<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param><FontFamily><param>Courier New</param>Okay, hopefully this time around, the story will 
be a little more realistic.  Thanks to all those 
who stuck it out last time around.


College: Is life really normal?

by drew-meista


DISCLAIMER:  Tenchi Muyo, Ryoko, Aeka, Nagi, and 
any other characters from the Tenchi Muyo 
Universe that are used within in this work of 
fiction are property of AIC/PIONEER.  Keiichi, 
Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, and all other characters 
of Ah, My Goddess are property of Kousuke 
Fujishima, Kodansha, Ltd., KSS Films, and TBS. 


Notes:This takes place some time after the end 
of the Tenchi Universe and the Ah! My Goddess 
OVAs.  Thanks to Chan Wei Lik for his 
constructive criticisms that corrected many of 
the obvious errors in this writing.


<center>Maybe it'll work this time</center>

     "Welcome to Nekomi Institute of Technology. 
 I will be your orientation counselor.  My name 
is Morisato Keiichi.  Before we begin the tour, 
are there any questions?" asked Keiichi.  

     A hand went up in the back of the group.  
"Yes?" said Keiichi.

     "What year of college are you in?" asked 
the girl with the spiky, cyan-colored hair.  

     "I am a third-year student, majoring in 
Auto engineering," replied Keiichi.  "Any other 
questions?" 

     When only silence greeted him, he 
continued.  "Okay, if you will all follow me," 
motioned Keiichi as he turned and began a tour 
of Nekomi Institute of Technology(NIT).  

     At the back of the group, the girl with the 
spiky, cyan-colored hair nudged the guy next to 
her.  "Hey Tenchi, excited about your first day 
at college?" she asked.

     The guy snapped out of his reverie.  "Oh, 
yeah.  Thrilled," he replied.  He returned to 
studying his shoes as he walked.

     "Tenchi?  What's wrong?  Is college that 
bad all ready?" asked the girl.

     "No, no it isn't, Ryoko.  I'm just..." he 
stopped.

     "Hey, you two in the back.  Hurry up," 
shouted Keiichi from the front of the group.

     "Sorry," answered Ryoko.  She waved at 
Keiichi before dragging Tenchi along beside her.


     "So you're Tenchi Masaki.  You're planning 
on majoring in Architectural Design?" asked the 
counselor.  

     "Yeah," replied Tenchi, not feeling much 
like conversation.

     "Okay, I assume you've already gotten your 
schedule made?" continued the counselor.

     "Yeah," was his only answer.  

     "Mr. Masaki, is there something wrong?" 
asked the counselor.

     "Oh," Tenchi looked up.  "No, sir.  Nothing 
at all, sir," he answered.

     "Good, now please listen to me.  Here's 
your dorm-room assignment and your class 
schedule for this semester.  If you haven't 
already, you should also check the list of clubs 
here at school.  I can personally recommend the 
Auto Club if you're interested in motorcycles or 
racing," explained the counselor, finishing his 
speech.

     "Thanks," said Tenchi as he stood and left. 
 


      He walked slowly through the campus, 
heading towards his dorm.  Tenchi felt so morose 
because he felt guilty for the way he had sent 
Aeka off.  After they returned from 1970, she 
had asked him what he planned to do with his 
life.  When he told her about wanting to be an 
architect like his father, she had suggested 
that he come back with her to Jurai.  He refused 
again and he and Aeka had the same parting that 
took place after the defeat of Kagato.  Only 
this time, the pain was doubly worse.  He had 
refused her twice.  But each time, Ryoko had 
showed up to comfort him.  He understood Aeka's 
position and that she had duties to perform and 
could not be there with him, but Ryoko could.  
After Aeka had left, Ryoko had found every 
possible excuse to stay around.  As the summer 
wore on, NIT accepted Tenchi, to the exultation 
of his father.  Tenchi had hoped to please his 
father since that Tenchi also desired to be an 
architect.  His father's instant approval reward 
him.  Only then, Ryoko announced that she also 
had been accepted at NIT, much to the amazement 
of the Masaki family.  This sudden turn of 
events had left Tenchi doubting everything.  He 
had feelings for Ryoko, but also for Aeka.  If 
Aeka found out about Ryoko and him going to the 
same college as she undoubtedly would, she would 
be hurt and angry.  Tenchi didn't want to hurt 
her.  So it was with mixed emotions that he and 
Ryoko set off for college.  On the way, he asked 
Ryoko why she had come to college since she had 
no need of it.  The obvious answer was,"To be 
with you, of course."

     "Tenchi, wait up," came the voice from 
across the courtyard.  

     Tenchi turned and saw Ryoko running up 
behind him.  "Did you get your schedule," 
inquired Tenchi.  

     "Yeah, see," she replied as she showed him 
her schedule.  

     He looked at her's and then at his.  They 
were nearly identical, except for his 
'Introduction to Architecture' class and a 
physics class.  Other than that, all the courses 
they had were the mundane courses that every 
freshman took.

     "Isn't that great?" she asked exuberantly.

     "It's terrific," replied Tenchi.  His 
attitude was finally starting to perk up.  
"Where is your dorm?" asked Tenchi.

     "A3," answered Ryoko.

     "Oh, I'm in C7.  I think the two are pretty 
close," observed Tenchi.  

     "Great, that means all the more time we'll 
be able to spend together," said Ryoko.  She 
hugged him and he nervously returned the 
embrace.  

     When she let go of him, he explained that 
he needed to get moved into his dorm room.  

     "Don't you want to spend some more time 
with me, though?" asked Ryoko, petulantly. 

     "Maybe later.  I've got to get my stuff in 
my room by 5.  So do you," answered Tenchi.  
     "I suppose you're right.  Guess, I'd better 
hurry," pouted Ryoko.

     "Bye," said Tenchi as he hurried on.

     When he arrived at the dorm, two guys 
greeted him.  "Hey, are you the new guy?" asked 
one tall guy with spiky, blond hair.  His 
necklace with its bolts and spare parts made 
Tenchi look twice before answering. 

     "Yeah, I'm Tenchi Masaki," answered Tenchi.

     "Okay, then, Masaki.  I'm Otaki, and this 
is Tamiya.  We're your sempais and here are the 
rules of this dorm," said Otaki as he shoved a 
grungy sheet of paper under Tenchi's nose.  
Tenchi took the paper and quickly skimmed the 
list.  

     "Oh, especially note this rule.  A former 
member of this dorm, Keiichi Morisato had to 
give up his room because he failed to follow 
this one," continued Otaki as he pointed at the 
paper.  

     Tenchi looked at the rule Otaki was 
pointing at.  'No Women are allowed in the 
dorm'.  "Okay, where's my room again," asked 
Tenchi.

