Ryoko felt something wet being planted on the tip of her nose, wich she wrinkled with a sigh, eyes still closed tight. Half asleep, she reached out from under the covers and tried to wipe away whatever there was.
A few seconds passed before Ryoko once again feelt the same thing, only now it was placed on her chin instead. This time, something pinched her nosedrils together, making it extremely hard to breathe.
Ryoko snatched her eyes open with a gasp, trying to catch her breath as she sat up in the bed. Mayuka was sitting on top of her, pinching her nose with her small but rather strong hands.
"You're awake mommy! I kissed you! Did you notice?" Mayuka chimed when she saw Ryoko, whos' eyes tried its best to focus on the little girl with the messy moring-hair.
Ryoko drowsily growled something before she let her body fall back down to the pillow. Mayuka fell off from her place when her mother turned to lay on her side, wich made her roll all the way down to the end of the bed.
With a frown she rolled around a few times before she got up on her knees and crawled up to lay beside the tired woman, where distinct snores could be heard from under the covers.
"You're snoring." Mayuka said in an annoyed tone as she peeked over Ryokos shoulder. The little infant loved to sleep alright, but once she woke up, she often did her best to make sure no one else in the house got any further sleep eather. The same pretty much happened when Mihoshi decided to wake up before the rest, to Mayukas delight.
The seven year old girl gently leaned in closer to Ryoko's face and gave her a clumsy kiss on the cheek. Much to Mayukas surprise, her mother reacted differently to this third kiss as she flinched with yet another gasp before she shot up from her bed.
"Ohhh Tenchi you really think so?" Ryoko had her voice set on the sweetest tone imaginable, and her hands were folded together to her chest. Mayuka could have sworn her mother's eyes had a thousand stars in them.
"Ummm.. Mom?" Mayuka tapped Ryoko's cheek with her hand as she tried to get in contact with the confused woman.
Realisation struck Ryoko where she sat staring out in the room. She felt completely dumbstruck as she got aware of what she had just said.
Two blue eyes grew wide in curiosity. "What was it that dad thinks? What are you talking about?"
Ryoko relaxed her tense shoulders and rolled her head in a circle, hearing the bones in her body crach as she streached out, giving May a soft smile.
"Could'nt you have waited just one more hour? Or wait.. make it two." She chuckled, grabbing the little girl with one arm and gave her already messy hair, a good ruffle.
"Aooch mommy! Not so hard! My hair gets so electric you know!" She complained between laughs. "I'll get back at you! Im just as stong as you, you know!" Mayuka howled as she tried to get out of Ryoko's firm grip.
"Ohhh Im so scared, you know!" Ryoko teased as she swung Mayuka around, gently throwing her on her back with her head on the pillow. She placed her hands on each of Mayukas wrists, making it impossible for the little girl to move them.
"What did you say again? Mommy did'nt quite hear you the first time!" Ryoko teased, baring her fangs while pretending she couldnt hear. But the victory did'nt last long. Mayuka still had her legs free, and kicked them wildly with all her might, hoping to hit some part of her defeater.
"Ohh wait here! Are you kicking your own mother May? Now I must say that's not the behavior we have taught you! But Its time I teach you one good less..." Ryoko's pretend-lecture, was replaced by a weak groan of pain. Ryoko quickly let go of Mayukas wrists and held her hands tight to her chest, with a face twisted in pain. Mayuka had hit right on spot this time. But she saw Mayuka's big and upset eyes, Ryoko just could'nt let her sit there and think she seriously injured her. A weak smile formed on Ryopko's lips.
"He-hehe.. Guess you found my weak part huh Or should I say, one of them.. heh-hee ..oouch!" she tried to laugh, still holding her hands close to her aching chest.
Mayuka looked at her mother with worried eyes. "Did I injure you, mommy?" She said, with sighns of tears welling up in the corner of her eyes.
Ryoko gave Mayuka her warmest of looks, one that anyone else so rarely got to see, and drew her into a loving embrace. "You could'nt do that even of you tried May. I'll be alright, I promise! It just hurts alot at first. I wont feel a thing later on! You will know what Im talking about when you are a little older, and you will have a pair of your own.." She gave Mayuka an assuring wink.
"I want to grow up now! I wanna be like you mom!"
Ryoko blushed slightly at this. She was never unaffected by the little girl.
"No you don't" She laughed before she spun around and got off the bed. "Just trust me on that one love".
The former space pirate had woken up today feeling like a new person. Maybe she was able to take in even more of the overwhelming love from her little girl now that things had worked out the way they did, with her loss of powers and everything.
