Its Always Been You

Tenchi rolled over in his bed. He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Standing up he got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Things were unusually quite around the Masaki household. The reason being that Ayeka, Ryoko, and Washu had all gone to Jurai. The trip was meant to finally clear Ryoko's name and prove that she was no longer a threat. Washu went along to keep the other two from killing each other. Tenchi's dad was also away on business. So that left just him, Kiyone, Mihoshi, Sasami, and his grandfather, but he spent most of his time at the shrine, so he didn't count. Tenchi stood at the top of the stairs and sigh. They only left yesterday afternoon, but he was already enjoying the peace and quite since their departure. They would be gone for two whole months, because the trip was long, and it would take some time to convince everyone of Ryoko's new self.

Just as Tenchi was about to start his decent down to the kitchen, he heard footsteps approching from his right. He turned to see Kiyone walking up to him.

"Good morning, Kiyone." Tenchi greeted happily.

"Good morning to you too, Tenchi. My you seem in a good mood today." She replied equally happy

"Of course with Ryoko, Ayeka, and Washu gone I'll finally get some time to relax."

"Don't like all the constant attention they give you?" Kiyone asked

"Not really, I mean it is nice knowing they like me that much, and having a woman who will fight for tooth and nail is great, but with those two, it's just jealous bickering. I am really quite tired of it." He answered in a tired manner.

"I guess you'd prefer a nice quiet girl, who will still fight for you, huh?" Kiyone giggled

"Yeah but they got to a little fire to them, kind a like you Kiyone." Tenchi blushed, amazed at what he just said.

"Really now, hehehehe," Kiyone blushed.

They both stood there staring at the floor. Once in a while, they would look up and catch each other's eye. Their blushes would renew and they'd glue their eyes back to the floor. Things would have stay like this for a while until Sasami called the breakfast was ready.

"Well now, lets go eat, huh." Tenchi recommended offering Kiyone his arm. She nodded and took his offered limb. Strolling into the kitchen, they sat down and waited for their breakfast to be presented. Mihoshi appeared a short time later, and they began their most important meal of the day.

"Wow that was great Sasami." Mihoshi stated

"Yes you've out done yourself with this one." Complimented Tenchi

"I totally agree." Added Kiyone

"Thanks guys, but it was nothing special. It's just that with less people I can be more creative." Sasami blush

"Well Thanks for breakfast Sasami, but I have to get to work in the garden." Tenchi announced

Tenchi worked through the mourning. At lunch he went in when Sasami called. He was disappointed to find that Kiyone was gone. Mihoshi told him that she was called away on a mission earlier, but would be back soon. Truth be told, he was really starting to like Kiyone. He'd long ago dismissed Ayeka and Ryoko as chioces. They were simply too violent and easily provoked into a fight. Now Kiyone was a lot calmer, but she would still stand up for herself and her friends. She was also very smart and quite beautiful. Kiyone was his perfect woman, and he believed he had a good shot at winning her heart. She already had his, even if she doesn't know it yet. He would just have to confess his feelings, and try to win her over.

Just then Tenchi heard his name called. He looked up to see Kiyone walking over to him carrying what he presumed to be tea.

"I thought you looked thirsty, so I brought you some tea to drink." Kiyone said handing him the cup.

"Thank you Kiyone," Tenchi said, and hastily drank the offered tea, "So how was your mission?"

"Nothing special. Just some old lady who broke down on her way home. I fixed it, and left after I was done. But she did try to get me to marry her grandson." Kiyone informed not thinking anything about it.

At hearing this Tenchi bristled with jealously. He became ridged and his shoulders tensed.

"He's jealous. Oh my. I can't believe he is jealous." Kiyone thought

"Crazy old lady, why I oughta." Tenchi threatened in his head

"It's okay. I said no, and got out of there as fast as possible." Kiyone soothed

Tenchi relaxed and looked up at her with a smile. Kiyone melted at his smile. She was really falling for him. He was so sweet and loyal. She would love it if he chooses her as the one he loved, but with the likes of Ayeka and Ryoko around, she didn't stand a chance. That didn't mean she wouldn't try.

She smiled back, which caused him to beam even brighter. The moment was broken when Sasami called them in for dinner. Tenchi once again offered her his arm, which she took immediately. Together they walked into the house and sat down for dinner side by side.

Tenchi's grandfather also joined them for dinner. He informed Tenchi that tomorrow after breakfast, Tenchi was to report to him for training. Tenchi nodded his head in agreement, eager to further his skills. Suddenly an idea hit Kiyone.

"Grandfather Masaki, Tenchi, is okay if I come watch you train tomorrow?" she asked nervously.

"It is fine with me, as long as you do not become a distraction. Tenchi what do you say?" the older Masaki asked.

"That would be great, Kiyone." Tenchi said, and then added silently, "Maybe I can show off a little too."

Kiyone smiled brilliantly. Dinner proceeded with no further announcements, except when Mihoshi was full. Tenchi helped clear the dishes, and Mihoshi and Kiyone washed them. Tenchi went off to take a bath. Sasami watch some TV.

