I don't own tenchi muyo
it's been a while, sorry about that been busy, but good news got accepted into a college! So hopefully I'll have more free time, especially with the break coming up.
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It didn't take us long at all to get there, but the way Sasami was bouncing up and down I knew it probably felt like forever to her.
"Ayeka look, Wow, come and see"
Sasami said ecstatically at the sight of the skating rank as she ran up to the railing. I had to admit that it was glorious, but there didn't seem to be many people there.
"Everyone's out shopping or at the new rank. I think this is their last year in business."
It was like he read my mind; I turned to look at him, his hair softly swaying in the chilled wind as he leaned on the railing looking out into nowhere really.
"Come on Tenchi!"
Ryoko's shrill voice collided with my thoughts and brought me back to reality. Before I knew it we were on the ice. I had to admit I had my doubts at first, because everything seemed so different from when I skated on Jurai, but as soon as the blade from the boot touched the slippery smooth ice I knew otherwise.
"Wow you and Sasami seem to be natural's at this."
Tenchi said gliding next to me.
"Well we did skate on Jurai Lord Tenchi"
I said feeling the warmness of the blush on my cheeks.
"Really, was it like this?"
I couldn't help but smile, he was honestly interested. Plus it was a chance for me to tell him something about myself without Ryoko contradicting everything.
"Kind of, there a vast lake that freezes over every winter. We always skated there every year, Sasami and I."
I could smell the trees as I envisioned the lake. I did miss home, there was no doubt about that, but sharing this moment with my friends, especially with Tenchi didn't make me as home sick. I could tell Tenchi knew that I was reminiscing because he had this odd smile on his face, almost like he could see it too.
"I bet Sasami misses that"
He said with puffs of cold air appearing with every word. All I could do was smile; man I wish I wasn't so shy.
"Ayeka watch!"
The sound of Sasami's voice called over to me, and when I turned my head she was in mid air finishing off a double axel.
"Wow! Go Sasami!"
Tenchi cheered out clapping his hands.
"Tenchi skate with me"
Ryoko's whining voice trailed off as she pulled Tenchi along as she glided by. Damn her, just when we were having a good conversation.
"Come on Ayeka, skate with me"
Sasami said pulling me along as she skated backwards. I nodded in agreement along with a sly smile that she returned and we were off. We rounded the skating ring twice to get up speed and then it was all competitive. It was just like we use to do, see who could swim the furthest, hold there breath the longest. I missed that, and I realized that I didn't do that as much as we use to. However I would make sure that would all change.
Sasami started off with a superb single axel but I took her single and raised it by doing a double axel. Soon people that were passing by seemed to stop and take in the beauty they saw in our skating. We even got applauses here and there. Which I must admit just fuelled both of our egos. Soon we stopped playing the 'who's better game' and went straight into performances. We partnered up and did spins and jumps, such as toe loops, salchows, one-foot axels, and spirals. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun. With in an hour or two we had settled down to simple spirals and glides. By then everyone else had departed to the small food court that was attached to the skating rank.
"I'm going to go order us some food okay Ayeka"
Sasami said skating off as she headed for the food court. I wanted to stay a bet longer and I knew she understood. About five minuets into my skating it was like I was back at home, everything else disappeared, and it was just me and the dazzling surroundings. My elegant stature gracefully swayed with my every move as if I was water itself. I could see the white trees surrounding me as the snow flurries soared into the heavens with every stroke of wind.
"Pardon me miss"
A sultry voice arose taking me away from my fantasies. Upon opening my eyes I found brunette strands of hair swaying in the wind. On further exception, I also established that the owner of these strands was quite captivating in his looks. I couldn't help but blush just a bit. He must have saw these because he chuckled deeply, revealing his pearly whites.
"I couldn't help but notice your superb skating abilities. You're so agile and soft with every stroke….excuse me, my point is I was wondering if you might be interested in a job"
His voice was slightly hesitant but flowed with his every movement. He had my full attention but when he mentioned a job I was puzzled to what he meant so I let him continue explaining.
"What I mean when I say job is that I need a skilled skater for my next project, you see I'm an artist; a painter, and you would be perfect for my next piece. I will pay you and you can use my brother's skating rank whenever you want for free until were finished."
