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PART 5 - PAINFUL AFTERMATH
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- One Week Later -
"Andy what's up with you? You've been totally glum for the past few days. Wanna tell me what's wrong?" Krillian stared worriedly over at his girlfriend from across their giant milkshake and she stopped sipping from her straw.
"What? Oh, nothing's the matter, I'm fine," Andrea shrugged nonchalantly.
Krillian gave her a disbelieving look. "Yeah right. Than why have you been moping this entire week? Does it have something to do with all that stuff Piccolo said on the practice field last week? He didn't mean anything by it, that's just his personality, don't let it get to you."
She glanced up at Krillian, preoccupied. "Oh, no I wouldn't get upset over some little spat like that. It doesn't bother me anymore, we used to argue all the time, and I've gotten used to it," Andrea gazed out the window and sighed. "I miss it," she murmured under her breath.
Krillian hadn't heard her. "Andy, I really wish you'd tell me what's eating at you. Please, I can help," Krillian took her hand and looked at her anxiously.
Andrea smiled over at her boyfriend sadly. He's so sweet. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't feel anything when we're together. I'd just rather be his friend now. I guess the problem is that I don't disserve you Krillian, she said to herself.
I can't believe it but I think the reason is that I might have something unresolved for Piccolo, she admitted inwardly.
No! Andrea shook her head. You do not! You like Krillian and he's a lot nicer to you than that Namek jerk!
Yeah but I've never felt those kind of fireworks when Krillian and I kiss, she thought wistfully. And Piccolo and I didn't even get to that. When we were together last week, he showed me a different side of himself that he keeps hidden. I didn't even know Piccolo could smile at me like that without any guises. Up in the sky he was so sweet and nice and wonderful and I... I felt... no, don't say it Andy, she scolded herself.
But her head continued its wanderings, despite Andrea's efforts to put the Namek out of mind. When he isn't being cynical and giving me the cold shoulder... he's a lot of... fun. I really let loose and I loved it. When he held me... Andrea shivered, remembering his touch.
Her reserve faltered and the confused feelings she'd been trying to hold back flooded her heart with unrest.
"Krillian..." she began, but the words he wanted to hear weren't forthcoming. Andrea put her head in her hands and moaned. "You're right. I'm haven't been myself, but you're going to have to trust me. I need to figure this out on my own. It means a lot that you're willing to support me but I have to take some time and see things clearly." Taking a deep breath she continued, already seeing that the short man knew what was coming. "I don't want to hurt you Krillian but, I think we should stop seeing each other for the time being. I won't lead you on if I haven't got feelings to back up this relationship. I need to take a step back and look at us." Andrea took his hand and turning it over, kissed his palm. "I really need to do this and I'm sorry."
Krillian sat there in silence for a moment and then, putting his hand over her shoulder he smiled sadly. "I'll be here, waiting for you. You can come back anytime Andy, no rush."
She closed her eyes and smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you," she mouthed softly. Giving him one last kiss on the cheek, she got up and walked out of the restaurant. Andrea didn't turn back.
- Two Days Later -
The mountain exploded with a blowout of dust and rubble. Debris flew through the air and landed in a mile radius from the blast. Piccolo closed his palm and lowered his outstretched hand that had once been facing a solid rock face. He took a deep breath and balled his fists again. They quickly began to glow with energy and whirling around, he hurled another missile at an isolated stony peak. The ki ball drove into its rock side and cut off the entire top. The peak slid from the mountain's base and toppled to the ground.
Anger and frustration surged through the Namek and he powered up again. What's wrong with me! I can't meditate; I can't gain any sense of concentration to even try. Piccolo growled and threw his energy beam at the ground. It carved through the dirt and sliced away bushes and trees.
He had been distracted and careless all week; Piccolo couldn't even remember what he was doing half the time. All the training and reflecting he used to practice didn't seem important to him and nothing held his interest anymore.
Why am I acting like this, have I caught some kind of disease? His head ached and his skin burned. Piccolo lay awake at night, tossing and turning, unable to stand the quiet in his house. The solitude had never bothered him before and he used to prefer such isolation. But now it seemed to eat away at him and the Z fighter felt seclusion close around him like a noose. Piccolo sighed and admitted his weakness for the woman.
All through his current state of turmoil, the unsettling emotions of Andrea were his ever-present companion, plaguing his thoughts night and day. His subconscious conjured up nothing but memories of her: Andrea in his arms, or standing her ground in their fights, or the image of her pink hair streaming in the wind. The woman's absence gnawed away at him and Piccolo had never known such painful loneliness.