     "Down there," pointed Tamiya.  

     Tenchi went to the room Tamiya had pointed 
to and dropped his bags on the floor.  The room 
looked like it had not been used for some time 
and was basically clean except for the spider 
webs in the corners.  Tenchi quickly unpacked 
and was doing his best to straighten the room 
when Tamiya stuck his head in the door.

     "Hey Masaki, come on out here for a 
minute," he ordered.

    "Coming, sempai," replied Tenchi.  He walked 
into the hallway and suddenly felt very wet and 
cold as a bucket of cold water rained down on 
him.

     Tamiya and Otaki were laughing and slapping 
each other on the back while Tenchi merely 
grimaced and turned to go back into his room.  
     "Tenchi, where you going?" asked Otaki.

     "Back into my room," answered Tenchi.

     "Not yet, we're not finished," said Tamiya. 
 He motioned for Tenchi and Otaki to follow and 
then he went outside.  He led Tenchi to his 
motorcycle.   "Hop on," he ordered.

     Tenchi did as was commanded.  Otaki also 
got on his bike.  Then, they roared off.  

     Tenchi had never been a very big fan of 
motorcycles and this wild ride did nothing to 
improve his opinion of them.  A couple minutes 
later, they pulled up outside the Auto Club 
clubhouse.  Tamiya and Otaki led Tenchi inside 
into the main room.  Several guys were lounging 
around and nobody looked up as they entered.  
Then, Tamiya grabbed a screwdriver and slammed 
it into a gong-like piece of metal that was 
hanging near the entrance.  The whole clubhouse 
resounded with the loud GONG! that rang through 
it and Auto Clubbers poured into the main room.

     "Okay.  Guys, we have a new member among 
us.  His name is Tenchi Masaki and he's moving 
into Morisato's room.  As of now, he is the 
newest member of the Auto Club," proclaimed 
Tamiya.

     "I'm what?  I haven't joined the Auto Club 
yet," exclaimed Tenchi.

     "Yes you have.  Didn't you read the rules," 
answered Tamiya as he again shoved the rules 
sheet under Tenchi's nose.  He pointed to the 
fineprint down at the bottom.  It read: All who 
stay in the dorm of C7 also consent to join the 
Auto Club.  

     Tenchi cursed under his breath as he 
realized what he'd just done.  "Now, Masaki.  As 
an official member of the Auto Club,  You get 
the duties every new member must take.  Number 
one, you will answer all phone messages while we 
are out.  Number two, you will read through the 
entire Encyclopedia of Motorcycles and their 
Engines so that you can share in the knowledge 
of the Auto Club," explained Tamiya.  "Masaki, 
welcome to the club," shouted Otaki as he raised 
a mug of sake.  

     The group of guys all cheered and then 
piled on Tenchi.  At the bottom of the pile, 
Tenchi moaned.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Two hours later, Tenchi was sitting with 
the phone in his lap.  "How in the world did I 
get myself into this.  I don't give a crap about 
motorcycles.  I'm supposed to be an architect, 
not a mechanic," he grumbled to himself as he 
began to flip through the encyclopedia.  He had 
managed to read the first paragraph when the 
phone rang.  

     "Dorm C7, Freshman Masaki speaking," said 
Tenchi.  

     "Hi Tenchi," came the seductive voice over 
the phone.  

     "Oh, hi Ryoko," answered Tenchi, not very 
enthusiastically.

     "I didn't see you at dinner," complained 
Ryoko.

     "I don't suppose you did as I've been 
sitting here, taking messages for the last hour 
and a half.  As a person staying in dorm C7, I'm 
a member of the Auto Club.  As a new member of 
the Auto Club, it is my duty to take messages 
for the Club while they're out.  I also have to 
read this stupid book on Motorcycles," fumed 
Tenchi. 

     "Poor Tenchi.  Want me to come over and 
keep you company?" asked Ryoko.

     "No, no women are allowed in the dorm," 
answered Tenchi, inwardly cursing his current 
state of affairs.

     "Tenchi, don't always be bound by the 
rules," suggested Ryoko.

     "If I break any rule, I'm automatically 
kicked out of the dorm," explained Tenchi.

     "That only happens if you get caught.  I'll 
be right over," said Ryoko.  She hung up.

     "Ryoko..." he started to say as the line 
went dead.  He sighed and hung up the phone.  As 
soon as the phone returned to its resting place, 
Ryoko appeared next to Tenchi.  

     "Hi Tenchi," she said as she snuggled up 
next to him.

     "Ryoko!  I thought I said that you can't be 
here," he exclaimed as he struggled to his feet. 
 


     Ryoko looked up at him, her eyes showing 
disappointment.  "But Tenchi, I was so lonely.  
There's nobody at my dorm right now," she whined.

     "Where am I gonna stay if  I get kicked 
out?" asked Tenchi.  "I mean, I like having you 
here and all but if they walk in and you're 
here, I'm a gonner."

     "Loosen up, Tenchi.  If we hear them 
coming, I'll just go back to my dorm.  Promise," 
begged Ryoko.  

     "Oh fine, but if I get caught," he warned.  
Just then, he heard the door starting to open.  
Ryoko disappeared before he could say anything 
and Tenchi was left with then Encyclopedia lying 
open on his lap when Tamiya and Otaki rounded 
the corner.

     "Ah, Tenchi.  I see you're studying.  Very 
fascinating, isn't it?" asked Tamiya.  

     "Yeah," mumbled Tenchi, a big "I didn't do 
anything" smile on his face.  

     "Any messages," asked Otaki.

     "Uh...uhh...oh, no, sempai," continued 
Tenchi.  

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     The next day, Tenchi walked into the 
cafeteria with the rest of the guys from his 
dorm.  That evening, Tamiya and Otaki had given 
him a long and detailed explanation of the 
exhaust system on the club's motorcycle and then 
sent him off to bed with orders not to be up 
before 8 o'clock.  He had awoken at 8:01 when 
Tamiya had banged on his door and demanded to 
know why he was not up since it was already a 
minute after his rising time.  Then, after a 
harried explanation and a quick shower, Tamiya 
and Otaki had dragged Tenchi off to breakfast.  

     "Okay, Tenchi.  Here at the cafeteria, 
breakfast is served between 8:15 and 9:15.  In 
that line, there is the traditional Japanese 
rice and condiments.  In the next, you have your 
fruits and vegetables.  And the last one is 
where all the cereals and deserts are.  As a 
member of the Auto Club, you are expected to be 
healthy so don't indulge yourself on deserts.  
Fruits and rice make a great, healthy breakfast 
so go enjoy," said Tamiya as he slapped Tenchi 
on the back.  The blow knocked the air out of 
Tenchi as he stumbled towards the rice line.

