"Mom?...Mom?""
Bulma's flashback was interrupted. "Huh?....Oh! Right, well, I made some tea if you two are interested." Bulma turned away and smoothed out her dress. It wasn't like her to just stop and lose touch with reality like that. She hoped she wasn't going senile. Bulma, Trunks, Sara and Kitty all walked back to the kitchen. (All except Kitty who couldn't walk because Sara had her in a death lock and wouldn't let go for a nanosecond.) Sara sat down and stroked Kitty behind the ears. Bulma was tending to the teapot on the stove and Trunks was searching the cupboards from some clean cups.
"So both your mom and your grandfather were inventors, huh? What did your dad do?"
Both Bulma and Trunks froze at this. Neither was quite sure how to answer. Trunks's tongue seemed to swell and something grew thick in his throat. Bulma's face grew pale, but she tried to ignore it and pretend not to notice the surrounding silence by continuing to fix the stove settings even though they weren't really broken. She was just looking for a distraction to avoid the on-growing tension that you literally could feel consuming the room.
'Uh oh...' Sara began to feel herself shrink; she could tell she had asked a sensitive question. She hadn't meant to cause any uneasiness. She just hadn't known that Bulma and Trunks would react this way.
("Well, how could I? No one's mentioned one word about the short little baka, not that I'm complaining." SARA! "Oh...right. Sorry.")
For a few more moments there was silence. Sara lowered her eyes and tried to concentrate on Kitty. The only noise in the room came from the clinking of the teapot on the worn down burner and the sudden cough from Trunks to clear his throat. He finally decided to come up with an answer since the silence was nerve racking. "My dad stayed home a lot...he never really took up a profession..."
"Oh...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"No, it's alright..."
It wasn't that Sara had asked a personal question...it's just that it was too hard to answer. What was Trunks supposed to say? The truth? Yeah, right. Trunks could just picture it now...
'Yeah, my dad was actually a prince from outer space. At first he wanted to blow up the planet but after a while, he changed his mind, joined up with the Z fighters and they all used their special powers to save the universe from evil alien invaders and androids. Then my dad spent most of his time in a gravity room, training. I know because I traveled back in time and talked to him.' Oh, yeah, iTHAT/i would work out well. For a comic book, maybe. Not too many people would believe a story like that, unless they were purely insane.
Trunks didn't like to keep secrets, but he didn't think Sara could handle the shock too well.
Sara looked up for a moment to look at Trunks. He looked like he was lost in thought. 'Way to go, smart one, maybe now you should ask if the guy's dead or not. What better way to keep this icheery/i conversation going?'
Sara stood up and put Kitty on the floor. Kitty ran as fast as she could on her little legs to the corner of the kitchen where she started to lap up some water from a tiny dish. Sara walked to the kitchen door. "I'm just gonna step out for some fresh air." She turned the handle, quietly stepped out and shut the door behind her.
The fresh breeze felt cool against her face. She took a deep breath and filled her lungs with the sweet air. The room had begun to feel stuffy and full of tension. It felt good to be outside and clear her mind a little. After a while, Sara felt the need to stretch; sometimes you just need to stretch out your arms a little, to get the sores out. After stretching her arms, Sara unraveled her tail from under her shirt and began to stretch that as well. She had it hidden under her shirt for so long, it was starting to cramp...
(That's right, ladies and gentlemen! Sara, our story's heroine, has a tail! No, I am not on crack; she really does have a tail. Don't ask me why, she just does. Plus, I wouldn't want to spoil the book.)
Trunks opened the door. "Sara, I just wanted to say..." Trunks stopped dead in his tracks. He stared at the long, furry, brown tail swishing back and forth. Trunks hadn't seen a tail like this in a very long time...mostly because this kind of tail was only found on Saiyans. 'Okay, Trunks, just calm down. I'm sure there are plenty of humans who are born with tails. It's probably a birth defect or something.' Somehow, this wasn't reassuring.
"Huh? Oh!..." Sara looked at Trunks, who was still in a state of shock. It was too late now; he had seen her tail. "Uh, heh heh, hey Trunks, what's up?" *sweat drop* 'Oh, God, I can't believe I just said that.'
