Hours Later, After Tenchi Returned Home.

"I'm glad that I told you not to make such a big deal about this, Dad," Tenchi replied that evening as he and his father made their way up the walk from the bus stop. Tenchi's hands were empty with the exception of a list that he was handing his father. "Now, could you get these things for me by the end of the week? That's when I plan on getting this over with. It's tearing me apart, and I want to do this as soon as possible."

Nobayuki nodded as he looked at his son and took the list. "Alright, Tenchi. I understand. I promise not to let anything out. I'll get these things to you by Friday. You'll be at the shrine with Dad then, right?"

Tenchi nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate it."

By this time, they had made it up the steps and were nearing the house when Kalea and Ayeka came into view. Kalea's eyes brightened when she saw them coming and began to run for them, smiling happily. Tenchi's eyes widened as he braced himself for the impact, but got quite a surprise.

"Nobayuki! Welcome home!! Oh, hello to you too, Tenchi!" The former hula girl cried, throwing her arms around Tenchi's very surprised father in a bear hug worthy of Misaki, Queen of Jurai. Nobayuki looked rather embarrassed, but grinned at his son nonetheless.

"Lord Tenchi?" Ayeka said softly. By this time, she had made her way to the two, as she had been walking more slowly.

"Yes, Ayeka?"

Ayeka smiled a bit. "Can I talk to you? There are some things that I feel I need to say to you in private."

Tenchi smiled a bit. "Sure." He followed the princess a short ways until they were away from the rest of any prying ears, and then sat down beside Ayeka. She was wringing her hands lightly; and looked up into Tenchi's eyes with seriousness.

"Tenchi, I want to apologize. I realize now that what I did to you and Washu was very selfish and childish. I should've known better, but my emotions got the better of me. I just want you and her to know that, even though you are not with me, I sincerely hope that you and Miss Washu are happy with each other."

Tenchi smiled and sighed. "Thank you, Ayeka. I really value your apology, and I'm also glad that you decided to stay here with my family and I. It wouldn't be the same without you and Sasami here. And also, regardless of my feelings for Washu, I love the rest of you girls as well. You've all become a part of my family, you know."

These comments made Ayeka smile a bit as she nodded. "You're very kind, Lord Tenchi. Washu is very lucky to have a person like you." She stood and closed her eyes briefly, then turned to walk towards the house. "Tenchi, I do believe that you should go speak to Miss Washu. She hasn't come out of her lab all day, and she seemed a bit distressed this morning." And with that, Ayeka disappeared into the house.

Tenchi blinked. "Distressed? She stayed in her lab all day? Ayeka's right, I should go check on her."

He stood and walked briskly into the house. Mihoshi and Sasami greeted him as he passed, and he waved back as he stood in front of the lab door. He knocked on the door, but when he was greeted with absolute silence, he began to get a bit more worried.

"Washu? Are you there?" He called. He tried to open the door, but it was locked. He began to bang on the door, making quite a ruckus. "WASHU!!"

"What, Tenchi?" came the sound of a very glum Washu from the other side of the door. Tenchi blinked a bit at her tone. Something was very strange, and he wondered if she truly was all right.

"Nothing.can I come in?"

"I'm sorry, Tenchi, but I'm very busy right now, and plus, I'm not feeling well. I'll talk to you later.Good night." And it fell silent again. Tenchi looked a bit confused and wandered off to find Kiyone. He had to talk to her. He felt that he could trust her more than anyone else in this household.

Washu listened as he walked off and called out Kiyone's name questioningly; her eyes sad yet determined. If it was Kiyone that Tenchi was leaving her for, then Washu felt that it was a slim chance that she herself had. But, since when does the Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe give up that easily?

"Never," she muttered as she made her way over to her computer. She began to voice her ideas out to herself, debating and thinking. What was it that Tenchi had found in her to dislike?

"Hmm.maybe he thinks I'm not smart enough.NAH! Or wait! Maybe.I'm TOO smart! Yes! That's it! That's what I'll try tomorrow!" Washu chuckled evilly to herself as she wandered away, rubbing her hands together deviously. "Tenchi Masaki, you're going to get the surprise of your life."