     After collectings the necessary foods, he 
limped over to a table and sat down to slowly 
eat his breakfast.  It was not long before 
Tamiya and Otaki showed up, their plates loaded 
down with deserts.  

     "Looks good, Masaki.  You have a lot of 
potential if you keep eating healthy and work at 
your studies.  One day, you'll be a sempai like 
me and Otaki here if you listen to us.  Eat up," 
said Tamiya.

     Tenchi said nothing but continued to slowly 
eat his rice while Tamiya and Otaki demolished 
their piles of food.  It was not long before 
other members of the Auto Club began to 
congregate around the table.  

     "Hey Keiichi, meet the newest member of the 
Auto Club, Tenchi Masaki," said Tamiya as he 
introduced Tenchi to one of the guys sitting 
near them.

     "Hi Masaki.  Hey, weren't you in my 
orientation group yesterday?" asked Keiichi as 
he looked at Tenchi.  

     "Yes, sempai," mumbled Tenchi, his eyes 
never leaving his plate.  

     "Masaki, you need to be a bit more 
respectful of your club mates.  Keiichi is our 
driver and he's the best there is.  Isn't that 
right, Otaki," said Tamiya.

     Otaki, who had been stuffing his face with 
cheese cake, merely grunted an agreement.

     Keiichi motioned for Tenchi to come sit by 
him, which Tenchi did.

     "Don't mind those two.  Tamiya's a good 
guy.  He's just in love with his engines.  Guess 
you spent last night as secretary, huh?" asked 
Keiichi.

     "Actually, yeah," replied Tenchi.  Keiichi 
chuckled at this.

     "What's your major?" asked Keiichi.

     "Architecture," replied Tenchi.

     "Oh, so you didn't exactly join the Auto 
Club of your own free will," remarked Keiichi 
with a grin.

     "No, not really," answered Tenchi.

     "Well, if it's really that bad.  I can get 
Tamiya to drop you.  But I think you'll like it 
in the club.  It's a lot of fun, even if you 
don't like motorcycles," commented Keiichi. 

     "Especially for the new guys," observed 
Tenchi.

     "Oh, there's Belldandy.  I gotta go," said 
Keiichi.  "It was nice meeting you," he added as 
he stood to leave.

     Tenchi's eyes followed Keiichi as he walked 
over to a light-brown haired girl.  The two 
embraced before leaving the cafeteria together.  
 It was not long before Tenchi felt a familiar 
presence nearby.  

     "Guess who," said the seductive voice as 
hands covered his eyes.

     "Let me guess, Ryoko?" 'guessed' Tenchi.  

     "Lucky guess," retorted Ryoko as she sat 
down next to him.  "Did you miss me last night?"

     "Not at all.  In fact, I had a great time 
reading through the Encyclopedia of Motorcycles 
and their Engines as per Tamiya-sempai's 
orders," answered Tenchi.  

     "Uh-huh, sounds like fun.  Wouldn't you 
enjoy your evenings more if you spent some time 
at my place?" asked Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, that probably isn't a good idea.  I 
don't know what my classes are going to take in 
relation to studying yet," replied Tenchi.

     Ryoko sighed.  "Studying?  Isn't there more 
to life than books and homework?" she asked.

     "I'm hoping so.  But we'd better not spend 
every evening together until I get my daily 
schedule planned out," said Tenchi.

     "Fine, be a bookworm," she said as she 
rose.  "I gotta get to class so I'll see you at 
lunch," she declared.  "Bye Tenchi," she added 
as she left.    

     "Bye Ryoko," said Tenchi.

     "Hey, Masaki.  Who was that babe?" asked 
Otaki.

     "Oh, Ryoko?  She's just a friend from I 
knew back home," answered Tenchi.

     "You don't sound very excited.  If you 
don't want her, I'll gladly take her off your 
hands," offered Tamiya.  

     "Good luck," observed Tenchi.

     He stood and walked out, leaving the 
confused Tamiya and Otaki to try and figure out 
what he meant.  

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     That evening, Tenchi was sitting in his 
room and flipping through a photo album he had 
brought with him.  Tamiya stuck his head in to 
see what Tenchi was doing.  

     "Hey, Masaki, watcha doing?" he asked.  

     "Oh, sempai, just looking through some old 
pictures," answered Tenchi.

     Tamiya saw the pictures of Kiyone and 
Mihoshi and leaned over to get a better look.  

     "Whoa, who are all those babes?" he asked.

     "Just friends that lived with me back---"

    Tamiya interrupted him.  "You didn't say 
that Ryoko lived with you.  Are you two a couple 
or something?"

     "No, nothing like that," answered Tenchi.

     "All these chics lived with you?  What are 
you, some sort of pimp?" asked Tamiya, a grin 
slowly crossing his face.

     "No, they were just friends," insisted 
Tenchi.   

     "Sure, Masaki.  Hey Otaki, come 'ere," 
called Tamiya.

     "What?" asked Otaki as he walked in.

     "Look at these friends of Masaki's," said 
Tamiya as he ripped the album out of Tenchi's 
hands and shoved it into Otaki's.

     Otaki lifted his sunglasses.  "Whoa, these 
babes are hot," he observed.

     "Masaki, who are they?" asked Otaki.

     Tenchi's face grew red.  "They're just 
friends," screamed Tenchi.

     Otaki raised his hands as if to ward off an 
evil spirit, "Hey, Masaki, sorry.  I was just 
askin'."

     Within five seconds, Tenchi's album was 
back in his hands and his room was vacant.  He 
just shrugged his shoulders and returned to 
flipping through the photos.


    Tamiya had dragged Tenchi over to the 
clubhouse again, later that evening.  This time, 
the place was vacant except for a couple of 
sprawled out drunks.  Tenchi immediately headed 
for one of the back rooms.  He was in no mood to 
chat.

    

     A little later, Keiichi stuck his hiead in 
the doorway.  "Hey Masaki, how's it go going?" 
he asked..

     Tenchi looked up, "Fine, I suppose."

     "Tamiya says you got a little hot under the 
collar earlier.  Something wrong?" continued 
Keiichi.

     "No, everything is fine.  I was just 
getting a little homesick and Tamiya-sempai had 
asked questions that I didn't really want to 
answer right then," replied Tenchi.

     "Uh-huh, hey that happen's to everybody.  I 
know, why don't you come over for dinner 
tonight.  I'm sure Bell will have something 
great fixed," suggested Keiichi.   

     "Uh, sure.  Why not," agreed Tenchi.

     "Great, let me go call her and tell her 
we're having company," said Keiichi.  He stood 
and walked over to the phone.

     He called someone and there was a quick 
conversation.  "Okay, she said dinner'll be 
ready in about a half hour, so we'd better not 
stick around too long," suggested Keiichi.