"Um...exactly how long have you had a tail?"
"Uh...crap, I mean...eh..." What the hell was she supposed to say?
("Oh, gee, thanks a lot!" What?! What do you want? This is kind of an odd situation... "Still you...eha, just...just try not to make it too bad." Hey, I'm just trying to make it sound like you. *Sara glares* "I would not be that bad...okay, well, maybe just a little, but this is a fanfiction. Can't you make it a little more graceful?!" I'm an author, Sara, not a miracle worker... "Alright! That's it!" *Sara powers up* Nuh uh uh! *Danika shakes her finger* If you do, I won't be able to finish this fanfic... "Damn!" *Sara powers back down. *Danika continues writing victoriously while Sara sulks in utter defeat* "Don't push it...")
Sara stared at Trunks. Trunks stared back.
"Um, I'm really not sure what to say at the moment, so...you go first." Sara hoped this would give her a diversion.
Trunks gave a weak smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare; I just didn't expect you to have a tail. I was a little surprised."
"Yeah, it's kinda weird."
Trunks smiled. All of a sudden, Sara felt more like herself again, more confident. There was something warm in his smile; it was the kind of smile that made you want to smile back.
"It's not really weird, just different. Besides, it suits you well."
"Really?" Sara smiled and looked at Trunks.
"Uh," Trunks turned bright red and looked down at his feet. He had just realized what he had said. Embarrassing!
"Well, I mean, not many people could have a tail without looking weird, but on you it sorta works..."
"Oh..."
"N-Not that you're weird or anything...it's just...um..." 'Trunks, you idiot!'
"Um...well, you know what I mean, right?"
"No, not really."
"Huh?!"
"I'm kidding." Sara gave another smile. Trunks grew even redder. Sara tried as hard as she could to contain her laughter. 'This is fun! He's so cute when he blushes ("HOT!" *Danika sighs* Fine...) iHOT/i when he blushes.'
Trunks decided to change the conversation. "So...I just wanted to apologize for what happened back there. It wasn't your fault, it's just...well, we didn't really know much about Father when he was around; he sorta kept to himself."
"You don't have to apologize, but I'll accept anyway."
This time, Trunks returned the smile. He was glad the recent moment of uneasy silence hadn't made her lose her sense of humor. Trunks had never met anyone like her before.
(Oh, gag. *Sara hits Danika upside the head* Ow! "Will you knock it off and keep writing!" Sorry, I'm not used to writing about romance and touchy feelingness. "Is that a word?" It is now... "That's okay, but you could at least try. It's not like I'm asking for Shakespeare or anything." Grumble. Fine, but it won't be that good, so be warned, it could get very sappy.)
A sweat drop formed on Sara's head.
("You like using sweat drops, don't you?" Shut up.)
"Um, you're staring again."
"Oh! Um, sorry! I didn't..."
"That's okay, I don't mind."
"Oh..."
Trunks looked into Sara's eyes. Sara did the same...
Bulma walked outside. "Wow! Just look at that gorgeous sunset! It's just like a painting. Just look at those colors, how romantic..."
(*Sara slaps Danika upside the head again* I'm sorry, I couldn't help it! I was starting to blush just writing it! *sigh* I guess it's just the innocence of my cuteness. "Then just write it and get it over with!" Easy for you to say!)
Bulma looked at Trunks and Sara. "Hmm? Oh, I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?"
"No...not really."
"No."
Bulma looked disappointed. 'Man, what's with these two? A sunset is the perfect romantic background! It's a good thing I'm here; otherwise, these two would never get together. Wow, I feel like Aphrodite...Bulma, goddess of love, I like the sound of that!' Bulma grinned and turned to Trunks and Sara. "You know, the grounds here at Capsule Corp. are simply gorgeous after sunset. Trunks, why don't you take Sara for a walk?"
"Um...sure, why not?"
Bulma looked at Sara. "That sound good to you?"
"Sure, I guess."
Soon Sara and Trunks were walking along, neither dared say anything to the other.
(*Sara rolls her eyes* "Wow, this is sooooo iexciting/i." I know. "I was being sarcastic. Can't you make us say something?" Hey, the chapter is called 'Too Shy,' so they are too shy to say anything. "Just because they're, I mean we're shy, doesn't mean we can't talk!" Oh fine.)