He was almost pleading with me now, as he pulled out his card and handed it to me. I had to admit I was very intrigued with this whole situation, but before I could get a word in he started speaking again.
"I don't expect you to say yes right off the bat, but if you could contact me before the week is over I'd be very grateful."
His smile was nervous now as if he was thinking 'what the hell am I doing walking up to a stranger asking if I can draw them like some pervert', and I couldn't help but giggle at the thought.
"Ayeka"
Sasami called out to me from the food court making both the artists' and my head turn. Looking back at me he smiled and I could tell by the way his he was fiddling with his hands that he was fixing to speak again. So I beat him to the punch.
"Thank you very much, and I can assure you that I will contact you before the week is over Mr…"
I said fading off as I realized that I didn't even know the guys name. Blushing from embarrassment I waited for him to fill in the blank.
"Mr. Keito"
He said with the same deep chuckle, we both laughed for a moment, not because anything was funny, but because we were both embarrassed for our own personal reasons. Realizing that Sasami was waiting on me I smiled politely so signal my upcoming departure.
"Yes, well it was very nice to meet you Mr. Keito"
And with a graceful bow I headed off towards the food court. Sasami was seated at a wooden bench with our food. Upon siting down I couldn't help but notice everyone staring anxiously at me.
"So who was the guy Ayeka?"
Washu inquired with a devious grin on her face.
"Oh, he wanted to paint me"
I said a little confused by everyone's interest as I handed Washu the card Mr. Keito gave me.
"He said that he would let us use his brothers skating rank anytime we wanted if I agreed. And that he would also pay me, I'm not sure but does this usually happen?"
I questioned Washu wondering if anything was wrong with Mr. Keito asking that of me.
"Sure, over the centuries many people have been models for paintings, but what is this guy's name?"
Washu inquired looking at the card very thoroughly. I almost found myself hesitating as I noticed everyone's interest in this conversation.
"Mr. Keito, he said his name was Mr. Keito."
I was honestly starting to worry now, forget what Washu said, these guys are acting awfully weird if you ask me.
"Mr. Keito! Are you serious!"
Kiyone said bolting out of her chair and snatching the card away from Washu as she intently examined it with wide eyes. What was the big deal anyway, was he someone important?
"Who is he, someone famous?"
Tenchi said including himself in the conversation. He took the words right out of my mouth actually, as I looked at Kiyone anxiously awaiting her reply.
"He's only the most well known artists of his time"
Kiyone said with vigor as she sat back down still not believing that she was holding the business card of Keito.
Someone famous….I couldn't believe my ears, but he seemed so modest and down to earth. As I thought of him a smile found its way upon my face. I know Sasami saw this because she smiled too.
"Wow Ayeka, so are you going to let him draw you?"
Sasami asked with excitement and joy in her voice and she squirmed in her seat. That's right, I still had to make a choice, whether I should or shouldn't take him up on his offer.
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We were back at the house and Sasami's question still floated in my mind. I answered them with a simple giggle and an 'I don't know yet,' but I knew the answer already, and that was I would accept the offer without a second thought.
"So finish what you were telling me earlier"
I said to Sasami while cutting potatoes, it was almost dinner and I was helping with the preparation. Prior to our outing at the skating rank Sasami was telling me about the many traditions and what the holidays were all about.
"Okay...let's see, where did we leave off? Oh yes, this isn't like any other holiday, Christmas is celebrated all over. Also, people tend to act different; they are more patient and generous. They're willing to help each other and look out for total strangers a lot more than they usually would. Even people who are enemies take the time to be generous and respectful of each other…."
So does that mean that I should treat Ryoko well even if she doesn't to me? I thought as Sasami continued. Her lecture on this subject was quite interesting and I decided right then and there that I would do my best to follow the tradition.
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Dinner chatter clashed against each other as conversations blended with others. However my lips stayed unmoved. I wasn't sad or even upset; I was just content, content with the breath taking view through the opened window.
"It really is beautiful isn't it?"
Tenchi's voice seemed to rise above the babble and flow over to me. I smiled at his comment and then gazed intently back at the scenery.
