The Next Morning.
"Hmm.." Tenchi mumbled as he turned over in his sleep. He could vaguely remember something important happening last night, but it just wasn't connecting in his brain. He yawned and slowly opened his eyes, looking up at his ceiling. The sunlight glinted against his room through the open window, casting a cheery glow over his room. It was then that it hit him like a ton of bricks. His dark eyes flew wide and a quick breath escaped his lips.
"I'm engaged." he said softly to himself, blinking a few times. That was all it took for him to be wide-awake and whistling merrily as he got dressed. He was smiling brightly as he stepped from his room and turned to walk down the stairs. First things first; he was going to talk to Kiyone. Then Washu, and finally, Grandpa.
As he took the final step down the stairs and walked into the living room, he caught sight of Mihoshi watching cartoons and Sasami cooking through the serving window that peeked into the kitchen. Kiyone was tiredly meandering around the living room, but when she caught sight of Tenchi, she regained some of her lost composure and smiled.
"Good morning, Tenchi!"
"Good morning! Kiyone, I need to talk to you in private." Tenchi suddenly became very silent and serious, and Kiyone immediately got a bad feeling about what he was going to say. Quickly and quietly, she followed him back up to his room, her face grim and serious. As she entered his room behind him, she took a breath, preparing for the worst.
"Well, Kiyone.I asked her."
"That's good.how did it go?"
"Well." Tenchi, facing away from her, took a breath, his shoulders slumping a bit. Kiyone lowered her eyes.
"Oh, Tenchi.I'm so sorry. I was so sure that she was going to say yes."
As she raised her eyes again, Tenchi turned to face her, a wide smile placed upon his lips. Kiyone blinked; confused; but she had a feeling that she knew what had happened. And quite frankly, she was quite glad that she had been wrong about her assumptions.
"Hey, Kiyone; sorry that I can't stay and talk for long, but I have to go talk to a certain scientist who also happens to be engaged to! Bye!" With that, Tenchi took off for her lab, leaving Kiyone practically in the dust.
"Uhm...wow. I've never seen Tenchi so upbeat.hmm.I wonder what the other girls will say."
"Washu?" Tenchi called gently as he stepped through the psuedospace portal and stood in the lab. There was no trace of the wily scientist; and to add to the strangeness of the situation, it was completely silent. He took a few wary steps forward, looking back and forth for any hint of Washu's whereabouts. Her computer was on, but the screensaver was up; and the pillow upon which she usually sat was cool from her absence. "Uh.Washu?"
"Oopsie." came a soft, faraway reply. Tenchi froze immediately and slowly turned his head. He had just heard Washu.say "Oopsie".that NEVER was a good thing. From what seemed a remote area, footsteps quickly clanked upon the metal floor, as though someone was running. Then, from out of nowhere, Washu came hurtling from the side of a massive machine, darting top speed for cover.
"Watch out, Tenchi!! I made a BOO-BOO!!" she screamed, practically a blur. Tenchi blinked and watched in amazement as his fiancée took a flying leap and flew through the air towards the nearest wall, covering her head and tucking herself into a ball as she did so. He winced as she hit the floor, rolling and curled up. She came to a stop rather quickly, stuck in a tight fetal position. She lay there for a few moments, trembling from the fear of the soon to come explosion, eyes shut tightly. Then, she looked up and around, a curious look on her face. Suddenly, a brilliant smile spread across her face, her jade eyes glittering triumphantly.
"Washu?"
"Hot damn, I was wrong!" she declared, standing and dusting herself off. She wore a long white lab coat over her attire, a red vest over a white dress shirt and black shorts. "So, what d'ya want, Tenchi?"
Tenchi blinked for a moment. "Ah, what were you doing when I came in here?"
"Uhm.do I really have to tell you?"
"Yep. What were you doing?"
"Uhm...I was fixing some teriyaki chicken." She smiled nervously.
Tenchi nearly fell over. "You DO know we have a kitchen right in there, right?"
"Well, yeah, but we're out of chicken."
"No, we're not."
"HEY!" Washu cried suddenly, pointing an indignant finger at him quickly. "That's no way to talk about my daughter! She may be like a loud, obnoxious farm animal, but she's no chicken!" Washu paused, looking a bit thoughtful. "She's more like a jackass."
Tenchi chuckled a bit. "Though that may be true, Washu, that still doesn't give you the right to blow up half the house. Anyway-"
"I didn't blow up the house; this is a whole 'nother dimension!!!"
"ANYWAY-" Tenchi repeated with an amused look, "What I came here to talk to you about was not Ryoko's behavior-"
"What about her-"
"No."
