-- Chapter 3: 'Cause I can't go on like this no more ---

"What? You're not thinking straight..." Kiyone looked around the small room, away from Ryuzo's gaze. She picked up the artifact and placed it back in her bag. "Sure, something just happened. I can't even begin to sort out what just happened... but you are not in love with me. Love is a powerful word that shouldn't be used with people you've just met. People you have a crush on."

"You believe that it's a crush?" He looked annoyed, "We were married!"

"We're *not* married. We're not even *dating*. We're barely even acquaintances." Kiyone looked at him, "I'm sorry... I don't know what this means. We can talk about... *this* later."

"Why can't we talk about it now?" He moved over close, "I'm not afraid of rejection. I just want to know what you feel."

"This isn't the time. Ryuzo..." Kiyone sighed.

The metal panel slid open with a few people outside, "Detective, we're here."

Ryuzo looked at Kiyone with a hurt expression. He shrugged and climbed out of hiding place. A medical worker moved in to help Kiyone out to be put on a cot and carried her back to the medical facility on the ship.

* * *

Kiyone sat on the couch of her and Mihoshi's quarters once more. Her ankle bandaged as she stared at the television zoning out once again. Mihoshi sat next to her, flipping the channels idly. It was their last day on the ship.

"Kiyone, you okay?" Mihoshi looked over at her partner.

"What?" Kiyone blinked, "What'd you just ask, Mihoshi?"

"Well, that just answered my question." Mihoshi frowned. "You're really distracted. Is the pain that bad?"

"Oh... well, I'm not in any pain. I'm just out of it. I think that Juraian Artifact messed with my head. I hope they lock it away for good after this."

"You're such a joker!" Mihoshi laughed, "You're just all hot and bothered by that Ryuzo kid still."

"I AM not! If there's one thing I'm certain of... it's *that*." Kiyone denied, but her cheeks blushed a little at Mihoshi's teasing.

"You do like him though, right?" Mihoshi asked, half serious.

"I... don't know, Mihoshi. That doesn't really matter after today now, does it? We'll be on a ship back to HQ before another day passes. He'll get over it."

"He's stopped by twice, today. While you were resting." Mihoshi paused, "You should at least talk to him before we leave."

Kiyone nodded, "Okay... I get the picture. I'll try to be nice. I'll go see him later."

"Promise?" Mihoshi grinned.

"I promise! Sheesh." Kiyone rolled her eyes.

* * *

The elevator lifted Kiyone to the second level of the ship. Here were the guards quarters and additional social areas. She was dressed more appropriately than a servants uniform. Kiyone used a crutch for her left side to brace her mediocre injury. 'Some officer I am.' she commented to herself out of annoyance. She looked down at a piece of paper, 'Room 42X'. Kiyone let out a sigh and headed down a corridor and searched for that number. She stood in front of the door for a very long time. Inwardly debating with herself. Whether she should ring the doorbell. If she should walk away. She placed her palm against the smooth door - hesitation crept through her body.

A voice spoke up behind her, "You know... they let you in when you actually knock. I guess I can help you out. You are injured, after all." The man leaned forward to open the door and step in. It was Ryuzo. He turned to look at Kiyone, door still open, "Please come in. It must be hell standing with that crutch."

"Witty and charming. I can hardly contain myself." She stepped into the room and hobbling over to a nearby couch and settling down.

Ryuzo smiled, closing the door. "So... I heard we're landing in a few hours. Won't you be happy to be rid of me?"

"It's not that simple. Both you and I know that. Downplaying your feelings won't cut it in this conversation. I heard what you had said to me."

"And it was a mistake." He laughed, sitting down, "I am a boy. I am everything you said I was."

Kiyone looked sad, leaning back, "Ryuzo..."

"And you can't say anything to it! That's the best part. You were right."

"... I wasn't right." She shrugged. "I have no idea where to go from here." Kiyone took a deep breath and looked him over, "You're so young. You have so much to do with your life. Me? I'm an officer of the Galaxy Police. I have a son. I have my own life. You have your own life. You're a very handsome... good man, you can do whatever you want."

