This is how the hour-long last episode of Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki in the 3rd OAV series SHOULD be. But I stuck Kiyone in there anyway, because she might appear between episode 14 and 26 (if that's the number of the last episode) as Mihoshi's long lost GP partner, you never know. Lol. The only people who aren't in this are Yosho and Nobuyuki. If Pioneer/AIC wants to stick them in somewhere they can. If they can figure out a way to fit them into the story. Maybe they're visiting relatives. That would be so incredibly cool if Pioneer/AIC found this fic and turned it into an episode. They'd better give me credit! Hey, maybe I'll even make a storyboard. LOL, I'm getting carried away. I don't own any of these characters, even though I wish I did sometimes. ^_^ Don't sue me, this is just a fanfic by a normal person who was bored and got a really good idea. Enjoy.
A Love Before Time
Scene 1
[Early afternoon at Masaki household. Everyone is getting ready to leave except Tenchi, who is staying home. Tenchi is seen sitting down in deep thought.]
Tenchi: [nods]
Audible inner thoughts: Today. I'm going to tell her.
Kiyone: Mihoshi, we don't have room for all that food to bring on the train. You'll have to leave some behind.
Mihoshi: But I'm gonna be hungry later!
Kiyone: Well, if we need food, we can always buy more. Money takes up less space than candy and potato chips.
Mihoshi: I guess you're right. But� can I bring this? [Holds up a candy bar]
Kiyone: [angrily] No! Just leave it home, Mihoshi!!
Mihoshi: [pouts] I'm sorry Kiyone, I won't do that anymore I promise. Please don't be mad at me, Kiyone!
Kiyone: Oh, fine.
Sasami: Who's gonna take care of Ryo-Ohki?
Tenchi: Don't worry; she'll be fine with me.
Sasami: Okay, I won't need to worry if I know she's with you!
Ayeka: Come on, everyone, we need to hurry!
Washu: I'm almost done packing my bag. Oh, and if there's an emergency, I created a new device that teleports us back to the house if it senses any kind of danger.
Ayeka: It's so wonderful to know that all this technology can keep us safe from harm.
Washu: [smugly] It's great, isn't it?
Sasami: Hey, Ryoko, are you sure you don't want to come with us? It'll be really fun, we get to take a train downtown, shop, go out to dinner, and do other stuff like that.
Ryoko: Sorry guys, I have other plans. Maybe some other time, okay?
Sasami: Okay, whatever you say.
Tenchi: What about me?
Sasami: Sorry, this trip is for girls only, no boys allowed. [giggles]
Ayeka: Sasami! Be nice!
Sasami: Sorry.
Ayeka: Tenchi, we sort of planned this to be a trip for just us girls, and on such short notice we� well, lets just put it this way: We want to discuss things that only girls would be interested in, and frankly, you'd just be bored. Is that all right?
Tenchi: That's fine, I don't mind at all.
Ayeka: Thank you.
Tenchi: [he walks over to Ryoko] Ryoko, can I talk to you for a minute in the kitchen?
Ryoko: Sure, no problem. [They walk into the kitchen] What did you want to talk to me about?
Tenchi: [takes a deep breath] Ryoko, I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time, now, and I finally gathered up the courage to tell you now. [he pauses]
Ryoko: �Yes?
Tenchi: I� [He takes her hand in both of his hands] I've been in lo- [Ayeka walks in]
Ayeka: [searching the floor] Has anyone seen my purse-[At the sound of her voice, Tenchi drops Ryoko's hand, then Ayeka looks up] And just what are you two doing??
Tenchi: Just talking�
Ayeka: [to Ryoko] Well, you'd better be 'just talking', because you spend too much time flirting with Tenchi. [Glances at watch] Oh my, we have to leave right now if we want to be in town by 18:00! Oh, there's my purse. [She grabs the purse and runs out of the room.] Come on everyone let's go!
Sasami, Kiyone, Mihoshi, and Washu: Bye Tenchi!
Tenchi: Bye everyone! Have a good time! [the girls all leave except Ryoko]
[Ryoko gets up, ready to leave.]
Tenchi: Ryoko, wait, can I finish what I was saying?
Ryoko: [scrambling to get her things together] Can it wait till I get back? I'm gonna be late.
Tenchi: [disappointed] I� guess so. So where are you going, anyway?
Ryoko: [she scribbles on a little piece of paper] Here's the number, call me if you need anything.
Tenchi: You didn't answer my question, Ryoko.
Ryoko: I don't have time, I'll talk to you later okay? Bye Tenchi! [She runs out of the house. Tenchi frowns, sits at the table and lets his head fall and hit the table in frustration. End Scene 1.]
Scene 2
[Early evening. Tenchi is just finishing up some dinner.]
Ryo-Ohki: [seeing Tenchi a little unhappy, is concerned] Mya?
Tenchi: Hm? Oh, don't worry about me, I'll be okay. Want a carrot?
Ryo-Ohki: Myaaa!!!!
