Chapter Four
The next morning, Sakuya stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bathroom, fresh from the shower, and looked at her body.
She was maybe an inch or two taller than she had been in Tokyo. She noticed that she was getting a little pudgy around the waist. Starting to show a little? she wondered. Probably not; it was too early yet.
She picked up a big brush and began, with a wince here and there, to dig the tangles out of her copious locks. Boy, long hair was a pain. She had considered getting it cut again, but the novelty had not yet worn off for her, and Tenchi seemed to like her new look.
She heard voices outside, beyond her bedroom door. Miss Washu was talking to someone.
"Yeah, she's there, go on back," Sakuya heard. She quickly donned her robe, in case her visitor was male, and entered her room.
When she heard the knock, she opened the door to see Miss Mihoshi's cheerfull face and frizzy blond hair. "Hi!" Mihoshi greeted. "Ayeka is taking me and Kiyone into town for some shopping, after breakfast. Would you like to come with us?"
"I'd love to," Sakuya replied with a grin. "Just let me get dressed."
"Great! See you in a few minutes."
For an outfit, she chose her t-shirt and bluejeans, along with the little yellow windbreaker she wore during chilly weather.
Outside, Sakuya and Tenchi said their goodbyes, and the four giggling females piled into Ayeka's car. The big beige luxury vehicle was gorgeous, both inside and out, and very expensive. No one was certain exactly why the princess had purchased it, when she already possessed an orbiting spacecraft that could take her anywhere on the planet at a moment's notice, but the most popular theory was that it was simply for prestige.
Sakuya sat in the back, next to Mihoshi, and leaned back in the leather- trimmed seat; it was very comfortable. As they backed out of the driveway, the air conditioner whirred to life, sucking away the heat of the morning, and replacing it with a cool artificial breeze.
"This is really nice," she commented, running a hand over the supple leather of the seat.
"You bet," Kiyone said, looking back over her shoulder with a grin. "What did I tell you? This bunch knows how to get around in style!"
-
"So, what do you think?" Kiyone asked in front of the dressing rooms, holding up a skimpy two-piece bathing suit in either hand. "The red, or the white?"
"Hmm," Sakuya stroked her chin thoughtfully, "The red one brings out your skin tone better, but the white is a bit flashier. I guess the question is, which is more important?"
Kiyone frowned, disappointed at having to choose. "I want to go with the red," she sighed, "but it's too blasted expensive! Alright, red it is, but I'll buy it next time. Sakuya? Hey, pay attention, I need your help here! What are you looking at, anyway?"
Sakuya turned back to her, popping her eyebrows up and down, a mischiefous grin on her face.
"Don't you dare!" Kiyone laughed when she saw where Sakuya had been looking. Her laughter died when she realized her friend was not joking.
"Sakuya, you can't be serious," she whispered harshly. "Washu will kick your ass if she finds out!"
"Miss Washu won't find out," Sakuya assured nonchalantly, setting off for the section of the store in question, with Kiyone, trying not to look suspicious, trailing her. "Besides," she said quietly, "I just want to show it to him, that's all."
Meanwhile, Mihoshi and Ayeka were checking out the perfume counter. "Oh my, Mihoshi, this is lovely, don't you think?" She held out her wrist. Mihoshi was bored to tears; Ayeka had spent the last ten minutes trying to match wits with the sophisticated nineteen-year-old girl behind the counter, and had met with little success.
Mihoshi reluctantly leaned down and took a sniff, and promptly sneezed, covering Ayeka's arm in tiny dots of saliva.
The princess was utterly humiliated. Seeing the smug look on the salesperson's face, she tossed her head back and stomped away, Mihoshi following along and apologizing profusely.
"Say," Mihoshi mentioned, when Ayeka seemed satisfied with her apologies, "Where do you think Kiyone and Sakuya went?"
"Yeeee," Kiyone grimaced, looking at the filmy little nightgown/slip Sakuya had donned in the dressing room. "No, I think black is a little too racy for you, and green has already been done. Let's try matching your skin tone. Hmmm, you're really fair-skinned, so let's see...how about this?" The garment she held up was shorter, and light blue, almost bluish-white.
"Oooh, I like it," she approved, "but maybe--" she stopped when they heard Princess Ayeka's distinctive English accent nearby. "No time to decide now," Kiyone said quickly, shoving the slip into its box, and dropping it in a plastic bag. She tossed Sakuya her street clothes. "Let's go."
-
Tenchi barged through the door of his house, thoroughly disgruntled. He had two ten-page essays to hand in by the end of the week, and was in no mood to even pick up a pencil.
His teacher, Mister Nagumo, was nicknamed "the Shogun" by his students, and lived up to it. He was the most cruel, heartless history instructor Tenchi had ever encountered. Nagumo had once given Tenchi a grade half a point short of passing on a term paper, because of three misspelled words, all of which were common enough mistakes. And one boy had been sent to the headmaster's office for being exactly twenty seconds late to class (when he returned with only a warning on the referral, Nagumo had glared at him periodically throughout class). Only an instructor with a heart of pure evil could do such things, and as far as Tenchi was concerned, Nagumo fit the bill perfectly.
