Lucky Me
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball, Z or GT. If I did, I'd be rich and wouldn't have to post this thing here. But this story is mine, and only mine. So leave me alone and read. Hehe(^_^)
~. . .~ = Thoughts
(. . .) = Me interrupting. (I'm so rude)
**-. . . -** = Memory
Um, excuse? Me? Um, read bottom. I have missed this story a lot but I lost my drive and inspiration for a long time. Well I'm back after a long story and bad time, and well, I'm bouncy! Now on with the fic!
Chapter 15 - Respect Veggiehead!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After that too-close-for-comfort kick, Pan was a little more careful and a lot more alert. This wasn't just her little game to mock "Almighty King Veggie-head" -as she had so dearly named him- anymore, this was to prove her worth to the short, arrogant little man. HE was the one who barged in the room for no good reason, HE was the one who threatened to kill her, HE was the one who thought she was weak, so it only made sense that HE should be the one to pay for it. ~This is the same fucking thing that happened when I met Trunks! Man, does some kind of freaky superiority complex run in this freakin' family? What's up with that?~ She gritted her teeth against a blow she knew she could not avoid or block well. All the air was forced from the pit of her stomach as he so kindly dealt a punch to her gut.
This was getting to be too much for her, she was hungry, she had no armor on, and this cocky little man's attitude was starting to piss her off. She couldn't meet him punch for punch or kick for kick in this condition, she just couldn't keep her defenses up. She was just mildly upset at first, but now, now he was making her miss breakfast -which her stomach had no shame in reminding her- and on top of that, he was underestimating her. Now all she needed was for him to call her--- "Short, obnoxious little girl! Just give up! Can't you see? There's no point!" Her eyes shot open wide. "Excuse me? Come again?" "You heard me, you're nothing more than a tiny little runt who's grown a little too independent for my liking" THAT was the final straw. ~NO ONE calls ME short and lives! NO ONE!!~
The color rose rapidly in her cheeks as her anger made her heart pump with voracious speed. Her hunger forgotten, she lunged at her opponent. He was mildly taken aback by her sudden outburst and stumbled half a step in surprise, but he took up his former position and leveled out the strengths until both sides were even, and he was quickly dominating. This, however, did not daunt her for a second, and she speedily thought up a plan. She moved back away from him just a couple of paces, enough so as to be out of range from any of his kicks or punches.
~Finally the brat grows a brain and decides to retreat.~ "Finally giving up, ne?" He asked her, still in his stance. She looked at him and suddenly smiled, a malice filled, victorious smile and shook her head. Dropping down lower, she put forth both her hands, wrist to wrist, fingers slightly curled as if around a large ball. "KAA...ME..." Her smile was toothy and menacing, it was as if she had grown fangs. "HA..." Oh she was ready for this, this would end it for sure, the energy ball steadily growing in her hands was insurance enough. "ME..." She inhaled and closed her eyes as her hair flamed golden. "HAAAAAAA!!!!!" "Oh fuck" Was all Vegeta could muster before being enveloped in a mass of light and energy. "Holy shit!" Trunks screamed as he felt the searing heat from the blast fast encroaching. The energy blast spread rapidly, starting as a beam that spread from her hands to swallow Vegeta's stunned figure, and covering more and more as it grew, until it enveloped everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Curls of smoke twisted and curled around heaps of melted, dented metal and caressed the bruised flesh of the three who lay among the debris. Trunks sat up with painful twinge, hand to his head, trying to physically suppress a colossal headache. "What the..." He groaned as he looked around, evaluating his surroundings. "this can't be my room..." He whispered to no one in particular as he saw the ruins in which he lay. Hearing a groan, he looked over to his father, in his cracked armor, disheveled hair and stunned expression. He had never seen his father look so surprised, he was normally ready for anything. ~He wasn't ready for that ki attack, that's for sure~ He thought to himself.
"How the heck did that brat do this?" Vegeta was absolutely bewildered. "I've been hit with that attack before, it's never been to that magnitude! Who is she brat?!" Trunks was surprised with just how fiercely he was questioned. "I demand to know! Where is she from?! Who are her parents?!" Trunks could tell this wasn't just his father's normal, angry, irritated impatience, he REALLY wanted to know.