"Well, how about her-"
"NO."
"Well, geez!! What did you want to talk to me about?! It's not like I have ALL the time in the universe, ya know!!"
Tenchi sighed and dropped his head. "Just meet me at the shrine at lunch so we can talk to Grandpa about the ceremony, okay?"
Washu grinned. "Oh, is that all? Well, damn it, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? Sheesh.some people never give you a break."
"I'll leave you to your teriyaki chicken now." Tenchi shook his head, exasperated and yet strangely amused, before heading back into his home and towards the shrine.
"Uh, Grandpa?" Tenchi began, slowly walking up to Katsuhito. He glanced at his watch; the time being around 12:00 pm; and felt a light sweat begin to break upon his brow. Katsuhito looked up from his sweeping at his grandson and nodded.
"Yes, Tenchi? What is it?" He smiled a bit as he noticed the slightly apprehensive gleam in his eyes.
"Well, I need to talk to you about arranging.well, arranging a wedding; my wedding," the young man stammered, smiling a bit. Katsuhito; on a sudden impulse, laughed and sighed, leaning on his broomstick.
"Oh really? Well, it's so nice that you and Ayeka have finally decided to settle down and start a family of your own," he mused, simply giving his nervous grandson a hard time. He knew very well whom Tenchi was getting married to; he just felt it necessary to bother him a bit longer. "She'll be such a nice influence on you."
"Uh, Grandpa, that's not who I'm-"
"-And she's so cultured and refined! And to think that I might actually see my great grandchildren!"
"GRANDPA! That's not who I'm getting married to! Plus, we all know that with your Juraian tree here, you'll live a lot longer than you let on!"
The old man stopped and gave Tenchi a piercing gaze. "You're not getting married to Ayeka? Well, then who? The princess will be so heart broken! I suppose I should go and console her now-"
"NO!"
Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around Tenchi's neck from above, and a wisp of reddish-pink hair fell about his shoulders.
"Tenchi! I'm here! Sorry I'm late, I got caught up trying to conjure up some fried rice to go with my chicken!" came Washu's singsong voice.
Tenchi smiled and looked up at her with relief. "I thought you'd never show up."
"For shame!" Katsuhito suddenly scolded, pointing the end of his broom at him. Tenchi and Washu both blinked and looked at him curiously.
"What?" They chorused, genuinely concerned.
"Tenchi, how could you cheat on poor Ayeka like that? I can't believe you! You know she'll never forgive you."
Tenchi blanched. "Oh man."
Washu smirked and popped down to the ground, still entangled in Tenchi's arms. "Y'know what, Grandpa? I think you're getting senile in your old age."
"I don't think you have much room to talk, O Honorable Old One," the old Juraian prince retorted with a knowing smile. Washu's gaze immediately turned sour.
"Watch it there, Gramps, or I'll knock you from here to wherever Mihoshi's intelligence came from!"
"Hmm.where is that, exactly, O Honorable Ol- Professor?" Katsuhito continued, still smirking.
Washu shrugged. "I dunno, but wherever it is, it must be a long ways away!"
Tenchi looked at her curiously. "Why do you say that?"
"Because her intelligence STILL hasn't gotten here, and we ordered it right along with Ryoko's manners!"
"Anyways, Grandpa," Tenchi said, cutting off the bit of mirth for more serious things, "Would you do the wedding for us if you can give you the date?"
Katsuhito chuckled a bit and nodded. "Hmm, well I'll have to check with Ayeka's schedule-"
"AUGH! GRANDPA!!!"
"Alright, Tenchi, calm yourself." The old shrine keeper put a hand on his grandson's shoulder and nodded. "I'd be honored. Who are you planning to invite?"
"Just family and friends, really-"
Washu abruptly cut off his statement with a chuckle; but said nothing. Katsuhito caught on to Washu's humor, but also said nothing, and began to wave the two away.
"Now go on, you two, you both have a lot to plan-"
"But, Grandpa, don't you need my-"
"Yes, Tenchi, I mean you too. You two lovebirds have a lot to plan!"
Tenchi groaned, but began to follow his red-haired fiancée down the steep steps, still curious as to what Washu was finding so funny. He turned back to his grandfather quickly though; something catching in his mind.
"REMEMBER, GRANDPA! Don't tell anyone!"
"Alright! I'll be sure to tell everyone!" Katsuhito called back mirthfully. Tenchi sighed and shook his head; he was truly thankful that his grandfather was only kidding. He quickly caught up to Washu and got in stride with her, and took her hand in his with a curious smile; for she was still chuckling to herself.
