Chapter 11

Tenchi entered the house. After changing into his house slippers, he moved to the living room finding Ryoko and Mihoshi sitting on the couch, flanking a seated Sasami, petting Ryo-Ohki in cabbit form nestled on her lap. All three were watching a black and white movie at first unfamiliar to Tenchi.

As he approached the side of the couch, Ryoko looked up and greeted him. "Hey," she said with a warm smile. With this the other two looked to him as well; Mihoshi gave her usual friendly smile and then seamlessly zoned back to the movie while Sasami looked up at him both with a slight smile and sad eyes. She held his gaze briefly, looked down at Ryo-Ohki for a moment and then back to the TV, watching it without interest.

Tenchi, noting the young princess' demeanor, attempted to make casual conversation; "So what's the movie about?"

"It's some old American movie," replied Ryoko. "You know the kind that's so old all the actors probably croaked a long time ago," she said with a smirk. He returned his own smirk with a little shake of his head.

"It's a detective story!" proclaimed Mihoshi. "The private eye seems to know his stuff, always gets the last word in and smokes a lot. The case seems to about a statue of a big black bird…"

Ryoko rolled her eyes and Tenchi couldn't help but smile at the Galaxy Police detective's enthusiasm for the famous noir film.

"It's called 'The Maltese Falcon' and it's a classic. I need to go change, then I'll come back down and watch it with you guys." As he turned to leave, he glanced at Ryoko, noting a look he was all too familiar with and proceeded up the stairs, smiling in anticipation of what he knew was coming.

After entering his room and closing the door he stood motionless in middle of the room, waiting. He didn't have to wait long; he heard the telltale sound of her teleporting behind him, followed by the feeling of her up against his back, her arms wrapped around him, her hands on his chest. His smile was broad, enjoying her closeness.

"Well damn," he heard her whine. "You're still dressed."

He turned within her embrace, taking her is his arms, seeing her slightly pouting. He grinned back at her. "Sorry." Then he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. He pulled back, asking, with a smile; "How's that?"

She returned a satisfied smile replying, "I guess that will do…for now." The gleam in her eye was both unmistakable and unapologetic. Changing the subject, she asked him, "How come you're back so early? I can tell that you haven't been practicing."

"How do you know that? Tenchi asked in turn.

"You're not sweaty," she stated matter-of-factly. Her face then took on a more carnal expression. "I like seeing you work up a sweat," she purred causing his face to turn beet red.

Tenchi grinned through his embarrassment. "What have I gotten myself into?" he asked rhetorically.

She brought her hand up to his cheek, giving him a tender and affectionate smile. "A lifetime of love and pleasure my Tenchi," she promised.

He smiled back at her, his embarrassment quickly vanishing. He kissed her again, this time more slowly and gently. He then pulled out of their mutual embrace. "I still need to change," he reminded her. "I saw Sasami and I figured she could use our company."

"Yeah," Ryoko agreed. "The kid's taking it pretty hard. Aeka's on 'Totally Selfish Princess' mode right now, not giving a damn about anyone else's feelings, not even Sasami's. It makes me want to kick her ass… but don't worry. I won't. I promise."

Tenchi could easily see Ryoko's frustration about Aeka. He imagined she also felt guilty about her as well, even if he believed it wasn't justifed. The only one who should feel guilty about this was him, but he knew he couldn't convince Ryoko to see it that way. "I'd really prefer nobody's ass getting kicked, actually."

Ryoko smiled knowingly, "Of course you would." She watched him as he grabbed his change of clothes. He turned to her and motioned to the bed. Her smile went wide as did her eyes until he said with a smirk, "Have a seat."

She pursed her lips. "Fine," she huffed and plopped down on to the bed.

He turned his face away from her as he changed for two reasons; the first so he wouldn't be embarrassed as she "viewed" him, the second so HE wouldn't have any thoughts of her on his bed. When he was redressed and he judged it was safe, he turned to face her. She was not sitting on the bed. She was laying down towards him on her stomach, her head on her crossed arms looking up at him lovingly, flexing her left leg up and down slowly behind her… and looked absolutely adorable.

"You're not sitting," he said with an admiring grin.

"Nope."

"Are you trying to distract me?

"I don't know," she teased now flexing her right leg. "Are you distracted?"

"Yes. Very," he admitted.

"Good," she beamed. She phased out and returned sitting on the edge of the bed, patting the place beside her. Tenchi smiled and sat beside her. She took his hand in hers, placed her other hand on his bicep, kissed him quickly on the cheek and laid her head on his shoulder emitting a deep sigh of contentment. He took his other hand and brushed away a few cyan strands from her face, incidentally brushing her cheek.

After sitting that way for a minute or so Ryoko said; "You never did tell me why you came back so early from practice."

"I wonder why," he scoffed with more than a hint of sarcasm.