"You keep saying this to me, but all I see are excuses. I'm also a Juraian man. What we saw back there wasn't a joke - it was a higher force telling us something. I'm willing to take the jump... but I won't bother you any longer if you don't want to jump with me."

"I think I need some time." Kiyone buckled under his words, "I don't know you. You don't know me. I don't think we see eye to eye yet even now."

"But we can take all the time in the universe to get to know each other! That's the beauty of it." He looked over at her, "Okay, listen... I want you to take your time. Take all the time you want. I won't bother you anymore. Not about this. You're a stronger woman than I ever expected to fall for. I... just I want to keep in contact with you. Please allow me that courtesy."

"...I'm speechless. Okay. Deal. I want you to go out and find a nice girl though, okay? Date, romance, everything. Someone a little closer to your age."

"I'll try my best." He shrugged.

Kiyone gave him her contact information. "We'll have to do another run through the simulators... you know, when I'm able to walk again."

"I look forward to that day."

Kiyone nodded and went to stand, "I have to pack."

"Let me help you..." He bent over, pulling you Kiyone to a standing position. His arms settled around her easily, sliding into a very soothing hug. She closed her eyes and hugged him back. He kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "Have a safe trip. I'll talk to you in a few days letting you know how mine went."

She blushed at the close contact the two shared. She picked up her crutch and nodded, "Yes. Please do that. Until another time." Kiyone headed out of the room and back to her quarters.

* * *

They returned the item back to the Juraian government. Queen Aeka was pleased that the events went well, and congratulated Kiyone and Mihoshi on their work once again. Their meeting was short and sweet. They said their goodbyes and the convoy from Jurai took them back to GP headquarters. It was then that they took back the Yagami and headed to meet up with Washuu and retrieve Ken.

Kiyone got her crutch and left the spaceship to go to Washuu's door. She rang the doorbell as Mihoshi stood at her side with a smile.

The metal door slid open with Washuu standing. She pulled some goggles from over her eyes to rest on the top of her head, "Aaaah, Kiyone, Mihoshi. Come in, come in." Washuu wandered back down the hall, "Ken! Time to go..!" She announced.

At the end of the hall, she turned and looked Kiyone over, "Oh, I almost forgot. Mihoshi, can you go help Ken pack up his things? I have to talk to Kiyone alone in my lab. Just come and knock when everything is ready, okay?"

Mihoshi nodded happily, "Oh, glad to be of service. Where is he?"

Washuu pointed down the hall, "Last door on the left. Can't miss it." Mihoshi nodded and headed down the hall. Washuu turned, "To the lab, my dear Kiyone."

"..." Kiyone nodded, "Sure thing." She limped after Washuu.

"Take a seat over there, next to the main computer console. I have something I'd like to show you." Washuu pointed to a chair.

Kiyone did as she said, "I'm sorry about the mission. It took a day longer than expected. You know how Aeka is... always wanting to catch up on old times." She smiled then said, "Ken was good, right? He seemed a bit upset when he called. What's going on?"

Washuu clicked a few keys on her front console. "Well, you gave me a sick child to take care of. Something he ate did not sit well with him. I thought I would have to take him to a doctor, but was able to figure out what was wrong."

"Oh... that's a relief. I'm so sorry, Professor Washuu."

"However..." She paused, "I discovered something... peculiar when I was trying to find the best way to cure him."

Kiyone blinked, "... oh?" She gulped.

"Kiyone." Washuu looked up at her, "I hate to pry into your life, but Ken's genetic code isn't exactly normal."

A tense position was taken by Kiyone. She nodded, "Well... I expected as much. Is there something wrong with him?" 'I don't want to say too much.' "Did you discover something that I should know about? His health, perhaps?"