After his shower, Tenchi lay on his bed, wondering how in the world he was going to find time to finish two major papers, put in enough work in the field, and spend some time with Sakuya.
He realized he hadn't thought of her all day. He wondered how she was doing with the other girls, and hoped Ayeka hadn't given her a hard time. He took some comfort in knowing that Kiyone was there, to help balance things out between those two. Kiyone was strong and sensible, and would make a good buddy for his fragile-hearted girlfriend. Between her and Ryoko, Sakuya was settling in quickly.
He heard doors opening, and chattering female voices downstairs. That would be them now. He went downstairs and greeted the girls, sharing a quick kiss with Sakuya as the others unpacked. He took a few moments to think about what he was about to do. What the hell, he decided. Never mind the homework for now. Shogun Nagumo could wait another twelve hours.
He snuck Sakuya, package and all, off to the side as Ayeka and the others unwrapped their newly acquired packages. The two sat on the couch in the living room. "Hey," Tenchi said, giving her a good-natured poke in the stomach, "why don't we get out of here tonight? Just you and me. I'll take you out to dinner. What do you say?"
"That sounds like fun," Sakuya said, "but you don't drive. Who's going to take us? Miss Ayeka?" She chuckled to show that she was joking.
"God, no!" Tenchi laughed, but his laughter turned to a groan when he realized the solution. "It'll have to be my dad. Don't worry, I'll pay for him, and make sure he sits at least two tables away."
"What's wrong with your father?" Sakuya asked curiously.
"You don't want to know, trust me." Tenchi muttered.
Noboyuki Masaki, for some reason, deemed it absolutely imperative that his son get married soon, or at least sleep with something vaguely female. He was always trying to fix Tenchi up with with one girl or another. If he had known about the incident the night before last, he would have shouted it from the summit of Mount Fuji. On the other hand, if he ever found out about Mihoshi...
-
Sasami was not at all upset about Tenchi going out for dinner. After all, the food she had worked so hard to make would still be eaten, if it took a little longer. She was glad he was finally going to get some time alone with Sakuya. Now she wouldn't have to scold the others about leaving the couple alone. At least for now.
Tenchi smoothed out the fabric of his slacks as he waited by the door. After a few minutes, she appeared, wearing her best clothes. "You look stunning!" he complemented.
She was wearing the outfit she saved for occasions such as this one. She looked very sophisticated, in her black sweater and pantyhose, and the little red skirt. A pair of sunglasses was perched at her hairline, and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
"You ready, son?" Noboyuki asked excitedly as he entered the kitchen, tossing his car keys up and catching them smoothly.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Tenchi said with a bright-eyed smile, placing his arm about Sakuya's waist. "You remember the rules, right?"
"Of course," Noboyuki laughed. "Come on, I wouldn't want to bother my boy on a date!"
Like hell you wouldn't, Tenchi thought, mentally increasing the distance between he and Sakuya's table and his father's. He willed himself to relax, and headed out the door, his father and his date in tow.
-
The Yoshikaru Restaraunt in Kurashiki was the most opulent in Okayama Prefecture. It also cost a sizeable portion of Tenchi's paycheck to get a meal there, and was well worth it.
He watched her in the candle light, admiring her, as she nibbled on the little salad she had ordered as an appetizer. The light flickered, reflecting in her green eyes, and creating faint shadows that played across her face. She was gorgeous!
"So, what do you think?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"It's great!" She replied with a smile. "Gosh, first a fancy car, now this. I feel like a princess!"
Tenchi laughed softly. "Well, I'm glad you're having a good time. Just don't overdo it on the wine," he gestured to the goblet near her plate, and the bottle in the middle of the table, "you've got someone else to think about." She nodded. "So," he went on, "did you like shopping with the girls today?"
"I loved it! That blond girl--"
"Mihoshi," he informed her.
"Yeah, she's such a trip! I cracked up just watching her and Miss Ayeka. And I got to help Miss Kiyone pick out a bathing suit. Oh, that reminds me," she leaned across the table and whispered in his ear, a sensation he found surprisingly arousing, "I've got something for you when we get home."
And just what, Tenchi wondered, had she gotten for him? He hoped it wasn't clothing of any kind. Tenchi hated getting clothing for a gift, and had no ability to hide his feelings about it. She would definitely be offended if she read it on his face. He decided to let her keep her little secret for now.
They sat talking, and gazing at one another, until their orders arrived. The food was cooked in traditional hibachi style, the chef putting on an impressive show for the couple as he cracked, whipped, banged, and otherwise maneuvered the ingredients into place. He stacked up a series of onion rings, soaked them in vegetable oil, and struck a match. Sakuya squealed in fright, and Tenchi snorted loudly, trying not to laugh at the sight of her cringing as the gout of flame reached halfway to the ceiling.
With a flourish and a low bow, the cook presented them with their meal. Tenchi applauded, and shook the man's hand.