"What, may I ask, is so funny, Miss Washu?"
She stopped and grinned at him, letting him pull her into his arms. She placed a gentle kiss on his lips and continued with that mysterious smile. "Tenchi, did you ever take into account as to how many people are included in your circle of family and friends?"
Tenchi paled visibly. "Oh dear.do I seriously have to invite the entire planet of Jurai?"
Washu smirked. "I'll make it worth your while."
Later That Evening.
"You know what would be interesting?" Mihoshi said suddenly at the dinner table, pausing in her eating a bit to look around at the entourage that surrounded the table.
Kiyone sighed. "What, Mihoshi?"
"If Jessie and James of Team Rocket went to Hogwarts!" The detective cried, beaming. Everyone stared at her, except for Washu, who kept on eating.
"What the Heck is a Hogwart? You mean you want those two cartoon characters to go to some warty hog's back?" Ryoko asked, blinking curiously.
Washu sighed. "No, Ryoko. Mihoshi is referring to the British School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I've been there before; very nice, even if that one Potions master wasn't all that great. And oy, those Dementors! They never let me alone, just because I ran around passing out flyers that said, "The Head Dementor's a Douche" and made rather vulgar chants about them. Oh, by the way," Washu paused in her tirade to turn to Katsuhito and smiled. "Thanks for agreeing to conduct the wedding ceremony for Tenchi and I! Anyways, as I was saying, that Draco Malfoy, man, sometimes I just wanted to-"
"WHAT?!" The room burst out in shock. Washu jumped a bit and looked around at those who were staring at her with inquisitiveness.
"What? I wasn't gonna do anything bad, I was just gonna-"
"Not.that, Washu." Tenchi said numbly, looking around at the several pairs of eyes that were staring at him and her. Only Kiyone, Katsuhito, and Nobayuki (who happened to be grinning a mile wide) didn't seem to be affected by the impromptu announcement. Washu looked to Tenchi, then around at the room with curious green eyes. She regarded the stupefied, angry, surprised, and ecstatic looks on her comrades' expressions and chuckled a bit.
"What, Tenchi? All I did was thank Grandpa; that's all. Why is that a bad thing?"
Ayeka stood up quickly and shot a betrayed glare in the direction of Katsuhito and the engaged couple, and walked out, a defiant and furious aura about her. Tenchi would have called out to her, but both he and Washu were being bombarded with remarks and questions from all fronts. Mihoshi had jumped up, scattering food and drinks all about the tatami mat floor; causing Nobayuki to pale considerably. Tatami mats were NOT cheap. But Mihoshi, oblivious to it all, leaped the table in a single bound and nearly landed in Tenchi and Washu's laps, her eyes full of joyful tears.
"I'm SOOO moved! It's so beautiful!!" She sobbed, shaking them back and forth with much vigor. Sasami was giggling and pulled Ryo-Ohki from her head, shaking the cabbit back and forth with euphoria.
"Can you believe it, Ryo-Ohki? A wedding!! Hehe!!"
Ryoko leaned back and looked mirthfully sarcastic, laughing. "Yeah, right, in your dreams, Washu! Whatever, as if Tenchi would ever really want to marry you when he can always marry me!" She took this last sentence to gaze fondly in his direction, her gold eyes shimmering.
Tenchi only returned her gaze with a nervous laugh and put a hand behind his head. "Ah.well."
Ryoko's eyes narrowed quickly. "What are you saying, Tenchi?" Her voice was flat and suspicious.
He quickly looked up at her and waved his hands about quickly. "Hey, now, Ryoko, Washu said it, not me!"
Washu took this opportune moment to shove Mihoshi from on top of her and crawled seductively into his lap, lacing her arms about his neck with a glimmer of passion in her jade eyes (much to the alarm of Ryoko). Mihoshi immediately began to burst into tears again due to the profound fact that it was "soooo beautiful", while Kalea, in the process of leaning gently towards Nobayuki, put a gentle hand over the small princess's eyes. Nobayuki, thrilled by the fact that his son was, "ALL GROWN UP!!!", took in breath as he realized that the former hula girl was quaintly leaning against him. Katsuhito shot a glance at his son-in-law with a knowing glint in his eye, then turned back to watch the unfolding action over in Tenchi's lap.
"But, Tenchi." Washu began sweetly and softly, looking him directly into the eyes with ardor. Her expression suddenly changed from sensual to stern and she poked him roughly in the chest. "You're the one who asked me...or have you forgotten that already?"
"IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!"
