The Next Morning
"Oh dear.another morning.and today's the day.I wonder what Washu has up her sleeve this morning.I don't know if I could take any more of her weird switches; today's much too important for me to be distracted." Tenchi said softly to himself. He opened his dark brown eyes and looked around. His room seemed to be in perfect order; there was no masquerading wily redhead, no armory of her inventions fiercely guarding the door. He found it very surprising, in fact. He arose from bed and pulled on his clothes; he had to work up at the shrine today. As he stepped out of his room, he expected to be bombarded by a Mardi Gras costuming Washu or something worse that she had planned, but there was nothing. He peeked around the doorframe of his room, and walked out after deeming it safe. He crept towards the steps, unsure of any potential traps and snares, but when he reached the stairs, he nearly had a stroke from shock.
"Good morning, Tenchi." Washu said calmly with a weary smile. A purple hair wrap pulled her long red hair back, as usual, and she wore her normal attire, the old Royal Science Academy uniform that she had kept with her. He blinked at her appearance, and found that it a very welcome sight indeed, as was to see that she had restored her mature adult appearance as well.
"Oh, good morning, Washu. I can't talk; I have to get to the shrine early. I'll grab a quick breakfast on the go for now and see you all at lunch!"
Washu nodded; she had been the first one up besides Sasami; and Ryoko and the others were still contentedly snoozing. "Alright, Tenchi. See you then."
Tenchi nodded at her, and noticed the strangeness of the smile she gave him. It seemed strained and unsure; very odd for the wily scientist's persona. He looked at her with worry in his eyes as he walked out the door, and he wondered if he what he was planning was really what she wanted. He was beginning to doubt his decision; one that could very easily and most likely would change his life. Whether the change would be for the better or for the worse, he could not say just yet.
"Tonight.it's crept up on me so quickly." he thought as he walked up the long, steep steps towards the Masaki Shrine. "I just hope that Dad isn't late in delivering those items."
The day passed quickly for Tenchi, quicker that he would have liked, for as each hour passed, he grew more and more anxious, despite the chores that Katsuhito was making him do. When he swept, the broom in his palms shook horribly, even worse so as the sun began to set and he heard the familiar sounds of his father's footsteps coming up the steps.
"Tenchi?" came the deep voice of Nobayuki as he appeared at the head of the stairs. Tenchi smiled and walked towards him, the broom against his shoulder. Nobayuki was holding a few paper sacks in his broad arms, and he was smiling at his son a bit. "Tenchi, here's the things you asked me to get you."
"Thanks, Dad. You don't know how much I appreciate this."
"Don't worry about, son. Good luck, alright?"
"Thanks," Tenchi said with a smile as he took the sacks. He watched briefly as his father walked down the stairs and headed towards home, then he turned and walked to where his grandfather was. "Grandpa, I've got a lot of things to do tonight, so I promise I'll get here extra early tomorrow morning."
"Hmm.alright, Tenchi. Remember, extra early!"
Tenchi nodded as he set the broom aside and made his way towards the bluff, the sack clutched tightly in his hand.
Washu sighed as she gazed out the living room window, her eyes watching the sinking sun. Tenchi had not come back for lunch, and now it was nearing dinnertime, and there was still no sign of him. She assumed that he just was trying to avoid her, which didn't do any good to help her mood. That was when she spotted him. He was coming quickly down from the shrine, his arms laden with a few paper sacks. He seemed to be headed for the bluff, which struck a painful nerve in the former goddess' mind. Was he planning a little getaway up there for him and Kiyone? How could he!? That place had such serious meaning for her and Tenchi, and now he was taking her up there!? She arose; she was going to find out why he was acting like this. No more beating around the bush.
"Washu, wait!" came Kiyone's voice just as the redhead made her way out the door. Washu growled under her breath and turned to the detective, a dangerous look in her eyes.
"What do you want?" Washu snapped, the venom obvious in her words. Kiyone blinked a few times at the woman's hostility, but continued nonetheless, stumbling over her reasons to for Washu to not follow Tenchi.
"Uh.I don't think that's it's a good time to talk with Tenchi. He said that he wanted some time to think alone."