     "Okay, let me grab my jacket and I'll be 
ready," said Tenchi.

     He slipped on a light jacket and started to 
follow Keiichi out when the phone rang again.  
Tamiya answered and then called, "Hey Masaki, 
it's for you."

     "Ok, thanks, Tamiya-sempai," returned 
Tenchi.  He walked over and picked up the 
receiver. 

     "Hello?" he asked.

     "Hi Tenchi," came Ryoko's ever seductive 
voice.

     "Oh, hi Ryoko.  Look, now's not a good 
time.  I'm going somewhere," Tenchi explained.

     "Oh, so you'd rather go do something else 
than talk to me," whined Ryoko.

     "No, it's just that I had plans already," 
explained Tenchi.

     "What's so important that you can't talk?" 
asked Ryoko.

     "I'm going over to a friend's for dinner," 
answered Tenchi.

     "A friend?  A girl-friend?" asked Ryoko, as 
if she suspected some ulterior motive.

     "No, just a friend from the Auto Club," 
explained Tenchi.

     "Great, than I'll come along," declared 
Ryoko. 

     "No, Ryoko, wait--" the line went dead.

     Tenchi hung up the phone in a disgusted 
manner and looked around.  Keiichi waited by the 
door. 

     "You ready now?" he asked.

     "Yeah," answered Tenchi.

      He followed Keiichi outside.  Keiichi's 
motorcycle was sitting next to the curb and 
Ryoko was waiting next to it, dressed in a dark, 
blue skirt that fell at least six inches above 
her knees and a white, sleeveless shirt and an 
unbuttoned jean vest .  

     She ran up and hugged Tenchi as he came 
out.  "Hi Tenchi, how come you didn't call me 
sooner?" she asked. 

     "I've been busy," answered Tenchi, somewhat 
embarrassed.  "How'd you get over here so fast, 
anyway?"

     "I was staying late to do research at the 
library.  Anyway.  Who's your friend, here.  
Wait, weren't you our orientation guide 
yesterday?" she asked as she looked at Keiichi.

     "Yes, I'm Keiichi Morisato.  And you are?" 
he asked.

     "Ryoko," said Ryoko as she offered her 
hand.  

     Keiichi took it and was taken back the 
power of her  handshake.

     "So Tenchi, are we going to Keiichi's house 
tonight?" asked Ryoko.

     "We?" interjected Keiichi.

     "Oh, Tenchi.  I thought I was invited too, 
wasn't I?" she asked, giving Tenchi the puppy-
eyes look.

     "Well, uh-h-h-h," stuttered Tenchi.

     "Sure, Tenchi just reminded me.  I don't 
know about you but I'm starving.  Maybe Bell 
will have dinner ready a little quicker than 
usual.," commented Keiichi.

     "Okay, guess we'd better get moving then," 
suggested Tenchi.

     They walked down to the motorcycle and 
Keiichi scratched his head.

     "Hmm, how are we going to fit both of you 
on this thing?" he asked himself.  He looked 
over the situation quickly before making his 
proposal.  "Ryoko, you're either going to have 
to ride behind me or you can sit in Tenchi's 
lap," he explained.

     "That's an easy choice," laughed Ryoko.  
She ran around the motorcycle and hopped into 
Tenchi's lap just as he had sat down in the 
passenger seat.  

     "Umph, Ryoko," he said weakly as he tried 
to regain his breath.

     She adjusted herself so Tenchi could have 
easy access to what ever he wanted.  "Isn't this 
romantic, Tenchi?" she suggested, as Keiichi 
climbed onto the bike. 

     "Yeah," agreed a very embarrassed Tenchi. 

     Keiichi just grinned and turned on the 
engine.  It roared to life and Keiichi 
accelerated towards the shrine.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Ten minutes later, they pulled up outside 
the temple/house.  Belldandy was there to greet 
them.

     "Hi, Kei," she said as she kissed him.  

     "Hi, Bell," he replied as he returned the 
kiss.  

     After they finished, Belldandy noticed 
Ryoko helping a very uncomfortable Tenchi out of 
the passenger seat.

     "This must be Tenchi," she stated.

     "Yeah, and this is his friend Ryoko.  I 
hope you don't mind that she came along.  It was 
kind a of a last minute thing," explained 
Keiichi.

     "No, that's fine.  We have plenty of 
chicken tonight," laughed Belldandy.  

     "Hi, I'm Tenchi and this is Ryoko," said 
Tenchi as he walked up.

     "Hi Tenchi, Ryoko.  I hope you two are 
hungry because I fixed a lot of teriyaki chicken 
for tonight," said Belldandy, a big smile on her 
face.  

     "Mmmm, sounds great," answered Ryoko, also 
smiling(and hugging Tenchi all at the same time).

     "Well, why don't you come inside," 
suggested Keiichi as he noticed Tenchi's 
predicament.

     Belldandy led them  up the path and into 
the front door of the shrine.

     "Hi Keiichi, who are your friends," asked 
Megumi as she greeted them.

     "This is Tenchi and Ryoko.  Tenchi, Ryoko, 
this is my sister Megumi," said Keiichi as he 
introduced them to Megumi who had been helping 
Belldandy prepare dinner.

     Then, Urd and Skuld walked into the room, 
arguing about nothing in particular.  

     "Hey, Belldandy, when will dinner be 
ready," asked Urd, impatiently.

     "It's just about done," replied Belldandy.  
"Urd, Skuld, I'd like you to meet Tenchi and 
Ryoko, friends of Keiichi's from school."

     The two goddesses looked across the room 
and saw Tenchi trying to squirm out of Ryoko's 
grasp and Skuld giggled.  Tenchi turned red and 
stood up straight, a huge grin on his face.

     "H-hi, I'm-m T-t-enchi," he stuttered.  
Skuld giggled some more.

     "And I'm Ryoko," said Ryoko as she released 
Tenchi from her embrace.

     "Tenchi, Ryoko, these are my sisters, Urd 
and Skuld," said Belldandy as she pointed to her 
sisters.  

     "Hi," said Tenchi, Ryoko, Urd, and Skuld in 
unison.

     Tenchi and Keiichi both noticed the staring 
match going on between Urd and Ryoko as they sat 
down to eat.

     Belldandy brought in a huge pot of chicken 
and laid it before them.  Before she had time to 
sit down, the rest had already emptied the pot 
of two-thirds of its contents.

     "I'm glad I fixed a lot," she observed as 
everyone gobbled down their food.

     "This is delicious, Bell," said Keiichi.

     "I'm so glad you like it, Kei," she 
returned.  "Didn't you love our literature 
professor?" she asked.

