If you don't know by now I do not own any of the characters from Tenchi Muyo, Tenchi Universe, and or Tenchi in Tokyo and so on. They are copyrighted by AIC & Pioneer. I am only writing this for entertainment and the Ryoko and Hotsuma Legion. NOT for cash so please, please don't sue me. I don't have much of value but my cute wittle puppy. A few graphic novels, and some Ryoko pics. And I will kill if anyone dare try to take those things from me! Ahem! If this story seems similar to your own or someone you know, don't tell me cause I don't give a damn anymore. Why are you even reading this? Go on and skip down to the story.

Oh and thanks to each and every one of you for the reviews, you people are great! Even you Tokimi's Avatar (who I doubt is even reading this), all criticism helps.

I Now Know Where I Belong

Ryoko sat on a small baby blue blanket underneath Funaho's branches, with her slender legs half curled underneath her she sighed deeply as she half read an action manga and half gazed up longingly into the amazingly clear blue sky. Her eyes slowly drifted from the sky towards the house.

At the time she couldn't stand to be inside of it, it was so empty and quiet without everyone there. Thought it was only a mere month ago that the others had left, but to Ryoko it felt much much longer. Tenchi and Ayeka left taking along the two GXP detectives, Noboyuki, and Sasami. Ryoko kindly sent Ryo-ohki with Sasami so that when she was ready to return Earth she could at anytime she pleased. She also sent Ryo-ohki because she felt horrible for separating the two before; she wouldn't dare to do it again.

The only ones who remained were Washu, Katsuhito, and herself. For whatever reason Katsuhito decided to stay behind it was completely beyond her. But what was even more beyond her was where Hotsuma could have disappeared to. In total he had left two weeks and three days ago, and as she missed the others his absents seemed much longer than what it truly was and she missed him desperately.

With a deep sigh Ryoko leaned back against Funaho's rough bark. She looked up into the broken beams of sunlight playing through the leaves and branches. She smiled as she sent a warm good afternoon greeting to Funaho. Thin threads of light rained down over Ryoko surrounding her in the beautiful display of colorful lights. They danced around embracing her with their glows.

Ryoko smiled holding out her narrow fingers to play against the lights as if they were the delicate strings of a harp. She laughed as the little lines of lights slowly faded away. Same to you old girl. She whispered leaning against Funaho again returning to her thoughts of Hotsuma's disappearance.

Thinking about him again? A smooth kindly voice asked.

Ryoko's head snapped upwards to the branch just above her head. There sat her mother in her rarely used adult form. Must you always sneak up on people like that? She asked.

Call it my personal peccadillo. Washu shrugged jumping down from her roost to the ground next to her daughter.

Why are you here, spying again? Ryoko asked.

Washu snickered lying back on the blanket. Well it's my personal duty as your mother and also that I'm investigating some abnormal readings that I received from Funaho, I can only suspect you were the cause. Washu said. Now as I first posed were you thinking about him again?

Yeah, so what if I was? Ryoko snapped, she hated it when her personal thoughts were spied on.

Washu smiled. So what? Washu asked mocking her daughter. So what that you miss him greatly, so what that you think about him every...um seven minutes, so what that you love him? Washu asked.

Ryoko sneered at her mother. Why are you an adult? She asked determined to change the course of the conversation.

Washu jumped down from Funaho's branch and stood onto her feet brushing off the excess dirt. I'm on my way into town to pick up a very important package. She reported letting the subject slid.

Ryoko elevated a cyan brow. You've ordered something instead of making it yourself? She questioned her mother's odd behavior.

Washu shrugged as she carefully made her way over the stepping stones surrounded by water. I just thought I'd tell you that before I left. I know how you hate being left alone. Washu said carefully bringing up the subject of her daughter's small phobia she had developed during her entrapment in the cave. Do you want me to bring back anything? Washu asked turning her magenta mane onto on shoulder as she turned to look back at Ryoko.

