Orange Marmalade is a Marmalade Boy/Kimagure Orange Road fusion. As a result, some... okay, most... of the MB characters are significantly changed, and not always in the obvious ways. Consider yourselves warned. ^_^ Marmalade Boy, Kimagure Orange Road, and their respective characters and such were created by Yoshizumi Wataru and Matsumoto Izumi, and are used without permission. Text placed inside {braces} denotes voiced-over thoughts. Comments, criticism, and flames welcomed at schimmel@seas.upenn.edu. Previous episodes can be found at http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~schimmel/writing/writing.html * * * * * Orange Marmalade - episode fourteen "Twice Shy" ^_- [Scene: Anju's Bedroom] [Anju's room is a bit less neat than the last time we saw it; several blouses, skirts, and dresses lie on the surface of the bed, or over the arm of the chair, or hanging from the top of the closet doors, or even crumpled on the floor. Her closet has clearly been thoroughly ransacked. On the back of the door to the hallway is hung a light purple one-piece dress. The dress has traces of silver embroidery at the neck, sleeves, and hem, and a plain black belt is looped around its hanger. The dress flutters as the door opens, allowing Anju to enter. She giggles cheerfully at the sight of it, closes the door, and crosses to her desk to pick up the telephone. Another moment, and Anju is humming tunelessly to herself as she finishes dialing. On the third ring, the line is picked up, and Anju smiles.] Anju: Hi, Kei-san! It's An. (brief pause) Well, I was just wondering, about Friday... ^_- [Scene: ABCB] [Apparently the next day. The kissaten is completely empty today, save for Yuu and Kijima, both of whom are standing -- Yuu, behind the counter; Kijima, leaning against the doorway to the back room. A look out the kissaten's windows shows why no customers are present: A downpour is in progress. Without customers, Kijima and Yuu seem to have nothing further to do; the dishes have been washed, and the floor, counter, and tables are sparkling clean. As usual, Kijima's stance conveys a sense of nonchalance, while Yuu has an air of brooding about him.] Kijima: I'll bet you're wishing that this would clear up before you go home, hmm? Yuu: (nodding slightly) It's quite a storm. I don't live that far away, though. Kijima: Far enough that you'd get soaked. Yuu: (nodding again) {Even with the Power, by the time I got someplace where it would be safe to teleport...} Kijima: (shrugging) You're welcome to stay late, if you want to, of course. In case the rain stops. Yuu: (nodding yet again) Thanks. Kijima: Yuu-kun. Is something wrong? [There is a pause, just long enough to begin to feel uncomfortable, before Yuu replies.] Yuu: Not really. Why do you ask? [Kijima eases back further against the wall, tilting his head back and looking up toward the ceiling. He chuckles quietly, and Yuu turns his head.] Kijima: You're pretty cold, aren't you? [Yuu says nothing, but his mouth tightens almost imperceptibly.] Kijima: Well, it's your decision. (pause) Just be careful. If you're too distant, you might lose her. Yuu: (turning fully toward Kijima) "Her?" [Kijima straightens to his initial position, turning his head back toward Yuu and smiling a crooked grin.] Kijima: Nine times out of ten, it's a woman. [Yuu turns away again, bracing both hands upon the counter and staring wordlessly out the window. The seconds tick by, but Kijima says nothing more, and Yuu seems lost in introspection. Finally, Yuu stands up straight once again.] Yuu: I'm going home. (glancing at Kijima) Unless you need me here...? Kijima: (shaking his head) We've practically closed the place already. Nobody's likely to come, in this weather... I'll probably just leave, myself. But since the rain hasn't let up yet... are you sure you don't want to stay and see? Yuu: Thanks. (looking back out the window) I'll go. I don't think it will stop any time soon. Kijima: Have it your way. See you Saturday, Yuu-kun. Try not to catch a cold. [Yuu nods, and ducks into the back room to change. A few minutes later, he's dashing out the door and down the street. Not