DISCLAIMER THING! I do not own Dragon Ball Z
Or its characters, trust me, if I did, I wouldn't be
Writing this...
Have We Met Before? : Chapter 4: Close
Seventeen had been walking around West City for a few hours after his confrontation with his niece. He didn't know how to handle it. He definitely wanted to get to know the kid. She seems a bit lost, plus she seemed like a push over which was not okay in his book.
Walking seemed to be his main action these days. Humans were taking an effect on him. First thing is first, he needs a place to stay. He walked towards the rich people part of town and saw a complete line up full of them. Now the problem was, which one has a family that is on vacation. That was his favorite part of this game. All he needed to do was look for the most decked out front door, it usually had some cheesy form of a tropical place. There was this one door that had an actual turtle on the front door with hundreds of tropical flowers on its shell. Seventeen was so disgusted by what the humans had done, he untied the turtle, and the two of them had a wild week. Good times…
Finally! He found it! Oh sweet baby….this door was awful… all of those ribbons…that's not even possible! Well, at least he knew that they might have a decent television. Seventeen got out his special tool-kit from his pocket and pondered it for a minute.
"You really have come through for me…" he said gazing at the tiny box. He opened it up and looked at the door lock. He observed his lock-picks carefully to determine which one was best for the job. His hand guided him through and at last he picked one. He closed his tool-kit and placed back in his pocket. He the years have been making him soft… he never blew anything up or killed anyone anymore… it was like the years of isolation were making all of his fun boring. He took on some human qualities but luckily he added his own twist.
"Let's see if this works…" he grunted as he moved the picks around to unlock his new home. After a few twists and turns here and there, Seventeen finally got it opened. This apartment was truly decent enough for him to stay at. The decor wasn't half bad and….there it was….a 96 in. Plasma wide screen television…one of the best he'd ever seen. He flopped on the couch that was right in front of the television and turned it on.
"Now, what day is it?" he asked himself. He remembered now! It was Sunday... which meant that he had 6 days until Marron's next day off… FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! Seventeen didn't think it would be that quick. Oh well…
A month later…
It has been a month since Marron and her uncle Seventeen reunited after many years. So far things were going great! He showed her how to defend herself against perverts she would come across and she showed him how to be "nice" to people. Marron was on her way to meet her uncle at their usual meeting spot, the park where they first met.
She had to leave her house in a hurry that morning, she didn't want her father to bombard her with questions on where she was heading to, and she needed to keep it a secret from him. Marron hadn't told anyone about her newly found family member. Bra and Trunks both thought she had a boyfriend because she wasn't around as much anymore. Her parents thought that she was being unsafe and hanging out with hoodlums. Her uncle had told her to try and be discreet, and she promised. She was looking left to right as she crossed the street. He had a tendency to just show up out of nowhere just to scare her. She sat down on the park bench looking down at her phone, there was a message.
Hey, do you wanna hang out?- Trunks
She smiled but then frowned as she remembered why she was at the park. She had to respond a sad no.
I can't, I have to work on a paper- Marron
Right… a paper… got ya ;)
Marron chuckled at his response.
She put her phone down as soon as she heard footsteps coming her way. Her head jolted up...it was just a child… stupid kid- WOAH! Where did that come from? Her uncle was really rubbing off on her.
"Kids and technology," said a familiar voice.
"Hey Uncle Seventeen," she smiled.
"So kiddo, what do you want to do?" he asked.
"Meh, I got to choose last time, it's your turn," she pointed out.
"Kid if were up to me, I'd say we should rob a bank for fun, now do you want to rob a bank?" he asked sarcastically. She smiled and sighed.
"How are things down at your home?" he asked her.
"Well mom and dad think that you're a gang and are making me into a rebel or something, so it's going pretty well," she laughed. He looked off into the distance.
"Let's go to the mall," he suggested. She lifted her head from her hands and looked at him.
"You never want to go to the mall, what brought this on?" she asked him.
"Just a feeling. Do you want to go or not?" he pursued.
"Sure, we can look at the puppies at the animal center," she chuckled, he only frowned.
Seventeen and Marron had been walking around the mall for what seems like hours and had found nothing to their interest. The day had become boring. They were by the food court when Marron decided to break the silence.
"Uncle Seventeen, have you ever eaten food?" she asked him.
"No, and I never will," he answered.
"Why not?" she continued.
"Because, it's gross," he responded. Marron let out a laugh loud enough to break something. The joy was then broken by a known appearance that could ruin everything.
"Look Daddy! There's Marron!" yelled a young Pan. Gohan held his daughter's hand while looking at the blonde girl in the distance. She hadn't even noticed him. Who was she with? The hair said girl but the physique said boy. That black hair was familiar… No…it couldn't be. Gohan had to make sure. He searched for their energy specifically for the man's energy. Nothing… it had to be him. But how? How was he alive? He should be dead! And why was Marron with him!? This cannot be happening. Could he feel Gohan now? Gohan needed to suppress his energy more.
