INVASION, Volume 3, Part 3: Summer Break!
DISCLAIMER: TENCHI MUYOU! is copyright AIC/Pioneer, LDC. I claim no rights to it. However, the events depicted within this story are entirely of my own imagination. So please do not change it. Feel free to distribute as widely as desired.
FOREWORD: Let's get something out right now. This chapter was originally VERY lemony. However, the events here are an important part of the development of the characters, and a very important plot event occurs here. So, I did a bunch of editing to make it fit the 'R' rating. I most definitely will make the original, unedited version available in the future. I hope I did a good enough job so that everyone understands what has occurred in the edited scenes without my having had to go into detail. Again, there is a reason for this ~~steamy~~ chapter.
AUTHOR: Dreamr
LAST REVISION: 13 December 2002
EMAIL: TrueDreamr@Hotmail.com
BEGIN.
Aeka carefully surveyed her selection of bathing suits. There were several suits of varying cuts and designs. Most were in earth-tones or matched her hair. All were one-piece and inappropriate for sun-bathing. Outside, the sun shone down brightly from the clear blue sky, promising a beautiful day ahead.
Asahi and Gohgei had already left for their honeymoon, leaving their guests the run of the cottage. Washu had also returned to her lab, although she had installed a temporary portal to her lab through an infrequently used closet on the first floor. Mihoshi had returned to Earth to return to her duties as a Galaxy Police Detective, and Tenchi's father had to go back to work, as well. The two of them returned via the temporary portal through Washu's lab, leaving Tenchi, Ryoko, Sasami, Ryo-o-ki, and herself to vacation on Ryuten until Ryu-o was returned to an operational status.
Now that she was on vacation, it was time to relax. Aeka could think of no better way than to lie in the sun and get a beautiful tan. Digging further through her belongings she managed to find a single two-piece bathing suit.
"Goodness! This is rather skimpy." Aeka examined the two-piece suit she had acquired from her mother just prior to leaving Jurai to search for her brother. But, she had to admit, it was a good selection. It was the same color as her eyes, with trim to match her hair.
"I hope it fits." Aeka murmured as she went behind the changing screen in the corner of the room. Quickly removing her more traditional kimono and under clothes, she tried on the suit.
As she thought, it was a bit small. It was somewhat tight about her hips, but the waist material was elastic and stretched with her. However, the rest was not and rode a bit lower than she liked. Still, she was planning to go outside and deliberately expose her skin, so the low waistband was acceptable.
The top was a different story. Aeka ran the strap adjustments all the way out before even trying it on. Getting it on was a chore. She had to strain her arms behind her back to get the ends of the back strap to meet. Looking into the mirror before her, Aeka could see that the top barely fit. Her breasts were pressed tightly enough against her chest that they actually appeared larger than was normal. Aeka turned sideways and examined herself, trying to determine if she were showing too much.
"It's certainly not as much as Ryoko shows of herself, that hussy. And if Lord Tenchi were to see me like this..." Aeka contemplated Tenchi's probable reaction for a moment, and then compared it to how she would like him to react. She closed her eyes, imagining what it would be like if, just once, Tenchi were to kiss her. Aeka found herself growing very excited at the thought of Tenchi's soft lips against hers. With regret, she banished the fantasy by opening her eyes. The first sight that greeted her was that of her firm nipples clearly showing through her suit. Aeka wrapped her arms over her chest and began cursing herself for her selfish, perverted fantasy.
"Oh, my God! You silly goose! Lord Tenchi has chosen someone else and you know it. So stop that!" Quickly refocusing on her original intentions, Aeka set to gathering the things she wished to take outside.
As soon as Aeka cleared the front door of the cottage, she regretted her decision to go out today. Already, in the middle of the yard, Ryoko was lying face-down on an identical lawn chair in what could only be described as a G-string bikini. To one side, an empty sake bottle lay on the ground. On the other side was an icebox with who-knew-what concealed within.
Aeka released the screen door, which slapped against the door-frame, alerting Ryoko to her presence. The cyan-haired woman lifted her head to see who was coming outside.
"Hey, Aeka! Come join me, won't you?" Ryoko waved Aeka over.
Aeka grimaced, then reluctantly walked over to the same area Ryoko occupied.
"Good morning, Miss Ryoko." She coolly greeted. "Something very important must have happened for you to be awake this early."
Ryoko stretched out on her lawn chair with a content smile.
"It's such a great day, I felt like catching some rays."
"I see you caught some sake, as well."
"I'm not drunk." Ryoko was quick to point out.
"Thank goodness for small favors." Aeka muttered as she turned away from Ryoko to begin setting up her possessions.
"What are you doing wearing that?" Ryoko disapprovingly asked from behind Aeka.
"What does it look like I'm doing?"
"It looks like you going to get massive tan-lines."
"Well, that can't be helped, since I am wearing a bathing suit." Aeka smartly remarked.
"So take it off."
Aeka stood straight up, mortified at Ryoko's insane idea.
"I will not! I am a princess and, unlike you, I do not expose myself in public."
Ryoko began to grin. She was getting better at hiding when she teased Aeka, which made it even more fun for her. But sometimes she just could not contain herself.
"I bet Tenchi would like to see you naked."
Aeka stared coldly at Ryoko. She refused to be baited again, no matter what the provocation.
"Do you enjoy tormenting me, Ryoko?" Aeka turned back to her lawn chair and began dragging it further from Ryoko. As she was moving away, she suddenly felt a very strong arm circle around her stomach.
"Release me this instant, you demon-beast-thing!"
"Hey, Tenchi!" Ryoko yelled to the house. "Come here! I want to show you something!" She held tightly onto Aeka to keep her from escaping.
A moment later, Tenchi stuck his head out the kitchen window.
"What's up?" When he saw Aeka struggling in Ryoko's grasp, he assumed the worst. "Don't tell me you two are fighting again?"
Aeka yelled across the yard for Tenchi's assistance.
"Lord Tenchi, would you please call off your attack dog?"
"Ryoko, please let Aeka go." Tenchi asked.
"Sure. Sure. Just answer this question. Will Aeka get tan lines wearing this outfit?"
Tenchi stared at the girls in confusion.
"I guess."
Ryoko released Aeka. She spun around and spat fire at her tormentor.
"How DARE you! You... you... mummified...", veins bulged from Aeka's forehead, "she-devil!"
"Ryoko." Tenchi called to the girls again. "Unless I'm mistaken, you're both going to get tan-lines. So, I don't see what you're teasing Aeka about."
"What?!"
Ryoko looked at Tenchi with utter astonishment on her face as he withdrew his head through the window frame. Aeka, of course, began to laugh. However, Ryoko was not paying attention to Aeka. She was still looking at Tenchi through the kitchen window as he went about his business at the sink. Because Aeka had had her back to Tenchi, she had not seen the way he had looked her up and down before answering. But Ryoko had seen. Her cheeks puffed out as jealousy coursed through her veins.
Ryoko looked at Aeka's suit more carefully. She understood it was a two-piece for sun-bathing and had no problem with that. But now that she was really looking, she could also see it was too small for a grown woman's curves. Ryoko slipped two fingers into the rear of Aeka's suit bottom and pulled upwards, gauging its tightness by the princess's reaction.
Aeka gasped loudly. Ryoko grinned again and stepped back just in time to avoid Aeka as she spun around. The back of Aeka's right fist just missed the end of her nose.
"Don't you ever do that again!" Aeka warned her.
"So tell me, Princess. You've had that swim-suit for quite a while, haven't you?" Ryoko slyly pointed out, making Aeka's eyes narrow with suspicion.
"So what if I have?"
"Heh. Just asking." Ryoko suddenly switched tracks. "I'll tell you what. I won't tell Tenchi you just tried to hit me, if you'll sun-bath with me."