"Oh no, he's pretty healthy. I think he had food poisoning." Washuu commented, "There's only one other person I'd ever seen with this sort of match. I stumbled across the information by accident. Antidotes with what is most compatible for the system presented." She paused, and then said, "My, he could almost be related to them, the match was so close!"

Kiyone shook her head, "I guess I'm not really following this, Professor." She stood up, "Thank you for taking care of him, once again. It's time to get back to work though, so if you'll excuse me..."

"He's almost an exact match for Masaki Tenchi." Washuu spoke. Kiyone froze in her place, back turned to Washuu.

"Really? How lucky is that?" She let out a nervous laugh.

Washuu frowned, "Kiyone. I talked to Ken. I don't know who you're trying to fool now. How long were you going to keep up the act?" She sighed, "I did some cross-research after I discovered the match. It was a hunch. Ken is--"

"Tenchi's son. Yes." Kiyone turned to look at Washuu, "So... you know. It was only a matter of time." She shrugged, "Can't hide anything from you."

"I'm stunned. I just can't believe it!"

"Oh, and Washuu? He doesn't know. I'd like to keep it that way."

"And who's going to stop me? I think Lord Tenchi should know that he has a son."

"Washuu!" She frowned, "Tenchi... he's married, he has a wife. To Ryoko, for crying out loud! We'd only hurt them both if we let them know so late in life... so early in their marriage. I'm not going to do that. Tenchi, my son, has a right to his life. Tenchi, my friend, has a right to his own life as well. Does that make any sense?"

"And what about Ken? What about what he wants in his life? Shouldn't he know his own father?" Washuu asked, "This isn't about his education anymore. It's about his life."

"Professor. I've already thought this through. When he's old enough, he will make his own choices. He knows how I feel about this. He knows more than you give him credit for." Kiyone sighed, "Please, he's my son as much as he's Tenchi's. Leave it alone."

A noise echoed from behind Kiyone. She turned to notice Mihoshi drop Ken's bag. Kiyone's eyes widened, "M.. Mihoshi."

"Ken is what!?" Mihoshi picked up the bag, "Don't make jokes like that, Kiyone."

"It's not a joke!" Kiyone snapped at Mihoshi. She turned to Washuu. "Are you happy? Tell everyone you know. I'm sure it'll benefit the entire galaxy to know. And while my son is being put up on display, tearing friends apart, and being forced into a life he may not want - please consider the fact that I never planned on this happening. I'm doing what I think is best. It may not be exactly rational. I've even tried to tell him. So don't you even jump in saying I'm not thinking right. Believe me when I say that Ken coming into my life had to be one of the best damn things to ever happen to me." Kiyone turned and headed toward the door with a sigh, "Do what you want, you know how I feel. Mihoshi, let's go."

Washuu said softly, "I won't tell him. Just be careful, okay? I never would want anything to hurt you or anyone of our family. Tenchi, Ryoko, Aeka... no one. The son of Tenchi... it surprises me, but seems so appropriate. I trust your decisions, Kiyone."

"Thank you." She nodded to Washuu, "I'll talk to you later. Contact me if you need anything. After I'm healed, of course."

* * *

Kiyone and Mihoshi sat in their respective chairs in the spaceship Yagami. The sound of machines whirred and rumbled softly on their way back to headquarters after visiting Washuu's lab.

"Kiyone..." Mihoshi broke the silence, "You weren't kidding, were you?"

"Hmm?" Kiyone blinked, leaning back in her chair, "About what, Mihoshi?"

Mihoshi looked back over to Ken who was sleeping, "Ken's father."

"You can say it, you know. His name is Tenchi." Kiyone commented, "Ken is just a nickname I gave him, to keep suspicious people out of my life. He was born Makibi Tenchi."

"How? When? I just can't believe this, especially with Ryoko..."