After Tenchi finished bathing, he decided to step outside in the now night air. Taking a deep breath, he sat down and let his mind wander. He briefly wondered how Ayeka, Ryoko, and Washu were doing. Before long his mind set on a closer girl. Kiyone wanted to watch him train. Maybe she wanted to see if really could fight as well as she heard. Tenchi had yet to show her his full power in battle. Well he would just have to impress her tomorrow. Hearing the door slide open, he turned around to investigate.

Kiyone stepped out the door and smile down at Tenchi, "Mind if I join you?" she requested

"It would be my pleasure." Tenchi answered rather smoothly.

Kiyone sat next to Tenchi and brought her knees up to her chest. All was silent for a long moment. Tenchi desperately search for something to say, but was put out of his misery when Kiyone spoke up.

"So Tenchi what're doing out here?" she questioned

"Oh, just thinking." He answered vaguely

"About." Kiyone prodded further

At this Tenchi blushed slightly but decided to be honest. After all he was trying to win her love, why not flatter her.

"I was just thinking about you." He said, blush increasing to maximum redness.

"R-really, what about me." Kiyone's cheeks flaring also

"Well I really like you Kiyone and would like to get to know you better." Tenchi stated surprisingly calm, shocking both him and Kiyone.

"You would? I'd really like that." Kiyone said, "Wow maybe I really do have a chance with Tenchi after all."

"That's great. How about we go on a date Saturday night?" Tenchi asked. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

"A d-date. Sure I would love to." Kiyone exclaimed

"Really? Great. I'll see you then." Tenchi jumped up as he said this. When Kiyone only laughed at his antics, he became confused.

"What?" he asked stupidly

"I think we'll be seeing each other a lot before then. We live in the same house silly." She giggled out

"Oh yeah that's true. Heheh," he said while scratching the back of his head, "Well I guess we should be turning in for the night."

He reached out his hand to help her up. She took it and he pulled her up. Together they walked inside and up the stairs. Now they had to release each other, for their rooms are in the opposite directions. There they stood, not wanting to let go. With a sigh, Kiyone turned to Tenchi and quick as a flash kissed him on the cheek. She then turned around, walked down the hall, and entered her room. Tenchi stood there dumbfounded. He slowly reached up and touched the spotted that she had kissed. It was warm and tingled a bit.

"Goodnight Kiyone," Tenchi whispered to no one in particular. He then headed off to his own room.

Meanwhile, Kiyone had slid under her blanket, and thought about her actions. She was proud of herself. She had kissed Tenchi. So what if it was only on the cheek. It was still a kiss.

"Goodnight Tenchi." Kiyone whispered to the silent room. She drifted off to sleep. Her last thought being that it was only two days till her date with Tenchi.

The next morning Kiyone awoke completely refreshed and in the best mood she's been in a long time. She hopped up and fixed up her bed. Then she quickly changed out of her pajamas, and went about the rest of her morning ritual. Kiyone started towards the kitchen for breakfast with an extra bounce in her step.

Tenchi morning started in a similar fashion. He got up and started to hum to himself as he went about preparing for the day. He exited his room and started for the stairs, and by a total miracle he met Kiyone at the head of the stairs again. No words were spoken; he simply grabbed her hand and continued towards breakfast. As they enter the kitchen, Sasami turned around and had to hold back her oncoming giggle. Tenchi and Kiyone were holding hands. She suppressed the urge to squeal, and went back to serving breakfast.

Breakfast went off without a hitch. Sasami kept glancing at Kiyone and Tenchi who were seated right next to each other. They were totally obvious to the odd looks, being lost in their own universe. After breakfast they thanked Sasami and headed off to meet Tenchi's grandfather.

"Good morning, Grandfather." Tenchi called

"Good morning." Kiyone copied

"Good morning to you too Tenchi, and Ms. Makibi," Yosho greeted, "Well Tenchi shall we get started?"

"Of course grandpa." He answered

With that they headed to the training grounds. Tenchi and his grandfather started with some warm-ups then began some slow sparring. Kiyone watched on with mild interest. So far she could have taken the both of them at once. Stifling a yawn, she noticed that the battle was speeding up and fast. Before long they were moving so fast that Kiyone could no longer keep up with their movements.

"Never mind. Either one of those two could beat me easily." She thought now thoroughly impressed.

Before long, a wooden sword few through the air. Kiyone watched it tumble down and imbed itself in the ground. She slowly looked to the fighters to see that Tenchi's grandpa no longer had his sword.

"Good job Tenchi," Yosho congratulated, "You have finally bested me. Maybe your are closer to completing your training than I thought."

"Thanks grandpa." Tenchi blushed at the compliment.

"Its seems Ms. Makibi's presence has improved your skill too, eh Tenchi. You wouldn't be trying to impress the young lady are you?" He joked

Both Kiyone and Tenchi blushed deeply at the accusation, and Tenchi sputtered out, "Come on grandpa. Can we please get back to training?"

"Very well," Yosho retrieved his sword, "Now lets see you do it again."

With that the training continued. Tenchi only lost once to his grandfather. His defeat came when Kiyone yelled out. Turns out a bug crawled up her arm and she screamed and swatted it away. Hearing her yell, Tenchi looked her way and WHAM, got knocked into next week by his grandpa. Now heading back down the endless stairs for a very late lunch, Kiyone was trying her hardest to make it up to him for distracting him.