"Oh, I suppose you would know all about that, now wouldn't you?" Washu's eyes were slits of anger now, her words stinging rancorously. Kiyone looked very unsure and gave Washu a defeated look.
"Washu, I really don't know what's going on or why you're angry.but all I know is that Tenchi really needs to be alone right now."
"Fine. I'll go about my business then."
Washu stormed past the dark-haired police officer, closing the door before she headed for her lab. But as she opened the broom closet door, she heard the front door slide open, and when the scientist turned, she glared with animosity at Kiyone, who was heading up towards the bluff.
"Yeah.alone. Sure."
"Tenchi, you really need to tell her before it really gets out of hand." Kiyone said as she watched him move around with the items he had as he arranged them.
"Why? What happened now?"
"She was about really to kill me. I've never seen her look so severe towards anyone!"
"Well, it's over tonight. No more charades, no more hiding. She'll know by the end of tonight."
"Good. I wish you luck, Tenchi."
"Thanks. Could you go get her for me now?"
Washu's fingers flew furiously over the holographic keyboard in front of her, tears flowing freely down her delicate face. The glow from the computer's screen cast an eerie gleam against her tear-streaked face, but she paid it no heed. She was desperate to rid herself of this pain, even if it meant immersing herself in science and math for the rest of her days. The figures flew across the screen, but for some reason, the renowned genius wasn't able to concentrate on her work. Her mind was filled with images of Tenchi, of Tenchi and Kiyone.it was an image far worse than she cared to see.
"Damn you.damn you, Kiyone."
A knock at the lab door brought her eyes away from the screen, and she glared into the dark recesses near the door at the voice that spoke.
"Washu? Uhm, I think Tenchi wants to see you now.he's waiting at the bluff," came Kiyone's unsure voice. Washu grimaced and stood, wiping the tears from her face. She said nothing as she walked from her lab and past Kiyone; she felt that there was nothing to say. The scientist breezed past the detective silently, and Kiyone felt a sense of aloofness coming from the former goddess that chilled her.
The cool evening air blew gently against the scientist as she made her trek up the all-too-familiar side of the hill. The moonlight cast gentle glimmers against her as she passed under trees, and it was quite sudden when she found herself standing at the opening, behind the one man she loved. Tenchi sat on the very edge of the cliff, his head hung and his hands in his lap. His back was facing her, making his true expression unreadable, but Washu could tell by his posture that what he was going to tell her was going to be hard. Her heart leapt into her throat; this was it.the end.
But to her surprise, Tenchi turned to face her and smiled, his eyes brightening considerably. He stood and beckoned lightly for her to come towards him; which made Washu blink in confusion.
"Washu.I'm glad you could make it," Tenchi said, holding out a gentle hand to her. It was then that she took the time to look around her. She was astonished to find that there was a small tablecloth laid out underneath a nearby tree, with a few dishes and a bottle of champagne and two glasses as well. She felt a blush rise across her cheeks, and she began to wonder if she had been wrong. He took her hand gently and pulled her towards him, catching her in a tender embrace. "Kiyone said that you were very angry at her."
"I was.I still am."
"Don't be. She was only helping me plan all of this.for you."
Washu looked directly at him in eyes, green eyes shimmering. "You did all of this.just for me?"
"Why wouldn't I? I do, after all, love you."
Washu suddenly felt very foolish. She should've known that Tenchi would never have done something like this; it was not in his persona to treat those that he loved like that. Now, her mind was whirling with questions, like why he had been so secretive, and why he had done all of this just for her.
"Tenchi, what have-"
He placed a finger against her soft lips with a smile, hushing her a bit. "No questions, my Washu. Let's just savor the night, all right? You do.remember what tonight is, don't you?"
Washu smiled a bit as he led her towards the tablecloth and shook her head lightly. "No, although I feel that I should remember." She smiled sheepishly as she sat down beside him upon the cloth underneath the tree, and sighed as he handed her a glass of the champagne. The moonlight glinted magnificently in his eyes and hair as it filtered through the treetop, casting a nearly heavenly glow upon his handsome features, and she found it hard to tear her eyes away from his face long enough to accept the drink. He smiled at her as he raised his glass to hers and nodded gently, offering a toast.