Tenchi looked up into his aggravated fiancée's flashing emerald eyes and smiled a bit; a hint of his own irritation in his usually calm eyes. Gently, he moved Washu from her perch in his lap and stood, dusting himself off a bit. "No, Washu, I didn't forget. But I was hoping to have more warning." He glanced over at the fallen face of the former space pirate, but the words that formed in his mouth could never even be spoken as Ryoko closed her golden eyes and vanished from the house. Tenchi sighed and looked over at Washu, who was looking up at him with curious eyes, then turned and walked away, heading upstairs. He said not a word to the scientist as he left, and Washu began to wonder if blurting the announcement out like that had really been a wise decision.
"Hmm.I wonder what's gotten into him!" Nobayuki asked himself curiously as he watched his son walk off; not paying mind to Washu's dismayed look nor the increasing decibel level of Mihoshi's sobs.
"IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!"
Sighing, the past goddess stood and thanked Sasami as well, then quietly excused herself, a stern, almost scolding look upon her delicate features, then stepped lightly into the living room, where she saw Ayeka sitting rigidly on the sofa, staring pointedly at the blank television screen.
"Princess Ayeka, I'm really sor-" Washu began sincerely, but the Juraian royal cut her off with a regal swish of her hand.
"I do not wish to speak to you, Miss Washu. Now leave my presence at once; when I want to talk with you; I will make it known!" And the princess fell silent once more. Washu grimaced and shook her head in disgust at Ayeka's attitude, and turned away from her, stepping quietly into her laboratory. After the door closed shut, she stopped and sighed, turning to face a wall and punched at it angrily, thankful that she had chosen a pad wall instead of a hard, uncushioned one.
"Why was I so foolish? Damn it." she whispered, leaning against the wall as her light anger ceded. "I'll go talk to him when everyone else is asleep.it would do for more privacy than if I simply walked out now and went up there in front of everyone. I just hope that he calms down enough."
Quietly, she peeked her head out from her lab; checking to see if anyone else was still awake. It had been a few hours since dinner, and thankfully, the lights were all out. Silently, she crept out from her hiding spot and made her way up the stairs, making sure not to make a sound as she trekked up there. A few boards creaked as she finished her ascent, and she winced a bit, but when no further sounds were made, she continued on until she came up to his door. It was shut tightly, so she lightly rapped on it, not wanting to surprise him any further than she already had that day. When there was no answer, she peeked her head through the door, making herself intangible for the operation. She saw that his bed was not occupied, rather, he was standing out upon the veranda that was connected to his room; leaning against the railing in his pajamas. His back was facing her, so she wordlessly slipped through the door like a ghost, her feet gracing the floor slightly as she walked towards him. She made her way out onto the moonlit overhanging and stood behind him, the night wind chilling her bare shoulders.
"Uhm, Tenchi?" she said lightly, reaching a hand out for his shoulder. It was silent for a moment, but he made no move.
"Yes?" he asked casually and quietly, not turning to face her. Washu inwardly cringed at his tone; perhaps he hadn't calmed down. A bit more cautious, she stepped forward a bit more, her jade eyes catching the moonlight as she tried to discern his facial expression.
"Tenchi.are you.are you-"
At this, Tenchi turned around, a gentle smile playing upon his handsome features. He took the hand that was outstretched towards him into his palm and pulled her against him. His russet eyes were gleaming a bit; the silvery moonlight cascading over him elegantly.
"Washu, did you think that I was angry with you?" he asked lightly, regarding her expression.
The red-haired scientist looked down a bit, a light pink rising on her cheeks as she got a sheepish expression on her face. "Yeah," she muttered lightly, letting an embarrassed smile fall upon her lips.
"Ohhh," he said, letting a chuckle escape from his throat as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Well, I wasn't. Just a bit.surprised, I guess." He pulled away and looked at her with a smile. "Just warn me in advance next time, alright?" He paused for a moment and regarded his pajama- clad fiancée. "Nice pajamas, Washu."
She was wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants that were light green with watermelons and crabs sprinkled all over, and a matching light green tank top. She shivered lightly from the chill wind, and he took her in his warm embrace with a reassuring smile. She let out a long held sigh and snuggled into his arms a bit as they stepped back into his room, back into the warmth of the house. He closed the door behind him and turned on his nearby lamp gently, letting a small amount of light flood the room. She yawned a bit and he hugged her gently again, then turned her around to face him.
"I'm sorry that you were worried, Washu. Just go get some rest; you look tired." He kissed her gently and smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I love you."
Washu broke into an inadvertent grin and sighed. "I love you too, Tenchi. Good night."