"That was not funny," Sakuya grumbled as they were left alone once more.
"It was hilarious!" Tenchi laughed hysterically. "You should have seen the look on your face..." he trailed off when he realized she was genuinely upset. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he recanted gently. "I'll ask him not to do it next time."
Sakuya's face lit up. "Next time?!" she said incredulously.
"Sure," Tenchi promised, beaming at her. "It'll be a while before I can afford it again, but I'll definitely try to bring you back if you want."
She certainly did, despite the terrifying onion volcano. She spent the rest of their date gazing lovingly at him, speaking only when spoken to; she was far too distracted by him to make any conversation of her own.
-
Ayeka, sitting on the couch in the living room, held up the small bottle of perfume she had battled so hard for, and sprayed a little on the nape of her neck.
"That really smells nice, Ayeka," Kiyone complemented.
"Yes, I think so too," Ayeka replied. "As long as you're not allergic to it." She glared at Mihoshi, who was sticking out her tongue as she concentrated on a Rubic's cube, oblivious to the conversation. "So, what did you get for yourself?" Ayeka asked, turning back to Kiyone.
Kiyone opened her box and stood, holding the little bikini up in front of her.
"Goodness," Ayeka giggled, "that's very interesting. Planning to turn a few heads at the beach, are we?"
"You better belive it!" Kiyone said, returning to the couch. "I'm twenty- two and single. Do I look like Tenchi to you? Ooh, that wasn't very nice was it?"
Especially, she thought, since Tenchi had someone now. He was a gentleman, not willing to bring home just any woman. There was nothing wrong with that. It just made a conveinient joke.
"Well, I won't tell him if you won't," Ayeka replied with a chuckle. "Speaking of which, where do you suppose Lord Tenchi and his little courtesan have gotten off to?" She *refused* to refer to Sakuya as Tenchi's girlfriend.
"As far as I know, they're on a date," Kiyone said. "I'm sure they'll be back soon." With that, she stood. "Come on, Mihoshi, put that thing down. I need your help cleaning up that pigsty you made out of our room.
Mihoshi reluctantly rose and followed Kiyone up the stairs, leaving Ayeka alone.
There was still one unopened package on the table. Oh, she noticed, it's partially open. That would be Sakuya's purchase.
I really shouldn't, she hesitated. Lord Tenchi would be furious if he found out...
But there's the rub, she told herself with a devious grin. She would only take a little peek, and then put it right back. Surely no one would be the wiser.
A few minutes later, Noboyuki's car pulled into the driveway, with the owner of the package and her blissfully happy suitor in the back seat.
Tenchi had controlled himself during the ride home; it would have been at best impolite to make out with Sakuya while his father was less than a meter away. But he fully intended to catch up on the lost quality time as soon as possible.
When Noboyuki opened the door, he blanched at the sight that greeted the three.
Standing in the doorway was a purple-faced Princess Ayeka, with what looked vaguely like a piece of fabric balled up in her fist. Her teeth were clenched with rage, and she advanced on Tenchi and Sakuya with murder in her eyes.
"Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, completely nonplussed, and very worried. "Ayeka, what's the matter?" He turned to Sakuya, who's ashen face was aimed at Ayeka's hand. "Sakuya? Are...are you okay? Girls, what's going on here?"
"You...you...little..." Ayeka sputtered, tears squirting down her face. She hurled the delicate object at Sakuya, who reached out and caught it. Sakuya's face turned beet-red when it unfolded for the world to see.
"...SLUT!!" Ayeka finally finished. The word had the impact of a nuclear bomb.
"Ayeka," Tenchi shouted, "that's enough! Now both of you, tell me what in God's name this is all about!"
"You...," Ayeka stammered, pointing an accusing finger at the flimsy piece of lingerie in Sakuya's hand, "you think I don't what that is for?"
"But, Miss Ayeka, I was..." Sakuya began, humiliation coloring her face.
"SILENCE!! Ayeka screamed. "Do you expect me to believe you were planning to wear to this to bed, just for yourself?" Her voice took on a quiet, menacing tone, "Just what were you planning to get next?" she asked scornfully, "A bottle of wine? Some scented candles? Perhaps a little body oil--"
She never finished the sentence. Throughout her tirade, Sakuya's guilt and embarassment had transformed into an emotion she had never experienced before. The feeling churned in her belly, and sparked red in her vision, and coated her mind with an awful haze.
RAGE.
She seemed to step out of her own body, watching as her small fist shot out and caught the princess square in the left eye, snapping her head around sideways.
The tumult of anger left Ayeka in an instant, replaced by complete shock, as she looked back at the fuming girl. *No one*, no matter how furious, had ever struck her.
"You," Sakuya began, in a furious speech of her own, "you went through my things, you humiliated me in front of Tenchi, and you...YOU BI--"
"STOP IT!!" Tenchi screamed, stepping between them. "Both of you, stop this right now! You're acting like third-graders!! Sakuya," he said quietly, turning to her, "come with me. Ayeka, go up to your room and stay there. I'll send for you when I'm ready."