a dozen steps from the kissaten, he's already soaked through. Kijima, who hasn't moved, watches the first part of Yuu's progress through the window, then sighs.] Kijima: Well, some things, you just have to face... [He straightens and steps into the back room.] ^_- [Scene: Living Room] [Slightly later. Meiko is the sole occupant of the living room, which is dominated by a sofa and two plush chairs, arranged in a semicircle around a television. She is nominally watching a serial drama, but she appears not to be paying much attention to it. The house's front door opens and closes, nudging Meiko out of her reverie.] {Yuu: I'm home.} Meiko: Welcome back. (blinks) You're soaked. [Cut to Yuu, in the genkan. He is, indeed, soaked.] Yuu: (slightly exasperated) It's raining. [Meiko, meanwhile, has gotten up and strolled toward the back of the room.] Meiko: I told you you should've taken an umbrella this morning. Yuu: There weren't any left! Get me a towel, would you? Meiko: On my way. Maybe you should've bought an umbrella. [She disappears, heading for the bathroom.] Yuu: (half to himself) I've bought three this year. -Somehow-, they always vanish. Meiko: (emerging with a fluffy green towel) Maybe you need to be more careful with them, then. Here. Yuu: (taking the towel) Thanks. [Meiko nods. Yuu dries his face and hair, then tries without much success to blot the water from his clothes.] Yuu: Where is everyone? It's unusually quiet. Meiko: (shrugging) You beat our parents and the Koishikawas home. Miki is in her room, reading. An said she had a quick errand to run. That was about an hour ago, so she could be home at any time. You're earlier than usual, aren't you? Yuu: (nodding) There were almost no customers all day. Once the rain started... Meiko: No one taking shelter from the storm? Yuu: Not for the last few hours. Meiko: Lucky you. Yuu: (shrugging) I prefer to work, believe it or not. (pause) I'm going to go change. [Meiko nods, but Yuu is already past her. A moment later, he's crossed the room and climbed the stairs.] ^_- [Scene: Hallway] [Yuu pauses at the top of the stairs, glancing along the hallway toward Miki's door. He takes one step in that direction, frowns, looks down at his wet clothes, and turns around. He walks into his room, closing the door behind him, and therefore misses seeing Miki emerge from her room a moment later. She is dressed nicely, but not formally, in a cream-colored blouse, gold vest, and long brown skirt, and she carries an umbrella. She quickly descends the staircase.] ^_- [Scene: Living Room] [Meiko, seated on the sofa once again, turns to look over her shoulder at the sound of Miki's approaching footsteps.] Meiko: Oh, Miki... you're going out? Miki: (smiling softly) Just for a little while. Meiko: Oniichan just got home. Miki: (pauses) I didn't see him. Would you tell our parents I won't be home for dinner tonight? [Meiko nods, frowning slightly. Miki, stepping down into the genkan, doesn't seem to notice.] Miki: Thanks, Meiko. [The door opens and closes. Meiko switches off the television and sighs, sinking back against the sofa.] Meiko: Either I'm missing something, or I'm living with a half-dozen manic-depressives. ^_- [Scene: Dining Room] [Later that evening. Yuu, Meiko, and the four parents are seated at the table, eating dinner. Another place has been set, but is unoccupied. The parents don't seem to notice, as they chatter, but Yuu and Meiko continually glance in its direction.] Yuu: (softly, to Meiko) Are you sure she said a "quick" errand? [Meiko nods.] Youji: You know we don't need to worry about An, Yuu. Chiyako: (nods, smiling) She can take care of herself. Yuu: That's what I'm afraid of... Jin: She probably ran into some friends. Meiko: But she did say she wouldn't be long. Rumi: Well, it would have been nice to let us know... Youji: (shrugging) ...But you can't always predict these things. Yuu: But-- [As if on cue, the front door slams.] {Anju: I'm home! Sorry I'm late.} [The six at the table return the greeting. A moment later, Anju can be heard climbing the stairs.] Chiyako: Come join us if you're hungry. It's still hot. {Anju: Thanks, but I already ate!