Aeka looked mortified. She had acted without thinking when she felt Ryoko pull on the bottom of her suit, and now it was costing her. In a quieter voice, she asked for more details concerning what Ryoko wanted in exchange for her silence.
"What do mean by 'with' you?"
Ryoko stared at her for a moment, then laughed uproariously.
"Bwah, ha-ha-ha-ha! You perv! Ha-ha-ha-ha! Oh! I just mean there's a nice private clearing in the woods where we can go and not worry about tan-lines."
Somewhat relieved, but still not satisfied with the conditions, Aeka told Ryoko what she thought of the idea.
"I refuse to expose myself in public, no matter what you tell Lord Tenchi."
Ryoko slung a chummy arm around Aeka's shoulders, making the princess grimace.
"Oh, come on, Aeka. It's just like taking a bath together, only without water! And I said it was private."
"If I go, do you promise not to tell Lord Tenchi?"
"Not a peep."
"Very well." Aeka reluctantly agreed.
"I can't believe I'm doing this."
"Man, what is up with those girls?" Tenchi grumbled as he cut slices of ham for his lunch. Nearby were the fixings for the rest of his box-lunch, which he intended to take with him on his hike through the foothills. At the stove, Sasami was browning some rice, in which the meat would soon be mixed.
"They are silly, aren't they?"
Tenchi sighed.
"I don't think silly is strong enough of a word."
"What word were you thinking of?"
As Tenchi peeked out of the window to see Aeka and Ryoko packing their things, he continued to slice into the block of ham, paying little attention to what he was doing with the ultra-sharp butcher knife. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Sasami picked up a squeeze bottle of red-wasabi and stealthily squirted a bit of it on his fingers. Without a sound, she stashed it in her sleeve, then looked away.
"Tenchi, don't you think you should be watching what you're doing?"
"Huh?" Tenchi looked down and saw red all over his fingers. His eyes went wide, and he shivered as he stared at his fingers. Then his eyes rolled and he passed out. Sasami immediately began laughing like crazy.
Aeka glanced briefly to her left. Ryoko lay sprawled out on her lawn chair without a stitch of clothing covering her. She appeared to be asleep. Looking at her own bare body, Aeka compared herself to the rejuvenated demon.
Ryoko had larger breasts than her. Aeka was fairly certain she had reached her adult size and was not expecting any further significant growth. On the plus column, Aeka felt her hips were just a bit wider. In her mind, it meant she was more suitable for bearing a future heir to the throne of Jurai. Aeka was looking for an attribute she possessed that would break the tie in her favor, when Ryoko spoke up.
"Whatcha lookin' at?"
Aeka quickly made up an excuse.
"Washu must have been crazy to create a woman with such ridiculously large breasts. A woman must possess more than eye-candy to rear her children."
"Au contraire." Ryoko countered. "Washu says my breasts are the perfect size for feeding a baby. Unlike you, any kids I have won't go hungry. Besides, you have to attract a man before you can start having his kids." Ryoko smiled as she came up with a cute pun. "Big boobs are a big help."
"Pervert."
"Oh? Do I stare at your naked body? No. You're the one who's staring, Princess." Ryoko started cackling at Aeka's embarrassment. "Heh. Maybe you're considering a lifestyle change, eh?"
"I am not a lesbian!"
"Well, you don't seem to have much luck with men. You might want to think about it. I might even show you a good time if you treat me right." She flashed Aeka a very suggestive smile.
"You are disgusting!"
"Ha-hah-ha! Relax! I'm just kidding!"
Aeka returned her attention to her book.
"You are not funny."
Ryoko laid back and closed her eyes, humming contentedly to herself while the hot sun beat down on her bare skin. Although she liked thinking she was getting a tan, the fact was her skin never darkened due to solar exposure. She supposed it was a defense mechanism against sunburns. At least it felt warm.
A few minutes later she heard something moving in the woods. She stopped humming so she could better hear whatever it was. Thanks to her excellent hearing, she could just make out tentative foot steps. She rolled her head over and looked into the woods through half-open eyes. Peering from between two branches was Tenchi.
She decided to give her man a show. She set her feet on the ground on opposite sides of the lawn chair so Tenchi could see what she had to offer him. Tenchi looked at her for a few seconds more, then shifted his gaze to Aeka. Ryoko nearly leapt from her chair. She could not believe he was looking at Aeka instead of her.
"I show him my best parts, and he just looks away? And why does he keep looking at her? What does she have that I don't?"
Ryoko looked over at Aeka, trying to see what Tenchi found so interesting about her.
"Now who's staring?" Aeka mentioned off-hand.
Ryoko averted her gaze, directing it back into the woods instead. Tenchi was gone, but she could make out footsteps receding into the distance. She began worrying that maybe it was Tenchi who wanted a change in lifestyle. One not quite so drastic as what she had proposed to Aeka. Perhaps a change in girlfriends.
Ryoko lay on the cottage roof, letting the late afternoon sun keep her warm. She had her swim suit on again, as opposed to her earlier nudity in the woods. It was still hot and she felt stupid wearing other clothes over her suit, so she had stayed this way the entire day. Aeka had left their supposedly private clearing shortly before noon, claiming the intensifying sun was beginning to burn her pale skin.
Ryoko soon grew bored with no one to talk to, and returned to the cottage. She watched TV for a while, then finally vacated the couch for the roof again. Now she sat looking into the blue of Ryuten's atmosphere, worrying about Tenchi. She had no clue what to do about Tenchi's apparent growing attraction to Aeka.
The only person she ever asked advice from was Washu, and even that small trust was newly won. Washu had said that if she had any personal problems she should talk to her about it. Ryoko thought Washu was referring to having problems in bed with Tenchi. This wasn't quite that kind of problem, but it was definitely a personal problem.
"Okay, MOM. Let's see if the shoe fits." Ryoko relaxed her block on the mental link with Washu.
"Washu!"
"Well," Washu greeted her, "the prodigal daughter finally calls home! You aren't by any chance looking for a pregnancy test, are you?"
Ryoko groaned. Not a day went by that Washu did not ask for grandchildren.
"No. The way things are going, we won't have to worry about that."
"Uh-oh. Sounds like trouble."
"Tenchi keeps looking at Aeka."
"What do you mean?"
"You know. He looks. He really looks."
"So?"
"He looks..." Ryoko sighed. "It's like this. Aeka and I were sun-bathing nude."
"Wow! How'd you get her to do that?"
"Extortion. Will you just listen?"
"Okay, okay. I'm listening."
"Anyway, Tenchi found us."
"Bet that was interesting."
Ryoko paused for a minute to catch her mental breath.
"What happened then?" Washu prompted.
"I opened my legs for him and he looked at AEKA!"
"D'oh!" Washu fell out of her lab chair.
"What do you mean 'Do'h!'?"
Washu climbed back into her seat.
"Relax, girl! Tenchi's probably just feeling more confident now. I'll bet he's curious about sex with other women and wants someone to compare you with!"
"What's to compare?"
"In Tenchi's mind, everything."
Ryoko sat up. Her gaze fell upon the far end of the cottage roof.
"I... don't want to lose him to someone else."
"Like I said, relax. You've got thousands of years of experience. I doubt there's anybody that could take Tenchi from you. Just try to keep an open mind. Who knows? Maybe he'd like a threesome with you and Aeka."
"No way. Tenchi would never go for that."
"Have you asked?"
"No."
"So how do you know?" Washu paused, even though she did not expect a reply. "Well, you're probably right. That's not really Tenchi's style. But I still think he's curious. He knows Aeka has strong feelings for him, and she's available. What guy wouldn't want to have sex with a beautiful princess?"
"I can't afford to take that chance. I..." Ryoko got a bit choked up just thinking about it.