-
He led Sakuya to the shrine, and they stood on the shore of the lake. The sight of the silver moonlight relflecting on the water helped to calm him somewhat, if very little, and he was greatfull for it. He needed to be calm right now.
"Tenchi?" Sakuya asked in a whisper, hoping he wasn't too furious to even talk to her.
"Sakuya, why?" he said, turning to her. "What the hell got into you back there?" The anger, she saw, was gone, replaced by something far worse: his brown eyes were full of deep sadness. Knowing how she had made him feel was like having a knife driven into her stomach.
She responded to his question by wrapping her arms around him. She buried his face in his sleeve, crying uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Tenchi," she sobbed, "I am so sorry, for everything."
He returned the hug reluctantly; it hardly seemed appropriate to hold or comfort her after what she had done. "I know you are," Tenchi said. "And I forgive you. And I want you to forgive Miss Ayeka, too." He gently pushed her away, holding her by the shoulders. "But I don't think you fully realize what you've done," he said, his voice suddenly stern. "Ayeka is *royalty*, Sakuya! You just decked the Princess of Jurai! She could have you executed!"
"And you would let her?"
"Don't smart off at me," he rebuked. "Of course I wouldn't let her. But that doesn't mean I'm prepared to put up with more violence in my house. I put up with that crap from Ryoko and Ayeka for five years." He shook his head. "I've seen what it can do. Never again, Sakuya. Do you understand me? If you *ever* pull a stunt like that again, you'll have to live somewhere else." His eyes softened, and he took her delicate hands in his large, rough ones. "But I don't want to come to that bridge, let alone cross it."
"I understand, Tenchi." She turned to go.
"Hold on," he said, putting a hand on her retreating shoulder. "There's something else we need to talk about."
"Tenchi," she tried to explain, "I was only going to show it you..."
He stopped her by gently covering her mouth with his. "I love you, Sakuya," he said when he released her, "but we already discussed this. I believe what you said, but I don't think it would have ended up that way." He laughed, blushing a little, "I only have so much control, you know." His voice turned serious once more. "Sakuya, you are incredibly beautiful, and making love to you was the most awesome thing I've ever known in my life. But we made a promise together, and if I had seen you in that little thing, I don't know if I could have kept that promise."
"I understand, Tenchi. I'm sorry." She looked down at her shoes.
He put his fingers under her chin, and tilted her face up toward his. It was interesting, he thought, to see her real personality emerge, after being buried under all the depression of the events of that summer in Tokyo, two years ago. She was a rascal, he thought with a smile. He kissed her. "Go on back to the house, I'll be along later.
-
Ayeka had fallen asleep. The soft knock on the bedroom door awakened her, and she sat up, blinking drowsily. "Come in," she called. "Lord Tenchi," she said nonchalantly when he entered. She turned away, looking out the window.
"Ayeka, look at me," Tenchi commanded.
No reply.
"I didn't come here to yell at you," Tenchi said sternly. "I've yelled enough for one night. But if I have to just to make myself heard--"
"Oh, stop it!" she snapped, turning to him. He winced when he saw the shiner around her eye. "Spare me your stupid, pretentious little fatherlike routine."
"Damn you, Ayeka!" Tenchi screamed. "I told you I would yell if I had to, and now I am! Now, I am sick of this jealousy crap, and I won't put up with it another minute. Ever since she came here the first time, you've been acting like a spoiled little school girl! I don't know who to be more angry at."
"That little hussy has been nothing but--"
"Stop calling her that! Ayeka," he said, calming himself. He walked over and set next to her on the bed. "Look at me. Sakuya is the woman I am in love with, for all her faults, and no one else. Ryoko understands that, and it's time you accepted it, too."
"I can't do that," she said, shaking her head. "I told you, you have a duty to your throne, and to your people, whether you recognize it or not. And no matter how strongly you feel about her, Sakuya has no place in the royal bloodline."
"This has nothing to do with politics!" he shot back. "This is Earth, not Jurai. Those are *not* my people on that other planet seven thousand light- years away, they're Yosho's people. I told you already, I don't want to be a king, I just want to be a farmer."
"Edward the Second," Ayeka muttered.
"What?" Tenchi asked curiously.
"Edward the Second," she repeated. "I read a little Earth history a while back. He was the king of England in the sixteenth century. But he hated it. All he really wanted to do was raise sheep."
"Well, I know what happened to him," Tenchi said, "and it won't happen to me. I'm out of their reach, and I plan to stay that way." He studied her face closely. "Why didn't you put some ice on that?"
"I don't need it," she said petulantly. "It will heal."
"You do too, and that bruise will only get worse if you leave it like that. I'll send Sasami up with an icepack later, and she had better come back without it, understand?"
She bowed her head. "Yes, Lord Tenchi. I apologize for my behavior."
"It's alright, Ayeka. Get some rest."
She lay down on the bed, and Tenchi planted a tender kiss on her forehead, before leaving the room.
