Disclaimer: I don't own Tenchi or any of the characters I list below. This story was written for my own enjoyment and yours.
Ryoko's Birthday Chapter 02: A Night Interlude Tenchi's Room: One Hour After the Last Chapter
Shortly after the silver-haired beauty, Ryoko, drifted off to sleep a melodious and enchanting sound filled the quiet room, or rather her loud snoring couldn't be missed. It was by this echoing sound that Tenchi Masaki was awakened. Jerking up into a semi-sitting, semi-lying, position the brown-haired youth took a few moments to take in his surroundings, a perplexed look on his young face.
Huh? What's that noise? Is someone dying, he thought with a worried appearance as his eyes darted around the dark room. Seeing nothing between where he lay and the door, Tenchi's thoughts turned to more pressing matters. How did I get to my bed, the last thing I remember was trying to stay awake in the living room, after I brought Ryoko home. Was all that a dream?
Peering beside him, Tenchi quickly saw the answer to all his questions as his eyes rested on the sleeping woman beside him. One look at the sleeping seductress's face was proof enough for him that his moment with the golden-eyed beauty was no dream; in fact it was a wonderful reality. Even in her sleep, the former space pirate wore a smile, and continued to move closer to him, trying to snuggle in close. It seemed his sitting up had disturbed her slumber, cooling the area between them, and the busty woman's subconscious was now trying to make up for that loss of heat.
Rolling onto one side, Tenchi sat up and leaned onto his side to get a better look at the woman next to him. IT was true he had seen her many times, in numerous outfits, and sometimes in nothing at all, but looking at her now, the brown-eyed prince felt as if this was the first time he had ever seen Ryoko. It was an intense feeling in his chest, however a sharp pain in the side of the leg, which he was laying on, proved to be a much better method for getting his attention.
Muffling a scream, the swordsman in training reached deep into his pocket. Soon he found the source of his pain, a small box, which when he opened it, contained a golden heart pendant suspended from a silver chain. Oh man, I forgot all about this. He thought, rather embarrassed by his short-term memory, I still need to find a good picture to put in the pendant. Well, now would probably be as good a time as any. I mean Ryoko's asleep, and so is everyone else. I bet I could find a real nice photo in the albums in the living room. Besides I can't sleep, not now, not after everything that's happened. I know I should feel worn out, but for some reason I just feel energized.
Having made up his mind, Tenchi slowly tried to make his way away from Ryoko. With all the stealth his years of training with his grandfather had taught him, the nimble youth attempted to creep off his bed, all the while trying not to wake the sleeping demoness in the process. This task was made quiet a bit harder since he would have to climb over the silver-haired woman to achieve his goal. Stretching his young body to its limits, the master of the Lighthawk sword managed to easily get one foot over the snoring sleeper. It took a lot of agility to climb over the slumbering woman beside him, but everything seemed to be working out good, until it happened. Just as his foot came over her, shall we say, 'ample' hips, the end of the young man's foot bumped into her, jarring her slightly. This sensation of being touched caused the silver-haired woman to stir. Stretching to her full length, Ryoko moaned happily, before rolling onto her stomach and nestling back into the covers. Breathing deeply, Tenchi closed his eyes. After a few moments his nerve returned, and the nervous youth opened one eye, sighing with relief, as Ryoko appeared to still be sound asleep.
That was lucky. I thought it was all over. That's the last thing I need is for her to follow me. I mean then there would be no surprise to her gift. Ok, he told himself, holding his hands out in front of him as of to ward off his own fears. Now I just need to get downstairs and find a good picture." Making his way to the door, inch by inch, Tenchi slowly pried open the door. Of course, the sliding door squeaked, filling the Jurain prince with terror. Once again, he looked back at the sleep woman, who did not seem phased in the slightest by the sudden noise.
Sighing with unbelievable relief, the young man turned carefully to embark on his quest.
"Hi Tenchi!" yelled a nasal voice. Nearly jumping out of his skin, the brown-eyed youth saw none other than, Little Washu standing before him.
"Washu! What are you doing here, at this hour?" Tenchi asked in a muffled voice. Although the descendent of Jurai sounded angry, it was merely the shock settling in. Standing with the door only half open, the young man did his best to block Washu's view of his room, or more importantly, of who was in his bed.
"Well, I couldn't sleep, and besides there was something I wanted to ask you. Mind if I come in?" Washu asked making a hand motion towards Tenchi's room. Despite how quiet the young man had been, the diminutive genius did not catch his hints, and continued to speak in her usual cheery high pitch voice. Of course being the scientist that she was, the small red-haired woman did notice the brown-haired prince seemed to be constantly peering over his shoulder, as if checking something. Now what are you up to Tenchi…? I wonder… she asked herself, her natural curiosity getting the better of her as it always did. "Uh... Tenchi, I can't come in if you don't move," she mentioned as if he had forgotten that fact. "Is something wrong?"