     "Yeah, she was great.  But I don't think me 
and the calculus professor will get along to 
well," observed Keiichi.

     "Maybe if you got Skuld to tutor you in 
math some, he'd like you better," Belldandy 
suggested, the slightest hint of a smile on her 
lips.

     "What are you majoring in, Tenchi?" asked 
Megumi.

     "Architectural design.  My father's an 
architect and I've always been interested so 
basically I'm carrying on family tradition.  I'm 
enjoying it so far," answered Tenchi.

     "And you, Ryoko?" continued Megumi.

     "I'm still undecided.  Hey, aren't you in 
my physics class?" exlaimed Ryoko.

     "Yeah, I think I am.  Don't you sit three 
rows back and up one?" asked Megumi.

     "Exactly.  I thought I'd seen you before.  
What are you majoring in?" asked Ryoko.

     "Mechanical engineering, similar to 
Keiichi," replied Megumi.

     "Must be fun to have a brother doing about 
the same thing.  Always helps to have someone 
who can do that extra homework for you," 
observed Ryoko.

     "It's great!" laughed Megumi as Keiichi 
grimaced at the thought.

     "So Urd, are you in college?" asked Tenchi.

     "No, I stay here and keep the house 
running," answered Urd, suddenly paying close 
attention to the conversation.  Everyone except 
for Tenchi and Ryoko gave Urd a strange look.  
Skuld giggled and then burst out laughing.

     "What?  What's so funny?" demanded Urd.

     "You keep the house running?  Maybe you 
keep the sake supply fresh," laughed Skuld.

     Urd's look silenced any further attempts at 
humor.

     "What about you, Skuld?" asked Ryoko.

     "I'm to smart to go to school," declared 
Skuld, her face going from a smile to a serious 
look.  

     The rest of the conversation went basically 
like this except for the fact that it was 
becoming apparent to Ryoko that Urd had taken an 
interest in Tenchi.

     "So Tenchi, what are you doing tomorrow 
night?" asked Urd.

     "He's coming over to my place for the 
evening," answered Ryoko before Tenchi could say 
anything.

     "Uh,  yeah, I guess I am," mumbled Tenchi.

     Urd and Ryoko glared at each other in a 
manner not unlike Ryoko and Aeka used to do.

     "Ryoko, we'd better get going," suggested 
Tenchi as he saw what was about to happen.

     "Ryoko?  Are you listening?" asked Tenchi.  
He waved a hand in front of her face.

     "Oh, sorry.  Yeah, I'd guess we had better 
get a move on," she replied.

     "Thanks for dinner, Belldandy.  It was 
delicious," said Tenchi, bowing slightly to 
Belldandy.

     "You're very welcome and I hope you can 
come again soon," replied Belldandy.

     "It was nice meeting you, Tenchi.  I'll see 
you in physics tomorrow, Ryoko," said Megumi.  

     "Nice to meet you, Megumi.  And you Urd, 
and you Skuld," said Tenchi with another slight 
bow.

     "Do you guys need a ride back to school? 
It's pretty far," asked Keiichi.

     "Thanks, if you wouldn't mind," answered 
Tenchi.

     "Sure, I don't mind.  I'll be back in a 
little while, Bell," said Keiichi.

     "Okay, bye," she said as she kissed him on 
the cheeck.

     "Thanks again for the meal," said Tenchi.

     "Again, you are most welcome," replied 
Belldandy.

     Keiichi led Tenchi and Ryoko back out to 
the motorcycle.

     "Same arrangement as last time?" asked 
Ryoko.

     "Whatever you guys want," answered Keiichi.

     "Great, come on Tenchi," said Ryoko as she 
grabbed Tenchi by the arm and pulled him around 
to the other side of the motorcycle.  Tenchi 
gave Keiichi a pitiful look as Ryoko forced him 
down into the seat and then snuggled up in his 
lap and placed the seatbelt around their 
middles.  Keiichi only grinned and sat down on 
the bike and drove off.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

     Tenchi had survived another day with out 
any major problems, well, I suppose you wouldn't 
call Ryoko a problem.  She had been begging him 
to come over for the evening but he knew what 
she had planned and had steadfastly refused on 
the grounds that he had too much studying to do. 
 The rest of the Auto Club was over at the shed 
working so Tenchi been 'forced' to skip the 
meeting due to his huge list of assigments he 
had to do that night(yeah right).  

      He was lying on his bed, reading a short 
assignment for 'Intro to Architecture' when the 
phone rang.  As he was the only person in the 
dorm, it was his job to answer it.  It was UPS, 
just letting Tamiya know that his spare engine 
parts would be delivered in three days.  Tenchi 
dutifully wrote this down and then returned to 
his room.  He laid down on the bed again and 
continued reading.  It was then that he felt 
something lying across his back.  He glanced 
over his shoulder and saw the arm.

     He jumped out of bed with a shout and it 
was only then that he saw Ryoko lying on the bed 
beside him.        

     "Ryoko!  What are you doing here?" he 
asked.  

     "Since you wouldn't come over and see me, I 
came to see you.  There's nothing to do in my 
dorm," she complained.  

     "You know you're not supposed to be here.  
Would you please leave," asked Tenchi.

     "But Tenchi, why are you so mean to me?" 
she asked, her voice suddenly taking on a whiny 
tone.

     "I'm not trying to, Ryoko.  I just can't 
spend every free moment with you," explained 
Tenchi.

     "Who are you going to spend it with?  Urd? 
The Auto Club?" she retorted.

     "Urd? Why would I spend it with Urd?" asked 
a shocked Tenchi.

     "I saw the way she was looking at you last 
night.  Whether you realize it or not, she likes 
you," said Ryoko.  
     "I doubt it.  We've only met once," replied 
Tenchi.  "And yes, I will be spending some time 
with the Auto Club.  I am a member.  In fact, 
why don't you join?" suggested Tenchi.

     "Me, a grease monkey?  I don't think so," 
laughed Ryoko. 

     "Belldandy's a member," added Tenchi.  

     "So...wait, Belldandy?  She's part of the 
Auto Club?  I wonder how she stands it," 
wondered Ryoko.

     "Maybe, because she's in love," suggested 
Tenchi.

     "How'd you guess.  Wait a sec, she must 
really be desperate to join the Auto Club, just 
so she can be with Keiichi," realized Ryoko.

     "I suppose so," murmured Tenchi.

     "Hey, I'll join the Auto Club since  you're 
in it.  If you promise not to make me work on 
the engines.  You know how bad grease is for my 
skin," said Ryoko.

     "Okay, whatever," said Tenchi, grinning.

     "What are you smiling at?" she asked.

     "It's just funny," he said as he burst out 
laughing.

     "What is?" asked Ryoko.