The Namek put a hand over his eyes and descended from the sky. What am I going to do? He wracked his brain but his vision clouded with an image of her face. "Andrea..." he moaned softly.
- Across the forest -
Andrea flew through the trees, maneuvering around trunks that appeared before her. She scanned the ground, swiveling her head back and forth. I've got to find him, she thought. We need to talk, get everything straightened out.
"Piccolo, where are you?" she whispered aloud.
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Piccolo leaned against a large elm and closed his eyes. I wish I could talk to her, he thought. Maybe Andrea can tell me why I feel so strange. The Namek slammed his fist on the tree's trunk in frustration. His yearning to see her again filled his entire head and Piccolo couldn't think of anything else. The thought of Andrea held him powerless and he had never felt so incomplete.
Suddenly, Piccolo's antenna shot straight up. She's here, he thought, startled. Andrea's flying in my direction. Oh my God, what do I do? What should I say to her?
Calm down, he rationalized. He took several deep breaths. Think! Tell her
you're sorry about almost kissing her like that.
Except, do you really want to lie to Andrea? A voice whispered in his head.
Piccolo frowned in surprise. "Where did you come from?! Nail? You promised me you'd keep quiet!" he gritted his teeth, angry that the other man had shown himself after so long.
I lied. It's just that you look so hopeless...
"Now don't even start with me, I do not want your advice. I can handle this crisis on my own. Leave me alone." Piccolo waited for a few seconds and was rewarded with silence. Ok, well maybe I should... um... or I could... maybe.... Piccolo's mind drew a complete blank.
Just try to look relaxed, hide your emotions, be distant, he told himself.
O yeah, like that'll work the voice grumbled.
"Nail, shut up!" Piccolo hissed from the corner of his mouth.
Piccolo stood up straighter, and then thinking better of it, not wanting to seem excited, he slouched against the tree. He crossed his arms and pretended to be meditating. The Namek put a frown on his features and closed his eyes. Now I'll just wait.
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Andrea finally found him, at the edge of the woods. Piccolo was leaning on an elm and appeared to be lost in thought.
I don't want to bother him, but I need to get all this out in the open. She squared her shoulders and flew down towards the pretending Namek. As Andrea got closer she saw his muscles tense and she smiled slightly. Is Piccolo nervous? About seeing me?
Oh, don't go getting your hopes up and putting words into his body expressions Andy, she chastened herself. She tilted her head questioningly and landed right in front of him.
Andrea waited quietly for a few minutes and she could hear his breath come a little faster. He is, I can't believe it! Piccolo really is nervous! She tried to stifle a giggle but it came forth of it's own free will and filled the air with a lighthearted sound.
Piccolo peeked an eye open. Andrea had a hand over her mouth and was pointing at him.
"What's so funny?" he growled, giving away his supposed state of meditation.
"Nothing," Andrea shook her head, eyes twinkling.
"Tell me. Why are you laughing?"
"I'm all better now," she said, still smiling.
Why Mr. Piccolo, I learn more about you everyday, she thought, amused. If you'd only tell me what I want to here. Maybe that you have all these jumbled feelings just like I do. But I can't let my imagination run away again, I have to find out the truth.
"Listen Piccolo," she said, turning serious. "Would you mind talking with me? About... that day... you helped me fly last week." Andrea blushed and looked down at the ground, embarrassed.
Piccolo's heart skipped a beat but he kept the irregularity from his face. "Why, what do we have to talk about?" He said, feigning ignorance.
Andrea blinked in surprise. Is he serious? Was it just nothing to him? Slightly discouraged she continued, "Umm, well you know... when we almost... kissed," she waved her hand, trying to finish. Her entire face was red and she looked up at Piccolo to see his reaction.
"Yeah... we almost did," he shrugged his shoulders. "That wasn't any big thing. Almost doesn't count for much. Is that why you flew all the way out here? Maybe you misinterpreted the situation," he frowned. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable... but... don't worry, that won't ever happen again."
"I'm fine, I didn't mind at all. Actually Piccolo, to me, it was something important and... I wanted to.... maybe... further our..." Andrea stopped. She couldn't read anything in his eyes. Piccolo was impassive and appeared to be only half listening. Her resolve faltered. Why did she come out here? He obviously didn't feel what she had.