"So...you take walks often?" Sara asked.
"No, not really."
"Oh."
Once again, there was silence. ("That's it?!" Okay, give me a minute....)
Bulma had taken out a pair of binoculars and was watching Sara and Trunks from a balcony on Capsule Corp.'s die. "Man, what do I have to do? Spell it out for them? *sigh* A mother's work is never done." Bulma put down her binoculars.
"HEY TRUNKS! SAY SOMETHING ABOUT HOW PRETTY SHE LOOKS! COMPARE HER EYES TO THE STARS OR SOMETHING!"
Bulma shouted this as loud as she could so Trunks wouldn't miss a word, and didn't; neither did Sara.
Trunks tried to hide his face behind his hand. 'This is NOT happening!'
(There. "That's not what I meant!" Oh picky, picky, picky!)
"She's not serious..." Sara wasn't too pleased with Bulma either. Why did she have to interfere like this?
"TRUNKS! TELL HER THE SOUND OF HER VOICE IS ENVIED BY THE HEAVENS ABOVE!"
Trunks was ready to die of embarrassment any second now.
"Um...let's just keep walking..."
Trunks didn't answer but he agreed. When his mom tried to play matchmaker, things got ugly.
"TRUNKS! AT LEAST TRY TO HOLD HER HAND WHILE YOU'RE WALKING!"
('Is she always like that? How annoying.' *Both Sara and Danika jump with surprise. L-Laura?! What are you doing here?! 'Waiting for you to introduce me. I'm in this fanfic too, remember? I'm the-' *Sara slaps her hand over Laura's mouth* "Let's not spoil it for everyone, alright?" Thanks, Sara. Don't worry, Laura, I'll introduce you later. Now let's get back to the fanfiction!)
Trunks sighed. "I can't believe she's doing this!"
Sara agreed. "Let's just ignore her."
Sara took a deep breath of the night air and stretched her arms and tail.
('You have a tail?' Laura! 'Sorry.')
Sara tilted her head back and looked at the shining stars. It was a clear night, so you could see each and every star perfectly. The moon looked especially gorgeous, so big and round tonight.
"Hey, look, it's a full moon! Cool,...uh-" Sara froze, her eyes grew wide. Trunks looked up and noticed Sara's ominous stare. 'What's she looking at?' "Sara, are you alright?"
No answer; something was definitely wrong.
Sara stood, transfixed by the moon. Trunks had a bad feeling...
Sara continued to gaze at the moon, completely oblivious to all sound or movement around her.
"Sara?....SARA!"
Bulma's flashback was interrupted. "Huh?....Oh! Right, well, I made some tea if you two are interested." Bulma turned away and smoothed out her dress. It wasn't like her to just stop and lose touch with reality like that. She hoped she wasn't going senile. Bulma, Trunks, Sara and Kitty all walked back to the kitchen. (All except Kitty who couldn't walk because Sara had her in a death lock and wouldn't let go for a nanosecond.) Sara sat down and stroked Kitty behind the ears. Bulma was tending to the teapot on the stove and Trunks was searching the cupboards from some clean cups.
"So both your mom and your grandfather were inventors, huh? What did your dad do?"
Both Bulma and Trunks froze at this. Neither was quite sure how to answer. Trunks's tongue seemed to swell and something grew thick in his throat. Bulma's face grew pale, but she tried to ignore it and pretend not to notice the surrounding silence by continuing to fix the stove settings even though they weren't really broken. She was just looking for a distraction to avoid the on-growing tension that you literally could feel consuming the room.
'Uh oh...' Sara began to feel herself shrink; she could tell she had asked a sensitive question. She hadn't meant to cause any uneasiness. She just hadn't known that Bulma and Trunks would react this way.
("Well, how could I? No one's mentioned one word about the short little baka, not that I'm complaining." SARA! "Oh...right. Sorry.")
For a few more moments there was silence. Sara lowered her eyes and tried to concentrate on Kitty. The only noise in the room came from the clinking of the teapot on the worn down burner and the sudden cough from Trunks to clear his throat. He finally decided to come up with an answer since the silence was nerve racking. "My dad stayed home a lot...he never really took up a profession..."
