i do not own tenchi muyo

thank you so much for all the reviews. and a special thank you to the ones who really liked my story. i hope you enjoy this chapter :)

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It's been several weeks, and everything's back to normal for the most part. There's even less fighting between Ryoko and Ayeka. It seems everyone's happy, everyone except Tenchi that is.

Ayeka's POV

I decided to get back to my training, it's so peaceful, and I doubt anyone other than Rhys is awake at 4:40 a.m. I wonder what he's doing. Wait, bad Ayeka, down girl! I can't believe it I'm turning into a sex fend. I laughed out loud at the thought. Anyways I can't shake this feeling that Tenchi just doesn't like Rhys, but that's stupid, Rhys hasn't done anything to Tenchi. Has he? Stopping my training I look into the woods, I could have sworn I heard a footstep. Wait there it goes again, and I slowly put my hand over my gun.

"Ayeka are you here?"

A familiar voice asks as the footsteps come closer.

"Tenchi?"

"Yea, what are you doing out here?"

He asks as he finally comes into the clearing. What the hell was he doing out here this early? I could tell he came out here to talk because it sounded like he rehearsed the question.

"Oh, nothing really just training."

Yea, I'm good just keep dancing around the issue. I'm going to let him spur it out this time.

"Oh ok."

Oh come on, I thought, I really don't like it when he doesn't say what's own he's mind. Then again I'm not one to talk. I guess I should get this conversation on the road then.

"Well, I'm pretty much finished up here you want to walk?"

"Yea, that sounds good."

We were laughing at past memories, I could tell he had forgotten what he came out to tell, but I didn't mind he was nice to talk to.

"Hey let's sit"

Tenchi offered and sat with his back against the tree. I sat across from him leaning my back against a tall mulberry.

"We should go on a trip."

I said after a moment of silence.

"Trip?"

"Yea, I saw this commercial, and I thought that we all could use a vacation."

"Remember what happened when we went to that planet."

I laughed as I changed my position to lie down on the ground.

"Yea, but it doesn't have to be another planet, it can be earth. There are more beaches here right."

"Yea, a lot more."

I smiled, one thing Juraians were known for was there connection with nature, and Sasami and I could hold our breath for a good half hour without needing oxygen. Oh, how I loved to swim. I though to myself, forgetting that Tenchi was even there.

Out of POV

She was so beautiful, Tenchi thought as he looks at Ayeka. He noticed that she had grown more full and curvier. She was 20 years old he thought, because she was gone for five years. He looked at her from her feet covered sandals all the way up to the tips of her fingers, which were thrown back behind her head. For some reason Tenchi couldn't help noticing the curve of her hips, up to her slender stomach which was showing just an bit. All the way up to her womanly curves, which had grown very womanly compared to the last time he saw her, to finally stop at her lips, he hadn't noticed how full her lips had gotten until now, and he wished,

Ayeka's POV

"Tenchi?"

I asked, he was deep in thought and I know I must have cut me off in the middle of one because he jumped slightly.

"Yes miss Ayeka?"

For some reason I don't like him calling me that, I mean there's no reason for flirty pleasantries anymore, I thought as I decided to end this quality time.

"Well, I think we should start heading back, breakfast will be ready soon and we should tell the others about this vacation idea."

I said getting up and walking slowly by.

"Oh, ok"

Tenchi replied walking closely behind. Hearing a hissing noise Tenchi looked up, it was a snake about to fall right on Ayeka.

"What the!"

I yelled as I found myself getting pulled back.

"Look."

Tenchi said pointing

"Oh, wow, thanks"

I said looking at the snake in its protective stance. But something was wrong. It was Tenchi; he still had his hands wrapped around me, one on my waist and the other across my chest onto my shoulder. We stayed like that for a while, until I got a little to uncomfortable leaving that snake there.

"Hey Tenchi"

"Yea"

He was holding me a little tighter, as he laid his head in my hair.

"The snake, maybe I should get it."

I felt Tenchi come back to reality as he realized what he was doing, quickly letting me go he lowered his head. I walk over to the snake instead of Tenchi; I had to admit I was a little taken a back by the situation. Grabbing the snake I soothed it with a little hum and flew it back into the tree.

"Shit"

I cursed softly, did I just fly in front of Tenchi. Dammit Ayeka. I scolded myself as I flew back down to greet the raging mob that awaited me.

"You can fly!"

Tenchi stated the obvious as I lowered myself.