Tenchi: [giving Ryo-Ohki a carrot] Here you go.
Audible inner thoughts: Ryoko. [He gets up and washes the dish he used.] Why is this bothering me so much? I can just tell her when she gets back� but I can't wait that long. [randomly pacing around the room. Close-up on Tenchi's face.] I love her. [He looks at the piece of paper with the phone number on it, then at the phone. He gets up and dials.]
Tenchi: Hi, I want to talk to Ryoko� Thank you. [Pause] Ryoko! I need your help, something's happened. I� uh� [He looks around the room and sees the stairs] �was walking down the stairs, and I� tripped and fell. I need you to come here right away� Yeah, I think I'll be all right, but it hurts to walk� Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. [He hangs up the phone, pauses for a minute and starts laughing] What a ridiculous excuse.
[Ryoko is seen teleporting into the house]
Ryoko: Tenchi, are you all right? I came as fast as I could. [Tenchi hides in a corner, and Ryoko searches for him by the stairs.] Where are you? It can't be that bad if you're well enough to walk away from the stairs. [She walks down the hall. Tenchi follows her and hugs her from behind. Ryoko is shocked.]
Audible inner thoughts: Tenchi�
Ryoko: What's gotten into you? This� it's just so sudden, I� [She turns around. Tenchi stares into her eyes for a second then slowly moves forward and kisses her gently. He smiles - embarrassed, but not regretful, and shuffles away with his hands in his pockets. Ryoko is still in shock. Close-up on her face. She puts her hand on the side of her face, then drops it and starts to run toward him.]
Tenchi:
Audible inner thoughts: I can't believe I just did that.
Ryoko: [rushing toward him, now out of shock and wanting more] Where do you think you're going? [Tenchi turns his head to see her, and Ryoko turns the rest of his body around, pulls him close and kisses him passionately. Close-up on their faces. Tenchi is surprised and a bit overwhelmed and raises his eyebrows, but then lowers them in contentment. The kiss continues for a little while, and they are caressing each other. Ryoko teleports herself and Tenchi to his room (they are still lip-locked) and closes the door. End scene 2.]
Scene 3
[Mid-evening. The train taking the girls downtown is seen going into a tunnel. Cut to all the girls sitting in on the train.]
Kiyone: We're almost there� I can't wait! This is gonna be so much fun.
Washu: I know, me neither.
Audible inner thoughts: I'd better check on Ryoko; I know how she can be sometimes. I want to make sure she's safe. [She closes her eyes and concentrates to see what Ryoko is doing through the telepathic link. Her eyes widen and she starts laughing.]
Kiyone: What?
Washu: [regains control of herself] Oh, nothing. [She pauses, and then starts laughing again, this time harder.]
Kiyone: �Whatever. [She rolls her eyes. Washu is still laughing as we end Scene 3.]
Scene 4
[Early morning at Masaki household. Close-up on Tenchi's sleeping eye, which starts to twitch. Ryoko is seen sleeping next to Tenchi in the bed, with her head resting on his chest and his arm around her. Tenchi's eyes open slowly about halfway, then suddenly widen when he hears the voices of the girls downstairs.]
Tenchi: Gaah! Ryoko, they're back, get out of here quick! [he shakes her, hoping to wake her up, but she snuggles in closer and doesn't wake up.]
Sasami: [from outside of the room] Tenchi! Breakfast is on the table! I'm coming in, so get ready! [Tenchi shoves Ryoko under the covers and Sasami walks in.] Good morning, Tenchi! How was your night alone?
Tenchi: [nervously] Great! Just great� so, uh, when did you girls come home? I didn't hear you walk in.
Sasami: Really late, maybe 1:00, I was so tired, I barely remember! We didn't want to wake you up, so we made sure to be real quiet.
Tenchi: Well you did a great job at that...
Sasami: Good! So you got a good night's rest. By the way, have you seen Ryoko? She wasn't in her room, so we figured she was still at her Space Pirates' convention.
Tenchi: Is that where she was? She never told me.
Sasami: So you haven't heard from her.
Tenchi: Uh... not really -- I mean, no! Not at all, she hasn't spoken to me since she left. Oh well, that's Ryoko for you! Hahaha...
Sasami: Yeah, well I hope she's back by tonight, I'm planning a big dinner! Anyway, are you hungry?
Tenchi: Uh... not yet, I ate a lot last night. I'll let you know when I am though!
Sasami: OK, Tenchi! Take your time!
Tenchi: Bye Sasami!
Sasami: Bye! [She walks out and closes the door, and Tenchi slumps back into the bed, relieved.]
Tenchi: Ryoko? [Ryoko slowly peeks up from under the covers, ashamed.]
Ryoko: I heard the whole thing.
Tenchi: Why didn't you tell me where you were, Ryoko? You left me without any clue as to where you had gone.
Ryoko: I thought you'd keep me from going.