Kiyone raised her voice, "Hey! I'm not like that at all! You know that perfectly well." She defended. Her voice toned down as she spoke quietly, "Hard to explain when things happened the way they did. I never expected to run into him. I never even expected to stay over that night... but I did. I'm not going to justify my actions. Ryoko wasn't around. They had broken up. I didn't even understand the full details, but suddenly.. we just hit it off. I'll always remember the times when you and I were stationed on Earth. When all us were together as a family. That memory will never change. The weekend I shared with him will always remain something I treasure, but it's an isolated event. I mean, he's Tenchi, you know?"

Mihoshi nodded then asked, "Do you.. love him?"

"... Tenchi? Me... love Tenchi?" Kiyone seemed to blush a little, then commented, "I only care for him as a close friend. I do love Tenchi, but not in that way."

"You're blushing." Mihoshi noted, "What does Ken know?"

"He knows who his father is. I'm completely honest with him about those things." Kiyone took in a deep breath and then sighed, "I never wanted to have this conversation with you."

"..." Mihoshi stood up, "I see."

"Where are you going?" Kiyone asked.

Mihoshi stood in silence. She rubbed her eyes, "It's nothing. I'm going to go use the bathroom..."

Kiyone reached over and grabbed Mihoshi's arm around the wrist. "Wait." She looked up into her partners eyes, "You're not crying, are you? Please don't be that way. I didn't mean..."

"I thought I was someone important to you in your life." Mihoshi sniffled. "We've been together so long... I didn't think you'd want to hide anything from me... Kiyoooooooneee!"

"Mihoshi, it was never about that... it's just..." She looked back over to where Ken was sleeping, "It's not just me who's on the line. It's Tenchi as well. I wanted to keep him to myself. My little secret. My own family." She let go of Mihoshi's hand. "I'm sorry for keeping it from you. I'd just like you to promise me never to talk about Ken's origins to anyone. Tenchi will know when the time is right. Promise?"

Kiyone's partner sniffled and then hugged her tightly, "I'm sorry Kiyone!! I promise I won't tell anyone about Ken. You have my word."

Kiyone sighed in relief and hugged Mihoshi back, "Thank you."

* * *

It had been almost a year since Kiyone and Ryuzo had met on that ship. Since then, they had idly kept in contact with each other through belated communications and the occasional letter. By this point, they had grown closer as just friends.

Kiyone leaned back in her chair, idly typing up a letter to him. She clicked at the keys, forming her words together in a streaming thought process.

'How are you doing? I'm just here at work, you know... doing the usual. I was thinking about my upcoming vacation time and was thinking maybe of heading up to Jurai to visit you. Don't worry, you won't have to worry about my son - he's back at home visiting my parents for a bit. I was wondering if the offer was still open for me to visit. We've been writing more letters than actual /talking/, I'm almost forgetting what your voice sounds like. Imagine that... I actually miss hearing your voice. I guess you've grown on me. Don't get too confident, I miss Mihoshi if she's gone for more than a week, too. I hate to be the one to admit this... but lately it's just... I'm just so lonely.'

Kiyone looked at the last sentence. Admitting a weakness was never easy for her. She backspaced and cleared out the sentence. She typed in it's place, 'At any rate, I guess I'll see you in a few weeks. Hope this letter finds you fine. I'll give you a more solid date in a day or two if you wanted to clear some days off at the same time. Don't put yourself out for me, I'd just like to see you one of the days. Talk to you later.'

She sent the letter and looked up at the ceiling. She sighed, "I hate being alone." She climbed out of the chair and headed off to bed.

Over the next few days, Kiyone set up her vacation with work and organized the trip to Jurai. One week on Jurai, one week back home. 'Is this a good idea?' she thought to herself. 'I never go on vacation... I could certainly need it.'

She confirmed everything for the trip. 'But do I really want to spend it on Jurai? It is nice there... I have a few friends there...' she ruffled her own hair out of frustration, 'I hate indecision.'

Kiyone glanced back at the last message from Ryuzo, reading over it while lost in thought: 'Hey Kiyone! Great to hear from you again. I'm busy working things out with my superior officers, but it should be fine by the time you arrive. Just give me a beep when you get in and I'll meet you for dinner. I already set up the spare bed. I'm glad you're coming by. It'll be nice to finally sit down and talk like we do here in person. Until then.'