"I think I've made a mistake. I wanted to see you Piccolo, to tell you that... I liked... what came over us... and..." Andrea paused and changed her mind, reading that the man's indifferent stance meant he didn't care. She shook her head and sighed. "Actually I bet what happened up there doesn't mean anything to you. I feel pretty dumb, you probably have tons of other stuff to do than talk with me. I better leave before I waste more of your time."
Without even thinking, leaving his distant act behind, Piccolo reached out and took her arm. "Don't go Andrea," he said softly.
"But I..." she tried to protest. I don't want his pity, she thought. I can sort all of this out by myself and I don't want Piccolo looking down on me. I'm a lot stronger than he thinks; he doesn't need to coddle my feelings.
"I'm an adult, I can handle this on my own, without your help. It was silly of me to barge in on you like this, I've changed my mind and I agree with you. What we almost did wasn't anything special and I just overreacted and read too much into the experience. I won't bother you again. Thanks for the advice Piccolo; I can see things clearly now."
"Andrea, wait... that's not what I meant."
She pushed his hand away, sure she had made a fool of herself and that he was just trying to soften his words for her benefit. "See you around Piccolo," Andrea turned and waved. Then she shot up into the sky, accelerating as fast as she could. I've got to get out of here before he sees me cry, she thought.
Go after her! Nail's voice returned, yelling in his head. You two need to talk! Don't let it end like that!
"I can't," Piccolo argued, aloud. "She doesn't want my company, you heard her."
You pushed her away! She's leaving you Piccolo and that was your ticket. Don't blow it!
"Nail, just be quiet. Leave me alone for once," he growled.
Piccolo, she wants you to follow, Andrea was practically begging for you to say something.
"No. You don't know anything. Andrea thought that what happened between us was nothing..."
The voice cut him off, Because you told her that!!
"Stop talking!" Piccolo yelled.
You're a fool. Nail muttered.
"At least I'm not the one who's dead!" he shot back.
I show up for two seconds to give you some advice and you have to bring THAT up again!
"When you have something worth hearing, than I'll listen to you. Now get lost."
Fine, but Andrea isn't coming back. You'll have only me to talk with for the rest of your life.
Piccolo rolled his eyes and thought sadly that Nail might be right.
See, even you, Mr. Stubborn Pighead, know you should have gone after her.
"Nail..." Piccolo said warningly.
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PART 5 - PAINFUL AFTERMATH
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- One Week Later -
"Andy what's up with you? You've been totally glum for the past few days. Wanna tell me what's wrong?" Krillian stared worriedly over at his girlfriend from across their giant milkshake and she stopped sipping from her straw.
"What? Oh, nothing's the matter, I'm fine," Andrea shrugged nonchalantly.
Krillian gave her a disbelieving look. "Yeah right. Than why have you been moping this entire week? Does it have something to do with all that stuff Piccolo said on the practice field last week? He didn't mean anything by it, that's just his personality, don't let it get to you."
She glanced up at Krillian, preoccupied. "Oh, no I wouldn't get upset over some little spat like that. It doesn't bother me anymore, we used to argue all the time, and I've gotten used to it," Andrea gazed out the window and sighed. "I miss it," she murmured under her breath.
Krillian hadn't heard her. "Andy, I really wish you'd tell me what's eating at you. Please, I can help," Krillian took her hand and looked at her anxiously.
Andrea smiled over at her boyfriend sadly. He's so sweet. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I don't feel anything when we're together. I'd just rather be his friend now. I guess the problem is that I don't disserve you Krillian, she said to herself.
I can't believe it but I think the reason is that I might have something unresolved for Piccolo, she admitted inwardly.
No! Andrea shook her head. You do not! You like Krillian and he's a lot nicer to you than that Namek jerk!
Yeah but I've never felt those kind of fireworks when Krillian and I kiss, she thought wistfully. And Piccolo and I didn't even get to that. When we were together last week, he showed me a different side of himself that he keeps hidden. I didn't even know Piccolo could smile at me like that without any guises. Up in the sky he was so sweet and nice and wonderful and I... I felt... no, don't say it Andy, she scolded herself.
But her head continued its wanderings, despite Andrea's efforts to put the Namek out of mind. When he isn't being cynical and giving me the cold shoulder... he's a lot of... fun. I really let loose and I loved it. When he held me... Andrea shivered, remembering his touch.
Her reserve faltered and the confused feelings she'd been trying to hold back flooded her heart with unrest.