The next morning, Sakuya stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bathroom, fresh from the shower, and looked at her body.
She was maybe an inch or two taller than she had been in Tokyo. She noticed that she was getting a little pudgy around the waist. Starting to show a little? she wondered. Probably not; it was too early yet.
She picked up a big brush and began, with a wince here and there, to dig the tangles out of her copious locks. Boy, long hair was a pain. She had considered getting it cut again, but the novelty had not yet worn off for her, and Tenchi seemed to like her new look.
She heard voices outside, beyond her bedroom door. Miss Washu was talking to someone.
"Yeah, she's there, go on back," Sakuya heard. She quickly donned her robe, in case her visitor was male, and entered her room.
When she heard the knock, she opened the door to see Miss Mihoshi's cheerfull face and frizzy blond hair. "Hi!" Mihoshi greeted. "Ayeka is taking me and Kiyone into town for some shopping, after breakfast. Would you like to come with us?"
"I'd love to," Sakuya replied with a grin. "Just let me get dressed."
"Great! See you in a few minutes."
For an outfit, she chose her t-shirt and bluejeans, along with the little yellow windbreaker she wore during chilly weather.
Outside, Sakuya and Tenchi said their goodbyes, and the four giggling females piled into Ayeka's car. The big beige luxury vehicle was gorgeous, both inside and out, and very expensive. No one was certain exactly why the princess had purchased it, when she already possessed an orbiting spacecraft that could take her anywhere on the planet at a moment's notice, but the most popular theory was that it was simply for prestige.
Sakuya sat in the back, next to Mihoshi, and leaned back in the leather- trimmed seat; it was very comfortable. As they backed out of the driveway, the air conditioner whirred to life, sucking away the heat of the morning, and replacing it with a cool artificial breeze.
"This is really nice," she commented, running a hand over the supple leather of the seat.
"You bet," Kiyone said, looking back over her shoulder with a grin. "What did I tell you? This bunch knows how to get around in style!"
-
"So, what do you think?" Kiyone asked in front of the dressing rooms, holding up a skimpy two-piece bathing suit in either hand. "The red, or the white?"
"Hmm," Sakuya stroked her chin thoughtfully, "The red one brings out your skin tone better, but the white is a bit flashier. I guess the question is, which is more important?"
Kiyone frowned, disappointed at having to choose. "I want to go with the red," she sighed, "but it's too blasted expensive! Alright, red it is, but I'll buy it next time. Sakuya? Hey, pay attention, I need your help here! What are you looking at, anyway?"
Sakuya turned back to her, popping her eyebrows up and down, a mischiefous grin on her face.
"Don't you dare!" Kiyone laughed when she saw where Sakuya had been looking. Her laughter died when she realized her friend was not joking.
"Sakuya, you can't be serious," she whispered harshly. "Washu will kick your ass if she finds out!"
"Miss Washu won't find out," Sakuya assured nonchalantly, setting off for the section of the store in question, with Kiyone, trying not to look suspicious, trailing her. "Besides," she said quietly, "I just want to show it to him, that's all."
Meanwhile, Mihoshi and Ayeka were checking out the perfume counter. "Oh my, Mihoshi, this is lovely, don't you think?" She held out her wrist. Mihoshi was bored to tears; Ayeka had spent the last ten minutes trying to match wits with the sophisticated nineteen-year-old girl behind the counter, and had met with little success.
Mihoshi reluctantly leaned down and took a sniff, and promptly sneezed, covering Ayeka's arm in tiny dots of saliva.
The princess was utterly humiliated. Seeing the smug look on the salesperson's face, she tossed her head back and stomped away, Mihoshi following along and apologizing profusely.
"Say," Mihoshi mentioned, when Ayeka seemed satisfied with her apologies, "Where do you think Kiyone and Sakuya went?"
"Yeeee," Kiyone grimaced, looking at the filmy little nightgown/slip Sakuya had donned in the dressing room. "No, I think black is a little too racy for you, and green has already been done. Let's try matching your skin tone. Hmmm, you're really fair-skinned, so let's see...how about this?" The garment she held up was shorter, and light blue, almost bluish-white.
"Oooh, I like it," she approved, "but maybe--" she stopped when they heard Princess Ayeka's distinctive English accent nearby. "No time to decide now," Kiyone said quickly, shoving the slip into its box, and dropping it in a plastic bag. She tossed Sakuya her street clothes. "Let's go."
-
Tenchi barged through the door of his house, thoroughly disgruntled. He had two ten-page essays to hand in by the end of the week, and was in no mood to even pick up a pencil.
His teacher, Mister Nagumo, was nicknamed "the Shogun" by his students, and lived up to it. He was the most cruel, heartless history instructor Tenchi had ever encountered. Nagumo had once given Tenchi a grade half a point short of passing on a term paper, because of three misspelled words, all of which were common enough mistakes. And one boy had been sent to the headmaster's office for being exactly twenty seconds late to class (when he returned with only a warning on the referral, Nagumo had glared at him periodically throughout class). Only an instructor with a heart of pure evil could do such things, and as far as Tenchi was concerned, Nagumo fit the bill perfectly.