* * *

The bar was bustling with activity for this mid-evening. Kiyone lifted her glass and drank. She glanced at her watch, '.... he's late. Where is that idiot? I should have never asked to stay at his place. I hate relying on others.' Another forty minutes pass. She crossed her arms, 'Dammit... I'm stuck here until the convoy picks me up in a few days. What on earth could he possibly be doing?! He knows I'm here! I never should have planned this trip.' She stood and went to a phone and booked the closest hotel to that location for her. She turned the corner to view Ryuzo as he finally walked through the door. He turned around to look at the person beside him - a woman - and kissed her faintly. Kiyone froze in her tracks. Her heart jumped at the sight, then quickly filled her with anger. She turned and went back to her seat and waited for the couple to arrive officially.

Ryuzo approached the table Kiyone sat at with the girl on his arm, smiling broadly, "Hello! Sorry I'm late... I had some things I needed to do after I got out. This is Arina. Arina, this is my... friend, Kiyone. We met on my first mission."

"Nice to meet you..." Kiyone mumbled, "So, does it take two hours to not contact me or was I supposed to read your mind?"

"I told you, I had things to do. I'm here, aren't I?" Ryuzo pulled out a seat for Arina, then sat down in his own chair, "Have you eaten yet?"

"I would have starved to death if I had waited for you." Kiyone snapped.

Ryuzo winced, "Okay, then we'll order our food to go."

Kiyone shrugged, "Don't bother. Thank you for showing up finally, Ryuzo. Goodnight." She stood up and headed for the door.

"Whoa... wait up." Ryuzo walked over and put a hand on Kiyone's shoulder.

Kiyone turned and glared up at him, "What."

"..." Ryuzo moved back a step. "...are you okay?"

Kiyone glared silently. She couldn't even stare him in the eyes. She said, "I'm going to the hotel."

"Hotel? You're staying at my place though.."

"I don't think that'd be appropriate. You have better things to do. Sorry to have inconvenienced you. Goodnight Ryuzo." Kiyone started to walk again, going into the hotel next door to the bar that they were to meet.

Ryuzo leaned back against the wall with a sigh, 'What'd I do now?' He ran a hand through his now short hair, ruffling it gently. He turned and went back inside the bar.

* * *

Kiyone showered in her hotel room. Her bag was thrown to the side of the bed, opened with some clothes placed out for changing. She punched the wall out of frustration for the situation. She finished her shower and pulled on a robe, laying down on the single bed the hotel provided. The lights were off, except the bright light from the hotel television. The sound was just low enough to be heard, but not high enough to be bothersome.

*Knock Knock* came the sound from behind the door. Kiyone opened the door, "Yes..?"

Ryuzo stood before her, one hand in his pocket, the other about to knock again. He looked at her, "...hey."

"What the hell do you want?" Kiyone leaned against the doorframe.

"I uh... can we start over? I don't know what I did today, but I'm pretty sure whatever it was was bad."

"If you don't even know, then I really don't want to be talking to you." She went to close the door. Ryuzo stuck his body between the door.

"Come on!" He held it open just barely. "At least let me come in and talk with you."

Kiyone let go of the door, "Fine, fine. Come in, relax. Whatever." She walked inside, grabbing a towel from the bed and to dry her hair.

Ryuzo closed the door behind him. He said, "You're not happy with me."

"Obviously." She sat down at the corner of the bed. He leaned against the wall to face her.

"If it's because I was late.. I told you, I had some business to attend to before I met you at the bar."

"Business... being a girl?" Kiyone commented, "Look, everything was pretty clear at the bar."

"A girl? What are you talking about, now? Are you talking about Arina?" He shrugged, "She met me on the way to the bar. I really was running late due to other things."

"I see." She mumbled, "Look, just... I don't need to see that, okay?"

"See what?" Ryuzo asked.

"You and... that girl. I don't care much for seeing people together."

