A/N: Thanks for the Reviews! Happy New Year!

Forgotten Sonata

The Ball

"Please send Dr. Hakubi our regards." General Itsumo bows to Ryoko.

"Who's this lovely lady in black? Such a gloomy attire for a fine-looking woman." General Dai intercepted with wine in hand, and cigar in other.

Ryoko retorts with a respectful bow to Itsumo. As she levels herself, her sights darts to General Dai. A short, plumped man, from her observation he was the eldest of the chief of staff. He grins broadly as Ryoko made contact with him.

"From afar you look like those western actresses." His raspy laughed filling the group. "I should've known that you belong to one of our elites. I can see why you are so ambitious Colonel, you have such a beauty at your hip. Such a debonair duo." He added placing down his items. General Dai steps closer taking hold of Ryoko's hand, his sweaty hand envelope hers, while poorly shaped fingers run over her skin. She nearly choked as the scent of tobacco wafted up her nostrils. Beside her, Hotsuma held her close frowning at his superior. "With your husband's consent, of course, you must grant me a dance before the night is over, Ms. Ryoko."

"I suck at dancing." Ryoko lied. "But my husband is great at the waltz, maybe you can dance with him." She jested, to her surprise the three men boisterously laughed.

"She is such a kidder," Hotsuma interjected, nudging her.

General Hiro grunts placing a hand on Dai's shoulder, "Dai here has two left feet," Ryoko smiles only to frown when General Hiro bows before her with a remark that left her ready to rip his tongue out. "I am sure this beauty will want a dance with me, instead of your hot breath panting all over her ample breast." Ryoko kept her eyes downcast, feeling embarrassed.

"Now look at what you've done, you made her shy. I am only following tradition, don't be afraid." General Dai countered smiling broadly at Ryoko, then planting a lingering kiss on her knuckles. The moistness of his lips was enough for Ryoko to heave. She politely smiles, swiftly removing her hand. Hotsuma's shrouds his resentfulness and relief into the wine glass, relaxing his hold around Ryoko's waist.

"Save the last dance for me, General Dai!" Ryoko gave a smug grin before hauling Hotsuma away from the group.

"The nerve of him!" Hotsuma shot a glare at the men, as they came to a stop at the refreshment table.

"The things I do for you. At least there is a promotion on the horizon once I am through with him." She winks. Hotsuma smiles and places a kiss on her cheek, he later excuses himself to speak to other guests.

Ryoko watches his retreating form stirring the ice with her pinky. She scans the space, occasionally smiling at those who made eye contact with her. It was not long before she spotted the trio-Ayeka, Kiyone and Mihoshi in the corner conversing and concealing some talk behind their hands.

"Don't look now, but Ryoko is making her way over," Kiyone muttered to Ayeka while waving at the woman. Ayeka prepared herself for the confrontation.

"Hey, guys! Great night!" Ryoko practically shouted over the quartet playing in the background.

"Certainly, it is Miss Ryoko. You look stunning!" Ayeka observed.

"Not bad yourself! Love the kimono. Mihoshi, Kiyone, pleasure seeing you two again." Ryoko acknowledges the other women. Ryoko started to scan the room once more, prompting Ayeka to scan as well.

"Expecting anyone Miss. Ryoko?" Ayeka stood beside her.

"My husband he has been drinking more than I have. Just want to keep a close eye." Ryoko invented a white lie, merely biting down on her crimson lips, an increasingly bad habit that merely strikes when tense.

"Oh, don't worry about that. We do have designated seats, so he can join us afterward. Let's go I am starving." Ayeka locks her arms with the woman.

…

Stabbing the medium-rare steak, Ryoko frowned habitually glancing over her shoulder at passersby. It was not long before Hotsuma stumbled back into the hall with assistance from Captain Ito.

"Ito, how did you let this happen?" Ryoko stood up chastising the officer who found the situation amusing.

"He had to let loose, been such a hard up for the last couple of missions. He needed this!" Ito patted Hotsuma on the chest firmly. Hotsuma grunts grabbing the cackling Ito by the collar, shaking him shouting obscenities. In an effort to separate them Ryoko bumps into the table causing the wine glass to tip over on her dress triggering Ayeka shot up affront.

"My Dress!" Ayeka shouted causing the table and the trio to look at her. "I mean your dress! Get it clean! Shoo! Shoo!" Ayeka scurried over shoving Ryoko away. "I'll mind him for you, now go!"