It somehow brought out a new side of her. A calmer, happier side.. that made her feel more... normal? Yeah.. Always had she felt different, eventhough Ayeka and the others were'nt exactly what people from Earth would call normal, with their extreme haircolors and super advanced gadgets. Phasing though walls, re-appearing and aiming energyballs, mostly at Ayeka, had been an everyday thing for Ryoko. Also, her extreeme senses made her feel like she was'nt completely a part of the family. But now that they were also toned down quite a bit, all her feelings of not belonging, had gone away together with her powers. And she... liked it?
Ryoko turned around to see if Tenchi had a heartattack from her and May's pretend-fight yet. But she was stunned to see that he was still sound asleep, with half his face covered up.
Light breaths could be heard from under the covers as his body rythmicly rised and sank. He looked ever so peaceful.
'You teased me good in that dream you...'She tought to herself. ' Too bad We did'nt have a chance to continue it.. Hehee.'
She was interrupted when she felt Mayuka tugg on her T-shirt. "Mommy, Lets make a surprise breakfast for daddy. Something special!" She whispered.
Ryoko gave her a weak smile and sighed.
"Hmm... Thats a cool idéa May.. It really is. But.. I hate to say it. I can't cook very well you know. Cereal?" She scratched her head and looked somewhat bothered. She hated to admit her weaknesses. Especially when it was about houseshores. Her intention the past years had been to learn how to be a housewhife and hopefully gain a few points over Ayeka. 'That damn princess is hard to beat when it comes to stuff like that.' She thought to herself, clenshing her fist.
"But you cook for me when we are home alone for weeks you know. Don't you remember?" May raised an eyebrow and moved her hands to her hips, managing to look very mature. "I think you make delicious meals!"
"You're right as always, I do cook for you. but if you want something fancy I might not be the sharpest knife." Ryoko sat down on her kne to face Mayuka. "Could you help me?" She whispered, looking quite ashamed asking a seven year old girl to help her cook decent food. Ryoko had seem glimpses of May in the kitchen together with Sasami on various ocations, and seen her prepare both this and that.
"You mean it? Ofcourse I can! I'll show you something Sasami taught me how to make. Oh boy you're gonna love this!" The girl giggled and jumped up and down. She was excited to show Ryoko all the varieties of dishes that she had learnt from their young chef.
"Oh great kiddo, but we must be quiet now so we wont wake up your daddy. Ok?" She hushed with one finger to her lips.
Mayuka pretended to zip her mouth shut and looked up at her mother with serious eyes.
"That a girl" Ryoko patted Mayuka on her head before she walked over to her closet to pick out some comfortable clothes for the day.
'Its kind of nice to do this by hand' She thought as she took out a pink dress from its gallow and slid it over her head. From a round box, in wich she kept all accesories, she found a small scarf in the same color as the dress, that she tied around her head with a bow.
She walked over to her makeuptable and twirled intront of the mirror before she took a closer look. "Yup! That's one good looking babe!" She winked at her reflection and turned around to Mayuka.
"Lets go down and prepare that special breakfast for daddy before he wakes up and ruins our plans, right?" Ryoko said and reached out her hand to her.
"Mhmm!" She said, nodding with a big smile, mouth still closed like a clam as she took Ryoko's hand.
"Ehhh-hehehe.. You silly girl"
Ryoko walked towards the door with confident steps, keeping Mayuka close to her side.
Ryoko's mind was somewhere else this morning, to say the least.
A weak cry came from Ryoko as she marched right into the door, making her fall backwards to the floor, taking Mayuka with her in the fall.
'Stupid stupid stupid me! I still DON'T have any POWERS!' She cursed to herself, rudding her nose in pain and embarrasment.
"R..yoko... is th..at ...you?" the sleepy voice of a boy was hear from behind them.
'Shhhii-!' Ryoko quickly picked herself and Mayuka up from the floor, snatched the door open and bolted out from the room with Mayuka half flying behind her. They shut the door close with yet another loud slam, making Tenchi jerk awake, realising too late how close to the edge of the bed he was. He fell helplessly to the floor with a loud grunt.
"Owwww...what the?" He rubbed his head as he looked around the room, trying to locate what had awoken him so sudden. "Ryoko?" He asked, peeking up over her bedside. But she was'nt there, and neather were Mayuka.
"Guess they could'nt be quiet huh.." Tenchi muttered as he picked himself up, grabbed a pair of jeans and a lightgreen T-shirt from a chair and started to get dressed.
His morning mood did'nt get any better when he felt a faint ache in his throat as he swallowed. On top of that, when he tried to breath thought his nose, he found that it was completely clogged.