"Tonight is the anniversary of the night.when I fell in love with you. It was the night when I found you up here on this very bluff, about ready to cry your eyes out.now do you remember?" His voice was soft and gentle, and his gaze was that of tenderness, just as intense as it had been when he had stood before her in her lab, determined to tell her of his love.
"Oh...oh my God." Washu smiled brilliantly as she accepted and returned the toast. "Has it really been a year?" She paused for a moment, her face that of reflection. She then reverted her gaze back to Tenchi and smiled again. "So.you planned all of this.just for this one night? This anniversary?"
Tenchi shifted in his seat. "Well.not exactly."
Washu's smile faltered slightly. "Well...then what was this all about?"
Tenchi gave her a nervous smile and stood up; sitting his empty glass aside before extending a hand towards the woman below him. She looked up at him curiously for a few seconds, then silently slipped her nimble hand into his. She stood and looked directly into his deep brown eyes before stepping lightly forward and wrapping her arms around his neck, nestling her head against his shoulder. A soft sigh escaped her lips as he pulled her closer, his warm arms embraced around her waist. Her mind was whirling with mixed thoughts as she stood cradled in his arms.what was he doing this for? Was this only his way of ending their relationship easily? She couldn't be for certain; yet she only hoped that her speculations were wrong.
"Tenchi," she began, pulling away from his embrace, "Over this past week, I've been trying to be someone I'm not." She closed her eyes, her hand still placed tenderly in his grasp. "I tried to change who I was in a futile attempt to bring your love back to me.I realize now that it wasn't the most ingenious thing that I've done in my life."
"You mean to tell me that all of those crazy charades were just an attempt to try to make me love you more? Oh, Washu.now it makes sense to me."
She sighed, her eyes still closed and her face directed towards the ground. "Yes.it was." She could feel him moving in front of her; felt her hand fall slowly as his hand did as well, but his grasp never weakened. She did not open her eyes, afraid of what he was going to say or do.
"Washu." she heard him say, "Promise me right now that you will never try to change yourself for me again.you don't need to. And this.this is why."
Washu took a breath and opened her eyes slightly, looking up to face him. But instead of the deep brown eyes of Tenchi Masaki, she was met with moonlight.
"Washu.my eyes are down here." came his voice from below, soft and gentle. Slightly afraid, Washu looked down to face the young man, and met his eyes. They were pleading and afraid, unsure and full of hope. And then, she saw it, nestled in his shaking palm. The ring. It was tucked securely away inside a black velvet box, the gold band gleaming under the moonlight. The diamond refracted the many beams of light, sending sparkles of light across his hand.
"What.what are you."
"Washu," he continued, his voice quaking with anxiety, yet strong with decisiveness, "Will you.marry me?" He closed his eyes, his breathing shaking.
'I went an entire week.so afraid of his words and silence.and now, I'm on the brink of what could be the most wonderful times of my life.' Washu remained speechless, her mind becoming quite incoherent until only one thing remained on her mind. A few tears slipped down her face, glittering in the dim light.
Tenchi looked up at her after she made no response and gasped at her tears. "Oh, no.I'm so sorry.I've said the wrong thing." He looked down, appearing ashamed. "I'm sorry.please don't cry.I'll never bring this up again."
"You.you won't need to." Her voice was soft and careful, only adding to the tension that Tenchi felt. He looked back up to her, still on his knee, and found that instead of her face portraying unhappiness and spite, it was one of euphoric joy. "Oh, Tenchi.do you have ANY IDEA what YOU PUT me through THIS WEEK?!" Her voice suddenly became loud and incredulous, and before Tenchi could react, a giant blur of ecstatic red-haired scientist plowed into him, knocking him onto his back quite effortlessly. He looked up into her blissfully gleaming eyes. "You're lucky I love you.otherwise I would've killed you for this past week."
Tenchi chuckled and laced his arms around her waist gently, the small velvet box still grasped in his palm. "So.I suppose this is your way of saying 'yes'?"
Washu beamed. "Damn straight."