"Krillian..." she began, but the words he wanted to hear weren't forthcoming. Andrea put her head in her hands and moaned. "You're right. I'm haven't been myself, but you're going to have to trust me. I need to figure this out on my own. It means a lot that you're willing to support me but I have to take some time and see things clearly." Taking a deep breath she continued, already seeing that the short man knew what was coming. "I don't want to hurt you Krillian but, I think we should stop seeing each other for the time being. I won't lead you on if I haven't got feelings to back up this relationship. I need to take a step back and look at us." Andrea took his hand and turning it over, kissed his palm. "I really need to do this and I'm sorry."
Krillian sat there in silence for a moment and then, putting his hand over her shoulder he smiled sadly. "I'll be here, waiting for you. You can come back anytime Andy, no rush."
She closed her eyes and smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you," she mouthed softly. Giving him one last kiss on the cheek, she got up and walked out of the restaurant. Andrea didn't turn back.
- Two Days Later -
The mountain exploded with a blowout of dust and rubble. Debris flew through the air and landed in a mile radius from the blast. Piccolo closed his palm and lowered his outstretched hand that had once been facing a solid rock face. He took a deep breath and balled his fists again. They quickly began to glow with energy and whirling around, he hurled another missile at an isolated stony peak. The ki ball drove into its rock side and cut off the entire top. The peak slid from the mountain's base and toppled to the ground.
Anger and frustration surged through the Namek and he powered up again. What's wrong with me! I can't meditate; I can't gain any sense of concentration to even try. Piccolo growled and threw his energy beam at the ground. It carved through the dirt and sliced away bushes and trees.
He had been distracted and careless all week; Piccolo couldn't even remember what he was doing half the time. All the training and reflecting he used to practice didn't seem important to him and nothing held his interest anymore.
Why am I acting like this, have I caught some kind of disease? His head ached and his skin burned. Piccolo lay awake at night, tossing and turning, unable to stand the quiet in his house. The solitude had never bothered him before and he used to prefer such isolation. But now it seemed to eat away at him and the Z fighter felt seclusion close around him like a noose. Piccolo sighed and admitted his weakness for the woman.
All through his current state of turmoil, the unsettling emotions of Andrea were his ever-present companion, plaguing his thoughts night and day. His subconscious conjured up nothing but memories of her: Andrea in his arms, or standing her ground in their fights, or the image of her pink hair streaming in the wind. The woman's absence gnawed away at him and Piccolo had never known such painful loneliness.
The Namek put a hand over his eyes and descended from the sky. What am I going to do? He wracked his brain but his vision clouded with an image of her face. "Andrea..." he moaned softly.
- Across the forest -
Andrea flew through the trees, maneuvering around trunks that appeared before her. She scanned the ground, swiveling her head back and forth. I've got to find him, she thought. We need to talk, get everything straightened out.
"Piccolo, where are you?" she whispered aloud.
----------
Piccolo leaned against a large elm and closed his eyes. I wish I could talk to her, he thought. Maybe Andrea can tell me why I feel so strange. The Namek slammed his fist on the tree's trunk in frustration. His yearning to see her again filled his entire head and Piccolo couldn't think of anything else. The thought of Andrea held him powerless and he had never felt so incomplete.
Suddenly, Piccolo's antenna shot straight up. She's here, he thought, startled. Andrea's flying in my direction. Oh my God, what do I do? What should I say to her?
Calm down, he rationalized. He took several deep breaths. Think! Tell her
you're sorry about almost kissing her like that.
Except, do you really want to lie to Andrea? A voice whispered in his head.
Piccolo frowned in surprise. "Where did you come from?! Nail? You promised me you'd keep quiet!" he gritted his teeth, angry that the other man had shown himself after so long.
I lied. It's just that you look so hopeless...
"Now don't even start with me, I do not want your advice. I can handle this crisis on my own. Leave me alone." Piccolo waited for a few seconds and was rewarded with silence. Ok, well maybe I should... um... or I could... maybe.... Piccolo's mind drew a complete blank.
Just try to look relaxed, hide your emotions, be distant, he told himself.
O yeah, like that'll work the voice grumbled.
"Nail, shut up!" Piccolo hissed from the corner of his mouth.
Piccolo stood up straighter, and then thinking better of it, not wanting to seem excited, he slouched against the tree. He crossed his arms and pretended to be meditating. The Namek put a frown on his features and closed his eyes. Now I'll just wait.
---------
Andrea finally found him, at the edge of the woods. Piccolo was leaning on an elm and appeared to be lost in thought.