Tenchi: [angrily, but still quietly] You know you shouldn't go to those things. I mean, who knows who could be there!? You also could have been arrested if the Galaxy Police found you!
Ryoko: I'm sorry, Tenchi, it's just I used to get so much joy out of stealing and robbing and terrorizing planets, I had to go back. But now I won't need to anymore, Tenchi. I get all my joy from you. [Tenchi opens his mouth to respond, but nothing comes out and he smiles.]
Tenchi: You're so pathetic. [He leans over to kiss her, but Washu barges in without any warning.]
Washu: Congratulations, you two! [Tenchi and Ryoko scream]
Tenchi: Gaah! Washu, it� it's not what you think�
Washu: It's okay, I knew it since last night. Remember, I'm telepathically linked to Ryoko. I listened in on the whole thing!
Ryoko: [furiously] You little snoop!
Tenchi: Ugh... Washu, you didn't TELL anyone, did you?
Washu: No, but I was giggling the whole time. Everyone thought I was bonkers! Oh, and by the way Tenchi, did I do a good job? How is she? If you know what I mean...
Tenchi: [annoyed and whining] Just go away, leave us alone, please?
Washu: OK, whatever you say, Tenchi, but just remember that Ryoko wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me! [She leaves the room giggling.]
Ryoko: That's my mom for you. Does she always have to be so loud?
Tenchi: She's right.
Ryoko: About what?
Tenchi: I owe her a lot for creating someone like you. [They stare at each other for a few seconds.]
Ryoko: [gasps] How am I supposed to get downstairs??
Tenchi: [glances down at her body, then at her face] You're certainly not going to go down there like that, are you? [Ryoko shoves him jokingly]
Ryoko: [surprised at what he said but still laughing] Come on, stop being stupid. I'll get changed into my space pirate outfit, then teleport outside and walk in. No big deal.
Tenchi: [laughing] Go ahead. [She starts to change.] You have to admit, that was pretty funny.
Ryoko: [she walks over to him and whacks him upside the head playfully] You're weird. [She tweaks his nose and says in a baby-talk voice] But I love you.
[Ryoko is seen walking in the door. All the other girls are having breakfast.]
Ryoko: Hi guys! How's it going?
Ayeka: [sarcastically] Well you're certainly home late. I hope you enjoyed yourself.
Ryoko: Did I!
Ayeka: You could have at least kept Tenchi company; he was all alone, you know.
Ryoko: Well, it's not like he's stupid enough to trip and fall down the stairs or something. I'm sure he was just fine. And where were you? I mean you could have been there too, so stop accusing me of ignoring him. [A few seconds of silence]
Ayeka: Pass the butter, please.
Mihoshi: Wow, Sasami! I've never had pancakes before, but you sure do make them better than any other ones I've tried! Wait a minute, that didn't come out right...
Kiyone: You're so slow, Mihoshi.
Sasami: Ugh, Tenchi's been asleep for too long, I'm going to wake him up. [She stands up and starts screaming] TENCHI!!!! ARE YOU COMING DOWN OR NOT?
Tenchi: I'll be right there. [A few seconds pass and he comes downstairs dressed] Morning, everyone!
Ayeka: Good morning, Tenchi! Are you alright?
Tenchi: [confused] I'm doing fine, why?
Ayeka: Well, I heard this deafening scream come from your room this morning, and it sounded like there were two people there. Is everything okay?
Tenchi: [flashback to when Washu walked in and he and Ryoko screamed, he says nervously] Oh that!? I� um� uh� turned on my radio, but� somebody must have pulled a prank on me and set it to its highest volume while it was off� so� I got startled.
Ayeka: Oh. [she raises an eyebrow] Then� what was the other scream? I could have sworn I heard two of them.
Tenchi: It� was� the� radio! The radio! It was a commercial for� some scary movie. What a coincidence, that we screamed at the same time! Hahaha� haha? [Everyone looks at him funny except for Ryoko, who is staring at the floor, and Washu, who is laughing.] So, um� how was your night out?
Kiyone: It was great! We saw a long, romantic movie about a couple who had known each other for the longest time, but hadn't realized that they were in love until one fateful night...
Sasami: [dreamily] Oh, it was so romantic!
Washu: Kind of ironic, isn't it?
Ryoko: [clenching her teeth] I see no irony in the situation. [Washu keeps laughing]
Ayeka: Washu, you've been laughing like that since last night! What's so funny??
Washu: NOTHING!
Mihoshi: Well, are you just going to stand there, Tenchi? Or are you going to try Sasami's pancakes? They're delicious!
Tenchi: I think I will. [He sits down and takes a bite.] Wow, Sasami, these are delicious. You're such a good cook!
Sasami: [blushing] Thanks, Tenchi! I figured since we always have the same old grilled fish for breakfast, I decided to try something new. But it wasn't a big deal. They're really easy to make as long as you get the batter right!
[They all sit and eat for a few seconds. Mihoshi starts to cry seeing that it is impossible to pick up a pancake with chopsticks.]