     Then, Tamiya came around the corner.  "Hey 
Masaki---MASAKI!!!" he shouted. 

     Tenchi looked up, and gulped.

     "You know the rules, Masaki.  What do they 
state about members of the opposite sex?" asked 
Tamiya.

     "No women are allowed in the dorm," recited 
Tenchi, his voice quavering.

     "You don't understand, sempai.  I couldn't 
force her to leave.  There was nothing I could 
do," said Tenchi as he tried to excuse himself.

     "Masaki, I'm sorry but you know the rules.  
No women in the dorm.  Sorry Masaki," he said as 
he grabbed a handful of Tenchi's things.

     Thirty seconds later, Tenchi, Ryoko, and a 
bag of his clothes and his books were dumped 
unceremoniously outside dorm C7.  "When you get 
another place to stay, you can have the rest of 
your things," said Tamiya.  "See you tomorrow at 
the Auto Club meeting."

     "Sure," said Tenchi with a moan.  "I knew 
this would happen.  I knew this would happen," 
Tenchi repeated to himself.

     "Don't blame it on me.  If you hadn't been 
talking so loud, I would have heard them and 
could have disappeared.  Oh well, looks' like 
you'll be staying at my place after all," said 
Ryoko. 

     "Are guys allowed to stay in a girl's room 
overnight?" asked Tenchi.

     "Not technically.  But that's only if you 
get caught.  Just don't leave the room," said 
Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, that'll never work.  I have to go 
to class in the morning," objected Tenchi.

     "Well, do you want to sleep out here, 
tonight?" asked Ryoko.  They were both already 
shivering in the cold.

     "Not really.  I guess I have no choice," 
groaned Tenchi.  "How were you planning to get 
me into your room in the first place?" he asked.

     "Easy---" 

     Tenchi interrupted her.  "No way, I am not 
putting a dress on again," refused Tenchi.

     "Oh, come on.  It wasn't that bad last 
time, was it?" asked Ryoko, grinning.

     "Yes, and there is no way I'm going to do 
it again," said Tenchi, obstinately.

     "Be realistic.  It's the only way you're 
going to avoid sleeping under the stars 
tonight," said Ryoko.

     "I'm gonna head over to the clubhouse, 
maybe I can stay there for the night," said 
Tenchi.

     "You aren't going to get rid of me that 
easily," countered Ryoko as she hurried after 
him.


     About while later, Tenchi and Ryoko arrived 
at the clubhouse.  Keiichi's bike was still out 
front when they walked up.  

     "I wonder what Keiichi's still doing here," 
commented Tenchi as he walked inside.  Tenchi 
went into the main room and sat down on one of 
the couches with a sigh.  "Great, now I'm stuck, 
living in the Auto Club dorm.  At least I'll get 
used to the smell of motor oil," he complained.

     "My offer still stands," said Ryoko.

     "And again I must refuse," returned Tenchi. 
 Then, Keiichi entered from the garage.

     "Hey, what are you two doing here so late?" 
he asked.  Then realization struck him and he 
burst out laughing.  "Tenchi, did you get caught 
with a woman in the dorm?" he asked, between 
laughs.

     Tenchi turned red.  "It wasn't my fault.  
She sneaked in on me," he tried to explain.

     "Heh heh, the same thing happened to me 
with Belldandy," laughed Keichi.  Then, he 
paused to consider something.  "If you need a 
place to sleep, you could bunk at my place for 
the night," he offered.            

     "Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that 
offer," agreed Tenchi.

     "But Tenchi!" objected Ryoko.

     "Ryoko, I'll see you tomorrow," said Tenchi 
as he ran around and hopped into the passenger 
seat of the motorcycle with his bags.

     "Could you at least give me a ride back to 
my dorm?" asked Ryoko, plaintively.

     "Sure, why not," agreed Keiichi.

     When they arrived at her dorm, Ryoko tried 
once again to convince Tenchi to stay with her.

     "No, Ryoko.  It's against the rules and I'm 
already in enough trouble as it is," he refused.

     "Bye, Ryoko," Keiichi waved.

     She sighed and waved back, and then turned 
dejectedly towards her dorm.


     Ten minutes later, Keiichi and Tenchi 
arrived back at the house.  Tenchi followed 
Keiichi up the walkway and into the house where 
Belldandy greeted them.

     "Hi Kei, oh and hi, Tenchi.  What a 
surprise," she exclaimed.

     "Sorry for keeping you up, Bell.  Tenchi 
got kicked out of Tamiya's dorm and he needed a 
place to stay for the night.  I hope you don't 
mind that I brought him over," explained Keiichi.

     "Oh, not at all.  Tenchi, you are welcome 
here as long as you like," said Belldandy.

     "Thanks, Belldandy.  I really appreciate 
it," said Tenchi with a bow.

     "Let me guess why you got kicked out.  A 
woman in the dorm?" guessed Belldandy.

     "How did you know?" asked Tenchi.

     "The same thing happened to Keiichi and I," 
explained Belldandy.

     Tenchi grinned.  "Hmm, what a coincidence."

     Just then, Urd walked in.  "Oh, hi Tenchi.  
Wasn't expecting to see you here, tonight.  
Guess you didn't go over to Ryoko's after all," 
she stated, matter-of-factly.

     "No, it didn't work out.  I kind of got 
kicked out of my dorm," said Tenchi, now 
becoming rather embarrassed by the whole thing.

     "Heh, I guess you could use a place to 
sleep.  You can sleep in my room if you want," 
offered Urd.

     Even Keiichi turned red at this remark.  "I 
think Tenchi'll sleep in my room.  That way, 
there won't be any problems in the morning," 
declared Keiichi before Urd could go any 
farther.  Urd glared at Keiichi.

     "Have you two already eaten?" asked 
Belldandy.

     "I did," said Tenchi.

     "Same here, Bell," said Keiichi.

     "Okay, would either of you like some tea?" 
she asked.  

     "Sure, Bell, Tenchi?" asked Keiichi.

     "Sounds great," said Tenchi. 

     "Okay, I'll be back in a second.  Make 
yourselves comfortable," suggested Belldandy as 
she turned and headed into the kitchen.

     Tenchi sat while Keiichi followed Belldandy 
into the kitchen to help her bring out the tea.  
This left Urd and Tenchi alone.  

     "So, Tenchi.  How was your day," asked Urd, 
as she inched around the table.

     Tenchi gulped.  "Uh-h-h, it was fine," he 
stuttered.  His eyes followed her as she 
continued to approach him.  "How was yours?" he 
returned.

     "Same as yours," she replied.  By now, she 
is less than two feet from him.

     Just as she is about to rub shoulders with 
him, just when Skuld happens to walk into the 
room in her pajamas, yawning.