Ryoko wasn't sure if she should berate her mother for bring up the issue of her fear of isolation or thank her for her thoughtfulness. Um a box of chocolates and a bottle of saki. She may have cut back on her alcohol intake but that didn't mean she didn't enjoy a good drink every now and then.

Washu nodded. I'll be back tonight before dinner. Oh and don't forget to clean the bathroom and Katsuhito says you're suppose to sweep the shrine steps today. She said before vanishing leaving a stuttering Ryoko behind.

~*~

Washu walked the busy streets of Tokyo with a grocery bag cradled in one arm and a small rectangular device in the other hand. Her hips swayed gracefully as she sauntered down the semi crowded sidewalk drawing the attention and some wolf whistles from some of the male by passers. Washu merely ignored them as she continued to walk on chewing gum and following the growing signal of the HLD (Hotsuma Locating Device).

Washu was passing an alley when the signal peeked almost making the little box explode in her grasp. Ah, so this is where you've been hiding out. Washu stated looking down the alleyway.

Reaching out a single hand her translucent laptop appeared before her, with a few brisk keystrokes a dense fog accumulated in her path followed by a large dark manor. Washu you are the greatest. She commended herself.

~*~

The House of Eternal Pledge had been redecorated ever since Hotsuma's return. The many paintings of the young lovers and strange peoples had been replaced by lovely paintings or sketches of his sole worthy partner in piracy, Ryoko. Whenever young lovers happened to find themselves wondering about his home he would lazily tell them stories of the ill-fated lovers before moving on happily to his tragic love story of his dear Ryoko.

Hotsuma stood staring listlessly out of the second story window looking down onto the ground where he and Ryoko faced the bioroids Yugi as sent upon Ryoko. No matter where he went or turned there were memories of her. He sighed deeply imagining touching her smooth skin and smelling her sweet hair as she slept aside him at nights.

From behind him a loud pop sounded as someone's bubble popped. Mind tellin' me the story behind the beautiful woman? A familiar voice asked.

Hotsuma could not help but cringe at the sound of the voice. A bad memory of a threat echoed in his memory of the voice. Hotsuma slowly turned to see a pink haired woman standing behind him staring up at a lovely picture of Ryoko in a pure white kimono with a gold obi tied around her waist.

Lil' Washu. Hotsuma greeted her.

Washu grinned. Not so little right now, am I? She asked with a flirtatious wink.

Hotsuma's trademark smirk of arrogance played across his face. I guess not. So what brings you here today? He asked.

Washu frowned pointing up again at the painting of Ryoko. I swore to you once that if you hurt my daughter in the slightest way, be it emotionally or physically, I would personally hunt you down and see to it that you'd suffer for all eternity.

Hotsuma's face matched with Washu's grim expression. I left so that I would not harm her. He answered with deep solemnity.

Washu cast her eyes away from Hotsuma towards the out-looking window. I understand that Hotsuma, which is why I didn't stop you. I also prevented myself from stopping you because I did not think it was fair that Ryoko wouldn't admit her feelings for you.

Hotsuma looked out of the window at a single mourning dove out on a pillar in the large yard below, Has she? Hotsuma asked in a low tone.

Washu's lips tugged into a small smile. Why don't you ask her?

Hotsuma considered the offer of returning to the Masaki home and to his darling Ryoko; a smiled making it's way onto his face. The image of a dead and bloody Ryoko embraced in his arms came to his mind and made him decline. I'd only end up hurting her. Hotsuma stated in a low solemn voice. Good-bye Lil' Washu. He stated walking away.

Washu's wistful face turned to one of anger and frustration. And you think you aren't hurting her now! Washu shouted her demand down the hall letting it resonate off the walls in a sharp echo.

Hotsuma stood still in his steps.

