When a bone-weary, confused Android 18 set down on the sands of her home, she was no closer to calming the tempest of feelings than she had been when fighting with Krillin. Four hours of aimless flying over the salty water had done little other than force her to brood, but she had delayed returning as long as she dared. 18 had not wanted to face her husband after the humiliating way she had defeated him. Everything had seemed so right when 17 had shown up, but now it all seemed wrong. Suddenly 18 wanted to talk with her brother more then anything else in the world. The longing sent tears to her eyes. Just as much, 18 want to feel Krillin's arms around her, hear him telling her how much he loved her and that no matter what, they would always have each other. Feeling incredibly lonely, 18 crossed her powerful arms over her stomach and hugged herself like a small child.
"Krillin," she whispered to herself, overwhelmed by her need to be with him. Not knowing what else to do, 18 entered the house slowly, fearing rejection but needing to see her husband anyway. Old Master Roshi snorted and huffed into the couch cushions, turtle shell exchanged for a knitted afghan. The television cast a soft light on his sleeping form, the volume turned to a low hum.
Silently she slipped by the old man, creeping to the back of the house. 18 paused, and then grasped the handle of their bedroom door. Easing it open, she braced herself and sought out her husband.
At first glance, she thought that he was asleep. The short warrior was lying on his side, facing away from her, Marron held protectively in his strong arms. Their daughter slept peacefully, grasping her daddy's shirt in one hand. Seeing her family warmed her heart, breaking a chink out of her pain.
"You were right. He brought her back." The soft voice nearly made her jump. Krillin's hand absently rose to touch Marron's cheek. Then he motioned for her to come closer, though he still did not face his wife. Her bright eyes registering every detail in the dimness, 18 went to the bed and sat down, facing away from Krillin but remaining able to see his still form in the mirrored doors on the far wall.
No one moved or spoke for a long moment. Then Krillin gently disentangled himself from Marron. Rolling over, his dark eyes focused on her reflection. Words and apologies rose up in 18's throat, making her feel as though she could not breath. Her eyes widened as fear hardened in her chest.
"I-I'm so sorry, Krillin," choked the cyborg as tears stung her icy eyes. Knuckling them, 18 cursed her weakness. This was not her. She was stronger then this, she could suck it up. As if to prove her ever-present robotic half wrong, more pearly tears traced their ways down her cheeks. Ashamed of this weakness, she hid her face.
Their bed shifted as Krillin slid across the coverlet, reaching out with a gentle hand to touch her hair. Shuddering, 18 lay down and curled her body up. He slid behind her, an arm wrapping around her, tenderly pulling her hands down, lacing their fingers and silently offering his comfort.
"I don't know what I want any more. I love you, and 17. Somehow I don't think I can have you both."
This place seemed to draw him. It was here in this small cave with it's tiny waterfall that 17 had dreamed of his mother. Here, Gohan had found him and helped him to rediscover his sister. And now, it was here that he flew. To this dark, quiet place in the middle of no where that he could be assured of privacy. To think, to breath, to allow his cynicism and rationality the forefront once again.
He could not be accepted. Somehow 18 had managed it, but they would always regard him as the monster. Krillin feared for his daughter when she was alone with him. That alone torn a hole through the heart 17 denied was there. The men did not like each other and nothing would change it. This, however, was different. It hurt so much. 17 shook his head sadly. He could not stay here any longer. Once was he human, once mortal. No longer. He did not belong, should not belong.