Ryoko made her way through the corridor after promising General Dai repeatedly she will return for their dance. The hall was dimly lit, the impervious redwood entryways were closed not giving an indication of what room was behind such remarkable quality doors. Three rooms down, she sought the last door on the right. A Parlor room. Ryoko walked in captivated by the powdered pink and mint furniture with matching wall decor. She smiles to herself, it reminded her a lot of her residence in Paris. Just ahead of her she notices a silhouette standing outside on the balcony. Curiosity tantalizes her, as she approached the redwood double doors, peeking through the ajar door.

There, under the shaft of light of the full moon, Tenchi sighs as he straightens up placing one hand on his neck. As a country boy wearing such urbane attire was something he could not get used to, though married to a trendy spouse.

He immediately froze in his spot, as he catches something or someone moves from his peripheral, "Who's there?!" He called from the balcony, tilting his head. "I apologize for trespassing, needed some fresh air." Not hearing a reply, he walks into the room.

…

Ryoko hastily rushes across the room, only to bump into a settee nearly falling over.

"Ryoko?! What you are doing here?" Tenchi questions. With her hands open wide and ahead of her she was able to maintain her balance despite the weight of the dress. She remains stiff in the position.

"Ryoko?" Tenchi came closer in case she needed assistance. Hoping to not cause more discomfort for her.

Ryoko rotates to him with a brief bow. "I…was looking for the bathroom. Seem like this is not it, excuse me." she continues to make her way to the door.

Tenchi took notice of the spot in the dress as she turns away, "It's right there, just behind the sliding door."

"It's okay, I'll find another," She bows quickly and twists towards the door once more. Reaching for the knob, she purses her lips and sighed. Dropping her hand back to her side, she slowly faces him bashfully. "Okay, to be honest, I was..."

"Looking for me. You were looking for me." Tenchi confirmed concealing a smirk behind his fingers. With her mouth agape, she nodded bouncing her matching evening clutch before her.

"Guilty as charged." She admitted coyly. "Coincidently, some wine toppled over on to my dress. Well, that's too coincidental to be a coincidence, more like an explanation used by fools and liars…damn, I am sounding like my mother. Stop being nervous! What the hell is going with me?" She began nervously ranting only to go into a one-sided conversation.

Finding her amusing Tenchi found himself intently looking at her, his chocolate orbs scrutinize every portion of her being. From the crown of her head, her hair was neatly brushed back into a low thick bun, her round pallid face as the gleam from the chandelier earrings shimmers along the sides of her rosy cheeks, to her perfectly placed nose, and crimson full lips. His eyes continue to trek down her torso, to the off the shoulder sweetheart neckline of her gown, lastly to her petite waist.

Ryoko stares back ensuring her gaze locks with his. What is he thinking? He probably thinks I am weird, even worse…a stalker! Why is he just standing there gawking? As if he could read her mind, he steps forward confidently. She gulps. "Tenchi…what is it?" She utters as he drew close. Her heart began racing, she wanted to make a break for it but her feet felt as if it was fastened together to the carpet.

"What have you done to me?" He questioned a yearning evident in his voice, his remark was aimed towards himself, only to be muttered out loud to the object of his developing attraction.

"I-I beg your pardon?" Ryoko stammers watching his hand reached out caressing her face.

"You cast a spell on me." He said waggishly. "The moment I arrived I immediately looked for you until I saw you were with your husband. I just couldn't be in the same room witnessing that. I am not a great pretender." His hands now rested on her smooth yet toned arms. "I'm slow-witted…" He cleared his throat not being able to form his words. "I guess what I am trying to say is that I am attracted to you somehow…you are always on my mind…"

"Tenchi, you don't need to do this…we can't." Ryoko utters, and yet she holds the same reservations for him. The notorious habit rears its ugly head once more, biting down on her bottom lip, she felt his grasps tightens on her forearms. Ryoko peers up at him, his eyes were shadowed by his long bangs, her eyes travel to his parted perfectly formed mouth. He pulls her close to him hungrily, moving his head to rest at the side of hers. His lips move declaring the corner near her mouth and to her neck. "Tenchi…" Ryoko said softly, her breathing labored as tingling sensations ran throughout her body. His arms snaked around her waist, while her fingers sunk into his upper arms.

As the pacifying music from the hall faintly filled the room, the carnal hunger intensified between the two. The clutch falls to the ground with a soft thud. Ryoko found herself arching back over the Davenport. Placing her hand on to the inside back of the chair for support, Ryoko planted a few kisses of her own on his neck before breathlessly withdrawing. Tenchi places both hands on her face, cutting off any objection she wanted to utter.

"We can't do this." She spoke above a whisper once they parted.

"I know." Tenchi retorts giving her quick pecks, which she happily received.

"We have to get back." Ryoko closes her eyes resting her forehead against his. Tenchi nods, and steps back.

