Chapter Three-Part Five
Seeking but hidingAfter the gathering, Salla and Piccolo sat by the lake, located a few yards from her house. It was a cool evening in the middle of the summer. Salla sighed and begun to explain her feelings to him.
"I think that you are the most beautiful man that I have ever seen. But I wanted to see if your outer beauty matched your inner self and emotions. And so far, I'm starting to see alot of beauty. It's been a little over 4 months now." Salla said with a blush soaked smile.
Piccolo lowered his head and closed his eyes. He then readjusted his sitting position and sighed.
"For whatever reason you might find me 'physically' attractive, I'm not that pure on the inside. I've done some bad things..." Piccolo said in a low voice.
"No one is squeaky clean, Piccolo-Senpai. Everyone thinks I'm so nice and outgoing. I get angry and frustrated. I have had arguments and falling's out with people. I've acted rash about things..."
Salla put her hand on Piccolo's knee. He quickly turned his head to her, then away again. His ankle tapped the ground, as she rubbed the nervous Namek knee a few times.
"We all make mistakes... Some worse than other's... I wish that you would share what it was, but I know that it can not be a easy thing to do. I will not rush you, or force you. I'm here to be your ears and lock box."
Salla retracted her hand slowly, back into her lap. She then looked forward at the lake. The stars were starting to twinkle on the water's surface. The young lady smiled and sighed. Piccolo turned his lowered head forward, and opened his mouth.
"I was bad and selfish for a long time. Then Gohan broke the stone around the heart, that I never knew I had. I didn't think I could have friends. His family has been kind to me after I terrorized them. I'm grateful for their forgiveness. And, it seems that it runs in the family with you, also. Your a very nice person Salla... Talented, strong... kind of cute..." Piccolo said in a low nervous voice.
Salla turned herself to him quickly. A big closed mouth smile covered her face. Her eyes twinkled and focused on him. Piccolo turned his head to her, then looked away and blushed heavily. He then shifted himself slightly from her, closed his eyes tightly, swallowed heavily and started to sweat lightly.
"You... You think I'm cute, Senpai?! Salla asked enthusiastically.
"Just... Every one else says your 'cute' or 'attractive'... Just, never mind that! It's... It's just an observation." Piccolo said sternly.
"So you observed me and found that to be true?!"
Piccolo quickly turned his head to her. He looked at her frustratingly and grunted loudly. His face full of blush. "THAT'S NOT THE POINT, SALLA-SAN!" Piccolo said defensively.
Salla lowered her head, and looked at Piccolo through the tops of her eyes. Piccolo sighed, closed his eyes then turned his head forward.
"Look, um... Gohan thought it would be a 'good idea' if you went to this theme park, that is opening. It opens only in the summer, and he also invited me. So it would be the four of us. Him, me, you and Videl."
"Oh?" Salla said as she raised her head and looked at him.
"It opens next friday. They already pre-ordered tickets. Interested? Piccolo asked.
"Of course! It sounds like fun." Salla replied.
"Be awake by 7am, next friday. The park opens around 9am, but there might be long lines." Piccolo stated.
"Alright." Salla said as she stood from the ground.
Piccolo looked at her and stood up also. Salla turned away, with her fingers laced behind her. She took in a deep breath and sighed with a light smile on her face.
"I'm glad that we can talk like this. I'm starting to feel really comfortable around you, Piccolo-Senpai." Salla said gently. "I hope you feel the same."
The young lady then turned to her tall friend. He dropped his arms and looked down and her. "You really like me, huh?" Piccolo asked.
"Yes, of course!" Salla replied in surprise.
"Hmpth... I hope that's still true after you hear about my past 'doings'." Piccolo said in a low voice. He then put a hand on her shoulder, then looked down and away. "Have a pleasant night, Salla-San."
"Oh, alright. Well, you do the same." Salla said as Piccolo walked away from her a few steps. " And, I look forward to our first meditation session next Thursday!" She yelled.
Piccolo turned to her slightly and waved. Salla waved back. He then flew off into the star littered sky.