"It's okay. Just talk to him about it. I'm sure he'll tell you he loves you more than anyone and that he'll never leave you. And he'll mean it. That's a lot more than some girls find. Hell, even I didn't do that well."
Ryoko felt a bit better having talked to someone. She could get used to this mother/daughter thing.
"Thanks, Mom." Ryoko felt warm feelings coming through the link.
"Anytime, dear. Anytime."
Ryoko was not sure how to talk to Tenchi about something like swinging. Realistically, that was what it was. After talking to Washu, she had given the idea some thought. She had pretty much decided she was okay with the idea of Tenchi doing it with Aeka if he wanted someone to compare her with. It would only make him realize just how good he had it with her. There was no way Aeka could compare to her. However, talking to Tenchi about it was easier said than done.
At first, she resolved to talk to him after dinner. She ended up doing the dishes. After they went to bed, she tried again. But Tenchi had his mind set on something else. She was loathe to deny him that. So they made love instead of talking. It was not until well after that, as she lay against his chest, that she remembered about it again.
"Tenchi?"
"Mmm?"
"Do you ever think about Aeka?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you think about being with her?"
Tenchi turned his head so he could look at Ryoko.
"What brought this up?"
"Just wondering, I guess."
"Hmm." Tenchi let his head fall silently back on the well-stuffed pillow. "Well, sometimes I wonder how things would have been. But, the first thing I think of every time, is how much that would hurt you. So, I stop thinking about it."
"Mmm..." Ryoko only mumbled tentatively. This avenue was not really working for her. She always found it difficult to talk openly about personal things. But, there were other ways to get the conversation to where she wanted it. She made sure to paste a suggestive grin on her face before continuing.
"I saw you in the woods today."
Tenchi's eyes popped open and his face began to burn.
"I was just... going for a walk in the woods and, um... look what I found."
"You found more than you bargained for, hmm?"
Tenchi gently stroked Ryoko's shoulder with the tips of his left fingers, withholding his answer for several seconds.
"I'm sorry, Ryoko. I didn't mean to peep."
"Don't worry about it. Aeka didn't even notice."
"But, you did. And I shouldn't have been looking in the first place. I guess I owe Aeka an apology, too."
As Ryoko stared across the silhouette formed by the thin light wafting across Tenchi's body, a plan began to form in her mind.
"You're... curious about her, aren't you?"
"I'm more worried than curious. She's been acting really strange, lately."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know."
It took Ryoko a few seconds to work up enough confidence to offer her suggestion.
"You could sleep with her."
Tenchi's response sounded almost as amused as it did incredulous.
"What?!"
"It'd be a Hell of an apology. She'll go for it if you show some initiative. And you'd find out what you've been missing."
"That's not what I had in mind."
"Oh, come on, Tenchi. Every guy wants to do it with a princess. She's had the hots for you from day one."
"Forget it. I would never do that to you."
"But..."
"No, Ryoko." Tenchi pulled his arm from around her shoulders and turned over so he was facing away from her. With the loss of her resting place, Ryoko propped herself up on her elbows.
"Something bad's gonna happen if you don't."
There was a long pause before Tenchi spoke again.
"What do you mean by that?"
Ryoko paused.
"Where did that come from? Weird." Ryoko shook her head to rid herself of the strange feeling.
"I don't know. I've just got a feeling about it. You've gotta to do something. Look. I'll get Aeka to go sunbathing with me again, tomorrow, in the same place. If you want to, just show up. I'll bug out and you two can get things worked out. If you do it, fine. If not, that's fine, too. Just... do something, will ya? She's getting to be a real pain in the ass."
Having completed her relatively long speech, Ryoko turned over as well, facing the opposite side of the bed from Tenchi, who sighed for some reason. She took a deep breath to relax herself.
"Washu, if this doesn't work I swear I'll shave you bald!"
The peace and quite surrounding Aeka and Ryoko within their small clearing deep in the woods of Ryuten was shattered when Ryoko discovered an empty sake bottle. She held the container up and showed it to Aeka, who was reclining on one of the folding lawn chairs they had brought with a book in her hands.
"What the Hell, Aeka? You drank all the sake!"
"Don't yell at me, Miss Ryoko! You're the one who insisted we come out here to sun-bath, again. If the refreshments you brought were insufficient, it's simply a matter of poor planning on your part."
"Ah, bite me. There woulda been plenty if you weren't hogging it all."
"As I said. You simply didn't bring enough for the both of us."
"Whatever. I'm going back for more."
Ryoko did not bother to tell Aeka she had spotted Tenchi in the tree line just a minute ago. She had made sure to bring plenty of sake to get the princess juiced before Tenchi arrived. Somehow, she had known he would return here today. Call it woman's intuition, call it common sense, call it blind-ass luck. Whatever it was, Tenchi was here and Aeka was both extremely relaxed and naked.
"Perfect." Ryoko thought as she slipped her swimsuit back on. "Now they can get it on, while I hit-up Washu for that pregnancy test she keeps asking to give. When it comes back negative, maybe she'll quit bugging me about it. There's no way I'm ready for that!"
"Well?" Aeka asked as Ryoko thought to herself. "Are you going to leave me in peace or must I return, myself?"
"All right! I'm going, for Pete's sake!" Ryoko teleported away, leaving Aeka alone with the prowling young man.
As Tenchi watched Ryoko leave, he felt something stirring within himself. Ryoko had officially given her blessing to settle things with Aeka, and he knew Aeka would not be satisfied until she was in Ryoko's place. But that was a piece of real estate he would never give up.
"Damn it. This isn't right. I can't do this. I'm not a two-timer. I just don't want to go on hurting Aeka." Tenchi looked again to see if Aeka were still there. She was. "Dammit all! I'm shaking like a leaf! I can't go through with this. Hey! If she leaves I won't have to! But if Aeka leaves..."
Ryoko's haunting statement from last night came to mind.
"Something bad's gonna happen if you don't."
Deep in though as he was, Tenchi took a blind step forwards and stubbed his foot on a tree root.
"Ow!"
Realizing his outburst had probably alerted Aeka to his presence, Tenchi quickly hid behind the tree. A squeak of fright from Aeka's direction told him he was correct. After a few moments of listening to Aeka quickly scrambling for her suit, he heard her voice call to him.
"Lord Tenchi?"
Tenchi remained silent, hoping Aeka might think the sound she had heard was only a wild animal.
"I'm decent now. You can come out." Aeka continued to call to him. Tenchi remained hidden.
"Lord Tenchi, I insist you reveal yourself, this instant!"
"Now I'm in for it."
Tenchi took a deep breath, then stepped out from behind the tree, making sure to face away.
"I'm sorry, Aeka. I didn't mean to, um..."
Aeka blushed a bit when Tenchi revealed himself. She was standing in the middle of a forest clearing wearing close to nothing. It was not the lack of clothing that was embarrassing, but the feelings of desire that she felt, looking at Lord Tenchi. The tightness of her suit only served to emphasize to her that she was a grown woman with a grown woman's desires.
"Aeka, I'm going back to the house, now." Tenchi suddenly announced.
"Wait!" Aeka exclaimed. "I mean, won't you... talk with me, for a while?"
Tenchi finally turned around. His eyes went from top to bottom to top again as they drank in the rare sight of Aeka's well proportioned body. When Tenchi noticed Aeka was blushing, he looked up into the sky, avoiding her eyes.
"Um, nice day, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Aeka answered as Tenchi began making his way across the short distance from the tree-line. "Please, sit with me." She gestured to the lawn chair.
Tenchi gingerly sat on the edge of the lawn chair and waited for Aeka to join him. As Aeka turned to sit next to him, he got a look at just how tight her suit bottom really was. Tenchi quickly looked away.
"So, Lord Tenchi." Aeka began. "Out for a walk?"