As the young man did his best to try and create a feasible lie, his face turned beat red, showing his embarrassment. Sadly lying was more the skill of the sleeping woman in his bed than it was his. "Well… Washu... it's like this…" he began to explain, his mind going completely blank, as he struggled to even form a basic sentence.
Nodding at him, the green-eyed genius smiled warmly. "There's no need to explain, you obviously have someone in there with you. Now let me think, I bet I can figure out who it is, in just one guess." Placing one hand on her jaw, the small woman became lost in thought, as she peered at the floor. Let's see, who could it be?
"Sasami," she muttered aloud, as her mind tried to analyze all the data, shaking her head no as she continued to think. "Poor kid is always having nightmares, but then again, Ayeka should be there to watch over her. I supposed it could be Lady Ayeka," Washu continued, giving Tenchi no time to say anything, that is no time if he had anything to say. Shaking her head, the diminutive genius rejected that idea as well. "No, it can't be her, she's too proper to come visit you this late at night, and I can't see it being Mihoshi since she rarely leaves Kiyone's side." Looking up, the bright-eyed scientist shook a knowing finger at the scared youth. "Now it could be Kiyone… but she has the worst luck when it comes to ditching Mihoshi. I doubt she could get away from her for a whole night. So that only could leave one choice..." Nodding ever so slowly, a small smile crossed the little woman's lips.
As he listened to Washu's endless theories, the Jurain prince could only stand there sweat pouring down his face from nervousness. Once again, the young man looked over his shoulder, double checking Ryoko to be sure she was still asleep. If Washu tells the others, then I'll have a war on my hands. It's not like I was going to keep it a secret, but Washu doesn't know all the facts, and that could cause some problems.
"It can only be... someone you met while you were shopping right!" Washu proclaimed, laughing loudly. "I didn't realize you were into that kind of entertainment. You know if you like, I can send you to a planet where one night stands are common place…." the little genius teased, poking the stunned youth in the ribs. "You know what's funny, for a second there I was gonna say it was Ryoko, isn't that hilarious!"
"It is Ryoko, " he said his eyes shut an apologetic look on his face. Washu froze like a statue, her mouth gaping open.
"ARE YOU INSANE" she yelled, "Why would you want to sleep with Ryoko?"
"Shh! It's not like that, keep it down. You'll wake her up." Tenchi whispered as he stepped aside, allowing the short scientist entry into his room. After all, since she knew, there was no sense in hiding the full truth from her. Checking over his shoulder, the brown-eyed youth appeared terrified, as the silver-haired woman rolled onto her back, stretched once again, and smacked her lips. All this before she continued to snore happily, appearing content from her space in his bed. Good she's still asleep.
However what neither Tenchi nor Washu appeared to realize was that the silver haired sleeper had been awake the entire time, awoke when the agile youth's foot had grazed her hips and the loss of warmth coming from his body. Yet the golden-eyed woman had no desire to reveal that fact to her beloved. Tenchi's never let me sleep with him before. Of course we've never kissed before either, but still if he knew I was awake, I'm sure he'd make me leave. And I like where I am too much to ever go away. I just need that damn Washu to get out of here. She might blow the whole thing. At that instant, the diminutive genius looked at her daughter, skeptically examining her as the nervous youth continued to defend his reputation. It almost seemed as if she was looking at her silver-haired child for the first time.
"Besides, Washu," Tenchi continued, sounding calmer and more in control of himself. "I didn't do anything with her, not like what I can imagine you're thinking." Slowing the ruby-haired mother turned to face him, her eyes appearing misty. Seeing this situation was about to get much worse, the brown-haired youth sighed deeply, and prepared to explain the whole thing. "It's like this, I was a little late coming home, because I fell asleep while getting Ryoko's gift. She must have gone out looking for me, and she must have been out a long time, because when she found me, she was worn out. I had to carry her all the way home, and by the time I got to the couch I was too tired and collapsed with her on the couch. I have no idea how I got up to my room."
Holding up a hand, the little genius shook her head, as if warding off his words. "You can't lie to me, Tenchi. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone what you're doing up here." She proclaimed, causing both Tenchi, and the pretending to be asleep Ryoko, to become confused. "It's obvious, I can see it all now. You were coming in late, and felt… restless. So you decided to have some company tonight to help you relax. That's understandable. I mean for a kid your age and all. You made the right choice, selecting my little Ryoko for this one night romp too. I mean she's dumb enough that with enough saki," Washu paused, sniffing the air sharply, "and I can smell she's had a few, but anyway. With enough Saki, you could make Ryoko think it was all a dream, AND she's also been built rather well, if I do say so myself, for something like this."