'Great.. I've caught a cold. Must be because of all the hard training grandpa put me through this past week.' he thought folding his arms around him. 'Just what I need today that Im gonna fix the rest of the roof. Ryoko should be the one to do it really...' He regretted that last thought abit, but he could'nt help but feeling like he should'nt be the one to always fix everything. 'When school starts again in two weeks, I wont have any time to repair all of the stuff that breaks around here. And I wont have as much time to spend with May eather..' He sighed and made his way to the door, but found that it was quite hard to get it open. Almost as if it was stuck. A trail of wooden chippings could be found underneath the door as a sighn of someone being abit too rough when closing it. Tenchi chuckled nervously. 'He-hee.. I guess she's pretty strong even withot her powers!'
Tenchi took a firm grip around the handle and snatched it open. A cloud of dust and more chippings flew around him as he walked out and walked down the stairs.
He entered the kitchen just in time to watch seven year old Mayuka teaching Ryoko how to set the oven on the right temperatures. Ryoko's somewhat confused expression was priceless. Tenchi had to stop in the doorway not to disturb the ongoing lecture between the two of them. He's did'nt want to ruin this moment for anything.
"Do you see, huh? So thats basicly how you do it if you don't want to ruin the food, you know" The small girl stated matter of factly. She was looking extreemely important with her hands on her hips. "I actually came up with these dishes myself! I mixed abit of this and that, and Sasami says that I really do have a talent for cooking." She added proudly.
Ryoko on the other hand, felt like a complete idiot for not knowing such basic things. And even worse, she was reminded of all the times when she burnt the food that she had prepared for herself and Mayuka when being stuck alone at home for weeks at a time! Cooking just was'nt Ryokos thing and she knew it. But these were really delicious stuff that Mayuka wanted to teach her mother, and if only Ryoko would learn how to prepare them before Ayeka, it was all good.
"Say, you have'nt passed any of this further to that princess now, have you?" Ryoko eyed Mayuka with a nervous grin.
Mayuka shook her head. "Nope! This is just between you and me mom. Cant spread my secret recipies to everyone you know!" She said seriously.
"Good girl Mayuka!" Ryoko hummed and tasted a spoon of the soup that herself and Mayuka had prepared together. It was delicious really. Ryoko could'nt remember when she tasted quite a soup like this. It even tasted better than the one Sasami used to make.
"Oh and by the way May..." Ryoko sat down on her knees took a light grip around May's arms. "Think you could possibly show me how to use the washingmachine after breakfast?" She looked embarassed as ever. "I have never used it"
Tenchi was still standing in the doorway, trying to make up his mind wether he should enter or not. But he did'nt have to decide for long as he felt something itching his throat. He started coughing wildly with one hand to his mouth before stumbling into the kitchen. Both girl looked up to see Tenchi wobble around, trying to catch his breath.
"Daddy!"
Mayuka reacted fast and quickly poured a glass of water that she handed to Tenchi, who started to look as if he was going to choke from the attack. He sat down, swept it all at once and gurgled between coughs, until the itchyness eventually gave in and gave Tenchi a chance to breathe.
"Are you Okay daddy?" Mayuka looked concerned.
Tenchi rose to his feet, placing his hands on his knees, still panting abit before he took a deep breath and looked up at Mayuka, who twisted and turned her head to try and look him in the eyes.
He laughed at her cute expression and ruffled her hair.
"Im fine May, but I do think I caught a nasty cold. I just hope none of you will get it too since we've all slept in the same room the past nights." He turned to Ryoko as he said this.
She looked startled "H-hey.. You know I never get sick. Its not even possible and besides, I dont even know what it feels like to have a cold. So dont worry about me Tenchi." Ryoko said as she looked away.
Tenchi got the feeling that this reaction had to do with the massive advantage Ryoko had when it came to mental health. He was well aware that the former pirate had no interest what so ever in talking about her differences. He was just about to appoligise to her when he decided to just let it slip to avoid upsetting her more.
"Ohh. Okay then. I just hope I wont get any worse after I've repaired the rest fo the roof later." He sighed and smoothly changed the subject.
"It sure smells good in here! What is it you are making?" He asked with genuine interest.
Mayuka giggled mysteriously and pointed at Tenchi. "Its a surpsire for you daddy! Its my own secret recipie that Im only willing to share with some people." She gave Ryoko a wink "Right? And you know what daddy? Ryoko did most of the job today actually, and she's doing really great learning these delicious dishes!"
"Wow Ryoko" Tenchi said with admirance. "Im really proud of you!"