~*~

Swish, swish, swish. The sound of the broom's dry straw against the stone steps was the only sound in the peaceful spring evening. First I had to clean the bathroom when it was Washu's turn, now I have to sweep the steps. Ryoko grumbled to herself as she did her last chore for the day. Just be thankful he didn't tell you to salt the shrine grounds again. Or worst scrub the steps. Ryoko reminded herself, or was it Zero, she wasnt sure anymore.

Hey Ryoko! A young nasally voice called. Down at the base of the steps stood Lil' Washu back in her child form waving a box of chocolates over her head. Come on down and take a break.

Ryoko grinned at seeing her child-bodied creator had returned much sooner than she had anticipated. With quick glance about to see if Katsuhito was around Ryoko transported herself from the near top steps to the ground were Washu stood. Let me put this away and I'll be right with you. She smiled feeling a moment of indulgences was in order for her late good behavior and her overall willingness in cleaning the bathroom out of turn.

Washu nodded. Alright, I'll be waiting for you in the kitchen. Washu said running off at top speed for the house.

Ryoko merely chuckled as she quickly focused on moving herself from the ground to the small storage place Katsuhito kept the shrine's cleaning tools. With a smirk towards her success Ryoko teleported herself once again to the kitchen.

Okay mom, She shouted rubbing her hands together looking about for her mother. Bring on the sweets and the sak-you! She shouted when her golden eyes fell on the cornflower yellow haired man sitting at the dinning room table pouring a glass of saki.

Her former partner stood onto his feet and progressed towards her with the glass in his hand. Ryoko stuttered as he placed the saki into her hand. He guided her down into a seat before the dinning room table. With a slight trembling hand she tossed back her head downing the liquid in nearly a single gulp. Her eyes watered and she coughed lightly as she placed the glass down.

Hotsuma kindly patted her on the back until her coughing fits ended. I thought you would be needing that my dear. He commented as his patting turned into soft circular rubbing that deepened into massaging.

Ryoko whispered.

Hotsuma bent down so he could hear her whisper. Yes Ryoko? He asked.

Her breath was still heavy from her small coughing fit from before. She said with a shaky voice.

Yes my dear? Hotsuma asked moving closer so that his ear was mere inches from her lips. He could feel her heated breath stir the tiny hairs on his ear.

With great tenderness Ryoko touched her hand to his cheek. Ryoko grin. I have to say something to you that Ive been wanting to say ever since you left. She said with timid reluctance.

Hotsuma smirked. What is it Ryoko? He asked.

Ryoko grabbed a tight hold of Hotsuma's hair. Where the hell have you been?! Ryoko shouted into his ear then with great anger and force she rammed her head into his knocking him backwards into the living room into a landing on the couch, crushing it under his weight. Ryoko sneered grabbing hold of the saki bottle's neck and began drinking straight from the bottle.

What made you think you could pull a half-assed Tenchi move on me? She asked after taking a large gulp.

Hotsuma chuckled as he stood onto his feet. Lil' Washu warned me this might happen. He said brushing his clothes clean.

Ryoko cocked a brow as she ripped open the box of chocolate. So you're what she went into town for? I shouldn't be all that surprised. What are you doing coming back here anyways? Ryoko asked with a muffled mouth filled with a piece of caramel filled chocolate. Do you think you can just walk right back into my life after leaving like that?

Hotsuma walked over to Ryoko grabbing a piece of chocolate. I left for a good reason. He said popping the candy into his mouth.

Ryoko frowned smoothly moving the box of assorted chocolates away from the other pirate. You know after all this time I've managed to get over the fact you left. Especially after mom explained to me that I was the reason why you left us. But I couldn't accept the fact that you left us...me without so much as a goodbye. Ryoko said picking through for coconut.

Hotsuma's attention perked at hearing her change her statement from him leaving not the entire family but her most of all. Causally he reached over taking the saki bottle and took a swig. If I had tried to say goodbye I would have no doubt changed my mind.

