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Something To Hold Onto

Chapter Three: Now and Then

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Ryoko closed the door behind her. She couldn't believe what just happened- Trunks had kissed her.

Ryoko-'Was that for real? I can't believe he just kissed me. Am I happy about this? Yes. I am. Why shouldn't't't I be? Just because I love Tenchi doesn't mean I can't be happy with someone else. Wait. Do I really love Tenchi? If I do, then why? Why do I love him? I just don't know anymore. Maybe I should sleep on it- I need a bath.'

She walked across the room to the bathroom. Again she got the sensation she was being watched. She ignored the feeling and began removing her clothes and found some bubble bath.

Ryoko-'I could really use a nice hot bubble bath.'

She filled the tub with bubbles and hot steamy water and carefully climbed in. It burnt her soft sensitive skin, but she didn't care. It felt so good. She let her mind wonder to the kiss again and drifted off into deep thought.

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Trunks walked back to his room with a smile on his face.

Trunks-'I can't believe I just did that! And she kissed me back! Wow. Can this be what it feels like to be in love. NO. It can't be. Its WAY to soon...but still I can't shake the feeling that I might be falling for her. Oh well *yawn* I need some sleep- yes sleep. Thats what I need.'

He walked into his room and changed into a a loose t-shirt and black pajama pants. The sensation came to him as it did to Ryoko. He felt someone watching him. But he sensed no ki.

Trunks-'Must be my imagination...I need to rest. I'll talk to Ryoko in the morning.'

Trunks pulled back his covers and drifted off to sleep.

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Washu watched as Ryoko kissed this stranger. She was shocked at this because Ryoko loved Tenchi.

Washu-'How can this be?! She loves Tenchi- doesn't she? Oh well, I need to do some investigating on this guy. Just to make sure hes good enough for my little Ryoko. Maybe if hes good to her I'll let her stay there with him for a little while.'

She punched a few keys and created two screens. One for Ryoko and one for Trunks. Now all she needed was some coffee.

Tenchi walked into Washu's lab.

Tenchi-"Little Washu do you know where Ryoko- whats that *points to screen*?"

Washu-"It's Ryoko...Shes in a different dimension. Don't worry. Oh and you can't tell anyone."

Tenchi-"Why?"

Washu-"Because I have no way of gettin her back yet. And I don't know if I want to bring her back."

Tenchi-"WHAT?! Washu shes your daughter! You have to bring her back."

Washu-"Tenchi I know this is going to be hard for you but...shes found someone else. Why where you looking for her anyway?"

Tenchi-"Well.....I was going to tell her I made my decision. I choose Ayeka."

Washu-"Then why do you care if she comes back or not?"

Tenchi-"I don't know..I guess if shes happy we should let her stay there."

Washu-"My point exactly. Now do you think you could maybe get me a cup of coffee? Please? I'll be your best friend."

Tenchi-"Sure."

He turned and left.

Tenchi-'I have to get Ryoko back...But how? Wait a minute! I chose Ayeka. I have to stick with my decision. But then why am I jealous? Because I deserve her. Not some guy she just met *angry look*. I have to get her back.'

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Ryoko woke up the next morning to find the fire place lit and Trunks sitting at the end of her bed. He had heard her talk in her sleep. He wasn't sure what she had been saying but he had heard his name somewhere in the jumble of words.

Ryoko-"I thought you had work."

Trunks-"I called in sick because I wanted to spend the whole day with you. How did you sleep?"

Ryoko-"Okay I guess.*happy look* That's so sweet! What are we going to do today?"

Trunks-"I'm going to let that be a surprise."

She motioned for him to come and sit beside her. He smile and did like she wanted him to.

Ryoko-"Did your mom mind you taking off work?"

Trunks-"She doesn't know- she went out for the day."

Ryoko-"*worried look* We need to talk. I really really like you but I have to tell you that I think I'm still in love with Tenchi. I devoted so much of my life to him and I can't just forget about him and I don't want to just string you along without you knowing that theres a chance I won't feel the same way you might feel about me one day."

Trunks-"I understand *sad look* but I feel like your worth trying to win over. Will you give me a chance? Please?"

Ryoko kissed him. This time the kiss wasn't awkward, it was relaxed. Like it was just natural for them to kiss.

Trunks broke the kiss and told her it was going to be very cold that day and she that needed to dress warm. She nodded and he left so she could change.

She looked through her new clothes and chose hip hugger jeans and a long sleeved warm winter shirt. It was black with a dragonfly made of sparkles on it. She chose some black boots and took one last look in the mirror before hurrying down stairs.

Ryoko-"So are you going to tell me what we're doing to day? Or do I just go with the flow?"

Trunks turned and looked at Ryoko. She looked great.

Trunks-"Just go with the flow. I promise you won't regret it."

He led her outside to his car. He was very polite and opened the door for her. She gave him a smile a sat down.

Ryoko-'Hes trying so hard. Why though? Am I really worth it? Oh well its his choice.'

Trunks-"What do you want for breakfast?"

Ryoko-"I really don't care. Whatever you feel like."

Trunks-"How do you feel about breakfast burritos?"

Ryoko-"Sounds good to me."

They went to a drive through and got lots and lots of breakfast burritos and sat and talked for a

while.

Ryoko-"So what exactly does your company do?"

Trunks-"My grandfather created these capsules that could hold a great deal of things. Like houses,cars,etc. I'm president there. Do you have a job in your dimension?"

Ryoko-"Nope. Unless space pirating is a job."

Trunks-"What's your family like?"

Ryoko-"My mom is crazy and I never knew my dad (I'm changing it so she has a dad. So deal with it). I have a older brother. Somewhere...I never knew him. But I had a few friends that were like family to me. For example Kiyone and Mihoshi. I have never told them this but they are like sisters to me. We never really bonded but....its hard to explain. Its like we are connected somehow."

Trunks-"I don't have any brothers or sisters. My dad died when I was little so I never really knew him."

Ryoko-"I'm sorry."

Trunks-"*avoids subject* Anything you want to see?"

Ryoko-"How about a movie or we could just go hang out at the mall."

Trunks-"Theres a theater in the mall. We can do both."

After their breakfast they went to the mall to see what was playing.

Ryoko-"I want to see something scary."

Trunks-"Okay...Lets see. Oh heres one. It's suppose to be about a group of kids that get trapped in a haunted house and are murdered one by one."

Ryoko-"As long as its suppose to be scary."

Trunks bought the tickets but the movie didn't start until noon and it was eleven then.

Ryoko-"Lets window shop until its time for the movie."

Trunks-"Okay."

They headed off into the crowded mall hand-in-hand.

Ryoko-"Oh! Look at that Necklace! Its so pretty!"

Trunks-"Where?"

Ryoko-"There."

It was a red Jewel type thing on a silver chain. He looked at it for a moment and secretly decided he would come back the next day and buy it for her.

Trunks-"The movie is about to start. We better hurry."