"Oh...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"No, it's alright..."
It wasn't that Sara had asked a personal question...it's just that it was too hard to answer. What was Trunks supposed to say? The truth? Yeah, right. Trunks could just picture it now...
'Yeah, my dad was actually a prince from outer space. At first he wanted to blow up the planet but after a while, he changed his mind, joined up with the Z fighters and they all used their special powers to save the universe from evil alien invaders and androids. Then my dad spent most of his time in a gravity room, training. I know because I traveled back in time and talked to him.' Oh, yeah, iTHAT/i would work out well. For a comic book, maybe. Not too many people would believe a story like that, unless they were purely insane.
Trunks didn't like to keep secrets, but he didn't think Sara could handle the shock too well.
Sara looked up for a moment to look at Trunks. He looked like he was lost in thought. 'Way to go, smart one, maybe now you should ask if the guy's dead or not. What better way to keep this icheery/i conversation going?'
Sara stood up and put Kitty on the floor. Kitty ran as fast as she could on her little legs to the corner of the kitchen where she started to lap up some water from a tiny dish. Sara walked to the kitchen door. "I'm just gonna step out for some fresh air." She turned the handle, quietly stepped out and shut the door behind her.
The fresh breeze felt cool against her face. She took a deep breath and filled her lungs with the sweet air. The room had begun to feel stuffy and full of tension. It felt good to be outside and clear her mind a little. After a while, Sara felt the need to stretch; sometimes you just need to stretch out your arms a little, to get the sores out. After stretching her arms, Sara unraveled her tail from under her shirt and began to stretch that as well. She had it hidden under her shirt for so long, it was starting to cramp...
(That's right, ladies and gentlemen! Sara, our story's heroine, has a tail! No, I am not on crack; she really does have a tail. Don't ask me why, she just does. Plus, I wouldn't want to spoil the book.)
Trunks opened the door. "Sara, I just wanted to say..." Trunks stopped dead in his tracks. He stared at the long, furry, brown tail swishing back and forth. Trunks hadn't seen a tail like this in a very long time...mostly because this kind of tail was only found on Saiyans. 'Okay, Trunks, just calm down. I'm sure there are plenty of humans who are born with tails. It's probably a birth defect or something.' Somehow, this wasn't reassuring.
"Huh? Oh!..." Sara looked at Trunks, who was still in a state of shock. It was too late now; he had seen her tail. "Uh, heh heh, hey Trunks, what's up?" *sweat drop* 'Oh, God, I can't believe I just said that.'
"Um...exactly how long have you had a tail?"
"Uh...crap, I mean...eh..." What the hell was she supposed to say?
("Oh, gee, thanks a lot!" What?! What do you want? This is kind of an odd situation... "Still you...eha, just...just try not to make it too bad." Hey, I'm just trying to make it sound like you. *Sara glares* "I would not be that bad...okay, well, maybe just a little, but this is a fanfiction. Can't you make it a little more graceful?!" I'm an author, Sara, not a miracle worker... "Alright! That's it!" *Sara powers up* Nuh uh uh! *Danika shakes her finger* If you do, I won't be able to finish this fanfic... "Damn!" *Sara powers back down. *Danika continues writing victoriously while Sara sulks in utter defeat* "Don't push it...")
Sara stared at Trunks. Trunks stared back.
"Um, I'm really not sure what to say at the moment, so...you go first." Sara hoped this would give her a diversion.
Trunks gave a weak smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare; I just didn't expect you to have a tail. I was a little surprised."
"Yeah, it's kinda weird."
Trunks smiled. All of a sudden, Sara felt more like herself again, more confident. There was something warm in his smile; it was the kind of smile that made you want to smile back.
"It's not really weird, just different. Besides, it suits you well."
"Really?" Sara smiled and looked at Trunks.
"Uh," Trunks turned bright red and looked down at his feet. He had just realized what he had said. Embarrassing!
"Well, I mean, not many people could have a tail without looking weird, but on you it sorta works..."
"Oh..."
"N-Not that you're weird or anything...it's just...um..." 'Trunks, you idiot!'
"Um...well, you know what I mean, right?"
