Mm. (Just a little sniff won't hurt anyone)

She twists the cap off and smells the wine.

Mimi: Mmm. (Maybe just one-)

Kaname: What are you doing?

She turns to see Kaname standing in the hall in her pajamas.

Mimi: I'm just smelling it. I wasn't going to have any.

Kaname stares at the floor, then at Mimi.

Kaname: … Okay.

She walks out of sight and Mimi stares at the bottle.

Mimi: What am I doing? My kids don't even trust me.

Mimi puts the cap back on and sets the bottle back in the fridge while Kaname listens from the hallway and smiles. Meanwhile, Nasa and Tsukasa hold onto each-other in bed with their heads resting on one-another.

Tsu: Darling?

Nasa: Yes?

Tsu: Why did you react so much to me complimenting you? You've surely heard similar things before, right?

Nasa: Other than from my mother, no. But, to answer the first question... You're not just trying to win my affections. You're a very genuine person and we're already married. So, when a compliment comes from you, I know that you really mean it.

She looks at his eyes, sees tears in them, and kisses him.

Nasa & Tsukasa: Daisuki.

Their grips tighten.

Tsu: You know, we'll be all alone together. Sharing the same shower, bathtub, bed... I know that it's an awkward thing to talk about, but we Are married... H-Have you thought about us doing... “That?”

Nasa: … How don't I sound like a creep here?

Tsu: Just be honest.

Nasa: (Was that out loud too?) W-Well, yes I've thought about it. *Blush*

Tsu: How often?

Nasa: At least once an hour. Maybe more...

She smiles and blushes as they both look at each-other's lips.

Tsu: ….. How often would you look at h-hentai?

Nasa: I-I can't just tell you something like that.

She touches his cheek.

Tsu: I can keep a secret too. I won't tell anyone. I promise.

He thinks for a bit before whispering the answer into her ear.

Tsu: Oh my! I really am messing with your routines.

Nasa: I wouldn't say-

Tsu: I'll have to make it up to you sometime.

She bites her lip and he puts his hand at the back of her head.

Nasa: We could start tonight?

Tsu: I-I'm not ready. I Do want you, I just...

Nasa: I understand. I'll wait for you as long as you need me to.

They both smile and kiss each-other.

Tsu: … Last night, I had a dream where we laid on the beach and you held me, gave me flowers, and massaged me.

Nasa: We should do that for real sometime.

Tsu: You'd really let me out in a bikini?

Nasa: Maybe if we stick together.

Tsu: *Giggles* … Do you ever dream about me like that?

Nasa: All the time... Last night, I saw us living in a house on the moon in a glass sphere big enough for the two of us. We were holding hands on a bench on the porch, looking up at the Earth and the stars around it. And, in our other hands, we were holding our children.

She looks at him lovingly and places a hand over her heart.

Tsu: Oh, Nasa...

She squeezes their lips together as tightly as she can. When he tries to end the kiss, Tsukasa holds his head in place. After three minutes, she parts from him with her hands shaking.

Tsu: I don't know if I can sleep after that.

He holds her hand and listens to her excited breaths.

Nasa: Can I listen to your heart?

Tsu: O-Okay.

Nasa presses his head against her chest.

Tsu: How does it sound?

Nasa: Fast... Getting slower.

She wraps her arms and legs around him and curls up.

Tsu: Good night, love.

Nasa: Daisuki.

Tsu: Daisuki.

The two quickly fall asleep.