"Her name is Pan, she was taken from Earth by your scouts to be used as a servant. As for her parents, I have no idea." This was all he could muster, the truth, the only thing he knew about his mysterious friend. "Nothing more?! You don't know anything more?! And yet you SLEPT with her?!" "I did NOT sleep with her!" Trunks was furious, his father had some nerve to go and be so intrusive, and have no respect for anyone but himself. "Augh...mmmpf" Came a groggy, muffled voice.
~Thank god, she's ok.~ He thought with relief as he walked over to her and picked her up in his arms (which musta hurt like hell, but he couldn't just leave her there, ya know?) "How dare you-" Vegeta started "Just shut up dad" Trunks said as he turned his back and walked out the ruins of his room.
Never had Vegeta been so abashed, so disrespected, so lacking dignity, or so damaged of pride.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Damn it, now I have to find a new room until they can fix mine. ~ Trunks thought in frustration as he walked down the hall, looking for a room to set down the bundle in his arms. ~ Bra's room maybe? Nah, she'll just fuss, so would mom. Wait a minute, this is all mom's fault anyway. Go figure... Well, I guess I'll just have to take her to her own room and see what to do from there. Arg, I can't believe this!~ He was so frustrated that upon pushing the button to open her door, he broke the keypad. ~Damnit!~
But all his anger dissolved as he looked down at the angel in his arms. It was amazing how anyone who was so beaten and bruised, who's clothes were tattered and who's hair was disheveled could look so beautiful. Her shirt was burned sleeveless, showing her pale arms and defined waist. Her pants had fared a little better, stopping right above her knees. He lay her gently on the bed but didn't bother tucking her in because he knew she'd have to get changed. Walking over to the keypad by the door, he couldn't help but look back, he couldn't help but worry, as if when he looked she would be gone. Lucky for him, considering the condition she was in, she wouldn't be going anywhere soon, much less disappear silently.
Not long after he had absently called for a maid, one arrived at the open door. "Good afternoon sir," She said quietly. "Hmm?" He asked, a bit dazed, a lopsided smile across his face as he stood slanted across the door way, arms crossed as he stared at the girl struggling feebly to wake up and move from her place on her bed. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her in order to acknowledge the maid. "Oh, yes, hello Adelaide," She bowed slightly. "Now none of that, you've worked here long enough to realize the only need for formality is around my father," She attempted to smile, but she felt out of place doing anything but serving. "Is there anything you need sir?" He inattentively waved in the direction of his *former* room. "Could you please call someone about my room" She smiled slightly before she was able to quell the desire to. "Already done sir, anything else? Sir? Sir?" Again his attention was off with the girl among those silken sheets. "Oh yes, very sorry, could you also bring me some clothes, in white and please tell the cooks to make an extra large breakfast," He said, still not looking at her. "Sir, don't you mean lunch, it's half past one." His head shot around to face her. "Yes, yes, lunch it is." "That all sir?" "Yes, yes, you can go, thank you"
~Crap, how the hell is it one freaken thirty in the afternoon?! How long was everyone unconscious? Dad must have walked in at some time around 8, Shimatta!~ A groan from somewhere inside the room pulled his thoughts away from time. He made his way to the bed and sat down cross legged in front of Pan just as she as forcefully trying to open her eyes. "Mmmpf! Augh..." She mumbled to herself as she tried to raise an arm to shield herself from the blinding light that filled the room. "What the...?" He could barely make out what she had said as it had been muffled by the sheets.
He got up with as little movement as possible and called again for a maid. "Yes ouji-sama, how may I help you?" He didn't know this girl, she was new, but oh well. "Umm, yes, can you please bring me two glasses of water and some senzu beans?" "Very sorry, ouji-sama, but the palace has recently run out." ~Damn formalities, damn senzu beans, I'll deal with it later~ "Well in that case, bring some pain relievers," As if on cue Pan groaned loudly. "STRONG pain relievers," He laughed whole-heartedly as he bade the servant a good bye. Not two seconds later the same girl arrived with a silver platter, on it were two glasses of water and two small white pills.