     "Skuld, what are you doing up?" asked Urd, 
rather sharply.

     "I just wanted to ask Belldandy something," 
answered Skuld.  "Hey Tenchi, what are you doing 
here?" she asked.

     "Umm, long story.  Maybe I'll tell you 
later," answered Tenchi, looking rather 
embarrassed.  

     "You got kicked out of your dorm, same as 
Keiichi.  Didn't you?" she asked with a grin.

     "Uh, something like that," answered Tenchi, 
his face a burning red by this time.

     Keiichi walked in, followed by Belldandy.  

     "Skuld, shouldn't you be in bed?" asked 
Belldandy.

     "Yeah, but I was wondering if I could have 
some ice cream before I went to bed?" asked 
Skuld.

     "Haven't you already had more than your 
fair share?" interjected Urd.

     "No one's asking you," retorted Skuld.  She 
glared at Urd.

     "Okay, but don't take too much.  We have to 
have some for tomorrow," agreed Belldandy.

     "Thanks, Belldandy," said Skuld as she 
hugged her sister.

     Skuld disappeared into the kitchen as 
Belldandy placed a cup of tea in front of Tenchi 
before sitting down near Keiichi.  Urd had 
returned her focus to Tenchi.

     "Mmmm, this is good, Bell," complimented 
Keiichi.

     "Thanks, Kei," returned Bell with a smile.

     "Yes, it is good," said Tenchi.

     "Thank you, Tenchi," replied Belldandy.

     They drank their tea in silence for several 
moments before Urd finally decided to give up 
for the night.  

     "Goodnight, I'll see you guys tomorrow.  
Goodnight Tenchi," she hung on the last word.

     "Goodnight, Urd," said the other three in 
unison.

     As she left the room, Belldandy placed her 
cup on the table.

     "So Tenchi, do you think you'll be able to 
find another place to stay?" she asked.

     "I hope so.  I know that all the other 
dorms are filled so I'm going to go get a job 
tomorrow and then I'll look for a place," 
explained Tenchi.

     Belldandy whispered something to Keiichi.  
He looked oddly at her.  Then he shook his head. 
 She frowned and then whispered something else.  
Again, he shook his head.

     "Belldandy, can we take this in the other 
room?" asked Keiichi, abruptly.

     "Well, sure," she agreed.  "We'll be right 
back," she told Tenchi, who nodded and continued 
to sip his tea.

     Keiichi followed Belldandy into the kitchen 
and then closed the doors.  "Bell, you know this 
can't work.  We have enough problems trying to 
hide your identity and your sisters ' from 
everybody already.  Having some one we don't 
know in the house will only make it a lot 
harder," explained Keiichi.

     "But Kei, look at him.  He's new in this 
town and he has no place to stay.  You know as 
well as I do that there aren't any apartments or 
places he could stay that he would be able to 
afford," Belldandy countered.  

      "He  could stay at the clubhouse.  Maybe 
there's another person at school who would be 
willing to share a room with him.  I don't know, 
but not here," continued Keiichi.

     "Keiichi, please.  Consider the 
circumstances.  The same thing happened to you.  
The only difference is, Tenchi doesn't have a 
goddess to get him out of trouble.  You were 
lucky," Belldandy pleaded.  "Besides, I sense 
that there's something about him and his friend, 
Ryoko.  I'm not sure what it is, though," she 
continued.  

     "Vague feelings and circumstances are all 
well and good.  But look at the practical side 
of things.  If he found out that you and/or your 
sisters are goddesses.  We could have all sorts 
of problems," objected Keiichi.

     "Please, Keiichi.  Just give him a chance.  
I'll make sure Urd and Skuld don't reveal 
anything.  I promise," she was nearly crying 
now.  

     Keiichi's conscious finally kicked in.  
"Bell, if you really feel that strongly about 
it.  I can live with it.  Just please, be 
careful," he said.  Then he lead her back into 
the other room where Tenchi had finished his tea 
and was diligently reading Tamiya's Encyclopedia 
of Motorcycles and their Engines.

     Tenchi did not notice them when they sat 
down, as he was so absorbed in his book.

     "Tenchi?  Enjoying the Encyclopedia?" said 
Keiichi.

     "Oh, yeah," replied Tenchi as he placed a 
bookmark and closed the over-sized book. 

     "Belldandy and I have something to tell 
you," continued Keiichi.

     "We'd like to offer to let you stay here 
for as long as you want," said Belldandy.

     "I couldn't.  I mean, I wouldn't want to 
impose.  It looks like your house is full 
already and---"

     "Don't worry about it.  There's a second 
bed and plenty of space in my room.  Don't ever 
think that you'd be an imposition," said Keiichi.

     "Well, if you're sure it wouldn't be a 
problem.  Are you sure the others wouldn't 
mind?" asked Tenchi.

     "Of course not.  Besides, I doubt you'd 
ever find an apartment around here," answered 
Keiichi.

     "Well, all right.  I really appreciate 
this.  I'll find another place and get out of 
your way as soon as possible," said Tenchi.

     Belldandy yawned, "You guys ready for bed?"

     "I know I am," responded Keiichi.

     Tenchi nodded in agreement.  The three rose 
and went to their respective bedrooms.


     Ten minutes later, Keiichi and Tenchi were 
lying on their beds.  

     "Hey Keiichi, do you mind if I ask a 
personal question?" asked Tenchi.

     "Sure, Tenchi.  Go ahead," answered Keiichi.

     "You and Belldandy seem so happy together.  
What makes it so perfect?" asked Tenchi.

     "Hmmm.  I'm not sure.  I've never really 
thought about it.  I guess it's because we both 
love each other.  I mean, that may not have been 
how it originally happened.  But now, I care so 
deeply for her that I don't know what I would do 
if she had to leave.  One time she almost left, 
I was about to go crazy.  She's so perfect for 
me and I hope I'm the same for her.  It's just 
like, the first time I saw her, something 
clicked, and it all fell into place," explained 
Keiichi, choosing his words carefully.

     "Now my turn.  Are you and Ryoko serious?" 
asked Keiichi.

     "Well, I..I'm not sure.  Back where I 
lived, there were several girls who all were 
very good friends of mine.  Apparently, two of 
them, Ryoko and another girl named Aeka were 
both in love with me.  They were always fighting 
over me and it never ended, until one day.  
Anyway, they both had to leave.  Ryoko was the 
one that came back, still proclaiming her love 
for me.  I had never really considered a love 
relationship with either one of them until she 
came back.  I had always liked both of them as 
friends but their fighting killed any thoughts I 
might have had of getting serious with either 
one.  Now that it's just Ryoko, I'm still not 
sure what to do," answered Tenchi, his words 
also carefully chosen so as to avoid revealing 
secrets.