"Yes, it really is"
I replied after a second or two. Man, I wish we could go out there again, just for a little bit. I really did enjoy the snow games.
After indulging myself in the heavy conversation at the dinner table, I promptly finished my meal, wanting nothing more then time outside. Hurrying up stairs I put on my winter coat, and headed towards the door. Everyone was finished with dinner by then, and they were all falling back into their everyday routines. Washu in her lab, Ryoko probably napping, Sasami washing dishes, and Tenchi probably sweeping the patio if not being tortured by Washu in the lab. Smiling at the thought I opened the door and almost gasped and the dusk winter surroundings.
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There was an engaging silence in the air as the wind sang its winter melody. Before I knew it I had walk quite a distance, and found myself in a moon light clearing surrounded by the shadowy silhouettes of the trees.
Thos is truly heaven, I thought looking up at the starry sky. Sighing with glee and sat down on the cold snow covered ground and just dreamed as I gazed upward.
"Miss Ayeka"
A faint voice echoed through the night. I was startled a little, and was looking around for the owner of the voice. Who could it have been? I asked myself puzzled as I was unsuccessful in finding individual.
"Tenchi?"
I whispered; I'm sure that was Tenchi's voice….but then where is he. He wouldn't be hiding. I almost started to consider it just to be my imagination; that is until I heard a shuffling noise. Like rapid feet against the snow and fallen branches.
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"You're going to put a hole in the floor"
Kiyone nagged at me as I paced in front of the phone. If I call him then I would have to commit to it, but there was so much that we seemed to have planed out.
"What about the shopping days" I asked looking at the floor as my body turned and continued to walk back and forth.
"Well if you just call him, you can compromise a scheduling that would work for both of you." Kiyone said sighing at my stubbornness.
"The groceries, I was supposed to help Sasami get this week"
"Just call him"
"The cleaning, I need to earn my keep you know"
"Just call him"
"And what about the tree with the star, and all the decorations!"
"Ayeka! Just call the man!"
Kiyone yelled getting very impatient. I hesitated, but then quickly picked up the phone and dialed the number on the card. Maybe his not there, I thought as it rang twice. By the third ring my hand was quivering
"hello?"
Said a profound voice, come talk stupid I scolded myself as I stood there speechless with the phone to my ear.
"...hello?"
The voice said again, but this time with a hint of annoyance. Speak, come you can do it Ayeka just speak, I screamed in my thoughts.
"…uh um…yes, is a Mr. Keito there?"
I managed to blurt out after a couple of seconds of idiocy.
"Yes this is him"
The voice said speculative as to why it took so long for an answer.
"Oh, Mr. Keito, you probably don't remember me but my name is Ayeka… you asked me-"
"Yes, Miss Ayeka I remember, so will you take me up on my offer?"
He said cutting me off, with a slight hilarity in his voice
"Yes….yes I will take you up on the offer. But since this is the holidays"
"Yes, I'm not surprised that you probably have questions on the scheduling. I'm free, whenever you are."
He simply stated, with no 'but's' or 'however's.'
"Okay then, well I can start today if that's okay"
I said surprised at how uncomplicated he was making the situation for her.
"Perfect, just drop by anytime, I'll be here all day"
"Okay then, I will do that…bye"
"Bye"
The conversation ended lightly, and soon all that was heard was the dial tone. Gently hanging up the phone as if it were some fragile item that where to break if handled harshly, I slowly held her chest as if I were trying to catch her breath, which strangely I had lost somewhere during the conversation, but even more odd it was a good thing. Like the kind of feeling when you've gotten what you secretly hoped for.
"So are you going today then?"
Kiyone's question brought me back to reality, and in that reality I still had much to do.
"Oh, right, I better get dressed! And tell Sasami…and the others, no, that would be embarrassing….but I don't want them to feel left out."
I spoke my ambiguous thoughts out loud trying to find some solution to it all before I felt like it would be too late, and inappropriate to go over.
"Don't worry, we're going to buy some gifts and will pick you up later so you can too"
Kiyone's voice of logic and reason gracefully flowed, calming me a bit. I nodded in agreement and made my way upstairs.
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PLZ Review
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter
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