"Mmm. Yes. Actually, I was going to go for a hike yesterday, but, uh..." Tenchi trailed off when he realized he was at the part he did not really want to tell Aeka. Unfortunately for him, her quick mind had already figured out the rest of the story.
"But you saw Ryoko and I sun-bathing."
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I mean, I was just walking through the woods and there you were!"
"I see. And today?"
"I... still wanted to take the trip, so I came back. But, you were here today, too."
Tenchi cringed as he realized that he was not being entirely truthful. He did still want to take that hike. But, there was still an unspoken reason for his presence here.
"I understand." Aeka acknowledged. "It is I who should be apologizing for interfering with your plans. If I had known you would be traveling this route, I would never have allowed Ryoko to bring me here."
"It's not your fault, Aeka. You didn't know." Tenchi smiled a bit. "Besides, I'm glad you and Ryoko are getting along better."
"Well, there doesn't seem to be much to fight over anymore."
Tenchi sensed the melancholy that was descending over Aeka. It reminded him of something he had been meaning to do for a while.
"Aeka, I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you."
Aeka stared into the trees for a moment before responding.
"Lord Tenchi, I was wondering. Why, or how, did you choose Ryoko?" It was a risky topic for Aeka to get into. But it was something she needed to know.
Tenchi had to think about that for a moment. The particulars of his choice had not been apparent at the time. He had had only his feelings to go on.
"When Ryoko and I were stranded on that island, she... was totally different. It was like she didn't feel the need to impress me anymore. It's kind of funny how it worked. The less she tried, the more impressed I was." He stopped for a moment to regather his thoughts.
"She saved my life, Aeka. If it weren't for her, I would have died of thirst in the first couple of days. She hunted, she cooked, she cleaned. My God, Aeka. She held back an entire typhoon for five whole days! I..." Tenchi shuddered at the remembered feelings Ryoko had engendered within him. "I love her."
Tenchi looked at Aeka, expecting she would be upset. His expectations were confirmed when he saw tears running down her cheeks.
"I am so sorry, Aeka. I wanted to make you feel better, and all I've done was hurt you more."
Wiping her face, Aeka scoffed at Tenchi's apology.
"Nonsense. I asked a personal question and you answered with the truth, which is much more than what that fop, Serifu, would have done. You are an honorable man, Lord Tenchi. I'm very glad to know you."
Drying the last of her tears, Aeka managed to calm herself. Hearing Tenchi tell her up-front that he loved someone else was painful. However, she already knew he loved Ryoko. Anyone could tell just by seeing the way they looked at each other.
"Aeka," Tenchi asked, "I was wondering, too. It's not that I don't want you around, but, I was wondering why you haven't gone back to Jurai?"
Unlike Tenchi's explanation, Aeka's was simple.
"I have much with your family that I did not on Jurai. I can see now why my brother would wish to remain."
"I see." Tenchi accepted her explanation.
"I..." Aeka continued, "can't seem to give up."
Tenchi began to get the feeling the conversation was going in a direction it should not. Not wanting to allow that, he stood up.
"Aeka, I think I should be going."
Aeka looked up at Tenchi in surprise when he cut her off. As the surprise faded, she realized he was right. If she confessed her love for him now, it could cause him many problems she had no right to inflict upon him.
"I'm glad we got to talk."
"So am I." Aeka almost winced at her lie. She felt like nothing had been accomplished and another precious opportunity was wasted.
"Good luck on your tan." Tenchi waved as he turned to leave.
Aeka searched desperately for a way to keep Tenchi near. She looked around, searching for anything that might help. Her eyes fell upon the basket she and Ryoko had brought. The top of a bottle of sunscreen was peeking over the edge.
"Lord Tenchi!"
Tenchi turned back to Aeka.
"Yes?"
"Could I... ask a favor?"
"Sure."
"Skin as fair as mine burns quickly and I cannot easily reach my back. Could you..." Aeka faltered at asking such a bold request.
"Take heart." She told herself. "It works for Ryoko."
"Could you... help me?"
Tenchi scratched his cheek with one finger.
"Well..." He eyed Aeka suspiciously for a moment before deciding with a sigh. "All right."
Aeka smiled as she reached for the light-colored bottle. When Tenchi arrived at her side, she handed him the bottle and then turned so that she was sitting length-wise on the lawn chair with her back to the upright section. Tenchi straddled the chair behind her.
As Tenchi squeezed the contents of the bottle into his open palm, it made a sound not unlike a rude noise Ryoko was fond of imitating with her hand and armpit. Both Aeka and Tenchi could not help laughing at it as Tenchi began spreading the cool liquid over Aeka's shoulders. Remembering her hair, Aeka reached back and pulled it over her shoulder so it would not be in the way.
Aeka was soon very glad she had asked Tenchi to do this for her. His strong hands rubbed over her shoulders, spreading the protective substance over her skin, while, at the same time, spreading warm feelings through her being. Quite frankly, it felt wonderful to have his hands on her again. As Tenchi progressed down her back, Aeka found herself enjoying his touch more and more. When his hands passed her shoulder blades, and his fingers wrapped around her slim frame, Aeka felt the first signs of arousal. Each time Tenchi rubbed sunscreen away from the center of her back, she hoped he would go a little further and touch her more sensitive sides. Tenchi continued downwards until he reached Aeka's waist. He took a fresh dollop of sunscreen and spread that around the back and sides of her torso. Aeka sat straighter when she felt his hands rubbing her sensitive waist. But with her legs straight out in front, it overstretched her thighs. Not wanting Tenchi to stop the wonderful back rub he was giving, Aeka uncrossed her legs and tried to straddle the lawn chair as Tenchi was, despite how unwomanly it was to spread her legs in such a manner. However, the joints that allowed her end of the chair to lock upright were in the way.
"Lord Tenchi, would you mind moving back a little?"
"Sure." Tenchi removed his hands for a moment so that he could slide back against the raised segment of the chair. Aeka slid back, as well, which allowed her to sit as she desired.
"Much better." She commented. "You may continue."
Tenchi did not bother to remind Aeka that he was almost done. He noticed that when he put his hands back on her waist she sat up straighter. Tenchi spread the rest of the sunscreen, then he told her of the last area he had to protect from the harmful rays of the sun.
"Aeka, I hope you don't mind my asking, but, if you're going to be out the way you were earlier, I'll need to put some sunscreen under the strap back here. Is that all right?"
He was not at all surprised at Aeka's answer.
"That's fine."
Tenchi put more of the opaque liquid on his hands and bravely tried to slip them under the strap that ran across her back. Aeka held her breath as the material suddenly tightened around her chest. She found herself growing very excited as Tenchi's hands made the top pull and twist across her bosom. Aeka's mouth dropped open to allow her heaving chest the air it needed to fuel her growing desire.
Tenchi could tell by Aeka's posture and breathing that she was getting excited. He would have continued the back rub, but her top was so tight he could barely get his fingers underneath, much less an entire hand. Tenchi pulled his hands away from her back, even though he had not gotten all the areas that needed to be covered.
"Aeka?"
"Yes, Lord Tenchi?" Aeka asked in a quiet voice.
"Um, there's a couple spots I couldn't get because it was too tight, but... I think I should stop, now."
As Aeka sat, thinking very specific thoughts about how she was feeling for Tenchi, she dug her fingers into the plastic strands of the chair and clenched her hands around them. She inhaled deeply before replying.
"I would prefer if you continued. The spots you mentioned will burn without the proper protection. If the strap is in the way..."
Aeka's throat balked at the commands her brain was giving it. Each time she tried to start again, her throat constricted, denying her the words she longed to say. She had no choice but to change her statement.
"Lord Tenchi, do you have a dream?"
"I... want to live in peace with my family."
Aeka could not help smiling.
"That sounds wonderful. I also would like to live in peace. It is very peaceful at your home on Earth. I would someday like to return there. But, I don't think I would feel right if you were not there."