     "Tenchi, can I give you a word of advice?" 
asked Keiichi.

     "Sure," replied Tenchi.

     "Don't mess around.  Even though I hardly 
know either of you, I can tell Ryoko really 
loves you.  I think you really love her too.  
Follow your heart and don't keep putting it 
off," said Keiichi.

     Tenchi didn't respond for a few moments.  
He just lay there and considered what Keiichi 
had said.  Then he made a decision.

     "Thanks, Keiichi," said Tenchi.

     "Anytime, Tenchi," yawned Keiichi.

     Tenchi promptly fell asleep.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	

     Another day had come.  Tenchi had awoken at 
the crack of dawn, mainly because he could hear 
Belldandy in the other room.  He slipped into a 
bathrobe and picked up his bag before quietly 
exiting the room.  Keiichi still lay sprawled 
across his bed, snoring.  Tenchi walked across 
the hall into the living room where the rays of 
sunlight were just falling across the window 
sill.  He laid his bag on the floor and walked 
over to admire the sunrise.  While he stood 
there, he considered Keiichi's advice again.  
While he was deep in thought, Belldandy entered. 
 She had dressed for the day in blue shorts and 
a red t-shirt.      

     "Good morning, Tenchi," she whispered.

     "Oh, good morning, Belldandy," he quickly 
replied as he turned around.  "Beautiful sunrise 
today," he observed.

     "Yes, it is.  Sorry I woke you," she 
apologized.

     "Don't worry about it.  I've always been an 
early riser anyway," replied Tenchi.

     "Okay, Keiichi and Urd generally sleep 
later on weekends.  Skuld should be up any time 
though," said Belldandy.

     As if on cue, Skuld entered, stretching and 
yawning.  "Good morning," she yawned.

     "Good morning, sleep well?" asked Tenchi.

     "Great, that ice cream really put me to 
sleep," said Skuld.  

     "Tenchi, there's hot water in the bath if 
you'd like to take one," offered Belldandy.

     "That'd be great. Thanks Belldandy," said 
Tenchi.

     He nodded again to Skuld before heading 
back towards the bathroom.  


     After a quick bath, Tenchi was completely 
awake.  After cleaning up, he re-entered the 
living room where he could see Skuld typing away 
at her computer in the other room.  He could 
also hear Belldandy preparing breakfast in the 
kitchen.  He sat down on one of the cushions and 
was about to lose himself in thought when there 
was a light knock at the front door.  

     "I'll get it," whispered Belldandy.  Tenchi 
saw her pass down the hall and then heard the 
front door opening.  "Hi, Ryoko," he heard her 
say.  "Yes, he's up.  Please come in," she 
continued.

     Belldandy returned, followed by Ryoko.  

     "Good morning, Tenchi," greeted Ryoko.

     "Same to you.  Survive without me?" asked 
Tenchi, a twinkle in his eye.

     Ryoko looked strangely at him before giving 
him a quick grin.

     "I managed.  The girls all missed you 
though.  They're dying to meet you," said Ryoko.

     "I'll bet, after what you've probably told 
them," retorted Tenchi.

     "Belldandy, how long will it be until 
breakfast?" asked Tenchi.

     "At least another half hour.  Keiichi won't 
be up until then unless he's changing his 
sleeping schedule for weekends," answered 
Belldandy.

     "I think Ryoko and I will go for a walk 
then," said Tenchi.

     Ryoko threw Tenchi another strange look and 
shrugged her shoulders.  

     "Okay, see you in a little while," said 
Belldandy as she returned to the kitchen.

     Tenchi stood and followed Ryoko outside.  
Out in the early morning light, the sky looked 
beautiful with it's hues of blue, purple, and 
pink.  Tenchi stood on the porch and looked out 
over the yard.  

     "Tenchi, did you wake up with a different 
personality?" asked Ryoko.

     "No, Ryoko, I made a decision," stated 
Tenchi, rather matter-of-factly.

     "This is something new.  What exactly was 
this decision," asked Ryoko.

     "Let's walk and I'll tell you on the way," 
suggested Tenchi.

     Ryoko, intrigued, nodded her head and 
followed him out through the gate and onto the 
sidewalk.  As they walked, side by side, down 
the sidewalk, Tenchi began.

     "Ryoko, we've known each other for over a 
year now.  You have told me you loved me at 
least a million times and tried to fight to make 
me yours.  You know how much I hated you and 
Aeka fighting over me all the time.  Now, Aeka 
isn't here.  So be honest with me.  Do you 
really love me or was it all something to make 
Aeka mad?" asked Tenchi, looking Ryoko full in 
the face.

     Ryoko smiled before answering.  "I was 
wondering if you'd ever ask me that.  Tenchi, 
from the first day I met you, I've known we were 
meant to be.  Every time I said I loved you, I 
meant it.  I have been very serious about since 
that day when I first arrived here.  As I 
watched your powers develop and as you grew up, 
I loved you even more.  And yes, Tenchi, I still 
love you today," answered Ryoko.  

     "Ryoko, that was what I wanted to hear.  
I've been unsure about a lot of things and with 
all that's happened in the last 12 months, all I 
wanted to do was get back to normal.  Well, now 
that I've done that, it's time to move on in 
life.  My feelings for you have developed into 
something more than friendship since we met.  I 
can honestly say that I didn't 'love' you back 
before Kagato.  I've been wrestling with my 
feelings ever since.  I'm still not sure exactly 
how this kind of thing works.  But I think I'm 
supposed to say, I love you, right now.  I'm 
still not ready to jump headlong into a 
relationship but we can give it a chance," said 
Tenchi, his voice betraying his emotions.  

     "Oh Tenchi, do you know how long I've 
wanted to hear you say that?  It's been hard, 
having you always push me away but it was worth 
it, just to hear you say that," said Ryoko as 
she embraced him.  

     They held onto each other for what seemed 
like an eternity.  Then, Tenchi ended the 
moment.  He took her by the shoulders and looked 
her in the eyes.  Then Ryoko leaned forward to 
kiss him.  Tenchi stared at her face for a 
second and then slowly, a bit unsteadily 
perhaps, he forced his own face forward.  When 
their lips touched, Tenchi pulled back at first. 
 This caused Ryoko to strain forward even more.  
Then, Tenchi gave into emotion and returned her 
kiss.  Tenatively at first, and then with more 
confidence.  Finally, Ryoko pulled away.

     "Don't get carried away.  We haven't even 
had breakfast yet," said Ryoko with a giggle.  

     Tenchi smiled back and then placed an arm 
around her shoulder and they returned to the 
house, Ryoko's head on Tenchi's shoulder.  

<center>End of Part 1</center>



da drew-meista<FontFamily><param>Arial</param>

<nofill>