A furious tone of red started spreading across Ryoko's face as she giggeled nervously, wiping the sweatdrops of off her forehead while trying to look normal.
"Well, ya know. Gotta learn sometime!"
Something that could have been a laugh slipped out from Ryokos throat. She was so innocent. Almost like a child in situations like this. Tenchi found himself smiling at her desperate try to gain back her composure.
No matter how good she was at hiding her true emotions, wich she otherwive easily did, when it came to Tenchi Ryoko knew that she did'nt stand a chance.
"Your face is red" Mayuka pointed out to Ryoko who managed to gain an even more intense tone of red.
"Red? Who's red?" Ryoko chimed."No one's red! Come on now lets eat before it all gets cold! Why don't you help me setting the table dear May?"
Ryoko were already on her way carrying téacups and plates to the table, making a great effort to calm down again. Mayuka told Tenchi to go and sit down while she took out the food itself. "Cover your eves! And no peeking!" she ordered her father.
Ryoko chuckled softly as she sat down and watched the little girl carry all of the pots herself out to the table. She lost count long time ago of all the times she actually forgott Mayukas age. It was hard to believe that the little infant was no older that seven, and still she was so mature and clever. Sometimes Ryoko was stunned over how well she handled living in the Masaki Residence and everyting that came with it. 'Its a good thing for me and Ayeka she never took after our behaviour. Boy, that would have really screwed her up big time' She thought to herself. 'Ofcourse it would'nt hurt if she took after me though. I'd teach May juuust the right ways to push Ayeka's buttons'
"Ryoko, whats up? We lost you for a moment there." Tenchi said as he narrowed his eyes in a curious manner.
The girl snapped out of her daydreams and found that both Tenchi and Mayuka were staring at her from their seats.
"Oh nothing! I was just thinking about the outdoor picnic we're gonna have later on!" Ryoko said simply.
"You looked kind of evil too" Mayuka added and mimiced the expression with great success.
Tenchi could'nt help but laugh at his daughters observation.
"Now give Ryoko a break May, and lets see what you two have been cooking all morning, shall we?" Tenchi patted Mayukas head and gave Ryoko a soft glance.
The breakfast went on smoothly with smalltalk and laughter, before it was time to clean off the table, and time for Tenchi to hit the roof before the dark clouds would come even closer than it already was.
"I'll be back in a while Ryoko. I have to get this done before dawn orelse we're soon gonna have an indoor pool in my room." Tenchi said with a troubled look.
Ryoko nodded. She felt so guilty about Tenchi climbing up on the roof to repair a damagde that she herself had caused. Ofcourse she would easily switch jobs with Tenchi and have him taking care of May instead. But if Tenchi's Grandfather would find out about it, there would probably be trouble since Ryoko had promised not to go near the roof until Tenchi was done.
"You know I'd do it for you anyday Tenchi, but your grandfather is one old pathetic jerk sometimes. He must really hate having me around the house." She frowned.
Tenchi shook his head in disagreement. "I know he's might have overreacted about this whole thing Ryoko, but he also got scared for the sake of Mayuka. You know how he is about her safety. A bit like an overprotective father kind of. Just give him some time hey."
"So you're saying you're on his side now huh?" She crossed her arms with a snort, looking quite displeased.
"No that's not at all what I said Ryoko. Please don't make this harder than it is. All I'm saying is that he had reasons. And if you think about it, you know its true. You would probably do a better and faster job than me, but he just had enough. And he always says that everyone needs to learn a good lesson at times. Trust me Ryoko, I know. But also true, he's a stubborn old man sometimes with his own principles and values. Lets not think about that now okay?" Tenchi said trying to cheer her best he could. She needed it, he could tell. "This will all be over by tonight and Washu will probably be willing to give your powers back any day now."
"Yeah.. Powers.." She mumbled looking down. She realised she needed to talk to her mother about something important.
"Hey you, are you feeling alright?" Tenchi did'nt expect this reaction from her. He was just about to approach her, when she let her eyes meet his.
"Dont worry about me sweetness." She smiled. "I'll just take the leftovers down to Washu's lab now, before it all gets ruined."
Not quite knowing what to make of Ryoko's odd behaviour, Tenchi shrugged. "I'll see you in a bit then."
"Don't forget we're going on that picnic when you're done. Mayuka has blabbed about it all morning." Ryoko said as she waved to Tenchi and turned to help Mayuka with the dishes.
He found his fathers portable ladder in the shed, wich had become really old and rusty, but had worked fine all these years. He also grabbed his fathers toolbox and made his way around the house.
