After the Wedding BobR

Warning:  This chapter contains some innuendo with very mild lime content.

Conversations II

Chapter 3

After the Wedding

*****

The after-wedding party, it was really too small to be called a reception, was still going strong when Tenchi managed to slip away.  It had been a long day for him, and considering he hadn't slept at all the night before, it was a wonder that he was still awake at all.  He thought that it might relax him if he spent some time in the onsen, perhaps even taking a brief nap.  He had no idea what the two girls had in store for him that night, but he certainly didn't want to fall asleep in the middle of it.  He felt rather guilty about sneaking out of a party in his honor, but he wasn't much of a drinker and the guests seemed to be paying the most attention to Ryoko and Ayeka.  Those two really looked like they were having a good time, too.  He snuck up to his room to gather the things he'd need, then down the back stairs, through the kitchen, which was empty of everyone but Ryo-ohki sitting on a counter munching on an ever-present carrot, and out through the backdoor to the bath.

He was right in that only the cabbit saw him leave, but wrong to think that no one else would find out.

Hey partner, Ryo-ohki mentally called to Ryoko while continuing to munch on the orange treat, your new husband just slipped out the back way.  I think he's headed for the bath.

Ryoko had just finished a duet with Ayeka on the karaoke machine when Ryo-ohki's call came.  She looked around the room.  Misaki and Funaho were busy chatting with Yosho and Noboyuki; Mara and Urd were about to take a turn at karaoke; Belldandy and Keiichi were off in a corner chatting with Sasami and Tokimi; Azusa had passed out on the couch, whether from to much drink or mental exhaustion she didn't know, but given the amount of alcohol he had been putting it away, she suspected the former; and Washu and Skuld had disappeared into the lab after making a token appearance.  Nope, she thought, no one will miss for us a while if we sneak out too.   She elbowed Ayeka to get her attention over the noise and nodded toward the kitchen door.  Ayeka nodded back and they headed in that direction.

When the door had cut off most of the sound coming from the other room, Ayeka turned to Ryoko.  "What is it?  Is something wrong?"

Ryoko got a huge grin on her face.  "Nope.  But have you noticed Tenchi around lately?"

"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him for quite some time.  The last I saw, he was with Sasami and Tokimi."

"Well, I have it on good authority that he's in the onsen right now.  Want to join him?"

"Ryoko!  You're supposed to wait for tonight!"

Ryoko grinned even wider.  "Oh, I'm not gonna do anything right now, but I thought it might be fun for both of us to go tease him a little.  You know, kinda get him ready for later.  Give him a little peek at what's waiting for him."

"Ryoko!  You're evil!"  Ayeka said, but she was grinning now too.

"Yeah, I know. So, you wanna do it?"

"What about our guests?"

"Ah, they won't miss us.  Besides, we'll be back in a little while."

Ayeka chuckled.  "I like it.  Let's go."

Ryoko grabbed onto Ayeka and teleported them both away.

*****

Tenchi sighed in pleasure as he slid deeper into the warm water.  He really did feel guilty about leaving the party, especially without telling his two new wives, but he had to get away by himself for a while.  He didn't hear Ryoko and Ayeka phase into existence behind him, nor did he hear when Ryoko phased them both out of their clothes.  What he did hear however, was the splash as two naked female bodies jumped into the pool with him amidst much giggling.

"Oh Tenchi!" Ryoko called in a sugary tone.  "We've come to keep you company sweetie."

"Ryoko!" he yelled at the naked pirate.  "What do you think you're doing?  What if the princess…" He looked to his right where Ryoko was pointing and saw a very nude Ayeka standing in the water smiling at him.  She didn't look at all embarrassed, unlike the last time he'd seen her this way.  The same couldn't be said for him though, he felt the blood rushing to his face.  Oh no, I'm gonna get a nosebleed. he thought.  But it didn't happen.  Instead he had another reaction.  Good thing I'm wearing a towel.

Ryoko chuckled as she saw his reaction to the two of them.  She gestured to Ayeka and they both went over and sat down on each side of him.  Snuggling up next to him, Ryoko said "Actually dear, we really did just come to keep you company.  Everything else can wait until later tonight."  She nuzzled him and glanced down at the towel.  "We did this together to see if we could get a rise out of you, that's not really the kind of rise I was expecting though.  But I'm glad to see it, or should that be you're glad to see us?  Well anyway, we can't stay too long though or we'll be missed, and it won't do for the three of us to be found like this.  Even if we are all married now.  Right princess?"

"Ryoko is correct darling.  There will be plenty of time for fun and games later.  For now, let's just enjoy a few moments alone together before we head back to all that insanity."  Ayeka put her head on Tenchi's shoulder and sighed happily.

The trio sat together for a short while, then Ayeka caught Ryoko's attention and jerked her head to indicate it was time to leave.  The two girls each gave him a peck on the cheek then stood up and stepped out of the pool.  They dried themselves off and got dressed; Ayeka blew a kiss at Tenchi while Ryoko gave him a sexy wink and then she teleported them both back to the house.  Tenchi sat in the pool for a moment with a silly grin on his face.  "I've got to go take a cold shower now," he said to the empty room.

Later that night after the party had wound down, a place had been found in Ryu-oh's module for all the guests to sleep, giving the newlyweds some privacy (except for Azusa who was still passed out on the couch).  To Ayeka's surprise, Tenchi was able to find time and energy for both of them, totally ignoring the agreement the girls had made with each other the night before.  But Ryoko still managed to go first.  Eventually the three settled down together for some much needed sleep.