Walking back to the bed, he held back a laugh ah he witnessed Pan's futile fight against the sheets as she made an attempt to sit up. With long strides he covered the distance quickly and sat beside her with tray in hand. "Morning sunshine," He said to her ruffled self. She merely glared in response. "Take these," He said taking her hand and placing the two tiny pills in her hand. He didn't even have time to offer her water as she gulped them down a dry throat, only to sputter and nearly choke them up. "Might be a bit late, but, here" He said as he gave her the glass of a water. He was surprised to see her laugh, hitting herself in the head for her stupidity. As she gulped down the proffered glass, she clutched at her head and tousled hair and felt the pain begin to ease. "I'm hungry" was the first thing she said. All she got for a response was a loud thump! As Trunks fell to the floor a sweat drop on his head.
Standing up and regaining his composure, he turned to walk out the room. "Where are you going?" She asked in a quiet voice, barely above a whisper. Without responding, he hit the OPEN button for the door. As he went to take a step forward, he nearly tripped over himself and the quiet, robe-clad woman standing in front of him, tray in hand. He had to act quickly so that her tray did not tip and spill the food and dress it had upon it. "V-very sorry sir, terribly sorry, I should have rang first, please don't tell the k-" He held a hand up to silence her. "Don't be ridiculous, it was my fault, I wasn't looking when I first stepped" He relieved her of her tray and placed it quickly beside the bed, but keeping th change of clothes. She heaved a sigh of relief. "Excuse, me, but what would your name be?" "H- Harriet sir," She stammered, tired eyes upon the cherry floor. "Take a rest for the day, and the next, I'm sure we've plenty of replacements,"
So full of elation the frail woman grabbed his hand, eyes shining happily, "Thank you so much sir," He chuckled as she dropped his hand suddenly when she realized she was stepping out of line, approaching and touching someone of rank without being told to do so, or given permission. "Well, Harriet, was it?" She nodded silently at his query. "Have a good rest and treat yourself to a big meal, it seems like you haven't had much to eat" She smiled and left, understanding his dismissal as clearly as if he told he to leave. He walked to the bathroom and quickly emerged clad in very fine robes, but without armor.
The door closed behind the small, happy woman and he turned to see the pale face of his companion staring up at him, a thoughtful look upon her face. She had been watching him curiously, he was not strict and formal as his father obviously was, he was actually very kind and gentle in his way. He rubbed at the hollows beneath his eyes. She hadn't noticed them before. She said nothing of this, and nothing of what he had done, she merely slipped down the side of her great bed and sat indian style across from him. They ate in silence.
She would look up at his solemn face occasionally, but rarely did he spare her a glance, his eyes focused on his eating. Their hands did touch as both reached for the last piece of fruit, a karal blue and plump in its ripeness, but her hand fell away at his touch and she suddenly found great interest on the floor beneath her. He did not look up but from the corner of his eye he watched her, as her hair fell forward to shield her eyes, to hide her blush. He could barely hear her as she whispered a quiet sorry. She did not see the slight inclination of his head as he acknowledged her remark after he bit into the warm karal.
As he brought the tender fruit up to eat from it again his lips she said it once again. "I'm sorry" This was barely above a whisper. He paused, the fruit upon his lips. This had caught his attention and as he lowered it he inquired. "What was that?" Her feet were no longer crossed, but were sprawled out awkwardly beneath her, her hands lay motionless and limp between her knees. Her long hair cast her face in shadows, creating an eerie look of gravity. "I'm sorry" The karal fell from his fingers and left a blue streak as it rolled across the floor. He pulled him self closer to her and with a gentle hand moved the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ears.