I would have made it my job to make you change your mind. Ryoko said beneath her breath as she reached for another chocolate.

Hotsuma leaned over so that he was closer to her. With a gentle hand his ran his fingers over the back of her neck moving her silvery blue tresses onto one shoulder. He asked slowly moving into her personal space.

Her mask of bravado instantly overcast her sensitive nature. Why else? You're my partner. She managed the half lie.

Your only worthy partner. Hotsuma corrected. But are you sure there's nothing else? Hotsuma asked.

Ryoko scowled at him snatching the saki bottle away. Nothing comes to mind. She stated.

Nothing? Two different voices asked in Ryoko's mind.

Shut up mom you too Zero! Ryoko demanded onto the two mental spectators.

A small silence passed over their link, they were talking to one another she knew it. It was something sinister that she wasn't going to like. What is it? Ryoko questioned the two suspiciously.

Whether or not you tell him what he already knows he's going to hear it from you one way or another. Zero said.

Ryoko growled in her throat frightening Hotsuma until he realized what was going on. Zero isn't about to impersonate me! Ryoko shouted through her link.

Ryoko could feel Washu's impish grin grow. Of course not little Ryoko and don't yell, neither Zero nor myself appreciates having our eardrums busted. And as for the matter with Hotsuma...I so happen to have a recording of you admitting to Tenchi on the roof that you love a certain golden haired man, who happens to be sitting next to you right now. Lil' Washu said.

Ryoko gasped almost knocking over her saki. You wouldn't dare! Ryoko said in a low foreboding tone.

Hotsuma chuckled rubbing his nose against Ryoko's delicate neckline. Washu huh? Do you think she'll let us have some privacy? Hotsuma asked. I wish to tell you something.

Ryoko smirked mocking Hotsuma's slightly arrogant smile. One moment. She said cutting the link without Washu's consent. There, now what is it you have to say before mother dear' reestablish the link? She asked fighting back the shivers going over her back as goosebumps grew over her arm.

Hotsuma sighed placing his nose to her earlobe. I ran away from you because I was afraid that I might try to kill you again. He said with his lips brushing against her ear as he ran a single his finger over her arm with a feathery touch.

Ryoko's catlike eyes widened with shock. She asked.

I don't know, maybe because of jealousy...like before. He said in a low voice.

Ryoko moved her head away from his lips so that she could look into his frosty blue eyes. No I meant why' as in why would you be afraid for me?

Hotsuma quirked his brows as he stared entranced at her beautiful golden amber eyes. It amazed him how daring she could be but how insecure she was at her unguarded moments. Like now how her eyes burned with apprehensiveness. As they said your eyes are the windows to your soul, your face may say one thing but your eyes could easily betray you.

With a smile he took a gentle hold of her face, Because I love you, my dear. He said before pulling Ryoko into a tender kiss.

Her eyes were wide in shock. He had told her three simple words that she had hoped for many years that someone, anyone, would tell her with true sincerity. Try as she might she could not withhold the sobs shaking within her chest. For the first time in the longest time Ryoko cried for something other than pain and loss, she was crying the sweet and pleasing tears of joy.

Hotsuma ended the kiss with great reluctance and looked up into her soft fragile looking eyes overflowing with tears. He was unsure of what feelings Ryoko was experiencing or exactly why she was crying. All he could do was pull her into his arms in the most comforting embrace that he could offer her.

Ryoko wrapped her arms around Hotsuma her tears reaping her of her voice. She clutched a handful of his jacket as she continued to cry. She held him tighter as his hands rubbed through her hair and he smoothed her with kind words.

With a deep stuttering inhale she gathered her strength for the words she was about to say. I-I-I lo-ove you, Hot-suma. She managed to say before her voice broke out with sobbing laughter.