"Oh dear.another morning.and today's the day.I wonder what Washu has up her sleeve this morning.I don't know if I could take any more of her weird switches; today's much too important for me to be distracted." Tenchi said softly to himself. He opened his dark brown eyes and looked around. His room seemed to be in perfect order; there was no masquerading wily redhead, no armory of her inventions fiercely guarding the door. He found it very surprising, in fact. He arose from bed and pulled on his clothes; he had to work up at the shrine today. As he stepped out of his room, he expected to be bombarded by a Mardi Gras costuming Washu or something worse that she had planned, but there was nothing. He peeked around the doorframe of his room, and walked out after deeming it safe. He crept towards the steps, unsure of any potential traps and snares, but when he reached the stairs, he nearly had a stroke from shock.
"Good morning, Tenchi." Washu said calmly with a weary smile. A purple hair wrap pulled her long red hair back, as usual, and she wore her normal attire, the old Royal Science Academy uniform that she had kept with her. He blinked at her appearance, and found that it a very welcome sight indeed, as was to see that she had restored her mature adult appearance as well.
"Oh, good morning, Washu. I can't talk; I have to get to the shrine early. I'll grab a quick breakfast on the go for now and see you all at lunch!"
Washu nodded; she had been the first one up besides Sasami; and Ryoko and the others were still contentedly snoozing. "Alright, Tenchi. See you then."
Tenchi nodded at her, and noticed the strangeness of the smile she gave him. It seemed strained and unsure; very odd for the wily scientist's persona. He looked at her with worry in his eyes as he walked out the door, and he wondered if he what he was planning was really what she wanted. He was beginning to doubt his decision; one that could very easily and most likely would change his life. Whether the change would be for the better or for the worse, he could not say just yet.
"Tonight.it's crept up on me so quickly." he thought as he walked up the long, steep steps towards the Masaki Shrine. "I just hope that Dad isn't late in delivering those items."
The day passed quickly for Tenchi, quicker that he would have liked, for as each hour passed, he grew more and more anxious, despite the chores that Katsuhito was making him do. When he swept, the broom in his palms shook horribly, even worse so as the sun began to set and he heard the familiar sounds of his father's footsteps coming up the steps.
"Tenchi?" came the deep voice of Nobayuki as he appeared at the head of the stairs. Tenchi smiled and walked towards him, the broom against his shoulder. Nobayuki was holding a few paper sacks in his broad arms, and he was smiling at his son a bit. "Tenchi, here's the things you asked me to get you."
"Thanks, Dad. You don't know how much I appreciate this."
"Don't worry about, son. Good luck, alright?"
"Thanks," Tenchi said with a smile as he took the sacks. He watched briefly as his father walked down the stairs and headed towards home, then he turned and walked to where his grandfather was. "Grandpa, I've got a lot of things to do tonight, so I promise I'll get here extra early tomorrow morning."
"Hmm.alright, Tenchi. Remember, extra early!"
Tenchi nodded as he set the broom aside and made his way towards the bluff, the sack clutched tightly in his hand.
Washu sighed as she gazed out the living room window, her eyes watching the sinking sun. Tenchi had not come back for lunch, and now it was nearing dinnertime, and there was still no sign of him. She assumed that he just was trying to avoid her, which didn't do any good to help her mood. That was when she spotted him. He was coming quickly down from the shrine, his arms laden with a few paper sacks. He seemed to be headed for the bluff, which struck a painful nerve in the former goddess' mind. Was he planning a little getaway up there for him and Kiyone? How could he!? That place had such serious meaning for her and Tenchi, and now he was taking her up there!? She arose; she was going to find out why he was acting like this. No more beating around the bush.
"Washu, wait!" came Kiyone's voice just as the redhead made her way out the door. Washu growled under her breath and turned to the detective, a dangerous look in her eyes.
"What do you want?" Washu snapped, the venom obvious in her words. Kiyone blinked a few times at the woman's hostility, but continued nonetheless, stumbling over her reasons to for Washu to not follow Tenchi.
"Uh.I don't think that's it's a good time to talk with Tenchi. He said that he wanted some time to think alone."