Using every ounce of her self-control, the silver-haired woman managed to continue to lay in her fake sleep. Once again, however, Ryoko rolled over, muttering in her sleep. "Damn Washu…."
"But Little Washu!" The young man pleaded, still using his hushed voice, a panicked look in his eyes. "I just told you the truth. You know I wouldn't lie to you!"
Sighing the little woman shook her head. "Okay, if that's the story you want to use, I guess I can buy it. But it sounds awfully cheesy to me…" Washu shrugged, appearing to believe his odd tale. "It doesn't really explain much, but I guess I can believe you. So tell me Tenchi what are you doing up now? Don't tell me you heard me coming up the stairs."
"No, nothing like that," he said with a smile. Holding the box containing his gift for Ryoko before him, the young Jurain slowly pried open the container, and reached inside, pulling out the contents with extreme care. As he presented the locket to the small woman, it twirled slowly on its chain, catching the faint rays of moonlight, and glistening brilliantly.
Leaning close, the diminutive genius cast the proud youth a curious glance. This gift seemed to confirm his story, which the young looking scientist seemed to still doubt. Taking the dangling locket in her delicate hand, the red-haired woman nodded her approval. "Well this is very pretty Tenchi, and must have cost you quiet a bundle. But tell me this, why is it made of two different metals? Couldn't afford to have it one color, or have you gone color-blind?"
"Gold for her eyes, and silver to match her hair." Looking at that glistening pendant and chain, the youngest Masaki smiled, as he repeated the phrase he had thought when he purchased this gift. "I guess I was feeling a little poetic when I saw this, and I know it seems pricey, but I think Ryoko is worth it." Half listening to the youth with the fluttering heart, the small woman's slender hands turned the precious gift about examining the elegant lacy carvings, and the wonderful clasp. Popping open the tiny heart shaped item, her green-eyes instantly noticed an inscription on the inside.
"Well what have we here?" she asked needlessly, as she cleared her throat, preparing to read it aloud. "'To Ryoko, The most beautiful 'monster' I ever met, Love Tenchi.'"
Pushing the cover shut, the little genius felt shaken by that statement. It contained both joy and sadness for her. The sadness came from the knowledge that for more years than she cared to admit, her own daughter had been forced, as a slave, to be the monster in many legends, and in the end spent 700 years sleeping in a cave, cold and alone. Yet the end of that line filled her tiny heart with joy. "Love? That sounds like an awful strong word to use, doesn't it Tenchi? I know you care about all of us, but you know that word means something else to Ryoko and Ayeka, especially coming from you."
Love Tenchi... Ryoko thought dreamily, ignoring her mother's words, as a few tears managed to escape her eyes. For the second time tonight, the silver-haired woman allowed herself the right to cry. The first had been since she had felt unwanted, and this time, since her back was now turned away from the only two people who could see her. I knew it; I knew deep down he loved me, even before our kiss, it was there. He really is MY Tenchi, just like I've always told Ayeka.
"Yeah, I know. I mean I do love each and every one of you...in a different way..." The young man paused, trying to organize his chaotic thoughts into a logical statement. Failing at that, he quickly decided to change the subject to something, in his mind a little more urgent. "Look, Washu," the brown-haired youth began, stepping towards the door, hoping to draw his red-haired guest out of his room, and into an area where he could talk, without waking Ryoko. "Why don't we discuss this downstairs, since I still need to find a good picture to put in the locket? " Washu seemed to not hear him, as she stared at the golden heart in her palm. "Washu?"
Love… my little Ryoko, laughing mentally, the little genius found she could not take her eyes off the locket. I guess you aren't so little anymore. You're really growing up. I see you finally got your first boyfriend, after nearly 5000 years…. I remember when I was nearly your age. I met someone very special to me, someone who made my everyday seem like heaven, and when he was taken from me, turned my life to hell. I only hope the love Tenchi's talking about towards you is what you need, not what you want it to be. Looking up, finally, Washu realized the young man was starring at her, wit ha confused look on his face. Huh," she said, as she was torn from her thoughts. "Oh, a picture…" the red-haired genius repeated, as if hearing it for the first time. "There's no need to go get a picture from downstairs, Tenchi," Ryoko's mother proclaimed, reaching into one of the many pockets in her science academy outfit. "You look pretty tired anyway, and lucky for you I've got just the thing."
"Lucky me…." The young man said with a forced smile, wondering what in the world the bizarre genius had in mind.
Barely a second later, the young looking genius removed her hand from the pocket, and revealed a small camera with various wires going to and fro all over it. "Now then, Tenchi, go lay on the bed over by Ryoko." Washu demanded, as if she were directing a play, instead of a young man. "Okay. I'll take a picture of her sleeping by you. It'll be perfect. She'll love the picture." Looking through what appeared to be the view finder, the emerald eyed woman laughed, "Oh, and don't worry about the others. Everyone knows Ryoko is always sneaking into your room late at night, I'll back you up if you want to say she took it while you were sleeping." Pulling a knob on the side of the strange camera, a small portal opened, and the short scientist casually threw Tenchi's prized gift into it.