*****

The next morning after saying their goodbyes, Tenchi, Ryoko and Ayeka left on Ryo-ohki for the honeymoon.  There were some places Ryoko had visited centuries before that she wanted to show Tenchi and a few that Ayeka had heard of that she wanted to visit as well.  Tenchi had promised both that they could go wherever they wished as long as they were able to spend a few days at Disney World; he'd always wanted to go there.

Keiichi had classes to attend so he and Belldandy had left early, right after the newlyweds; Azusa was still hung over and being attended to by Sasami and every one who was left began to clear the debris.  After a full day of cleaning up from yesterday's celebration, the ladies decided to relax in the bath.

*****

Funaho didn't appear to be awed by the presence of all the goddesses, and Misaki for some reason, kept trying to hug Skuld and tell her how cute she was.  The queen pretty much ignored the others except for an occasional comment that showed she wasn't entirely out of the conversation.  Skuld really didn't appreciate the attention, but she was on her best behavior and kept her temper with Misaki.

"So, Funaho.  Tell us about this Juraian wedding custom I've heard so much about." Washu asked with a chuckle.  "I want to know what my daughter and Tenchi have gotten themselves into here."

"Oooh yes.  Juraian bridegroom training.  I've heard something about that too.  Yeah!  Tell us!  Tell us!" added Mihoshi, her ears pricking up.

Funaho smiled wanly.  "Well there's not really much to tell.  The stories you've probably heard – about the whips, cuffs and ropes – are just that, stories.  Actually, Juraian wedding nights aren't that much different than those of any other culture."

"In my culture, whips, cuffs and ropes are the norm in all relationships," said Mara, looking at Urd.  "Along with…"

"Ok Mara, that's enough."  A red glow appeared on Washu's forehead. 

"Eep!"  Mara shut up. 

"Just stories you say?  No kidding."  Washu went on.

"Well, there is some basis in fact.  That was the custom in ancient Jurai when we were still a Pirate Nation and partners were taken by conquest, but when we began to interact peacefully with other cultures, it kind of faded out," piped in Misaki from across the pool, where she had a struggling Skuld in one of her well-known hugs.

"So why do we still hear the stories?" asked Washu.

"If you think about it for a minute Washu, you'll find that those rumors only concern the royal family," Funaho answered.  "We've intentionally kept the rumors going.  It tends to cut down on the number of frivolous suitors who are seeking a marriage into the royal family for political reasons.  If true love is involved, the suitor should be willing to accept the consequences of that love."

"No whips or stuff?  No 'Call Me Princess'?  You just shot down one of my biggest fantasies," said Urd, drawing a strange look from Mara.

"It depends on the individuals My Lady," Funaho answered.  "It's still a valid custom after all.  Some still expect it; it's just not required any more.  Although I'm sure Ayeka packed the, ahem, items in question just in case.  I doubt she'll use them on Tenchi though.  Maybe on Ryoko…" She saw the look on Washu's face and held up her hands.  "Just kidding Little Washu."

The talk on what might happen on the honeymoon went on for a little while, amidst much laughing, giggling and blushing, especially from Skuld.  Eventually all talking faded away and they all sat in a companionable silence for a few minutes.

*****

"Sister?" Tokimi turned to Washu.

"Yeah, Tokimi?"

"Does this happen all of the time with mortals?"

"Does what happen?"

"This," she said, gesturing around at the group.  "Everyone sitting together and talking about different things."

"Yeah, but not always in the bath, it depends on the culture and the circumstances.  Things don't always remain this civil either.  Tempers and personalities can intervene, sometimes at the oddest moments."

"Oh."  Tokimi sat back against the wall.

"Are you bored or something?" Washu asked her sister.

"No, I find myself enjoying all this time together as a group.  I have never had friends like this before, I just have very little to contribute to the conversation.  I feel guilty.  It is a new feeling for me."

"Contractions.  Remember.  Contractions.  'It's' not 'It is'.  You always sound so stiff, like you've got a stick up your butt or something.  And anyway, there's nothing to feel guilty about.  On Earth's Internet it's called 'lurking' and is a fully acceptable behavior.  But don't be afraid to speak up if there's something you want to say.  And don't get upset if no one agrees with you either.  Everyone usually has a different opinion about each subject."

"I will… sorry, I'll try to remember that, sister."

"Could you also please stop referring to me as 'sister'?  I have a name ya know."

"Would you prefer I just call you Washu?"

"Well no," Washu said with a huge grin, "why don'tcha call me 'Little' Washu?"

"If you wish, Little Washu."  Tokimi replied.

Washu thought for a moment.  "You say you have no friends.  You have your construct, D3 to talk to, he must count for something."

Tokimi smiled.  "D3 only obeys my will, as he is programmed to do, although he does have some self-determination ability.  He is not really what I would call a… friend.  Not like you have these people as friends."

"Well," Washu assured her, "you're a member of this group now, for as long as you want to be.  You'll find though that even friends don't get along sometimes.  Take Ryoko and Ayeka for instance.  They're the best of friends, but I can guarantee there'll still be many fights between 'em in the future.  They like to argue with each other too much.  But I think Tenchi can keep 'em under control."

Tokimi gave Washu a serious look.  "I will do whatever I can to help them, as a friend."

"I know you will.  Just do what you think is best for 'em, but don't get carried away with trying to be helpful.  Let's let 'em make their own mistakes, ok?  Just be ready to come along and clean up afterwards."

*****

To be continued