"Yes, but I,"

"And you didn't tell me!"

"Ten,"

"You can't keep doing this! You can't keep lying! You can't keep secrets!"

Tenchi yelled at me letting all his frustration out. I can't keep secrets! What the hell! What does he think he was doing with that bitch before I left and when I came back! How dare he lecture me! How dare he! But no matter what I thought I couldn't help feeling hurt that he was so pissed at me.

"Look Ten,"

"How could you do that Ayeka?"

"No, let me speak!"

I said catching him off guard

"Think about what you're saying to me Tenchi. Me Ayeka. Think about what you just said to me. I'm not going to yell and I'm not going to fight. I just want you to think."

And with that I walk off, leaving him to do just that, think.

Breakfast was quite between Tenchi and me. I could tell that he felt bad for his actions. I didn't tell Rhys though; I mean I don't want Tenchi dead. I just want; well I guess I just want him to be happy. After announcing the whole trip idea, everyone immediately started to pack, convinced that if they didn't go now they would never go.

Ryoko's POV

Damn that Ayeka, ever since her and Rhys came, my Tenchi has been distant. But I have to admit this trip might do us some good. Best of all I'll have him all to myself.

"All done"

I said closing my suitcase, and stepping in to hallway.

"Shit"

I say to myself as I duck behind a corner. Tenchi and Ayeka are together standing in the hallway talking, but what about?

"Tenchi you don't have to,"

Ayeka says waving her hand dismissively

Don't have to do what?? What are they talking about?

"No, Ayeka I was wrong and I'm sorry"

Tenchi says anyway as he lies his hand on Ayeka's shoulder

He's sorry?? For what? I think as I listen.

"You were right Tenchi, and I'm going to tell everyone that I can fly."

"Ayeka"

Sasami calls poking her head out of her room.

"Coming"

Ayeka says glancing back at Tenchi as she walks off.

"She can fly, what the hell, why didn't Tenchi tell me?" "Well I'm going to find out."

I conclude before storming off

Out of POV

With all the bags packed everyone seats four to a car. Sasami, Washu, Mihoshi, and Kiyone in the first car while Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, and Rhys are seated in the second car. Of course this pairing is no coincidence. About a half hour in to the trip everyone's finally quiet. Ayeka who's looking out the window has Rhys arm wrapped around her from behind as he also looks at the earth's scenery. Tenchi on other hand was trapped in his thoughts as Ryoko slowly got more pissed off with every second. Tenchi couldn't help but thinking about that mornings events. God her hair smelt good he thought trying his best not to look at her. this wasn't just jealousy Tenchi was dealing with. it was regret.

..............In the first car

"It's obvious what's happening"

Washu burst outs catching everyone's attention.

"You know what's going on Sasami, but you can't tell us, can you"

Sasami doesn't answer; she just occupies herself with the scenery through the window.

"Knows what?"

Kiyone asks getting sick of the riddles.

"The moods are shifting, the feelings are changing, and there will be a decision that will have to be made."

Washu says confusing Kiyone even further.

Moods, changing, a decision, what??

Kiyone almost yells.

She means, Tenchi.

Mihoshi interjects

"Exactly"

Washu says surprised at Mihoshi

As they pull up to the hotel every one gets out and heads inside. The bellboy hands everyone their keys, and takes their suitcases up to the rooms. The hotel was pretty big and everyone awed at its five star quality. After about five minuets everyone headed up to their rooms and decided to meet back in the lobby to check out the town.

Ryoko's POV

"Dammit Tenchi, you spend more time cooking then you do with me"

I yelled sarcastically. Tenchi and I had got into an argument that was just waiting to happen so it was no wonder that something small had set it off.

"Ryoko,"

"No, you spend more time gawking at that damn bitch then you do,"

"Ryoko you're over reacting! I don't have time for this I'm going for a walk."

He doesn't have time! Dammit! I hate this, I yell inside my head as I sit on the edge of the bed.

"Dammit I'm going out"

I say to no one as I slam the door.

Out of POV

As Ryoko stormed down the hallway she caught a glimpse of Ayeka. Needing someone to take her frustration out on she found her pray.

"So princess, how's your flying?"

Ayeka was stunned, did she just say flying? Ayeka had told the others but was waiting for the right time to tell Ryoko.

"Pretty good actually"

Ayeka replied, she thought well what's done is done.

"So princess what exactly did you and my Tenchi talk about?"

Ryoko didn't know they talked in the woods that morning but she did know that they talked.