"Hmm.." Tenchi mumbled as he turned over in his sleep. He could vaguely remember something important happening last night, but it just wasn't connecting in his brain. He yawned and slowly opened his eyes, looking up at his ceiling. The sunlight glinted against his room through the open window, casting a cheery glow over his room. It was then that it hit him like a ton of bricks. His dark eyes flew wide and a quick breath escaped his lips.
"I'm engaged." he said softly to himself, blinking a few times. That was all it took for him to be wide-awake and whistling merrily as he got dressed. He was smiling brightly as he stepped from his room and turned to walk down the stairs. First things first; he was going to talk to Kiyone. Then Washu, and finally, Grandpa.
As he took the final step down the stairs and walked into the living room, he caught sight of Mihoshi watching cartoons and Sasami cooking through the serving window that peeked into the kitchen. Kiyone was tiredly meandering around the living room, but when she caught sight of Tenchi, she regained some of her lost composure and smiled.
"Good morning, Tenchi!"
"Good morning! Kiyone, I need to talk to you in private." Tenchi suddenly became very silent and serious, and Kiyone immediately got a bad feeling about what he was going to say. Quickly and quietly, she followed him back up to his room, her face grim and serious. As she entered his room behind him, she took a breath, preparing for the worst.
"Well, Kiyone.I asked her."
"That's good.how did it go?"
"Well." Tenchi, facing away from her, took a breath, his shoulders slumping a bit. Kiyone lowered her eyes.
"Oh, Tenchi.I'm so sorry. I was so sure that she was going to say yes."
As she raised her eyes again, Tenchi turned to face her, a wide smile placed upon his lips. Kiyone blinked; confused; but she had a feeling that she knew what had happened. And quite frankly, she was quite glad that she had been wrong about her assumptions.
"Hey, Kiyone; sorry that I can't stay and talk for long, but I have to go talk to a certain scientist who also happens to be engaged to! Bye!" With that, Tenchi took off for her lab, leaving Kiyone practically in the dust.
"Uhm...wow. I've never seen Tenchi so upbeat.hmm.I wonder what the other girls will say."
"Washu?" Tenchi called gently as he stepped through the psuedospace portal and stood in the lab. There was no trace of the wily scientist; and to add to the strangeness of the situation, it was completely silent. He took a few wary steps forward, looking back and forth for any hint of Washu's whereabouts. Her computer was on, but the screensaver was up; and the pillow upon which she usually sat was cool from her absence. "Uh.Washu?"
"Oopsie." came a soft, faraway reply. Tenchi froze immediately and slowly turned his head. He had just heard Washu.say "Oopsie".that NEVER was a good thing. From what seemed a remote area, footsteps quickly clanked upon the metal floor, as though someone was running. Then, from out of nowhere, Washu came hurtling from the side of a massive machine, darting top speed for cover.
"Watch out, Tenchi!! I made a BOO-BOO!!" she screamed, practically a blur. Tenchi blinked and watched in amazement as his fiancée took a flying leap and flew through the air towards the nearest wall, covering her head and tucking herself into a ball as she did so. He winced as she hit the floor, rolling and curled up. She came to a stop rather quickly, stuck in a tight fetal position. She lay there for a few moments, trembling from the fear of the soon to come explosion, eyes shut tightly. Then, she looked up and around, a curious look on her face. Suddenly, a brilliant smile spread across her face, her jade eyes glittering triumphantly.
"Washu?"
"Hot damn, I was wrong!" she declared, standing and dusting herself off. She wore a long white lab coat over her attire, a red vest over a white dress shirt and black shorts. "So, what d'ya want, Tenchi?"
Tenchi blinked for a moment. "Ah, what were you doing when I came in here?"
"Uhm.do I really have to tell you?"
"Yep. What were you doing?"
"Uhm...I was fixing some teriyaki chicken." She smiled nervously.
Tenchi nearly fell over. "You DO know we have a kitchen right in there, right?"
"Well, yeah, but we're out of chicken."
"No, we're not."
"HEY!" Washu cried suddenly, pointing an indignant finger at him quickly. "That's no way to talk about my daughter! She may be like a loud, obnoxious farm animal, but she's no chicken!" Washu paused, looking a bit thoughtful. "She's more like a jackass."
Tenchi chuckled a bit. "Though that may be true, Washu, that still doesn't give you the right to blow up half the house. Anyway-"
"I didn't blow up the house; this is a whole 'nother dimension!!!"
"ANYWAY-" Tenchi repeated with an amused look, "What I came here to talk to you about was not Ryoko's behavior-"
"What about her-"
"No."