"I'll leave first." Tenchi straightens out his suit and sauntered to the door, only to turn back. "Blot with a damp cloth, don't rub."

"Huh?" Ryoko looks up in confusion.

"The stain." Tenchi winks.

…

"Ryoko is awfully taking a long time," Ayeka mutters to Kiyone.

"She must've got lost. What does it matter to you anyway?" Kiyone retorts confused.

"There's Tenchi. Hey Tenchi, over here!" Mihoshi called out. Hotsuma, still in a drunken stupor, grimaces at Mihoshi's shrill voice. Much more ti his dismay, the country boy seated himself across from him. Behind his specs, Hotsuma examines the boy suspiciously.

"Pleasure of you to join us, Mr. Masaki." Ayeka articulated deviously.

Tenchi purse his lips, "Mrs. Masaki, I thought it was clear that these events are not of any relevance to me."

"Very well, you should've stayed home," Ayeka muttered sharply through her teeth, feigning good spirits, looking around the table.

Ryoko enters the entryway of the hall, she inhales deeply mentally prepping herself.

"You're pretty persistent, aren't you?" Ryoko opened her eyes to find the awaiting elder waving at her.

"Yes, now I have to be strict, hold me." General Dai humorously assumes the dance position. Ryoko heaved a sigh, walking into the embrace. As they dance, General Dai beamed broadly, for those who looked on he jerked his head towards Ryoko, feeling proud. Suddenly Ryoko heard groaning from him. As she was taller than him, she peered down at him inquiring if he was well. General Dai blinked a few times before nodding that he was indeed well, and resume to dance. Moments later, Ryoko heard the irritating groaning again.

"Excuse me, nature calls. It was an honor to have this dance with you." General Dai held his stomach and hastily walks away. Ryoko mouth twisted in humor.

"Now that the old rat has gone into his hole, would you have the honors of dancing with me?" A voice came from behind her. Ryoko smirks.

"Only if it is all right with my husband." Ryoko was embraced from behind, and a kiss planted on the nape of her neck.

"Don't look now, but I think your lover boy is watching." Ryoko fought to keep her sights from drifting. She turns into the embrace.

"Oh, stop it." She teased hitting Hotsuma with the clutch, they began to dance. "I'm half a beat later than you."

"Exactly, the man is supposed to lead the woman." He tightens his hold on her waist pulling her into him. He shot a glance at Tenchi, who darted his attention to his plate.

…

Once the ball was over, the pair of couples made their way through the quiet neighborhood. "How about we all have a couple's day tomorrow afternoon?" Ayeka stopped short of the three. Tenchi heaved a sigh, as he walked by her to the house. Ayeka disregarded him and waited for Hotsuma and Ryoko's reply.

"It's down to my last two days before I leave for Vietnam. Why not?" Hotsuma kept his amusing gaze on Tenchi's retreating form. The rest of the evening at the ball, Hotsuma made it his duty to antagonize the young boy.

Tenchi fought to keep his attention from the couple. How long could he ogle at his lukewarm dinner? His audible range was filled with Ayeka's high pitched commentaries and the laughter from the others. He decided to peel his eyes off the plate and look out into the crowd.

After her dance and sitting between her husband and his childhood pal, Ito. Ryoko kept her eyes downcast, and away from the distant boy. Hotsuma took hold of Ryoko's hand bringing her attention to him. He brought her hand to his lips, excessively fawning over her. She looks into his eyes skeptically finding them filled with mischief.

"Hotsuma…" she uttered in annoyance. He smiles at her bringing her in for a kiss. "Stop embarrassing me," she whispered into his ear. He stops momentarily until another scheme popped into his head. His hand found her knee and began easing it up her leg. Having enough of his exploits, she rose to leave, only to be pulled into his lap causing the dishes to clang.

"That a boy!" Ito exclaimed in his drunken stupor, tapping the table. Ayeka blushes nudging Kiyone. Mihoshi rested on her arms as sleep overtook her. Tenchi felt as if his chest would burst, he felt such fury building in him, he casually rose from the table and out the banquet hall. Ryoko watches him leave before disentangling herself from Hotsuma who hid his smirk in her bosom.

...

"Great! We will meet at Setagaya Park!" Ayeka said enthusiastically waving goodbye.

Hotsuma smile turning to Ryoko, who looked at him sternly, "What?"

…

"I've brought plenty of food! I have sandwiches, you like sandwiches, Ryoko?" Ayeka offered beside the woman, she places the food down on the powder blue blanket, occasionally rattling off how much went into the preparation. "Honey, have some fruit. It'll keep you regular." Hotsuma grins, seeing Ayeka place grapes on a plate handing it to Tenchi.