"Are you jealous?"

"No, do you want me to be?" She glared, "I'm angry. I'm tired. I'm fed up. I'm going to call in tomorrow to get picked up - this trip was a mistake."

"Kiyone... but you haven't even been here a day? Please don't leave. You told me to find someone. I found someone. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to bring her to dinner..."

"Are you insensitive? Dense?! Just shoot me in the head, why don't you."

Ryuzo lifted his hands up, "Hey, hey... you're the one overreacting here."

Kiyone shrugged, "Get out. Go home, Ryuzo. This isn't working."

"WHAT isn't working?! Kiyone, please... you're leaving out important details. I have no idea why you're mad at me still. I was late? Yeah... I explained it. I have a girlfriend? What, am I supposed to tell you everything?"

"... if she's an important part of your life, or part of your life at all, it would have been nice to KNOW that you had one? Am I just that insignificant to your life that you'll tell me all the other details about your life but personal relations? I'm not asking for you to go in depth, just a comment like 'Hey, I've this person I've been seeing a while.' would have been nice to know." Kiyone glared at Ryuzo, almost tiredly. She went back to drying her hair with the towel. "It's a really awful surprise to wait for nearly two hours then see you making out with her before meeting me for dinner. It was insensitive. And it hurt me." Kiyone looked away.

Ryuzo sighed, "... I don't know. She's this person that's been sort of on and off in my life. I don't know, to be honest. I'm just really lonely."

"Oh, a convenient relationship. I didn't need it shoved in my face. I didn't need this when I came to visit you, and only you."

"I was showing you that I'm doing exactly what you asked of me. What the hell do you want from me, Kiyone?" He shrugged his shoulders tiredly.

"I... don't want anything, Ryuzo." She whispered, "Maybe I'm just a little lonely too. I don't need that kind of reminder when I'm here to visit someone... anyone. Friend or otherwise."

"Kiyone. I just want you to be happy and have a good trip here on Jurai." He sighed again, "I messed up, didn't I?"

Kiyone stood and went to the door to open it, "Maybe I'll feel better in the morning. You should just go."

Ryuzo shook his head, "No... I don't want to leave. Look, order some room service. I'll pay for it. It's the least I could do after messing up tonights dinner. I haven't eaten either... it'll be good for both of us."

"If you think so. Be my guest." She headed back over to the bed, grabbing her brush and straightening out her long thick hair. She said softly, "... You cut your hair."

Ryuzo settled down at the head of the bed, looking for a menu in the drawer next to it. "Yes. I uh... needed a change."

"It looks good on you. It's different. You still look like a kid though." She teased, as she slowly gained her humor back.

"Har har. I'm handsome enough." He picked up the phone and ordered two meals to be delivered to the room. He hung up the phone and slid over to hug Kiyone from behind. "Don't be mad at me, okay? I hate it when you're mad."

Kiyone relaxed under his touch. She leaned back as tears rolled down her cheeks, "I've had a lousy week or two. I just want it all to go away."

Ryuzo moved back to let her head fall softly into his lap. He touched her cheek, "You're crying? Don't cry. You're stronger than that." He smiled and wiped away Kiyone's tears. "It'll be fine, you'll see."

Kiyone sat up and leaned forward. She wiped the rest of the tears away, "I'll wash my face. Please make yourself at home."

"You know, if there's anything wrong - you can tell me. I'm here for you. Even if I'm an ass sometimes, okay?"

The running water filled her cupped hands. She splashed the cool water over her face once or twice. Kiyone pulled down a washcloth and dried her face, turning the corner to look directly Ryuzo. She leaned against the wall, "You don't have to seem so heroic to me. Sometimes people don't want to hear everything all the time."

"I'm not just any person." Ryuzo stood and stepped over to Kiyone. He placed a hand on her arm and looked her in the eyes, "You know what you mean to me."

Kiyone had that warm feeling build up in her stomach as he touched her, "Ryuzo, you know... we can't be acting like that. You've got someone, remember?"