Her eyes remained downcast as he lifted her chin with a soft movement of his hands. He made her face him, look into his eyes. "For what?" "For everything," Her eyes shot down once more. "You've nothing to be sorry for," He said coldly. Her eyes suddenly flamed. "Nothing to be sorry for? I've been ruining everything since I've arrived." Her eyes dared him to challenge her. "Oh really?" He asked her coolly, dropping his hand slowly to rest across his knees. "The market? Your mother? Your father? What next?!" A passion flared behind her dark eyes, its purpose, he did not know.
"Were we not the ones who brought you here?" He asked her. Her eyes turned icy. "I couldn't have stayed if I had wanted to." Her voice was low now, but it had a dangerously icy edge. The fire gone from within her eyes which had now grown hard and dull. He did not question her further, instead her gathered her into his arms heedless of how her ash smudged body left marks upon his new clothes.
Her back went stiff and tense, her body rigid in his arms, but it didn't take long for her to relax and melt, conforming into his embrace. Her head rested against his chest as he buried his face in her singed hair. He stroked her hair absently and rose, her in his arms. He rose slowly to his feet, careful not to disturbed the tiny girl. Keeping her in his arms, he quietly walked to the window, throwing it open and pulling back the curtains. He sat down on the cushioned ledge, girl still resting in his arms. She was not asleep and was aware of all that was happening and as he sat with his feet upon the window seat and adjusted her in his arms, she sighed and snuggled up against him, ignoring any thoughts and any doubts she had for her future.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Um, people, I have no excuse, I've been lazy and well, reading other people's fics. I think I might've forgot, but I don't remember. I've been working on this darn chapter since before I published the one before it, but it seems to have moved a sentence at a time. Finally my friend Belgica pushed me to continue. So here it is. I ought to be more productive now, she's been on my back all day and I wrote the ending half in a relatively short time. Bell will be harassing me to the end of this fic, so hopefully I can finally start updating periodically.
Goten: WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!
*Scratches head sheepishly*
Des: Um that, oh yeah, well, it's not important! Please forgive me!
Goten: But you left me! ::sniff sniff::
*Hug!*
Des: I'll give you chocolate!
Goten: OK!!!!!
Des: Hurry up and review people, I'm bringing a dead fic back to life, I expect some kind of response! (^_^)
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball, Z or GT. If I did, I'd be rich and wouldn't have to post this thing here. But this story is mine, and only mine. So leave me alone and read. Hehe(^_^)
~. . .~ = Thoughts
(. . .) = Me interrupting. (I'm so rude)
**-. . . -** = Memory
Um, excuse? Me? Um, read bottom. I have missed this story a lot but I lost my drive and inspiration for a long time. Well I'm back after a long story and bad time, and well, I'm bouncy! Now on with the fic!
Chapter 15 - Respect Veggiehead!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After that too-close-for-comfort kick, Pan was a little more careful and a lot more alert. This wasn't just her little game to mock "Almighty King Veggie-head" -as she had so dearly named him- anymore, this was to prove her worth to the short, arrogant little man. HE was the one who barged in the room for no good reason, HE was the one who threatened to kill her, HE was the one who thought she was weak, so it only made sense that HE should be the one to pay for it. ~This is the same fucking thing that happened when I met Trunks! Man, does some kind of freaky superiority complex run in this freakin' family? What's up with that?~ She gritted her teeth against a blow she knew she could not avoid or block well. All the air was forced from the pit of her stomach as he so kindly dealt a punch to her gut.
This was getting to be too much for her, she was hungry, she had no armor on, and this cocky little man's attitude was starting to piss her off. She couldn't meet him punch for punch or kick for kick in this condition, she just couldn't keep her defenses up. She was just mildly upset at first, but now, now he was making her miss breakfast -which her stomach had no shame in reminding her- and on top of that, he was underestimating her. Now all she needed was for him to call her--- "Short, obnoxious little girl! Just give up! Can't you see? There's no point!" Her eyes shot open wide. "Excuse me? Come again?" "You heard me, you're nothing more than a tiny little runt who's grown a little too independent for my liking" THAT was the final straw. ~NO ONE calls ME short and lives! NO ONE!!~
The color rose rapidly in her cheeks as her anger made her heart pump with voracious speed. Her hunger forgotten, she lunged at her opponent. He was mildly taken aback by her sudden outburst and stumbled half a step in surprise, but he took up his former position and leveled out the strengths until both sides were even, and he was quickly dominating. This, however, did not daunt her for a second, and she speedily thought up a plan. She moved back away from him just a couple of paces, enough so as to be out of range from any of his kicks or punches.
