If Only Author's Notes: Well, I finally updated this. I'm hoping to get off my lazy hide and finish it. Well, I hope you like this chapter. ^_^
Reunited
Chapter 8: Standing Here

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Makoto looked up as Haruka suddenly stopped.
"You know," The blonde had started, "I'm proud of the way you've finally found love. But don't expect it to last, you two are way to different."
"Yeah, well looks can be deciving," Makoto had retorted.
"I'm just saying--"
"I don't care, I love Piccolo, there's nothing you can say that will change that," Makoto said, cutting the older woman off.
Haruka sighed, "I warned you."
"Whatever."
Haruka shook her head and left with Michiru, who gave her a look that said 'ignore her'. Usagi was the last to leave. The blonde stopped next to the door and looked over at Makoto.
"You know," Usagi said, "I think, that no matter what happens, you'll make it."
"That actually made sense Usagi-chan. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
"No prob," Usagi replied and gave her tall friend a hug, then left.

Makoto turned back to the living area and sighed. Krillan was sprwaled out over the couch and Piccolo was still meditating. She walked over and sat down on the floor. Krillan looked up and shook his bald head.
"I've never met a more energetic group of girls in my life," he said.
Makoto chuckled, "I see why, but don't let it get to you, that doesn't happen very often."
"Good."

~*@*~

Ami sighed and looked up at the star ridden sky. She couldn't understand it. How could they possibly beat a monster like Cell again when he knows what they can all do. She ran a han through her short blue hair and closed her eyes. If only she could understand that dream more. And maybe, why she was in Yaumcha's arms during it.

"They're gorgeous aren't they," a masculine voice asked.

Ami turned and smiled slightly as Yaumcha came to stand next to her, "Yes they are, but I don't recognize any of the constellations."
Yaumcha smiled at the blue eyed woman and said, "Maybe I can help you with that."
Then he began to point out the different constellations in the moonless sky. Ami followed his pointing finger with her eyes and listened to his voice, discarding her thoughts about the dream, and the problems with Cell.

~*@*~

Hotaru sighed and let her chin drop into her hand. Trunks noticed this snd rubbed her shoulders lightly, remaining silent.
"I don't understand," Hotaru whispered, "Why can't we just have peace?"
"I don't know," Trunks replied, "But I know that someday, we'll have it."
"I hope you're right," she said.
"It's all that's keeping me going. The hope that we'll have peace and, you," Trunks replied, squeezing her shoulder gently.
Hotaru smiled up into his blue eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, "I hope I don't have to resort to desperate measures."
Trunks kissed the top of her head gently and whispered, "We won't."

~*@*~

"You alright."
"I'll manage."
"You'd better," was the gruff reply, as strong arms wrapped themselves around Makoto. She smiled slightly and leaned into the embrace, looking out into the city.
"What did Haruka say to you?"
"She said we wouldn't last," Makoto replied, closing her emerald eyes, "That we're too different."
"We are? I never noticed," came the bemused reply.
"I told her to buzz off," Makoto whispered, a genuine smile gracing her face once more.
"Well, there's one way to do it."
"Yes, well, blasting her to smitherines isn't what we do in this world," Makoto said, turning in the embrace, and looking up into smokey eyes. Those eyes twinkled in the city lights as Piccolo smiled down at her.
"I love you Piccolo," Makoto said softly.
"And I you," he replied, pulling her closer.
The two stood there, watching as one by one, the lights in the city went off, as it fell asleep.