"No, not really." He looked aside, "Despite appearances... she really doesn't want a relationship. It's nothing like what we have." He turned to look back at Kiyone. He titled his head and moved in close.

Kiyone held up a finger to his mouth, stopping him from moving in any closer. She closed her eyes and shook her head, "Ryu. We shouldn't. We're not like this."

Ryuzo whispered, "Give me a chance." He pushed passed her hand, pressing his lips to hers softly, affectionately. His arms moved around her protectively in a hug.

She let out a slight whimper. Kiyone weakened under his gentle and persuasive behavior, pressed between his body and the wall.

Ryuzo broke away from the kiss first. "I love you. Oh Kiyone... why must we be like this?" He whispered, kissing her cheek. His heated breath tickled her skin. He kissed her lips two or three more times, interrupted only by her voice.

"Ryuzo..." She looked up at him and spoke a little shakily, "We're like this because it -has- to be like this."

"Why?" He pulled her close once again, "You're not seeing anyone. Neither am I, really. I'll end all my relationships for you."

"All relationships? What, do you have more than one girl you're stringing along?" She looked annoyed, breaking away from the passionate moment.

"NO! Dammit, I can't even say anything right around you." He let go, moving away from her.

A knock came from behind the door. "Room Service!", announced the voice behind the door.

Kiyone looked away from Ryuzo as the anger settled in again. She gestured with her hand to the door for Ryuzo to go answer it and moved over to sit on the bed in silence.

Ryuzo ran a hand through his short hair, frustrated with himself. He answered the door and retrieved the two plates from room service. He placed one down next to Kiyone and then went to the other side of the bed to set down his own plate, lifting the lid and looking under. "Mm... looks good. Eat up."

"It does." She opened hers and started to eat quietly. She took the remote and turned up the volume on the television, flipping it to a station with a movie and stopped.

Ryuzo picked at his meal. He spoke up, "It's really late. I'm so sorry, Kiyone. I apologize more than I make you happy."

"You are who you are. I can't change that." She finished her meal. Kiyone set the plate aside on the nightstand and laid back on the bed to watch the television. She propped up a pillow underneath herself with a sigh of resignation.

He winced. Ryuzo finished his meal too, placing the plate down. He moved back on the bed to lay back against the headboard next to Kiyone, "Do you hate who I am? Answer me honestly, please."

"I don't hate you, Ryuzo. I never have. I quite like you, actually." Kiyone stated, a bit emotionless.

Ryuzo laughed. "You don't have to lie to me to make me feel better."

"Dammit! I'm not lying to you!" She turned toward Ryuzo, "You ass! Fine, don't believe me. I don't care anymore." She grabbed her pillow and smacked Ryuzo with it. Her voice filled with the same frustration Ryuzo shared earlier.

Ryuzo looked dazed, "... just what exactly are you saying?"

"Aaaaaargh!" She smacked him with the pillow again, then pushed him against the headboard with her hands.

He grabbed her hands, wide eyed. "Whoa... wait."

Kiyone pushed away from him, "Dammit Ryuzo. Take a hint."

"Take a hint?! I've *thrown* myself at you! You're too wishy washy. You want one thing one minute and another thing the next minute." Ryuzo stood up, "I'm sorry, Kiyone. I know we're good as friends, but I'm not up to dealing with this yo-yo effect on my heart, okay? It hurts... it just hurts."

"Sit down, Ryuzo."

"So you can hit me again?"

"I want to talk this out. I'm just..." She thought to herself, 'Going crazy? Mid-life crisis? Confused?' "...not in the greatest mood."

"I'll say. Alright." He crossed his arms, "What do you suppose we do? You said it yourself, this isn't possible. Us."

Kiyone bit her lip, "What do I... I don't know." She shrugged, "I hate dating. I'm horrible at it. You want this? You're serious? Then let's just get married."

"..." Ryuzo blinked, "WHAT?!" He blushed, turning away. "I can't believe this. Now I know you're teasing me."