Ayeka: I was a little uncomfortable about you seeing that movie, Sasami.
Sasami: It's alright, it didn't bother me at all! I mean, it's just a movie, right?
Ayeka: Well, it did kind of have a mature theme to it, I wasn't sure if you were old enough to appreciate it.
Sasami: Appreciate what?
Ayeka: Uh�
Washu: [nudging Tenchi] Don't worry, Ayeka. I mean, that's what happens between a boy and a girl, right, Tenchi? [Tenchi's foot is seen stomping on Washu's foot under the table] OW!
Tenchi: [angrily] I'm SORRY, I didn't know that was your foot.
Kiyone: [mumbling] Somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed�
Washu: [giggling] And somebody else got up in the wrong one! OW!!!!!
Ryoko: [angrily] Washu, may I have a word with you? In the kitchen?
Washu: [happily] Sure, let's go! [They walk into the kitchen to make sure no one could hear]
Ryoko: Listen, shrimp, what happened last night is none of your business. I don't know WHY you decided to butt into my private life, but you're going way too far! You're embarrassing us in front of everyone else, and you're acting like they already know!! I'm surprised you haven't told them already. They're going to find out sooner or later, but I'd PREFER it not be through you! I want to tell them calmly and coolly, not through some sneak like you, gossiping about it. Do you hear me???!?!?
Washu: Clear as mud! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you two would be offended.
Ryoko: Uh-huh. Sure you didn't. Just drop it and let's go finish our breakfast. [They walk into the dining room. Ayeka is sitting next to Tenchi trying to spoon feed him his breakfast.]
Ayeka: Open wide!!
Tenchi: Ayeka, I'm 17 years old, I can feed myself.
Ryoko: [to Ayeka] Excuse me, miss priss, that was MY seat. Well, I'm back now, so move over!
Ayeka: I'M NOT DONE FEEDING HIM YET!!!
Ryoko: Come on, Ayeka, be reasonable. He's a grown man, he doesn't need any princesses watching over him like a mother every single minute.
Tenchi: [embarrassed and trying to get away from the table] OK, 3 big pancakes are enough for me! I'm going to watch some TV, OK?
Kiyone: You're not hungry anymore?
Tenchi: Well... sort of, I kind of lost my appetite.
Kiyone: I understand, Tenchi. [he leaves the table]
Ayeka: [pouting] Look what you've done, you scared him away!!
Ryoko: As far as I'm concerned, Princess, you're the only one he should be scared of.
Washu: She's got a point.
Ayeka: [shrieking] HEY!!! My preferences in a relationship are none of your concern!
Ryoko: [pretending to be naive] Who said anything about that? [Ayeka's face turns red]
Kiyone: [annoyed] I can't listen to this anymore, I'm going to watch some TV with Tenchi. [she walks into the living room and sits down. Ryoko follows her and puts her hand on Tenchi's shoulder.]
Ryoko: [sweetly] I'm going for a walk outside, you wanna come? [Tenchi opens his mouth to reply but Ayeka calls in from the kitchen to interrupt.]
Ayeka: HE DOESN'T WANT TO GO ANYWHERE!
Ryoko: Ok, I'll go by myself, then. Talk about being possessive! [She teleports outside of the house.]
Kiyone: [to Tenchi, in a whisper] You wanted to go, didn't you? [Tenchi looks over at Kiyone, blushes, then smiles and she winks at him. End Scene 4.]
Scene 5
[Evening. Everyone is about to eat dinner.]
Ayeka: [getting up from her seat] I'm going to get a glass of water.
[Ryoko starts to drum her fingers on the table, and Tenchi puts his hand on hers to quiet her, hoping no one would notice. Sasami gasps.]
Ryoko: What did you do that for? Now everyone's going to know!
Sasami: [giggling] It's okay, your secret's safe with me!
Ryoko: I think you're forgetting who's here. [Everyone turns their eyes towards Mihoshi who is smiling stupidly.]
Mihoshi: Who, me?
Ryoko: [yelling at Tenchi] Boy, you really know how to mess something up, don't you?
Tenchi: I-I'm sorry, I couldn't help it-
Ryoko: [rolling her eyes] Men.
Mihoshi: Oh, you guys, don't you worry about a thing! I promise I won't tell anyone.
Tenchi: That's for sure.
Sasami: Mihoshi, we know you have good intentions, but� well, sometimes you tend to let secrets slip without noticing it.
Mihoshi: Well, not this time. I'm not telling anyone, I swear.
Ayeka: [walking into the dining room with a glass of water] About what? [long pause as everyone stares at Mihoshi with pleading eyes.] Well?
Mihoshi: Uh� Nothing! I'll clean it up myself.
Ayeka: What?
Mihoshi: Well, you see, uh, somebody spilled sauce all over the cutting board, but um, I'm not mentioning any names because I um, promised I'd keep it a secret. [Everyone's jaws drop open in surprise.]