"I ate too much fruit. I'm fine." Tenchi turns away. Ryoko frowns catching a glimpse of Hotsuma's reaction as she cut into a peach. She then nudged his foot as he lit a cigarette. Ayeka took notice and smiled.

"Peaches are good for smokers." She offered a few slices from Ryoko's batch.

"You are very knowledgeable, about your produce." Hotsuma complimented.

"Indeed I am." Ayeka beams. "Oh dear, I have to run to the bathroom. Please excuse me." She rose a bit unsteadily.

"Where are you going?" Ryoko questioned watching Hotsuma standing.

"More beer." He commented. "Ayeka, need a piggyback?" He jested.

"You are so naughty." She laughed.

Ryoko and Tenchi exchanged a few glances, eventually smiling.

"At times, she treats me like a child," Tenchi admitted.

"She cares about you." Ryoko shifted in her seat.

"I forgot to tell you, how beautiful you looked last night." Tenchi started.

"I forgot to tell you, how dapper you looked last night as well." Ryoko smiled.

"I don't mean to sound silly. But, I went to sleep thinking of you, dreamed of you, and got ready this morning with you on my mind…" Tenchi confessed. Ryoko eyes darted around, tensing briefly, hoping that they were not being spied on. "Sorry, I shouldn't be saying this."

"That's beautiful." She looked at a hair comb lying on the blanket.

"Do you want it?" Tenchi picks up the gray comb with a dragonfly at the top. "You can have it. It was only used to keep the blanket from flying away. It is weighty." He lifted it in a demonstration.

"What is the significance behind it? There has to be a history behind it." Ryoko kept her eyes locked on the comb.

"It was my mother's. I have plenty of memorabilia of her, doesn't hurt to give this one away." Tenchi hastily picks up the comb, placing it into Ryoko's purse despite her protests.

"Isn't it the perfect day for a picnic?" Ayeka returns to her seat beside Ryoko.

"Princess," Hotsuma called out to a bemused Ryoko handing her the beer bottle.

"Oh my, that's an adorable pet name." Ayeka gushed looking to Tenchi. "We don't have pet names."

…

Later that afternoon, Ayeka begged to continue her couple's day and invited Ryoko and Hotsuma to the house.

"Those Americans would go through lengths to outwit Russia," Ayeka commented shuffling the deck of cards, as she watched the first astronauts to land on the moon.

"Shit, there's nothing fucking there! Such a vain, to spend all that money just to go to a bare planet." Hotsuma retort across from Ayeka, who almost chastised him for swearing.

Behind them, Ryoko and Tenchi sat across from each other watching on. Well, more like Tenchi watching Ryoko. Ryoko caught him a few times, encouraging him to keep his eyes on the news. The sound of the door opening and a little girls voice entered the room.

"Sasami, come over here. She is my little sister." Ayeka waved Sasami over. "I would like for you to meet our neighbors Hotsuma and Ryoko. But you will refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. O'Hara, understood?" Sasami nodded and look at Hotsuma and Ryoko, she bows keeping her eyes downcast.

Ryoko smiles, "Pleasure to finally meet you, Sasami." Ryoko eyes glisten with amusement remembering the day she moved in and finding Sasami peeking from the porch.

"Pleasure is all mine, Mrs. O'Hara." She quickly bows. "Please excuse me, I have some homework to do."

"Okay, run along Sasami." Ayeka watched her go.

"Cute little girl," Hotsuma commented turning to Ryoko.

…

A half an hour into the game, Ayeka heaves a sigh. "I am craving some coffee."

"Well, you are in the presence of the best barista in all of Japan." Hotsuma jested.

"Self-proclaimed that is," Ryoko muttered placing her deck of cards faces down.

"Is that so? There were no complaints coming from your end." Hotsuma retorted.

"Care to assist me?" Ayeka offered. The two sauntered over to the kitchen leaving Ryoko and Tenchi alone at the table. Tenchi and Ryoko gaze at each other until the loud voice of Ayeka tore their attention away.

"So, I have been doing it all wrong! I must have more patience." Ayeka knelt before the coffee pot, watching Hotsuma grind the beans.

"Patience is key to making good coffee." Hotsuma peers down at the woman. He looked over his shoulder, much to his satisfaction he finds Ryoko alone at the table. What he did not know, Ryoko was peering down at a note in her hand.

Happy Birthday!

Love, Tenchi M.

…

A/N: I'll stop here. Sorry for the delay, I just didn't know where I was going with the story. I guess from now on when an idea hit me, I have to write it down immediately.

Don't forget to review! See ya