"Well, how about her-"
"NO."
"Well, geez!! What did you want to talk to me about?! It's not like I have ALL the time in the universe, ya know!!"
Tenchi sighed and dropped his head. "Just meet me at the shrine at lunch so we can talk to Grandpa about the ceremony, okay?"
Washu grinned. "Oh, is that all? Well, damn it, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? Sheesh.some people never give you a break."
"I'll leave you to your teriyaki chicken now." Tenchi shook his head, exasperated and yet strangely amused, before heading back into his home and towards the shrine.
"Uh, Grandpa?" Tenchi began, slowly walking up to Katsuhito. He glanced at his watch; the time being around 12:00 pm; and felt a light sweat begin to break upon his brow. Katsuhito looked up from his sweeping at his grandson and nodded.
"Yes, Tenchi? What is it?" He smiled a bit as he noticed the slightly apprehensive gleam in his eyes.
"Well, I need to talk to you about arranging.well, arranging a wedding; my wedding," the young man stammered, smiling a bit. Katsuhito; on a sudden impulse, laughed and sighed, leaning on his broomstick.
"Oh really? Well, it's so nice that you and Ayeka have finally decided to settle down and start a family of your own," he mused, simply giving his nervous grandson a hard time. He knew very well whom Tenchi was getting married to; he just felt it necessary to bother him a bit longer. "She'll be such a nice influence on you."
"Uh, Grandpa, that's not who I'm-"
"-And she's so cultured and refined! And to think that I might actually see my great grandchildren!"
"GRANDPA! That's not who I'm getting married to! Plus, we all know that with your Juraian tree here, you'll live a lot longer than you let on!"
The old man stopped and gave Tenchi a piercing gaze. "You're not getting married to Ayeka? Well, then who? The princess will be so heart broken! I suppose I should go and console her now-"
"NO!"
Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around Tenchi's neck from above, and a wisp of reddish-pink hair fell about his shoulders.
"Tenchi! I'm here! Sorry I'm late, I got caught up trying to conjure up some fried rice to go with my chicken!" came Washu's singsong voice.
Tenchi smiled and looked up at her with relief. "I thought you'd never show up."
"For shame!" Katsuhito suddenly scolded, pointing the end of his broom at him. Tenchi and Washu both blinked and looked at him curiously.
"What?" They chorused, genuinely concerned.
"Tenchi, how could you cheat on poor Ayeka like that? I can't believe you! You know she'll never forgive you."
Tenchi blanched. "Oh man."
Washu smirked and popped down to the ground, still entangled in Tenchi's arms. "Y'know what, Grandpa? I think you're getting senile in your old age."
"I don't think you have much room to talk, O Honorable Old One," the old Juraian prince retorted with a knowing smile. Washu's gaze immediately turned sour.
"Watch it there, Gramps, or I'll knock you from here to wherever Mihoshi's intelligence came from!"
"Hmm.where is that, exactly, O Honorable Ol- Professor?" Katsuhito continued, still smirking.
Washu shrugged. "I dunno, but wherever it is, it must be a long ways away!"
Tenchi looked at her curiously. "Why do you say that?"
"Because her intelligence STILL hasn't gotten here, and we ordered it right along with Ryoko's manners!"
"Anyways, Grandpa," Tenchi said, cutting off the bit of mirth for more serious things, "Would you do the wedding for us if you can give you the date?"
Katsuhito chuckled a bit and nodded. "Hmm, well I'll have to check with Ayeka's schedule-"
"AUGH! GRANDPA!!!"
"Alright, Tenchi, calm yourself." The old shrine keeper put a hand on his grandson's shoulder and nodded. "I'd be honored. Who are you planning to invite?"
"Just family and friends, really-"
Washu abruptly cut off his statement with a chuckle; but said nothing. Katsuhito caught on to Washu's humor, but also said nothing, and began to wave the two away.
"Now go on, you two, you both have a lot to plan-"
"But, Grandpa, don't you need my-"
"Yes, Tenchi, I mean you too. You two lovebirds have a lot to plan!"
Tenchi groaned, but began to follow his red-haired fiancée down the steep steps, still curious as to what Washu was finding so funny. He turned back to his grandfather quickly though; something catching in his mind.
"REMEMBER, GRANDPA! Don't tell anyone!"
"Alright! I'll be sure to tell everyone!" Katsuhito called back mirthfully. Tenchi sighed and shook his head; he was truly thankful that his grandfather was only kidding. He quickly caught up to Washu and got in stride with her, and took her hand in his with a curious smile; for she was still chuckling to herself.
