001 | video

[housenurse]

I can figure out how to use those machines later… At least this one is easier to use.

[The communicator is on the floor, initially only showing what appears to be a bucket of soapy water with a washboard in it… But, then it’s adjusted slightly, and there’s Sukuyo, smiling. She keeps her attention on it as she starts washing clothes in the bucket, as if this is something she’s more than used to.]

Ah, I hope none of my new housemates mind, but I took the liberty of cleaning up a little! I mopped the floors, washed the windows, made the beds… [Yes, House 30, she went in everyone’s room. Everyone’s. And it’s obvious that she didn’t do just that, as she lifts up whatever she was cleaning on the washboard… and it’s underwear. Your underwear? Probably.] I’m doing the laundry, too! You can’t be a superhero without clean clothes!

If any other house is behind on their chores, I'd be more than willing to help out! This is what a housewife does!

Comments

[housenurse]

[oh hey it's Mako's boyfriend! such a nice boy.]

Oh, no, I'm completely fine! I could use some cooking oil, though...

[bulwank]

[What. No.]

Cooking oil. [Nod.] What is your housing number, ma'am?

[housenurse]

[what yes is more like it.]

House 30!

[bulwank]

I will be there soon. [Seriously, give him maybe 20 minutes or so, with how he drives? And expect a knock.]

[housenurse]

[Hey, just answering the door with a plate of croquettes in hand.]

Hello, Ira-kun! [This is how things are going to be.]

[bulwank]

[Oh- those smell, um, good.]

Hello, um, ma'am. [A pause, and then he hands her the plastic bag. A nice sized bottle of cooking oil therein.]

[housenurse]

[Replacing the bag with the plate, then turning and heading back inside to the kitchen.]

Come on in! [she'll be sad if you don't]

[bulwank]

[Oh well, if he's invited.]

[Steps in with a quiet greeting to the apartment and glances around.]

So- you're housemates are currently away? Will you be all right with living away from your family?

[housenurse]

I have no idea! I haven't seen any of them so far.

[La de da, now that she has the oil, she can get to work on frying up this next batch of croquettes! There are, by the way, several batches already on the kitchen table. She stress cooks.] And Mako has already promised to visit me until we can find some way to live together!

[bulwank]

Oh, so you know Mako is here. [Nod.] Good. Matoi is too. I imagine they both will find time to visit you often then.

[A slight smile.] It would be very nice to have your mother here as well, even if dangerous. But I will do my best by you and your family, Mrs. Mankanshoku! That I promise.

[housenurse]

I know. You've already done so much for my Mako, and I feel good knowing that you were here for her while I wasn't.

[Oh, what-- she's turned off the oven? She turns, wiping her hands off on her apron.]

I'd like to talk about that. [So sit the fuck down.]

1/2

[bulwank]

Oh-- th-thank you ma'am.

[bulwank]

[Wait what?]

Um.

[Sits!?]

[housenurse]

[She sits across from him, hands folded primly in her lap. Serious Time.]

I've heard people talking about bad things that happened here before I came, bombs and murders and other terrible things. I know she won't tell me if there's been problems-- if she even thinks there's been any problems. And she always seemed to be in the center of trouble back home, so I'm sure it's not any different here...

I figured that you or Ryuuko-chan would know best. Has anything happened to Mako that I should know about? [imploring look]

[bulwank]

[The- aura now, this presence, it'd become so much more intimidating and all from this small woman. Perhaps, it was her being a mother which terrified him,- or maybe how very calm she always seemed to be ontop of the whole idea of having a 'talk' with her. But the presence sways him, keeps him quiet, curled over a little in his seat at the table.]

Yes- Mako is- [Well it's hard to say if she's oblivious or- she just is too go lucky. There's no way she can't notice these things, right? Just chooses not to dwell on them- to live past them. There's something very- relaxing thinking about it like that. It makes the girl seem like this billowing wind, this gust rolling across a plain with nothing stopping it, merely getting buffeted by it.]

Do you mean specifically in this place? Not to my knowledge, though- [His brows furrow at the middle of his forehead, making the skin heavily lined there, and darkening his gaze. He feels guilty for it but-]

She does not speak to me much, and I am not around her on a day to day basis. You would- ...Be better to ask Matoi.

[housenurse]

Of course, in this place! Everything dangerous back home is over! [Yes, because clearly Ragyo's destruction means that all danger is gone forever.]

I'm going to talk with Ryuuko-chan later. But, even if you don't know anything, I'm glad you'd be willing to tell me. After all, we're all friends now! [Nude, nude friends.]

[bulwank]

Yes- friends...

Right.

[Mnn, when they were fellow students it was easier to give reason to looking after Mako, but now. He supposes her mother's worry is reason enough? A thoughtful glance to the table before direction a firm gaze back to her.]

I give you my word! I will be sure to let you know about whatever is going on, and to do my best to make sure your family is kept safe.

[housenurse]

I'm sure you'll do just as well as you did back home! [It kind of sounds like an insult but it's really not one? She was pretty satisfied with his daughter-protecting skills.]

Now! [clap!] Are you going to eat or what?

[bulwank]

[He'll take it as a compliment, giving a small smile in return, unable to focus away from how his face starts to heat a little.]

Oh! Y-yes. Of course. You've made-

[housenurse]

Croquettes! [so many fucking croquettes]