After his shower, Tenchi lay on his bed, wondering how in the world he was going to find time to finish two major papers, put in enough work in the field, and spend some time with Sakuya.
He realized he hadn't thought of her all day. He wondered how she was doing with the other girls, and hoped Ayeka hadn't given her a hard time. He took some comfort in knowing that Kiyone was there, to help balance things out between those two. Kiyone was strong and sensible, and would make a good buddy for his fragile-hearted girlfriend. Between her and Ryoko, Sakuya was settling in quickly.
He heard doors opening, and chattering female voices downstairs. That would be them now. He went downstairs and greeted the girls, sharing a quick kiss with Sakuya as the others unpacked. He took a few moments to think about what he was about to do. What the hell, he decided. Never mind the homework for now. Shogun Nagumo could wait another twelve hours.
He snuck Sakuya, package and all, off to the side as Ayeka and the others unwrapped their newly acquired packages. The two sat on the couch in the living room. "Hey," Tenchi said, giving her a good-natured poke in the stomach, "why don't we get out of here tonight? Just you and me. I'll take you out to dinner. What do you say?"
"That sounds like fun," Sakuya said, "but you don't drive. Who's going to take us? Miss Ayeka?" She chuckled to show that she was joking.
"God, no!" Tenchi laughed, but his laughter turned to a groan when he realized the solution. "It'll have to be my dad. Don't worry, I'll pay for him, and make sure he sits at least two tables away."
"What's wrong with your father?" Sakuya asked curiously.
"You don't want to know, trust me." Tenchi muttered.
Noboyuki Masaki, for some reason, deemed it absolutely imperative that his son get married soon, or at least sleep with something vaguely female. He was always trying to fix Tenchi up with with one girl or another. If he had known about the incident the night before last, he would have shouted it from the summit of Mount Fuji. On the other hand, if he ever found out about Mihoshi...
-
Sasami was not at all upset about Tenchi going out for dinner. After all, the food she had worked so hard to make would still be eaten, if it took a little longer. She was glad he was finally going to get some time alone with Sakuya. Now she wouldn't have to scold the others about leaving the couple alone. At least for now.
Tenchi smoothed out the fabric of his slacks as he waited by the door. After a few minutes, she appeared, wearing her best clothes. "You look stunning!" he complemented.
She was wearing the outfit she saved for occasions such as this one. She looked very sophisticated, in her black sweater and pantyhose, and the little red skirt. A pair of sunglasses was perched at her hairline, and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
"You ready, son?" Noboyuki asked excitedly as he entered the kitchen, tossing his car keys up and catching them smoothly.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Tenchi said with a bright-eyed smile, placing his arm about Sakuya's waist. "You remember the rules, right?"
"Of course," Noboyuki laughed. "Come on, I wouldn't want to bother my boy on a date!"
Like hell you wouldn't, Tenchi thought, mentally increasing the distance between he and Sakuya's table and his father's. He willed himself to relax, and headed out the door, his father and his date in tow.
-
The Yoshikaru Restaraunt in Kurashiki was the most opulent in Okayama Prefecture. It also cost a sizeable portion of Tenchi's paycheck to get a meal there, and was well worth it.
He watched her in the candle light, admiring her, as she nibbled on the little salad she had ordered as an appetizer. The light flickered, reflecting in her green eyes, and creating faint shadows that played across her face. She was gorgeous!
"So, what do you think?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"It's great!" She replied with a smile. "Gosh, first a fancy car, now this. I feel like a princess!"
Tenchi laughed softly. "Well, I'm glad you're having a good time. Just don't overdo it on the wine," he gestured to the goblet near her plate, and the bottle in the middle of the table, "you've got someone else to think about." She nodded. "So," he went on, "did you like shopping with the girls today?"
"I loved it! That blond girl--"
"Mihoshi," he informed her.
"Yeah, she's such a trip! I cracked up just watching her and Miss Ayeka. And I got to help Miss Kiyone pick out a bathing suit. Oh, that reminds me," she leaned across the table and whispered in his ear, a sensation he found surprisingly arousing, "I've got something for you when we get home."
And just what, Tenchi wondered, had she gotten for him? He hoped it wasn't clothing of any kind. Tenchi hated getting clothing for a gift, and had no ability to hide his feelings about it. She would definitely be offended if she read it on his face. He decided to let her keep her little secret for now.
They sat talking, and gazing at one another, until their orders arrived. The food was cooked in traditional hibachi style, the chef putting on an impressive show for the couple as he cracked, whipped, banged, and otherwise maneuvered the ingredients into place. He stacked up a series of onion rings, soaked them in vegetable oil, and struck a match. Sakuya squealed in fright, and Tenchi snorted loudly, trying not to laugh at the sight of her cringing as the gout of flame reached halfway to the ceiling.
With a flourish and a low bow, the cook presented them with their meal. Tenchi applauded, and shook the man's hand.