"This actually, the trip. Anyways I better get going"

"Are you sure that's all you too talk about"

Ryoko asked letting her jealousy show. Ayeka on the other hand had figured her out, she heard the yelling and she wasn't going to be Ryoko's boost for her ego.

"Ryoko I have a man why don't you go find yours."

"Oh, I know where my man is going to be, and the fact that he's going to be there every night is unquestionable, but there is one question i'd like to know, is what he gives me, what you still want."

Without warning pain became Ryoko's face as she turned her head back to face Ayeka you lowered her hand; but raised it and slapped Ryoko again just to wipe the grin off her face. And did just that as Ryoko's grin was replaced with burning hatred.

"No, Ryoko you know that's not the right question. You know what the right question is, and you know that I know as well. You know it's the reason you came out here, it's the reason you and Tenchi had that fight, and it's the reason why you stare at Rhys and me with envy. Now I'm going to tell you once and only once, I am not the Ayeka you knew; I'm not going to be your ego boost. Finally, Ryoko dear, I do not have the answer to that question. So stop asking me."

Ayeka says holding her ground and ending it with a hug as Ryoko limply stood there.

"I'll see you downstairs"

And with that Ayeka breaks the hug and walks off leaving Ryoko in the hall.

As everyone huddled in the lobby, they set out to go see the sites. Attracted by the tall buildings along with the people, cars and scenery there were many oooo's and aaaa's along with many look at that's. Finally they found their destination; well the girls did at least. Basically running into the store they quickly hunted for swimsuits, dinner wear, and everyday clothes. While the guys sat watching the activity.

"Ok who's hungry?" Rhys yells over the raiders bickering.

And like magic everyone's hands raised like they where in school, ready to answer their final exam question. The food was at a small diner since everyone decided that it would be easier to eat now and then drink at a local club. Ryoko and Tenchi where sitting next to each other, even though they both felt like they were miles away, while Ayeka and Rhys were feeding each other. It seemed the tables had turned. At the club everyone was dancing and drinking like there was no tomorrow, everyone except Sasami who was dropped off at the hotel. Ryoko and Ayeka not surprisingly where dancing to their boyfriends when Washu yelled out,

"Drinking contest."

Ayeka had been waiting for this all night she would show Ryoko who was the queen of drinking now. Ryoko on the other hand was convinced she had this in the bag. As the drinking began Mihoshi was the first to drop out. Then a couple of other people dropped out. After that it was Kiyone, then another person. Until it was only Tenchi, Rhys, Ayeka, and Ryoko in the drinking contest. Trying his best to keep up with Rhys Tenchi dropped out two drinks before Rhys did. It was down to Ryoko and Ayeka who were on bottles now.

"Do use think hiccupthat use can really bet me princess?"

Ryoko said drukenly between gulps.

"Do usehiccup thinks thathiccup I can't?"

They reached for the next bottle, gulped it down and reached for another until they both grabbed the same bottle.

"What?!"

They said in unison surprised they had drunk the bar dry. A third hand grabbed the bottle,

"I think you two had enough."

The unknowing bartender said. His neck rose as they both replied with their energy swords. As the screaming people burst out of the club Ayeka and Ryoko came out with their arms over each other's shoulders singing and swing the bottle back and forth like they were best friends. Sobered up from the events in the club the others followed shockingly behind.

With a hangover from hell Ayeka crawled out of bed into the glorifing shower. Praying the water would was away the endless headache Ayeka stood right underneath the nozzle of the spray.

"Hey Ayeka I got some Tylenol,"

Rhys yelled through the door.

"Tylenol,"

The word was like heaven ringing in Ayeka ears. She quickly wrapped a towel around her and flung open the door.

"Tenchi!"

Tenchi was taken aback; all she had was a towel on. He couldn't break his mind away from her. He looked her up and down. Her lengthy hair draped over her exposed shoulders which had water trickily down to the fuzzy towel covering her essence all the way down cutting off high, showing off her lovely hips, which revealed her exquisite long legs which were still wet. He could smell her from where he was standing. He wanted her and he wanted her bad. Tenchi stared at her hard not aware that Rhys was standing beside him, studying him. Rhys saw how he look intently at her, how he gazed at Ayeka. And he didn't like it.

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well i hoped you liked this chapter. sorry to leave you in suspense but your just going to have to wait. my next chapter " the confession" its about uncertainty, shocking news and you finally get to know how Rhys got saved. KEEP REVIEWING

-slim