If You Can't Say Anything Nice...
Down at breakfast the household gathers around the table. One by one the family is assembled and the silent meal begins. The conspicuously empty seat of Ryoko, next to Tenchi only added to the settling tension. The meal was consumed and finished without a single word spoken. Everyone had heard the shouting match and now no one, least of all Tenchi, knew what to say.
"Okay that's enough!" Washu exclaimed; slamming her hand down on the table and making everyone jump with the suddenness of the action. Washu's patience had finally reached its end. The situation hadn't quite gone the way she had expected and to make matters worst Tenchi was being as bull-headed as Ryoko. "There is no reason for all of this. Tenchi go find Ryoko and apologize. Now!"
"No Washu, she has to learn that she can't steamroll everyone in this house. She's going to have to learn some control when it comes to other people's personal space." Tenchi stated with a resolve more sure than he actually felt.
"Don't you mean she shouldn't expect anything from you anymore? Everyone in this house has gotten use to her behavior and her actions! Ryoko wouldn't be Ryoko if she were to suddenly act like Ayeka! You expect her to not be upset by the fact that you essentially asked her to become something that she wasn't? Ryoko's has only ever wanted you to love her, not for you to change who you are, but you expect her to change without a reason other than your own comfort? Sorry Tenchi neither life nor love work that well. I hope she does change to be what you want so that you'll be able to see what you're asking. And, if she does change to be what you want Tenchi, don't come crying to anyone at this table when you want the old Ryoko back. And sooner or later you WILL want the old Ryoko back." Having said her piece Washu calmly rose from the table and nodded a curt good-bye to the rest of the household.
"Lord Tenchi, you were unnecessarily hard on Miss Ryoko. Please don't allow your anger at the situation to cloud your judgment and cause you to miss these last months with your whole family." Ayeka beseeched him.
"Why should I always have to give in? Why am I always the one to have to do the right thing?" Tenchi question the remaining faces.
"Would you like something to go with that whine Tenchi?" Kiyone grumbled.
"I'm not whining, I just don't see why I'm responsible to repair the damage done this time. I didn't start this, all I wanted was some peace before I left." As he spoke his unwillingness to relent was caving under his own guilt.
"Then don't worry about it Tenchi." Ryoko's voice was audible seconds before her form was visible at the doorway. "You are under no obligation to me to repair any damage that has been done to our…what would I call what we have? … ...Friendship…No that shows that there might be something between us more than either of us is willing to admit to. Don't worry Tenchi; I have no need for your guilt trip concessions. I am not your patsy and I will not be pitied by you or anyone else. Washu was right though I should do what you ask, just so you can see what you are asking of me, but I won't, I like who I am NOW. I'm no one's puppet and I'm no one's toy. I will not give up that freedom just so you can feel comfortable for a couple of months. So don't expect to see much of me before you leave." Ryoko faded from sight as suddenly as she had appeared.
"Is Ryoko leaving?" Mihoshi asked through a mouth full of food.
"No she's not." Ayeka said with more determination than anyone at the table was expecting. Rising to glare at Tenchi Ayeka left to find Ryoko.
As Ayeka left Tenchi hung his head, shaking it in hopes of clearing all the confused thoughts.
Seeing Tenchi's confusion Yosho order Tenchi, "To practice!"