At the same time, Ryoko had just taken care of the leftovers from breakfast and put it all on a wooden tray, ready to make a visit at her mothers laboratorium. Normaly, Ryoko did'nt ponder very much about what her mother did to live down in her lab, since she was'nt one of the regulars around the dinnertable. But today there was something that needed to be discussed, something that had been on Ryoko's mind the past couple of days. Not really sure if she wanted to have a chat about anything at all with Washu, she paused infront of the red door that sometimes led to the storageroom, depending on Washu. She argued with herself for a moment before considering herself defeat. With a deep and audiable sigh, she knocked on the door with a determined fist.
Washu's head popped up on the door-screen right before Ryoko's face.
"Come on in little Ryoko. Its open. Did you come to make your mothers day huh?"
The door clicked and swung open with a shy creak.
"Oh gods, Give me a break..." Ryoko grumbled to herself. She stepped into the room and closed the door.
Washu's lab had grown over the years with new and improved inventions. Ryoko did'nt know what half of her machines were good for at all, or maybe even less than that. Neather did she carry any interest for her mothers passions of sciense, much to Washu's disapointment. No, they were like night and day. And sometimes even like cat and dog. Their moments of understanding and trust were few. Ryoko liked to keep it that way.
"Hey Washu! I was nice enough to bring you some leftovers from brekfast! Well, you want it?"
"Who's the chef today?" A suspicious and nasal voice came from within the darkness.
Ryoko snorted. "It's Mayuka.. And me. If you must know."
Washu giggled in her susual way as she stepped out from her dark corner of the room. "Guess half of it is eatable then" She teased.
"Just take the damn tray already." Ryoko said, handing over the food to her mother without looking her in the eyes.
Washu glansed at the food, then up at her daughter whos' arms were folded tightly to her chest in an annoyed manner.
"Say it's unusual for you to bring me food, little Ryoko. Or even pay your old mommy a visit these days! So, what is it that you want?"
Ryoko hesitated for a second before she spoke.
"Tell me something Washu.. aside from becoming calmer since you shut down my powers.. what else can happen to me? Like.. can my senses change because of it?"
"Sure they can. And Im guessing you have already experienced just that, am I right?" Washu asked as she graciously sat down on the floor with the tray on her lap.
Ryoko nodded. "I first noticed it the other day when we were all playing the first round of hide and seek, and I hid in one of the bigger closets. Normaly I would go into nightvision right away with my eyesight, but absolutely nothing happened. I got scared at first, but after a while my eyes slowly started to adjust. But not even close to the way I used to be able to see. Tell me, washu, How are my senses connected to my powersources?"
"I thought you said you hid under the bed in your room." Washu said questioning.
This caught Ryoko off guard as she began thinking about what had happened between her and Tenchi in the closet that day. She blushed furiously when the image of Tenchi laying ontop of her came into mind, but quickly snapped out of it.
"Th-thats not important here!" She hissed. "Now tell me! what is the connection?"
"Because I designed it that way. You powergems are the source to your extreeme abilities and your strong senses to hear, smell and taste. Without them, you are just like a normal girl. Kind of. Ofcourse, I created you to be a superhuman, Ryoko. You have greater senses that a normal human even without your powers. Only not even close to what they are with your gems attached. Your total loss of nightvision is probably just because your body is adjusting to your new self." Washu explained with her mouth full.
"Like... a normal girl?" Ryoko breathed. Hearing those words was like music to her ears!
"Well, as normal as can be, for someone like you my dear daughter. Im guessing you are eager to get them powers back, am i right?" Washu eyed Ryoko.
A faint blush apperared on Ryoko's cheeks. She turned away with a distant look in her eyes. "That's what I came to talk to you about" She began. "I... I dont think I want them back for a while."
The clapper of a pair of chopsticks could be heard against the floor. Then there was silence. Washu swallowed what she had left in her mouth and started to caugh wildly, trying to get a ricecorn out of her throat.
"What in the world are you doing?" Ryoko complained "Are you even listening to me?"
Washu grabbed a glass of water from the tray and swept it all in one breath, almost choking as she managed to swallow a few times before the ricecorn was gone. The little redhead held her hands around her neck, panting like a mad person.
"You dont want them back at all?" Washu looked shocked.
"I... I want to stay the way I am for a while. Just like this. Maybe I will want them back later on. But for now, I want to keep living like this, doing normal stuff and feeling at peace with myself." She explained, trying to be as honest as possible. "Its weird you know. I felt so much at loss at first. Like a part of me was missing. But now I feel more like a whole person than ever before. You... understand?"
"Ryoko."
The former space pirate sat down next to her mother, who looked pretty surprised at her daughters move. Ryoko relaxed her shoulders.