The confidence and arrogance is Hotsuma's face vanished as he looked onto her with disbelief. Her words, though broken by her unsteady voice and tears were the most beautiful sound he had ever heard before. No choir of heavenly angels could compare to her voice as she fought to say those lovely would of pure sincerity. He ran his thumb over her moist cheek before lovingly kissing away each tear.

Ryoko sat still as his lips went from one wet cheek onto the other then finally ending on her brow. Ryoko tilted her head until her lips pressed lovingly against his. Hotsuma returned her tokens of love with equal or surpassing passion careful not to cross the thin line of intimacy and physical intimacy he so desired to cross. His struggle was quickly brought to a wondrous end when Ryoko deepened the kiss.

Their eyes opened at the same slow pace and looked onto one another asking the same question and giving the same answer. Hotsuma gathered her into his arms holding her close to his heart feeling at the moment he wanted to hold her in that fashion for all of eternity.

Neither Ryoko nor Hotsuma was sure how they made it into her room and on her bed; at the time they didn't truly care, all they cared about was each other and nothing else.

His tender kisses began right behind her oblong ear and slowly traveled along the line of her delicate jaw to the shallow dent of her collar. Hotsuma felt Ryoko's throat tighten then relax as she swallowed with anticipation.

Hotsuma indulged himself in the pleasure of kissing the curve of Ryoko's collar, his fangs tenderly testing her skin. Ryoko whimpered a moan at the feel of his teeth marking her skin, she snaked her hands around Hotsuma's neck running her fingers through his hair removing the white band in one gentle stroke.

Hotsuma traced his hands gently up Ryoko's arms as he made a trail of kisses from Ryokos neck to her lips. He removed Ryoko's hands from his loose blond hair, entangling their fingers he forced Ryoko's hands above her head.

(Hey NC-17 ban remember? Are you trying to get me into trouble or something? Sniffles And I thought you guys actually cared about me. ; (
Camellia walks in: Demoness please get on with it!)

Ryoko woke up alone in the bed her legs tangled in the muddled sheets. She pushed her stray hairs from her sight and took a look around the room to confirm she was alone as she had expected. It was funny she was actually hoping that for once that one would stay behind at least to say goodbye.

Good morning. Hotsuma said as he walked in carrying a tray filled with food.

Ryoko felt a wave of relief flow over her. She asked.

Hotsuma chuckled sitting down the tray. Okay good afternoon. He leaned over the bed giving Ryoko a tender and loving kiss of salutations to a new day, a new life. Ryoko loved it, all of if. Ryoko pulled Hotsuma down to the bed with her. Hotsuma settled himself behind her holding her close to his heart. He breathed deeply inhaling her personal scent no other could mimic; he could hear her heart beating and slowed his own heartbeat to match hers.

I've search for a long time looking all over trying figure out where it was that I truly belonged in this universe. Ryoko said.

Hotsuma strengthened his embraced around her waist as he rubbed his cheek lovingly against her warm and rose petal soft cheek. That's almost poetic of you my dear. Hotsuma remarked. Have you found an answer to your longtime query?

Ryoko snuggled into Hotsuma's warmth. Yes, yes I have. Ryoko answered softly. I belong here, and here. She said placing her hand over his heart. And wherever it is that you go. Ryoko said. You see my love; I where I belong is with you Hotsuma.

Hotsuma brought her closer kissing her on the temple. Even to the stars? He asked.

Ryoko replied. To the stars, to the end of the universe, no matter where you go I'll go with you.

Then I'm yours Ryoko, heart, body, and soul. Hotsuma said hoping she was his in the same manner.

Ryoko chuckled. A strong big heart, a beautiful sexy body, and a great soul. Ryoko replied.

Hotsuma laughed soon to be followed by the lovely sound of Ryokos cheerful laughter.

Now I know, I know where I belong. Ryoko sighed to herself.

~Fin~

Just to be nice I'll add an epilogue, once I find the time. Oh and please someone please read my original Manga/Anime just click on my screen name up top.

~Demoness Space Pirate =^_^=