"Honey what's wrong?" asked Videl.
"No-nothing," he stuttered.
"Is that Marron over there?" she asked squinting her eyes.
"NO! I mean no, it's just someone else," he snapped. He had to deal with this, he needed to talk to Marron.
Seventeen had felt a familiar energy in the air. But it went away….Still, it's better to be safe than sorry.
"Marron, we need to go," he said plainly. She looked up at him confused. *Not again* she thought to herself. This would be the fifth time that they needed to go because of someone they knew was nearby. They were never caught but there were close calls.
"Ok, actually I need to get home before mom and dad start hitting me with questions," she said.
"Let's go kid," he answered.
They separated at the exit of the mall and waved at each other farewell. Marron made her way back home and noticed that her parents weren't home. She went up to her bedroom and closed the door. Now she could relax and- the damn doorbell rang! What the fuc- it rang again. She needed to go get it. She crawled out of her bed and walked to her bedroom door when, once again, the damn bell rang.
She walked down the stairs and opened put her hand on the doorknob.
"Marron open up!" a voice yelled from outside the door. Gohan? What does he want? She opened her door and he just loomed over her.
"What's up Gohan?" she asked.
"Can I come in?" he asked her in return.
"Sure…" she responded "what's going on?" she asked him.
"Can I ask you something?" he questioned.
"Anything,"
"What were you doing with Seventeen at the mall?"
Marron stood frozen. How in the hell, did Gohan know? He had to have seen them…. Is his energy the one that Seventeen had felt? She had to deny it…
"Marron! Answer me!" Gohan demanded.
"Are you okay Gohan? Who is Seventeen?" Marron answered playing dumb.
"Do not lie to me, what were you doing with him?" Gohan continued. He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her a bit. She averted his gaze and turned her head to the side and lowered her yes.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, and let go of me" Marron answered.
"Marron, please. You have to tell me, before I handle things my own way," he warned. He let go of her and caught her eyes, he looked deep into them and frowned.
What did he mean by that? Would he hunt her uncle down? Marron didn't know what she should do. Hopefully Gohan couldn't see through her.
"Gohan, if I tell you the truth, you have to swear on Pan's life, that you won't say anything to anyone," Marron said softly. His eyes opened wide and he nodded.
"I want to hear you say it," she demanded.
"I swear on my daughter's life that I will not say anything regarding this delicate situation," Gohan spoke.
Marron took a deep breath and looked away, averting Gohan's demanding gaze.
"So, me and my uncle Seventeen found each other out of pure luck," she muttered.
"Define 'luck' for me Marron," Gohan asked.
"Well, it wasn't right off the bat, I met him at the park and we just kept meeting by coincidence afterwards. At the party that Bulma had, well, when my father mentioned something about Seventeen, someone that I had never even heard of, I got curious and my mother explained everything to me. But she told me that she thought that he was dead, and of course he isn't, no one knows about this" she explained.
"So, you've known about him for a month and haven't told anybody? What the hell were you thinking? Do you know what kind of danger you're in? He could be a wanted man right now!" he shouted.
"He wouldn't go that far! He's changed Gohan! I know it might be hard to believe but he is not the same person that you fought with before! Trust me," she pleaded. Gohan put a hand to his forehead and paced back and forth between her living room.
"Do your parents know?" he asked. She wanted to slap him for asking a stupid question. Didn't she just say that nobody knew?
"No, nobody knows except you, and I want it stay that way, please Gohan. I'll tell everyone at the appropriate moment, but not now," she begged.
"I don't know Marron, this is pretty big," he sighed.
"You swore!" she reminded.
"But-"
"On Pan's life!" she shouted.
"Fine. You win, but on one condition," he grunted.
"What would that be?" she questioned.
"You have to tell him that I know," he answered.
"Please no, anything but that Gohan. He told me not to tell anyone, if I tell him that you know, he'll go bonkers!" Marron cried.
"Marron, if he knows that I know than he'll know not to hurt you, if he does he'll have to deal with not only me but his sister too," he smiled.
"So if he does something to me, you'll tell my mother on him?" she asked.
"Don't make me sound like a tattle-tale, but yes, he messes with you he'll have consequences," Gohan said.
"Fine and dandy Gohan," Marron sighed.
"So, what's it like to have an uncle?" he asked.
"It's like having a brother but less annoying and a lot more fun," she responded.
"Hmph, I guess with an uncle like Seventeen, it must be interesting for sure," he chuckled.
"It really is," she replied. They stayed quiet for a while, neither one of them knowing what to say or what to do. Marron remembered that she did indeed have a guest and must treat him like such.
"Do you want a drink or something?" she asked. He was staring into a void when his thoughts were muffled.
"Um, no thanks Marron. I better get going actually," he answered. She walked him to the door and they said their goodbyes, then she shut the door, as if nothing had ever happened.
