Lesson in Comfort Part 2

Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N: Because this was fluffy and anyone who knows me knows I live for the fluff. Again forgive me if I get stuff wrong, I'm only just scratching the sufferance of the Boo saga.

Dende scuffled down the halls of the lookout seeking Piccolo, who has taken up residence in the young guardian's new home. Just three nights ago Nail, in Piccolo's body, had comforted him after a nightmare. But when he woke up in the morning it was Piccolo that had stated with him during the night.

The young Namek stands outside the door the Piccolo is behind. The door seems strangely looming, towering over the green child. Somehow knocking seems like some massive challenge so Dende chooses to stand awkwardly outside. He twists his toes against the cold and wrings his hands together. Maybe he should just leave…

"Either come in or leave," a deep grunt comes through the door. Dende nearly jumps ten feet in the air and yelps out of surprise. He had forgotten Piccolo's senses are that of a highly trained warrior. Of course he would be aware of a small child lingering outside his door. Carefully Dende turns the door knob and peeks in,

The room is dark but Dende can see the outline of Piccolo lowering himself to the floor from meditation. Dende can't see the older face, but he can't imagine he looks any too pleased; he never is when torn from his meditation.

Dende bites his lip and it hurts. Even though his fangs are smaller than Piccolo's they're fangs all the same. He draws blood and Piccolo smells it. The older Namek lets out a heavy sigh, more sad than frustrated. Dende is never going to be able to settle into life on earth is can't sleep without consistent terror. Piccolo sits on his bed and pats the stop beside him. Cautiously Dende makes his way across the freezing floor to the place near Piccolo.

Piccolo can feel Nail watching him from within his mind but he remains silent. Piccolo inwardly scowls.

Great the one time I actually need to hear what he has to say he shuts up. Piccolo glances at the younger and sees tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

"I wish I was stronger," Dende whispers scrubbing madly at his eyes. "Like you and Gohan." Piccolo snorts.

"Just because you're not a fighter, doesn't mean you're not strong," Piccolo states. "You left everything you had for the sake of earth, that's strength in its own right." Dende blinks owlishly before the flood gates break and he begins to sob. Piccolo frowns and puts an arm around Dende's shoulder, letting Dende lay his head against Piccolo's chest.

Dende repeats chocked 'I'm sorrys' through his sobs and Piccolo simply choose to ignore this, figuring there is no need for apologizes. He just lets the younger Namek cry himself out until his eyes start to droop. Piccolo growls, he doesn't have the heart to send the younger away.

This is all Gohan's fault. Piccolo thinks. Damn kid made me go soft. Piccolo lies back against the bed with Dende resting on his chest. The younger Namek still isn't asleep, Piccolo can tell because of the death grip the younger has on his shirt. Piccolo puts his large, clawed, hand on Dende's smaller one.

"Sleep," he commands. Dende sighs and loses his grip before his eyes fall shut and his breath evens out. Piccolo hears Nail chuckle in the back of his man before he himself goes to sleep.

A/N: I like the first part better.