~Finally the brat grows a brain and decides to retreat.~ "Finally giving up, ne?" He asked her, still in his stance. She looked at him and suddenly smiled, a malice filled, victorious smile and shook her head. Dropping down lower, she put forth both her hands, wrist to wrist, fingers slightly curled as if around a large ball. "KAA...ME..." Her smile was toothy and menacing, it was as if she had grown fangs. "HA..." Oh she was ready for this, this would end it for sure, the energy ball steadily growing in her hands was insurance enough. "ME..." She inhaled and closed her eyes as her hair flamed golden. "HAAAAAAA!!!!!" "Oh fuck" Was all Vegeta could muster before being enveloped in a mass of light and energy. "Holy shit!" Trunks screamed as he felt the searing heat from the blast fast encroaching. The energy blast spread rapidly, starting as a beam that spread from her hands to swallow Vegeta's stunned figure, and covering more and more as it grew, until it enveloped everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Curls of smoke twisted and curled around heaps of melted, dented metal and caressed the bruised flesh of the three who lay among the debris. Trunks sat up with painful twinge, hand to his head, trying to physically suppress a colossal headache. "What the..." He groaned as he looked around, evaluating his surroundings. "this can't be my room..." He whispered to no one in particular as he saw the ruins in which he lay. Hearing a groan, he looked over to his father, in his cracked armor, disheveled hair and stunned expression. He had never seen his father look so surprised, he was normally ready for anything. ~He wasn't ready for that ki attack, that's for sure~ He thought to himself.
"How the heck did that brat do this?" Vegeta was absolutely bewildered. "I've been hit with that attack before, it's never been to that magnitude! Who is she brat?!" Trunks was surprised with just how fiercely he was questioned. "I demand to know! Where is she from?! Who are her parents?!" Trunks could tell this wasn't just his father's normal, angry, irritated impatience, he REALLY wanted to know.
"Her name is Pan, she was taken from Earth by your scouts to be used as a servant. As for her parents, I have no idea." This was all he could muster, the truth, the only thing he knew about his mysterious friend. "Nothing more?! You don't know anything more?! And yet you SLEPT with her?!" "I did NOT sleep with her!" Trunks was furious, his father had some nerve to go and be so intrusive, and have no respect for anyone but himself. "Augh...mmmpf" Came a groggy, muffled voice.
~Thank god, she's ok.~ He thought with relief as he walked over to her and picked her up in his arms (which musta hurt like hell, but he couldn't just leave her there, ya know?) "How dare you-" Vegeta started "Just shut up dad" Trunks said as he turned his back and walked out the ruins of his room.
Never had Vegeta been so abashed, so disrespected, so lacking dignity, or so damaged of pride.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Damn it, now I have to find a new room until they can fix mine. ~ Trunks thought in frustration as he walked down the hall, looking for a room to set down the bundle in his arms. ~ Bra's room maybe? Nah, she'll just fuss, so would mom. Wait a minute, this is all mom's fault anyway. Go figure... Well, I guess I'll just have to take her to her own room and see what to do from there. Arg, I can't believe this!~ He was so frustrated that upon pushing the button to open her door, he broke the keypad. ~Damnit!~
But all his anger dissolved as he looked down at the angel in his arms. It was amazing how anyone who was so beaten and bruised, who's clothes were tattered and who's hair was disheveled could look so beautiful. Her shirt was burned sleeveless, showing her pale arms and defined waist. Her pants had fared a little better, stopping right above her knees. He lay her gently on the bed but didn't bother tucking her in because he knew she'd have to get changed. Walking over to the keypad by the door, he couldn't help but look back, he couldn't help but worry, as if when he looked she would be gone. Lucky for him, considering the condition she was in, she wouldn't be going anywhere soon, much less disappear silently.