Ayeka: [sighing] Oh. I totally missed it when I went in the kitchen. I thought you were hiding something from me. [Tenchi and Ryoko exchange worried glances.]
Mihoshi: Um, no?
Ayeka: Why is everyone acting so weird lately? [Washu starts to laugh again.] Washu, that's really getting under my skin! What's so funny that you've been laughing since last night? [She starts to laugh harder and Ayeka rolls her eyes.] Let's just eat. [They all start to eat. End Scene 5.]
Scene 6
[Late evening after dinner. Tenchi is sitting on the couch. Ryoko walks in.]
Ryoko: Hi.
Tenchi: Hi. [Ryoko sits down next to him]
Ryoko: Would you have gone with me if Ayeka hadn't said anything?
Tenchi: Of course I would have, what did you think?
Ryoko: I don't know� Forgive me; I'm just being paranoid. But I still can't believe Mihoshi kept her mouth shut.
Tenchi: I know, me neither. I guess Ayeka will find out some other way. Hopefully it won't hurt her too much.
Ryoko: [sighing] Yeah. [Ayeka starts to watch them from the kitchen as she dries off a dish. Ryoko rests her head on Tenchi's shoulder.]
Ayeka:
Audible inner thoughts: There she goes again. She doesn't realize he has no feelings for her.
[Tenchi puts his arm around Ryoko. Close-up on Ayeka's stunned face. Ryoko looks up and kisses Tenchi and he returns the kiss. Ayeka drops the dish she is drying and it shatters. Ryoko and Tenchi ignore it. Ayeka's eyes well up with tears and she storms back into the kitchen.]
Sasami: What's wrong, Ayeka?
Ayeka: [sobbing] Let me be! [Everyone's smiles fade, and they know she found out.]
Washu: It's okay; we'll do the rest of the dishes. Don't worry about it. [Ayeka looks up at them and runs to her room crying. Everyone exchanges sad glances and continues doing their work solemnly.]
[Tenchi and Ryoko are whispering to each other and giggling when Washu walks in.]
Washu: Tenchi. [He turns to her smiling, but stops smiling when he sees her expression.]
Tenchi: [cautiously] What is it? Is something wrong?
Washu: [interrupting] She knows. [Ryoko and Tenchi sink their heads. Tenchi looks up.]
Tenchi: How did she find out?
Washu: She must have seen you two together, because we all kept our promise. None of us told her anything.
Tenchi:
Audible inner thoughts: What did she see?
Should I go talk to her?
Washu: I think it's worth a try. [Tenchi looks at Washu, then at Ryoko, who is still hanging her head. He walks upstairs to Ayeka's room and knocks on the door.]
Ayeka: [sniffling] Who's there?
Tenchi: It's me� we need to talk. [Ayeka opens the door slowly and her face is shown streaked with tears.]
Ayeka: How could you?
Tenchi: Ayeka, I love you. I love all of you. Sasami, Washu, Mihoshi, Kiyone, Ryo-Ohki, and you� you're all like family to me. But Ryoko� I love her in a special way, and� I can't change that. That's where my heart is.
Ayeka: [sobbing] Don't say such things! [The highlights in Tenchi's eyes start to tremble (you know what I'm talking about right?) and he puts his hands on Ayeka's shoulders.]
Tenchi: Ayeka, please. Just listen to me for a minute�
Ayeka: [she throws Tenchi's hands off of her] Don't touch me! It only makes it worse!
Tenchi: Ayeka, just� just try to understand. Please. [He pauses for a moment.] I wish there were an easier way out of this. You know I don't want to see any of you hurt like this.
Ayeka: [she falls into his arms and starts to cry on his shoulder, having a lot of trouble controlling herself] Tenchi, when I saw you two together and Ryoko put her head on your shoulder I thought she was just flirting with you as she usually does but then she kissed you and you kissed her back I just didn't know what to do. I thought we had something between us, Tenchi, I really did, but now I see it was all in my mind and nothing was really there; [wailing] Tenchi, I love you! You have no idea how much pain I'm in right now� I mean just seeing you two there kissing each other, I was shocked, you hadn't shown any sign of affection towards her before now, I don't know how to handle this. I love you� [She continues to sob uncontrollably on Tenchi's shoulder. Cut to the clock, the minute hand moves ten minutes forward. Cut back to Ayeka and Tenchi. Ayeka is now asleep. Tenchi carries her to her room and lays her on her futon and tucks her in. He leaves the room and closes the door quietly so as not to wake her. He walks downstairs and Ryoko puts her hand on his shoulder, only to have him push it away gently.]
Tenchi: Not now.
Ryoko: [gently] I'm going upstairs to bed, okay? [Tenchi nods.] Good night. [He looks up at her guiltily and Ryoko walks upstairs. Tenchi falls asleep on the couch. End scene 6.]
Scene 7
[Early morning. Sasami is waking Ayeka up from a deep sleep.]