I don't want to bother him, but I need to get all this out in the open. She squared her shoulders and flew down towards the pretending Namek. As Andrea got closer she saw his muscles tense and she smiled slightly. Is Piccolo nervous? About seeing me?
Oh, don't go getting your hopes up and putting words into his body expressions Andy, she chastened herself. She tilted her head questioningly and landed right in front of him.
Andrea waited quietly for a few minutes and she could hear his breath come a little faster. He is, I can't believe it! Piccolo really is nervous! She tried to stifle a giggle but it came forth of it's own free will and filled the air with a lighthearted sound.
Piccolo peeked an eye open. Andrea had a hand over her mouth and was pointing at him.
"What's so funny?" he growled, giving away his supposed state of meditation.
"Nothing," Andrea shook her head, eyes twinkling.
"Tell me. Why are you laughing?"
"I'm all better now," she said, still smiling.
Why Mr. Piccolo, I learn more about you everyday, she thought, amused. If you'd only tell me what I want to here. Maybe that you have all these jumbled feelings just like I do. But I can't let my imagination run away again, I have to find out the truth.
"Listen Piccolo," she said, turning serious. "Would you mind talking with me? About... that day... you helped me fly last week." Andrea blushed and looked down at the ground, embarrassed.
Piccolo's heart skipped a beat but he kept the irregularity from his face. "Why, what do we have to talk about?" He said, feigning ignorance.
Andrea blinked in surprise. Is he serious? Was it just nothing to him? Slightly discouraged she continued, "Umm, well you know... when we almost... kissed," she waved her hand, trying to finish. Her entire face was red and she looked up at Piccolo to see his reaction.
"Yeah... we almost did," he shrugged his shoulders. "That wasn't any big thing. Almost doesn't count for much. Is that why you flew all the way out here? Maybe you misinterpreted the situation," he frowned. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable... but... don't worry, that won't ever happen again."
"I'm fine, I didn't mind at all. Actually Piccolo, to me, it was something important and... I wanted to.... maybe... further our..." Andrea stopped. She couldn't read anything in his eyes. Piccolo was impassive and appeared to be only half listening. Her resolve faltered. Why did she come out here? He obviously didn't feel what she had.
"I think I've made a mistake. I wanted to see you Piccolo, to tell you that... I liked... what came over us... and..." Andrea paused and changed her mind, reading that the man's indifferent stance meant he didn't care. She shook her head and sighed. "Actually I bet what happened up there doesn't mean anything to you. I feel pretty dumb, you probably have tons of other stuff to do than talk with me. I better leave before I waste more of your time."
Without even thinking, leaving his distant act behind, Piccolo reached out and took her arm. "Don't go Andrea," he said softly.
"But I..." she tried to protest. I don't want his pity, she thought. I can sort all of this out by myself and I don't want Piccolo looking down on me. I'm a lot stronger than he thinks; he doesn't need to coddle my feelings.
"I'm an adult, I can handle this on my own, without your help. It was silly of me to barge in on you like this, I've changed my mind and I agree with you. What we almost did wasn't anything special and I just overreacted and read too much into the experience. I won't bother you again. Thanks for the advice Piccolo; I can see things clearly now."
"Andrea, wait... that's not what I meant."
She pushed his hand away, sure she had made a fool of herself and that he was just trying to soften his words for her benefit. "See you around Piccolo," Andrea turned and waved. Then she shot up into the sky, accelerating as fast as she could. I've got to get out of here before he sees me cry, she thought.
Go after her! Nail's voice returned, yelling in his head. You two need to talk! Don't let it end like that!
"I can't," Piccolo argued, aloud. "She doesn't want my company, you heard her."
You pushed her away! She's leaving you Piccolo and that was your ticket. Don't blow it!
"Nail, just be quiet. Leave me alone for once," he growled.
Piccolo, she wants you to follow, Andrea was practically begging for you to say something.
"No. You don't know anything. Andrea thought that what happened between us was nothing..."
The voice cut him off, Because you told her that!!
"Stop talking!" Piccolo yelled.
You're a fool. Nail muttered.
"At least I'm not the one who's dead!" he shot back.
I show up for two seconds to give you some advice and you have to bring THAT up again!
"When you have something worth hearing, than I'll listen to you. Now get lost."
Fine, but Andrea isn't coming back. You'll have only me to talk with for the rest of your life.
Piccolo rolled his eyes and thought sadly that Nail might be right.
See, even you, Mr. Stubborn Pighead, know you should have gone after her.
"Nail..." Piccolo said warningly.
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