"That was not funny," Sakuya grumbled as they were left alone once more.
"It was hilarious!" Tenchi laughed hysterically. "You should have seen the look on your face..." he trailed off when he realized she was genuinely upset. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he recanted gently. "I'll ask him not to do it next time."
Sakuya's face lit up. "Next time?!" she said incredulously.
"Sure," Tenchi promised, beaming at her. "It'll be a while before I can afford it again, but I'll definitely try to bring you back if you want."
She certainly did, despite the terrifying onion volcano. She spent the rest of their date gazing lovingly at him, speaking only when spoken to; she was far too distracted by him to make any conversation of her own.
-
Ayeka, sitting on the couch in the living room, held up the small bottle of perfume she had battled so hard for, and sprayed a little on the nape of her neck.
"That really smells nice, Ayeka," Kiyone complemented.
"Yes, I think so too," Ayeka replied. "As long as you're not allergic to it." She glared at Mihoshi, who was sticking out her tongue as she concentrated on a Rubic's cube, oblivious to the conversation. "So, what did you get for yourself?" Ayeka asked, turning back to Kiyone.
Kiyone opened her box and stood, holding the little bikini up in front of her.
"Goodness," Ayeka giggled, "that's very interesting. Planning to turn a few heads at the beach, are we?"
"You better belive it!" Kiyone said, returning to the couch. "I'm twenty- two and single. Do I look like Tenchi to you? Ooh, that wasn't very nice was it?"
Especially, she thought, since Tenchi had someone now. He was a gentleman, not willing to bring home just any woman. There was nothing wrong with that. It just made a conveinient joke.
"Well, I won't tell him if you won't," Ayeka replied with a chuckle. "Speaking of which, where do you suppose Lord Tenchi and his little courtesan have gotten off to?" She *refused* to refer to Sakuya as Tenchi's girlfriend.
"As far as I know, they're on a date," Kiyone said. "I'm sure they'll be back soon." With that, she stood. "Come on, Mihoshi, put that thing down. I need your help cleaning up that pigsty you made out of our room.
Mihoshi reluctantly rose and followed Kiyone up the stairs, leaving Ayeka alone.
There was still one unopened package on the table. Oh, she noticed, it's partially open. That would be Sakuya's purchase.
I really shouldn't, she hesitated. Lord Tenchi would be furious if he found out...
But there's the rub, she told herself with a devious grin. She would only take a little peek, and then put it right back. Surely no one would be the wiser.
A few minutes later, Noboyuki's car pulled into the driveway, with the owner of the package and her blissfully happy suitor in the back seat.
Tenchi had controlled himself during the ride home; it would have been at best impolite to make out with Sakuya while his father was less than a meter away. But he fully intended to catch up on the lost quality time as soon as possible.
When Noboyuki opened the door, he blanched at the sight that greeted the three.
Standing in the doorway was a purple-faced Princess Ayeka, with what looked vaguely like a piece of fabric balled up in her fist. Her teeth were clenched with rage, and she advanced on Tenchi and Sakuya with murder in her eyes.
"Ayeka?" Tenchi asked, completely nonplussed, and very worried. "Ayeka, what's the matter?" He turned to Sakuya, who's ashen face was aimed at Ayeka's hand. "Sakuya? Are...are you okay? Girls, what's going on here?"
"You...you...little..." Ayeka sputtered, tears squirting down her face. She hurled the delicate object at Sakuya, who reached out and caught it. Sakuya's face turned beet-red when it unfolded for the world to see.
"...SLUT!!" Ayeka finally finished. The word had the impact of a nuclear bomb.
"Ayeka," Tenchi shouted, "that's enough! Now both of you, tell me what in God's name this is all about!"
"You...," Ayeka stammered, pointing an accusing finger at the flimsy piece of lingerie in Sakuya's hand, "you think I don't what that is for?"
"But, Miss Ayeka, I was..." Sakuya began, humiliation coloring her face.
"SILENCE!! Ayeka screamed. "Do you expect me to believe you were planning to wear to this to bed, just for yourself?" Her voice took on a quiet, menacing tone, "Just what were you planning to get next?" she asked scornfully, "A bottle of wine? Some scented candles? Perhaps a little body oil--"
She never finished the sentence. Throughout her tirade, Sakuya's guilt and embarassment had transformed into an emotion she had never experienced before. The feeling churned in her belly, and sparked red in her vision, and coated her mind with an awful haze.
RAGE.
She seemed to step out of her own body, watching as her small fist shot out and caught the princess square in the left eye, snapping her head around sideways.
The tumult of anger left Ayeka in an instant, replaced by complete shock, as she looked back at the fuming girl. *No one*, no matter how furious, had ever struck her.
"You," Sakuya began, in a furious speech of her own, "you went through my things, you humiliated me in front of Tenchi, and you...YOU BI--"
"STOP IT!!" Tenchi screamed, stepping between them. "Both of you, stop this right now! You're acting like third-graders!! Sakuya," he said quietly, turning to her, "come with me. Ayeka, go up to your room and stay there. I'll send for you when I'm ready."