What was she going to do? She had to tell her uncle now. She couldn't keep a secret from him, not now that they're barely getting to know each other. Her time with her uncle had been spoiled, all due to Gohan. It wasn't his fault but Marron felt like it had to somebody's fault even though she knew that this was inevitable.
Someone would have eventually found out about her secret, and to be honest, she knew that deep within the hole she had dug herself into, this was somewhat her fault for keeping a secret from her mother. The woman thought that the only family that she had is dead and Marron is off having ice cream with him, how messed up is that?
Well no point in keeping more secrets, she might as well tell her uncle that Gohan knew. He would be furious with her but she can't handle having everything be so complicated. She would tell him next week. Marron just hoped she wouldn't have to see Gohan during that time.
A few hours later…
Marron was relaxing on her bed reading one of her favorite novels, when she heard her parents pull up in the driveway. She sighed and went downstairs to greet them. She opened the door and saw the wide grin of her father.
"Hey there honey, surprise to see you here early," he smiled hugging his daughter.
"Hey there dad, and I just wasn't in the mood for a day out," she laughed. Her mother appeared at the door and gave a smile towards her daughter, the smile quickly turned into a frown when she saw her husband. Eighteen walked passed them without so much as a sideways glance. Marron looked at her father and frowned.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Your mom is mad at me for something I did," he answered.
"What did you do?" she continued.
"I said yes to an invitation Bulma gave us for a party she was having tonight," he replied, rubbing his head.
"Dad, you know she doesn't like that," Marron glared.
"Yeah but, Bulma was standing all wide eyed in front of me, I couldn't very well say no," he explained.
"Do I have to go?" she asked. His grin said it all, she was going to be forced to come. "DAD! Why do I have to go?" she whined. If it was Bulma's party then most likely everyone would be there, and by everyone Marron means everyone! Even Gohan, this was a load of horse s***! He was the last person she wanted to be in the same room with!
"Because I need you there," he answered "End of discussion."
"Fine!" she shouted while marching to her room.
Marron was getting ready to leave for a party against her will, when her mom entered the room. Marron looked at her curiously. Amazing was the word to describe her mother. She looked fantastic. Eighteen looked at her daughter and again gave the smallest smile.
"Marron, you may not have known your uncle, but, I'm sure he would've liked you," she said. Well that was out of the blue! It had been a month since their talk about her uncle and she was just saying this now!? This woman was random! Sure she already knew her uncle but this information would've been nice to know a freaking month ago. Marron hid her emotions behind a smile.
"Thanks mom," she responded. Eighteen made her way out of her room and went downstairs. Marron plopped on her bed and put her head in her hands.
"This is going to be long night," she whispered to herself.
The drive to the Briefs' compound was long and strange. Everyone was quiet and eery. They finally arrived and were greeted by a wave of hugs, which was the most annoying thing to be greeted with according to Eighteen and Marron, Krillin didn't mind it much. They entered the home and Marron saw the man which at the moment, was the man she wanted to send away so that his mouth would never say anything. He was dancing with his wife a room away. This was going to a fun night.
Marron was being moved along the crowd of happy people. She found her friends watching the adults make fools of themselves, she greeted them with a nod and joined them. She was never one for stalking someone at a party but in her case she thought that was allowed. She watched Gohan like a hawk. After the first hour she relaxed and stopped, but then she was in trouble.
"So Gohan went over to your house today, any idea why, he won't tell me," a tipsy Videl said poking her sober husband. Marron's eyes shot up and a stared at the group of adults.
"Uh, we didn't know, we weren't home, maybe Marron can tell you," a woozy Krillin answered. "Mare-bear! Come over here!" Krillin shouted. He waved at his daughter and smiled like an idiot. Gohan's eyes widened in fear.
"What do you want dad?" she asked.
"What did Gohan need?" he asked. Marron looked around and frowned, she could feel the blood rush to her cheeks.
"Uh…uh…"
"Funny story, I was at the mall with Videl and Pan, and I saw Marron there," Gohan slurred. Marron panicked, she would have to slaughter this man!
"Anyway, she wasn't there alone, she was with Se-"
"AH!THERE'S SOMETHING OUTSIDE!" Marron shouted. Everyone quickly stood up, which was a bad idea because they stumbled and some fell on to the floor.
"There's nothing out there!" shouted a bombed Vegeta.
"Oh…well..oops," Marron muttered. The adults all went back to laughing and acting like idiots, as if nothing had ever happened. Time went on and the party ended. Marron and her family went home (with her mother being the designated driver). They entered their home and went straight for bed. Marron was about to get into bed when her mother made a re-appearance in her room again.
"So, who were you with at the mall?" she asked narrowing her eyes at her daughter.
"Uh, a friend," Marron answered.
"Are you sure?" her mother questioned.
"Yes mother," she assured.
"Very well then, goodnight Marron," her mother said.
Marron sat down on her bed and sighed. This night was horse s***!
That was a close one! Marron better watch out….Anyway please REVIEW and let me know on what you guys thought about it. I love all of you for reading even if you hated it! Until next time!