Tenchi sighed at Aeka's heart-felt words. Gently, he ran the backs of his fingers over the small of her back. When she arched her back receptively, Tenchi slid his fingers back to the strap tightly secured around her chest.
"Aeka, there's something I'm going to tell you." Tenchi announced before he started working to remove the strap. "I'm not sure how you feel about this. But, Ryoko told me last night she didn't mind sharing."
Aeka grimaced.
"She would think of something like that."
"Aeka, it's the only way I can see where we can all have our dreams. I think... I think we all want the same thing: To live in peace with someone we love. If we can't all live together, then..." Tenchi took a deep breath to steel himself, "then we should go our separate ways."
There was a long moment of silence as Tenchi waited for a response. He expected anything from rage to tears. What he did not expect was a taste of Aeka's whip-like humor.
"My, what appealing options. I believe that if Mother can share, then so can I."
Tenchi took a deep breath and released it, along with a truck-load of stress. He began unhitching the strap.
"Thank you, Aeka. Thank you for understanding."
"I believe I know now why Father dislikes you so much."
"Why is that?" Tenchi asked as the suit top fell into Aeka's lap. She looked down at it as if it were some mysterious object she had never before laid eyes on.
"You remind him too much of himself."
"Is that so?" Tenchi wondered about Aeka's father for a few moments while he completed the small ritual of spreading the sun-screen over her back.
"Aeka, I want you to know. I've been really worried about you. I could see how much it was hurting you to see Ryoko and I together. It wasn't right of me to go on hurting you like that. Frankly, I'm really surprise you stayed with us. But, I'm glad, too. I didn't want you to leave."
As Aeka's back was now fully protected from the ravages of the sun, Tenchi let his hands slide down the height of her back to her waist, where he wrapped his hands around her slim figure.
"Can I ask a personal question?"
Sensing what Tenchi's question would be, Aeka smiled.
"You may."
"Have you ever, um..."
"Not yet."
Tenchi grinned.
"You don't even know what I was going to ask."
"It does not matter. I have never been intimate with another person."
Tenchi slid his arms around Aeka, holding her tightly.
"Could I..."
"You may."
"You don't even know what I want to do."
"Come now, Lord Tenchi. I'm not that naive."
"Then, you really do feel that way about me."
"I..." Aeka's voice would not obey the commands she was sending it. After a moment of speechless mouth movements, she started over.
"I..." the words caught for a moment. Then, they finally escaped as she forced the air from her lungs. "...love you." All of a sudden, all of the words she had wanted to say for years were rushing to join the others that had already been freed.
"Tenchi, I've wanted to tell you this for so long. But, I was afraid you would not feel the same. If you truly desire me, then I will gladly give myself to you. I... belong to you, heart and soul, for all eternity. I've felt so alone this past year. I was watching Asahi and Gohgei be married and, suddenly, I was overcome with such feelings of despair, that I could not bear it. I was watching them. But I was seeing the two of us. Then, when I looked at you and saw you with Ryoko, I felt betrayed, even though no such thing had occurred."
For a moment, all Aeka could feel besides Tenchi's arms around her waist, was his breath against her ear. She did not care that she was nearly naked. She was not embarrassed by it anymore, especially after the other day. Every word of her confession was true. She would give herself to him, now, without reservation. In her heart, they were already husband and wife.
"I think... I finally figured it out. I think I know now why I've felt like I was doing something wrong all this time. I was only letting half of my feelings out. I tried making up for it with Ryoko. But that wasn't what I needed. Aeka, what I need is you. I need both of you." With a laugh, Tenchi finally said what Aeka had longed to hear for so long. "I love both you, and Ryoko."
Aeka took a deep, shuddering breath to reset her skewed breathing pattern. Just as she was getting a handle on this normally easy task, she felt Tenchi's warm lips on her neck.
"Tenchi..."
Tenchi looked towards the kitchen from his place next to Ryoko. Aeka had gone in there for some snacks a couple of minutes ago and had not yet returned.
"I wonder what's taking so long?"
"She's probably admiring herself in the shiny counter-tops." Ryoko joked.
"I don't know." Tenchi thought about it for a minute. When Aeka still had not returned, he decided to check on her.
"I'll be right back."
"Hey! Why are you so worried? She's probably just getting fat on cookies!"
Tenchi knew better. Aeka was anything but fat. A mental image of her, sans clothes, came to mind as he made his way to the kitchen. When he returned a few minutes later with a grin on his face, Ryoko immediately noticed his content expression.
"What are you so happy about?"
She forgot about her curiosity when he sat down next to her, and then grabbed her by the waist, pulling her right into his lap where he could hold her close.
"You were right. There was nothing to worry about."
Ryoko cuddled against his chest.
"Okay."
When Aeka finally emerged from the kitchen with the promised tray of treats, Ryoko turned in Tenchi's lap, but she did not get up. It was very rare for Tenchi to let her get this close in front of anyone else, and she did not want to mess it up.
"About damn time! I'm surprised there's any cookies left at all!" Ryoko was just about to take a handful of cookies when she smelled something she did not expect. Suspicious, she leaned a little closer and took a good whiff of Aeka's scent.
"Is... is something the matter?" Aeka tried to act nonchalant.
Ryoko recognized the smell of sex, and Aeka reeked of it. She turned to Tenchi, who's face was beginning to turn red. Leaning close to him, Ryoko took another sniff and immediately noticed a faint, but similar smell on Tenchi. Amused, she grinned widely.
"Why, Tenchi, you sly dog. You did Aeka in the kitchen. I had no idea you went in for that stuff."
Tenchi's face went from slightly red to crimson.
"And you!" Ryoko directed her attention to Aeka. "I didn't think you had it in you to try something so risqué! Oh! Now that I think about it, I guess you did have IT in you." Her grin widened into a full-blown smile. "At least for a little while. Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Aeka's eyes rolled back as she fainted from embarrassment.
Finally having recovered herself, Aeka lay in her bed for the remainder of the day. She did not dare show herself for fear of further embarrassment. Whether it was for better or for worse, she was alone for the evening with only her feelings and thoughts, most of which were focused on Tenchi and how he made her feel.
After their rushed encounter in the kitchen, and her subsequent, fainting spell, she had changed into fresh clothes. Opting for something less cumbersome than her usual Jurai robes, she had decided on shorts and a sleeveless shirt. She could see why Sasami and Mihoshi wore such clothes. It was quite comfortable.
As she laid on her summer bed, her thoughts kept drifting to how much she wanted to finish what she and Tenchi had started in the kitchen. The experience, though enjoyable, had left her feeling unfulfilled and needful. She tried thinking of other things to distract herself, but her thoughts always came back to him. Periodically, Aeka found herself rubbing a hand between her legs as she gave vent to some of the passion within herself. She was just starting to work on getting her shorts off when there was a knock at her door.
"Aeka?" It was Tenchi. "May I come in?"
Aeka quickly rebuttoned her shorts and rose to admit Tenchi. She crossed the room and slid the door open.
"Good evening, Lord Tenchi."
"Um, Hi."
"Please, come in." Aeka allowed herself a well-concealed look of desire as Tenchi passed by. She slid the door closed behind him. He looked around the darkened room for a moment before speaking.
"I, um, wanted to check on you. Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, Tenchi. I'm feeling much better now. It's very thoughtful of you to check on my welfare." In the darkness, it was difficult for Tenchi to see the way she was looking him over.
"Oh, good. I was kind of worried when you just fainted like that. You didn't hit your head or anything, did you?"
Aeka giggled when Tenchi's remark reminded her of what had occurred a couple of days ago.
"No. But, now that you mention it, I do feel a little warm." Aeka moved to within half an arm's reach of Tenchi. "Would you be so kind as to check my temperature?"
"Uh, okay." Tenchi put his hand to Aeka's forehead. The warmth of her brow shocked him.