-
He led Sakuya to the shrine, and they stood on the shore of the lake. The sight of the silver moonlight relflecting on the water helped to calm him somewhat, if very little, and he was greatfull for it. He needed to be calm right now.
"Tenchi?" Sakuya asked in a whisper, hoping he wasn't too furious to even talk to her.
"Sakuya, why?" he said, turning to her. "What the hell got into you back there?" The anger, she saw, was gone, replaced by something far worse: his brown eyes were full of deep sadness. Knowing how she had made him feel was like having a knife driven into her stomach.
She responded to his question by wrapping her arms around him. She buried his face in his sleeve, crying uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Tenchi," she sobbed, "I am so sorry, for everything."
He returned the hug reluctantly; it hardly seemed appropriate to hold or comfort her after what she had done. "I know you are," Tenchi said. "And I forgive you. And I want you to forgive Miss Ayeka, too." He gently pushed her away, holding her by the shoulders. "But I don't think you fully realize what you've done," he said, his voice suddenly stern. "Ayeka is *royalty*, Sakuya! You just decked the Princess of Jurai! She could have you executed!"
"And you would let her?"
"Don't smart off at me," he rebuked. "Of course I wouldn't let her. But that doesn't mean I'm prepared to put up with more violence in my house. I put up with that crap from Ryoko and Ayeka for five years." He shook his head. "I've seen what it can do. Never again, Sakuya. Do you understand me? If you *ever* pull a stunt like that again, you'll have to live somewhere else." His eyes softened, and he took her delicate hands in his large, rough ones. "But I don't want to come to that bridge, let alone cross it."
"I understand, Tenchi." She turned to go.
"Hold on," he said, putting a hand on her retreating shoulder. "There's something else we need to talk about."
"Tenchi," she tried to explain, "I was only going to show it you..."
He stopped her by gently covering her mouth with his. "I love you, Sakuya," he said when he released her, "but we already discussed this. I believe what you said, but I don't think it would have ended up that way." He laughed, blushing a little, "I only have so much control, you know." His voice turned serious once more. "Sakuya, you are incredibly beautiful, and making love to you was the most awesome thing I've ever known in my life. But we made a promise together, and if I had seen you in that little thing, I don't know if I could have kept that promise."
"I understand, Tenchi. I'm sorry." She looked down at her shoes.
He put his fingers under her chin, and tilted her face up toward his. It was interesting, he thought, to see her real personality emerge, after being buried under all the depression of the events of that summer in Tokyo, two years ago. She was a rascal, he thought with a smile. He kissed her. "Go on back to the house, I'll be along later.
-
Ayeka had fallen asleep. The soft knock on the bedroom door awakened her, and she sat up, blinking drowsily. "Come in," she called. "Lord Tenchi," she said nonchalantly when he entered. She turned away, looking out the window.
"Ayeka, look at me," Tenchi commanded.
No reply.
"I didn't come here to yell at you," Tenchi said sternly. "I've yelled enough for one night. But if I have to just to make myself heard--"
"Oh, stop it!" she snapped, turning to him. He winced when he saw the shiner around her eye. "Spare me your stupid, pretentious little fatherlike routine."
"Damn you, Ayeka!" Tenchi screamed. "I told you I would yell if I had to, and now I am! Now, I am sick of this jealousy crap, and I won't put up with it another minute. Ever since she came here the first time, you've been acting like a spoiled little school girl! I don't know who to be more angry at."
"That little hussy has been nothing but--"
"Stop calling her that! Ayeka," he said, calming himself. He walked over and set next to her on the bed. "Look at me. Sakuya is the woman I am in love with, for all her faults, and no one else. Ryoko understands that, and it's time you accepted it, too."
"I can't do that," she said, shaking her head. "I told you, you have a duty to your throne, and to your people, whether you recognize it or not. And no matter how strongly you feel about her, Sakuya has no place in the royal bloodline."
"This has nothing to do with politics!" he shot back. "This is Earth, not Jurai. Those are *not* my people on that other planet seven thousand light- years away, they're Yosho's people. I told you already, I don't want to be a king, I just want to be a farmer."
"Edward the Second," Ayeka muttered.
"What?" Tenchi asked curiously.
"Edward the Second," she repeated. "I read a little Earth history a while back. He was the king of England in the sixteenth century. But he hated it. All he really wanted to do was raise sheep."
"Well, I know what happened to him," Tenchi said, "and it won't happen to me. I'm out of their reach, and I plan to stay that way." He studied her face closely. "Why didn't you put some ice on that?"
"I don't need it," she said petulantly. "It will heal."
"You do too, and that bruise will only get worse if you leave it like that. I'll send Sasami up with an icepack later, and she had better come back without it, understand?"
She bowed her head. "Yes, Lord Tenchi. I apologize for my behavior."
"It's alright, Ayeka. Get some rest."
She lay down on the bed, and Tenchi planted a tender kiss on her forehead, before leaving the room.