"Oh, I suppose you would know all about that, now wouldn't you?" Washu's eyes were slits of anger now, her words stinging rancorously. Kiyone looked very unsure and gave Washu a defeated look.
"Washu, I really don't know what's going on or why you're angry.but all I know is that Tenchi really needs to be alone right now."
"Fine. I'll go about my business then."
Washu stormed past the dark-haired police officer, closing the door before she headed for her lab. But as she opened the broom closet door, she heard the front door slide open, and when the scientist turned, she glared with animosity at Kiyone, who was heading up towards the bluff.
"Yeah.alone. Sure."
"Tenchi, you really need to tell her before it really gets out of hand." Kiyone said as she watched him move around with the items he had as he arranged them.
"Why? What happened now?"
"She was about really to kill me. I've never seen her look so severe towards anyone!"
"Well, it's over tonight. No more charades, no more hiding. She'll know by the end of tonight."
"Good. I wish you luck, Tenchi."
"Thanks. Could you go get her for me now?"
Washu's fingers flew furiously over the holographic keyboard in front of her, tears flowing freely down her delicate face. The glow from the computer's screen cast an eerie gleam against her tear-streaked face, but she paid it no heed. She was desperate to rid herself of this pain, even if it meant immersing herself in science and math for the rest of her days. The figures flew across the screen, but for some reason, the renowned genius wasn't able to concentrate on her work. Her mind was filled with images of Tenchi, of Tenchi and Kiyone.it was an image far worse than she cared to see.
"Damn you.damn you, Kiyone."
A knock at the lab door brought her eyes away from the screen, and she glared into the dark recesses near the door at the voice that spoke.
"Washu? Uhm, I think Tenchi wants to see you now.he's waiting at the bluff," came Kiyone's unsure voice. Washu grimaced and stood, wiping the tears from her face. She said nothing as she walked from her lab and past Kiyone; she felt that there was nothing to say. The scientist breezed past the detective silently, and Kiyone felt a sense of aloofness coming from the former goddess that chilled her.
The cool evening air blew gently against the scientist as she made her trek up the all-too-familiar side of the hill. The moonlight cast gentle glimmers against her as she passed under trees, and it was quite sudden when she found herself standing at the opening, behind the one man she loved. Tenchi sat on the very edge of the cliff, his head hung and his hands in his lap. His back was facing her, making his true expression unreadable, but Washu could tell by his posture that what he was going to tell her was going to be hard. Her heart leapt into her throat; this was it.the end.
But to her surprise, Tenchi turned to face her and smiled, his eyes brightening considerably. He stood and beckoned lightly for her to come towards him; which made Washu blink in confusion.
"Washu.I'm glad you could make it," Tenchi said, holding out a gentle hand to her. It was then that she took the time to look around her. She was astonished to find that there was a small tablecloth laid out underneath a nearby tree, with a few dishes and a bottle of champagne and two glasses as well. She felt a blush rise across her cheeks, and she began to wonder if she had been wrong. He took her hand gently and pulled her towards him, catching her in a tender embrace. "Kiyone said that you were very angry at her."
"I was.I still am."
"Don't be. She was only helping me plan all of this.for you."
Washu looked directly at him in eyes, green eyes shimmering. "You did all of this.just for me?"
"Why wouldn't I? I do, after all, love you."
Washu suddenly felt very foolish. She should've known that Tenchi would never have done something like this; it was not in his persona to treat those that he loved like that. Now, her mind was whirling with questions, like why he had been so secretive, and why he had done all of this just for her.
"Tenchi, what have-"
He placed a finger against her soft lips with a smile, hushing her a bit. "No questions, my Washu. Let's just savor the night, all right? You do.remember what tonight is, don't you?"
Washu smiled a bit as he led her towards the tablecloth and shook her head lightly. "No, although I feel that I should remember." She smiled sheepishly as she sat down beside him upon the cloth underneath the tree, and sighed as he handed her a glass of the champagne. The moonlight glinted magnificently in his eyes and hair as it filtered through the treetop, casting a nearly heavenly glow upon his handsome features, and she found it hard to tear her eyes away from his face long enough to accept the drink. He smiled at her as he raised his glass to hers and nodded gently, offering a toast.