} [Chiyako shrugs slightly and returns to her meal.] Jin: Actually, I used to do the same thing, back when I was a high school student. Meiko: Your parents didn't mind? Jin: (somewhat puzzled) Not particularly. Why would they? Yuu: {I guess that's where they get it from.} Rumi: That reminds me of the time our class went to Kyoto on a field trip... ^_- [Scene: Living Room] [That evening. Miki, Yuu, and Ginta are in the living room; Miki and Ginta are seated on the couch, while Yuu is leaning against the wall near the bathroom door, not quite looking in their direction. They've dressed for the occasion -- Miki wears a black dress and red jacket, Yuu a grey dress shirt and black slacks, and Ginta a blue turtleneck, grey slacks, and jacket, in which he seems slightly uncomfortable. In contrast, both Miki and Yuu appear utterly at ease. A footstep on the stairs cuts off Ginta's halfhearted attempts at conversation.] Anju: Sorry to keep you waiting... oh! I didn't realize you were already here, Ginta-san. Ginta: (shrugs while turning to face Anju) I was early, and... [He trails off, surprised; the expression is mirrored by Miki and Yuu.] Yuu: An... What did you do to your hair? [Cut to Anju. Her appearance is, in fact, drastically different. For one, she's wearing the purple dress ensemble that had been hanging on her door earlier; but the more noticeable change is her hair. The dual pigtails are gone, along with most of the rest of it -- what remains is a short, pageboy-style cut. The combined effect makes her appear several years older -- at least, until she ruins the illusion by laughing and twirling in place.] Anju: Ginta-san suggested it. How do I look? Yuu: Different. Miki: (simultaneously) Ginta did? Ginta: (simultaneously) I did? [Anju giggles as the three stop themselves and exchange glances.] Anju: (to Miki) I'll tell you about it later. Do you like it? (looking over her shoulder at Yuu) I know better than to ask -him-... [Miki blinks, then chuckles.] Miki: It suits you, An-chan. Ginta: So you're going out tonight? [Anju nods happily.] Ginta: Er... well, have fun. [Anju nods again, and Ginta casts around for something else to say. Before he finds it, though, she decides to continue.] Anju: So you're just waiting for Arimi...? [Ginta glances at Miki, then at Yuu, but they don't seem inclined to reply.] Ginta: I guess so. It's kind of strange, though. This was mostly her idea. Miki: She'll be here on time. Ginta: Probably. Miki: (chuckling) Besides, you're usually the one who's late, Ginta. Ginta: (blushing) Well... [Ginta is saved by the doorbell's chime.] Anju: Ah, she's here. I'll-- Yuu: I'll get it. [Yuu quickly strides across the room and swings the door open. Outside is Arimi, who is wearing a long sea-foam green dress which might be just a little bit too formal for the situation. Her soft smile grows wider as she sees Yuu, and she steps forward, taking his free hand in hers as she does.] Arimi: (demure) Good evening, Yuu-sempai. (looking past Yuu) Hello, everyone. Anju: Hi, Arimi! [Miki and Ginta likewise wave as they stand. The entire group exits. They walk for a short distance in relative silence -- Arimi seems content holding Yuu's hand; Yuu is silent as ever; Ginta's attention is divided between that pair and Miki; and Miki's eyes are focused on some imaginary point on the horizon.] Anju: Ne, how far is it to this place? Ginta: Eh? Oh... not far. Just... (blinks, surprised) An-chan? Why are you here? Yuu: (over his shoulder; disinterested) Weren't you going out? Anju: (grinning impishly) It took you long enough to catch on. He's going to meet us there. Miki: Who? Ginta: "Us?" Anju: Sure! I think it'll be great, all of us together... Yuu: (to Miki) Did you know about this? Miki: (coolly) No. She must have forgotten about telling me. [Yuu blinks at Miki's tone. Ginta seems surprised, too, but the others apparently miss it.] Arimi: Well, I think it sounds like fun, too. Right, Sempai? Yuu: I don't have... I mean, it's okay. Ginta: The more the merrier, huh? Besides, we're almost there now. ^_- [Scene: Disco Moebius, Outside] [The hall is located in the basement of a