She playfully batted his bicep in mock chastisement. "Really how come you're back so soon?"

"Well we never actually practiced. We ended up talking instead."

"That must have been some conversation," she offered. "What cha talk about?"

He looked aside to her, smiling. "You mostly."

She sat up to look at him with guarded puzzlement. "Me?"

"Yep. You were pretty much the main topic of conversation." He saw her brows furrow. "You don't have to look at me like that. We said nice things about you." And not being able to resist the opportunity added, "Mostly."

"Mostly?!" she said incredulously, releasing his arm.

"Yeah," he replied. "It was an honest conversation after all." He knew he was digging his own grave but he couldn't help himself, not with that look on her face.

"Honest?!" She looked like she was about to slug him.

He finally lost his composure and laughed at loud.

"What the hell are you laughing about?" she growled.

"You of course, silly." He continued laughing good-naturedly. "Don't you know when you're being teased? "

Her anger began to quickly fade as he put his arm around her and took her hand with his other.

"Ryoko. Do really think I'd ever let anyone say horrible things about you? Do you?"

Chagrined, she responded. "No. I know you wouldn't. I… I just don't like you thinking about my… about things I could do better."

He smiled his understanding. "Everyone has faults. Nobody's perfect, especially me."

She nodded with a smirk.

He smirked back.

He then released her hand and placed his hand on her cheek gently moving her face to look into her eyes, again smiling. "You're perfect for me though."

With that, her smirk transformed into a warm smile as she slowly shook her head. "How the hell am I ever gonna stay mad at you when you say stuff like that?" she complained weakly.

"I'm kind of hoping you won't," he said with a huge grin.

"Jerk," she said simply. His grin remained. She shook her head again, let out a chuckle, then finally gave him a quick kiss.

When the effects of the kiss passed she asked him, "So what started this 'honest' talk about me between the two of you?"

"We were just about to start sparring when I asked Grandpa a question…" Tenchi then began to verbally recall the conversation he had with Katsuhito, reciting the details thoroughly. When he had finished he saw a very pensive Ryoko looking down, her arms crossed, her right hand in a fist, her chin against the indentation between the thumb and forefinger.

Concerned, he asked, "Are you okay Ryoko?"

"Yeah," she nodded lowering her hand. "It's just a lot to take in." She paused in thought. "It answers a lot of questions I've had over the centuries… and raises a few more." She looked up at him with a slight smile. "I'll be fine Tenchi."

"Good." He stood up. "How about we go back downstairs? I did promise to watch that movie after all."

"Okay." She said as she stood up next to him taking his arm with a mischievous grin. "Let's go." Before Tenchi could say anything they vanished, re-appearing in the living room beside the couch.

Mihoshi looked up at the new arrivals. "Good you guys are here and just in time too," she said then turned back to the TV saying in near breathless anticipation. "Sam Spade's about to do the big reveal."

Sasami looked up at them with a resigning smile, which they both returned, Ryoko adding a slow headshake. They sat down with the others to await the movie's climax.

The rest of the afternoon unfolded without incident as the four of them spent time together. At no time, however, did Ayeka show herself and her absence was felt by all…even by Mihoshi who mentioned it twice. When the time came to begin preparations for dinner Sasami got up. The other three volunteered to help where they could and everything went smoothly.

Just prior to suppertime Washu entered the house accompanied by Katsuhito; her laughing like a school girl and him smiling at her merriment. Noticing this with a raised eyebrow Ryoko sent her mother a mental message, "So what's up with the two of you?"

"Nothing to worry your little head about Ryoko. Just two grownups enjoying each other's company. That's all."

"Oh yeah? Grownups enjoying each other's company? What do you mean by that, mom?" Ryoko asked. There was no response as she felt the door to the link with her mother close so quickly it made her physically jerk.

Seeing his girlfriend's reaction and then noticing the older couple Tenchi asked her, "What's going on?"

Eying Washu with a suspicious look, Ryoko responded, "I'm not quite sure." Then turning toward her boyfriend she said, "With you officially spoken for there aren't that many available guys left around here." She grinned knowingly.

He looked at the two of them, the realization of Ryoko's line of thought blooming in his mind. Then he looked back at her and said,"No… no way." Even after his spoke his denial, the possibility of it grew in his mind. He looked at her questioningly. "You think it's possible?" he asked.

"Possible? Certainly. Probable?" Ryoko shrugged. "She did block our link after I asked her about it though." Then a smirk appeared on her face; "I even called her mom."

"Huh." Tenchi looked back at them but said nothing else. Wow, he thought. Things really can change quickly around here.