"Tonight is the anniversary of the night.when I fell in love with you. It was the night when I found you up here on this very bluff, about ready to cry your eyes out.now do you remember?" His voice was soft and gentle, and his gaze was that of tenderness, just as intense as it had been when he had stood before her in her lab, determined to tell her of his love.
"Oh...oh my God." Washu smiled brilliantly as she accepted and returned the toast. "Has it really been a year?" She paused for a moment, her face that of reflection. She then reverted her gaze back to Tenchi and smiled again. "So.you planned all of this.just for this one night? This anniversary?"
Tenchi shifted in his seat. "Well.not exactly."
Washu's smile faltered slightly. "Well...then what was this all about?"
Tenchi gave her a nervous smile and stood up; sitting his empty glass aside before extending a hand towards the woman below him. She looked up at him curiously for a few seconds, then silently slipped her nimble hand into his. She stood and looked directly into his deep brown eyes before stepping lightly forward and wrapping her arms around his neck, nestling her head against his shoulder. A soft sigh escaped her lips as he pulled her closer, his warm arms embraced around her waist. Her mind was whirling with mixed thoughts as she stood cradled in his arms.what was he doing this for? Was this only his way of ending their relationship easily? She couldn't be for certain; yet she only hoped that her speculations were wrong.
"Tenchi," she began, pulling away from his embrace, "Over this past week, I've been trying to be someone I'm not." She closed her eyes, her hand still placed tenderly in his grasp. "I tried to change who I was in a futile attempt to bring your love back to me.I realize now that it wasn't the most ingenious thing that I've done in my life."
"You mean to tell me that all of those crazy charades were just an attempt to try to make me love you more? Oh, Washu.now it makes sense to me."
She sighed, her eyes still closed and her face directed towards the ground. "Yes.it was." She could feel him moving in front of her; felt her hand fall slowly as his hand did as well, but his grasp never weakened. She did not open her eyes, afraid of what he was going to say or do.
"Washu." she heard him say, "Promise me right now that you will never try to change yourself for me again.you don't need to. And this.this is why."
Washu took a breath and opened her eyes slightly, looking up to face him. But instead of the deep brown eyes of Tenchi Masaki, she was met with moonlight.
"Washu.my eyes are down here." came his voice from below, soft and gentle. Slightly afraid, Washu looked down to face the young man, and met his eyes. They were pleading and afraid, unsure and full of hope. And then, she saw it, nestled in his shaking palm. The ring. It was tucked securely away inside a black velvet box, the gold band gleaming under the moonlight. The diamond refracted the many beams of light, sending sparkles of light across his hand.
"What.what are you."
"Washu," he continued, his voice quaking with anxiety, yet strong with decisiveness, "Will you.marry me?" He closed his eyes, his breathing shaking.
'I went an entire week.so afraid of his words and silence.and now, I'm on the brink of what could be the most wonderful times of my life.' Washu remained speechless, her mind becoming quite incoherent until only one thing remained on her mind. A few tears slipped down her face, glittering in the dim light.
Tenchi looked up at her after she made no response and gasped at her tears. "Oh, no.I'm so sorry.I've said the wrong thing." He looked down, appearing ashamed. "I'm sorry.please don't cry.I'll never bring this up again."
"You.you won't need to." Her voice was soft and careful, only adding to the tension that Tenchi felt. He looked back up to her, still on his knee, and found that instead of her face portraying unhappiness and spite, it was one of euphoric joy. "Oh, Tenchi.do you have ANY IDEA what YOU PUT me through THIS WEEK?!" Her voice suddenly became loud and incredulous, and before Tenchi could react, a giant blur of ecstatic red-haired scientist plowed into him, knocking him onto his back quite effortlessly. He looked up into her blissfully gleaming eyes. "You're lucky I love you.otherwise I would've killed you for this past week."
Tenchi chuckled and laced his arms around her waist gently, the small velvet box still grasped in his palm. "So.I suppose this is your way of saying 'yes'?"
Washu beamed. "Damn straight."