building; however, it's difficult to miss its presence, thanks to the large neon sign on the street. Beneath the sign, a flight of stairs leading downward can be seen. Not far from the establishment is a fountain, in front of which stands Tsuchiya Kei. He is dressed in a forest green shirt and black slacks; he also has a jacket, which he's holding slung over his shoulder. He has been looking in one direction, but now his head turns, and his gaze slowly sweeps along the length of the street. Fortuitously, Miki and her group turn a corner a moment later. Kei stiffens slightly as he sees them.] Kei: You...? [At the same time, the larger group has noticed Kei. Miki and Yuu are both surprised; Arimi, slightly confused; Ginta, irritated. Anju waves cheerfully, smiling.] Anju: Hi, Kei-san! Miki: He's your...? Ginta: I should have known... Arimi: You know him, Miki-san? Yuu: Or maybe An's new look surprised him. Arimi: An-chan's...? (peering at Anju) You cut your hair! Anju: Mm-hmm! Arimi: (shaking her head) How could I miss that...? [In the interim, Kei has crossed to fall into place at Anju's side.] Kei: It's true; I almost didn't recognize you, Anju-san. (pausing to regard the group) I take it this was your surprise... Anju: (beaming) Yep! Yuu: It certainly was... Kei: (nods) This wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Ginta: Sorry to disappoint you. Kei: Oh, I didn't mean -that-. Just, well... Miki: (wryly) We understand. Arimi: (shrugging) Let's go dance, already. [Miki nods once and starts toward the stairs, grasping Ginta's wrist as she goes. He almost loses his balance, but recovers enough to stumble along after her. Yuu allows himself to be led by Arimi as she follows the pair. Anju and Kei exchange glances.] Anju: (shrugging) Sounds good to me. [She grabs Kei's hand and turns, missing the expressions that flash across Kei's face -- surprise, followed by calculation. He catches up to her, and they descend the stairs side by side.] ^_- [Scene: Disco Moebius] [A large, open room, dimly lit, though the dance floor is intermittently bathed in flashes of colored light. The omnipresent music makes conversation difficult at best, but a bar is set along part of one wall, and a seating area with a number of small tables and booths along another, and those areas are slightly quieter. The hall is crowded tonight, and most of the people present look a year or two older than Miki or Yuu. Yuu seems slightly put off by that, but none of the others seem troubled by it. As a new, slow, song begins to play, the three couples head out onto the dance floor.] Kei: You dance well. [He's lying; while Anju isn't tripping over her own feet, she's visibly uncertain, and not even the most charitable observer could call her movements graceful. She seems to believe him, though, and smiles, at once pleased and embarrassed.] Anju: Sorry about not telling you earlier... Kei: About? (pause) Your brother and the others? (Anju nods.) Don't worry. I like surprises. Anju: (grinning) Me too. Kei: Well. We'll have to see if I can surprise you, then, some day. [There is another pause. Anju grows marginally less awkward as she begins to relax. Kei continues to match his own pace to hers.] Anju: Ne, Kei-san? You said this wasn't what you expected. What did you expect? Kei: (smiling slyly) I thought you were being quite aggressive. Calling, and asking to meet you at a place like this... [Anju turns bright red, incoherently mumbling a denial. Meanwhile... Miki and Ginta dance... at almost arms' length.] Ginta: You didn't really want to come tonight, did you? Miki: Eh? I said that I did, didn't I? Ginta: But you don't seem to be having fun. Miki: (smiling wanly) Sorry. Memories, I guess. Ginta: (wincing) Sorry. Miki: It wasn't your fault. If anything, it was mine. Ginta: That's not-- Miki: Ginta. (Ginta falls silent, hearing Miki's tone.) I don't want to argue about that tonight, okay? Let's just forget that it happened. [Ginta hesitantly nods. They continue to dance as before.] Ginta: Still... did Matsuura say something, or--? Miki: Yuu-kun? (Glancing at Yuu and Arimi, she steps in closer to Ginta.) I think... he's