Not long after he had absently called for a maid, one arrived at the open door. "Good afternoon sir," She said quietly. "Hmm?" He asked, a bit dazed, a lopsided smile across his face as he stood slanted across the door way, arms crossed as he stared at the girl struggling feebly to wake up and move from her place on her bed. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her in order to acknowledge the maid. "Oh, yes, hello Adelaide," She bowed slightly. "Now none of that, you've worked here long enough to realize the only need for formality is around my father," She attempted to smile, but she felt out of place doing anything but serving. "Is there anything you need sir?" He inattentively waved in the direction of his *former* room. "Could you please call someone about my room" She smiled slightly before she was able to quell the desire to. "Already done sir, anything else? Sir? Sir?" Again his attention was off with the girl among those silken sheets. "Oh yes, very sorry, could you also bring me some clothes, in white and please tell the cooks to make an extra large breakfast," He said, still not looking at her. "Sir, don't you mean lunch, it's half past one." His head shot around to face her. "Yes, yes, lunch it is." "That all sir?" "Yes, yes, you can go, thank you"
~Crap, how the hell is it one freaken thirty in the afternoon?! How long was everyone unconscious? Dad must have walked in at some time around 8, Shimatta!~ A groan from somewhere inside the room pulled his thoughts away from time. He made his way to the bed and sat down cross legged in front of Pan just as she as forcefully trying to open her eyes. "Mmmpf! Augh..." She mumbled to herself as she tried to raise an arm to shield herself from the blinding light that filled the room. "What the...?" He could barely make out what she had said as it had been muffled by the sheets.
He got up with as little movement as possible and called again for a maid. "Yes ouji-sama, how may I help you?" He didn't know this girl, she was new, but oh well. "Umm, yes, can you please bring me two glasses of water and some senzu beans?" "Very sorry, ouji-sama, but the palace has recently run out." ~Damn formalities, damn senzu beans, I'll deal with it later~ "Well in that case, bring some pain relievers," As if on cue Pan groaned loudly. "STRONG pain relievers," He laughed whole-heartedly as he bade the servant a good bye. Not two seconds later the same girl arrived with a silver platter, on it were two glasses of water and two small white pills.
Walking back to the bed, he held back a laugh ah he witnessed Pan's futile fight against the sheets as she made an attempt to sit up. With long strides he covered the distance quickly and sat beside her with tray in hand. "Morning sunshine," He said to her ruffled self. She merely glared in response. "Take these," He said taking her hand and placing the two tiny pills in her hand. He didn't even have time to offer her water as she gulped them down a dry throat, only to sputter and nearly choke them up. "Might be a bit late, but, here" He said as he gave her the glass of a water. He was surprised to see her laugh, hitting herself in the head for her stupidity. As she gulped down the proffered glass, she clutched at her head and tousled hair and felt the pain begin to ease. "I'm hungry" was the first thing she said. All she got for a response was a loud thump! As Trunks fell to the floor a sweat drop on his head.
Standing up and regaining his composure, he turned to walk out the room. "Where are you going?" She asked in a quiet voice, barely above a whisper. Without responding, he hit the OPEN button for the door. As he went to take a step forward, he nearly tripped over himself and the quiet, robe-clad woman standing in front of him, tray in hand. He had to act quickly so that her tray did not tip and spill the food and dress it had upon it. "V-very sorry sir, terribly sorry, I should have rang first, please don't tell the k-" He held a hand up to silence her. "Don't be ridiculous, it was my fault, I wasn't looking when I first stepped" He relieved her of her tray and placed it quickly beside the bed, but keeping th change of clothes. She heaved a sigh of relief. "Excuse, me, but what would your name be?" "H- Harriet sir," She stammered, tired eyes upon the cherry floor. "Take a rest for the day, and the next, I'm sure we've plenty of replacements,"
So full of elation the frail woman grabbed his hand, eyes shining happily, "Thank you so much sir," He chuckled as she dropped his hand suddenly when she realized she was stepping out of line, approaching and touching someone of rank without being told to do so, or given permission. "Well, Harriet, was it?" She nodded silently at his query. "Have a good rest and treat yourself to a big meal, it seems like you haven't had much to eat" She smiled and left, understanding his dismissal as clearly as if he told he to leave. He walked to the bathroom and quickly emerged clad in very fine robes, but without armor.