"Aeka! I think you have a fever! We should call a doctor." Tenchi went for the door.
"No!" Aeka grabbed his hand, keeping him from getting to the door. "I'm sorry! I don't mean to be so forward. I..." She held his hand in her own hands, just in front of her chest. "I simply can't stop thinking about earlier."
Tenchi looked at Aeka in confusion for a moment before realizing what she meant.
"Oh. I guess that wasn't such a good idea."
Aeka shook her head in disagreement.
"No. It's not that. I'm not embarrassed or ashamed. I liked it." She held his hand against her chest. "I liked it a lot."
Her gaze drilled into Tenchi's eyes. He had to understand what she wanted. Putting all of her considerable willpower into her gaze, Aeka tried as hard as she could to make Tenchi understand that she needed him to finish what they had started.
"Aeka, have you been thinking about what we did all evening?"
"Yes." She pressed his hand between her breasts as she inched closer to Tenchi. "I can't stop thinking about it. What we did felt wonderful. But, it was over so quickly. I didn't get to enjoy myself, or you."
Aeka could feel her heart racing. Her breath accelerated in expectation of what she wanted from Tenchi.
"I'm sorry, Aeka." Tenchi put his free right hand on the side of Aeka's face. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back a bit, hoping he would understand how much she needed him. She was rewarded a moment later when Tenchi kissed her waiting lips.
Aeka devoured his affection as a starving person devours a meal. She released Tenchi's hand and went to his waist where she immediately began pulling out his shirt. Tenchi pulled back in surprise.
"Hey! Slow down! I thought you wanted to go slow this time."
"Tenchi, I..." Aeka's breaths game in great gasps as she fought for control of herself. "I've never had the courage to say these things, before. But, I can't wait anymore. I don't want it to be over quickly, but I don't want to wait, either. Please, Tenchi. Don't make me wait any longer."
Without waiting for Tenchi's answer, Aeka resumed working on getting his clothes off. Her fingers worked deftly at the belt she had in her hands.
"All right." Tenchi answered her. "You don't have to wait."
For some time, Aeka and Tenchi laid naked together in her bed. Aeka stayed close to him, her head and left hand on his chest. She was just drifting off when Ryoko's impatient voice intruded on their peace.
"Are you done yet?"
Aeka's head snapped up to address the source of the rude intrusion. She found Ryoko sitting upside-down on the ceiling, her hair hanging down like so many jungle snakes, ready to pounce on her at any moment.
"Must you be so vulgar?"
"The only thing vulgar is how you're hogging Tenchi all to yourself."
"Perhaps Lord Tenchi simply prefers a more capable partner than you."
Ryoko's eyes expanded with a flash of anger.
"You wish! There's no way you're more capable than me!"
"Please, don't argue." Tenchi put his free arm over his eyes to shut out the sight of his lovers quarrelling, as he tried to impose peace.
"I'm sorry, Lord Tenchi." Aeka immediately apologized. "Please forgive me."
"I'll tell you what." Tenchi began to explain an idea he had come up with earlier. "I figured something like this was going to happen, and I don't want either of you to think I'm spending more time with the other. So I came up with a way to keep things fair."
Both Aeka and Ryoko listened carefully.
"I'll sleep here with Aeka tonight."
"But, Tenchiii!" Ryoko whined from her place on the ceiling.
"I'm not done yet. I'll spend tonight with Aeka. Then we'll switch. Tomorrow I'll spend the night with Ryoko. Each night I'll switch. If we do more than just sleep, then fine. If not, well, you'll just have to live with that. I don't think I can keep up with both of you at the same time, so it's going to have to be this way. If either of you has a better idea, I'm willing to listen. Otherwise, that's the way it's going to be from now on."
It took Aeka only a moment to see the logic in Tenchi's idea. Although she would rather have Tenchi to herself, her mother's suggestion that she share him with Ryoko had stuck with her. Perhaps Misaki had spoken with Tenchi, or maybe his father. In addition, she was impressed that Tenchi was finally taking charge of his life.
"Very well."
Ryoko was not as understanding. She was already pleading with him, which did not happen very often.
"When I said I don't mind sharing, I didn't mean permanently! I just thought you wanted to try someone else. You know, to get some experience or because you were curious about Aeka. Why do you need someone else? Aren't I good enough?"
Tenchi moved his arm from his eyes to above his head. As he looked at Ryoko, he could see that she looked upset.
"Ryoko, your hair looks funny upside-down."
The inverted girl began pawing at her hair, trying to find what was wrong.
"My hair? Oh. Um... Hey!" She figured out Tenchi was playing with her when she saw him smile. Tenchi reached out to her. Ryoko drifted down to the bed and took his hand in hers. They stared into each other's eyes for a long time, sharing some form of silent communication. Aeka glanced back and forth between them, trying to understand how they could possibly look so in love.
"All right." Ryoko reluctantly agreed. "If that's what you want."
"Thank you for understanding."
Ryoko slowly faded from view.
A moment later Aeka spoke into his chest.
"I love you, Tenchi."
Tenchi put both arms around her shoulders and held her close for comfort.
"I love you, too."
Aeka had taken to staying outside during the evening hours so that she would not have to witness Tenchi and Ryoko's intimacy. The next evening, she went out not to avoid them, but because she valued the peace and quiet. The kitchen window was only a short distance away, and the sounds of Sasami working on dinner in the kitchen made things seem just like when she had first met Tenchi.
Aeka sat outside enjoying the warm evening air with a new embroidery work. This one she was intending to present to Tenchi as a gift. When she found herself growing thirsty, she set her work down and stood to get herself something to drink. To her surprise, she saw Tenchi on his way out with a full pitcher of lemonade and two glasses. She greeted him with a bright smile.
"Good evening, Lord Tenchi."
"Hi. You've been out here for a while. So, I thought you might like a drink."
"Why, yes. I was just thinking of that."
Tenchi seemed a little confused about what to do next.
"Um, could you hold the glasses?"
"Oh! Of course. How silly of me!" Aeka took the glasses from Tenchi's hand so he could pour the lemonade into them using both hands.
"There." Tenchi announced, once he had filled them. "Why don't we sit?"
"Very well."
Aeka sat down right where she had risen from a moment ago. Tenchi sat very close to her.
"So, what are you making?"
"Why, Tenchi. You never ask about my activities." Aeka smiled some more. "What has come over you?"
"Ah, well, I just thought we haven't talked much lately. So, what are you making?" Tenchi leaned close so he could better see what she was working on.
Aeka's chest clenched when she inhaled the scent of him. She felt strangely compelled to lean forward and kiss his exposed neck. When Tenchi felt her lips touch his neck, he grinned and stretched his neck as far as he could. Aeka ran her tongue up and down his neck, making him sigh with longing.
"Mmm. That feels good."
Aeka set her glass of lemonade down at arms reach so she would not spill it. She put her right arm over Tenchi's shoulders and her left hand on the other side of his neck so she could put more pressure against his neck with her mouth. Tenchi chuckled slightly as he was suddenly taken by the mental image of a vampire sucking its victim dry. Aeka backed off.
"Do you find something funny, Lord Tenchi?"
"No, it's nothing." Tenchi assured her. "You don't have to stop, if you don't want to."
"Very well." Aeka put the laughing episode out of mind and picked up where she had left off.
She soon felt Tenchi's left hand crawling up her right thigh. Growing tired of the lack of oral interaction, Aeka gently pulled on Tenchi's face, rotating his mouth to where she could reach it. They kissed gently, speaking their desires without words. Tenchi moved his left hand from her thigh to just behind her, allowing him to sit upright. Then, replacing it with his right, he firmly rubbed the inside of her thigh. The corners of Aeka's mouth curled upwards as Tenchi began wriggling his fingers into her kimono. She carefully redirected his kisses to her neck so she could speak.