"If you don't believe me, you're losing out on one hell of an opportunity." Kiyone sighed, 'Oh well' and leaned back.

Ryuzo sat back down on the bed. After a long silence he murmured, "Yes."

"Yes?" She looked at him, exhausted from the fight. Exhausted from her mood.

"Yes. I love you. You know how I feel about you." Ryuzo stood up and looked Kiyone over. "But I don't believe you're serious."

Kiyone shrugged once again, "What do you want, Ryuzo?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly that, what -do- you want? Do you want this as a relationship? Do you want us to be just friends? Who knows how long we'll last doing -that- before we want to kill each other." Kiyone cursed herself. He already asked her the very same thing earlier, 'This conversation is going in circles!'

"I want..." Ryuzo looked thoughtful and smiled, "I want you to dance with me."

"... dance... with you?" Kiyone blinked, not expecting that.

"Yes. Dance with me?" He held out a hand to Kiyone and asked in his boyish voice.

She shook her head and allowed a smile to play across her lips. "A dance, huh? Do you think you can really handle dancing with a girl like me?" Kiyone turned toward Ryuzo, sliding to the edge of the bed and placed her hand in his.

"Maybe, maybe not? But I can at least try. I'd really hate never having that one dance with the love of my life." Ryuzo smirked confidently.

Kiyone half smiled with a little bit of a blush on her face, "Love of your life? Don't get too cocky, okay? Maybe 'love of the week', in your case."

"Kiyone... you wound me." He pulled her up to stand with him. Ryuzo carefully set one hand at her side and his other grasped her hand gently. "You know my feelings are genuine." The waltz began. Very slow dance motions to virtually no music. Ryuzo felt his heartbeat quicken, despite having been close to Kiyone many times before.

Kiyone allowed herself to relax. She smiled, "Ryuzo... when we first met... even now. I see you as a young man with a lot of life to live. I'll admit, the idea of being involved seriously with a younger man is pretty appealing, on many levels. It's flattering." Kiyone stopped talking, mid-dance. She looked up into his eyes. His beautiful blue eyes mirrored her own, in a way. They kept moving, despite her train of thought being lost.

Ryuzo gazed, somewhat dumbfounded. He wasn't as slick as he wanted to be, "I'm a more than willing victim." He continued to dance with her, a little lost in her eyes. "It feels good to have you so close, like this. It feels natural." He murmured, "I'm not that bad of a guy, right?"

"Don't lose your confidence now, you were doing so well." They stopped dancing, "You're young. Of course you're a bad guy." She grinned, "But you're not as bad as they can get, so I guess I'm not so bad off." She smoothed her hands over his shirt.

"Gee, thanks."

Kiyone wrapped her arms around his neck, "What, am I wounding your ego?" She played with the back of his hair.

"I don't have to put up with this." Ryuzo seemed annoyed.

"You're right, you don't." Kiyone felt a tinge of guilt. Her eyes closed as she pulled away from him and turned around, her back to him. "I'm horrible at this. I'm not suited for relationships. I barely tolerate having a partner... and that's only after MANY years of working with her?" Kiyone rubbed her temples faintly. She turned back around, "Ryuzo, I--"

Ryuzo grabbed Kiyone by the shoulders and pulled her close into a tense embrace. He pushed her back and down onto the bed and kissed her affectionately. His body pinned her against the thick comforter. Ryuzo's weight shifted from being partially atop her and off to her side, hand touched her cheek gently. He broke the kiss and whispered softly, "We can do this, together."

Kiyone nodded softly and whispered, "Make me believe it." She brushed her lips against his again.

Ryuzo reached over and turned off the television from the remote. The room succumbed to pitch blackness as he returned to Kiyone's warm embrace. They endured the long night together, finding comfort and love in each others arms. The dream-like feeling lingered in their minds as they slept as one. Warm bodies and soft covers coupled with an exhausting night lulled them together to sleep in the wee hours of the night. It was fate.