The door closed behind the small, happy woman and he turned to see the pale face of his companion staring up at him, a thoughtful look upon her face. She had been watching him curiously, he was not strict and formal as his father obviously was, he was actually very kind and gentle in his way. He rubbed at the hollows beneath his eyes. She hadn't noticed them before. She said nothing of this, and nothing of what he had done, she merely slipped down the side of her great bed and sat indian style across from him. They ate in silence.
She would look up at his solemn face occasionally, but rarely did he spare her a glance, his eyes focused on his eating. Their hands did touch as both reached for the last piece of fruit, a karal blue and plump in its ripeness, but her hand fell away at his touch and she suddenly found great interest on the floor beneath her. He did not look up but from the corner of his eye he watched her, as her hair fell forward to shield her eyes, to hide her blush. He could barely hear her as she whispered a quiet sorry. She did not see the slight inclination of his head as he acknowledged her remark after he bit into the warm karal.
As he brought the tender fruit up to eat from it again his lips she said it once again. "I'm sorry" This was barely above a whisper. He paused, the fruit upon his lips. This had caught his attention and as he lowered it he inquired. "What was that?" Her feet were no longer crossed, but were sprawled out awkwardly beneath her, her hands lay motionless and limp between her knees. Her long hair cast her face in shadows, creating an eerie look of gravity. "I'm sorry" The karal fell from his fingers and left a blue streak as it rolled across the floor. He pulled him self closer to her and with a gentle hand moved the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ears.
Her eyes remained downcast as he lifted her chin with a soft movement of his hands. He made her face him, look into his eyes. "For what?" "For everything," Her eyes shot down once more. "You've nothing to be sorry for," He said coldly. Her eyes suddenly flamed. "Nothing to be sorry for? I've been ruining everything since I've arrived." Her eyes dared him to challenge her. "Oh really?" He asked her coolly, dropping his hand slowly to rest across his knees. "The market? Your mother? Your father? What next?!" A passion flared behind her dark eyes, its purpose, he did not know.
"Were we not the ones who brought you here?" He asked her. Her eyes turned icy. "I couldn't have stayed if I had wanted to." Her voice was low now, but it had a dangerously icy edge. The fire gone from within her eyes which had now grown hard and dull. He did not question her further, instead her gathered her into his arms heedless of how her ash smudged body left marks upon his new clothes.
Her back went stiff and tense, her body rigid in his arms, but it didn't take long for her to relax and melt, conforming into his embrace. Her head rested against his chest as he buried his face in her singed hair. He stroked her hair absently and rose, her in his arms. He rose slowly to his feet, careful not to disturbed the tiny girl. Keeping her in his arms, he quietly walked to the window, throwing it open and pulling back the curtains. He sat down on the cushioned ledge, girl still resting in his arms. She was not asleep and was aware of all that was happening and as he sat with his feet upon the window seat and adjusted her in his arms, she sighed and snuggled up against him, ignoring any thoughts and any doubts she had for her future.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Um, people, I have no excuse, I've been lazy and well, reading other people's fics. I think I might've forgot, but I don't remember. I've been working on this darn chapter since before I published the one before it, but it seems to have moved a sentence at a time. Finally my friend Belgica pushed me to continue. So here it is. I ought to be more productive now, she's been on my back all day and I wrote the ending half in a relatively short time. Bell will be harassing me to the end of this fic, so hopefully I can finally start updating periodically.
Goten: WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!
*Scratches head sheepishly*
Des: Um that, oh yeah, well, it's not important! Please forgive me!
Goten: But you left me! ::sniff sniff::
*Hug!*
Des: I'll give you chocolate!
Goten: OK!!!!!
Des: Hurry up and review people, I'm bringing a dead fic back to life, I expect some kind of response! (^_^)