"I'm so sorry Tenchi, I didn't mean to," Kiyone apologized

"It's okay Kiyone. It's not that bad." Tenchi interrupted

"But at least let me look at it, please." She begged

Tenchi nodded in agreement, unable to deny her anything. The arrived back at the house, and Kiyone and Tenchi sit down on the couch while she went get some medicine. She returned a short time later.

"Okay let me see where it hurts." Kiyone command

"Right here." Tenchi pointed to a red spot on the side of his head

"Ouch, alright here," she put a small amount of ointment on the painful area

Feeling a cooling sensation almost immediately, Tenchi breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled at Kiyone and thanked her.

"That feels so much better. Thanks Kiyone."

"It's the least I could do. It was my fault anyway." She said

"Hey now, I said it wasn't your fault." He tried to comfort her. He also moved closer to her, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"But you could have been hurt badly."

"But I wasn't. Listen its okay Kiyone. I'm a lot tougher than I look." Tenchi joked

"Heheh, yeah you are." Kiyone laughed and looked up into his eyes. They were really close now, and getting closer. Kiyone tilted her head back, anticipating the kiss. Now a hair's breath apart their noses touch and...

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

They flew to opposite ends of the couch. Tenchi looked around for the source of the noise. Kiyone released a disappointed sigh, which Tenchi noticed.

The noise turned out to be a device on the table in front of them. Tenchi reached over and opened it. Inside was a screen, which displayed a picture of Ayeka.

"Greetings Lord Tenchi." Ayeka's voice flowed the machine.

"Ayeka, how? What's going on here?" Tenchi questioned

"Just something Miss Washu made so we could contact you from anywhere." Ayeka explained

"Oh." Tenchi sounded more than just a little bit frustrated

"Lord Tenchi are you sure you do not wish to accompany us to Jurai? It's still not to late to turn around and come get you." Ayeka pleaded

Thinking he'd say yes for sure, Kiyone looked away sadly. Tenchi quickly glanced at her then replied, "I'm sorry Ayeka, but I have plans this weekend, and by then it will be far to late for you to turn back for me."

Not hiding her disappointment at all, "As you wish Lord Tenchi. Now I must being going before Ryoko finds out I contacted you without telling her."

With that the pictured winked out and Tenchi closed the screen.

Kiyone turned to face him and asked, "Why'd you say no?"

"I have a date Saturday. Remember?" He said

Kiyone smiled brilliantly, then she jumped over and gave Tenchi a fierce hug. After a startled second, he returned the hug before they pulled back just enough to see each other's faces. Locking eyes with the other, they started to close the distance again. Slowly, slowly theirs nosed rubbed together, then they felt each other's breath on their lips until...

"I'M HOME!"

And once again they quickly separated. This time Mihoshi walked in carrying an armful of groceries.

"Mihoshi let me help you with those." Tenchi said standing up and taking some of the bags from the blonde.

"Thanks Tenchi." She responded

Into the kitchen they went, with Kiyone following behind. Together they restocked the kitchen, and then Mihoshi left to watch some TV.

"Well Kiyone do you want something to eat, since we both missed lunch, and I'm starving." Tenchi asked

"Sure that sounds great." She answered

"Great! Now wait just a second and whip us up something."

"Wow he can cook to. This man is perfect." Kiyone thought with a grin

Once Tenchi was finished, they sat down and eat their food together. Kiyone complimented Tenchi on his food, and he said it was nothing. Then they joined Mihoshi to watch TV, but she had fallen asleep. At one pointed Tenchi put his arm behind Kiyone, but not touching her. After a while Kiyone inched over and leaned against him. He then dropped his arm and let it rest on her shoulders. And there they stayed for the rest of the afternoon until Sasami prepared dinner. They went in together, ate, and then Tenchi walked Kiyone up stairs. Here is were we find them, standing outside Kiyone's bedroom door.

"Good night Kiyone." Tenchi said

"Good night Tenchi." She then leaned forward and kissed Tenchi's cheeks. She then turned around and entered her room. Tenchi once again rubbed the stop where her lips touched him. He walked back to his room with a silly grin on his face, and got ready for bed. Tonight he would dream of kissing her on the lips. Kiyone simply dreamt of what their date tomorrow would be like.

Meanwhile way way off in space Ayeka and Ryoko were fighting over Tenchi even though they had no idea they had both lost the battle to unexpected competition.

"Lord Tenchi will chose me, you'll see." Ayeka yelled

"The only thing I'll see his Tenchi running to me once we get back," Ryoko countered

"Yes we shall see." Ayeka said

Oh yes they shall see all right. They'll see Tenchi only has eyes for Kiyone, and that neither of them really stood a chance to begin with.

"Those two will never learn," Washu sighed as she watched the ongoing argument. She had long ago found here the young man's heart lied, but didn't tell them. Why ruin the fun of watching them fight a pointless battle that neither would win. She did feel slightly sorry for them. They both loved Tenchi but would only be rejected and have to move on.