probably nervous about dancing with Arimi. Ginta: (laughing) Nervous? But they're a couple... if anyone's nervous, it should be us. [Miki manages not to flinch; her expression wavers momentarily, though.] Miki: It's because they're a couple, silly. We don't have that complication. [It's Ginta's turn not to flinch. Meanwhile... Arimi and Yuu are dancing. She's pressed as close to him as she can get; her arms circle him in a tight embrace. He hardly seems to notice, simply going through the motions.] Arimi: I'm so glad I can see you again, Yuu-sempai. Don't go away like that again, okay? That week felt like a year! Yuu: (chuckling almost despite himself) It couldn't have been that bad... Arimi: Honest! (leaning back a little to look up into Yuu's eyes) But I'll forgive you, since you asked me out tonight. It's so romantic, don't you think? Yuu: Didn't you ask me? Arimi: Details. The important thing is that we're here together. Right? [She smiles at him. Feeling slightly guilty, Yuu puts a little bit of effort into dancing. Despite his previous claim to the contrary, he's a fairly adept dancer.] Arimi: (smiling dreamily) I wish it could be just the two of us... Yuu: (chuckling nervously) Er... maybe some other day? [Arimi's eyes shimmer as she once again leans into Yuu. Somehow, he keeps up the pace.] Yuu: {That smile...} [They continue like that for a short time. Yuu glances toward Miki, sees her turn and step closer to Ginta, and inwardly winces.] Yuu: How will I explain to Miki...? Arimi: (leaning back again) Eh? Yuu: (slightly louder) I just remembered, I need to talk to Miki. Arimi: (nodding understandingly) Oh! We... could stop for a minute, I guess... Yuu: Uh... there's no need! Suou and I could switch! Just for a minute, it won't take very long... [Arimi reluctantly nods, and the two begin moving toward Miki and Ginta. When they've gotten close enough, Yuu reaches out to tap Ginta's shoulder. As the other pair pauses, he quickly explains and takes Miki's hand before Ginta objects. He and Miki whirl away to the side while Arimi and Ginta watch in surprise. Then Ginta shrugs, takes Arimi's hand, and leads back into the dance.] Ginta: What's this all about? Arimi: Beats me. Sempai said he'd forgotten to ask Miki-san something, and it would only take a second. Ginta: He could have waited until the song was over... Arimi: Don't be selfish! It must be important, or Yuu-sempai wouldn't leave me. Ginta: (sighing) I guess so. (brightening) Well, like you said before, let's just have fun dancing. [Arimi smiles and nods. Meanwhile...] Miki: Yuu... what do you think you're doing? Yuu: I just wanted to explain. That really wasn't what it looked like-- Miki: Why not? Yuu: It, I... What? Miki: Why. Not? You are her boyfriend, after all. Yuu: But-- {Wait, I can't tell her that... Maybe--} Miki: (chuckling) Don't worry, Yuu. I'm not going to think you're a pervert just because you enjoy dancing with her, or anything like that. (He starts to protest again, but she cuts him off before he can speak.) And I think I can trust you not to take advantage of her. (laughs) I'm more worried about the other way around. So you don't need to explain anything. Just make sure that she has a good time. Yuu: (helplessly) But... [Meanwhile...] Kei: (frowning slightly) It really is noisy in here, isn't it? Even during the slow songs. Anju: (nodding) Not just the music, the people too. But I don't mind. Do you? Kei: Well... I do usually choose quieter places, but no. It only seemed a little pointless to have come here with your brother and friends. It's too loud to talk to them, so it's almost the same as being alone. Anju: You can still see them, though. (craning her head around) At least, you should be able to... aha! See? There's Miki-san and 'niichan. [Kei turns to look in the indicated direction, and Anju follows.] Kei: Your brother dances well, too. It must run in the family. Anju: (cheerfully) Uh huh! 