"What, may I ask, is so funny, Miss Washu?"
She stopped and grinned at him, letting him pull her into his arms. She placed a gentle kiss on his lips and continued with that mysterious smile. "Tenchi, did you ever take into account as to how many people are included in your circle of family and friends?"
Tenchi paled visibly. "Oh dear.do I seriously have to invite the entire planet of Jurai?"
Washu smirked. "I'll make it worth your while."
Later That Evening.
"You know what would be interesting?" Mihoshi said suddenly at the dinner table, pausing in her eating a bit to look around at the entourage that surrounded the table.
Kiyone sighed. "What, Mihoshi?"
"If Jessie and James of Team Rocket went to Hogwarts!" The detective cried, beaming. Everyone stared at her, except for Washu, who kept on eating.
"What the Heck is a Hogwart? You mean you want those two cartoon characters to go to some warty hog's back?" Ryoko asked, blinking curiously.
Washu sighed. "No, Ryoko. Mihoshi is referring to the British School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I've been there before; very nice, even if that one Potions master wasn't all that great. And oy, those Dementors! They never let me alone, just because I ran around passing out flyers that said, "The Head Dementor's a Douche" and made rather vulgar chants about them. Oh, by the way," Washu paused in her tirade to turn to Katsuhito and smiled. "Thanks for agreeing to conduct the wedding ceremony for Tenchi and I! Anyways, as I was saying, that Draco Malfoy, man, sometimes I just wanted to-"
"WHAT?!" The room burst out in shock. Washu jumped a bit and looked around at those who were staring at her with inquisitiveness.
"What? I wasn't gonna do anything bad, I was just gonna-"
"Not.that, Washu." Tenchi said numbly, looking around at the several pairs of eyes that were staring at him and her. Only Kiyone, Katsuhito, and Nobayuki (who happened to be grinning a mile wide) didn't seem to be affected by the impromptu announcement. Washu looked to Tenchi, then around at the room with curious green eyes. She regarded the stupefied, angry, surprised, and ecstatic looks on her comrades' expressions and chuckled a bit.
"What, Tenchi? All I did was thank Grandpa; that's all. Why is that a bad thing?"
Ayeka stood up quickly and shot a betrayed glare in the direction of Katsuhito and the engaged couple, and walked out, a defiant and furious aura about her. Tenchi would have called out to her, but both he and Washu were being bombarded with remarks and questions from all fronts. Mihoshi had jumped up, scattering food and drinks all about the tatami mat floor; causing Nobayuki to pale considerably. Tatami mats were NOT cheap. But Mihoshi, oblivious to it all, leaped the table in a single bound and nearly landed in Tenchi and Washu's laps, her eyes full of joyful tears.
"I'm SOOO moved! It's so beautiful!!" She sobbed, shaking them back and forth with much vigor. Sasami was giggling and pulled Ryo-Ohki from her head, shaking the cabbit back and forth with euphoria.
"Can you believe it, Ryo-Ohki? A wedding!! Hehe!!"
Ryoko leaned back and looked mirthfully sarcastic, laughing. "Yeah, right, in your dreams, Washu! Whatever, as if Tenchi would ever really want to marry you when he can always marry me!" She took this last sentence to gaze fondly in his direction, her gold eyes shimmering.
Tenchi only returned her gaze with a nervous laugh and put a hand behind his head. "Ah.well."
Ryoko's eyes narrowed quickly. "What are you saying, Tenchi?" Her voice was flat and suspicious.
He quickly looked up at her and waved his hands about quickly. "Hey, now, Ryoko, Washu said it, not me!"
Washu took this opportune moment to shove Mihoshi from on top of her and crawled seductively into his lap, lacing her arms about his neck with a glimmer of passion in her jade eyes (much to the alarm of Ryoko). Mihoshi immediately began to burst into tears again due to the profound fact that it was "soooo beautiful", while Kalea, in the process of leaning gently towards Nobayuki, put a gentle hand over the small princess's eyes. Nobayuki, thrilled by the fact that his son was, "ALL GROWN UP!!!", took in breath as he realized that the former hula girl was quaintly leaning against him. Katsuhito shot a glance at his son-in-law with a knowing glint in his eye, then turned back to watch the unfolding action over in Tenchi's lap.
"But, Tenchi." Washu began sweetly and softly, looking him directly into the eyes with ardor. Her expression suddenly changed from sensual to stern and she poked him roughly in the chest. "You're the one who asked me...or have you forgotten that already?"
"IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!"