"I'm glad it happened. The roof, everything that has happened since that. If you had'nt felt the need to remove my powers, I never would have experienced what it could be like living without them. I feel... free. It's hard to explain but.. I feel.. Content. I guess Im trying to say that I don't want you to give them back without asking me first" She smiled.
"Im happy for you dear. And don't worry, I would'nt do that without your permisson. Ever."
Her mother's words felt so honest, she almost could'nt believe it.
"Y-you really mean that? Are you happy for me?" Ryoko blinked with disbelief.
Before she knew it, she felt a small hand being placed on her own as she could feel the warmth of it spread through her whole body. She looked up to face her mother, who smiled softly at her.
"I know I tease you sometimes. And I also know how much you hate it. Trust me, I do. You and I are so unlike eachother, its scary sometimes, you know?"
"Do tell" Ryoko said sarcasticly, to wich washu gave a chuckle.
"But Im here for you. and thats always, I hope you realise that. If you ever need anyone." She almost looked abit sad.
Ryoko snorted, but could'nt help smiling at her mothers sudden tenderness against her. Eventough it made her feel kind of weird having this conversation right now, there was something that made her feel safe and warm in her mothers precense.
"Just like you will always be there for Mayuka." Washu continued.
"Washu..." Ryoko trailed off as her eyes grew big.
"Where is Mayuka now, by the way?"
"She's taking care of the dishes. I should really be there to help her, but I just felt like I wanted to have this talk today. It's been on my mind for a while." Ryoko answered as she rose to the floor, dusting her clothes off with her hands.
"You got some really dirty floor here." She commented after noticing some oil-stains on her dress. "Nice." She tried to rub it off with little success. Without thinking, she scratched her nose with the same hand and smoldered some oil in her face as well, leaving her looking like a kid who had just played football all day in the yard.
Washu pointed at Ryoko. "You...umm..Got something.."
"Yeah I know, I'll just change dress and get this one washed. Me and May are doing the laundry now anyway. I'll leave you to eat now. Thank you for listening to me.. I apprechate it..." She said looking down. "mom."
That last word hit Washu in the right place. Not quite sure how to react to this, Washu tried her best to pretend as if she took it casualy.
"Go and take care of the little one now, Ryoko. I'll be joining you for supper later"
Ryoko nodded and made her way to the door.
Washu could hear her footsteps fade more and more, how they stopped for a second at the door, when she opened it and stepped out. As the door went shut, a releaved sigh came from the little redheaded scientist, still sittin on the floor with crossed legs. The food all of the sudden seemed to taste a little better that it ever had before, and the whole room seemed to have changed. Everything felt lighter.. For the first time in years. Had Ryoko forgiven her? Forgiven her for being such a terrible mother... The worst ever maybe. She tried to hold back a teardrop that formed in the corner of her eye.
As the door went shut behind the cyan-haired girl, she felt a revealing wave of peace flow through her body. She leaned backwards to the door, smiling in contentment as she thought about the recent events. This talk with Washu made another piece of the puzzle come to its right place. She was'nt sure herself why she had been able to open up like this to someone who had been nothing but an irritating aspect in her life in the house. Ofcourse, they had shared a few moments on the past, only to go back to their usual pattern of sarcasm or just being plain mean to eachother.
It all ended up in the same way. Ryoko would naturaly try to ignore her anoying mother, who in her turn, would try even harder to get her daughters attention. Often by intruding on her personal thoughts though their mental link, wich was now shut down.
But Ryoko herself was no angel, and she knew it very well. Even if her mother was more often than not, the main reason to their fights. Maybe that's what made her go in to the lab today. She just could'nt admit it to herself before.
'Dont expect me to call ya mommy just like that though! This will take time for me.' Ryoko thought to herself.
Deciding to drop her train of thought for the moment, Ryoko went to see what her own daughter was up to. As she passed thought the kitchen she could see that Mayuka had finished the rest of the dishes and put eveything back on its right place, making the whole kitchen shine.
"There's Sasami number two for ya" She mumbeled proudly as she heard a humming from another part of the house. The voice became clearer and clearer as Ryoko came closer to the laundryroom She peeked into the room to see Mayuka sorting out the clothes in different piles by color.
Mayuka hummed between mumbles.
"hmmmm...That one goes there... Pink and red... Green and black is okay I guess.."
She was so cute! Ryoko giggled softly and knocked a few times on the wall to make Mayuka aware of her standing there.
Her humming stopped as she turned her head around with a bright smile.
"Hey! Im almost done sorting everything here." She looked up and down at Ryoko and burst out in laughter. "Seems like you need to go in the washingmachine too mom!"