'Neechan is the best at it, though. Too bad she didn't come tonight. Kei: A sister? We didn't leave her all alone...? Anju: Our parents will probably be home. Besides, she likes to be alone. I asked if she wanted to come... Kei: Hmm... well, you tried. (pause) Koishikawa seems to be enjoying herself, but I think your brother might be nervous. Anju: I don't see why. (glancing around) I wonder where Arimi got to... Kei: Maybe you should ask him why. I'd hate to think he wasn't enjoying the evening. Anju: (nodding) You're right, but... Kei: The next song should be coming up soon. You dance that one with him and find out what's bothering him, and I'll go with Koishikawa. Anju: Okay! ^_- [Scene: Miwa's Bedroom] [The camera shows only one corner of Miwa's room. There, he sits in a chair, feet up on a desk, on top of which a number of papers and magazines are being neglected. A guitar is leaned against the wall behind Miwa, near a window, and on the other wall, above the desk, is a movie poster -- A Clockwork Orange. Among the mess on the desk is a telephone; Miwa is holding its receiver.] Miwa: Ah, Meiko-chan. This is Satoshi. (pauses for a moment, then smiles) No, actually, but I'm glad you've been thinking about me. [Meiko's protest is loud enough to be audible as a shrill murmuring through the line. Miwa holds the receiver back from his ear for a minute, until the noise subsides.] Miwa: No, I hadn't, really... but I'd be glad to. How about tomorrow at seven? (pause) Oh? I'm sorry to hear that. (pause) Eh? I wanted to speak to your brother, of course. (pause) I guessed as much. Would you ask him to call me when he gets a chance? (pause) Yes, he has the number... thanks. Until next time, Meiko-ch-- [He blinks, then sets the receiver down, shrugging.] Miwa: Overwhelmed by my charm, no doubt... ^_- [Scene: Disco Moebius] [A new song is playing, and Kei and Anju have pulled off the switch. Yuu is now dancing with his younger sister; he looks more relieved by that than angry.] Anju: Is something wrong, 'niichan? Yuu: (deadpan) I'm trying to figure out how I started out dancing with Arimi and ended up dancing with you. Anju: Oh. It's just... I thought you were upset about dancing with Miki-san. Yuu: There was a... sort of misunderstanding. Anju: Aha! Just like I thought. Yuu: (stumbling) {She knows?} Anju: (triumphantly) You wanted to keep dancing with Arimi, but you didn't want to hurt Miki-san's feelings! Yuu: ...What? Anju: (winking) Don't worry, 'niichan, I'll take care of it for you... Yuu: What? What are you-- An! [As the two happen to swing past Ginta and Arimi, Anju releases Yuu, steps toward the other couple, and, with an assist from her telekinetic Power, separates them.] Anju: (speaking very quickly) I'm terribly sorry but would you please switch with me thank you. [With that, she grabs one partner, pushing the other toward Yuu, who catches reflexively.] Yuu: {This is supposed to be helping me? It's about as subtle as--} Ginta: Matsuura... stop trying to dance with me. [Yuu blinks, then leaps backwards as realization sets in. He buries his face in one palm.] Yuu: An...! [Meanwhile... >From Anju's perspective, we see Arimi blink in utter confusion.] Anju: ...Oops. [Meanwhile... Kei and Miki dance, each perfectly matching the other's movements, but there is little warmth in their expressions.] Miki: What is it you want with us, Tsuchiya? Kei: (smiling slightly) I'm afraid you're mistaken, Koishikawa. I really had no idea you or Matsuura would be accompanying her tonight. Miki: (frowning slightly) What's your interest in her? Kei: So suspicious... it really doesn't become you, Koishikawa. Miki: I'll be the judge of that. Kei: (chuckling) Of course. Is it so hard to believe I would ask Anju-san out, though? Miki: It's quite a coincidence. Kei: That it would be the same night? Yes, but that was Anju's plan, not mine. (conversationally) She seems to think you're having trouble with your boyfriend. Miki: My--! (pauses) That's ridiculous! Kei: Maybe so. But since we're both here tonight, I think it's only sporting to warn you... (leaning in close) I won't let you have him. [Freeze frame on Miki's reaction of shock.] ^_- -- Scott Schimmel http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~schimmel/ Ex ignorantia ad sapientium; "You really aren't normal, are you?" ex luce ad tenebras. -- Miki Koishikawa