"My goodness, Lord Tenchi. Where did you learn to be so adventuresome?"
"From you." He whispered against her neck.
"I don't think so. I believe that other woman has been teaching you things men should not know." She inhaled deeply as Tenchi found her panties. "If you do that out here, I won't want to stop."
"That's the idea."
"Oh, yes..."
Finding that everything was nearly ready for this evening's repast, Sasami took a moment to let everyone know that dinner would soon be served. She knew her sister spent the evenings on the back porch with her embroidery. So she went there first, since it was closer than the living room, where Ryoko was probably lounging.
Intending to tell Aeka dinner was nearly ready, she stuck her head out the back door just in time to see Aeka reaching across the porch to retrieve her panties. Sasami quickly retreated behind the wall beside the door without being seen. She slapped a hand to her mouth in shock.
Everyone knew Tenchi was with Ryoko. What she had just seen definitely appeared to fit the definition of cheating. She took a deep breath and banished the thought. There was no way Tenchi would ever cheat on Ryoko. Then she remembered that she had suggested to Tenchi a while ago that he marry both Ryoko and Aeka. She almost started giggling. With more confidence, Sasami stepped out through the porch door.
"Big Sister, Tenchi, dinner's ready!"
Aeka quickly concealed the article of clothing in the sleeve of her kimono before facing her sister.
"Thank you, Sasami. We'll be in shortly."
"Right. Thanks, Sasami." Tenchi confirmed Aeka's claim from where he was sitting on the edge of the porch.
Giving her sister and Tenchi a mildly reproving look, Sasami went back inside to finish the preparations for dinner.
The two lovers waited until they were certain Sasami was out of earshot before breathing a sigh of relief. To their chagrin, Sasami's voice called to them again from inside.
"Don't be late!"
Tenchi hung his head and Aeka looked as if her head would fall off sideways.
Ryoko found her beloved to be somewhat uninterested in making love that evening. No matter how much she tried, Tenchi would not do more than pet and kiss. She was eventually forced to give up on it.
"Tenchi, why don't you want me?"
"I'm just tired. It doesn't have anything to do with you."
"You had Aeka again, today, didn't you?"
Tenchi remain silent for a while as Ryoko lay against his chest. He had no desire to reduce the intensity of the passionate love he felt for Aeka. But if he did not, he knew his relationship with Ryoko would suffer. She was already growing jealous. Tenchi decided not to mention he had made love to Aeka not just that evening, but first thing this morning, as well.
"Yes."
"Don't you want me anymore?" Ryoko's voice was very quiet. It disturbed Tenchi to hear her so despondent.
"Of course I do. I'm just tired. I need some rest tonight."
Ryoko remained silent for a time, tapping her fingers against his ribcage. Tenchi was not sure he wanted her to be silent. If she was not speaking, then she was thinking. He had a hard enough time trying to understand her actions. Trying to out-think her was asking too much.
"What are you thinking about?"
Tenchi was surprised when he felt a drip of water roll down the side of his chest.
"Ryoko?"
"What?"
Tenchi nearly recoiled at the vehemence in her voice.
"Ryoko, please look at me."
The cyan-haired beauty hesitated before turning her face towards Tenchi. He put his right hand on her cheek and carefully ran his thumb just under her left eye. The wetness there proved she was very upset. It had taken Tenchi years to realize Ryoko was actually a very sensitive person under her tough exterior. He tried to think of how he would feel if Ryoko all of a sudden decided she wanted someone else in addition to him and then spent the next two days making love to him. Just the thought of it made his chest clench with imagined pain. He looked Ryoko straight in the eye as he apologized for pushing her to the side so casually.
"I love you."
The corners of her mouth curled up in pleasure at his affirmation.
"I know. But, sometimes I think you love her more."
"That's not true. Oh, how can I explain it?" Tenchi paused as he tried to figure out how to explain how his feelings for Ryoko and Aeka differed.
"When we first made love, I was already in love with you. I just hadn't realized it, yet. It was different with Aeka. You were right. I was curious about her. I wanted to know what I was missing. On top of that, I wanted her to know I still cared about her."
"I guess... the difference is that I can feel you right in my heart. I feel like we belong together. When we touch, it feels like there's something more than a physical connection between us. I'm not sure what it is, but it's there. I know it."
"With Aeka, I can feel her, and I love her. I know she loves me, too. Making love to her is amazing. She's so open about how she feels. She's actually pretty aggressive about it. It surprised me that she makes so much noise. I kind of like it. She's a princess, so I guess it's kind of like some strange forbidden fruit. It really means a lot to me that you, um... said it was all right she and I could be together. It bothered me to see her so depressed all the time. I was really worried about her. She seems a lot happier, now."
Tenchi realized he had diverged from his intended course. He had meant to tell Ryoko how much he cared for her as opposed to Aeka. Instead, he had ended up telling her how much he loved Aeka.
"You're right, though. I have been spending more time with Aeka. I'll tell you what. Why don't we spend tomorrow together, okay?"
Ryoko looked up at him, her eyes full of hope.
"Really?"
"Yes. You decide what you want to do, and I'll go along with it."
"What if I want to make love in a field under the stars?"
"Well, since tomorrow night is Aeka's night, I don't think it'll be under the stars. But everything before that is up to you."
"Can we go for a long walk alone in the woods?"
"Is that what you want?"
"Yeah."
"Deal."
Ryoko snuggled more comfortably into his chest.
"I love you, Tenchi."
"I love you, too, Ryoko."
Ryoko nearly dragged Tenchi through the woods. Her excitement was high at having him alone to herself for the entire day. The fact that they were truly alone was even better. She had planned and schemed of ways to entice him into making love to her today, but none of her plans seemed right for Tenchi. She wanted it to be spontaneous.
They walked hand in hand for a long time, just talking and watching the wildlife. They laughed at nothing and made eyes at each other, knowing full-well they were thinking about the same things. When Ryoko finally moved in close and wrapped her arms around his neck, Tenchi decided he had had enough of flirtation. He put his hands around her waist and pulled her against him. She tilted her head up the small bit necessary to meet his lips and they kissed deeply for a long time.
When they parted, Ryoko set her head down on Tenchi's shoulder. They held each other close for much longer. The noises of the forest were the only sounds they heard. An occasional gust of wind rustled the leaves of the trees. Cicadas whined their greetings from up high, while grasshoppers chirruped their answers from below. Squirrels and chipmunks ran up and down the trees like messengers delivering word from one world to the next. Various birds swooped from tree to tree, picking off small insects like pirates attacking random cargo vessels.
"Tenchi?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
Tenchi squeezed her just a bit tighter.
"I love you, too."
Their thoughts drifted in different directions. While Ryoko thought of how she wished she could do more for Tenchi, he thought of how little time he had spent with her of late. He decided he had not been very considerate of her feelings, especially considering who he had been spending his time with.
"Ryoko, I'm sorry I've been so selfish, lately."
"Forget it. I'm the one that hooked you up with Aeka. Heh. I had no idea she would be so good in bed."
"Uhh..." Tenchi was not quite sure how to respond to that. The facts of the matter were that Aeka was good in bed. Tenchi had enjoyed every moment of the time they spent together and he was looking forward to tonight with her.
Ryoko pulled back just enough so she could make eye contact before continuing on.
"Just remember to save some for me from now on."
"I promise I will."
They looked into each others eyes. Ryoko let her lids close, expecting Tenchi to kiss her.
"Could you open your eyes again?" Tenchi asked.
Surprised, Ryoko complied. She waited patiently for Tenchi to explain what he wanted.
"You have pretty eyes."
Her eyes went wide and her cheeks blushed at Tenchi's bold-faced compliment. Not even he had ever complimented her on her eyes. The feline-like golden orbs had always brought fear out of anyone unfortunate enough to see them until she had changed them over a year ago. She quickly reigned in her surging emotions, flashing a wide smile as compensation.