Tenchi looked up into his aggravated fiancée's flashing emerald eyes and smiled a bit; a hint of his own irritation in his usually calm eyes. Gently, he moved Washu from her perch in his lap and stood, dusting himself off a bit. "No, Washu, I didn't forget. But I was hoping to have more warning." He glanced over at the fallen face of the former space pirate, but the words that formed in his mouth could never even be spoken as Ryoko closed her golden eyes and vanished from the house. Tenchi sighed and looked over at Washu, who was looking up at him with curious eyes, then turned and walked away, heading upstairs. He said not a word to the scientist as he left, and Washu began to wonder if blurting the announcement out like that had really been a wise decision.
"Hmm.I wonder what's gotten into him!" Nobayuki asked himself curiously as he watched his son walk off; not paying mind to Washu's dismayed look nor the increasing decibel level of Mihoshi's sobs.
"IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!"
Sighing, the past goddess stood and thanked Sasami as well, then quietly excused herself, a stern, almost scolding look upon her delicate features, then stepped lightly into the living room, where she saw Ayeka sitting rigidly on the sofa, staring pointedly at the blank television screen.
"Princess Ayeka, I'm really sor-" Washu began sincerely, but the Juraian royal cut her off with a regal swish of her hand.
"I do not wish to speak to you, Miss Washu. Now leave my presence at once; when I want to talk with you; I will make it known!" And the princess fell silent once more. Washu grimaced and shook her head in disgust at Ayeka's attitude, and turned away from her, stepping quietly into her laboratory. After the door closed shut, she stopped and sighed, turning to face a wall and punched at it angrily, thankful that she had chosen a pad wall instead of a hard, uncushioned one.
"Why was I so foolish? Damn it." she whispered, leaning against the wall as her light anger ceded. "I'll go talk to him when everyone else is asleep.it would do for more privacy than if I simply walked out now and went up there in front of everyone. I just hope that he calms down enough."
Quietly, she peeked her head out from her lab; checking to see if anyone else was still awake. It had been a few hours since dinner, and thankfully, the lights were all out. Silently, she crept out from her hiding spot and made her way up the stairs, making sure not to make a sound as she trekked up there. A few boards creaked as she finished her ascent, and she winced a bit, but when no further sounds were made, she continued on until she came up to his door. It was shut tightly, so she lightly rapped on it, not wanting to surprise him any further than she already had that day. When there was no answer, she peeked her head through the door, making herself intangible for the operation. She saw that his bed was not occupied, rather, he was standing out upon the veranda that was connected to his room; leaning against the railing in his pajamas. His back was facing her, so she wordlessly slipped through the door like a ghost, her feet gracing the floor slightly as she walked towards him. She made her way out onto the moonlit overhanging and stood behind him, the night wind chilling her bare shoulders.
"Uhm, Tenchi?" she said lightly, reaching a hand out for his shoulder. It was silent for a moment, but he made no move.
"Yes?" he asked casually and quietly, not turning to face her. Washu inwardly cringed at his tone; perhaps he hadn't calmed down. A bit more cautious, she stepped forward a bit more, her jade eyes catching the moonlight as she tried to discern his facial expression.
"Tenchi.are you.are you-"
At this, Tenchi turned around, a gentle smile playing upon his handsome features. He took the hand that was outstretched towards him into his palm and pulled her against him. His russet eyes were gleaming a bit; the silvery moonlight cascading over him elegantly.
"Washu, did you think that I was angry with you?" he asked lightly, regarding her expression.
The red-haired scientist looked down a bit, a light pink rising on her cheeks as she got a sheepish expression on her face. "Yeah," she muttered lightly, letting an embarrassed smile fall upon her lips.
"Ohhh," he said, letting a chuckle escape from his throat as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Well, I wasn't. Just a bit.surprised, I guess." He pulled away and looked at her with a smile. "Just warn me in advance next time, alright?" He paused for a moment and regarded his pajama- clad fiancée. "Nice pajamas, Washu."
She was wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants that were light green with watermelons and crabs sprinkled all over, and a matching light green tank top. She shivered lightly from the chill wind, and he took her in his warm embrace with a reassuring smile. She let out a long held sigh and snuggled into his arms a bit as they stepped back into his room, back into the warmth of the house. He closed the door behind him and turned on his nearby lamp gently, letting a small amount of light flood the room. She yawned a bit and he hugged her gently again, then turned her around to face him.
"I'm sorry that you were worried, Washu. Just go get some rest; you look tired." He kissed her gently and smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I love you."
Washu broke into an inadvertent grin and sighed. "I love you too, Tenchi. Good night."