Dinner was a calm meal, compared to lunch. All were enjoying the food and the conversation was nonchalant. Talking with Washu about some ancient Juraian location the Shinto priest noticed Tenchi's curious gaze. He looked back at his grandson, with mild amusement, directly into his eyes, causing him to flinch and finally to avert them with a blush. That caused a slight smile on Katsuhito's face. He glanced to the girl beside his heir watching her watch her mother with a slightly raised eyebrow, slowly eating her food. He looked down at his table companion once again this time responding to a question about the Royal Trees when he again looked up at Ryoko. This time she was looking at him, but her expression was not as it was, nor mimicking that of Tenchi's previous expression. It was the look of someone coming to a decision about something…something of great personal importance. He was looking into her eyes now, but he saw no intimidation there. He continued to look at her until her countenance changed to one of resolution. Whatever she had been considering she had come to a decision. She then casually looked to her side, to his grandson. Katsuhito saw great affection reflected on her young face and he again smiled.

The only vaguely uncomfortable moment during dinner occurred at one point when Sasami got up, went into the kitchen briefly, emerged with a loaded tray and disappeared up the stairs. Conversation at the table temporarily ceased. Ryoko heard Sasami's voice as she told her sister through the door that she was leaving a supper tray in the hall for her and that she would be back later to pick it up if Aeka did not return it herself. She then heard her walk back, seeing her appear at the top of the stairs, head down them, and rejoin the others at the table next to Ryo-Ohki-chan who was still enjoying the remnants of her carrot soufflé.

The meal finished normally and everyone began to disperse. Katsuhito accompanied Washu up to the closet door entrance to her laboratory and wished her a goodnight as she did the same. He then moved toward the front door. Ryoko watched him disappear into the evening air on his way back to the shrine. She followed Tenchi as they brought the dishes into the kitchen.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," she said to him as she set down load. "There's something I have to do." Before he could respond she kissed him lightly on his cheek and disappeared. She reappeared above the lake, quickly sighting her target. She flew down toward him disappearing again only to appear about 20 feet in front of him, standing before him, her hands behind her back. With a look of determination she called out to him; "Yosho, I'd like to speak with you."

He looked at the young woman, as he approached, walking up to within a few feet of her. "It would be my pleasure," he said warmly. "How can I help you Ryoko?"

With a serious expression she told him, "Tenchi told me about the conversation you had with him, about me… about the past."

"I expected he would." His smile remained.

"It gave me a lot to think about. I decided I needed to talk to you about it." She paused.

He waited silently for her to continue.

"I hated you," she finally said. "I hated you for centuries for sticking me in that damn hole. I just knew you did it not because you felt sorry for me, but to torture me; to make me for pay for what I had done to Jurai, for all the damage, suffering and death I caused there. Even though I had no free will of my own, I did do those things and I understood I deserved what I got… but I hated you for it anyway." She paused gathering more thoughts in her head before continuing. "I planned my revenge on you over and over again, in every possible way I could imagine… and after being Kagato's puppet for so long I could imagine a lot. After a couple of centuries though my need for revenge just kind of slipped away." She quickly added, "Don't get me wrong, I still hated your guts… I just didn't want to see 'em spread out in front of me anymore." She gave him a wry smile which he returned.

"After I figured out how to project myself astrally, things got a little better 'cus I could go outside. I watched the seasons change year after year. At first I thought I'd get tired of watching them, but I never did. I sat on that huge rock and watched the stars every chance I got. It was almost bearable except for the loneliness I never thought I'd feel."

She looked away for a moment. "Every now and then an animal would wander by, even a few people came by to see the 'demon's cave,' but they couldn't see or hear me and I'd still end up feeling lonely." A smile came to her face. "Then he showed up and everything changed."

"I think I knew something big happened when I saw that cute little baby boy reach out to me. I was shocked. No one had ever done that to me. No one. Not ever. But he did." She took a breath then went on. "I didn't understand what I was feeling, but I knew I needed to see him if I was going to figure it out. And when I finally saw him again the feeling came back a little stronger. And it happened every time after that. It got so I could hardly wait to see him again. Being with him became my biggest reason for living. It didn't matter his age that feeling grew stronger every single time I saw him, right up to the time he freed me from the cave and I scared the hell out of him." They shared another grin on that one.

"When you finally beat me all those years ago, Yosho, when you took my gems, I was scared. For the first time in my life I was scared of dying. Scared to die because I finally knew what it was to be free and I didn't want to lose that." She looked into his purple eyes. "I know now why you spared my life and put me in that cave, not to punish me but to save me; save me from that monster and from what I had become. And on top of all that you gave me the greatest gift of all; you gave me your beautiful grandson." He saw her eyes had become glassy.

"I can't ever repay you for what you've done for me, Yosho. There's no way I could even try to." She turned away from him, saying, "Thank you."

Without thinking she turned again, rushing to him, grabbing him in a tremendous hug, the side of her face against the great man's chest, tears finally evident on her cheeks, whispering, "Thank you, Yosho."

Holding his grandson's paramour in a warm parental embrace, his own eyes misty, he answered, "You're very welcome, Ryoko."