Sasami: [from outside the room] Ayeka! Wake up!
Ayeka: [waking with a start] Oh, my, it's late! When did I fall asleep?
Sasami: I don't know, we haven't seen you since you ran to your room last night. [Ayeka gasps as she remembers the incident from the night before and her heart sinks.] Are you going to be okay, Ayeka?
Ayeka: I don't know� I think so, but it might take some time.
Sasami: I hope it doesn't take too long. How about you come down for breakfast? Maybe it'll help you feel better.
Ayeka: Maybe. I'll try my best to stay calm.
Sasami: I hope everything works out with you and Tenchi.
Ayeka: [sulking] What are you talking about? There was nothing there in the first place. [Close-up on Sasami's concerned face.] Let's go eat; I'm quite hungry.
[Ayeka and Sasami walk downstairs to see everyone had started eating already.]
Sasami: [whining] Hey you guys, I told you to wait till we came down!
Mihoshi: Sorry, my stomach couldn't help itself!
Ayeka: [faking a smile] Good morning, everyone.
Kiyone: Good morning Ayeka. [Carefully] Are you feeling okay?
Ayeka: Why ever not? Is there a reason I should be upset?
Ryoko: Well� we just thought that-
Ayeka: [snapping at her] No one asked you, Ryoko.
Ryoko: [lowering her head] I'm sorry.
Ayeka:
Audible inner thoughts: Well, at least I get some respect from her.
Sasami:
Audible inner thoughts: Ayeka. I really hope you feel better. [End Scene 7.]
Scene 8
[Mid-morning. Ayeka is sitting on the couch, and Ryoko wants to comfort her in some way.]
Ryoko: [cautiously] Do you want to talk about this whole thing?
Ayeka:
Audible inner thoughts: She cares. At least someone cares.
[Flippantly] If you must. [Ryoko sits down on the couch and looks at the floor, trying to think of something to say.] Well? You said you wanted to talk, so go ahead and say something.
Ryoko: I-I feel bad about what happened. I know how much you must be hurting right now, and I want to know if there's anything I can do for you.
Ayeka: Don't think you're going to kiss your way out of this, Ryoko. You sucking up to me isn't going to change the fact that you stole him from me.
Ryoko: [she stands up] Hey, you listen to me. I'm not sucking up to you; I'm trying to comfort you by telling you how I feel. If you want to be miserable for the rest of your life, that's your problem, not mine. And another thing - I did not steal him from you. Before a few nights ago, I had no idea he had feelings for any one of us. You know very well he could have chosen you instead.
Ayeka: [she stands up] The point is, he didn't choose me. You must have had some fault in it.
Ryoko: [yelling] Fault?! Since when did love become a crime?
Ayeka: You are a criminal, Ryoko. Remember that.
Ryoko: Space Pirates steal money and treasure, not men. Ayeka, really. I want our friendship to be a little peaceful for a change.
Ayeka: Friendship!? What friendship? You know I've always hated you.
Ryoko: You only hated me because I was competition for Tenchi, and because of my criminal background. But I'm not like that anymore. I decided to stop being a Space Pirate the other night.
Ayeka: [she pauses] I suppose you're right. I shouldn't hate you for something that's in the past. And now that Tenchi� loves you� there's nothing really left to fight about, I guess. [She sighs] But this whole thing seems like a dream, and when I wake up everything will be back to normal.
Ryoko: I know how you feel, Ayeka. Believe me, I know. [Ayeka looks down and cries silently. She looks up at Ryoko.]
Ayeka: Ryoko?
Ryoko: Yes?
Ayeka: What was it like?
Ryoko: [a little surprised at this question] Are you sure this isn't going to hurt you?
Ayeka: [she takes a deep breath] No, I think I'm ready. I want to know exactly how you got together.
Ryoko: Oh, okay. Where do I start� ah yes. Remember when you walked in and thought I was flirting with Tenchi just before you guys left to go to town?
Ayeka: Yes, I remember.
Ryoko: Well, he was about to tell me something, but he stopped when you walked in. After you all left, he wanted to finish telling me, but I was in too much of a rush and I gave him the phone number to the Space Pirates' convention, even though I didn't tell him that's where I was going to be. And I left. So, about an hour into the convention, I was in the middle of a cup of sake when the bartender handed me the phone. It was Tenchi, and he told me he fell down the stairs. So I teleported back to the house, and as I was looking for him, he snuck up behind me and hugged me. I turned around and� he kissed me, ever so gently. He started to walk away but I grabbed him back and returned the kiss� Well, a lot� [she giggles] and I teleported ourselves to his room.
Ayeka: Is� all of this true? [Ryoko raises her right hand.]
Ryoko: I swear on Tsunami. [Ayeka flinches slightly.]
Ayeka: Don't.
Ryoko: What?
Ayeka: Swear on Tsunami.
Ryoko: Why? It's true.
Ayeka: Just don't. It's not right. [Ryoko shrugs.] Go on.