Remembering the oilstains on her dress, Ryoko joined in the laughter as she started pulling it off. "Thanks for the reminder!" She winked and threw it among the pink and red colors. She was now standing there in only her bra and panties, feeling quite cold and naked. She realised the only way of changing clothes would be to walk up to her room to get something from the closet.
"Mayuka, I will be back in just a minute! I gotta run upstairs to get some new clothes okay?"
She huttered and shaked while running through the house and up the stairs. The house was always somewhat cold during the autumn wich left the familymembers to wear thicker clothes and warming themselves up with lots of blankets. Ryoko was probably the only one who never was very much affected by it. So why did she freeze so much all of the sudden? This was like a minor turture! But then she stopped.
'Oh yeah... no powers' She thought, smacking her head.
She soon returned to Mayuka in the laundryroom after chaning into a white dress and pink gloves to go with it. It was nothing new, just something she had'nt worn since the day after merging with Zero. She had just forgot about it until now.
Mayuka made big eyes when she saw what Ryoko was wearing.
"Oh mommy! You look so pretty in that dress! How come you never worn it before?" She said with excitement, and at the same time trying not to start laughing at Ryoko's nose, wich still had oil all smudged out over it.
"What are you...?" Ryoko looked dumbfunded. She could'nt read her daughters reaction to her dress right now, and neather did she care right now. The laundry needed to be done in time for Tenchi to finnish off on the roof. Ryoko did'nt want the others to come home before she had the chance to take Tenchi and Mayuka on that picnic. This was her one opportunity to have a peaceful moment together with them, without the others begging for Tenchis attention. She was'nt gonna miss it for anything.
"Soooo May darlin', lets get this all started and overwith now."
Mayuka nodded, and the two girls started to load the two machines with almost all of the laundry, until it was almost impossible to close the lids.
"There we go! Can't fit another sock in there I think. Soooo now what?" Ryoko said happily.
Mayuka sighed, walked over to the machines and set both on fifthy minutes with extra rinse, before hiting the ON buttons.
Ryoko's sweatdrops were huge. "I knew that!"
"Sure you did, mom" Mayuka was'nt convinced, but forced a smile her mothers way.
Both girls winched at the sound of three knocks on the open door.
"Hey you, how's the laundry coming?"
"Daddy!" Mayuka shouted as she ran into Tenchis embrace for a very sweaty hug. "You're so warm daddy! You don't have a fever, do you?"
She put her hand to his forehead and nodded. "Yup, definately a fever. You should go and rest you know!" She said worriedly.
Tenchi gave Ryoko and amused glance and chuckled at his sweet daughter.
"Don't worry about me May, I've been working awfully hard today. It will go away in a minute, I just have to relax and take a shower. And after that, the three of us are going outside for that picnic, remember?"
"Ofcourse I remember silly!" Mayuka chimed and hugged Tenchi even harder. "And daddy, you got some dirt across your face" She pointed out before letting go.
"Yeah I know." Tenchi Smiled. "Seems like Im not the only one, huh, Mayuka?" Both looked up at Ryoko who looked rather surprised.
Ryoko crossed her arms. "What do you mean by that?"
Tenchi and Mayuka were now giggling together, with Ryoko standing up beside them, not having the slightest idéa of what they were having so much fun about.
"Fine, don't tell me anything." She complained loudly. Just as she started walking for the door, a hand took a firm grip around her wrist, making her stop in a motion.
Mayuka stood up. "I wanna go and see what Sasami prepared for us! Come on!" she giggled and disappeared to the kitchen.
Ryoko felt the grip becoming looser as the young man rose from his sitting position and stood.
Hesitatingly turning around, she was now standing face to face with Tenchi. She gasped mentaly.
Bright sunbeams that reached in from an open window, gracefully danced across Tenchis face, making his features seem even more intense than she had even noticed before. She swallowed hard. Moments like this made Ryoko realise how much her Tenchi had grown over the past seven years. Was he really twentyfour years old now? Heck.. He really was starting to look like a man.
He smiled, and reached for a towel from his pocket.
"You got something.. right here.." He said softly while carefully taking the towel to Ryoko's nose, wiping off the smudges with ease.
Ryoko could'nt move. The sweet sensation of Tenchis hand around her wrist made her blush like crazy as they stod so close.
Tenchi wiped away the last of the oil from Ryoko's nose and put it back in his pocket.
"Im sorry we laughed at you Ryoko." He said sincerely. "We did'nt mean to upset you... but.."
A small blush formed over his face.