"That's a first."
"No one's ever told you that before?"
"Everyone's afraid of my eyes."
Tenchi lifted his hands to her face.
"Not everyone."
Ryoko let her eyes flutter shut despite Tenchi's insistence she keep them open. His soft touch on her cheeks sent waves of pleasure through her being. It was not an erotic pleasure, but something deeper and more meaningful. When she felt their lips touch, her hands slid down to Tenchi's chest. She stayed there while holding her mouth open for him. Tenchi's tongue lightly brushed past her lips. Their tongues danced to the duet of their hearts beating in time to one another. They slipped past one another and explored each others' mouth, lightly touching and tasting the soft tissues inside. Their mouths came completely together, allowing them to explore their true feelings for one another.
As Ryoko stood, she pulled Tenchi's shorts back up for him. Showing a great deal of concern for his modesty, she made sure his clothes were properly arranged as she resecured the hurriedly removed articles.
"Did you like it?" She asked with a coy smile.
"Ryoko..." Tenchi could find no way to sufficiently express how she had made him feel.
"Speechless, huh?"
"Yeah."
Having finished buttoning Tenchi's shorts, Ryoko leaned against his chest. Tenchi gently put his arms around her shoulders.
"I'll bet Aeka wouldn't do that for you."
"She started to, once. But I didn't let her finish."
"No way." Ryoko said with disbelief.
"Well..."
"She wasn't as good as I was, was she?"
"Not even close."
"Good." Ryoko said just before planting a firm kiss against his neck. "There's so much I want to do with you."
Tenchi tightened his grip as he felt his feelings soaring.
"Ryoko, how long do you think this will last?"
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"I don't know. Sometimes, I get the feeling that someday this will all end, and we won't be together anymore."
"You block-head." Ryoko used her pet name for him. "We'll always be together."
"How do you know that?"
"That's just the way it is. The two of us, together forever."
The understanding of Ryoko's depth of feeling for him suddenly revealed itself. Tenchi tightened his arms around his lover, pulling her close. Her warm presence complimented his own, and Tenchi realized for the first time that Ryoko truly meant to spend the rest of her life with him. Surprisingly, he found the idea appealing.
"'Forever'. I think I'd like that."
Tenchi was glad when Ryoko finally decided she wanted to go back. It was not because he did not want to spend more time with her, but the summer heat was reaching its peak and the outside air temperature was getting very high, even in the shade. When she suggested they fly back to the cottage, he was in such a great mood that he agreed. He had no fear of going for a short flight, anymore. She did not tease him about it or pretend to drop him anymore.
They took off with Ryoko holding him about the chest, underneath her body. She gave him a good surprise, though, when she turned over without warning him. Tenchi suddenly found himself looking straight up at the brightly lit sky. He held his hand in front of his face to shield his eyes.
"Why don't you turn over, Tenchi? Don't worry. I won't drop you."
"Are you kidding?"
"I won't let go. Please?"
Tenchi could not resist when she asked him like that. Still, it would be difficult.
"I don't know..."
"Don't you trust me?"
That did it. There was nothing more Ryoko could do to get him to do something, than to call his trust into question. He trusted Ryoko emphatically, and nothing could ever shake that trust again.
Tenchi carefully sat up on Ryoko's stomach while putting his hands on the sides of her hips for balance. He scooted back a bit to get a more stable position. After a minute spent getting accustomed to his precarious mid-air perch, he partially lifted his weight to his hands and rotated to face Ryoko's right side, letting his legs hang in the air. He took a steadying breath, then carefully leaned over to his right. He kept at least one hand on Ryoko at all times as he laid down on top of her. When his weight started slipping off to the left, he gasped in fright. Ryoko's well-placed hand kept him from falling. He quickly centered himself, face-down, then stretched his legs out. Once he was settled, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Man, that was freaky."
Ryoko looked up at him with amused trust.
"I told you you wouldn't fall." Ryoko wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him steady. "Take a look around, Tenchi. See what I see."
Tenchi did as Ryoko suggested and looked around. It looked the same as it had a minute ago. The forest was below them, with the town off in the distance. The sky was blue, and became slightly whiter nearer to the horizon. The only difference was that he had Ryoko below him. He looked down and saw she was watching him with a look of delight on her face.
He put his hands on her shoulders, then bent forward and kissed her. Ryoko accepted his affection eagerly. While their mouths worked together, she pulled her legs around his hips, making sure to leave her feet just beneath Tenchi's knees so he would have something to rest his legs on. With her legs spread, her dress had nothing to hold onto, and it fell open, revealing her well-muscled thighs and white panties. She was very pleased when Tenchi pushed firmly against her hips. She stuck her hands down the back of his shorts and pulled him between her legs, encouraging him to continue. Tenchi broke their lip-lock to warn her against any further well-meaning encouragement.
"Ryoko, I don't think we should do that up here."
"Do you know how long I've wanted to do it like this?"
Thinking for a moment, Tenchi came up with an answer.
"Oh, I don't know. Four years?"
Ryoko's eyes popped open in surprise.
"How did you know?"
"Mmm... it's an ancient family secret."
Ryoko's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, right."
They stared into each other's eyes for a minute, simply reveling in the shared look of love. Very deliberately and firmly, Ryoko pulled on Tenchi's rear again.
"Make love to me."
"All right."
Ryoko smiled broadly as Tenchi began kissing down the side of her jaw and neck. This one was definitely going to be special.
A thunderous crash from Tenchi's bedroom sent dust and wood particles raining down on the first floor of the summer cottage. Fearing the world was coming to an end, Aeka, Sasami, and Ryo-o-ki went running to see what had caused the disturbance. Being of poor skill at running on two feet, Ryo-o-ki reverted to her cute and fuzzy cabbit form so she could navigate the stairs faster. Sasami's legs were long enough now that she was almost as fast as Aeka on her feet. She and Aeka reached the bedroom door almost at the same time. Her elder sister grasped the door and flung it aside, expecting to witness a scene of death and destruction.
"What?"
Aeka saw Tenchi and Ryoko locked in a passionate embrace atop the shattered remains of the wood frame bed. Artificial stuffing had burst from the seams of the mattress, filling the air with white puffy material. Ryoko held Tenchi within her protective grasp, shielding him from harm as he lay on top of her. Sasami voiced her surprise at the scene.
"Wow! They broke the bed!"
Aeka slid the door shut without a word, shutting off the scene before Ryo-o-ki could get a look.
"Myaow. Mya myan!"
Aeka began issuing very explicit instructions to her preteen-aged sister.
"Sasami, you did not see that."
Sasami seemed confused at her sister's instructions.
"Yes, I did."
"No, you didn't."
Now she was getting indignant.
"Yes, I did!"
"No, you did not!" Aeka stopped and turned to face her young sister so she could make her instructions a little clearer. "At no time have you ever witnessed Lord Tenchi and Miss Ryoko in any kind of an intimate situation. Understood?"
Sasami grumbled a bit before agreeing.
"Okay."
"Much better."
Aeka began leading her sister back downstairs, as Ryo-o-ki phased through the door to get a look at the spectacle. Sasami suddenly found a way out of the restriction she had agreed to.
"But, I did see them having sex!"
Aeka spun around again.
"Sasami!"
"Mya! Mya mya mya mya mya!"
Ryo-o-ki suddenly ran by like an Olympic sprinter, leaving assorted scratch marks on the wooden floor.
"What's gotten into her?" Aeka wondered aloud.
Sasami grinned.
"She must not have seen Tenchi and Ryoko in an intimate situation, either."
END.
AFTERWORD: Cut and past, cut and paste... Oh, the things we do to fit a desired rating. There is a reason for this chapter. You'll find out in the next one.