Ryoko: Ah, you want to know the rest, do you?
Ayeka: [annoyed] Yes, please. Just go on.
Ryoko: Right. So� we finally parted� [FLASHBACK!!]
Tenchi: Did� that just happen?
Ryoko: [grinning ecstatically] M-hm!
Tenchi: [surprised at himself] And� I enjoyed it!
Ryoko: Want some more?
Tenchi: I just want to talk first.
Ryoko: [smiling] Me too. [Tenchi sits down on his bed and motions for Ryoko to sit next to him.] You have no idea how happy this makes me.
Tenchi: I think I do.
Ryoko: No. I watched you grow up while I was in the cave, and even though you couldn't see me, I felt like your best friend. Then you got older� and I loved you even more. I wanted you. And when you released me, I finally got to touch your face� but you were scared of my appearance. I took my present form, and� well, I know I got a little out of control at times�
Tenchi: [laughing] A little.
Ryoko: Okay, a lot. But I didn't just want you, it was a much deeper love than that, even though it might not have seemed that way. I've loved you for 17 years. [Tenchi puts his hand on her knee.] How long have you had feelings for me?
Tenchi: [he thinks for a moment] About two months.
Ryoko: Jeez, what took you so long to tell me? You didn't show a hint of any kind of crush in the last two months.
Tenchi: I think it's better this way. And it's not just a crush� Well, it was at first, but now� I love you. If I had told you that I loved you at the very beginning, it would have been a lie, since my feelings hadn't grown yet. But, I love you now. [Tears come to Ryoko's eyes. Tenchi smiles then looks around.] Uh, by the way Ryoko� why are we here?
Ryoko: [giggling] I was wondering when you were going to ask me that. [She starts to advance toward him.]
Tenchi: Ryoko?? [She pounces on him and they fall down onto the bed. Ryoko starts to tug on his shirt.]
Ryoko: You're sexy, you know that?
Tenchi: Ryoko, stop it.
Ryoko: Now come on, you know you want it.
Tenchi: Not now, Ryoko! Get off of me. [Ryoko frowns and rolls over on her back next to Tenchi.] I think we should wait a little bit before we go any further in our relationship.
Ryoko: �whatever.
Tenchi: [putting his arm around her] Don't you think so?
Ryoko: Hmph� [she looks up at him] can I do this? [She kisses him briefly.]
Tenchi: [smiling] Anytime.
Ryoko: [she giggles then pauses to think] Hmm� you know what? I don't think you want to wait.
Tenchi: Well� I do�
Ryoko: You don't. I can tell.
Tenchi: [avoiding eye contact by looking at the ceiling] I don't know what you're talking about.
Ryoko: [in a soft tempting voice] Don't play dumb. [She starts to run her hand down his chest, and he closes his eyes.] You're just trying to keep that innocent image of yours� [She takes his hand and puts it on her face. Tenchi looks confused but still refuses to open his eyes.] �so that it doesn't seem strange when you all of a sudden decide to "go further in our relationship," as you so blandly put it. Tenchi� [She slides his hand down over her heart and his eyes shoot open and soften, but stay fixed on the ceiling] Can you feel that? It's my heart, beating. For you. Tenchi, I love you, and I've been waiting for the moment when you'd love me back for so long. Now that it's come, please� [She moves his hand down to the side of her waist.] �don't let me down. Please? [Tenchi's eyes slowly move towards her, his mouth half open. He pauses, then finally turns toward her and hurriedly pulls her close, pressing his face to hers.]
Tenchi: [draws back, and breathing quickly] You just won't give up, will you?
Ryoko: [a bit surprised at his reaction at first, then she grins and leans forward to whisper in his ear] Love me back. [Tenchi pulls her face back to meet his, and starts to kiss her uncontrollably. They fall back onto the bed and the flashback ends abruptly.]
Ryoko: I� talked him into it.
Ayeka: [smirking] You certainly did. I don't want to go into any details� was it worth it?
Ryoko: Psh! Yah!
Ayeka: So what happened after that?
Ryoko: [dreamily] Well, we fell asleep. I rested my head on his chest and my ear was right next to his heart, and I could hear it beating.
Ayeka: Mm. I wish I had someone who cared for me like that.
Ryoko: Don't worry, you'll find him. He's out there, somewhere. Besides� technically, you're Tenchi's great aunt, so that would have been a little weird.
Ayeka: �Yes, I forgot about that.
Ryoko: Hm. Having a crush on a nephew. Interesting.
Ayeka: Shut up. It doesn't matter anymore.
Ryoko: Okay, okay. But I know you'll find someone who's just right for you. I know it.
Ayeka: Thank you. [They smile at each other. End scene 8.]
Scene 9
[Mid-afternoon. Ayeka and Ryoko are remembering past times and laughing hysterically. Washu walks into the room and is very confused.]
Ayeka: I still can't believe you ripped the sleeves off his mother's kimono!
Washu: [puzzled] Um, are you guys okay?