"...but you looked so cute with that oil smudged allover your nose" He chuckled nervously, wondering why he had just said that.
"O-oil?" Ryoko studdered. "I mean, yeah? You think so?"
Tenchi did'nt answer to this, but instead he firmed his grip around Ryoko's wrist, drawing her closer to him in one gently pull. With no idéa what the hell he was thinking right now, the feeling he had inside was the same as in the closet that day when he has kissed.. her. It had felt so good! almost too good...
Not knowing if this was real or not, Ryoko decided it was'nt important. They were all alone, except for Mayuka ofcourse, but this time she was'nt going to let anyting get in the way of this happening. Her desire for Tenchi had doubled ever since he had accidently kissed her while playing hide and seek. Having him so close was unbareable.
All she knew, was that she needed to kiss him, now.
Just then, Ryoko felt how Tenchi slipped two warm and somewhet shaky arms around her waist, pulling her so close, she could now feel his whole body being pressed agains her own as their breaths increased.
Ryoko gave Tenchi a determined glace before she placed her arms around Tenchis bare neck, preparing herself to close the distance between them. This time, she would'nt hesitate.
Tenchi himself slid one hand behind Ryoko's neck, eager to pull her in closer. Eager to feel her warm lips agains him own. Their warm and ragged breaths met as two pair of lips were only inches away from meeting in one passionate merging.
"..Ryoko..." He whispered before closing his eyes, ready to greet the sensation of-
RIIIIIIIING!
"Oh my god ouch!"
Silence...
"Are you okay?"
RIIIIIIING!
Tenchi looked worriedly at Ryoko, who were busy rubbing a bump on her forehead.
"Tenchi.." She wined. "I cant believe you knocked me again. Im starting to suspect you're trying to really knock me out here!"
"Im so sorry Ryoko! I don't know why I did that! The young boy appologised, his hands still resting on her waist. Both of them had got quite a scare when the loud ring of the Masaki-telephone had gone off and interrupted them. Tenchi had also managed to knock Ryoko's forehead because of the sudden noise.
RIIIIIING!
Silence.
Mayukas voice could be heard from the kitchen.
"The phone is ringing! I can't reach it, cause you don't want me to! Cause you placed it too high!" She yelled.
Tenchi brushed a few strands away from Ryokos forehead, feeling useless as ever.
"I gotta take that! Might be Grandpa you know. He might get worried if nobody answers."
RIIIIIIING!
Ryoko turned away from Tenchi, still looking like she was in alot of pain."Don't worry about me, Just get the damn phone before it explodes from overheating." She said sarcasticly.
Tenchi nodded and ran off downstairs to take the call out in the hallway. Ryoko rubbed her forehead with a small grin of her face. She didn't know who this new person in the Masakihouse was. He had black hair and wore the name Tenchi. That was all she knew for the time being. Who he was and where he came from... Was a mistery. Or maybe this was who her Tenchi really was? Just a different one that would dare showing care and affection for her without being afraid. Afraid of her and her uncontrollable temper and obsession with him everyday.
"He has changed.." She whispered to herself. "Because I changed". It was all so damn clear to her now that she thought about it. This was what she wanted. Not a scared Tenchi trying to escape her grip of steel every morning while yelling at her to get the hell out of his room. That was in the past. It seemed to long ago. She sighed with contentment.
"Hey Ryoko!" Tenchis voice was hear from downstairs.
"U-huh?" She began walking down the staircase where she met Tenchi halfway.
"Sasami called to tell us that both she and Ayeka will be home later this evening. And we had better get going now if we wanna have a picnic while the sun is still high in the sky. Mayuka has already dressed herself and packed everything together, so its only you and me we are waiting for." He said cherfully.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Ryoko smiled and walked past Tenchi to pick up Mayuka who was all dressed in her Red jacket with small white dots allover it. She turned to Tenchi, feeling that she couldnt wait to spend the day outside with her two most loved people in the world.
"I bet I can run faster that you, even without my powers! I dare ya!" She teased while stepping into her boots with little difficulty. "Ha ha! Catch us if you can!" She grabbed her coat and ran out the doorway, giggling wildly between pantings.
Without a word, Tenchi also grabbed his shoes and jacket before darting after the two girls out in the lovely autumn weather.
The sun was still high in the sky and bright as ever when Tenchi and the two girls reached the perfect spot for a picnic.
Soooooo yeah! :) That's all for chapter three. This chapter was originally gonna be longer, but I decided to cut here. Im sooo sorry it took me almost 6 months to post this. I have so little time to write right now that Im in school and everything. But I hope this will give me some inspiration to continue further! I already know whats gonna happen next... ;)