Not liking the thought of having paid so much for her gift, only to have Washu throw it into one of her machines, Tenchi prepared to ask the short woman what she was doing, when his young eyes caught a glimmer of light coming from Ryoko's face, as he tried to slowly climb over her.
What's this? The young man asked himself, as he saw the trail left by the few tears, which had rolled down her silky cheeks. With a look of concern on his face the young man brushed back the few hairs that clung to her face, and peered at her with such passion and caring, it would almost seem he was looking into her soul. What happened? I don't remember her crying when I got out of bed, did I do something to her? Maybe it was when I accidentally kicked her hips; she might have been sore or something? I know dad and grandpa always told me women were sensitive, but I thought they meant emotionally. I guess this proves it's physical as well. Suddenly a blinding flash of light filled the room, tearing the young man from his discoveries. As the spots vanished from his vision, and the young man's sight returned, he looked up to see Washu standing before him, holding a small wrapped package in her delicate hands.
"Here you are Tenchi," she smiled tossing the package to the young man, who caught it just above Ryoko's head, having to juggle it back and forth before he was able to grasp it firmly. "All thanks to my amazing invention, the CamWrap. It's truly one of my best inventions. It can take a picture, set it to a certain size, and even wrap it in a gift box. You know, I used to use it for parties at the Academy all the time." Placing her wonderful creation back in her pocket, Washu suddenly felt another item touch her fingertips.
Starting at this sensation the small genius grasp the item, slowly removing it from her deep pocket. Oh yeah I forgot about this little beauty. Holding it before her, Washu examined it as if it was the first time she had ever seen it. In her hands rested a strange item, no more than an inch in length. The small device was golden looking like an old fashioned whistle, with a glass bulb on the top.
"What is that?" Tenchi asked politely, as he rose from his spot by Ryoko, with a little fear in his voice. In the young man's mind Washu proved the phrase, size doesn't matter, countless times with all her bizarre inventions.
"Oh nothing really." The little woman proclaimed, sliding the golden item back into her pocket. "I heard you were having trouble finding a gift for Ryoko, and I thought you might want to give this to her. But I think she'll like your gift a lot more than this one. I'll just have to give it to her later on." The red-haired scientist declared trailing off at the end. Smiling, the emerald eyed woman shook her head as she looked at the happy scene of her daughter and the brown-haired youth being so close together and not fighting, merely enjoying each other's company. Stepping back towards the door, Washu waved kindly. "Well good night Tenchi, I have some other things to do. Do me a favor don't let Ryoko bite." A short time later she was gone, shutting his door behind her.
"G'night Washu and thanks," Tenchi said thoughtfully, setting the wrapped gift on his desk. That was odd, he noted, wonder what happened. It's not like Washu to just up and leave like that. I wonder what's going on?
The Hall:
Washu pulled out the small device she had earlier and examined it as she walked back toward her lab. I guess it's better this way. If Tenchi gave Ryoko this, she would think he set the whole thing up to laugh at her. Yet if I give it to her, she will just think of me as a nosey mother. Besides she can't like me any less. Still… Happy Birthday, Little One. I'm glad to see you're happy. I figured you would be after I saw you and Tenchi in… Well, I'll see you in the morning.
Tenchi's Room:
Once again, the youngest Masaki lie down, ready for a little sleep. His mind raced with the events of the past day, even going as far back as to when he first met Ryoko in that cave, deep underground. A lot had happened to him since that day, some good, and some bad. He looked fondly at the sleeping woman next to him, seeing her practically melt into him, as her body fell into his as he lay down. Despite all her years of training, and his amazing self control, Tenchi could not help but admit to himself that having her beside him felt good, or rather it felt right. Listening to her slow breathing, the brown-haired youth could actually feel his blood racing through his veins and his heart beat a little faster. Closing his eyes, Tenchi held her close, figuring he had no reason to hide his emotions, since only he and Ryoko knew what had happened. Washu knows, he recalled, but she thinks I'm lying about the whole thing. Taking a deep breath, the brown-eyed youth smiled as the smell of cherry blossom scented shampoo invaded his nostrils, a fragrance all the girls knew he liked.
"Well Ryoko," he said to her softly, stroking her hair gently. "I have to admit if nothing else, it has been a lot of fun so far. Tomorrow's going to be important, I know. But no matter what, I promise to stand by you. No matter what happens." Tenchi closed his eyes, beside him Ryoko smiled, moving a little closer to cuddle with him.
Next Time: Party time! What did everyone get her? Will she tell everyone about her and Tenchi? Chapter 03: The Big Day at Last