Ryoko: [kawaii] Just peachy, Mom!
Washu: [gasps] Ryoko, say that again!
Ryoko: Just peachy, Mom!
Washu: [overjoyed] OMIGOD! Wait; let me get the video camera! I'll be right back! [She starts to run out of the room]
Ryoko: Wait! You don't have to do that, come back here!
Washu: [turning around] What's with you two anyway? You're so� happy!
Ayeka: [kawaii] Of course we are! We're friends now!
Washu: [raising an eyebrow] Are you drunk?
Ryoko: Hell, no, we're just� [Pauses] help me out here.
Ayeka: HAPPY!
Washu: You guys are scaring me now; I seriously think you're on something.
Ayeka: Nope, we're just� [She looks at Ryoko]
Ayeka and Ryoko: HAPPY! [Washu runs into the dining room screaming.]
Washu: Tenchi! Kiyone! Sasami! Mihoshi! It's bad, really bad!
Tenchi: What is it, Little Washu?
Washu: It must be a bad omen - it's the end of the world! Ayeka and Ryoko are� [screaming] happy!
Kiyone: You're kidding.
Washu: It's true, though it may seem impossible! And you know what else? [pause] Ryoko called me� [she looks to her left and right and continues] MOM!!
Sasami: Oh my gosh, this is pretty bad!
Washu: AAAGGGHHH!!!!
Mihoshi: What is it now?
Washu: [with her eyes bugged out and looking in all different directions] I just realized - Tenchi just called me Little Washu without me even asking!! [she jumps up on the table, cue the psycho music] This can't be happening, it just can't! Everything's going the way I want it to! Prepare yourselves for the worst, my friends. It's an omen, I tell you! An omen! Kyaaaaaa!!!!!! [she jumps off of the table scattering everything that was on it on the floor.]
Tenchi: That was� pretty weird.
Mihoshi: I agree! Are Ayeka and Ryoko really� happy?
Kiyone: [lazily] Go check. [Mihoshi tiptoes into the living room and sees Ayeka and Ryoko still laughing.]
Mihoshi: It's true, it's true! [Everyone decides to take a peek.]
Tenchi: [slowly] Oh my God� look at them! They're�
Sasami: Stop. That's getting really annoying.
Tenchi: Sorry. [Hearing Tenchi, Ayeka turns around.]
Ayeka: Oh, hello, Tenchi! Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?
Tenchi: Sure, go ahead. [they walk into the kitchen] What did you want to talk to me about?
Ayeka: [taking a deep breath] I'm sorry about what happened last night. I was just so overwhelmed and it all came too fast for me to handle it. Perhaps if you had gotten a chance to tell me, it wouldn't have hit me as hard as it did. But I just saw you two there, kissing, and giggling, and whispering sweet nothings to each other, I was just shocked. I didn't mean to make you feel guilty; I guess I just had to let off some steam and cry. I suppose I'm still a bit sad, but I've accepted it. I know there's someone else who would be better for me somewhere. Ryoko thinks so, too. [she smiles at him] Ryoko's a lucky woman, you know, to have a man like you. You have everything - wisdom, intelligence, bravery, a heart of gold, and you're handsome. Many women would love to be in Ryoko's shoes right now. [she puts her hands on his shoulders and kisses his forehead.] I wish you and Ryoko the best of luck.
Tenchi: [Blushing from the compliments, he is a little surprised at this at first, then he smiles.] Thanks so much for understanding, Ayeka. I'm so glad everything's okay with you and Ryoko; otherwise I think you would have killed each other by now! [He starts laughing. Ayeka grins.]
Ayeka: I'm going to go get something to drink. I think I've been laughing too hard. My throat is sore. Goodbye, Tenchi!
Tenchi: Bye. [He smiles as he walks down the hall away from her. Washu pops out of a doorway with a latex glove in her hand.]
Washu: Hi there! Oh, and by the way� [in a devilish tone, she starts to twist the glove in her hands] while everything's going my way, can I get that final sample from you?
Tenchi: [a huge sweat drop appears at the side of his forehead in fright] Aagh! NO! Leave me alone!! [He starts to run away hurriedly until he gets to the living room and stops as he hears Ryoko's voice.]
Ryoko: Where do you think you're going? [Tenchi smiles and Ryoko flies towards him. He catches her and hugs her tightly.]
Tenchi: I'm so happy everything worked out.
Ryoko: [tracing circles on his chest with her index finger, whispering] I missed you last night.
Tenchi: [sighing] I'm sorry. It just felt weird knowing that it hurt someone else so badly. It had nothing to do with you.
Ryoko: [suggestively] But everything's alright now, isn't it?
Tenchi: [grinning] I love you.
Ryoko: I love you too. [they grin at each other for a bit and Ryoko giggles. She teleports herself and Tenchi to his room. She is about to kiss him, and she closes the door. We never see the kiss, just a happy Ryoko and a surprised Tenchi. End episode.]