"No, not really."
"Huh?!"
"I'm kidding." Sara gave another smile. Trunks grew even redder. Sara tried as hard as she could to contain her laughter. 'This is fun! He's so cute when he blushes ("HOT!" *Danika sighs* Fine...) iHOT/i when he blushes.'
Trunks decided to change the conversation. "So...I just wanted to apologize for what happened back there. It wasn't your fault, it's just...well, we didn't really know much about Father when he was around; he sorta kept to himself."
"You don't have to apologize, but I'll accept anyway."
This time, Trunks returned the smile. He was glad the recent moment of uneasy silence hadn't made her lose her sense of humor. Trunks had never met anyone like her before.
(Oh, gag. *Sara hits Danika upside the head* Ow! "Will you knock it off and keep writing!" Sorry, I'm not used to writing about romance and touchy feelingness. "Is that a word?" It is now... "That's okay, but you could at least try. It's not like I'm asking for Shakespeare or anything." Grumble. Fine, but it won't be that good, so be warned, it could get very sappy.)
A sweat drop formed on Sara's head.
("You like using sweat drops, don't you?" Shut up.)
"Um, you're staring again."
"Oh! Um, sorry! I didn't..."
"That's okay, I don't mind."
"Oh..."
Trunks looked into Sara's eyes. Sara did the same...
Bulma walked outside. "Wow! Just look at that gorgeous sunset! It's just like a painting. Just look at those colors, how romantic..."
(*Sara slaps Danika upside the head again* I'm sorry, I couldn't help it! I was starting to blush just writing it! *sigh* I guess it's just the innocence of my cuteness. "Then just write it and get it over with!" Easy for you to say!)
Bulma looked at Trunks and Sara. "Hmm? Oh, I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?"
"No...not really."
"No."
Bulma looked disappointed. 'Man, what's with these two? A sunset is the perfect romantic background! It's a good thing I'm here; otherwise, these two would never get together. Wow, I feel like Aphrodite...Bulma, goddess of love, I like the sound of that!' Bulma grinned and turned to Trunks and Sara. "You know, the grounds here at Capsule Corp. are simply gorgeous after sunset. Trunks, why don't you take Sara for a walk?"
"Um...sure, why not?"
Bulma looked at Sara. "That sound good to you?"
"Sure, I guess."
Soon Sara and Trunks were walking along, neither dared say anything to the other.
(*Sara rolls her eyes* "Wow, this is sooooo iexciting/i." I know. "I was being sarcastic. Can't you make us say something?" Hey, the chapter is called 'Too Shy,' so they are too shy to say anything. "Just because they're, I mean we're shy, doesn't mean we can't talk!" Oh fine.)
"So...you take walks often?" Sara asked.
"No, not really."
"Oh."
Once again, there was silence. ("That's it?!" Okay, give me a minute....)
Bulma had taken out a pair of binoculars and was watching Sara and Trunks from a balcony on Capsule Corp.'s die. "Man, what do I have to do? Spell it out for them? *sigh* A mother's work is never done." Bulma put down her binoculars.
"HEY TRUNKS! SAY SOMETHING ABOUT HOW PRETTY SHE LOOKS! COMPARE HER EYES TO THE STARS OR SOMETHING!"
Bulma shouted this as loud as she could so Trunks wouldn't miss a word, and didn't; neither did Sara.
Trunks tried to hide his face behind his hand. 'This is NOT happening!'
(There. "That's not what I meant!" Oh picky, picky, picky!)
"She's not serious..." Sara wasn't too pleased with Bulma either. Why did she have to interfere like this?
"TRUNKS! TELL HER THE SOUND OF HER VOICE IS ENVIED BY THE HEAVENS ABOVE!"
Trunks was ready to die of embarrassment any second now.
"Um...let's just keep walking..."
Trunks didn't answer but he agreed. When his mom tried to play matchmaker, things got ugly.
"TRUNKS! AT LEAST TRY TO HOLD HER HAND WHILE YOU'RE WALKING!"
('Is she always like that? How annoying.' *Both Sara and Danika jump with surprise. L-Laura?! What are you doing here?! 'Waiting for you to introduce me. I'm in this fanfic too, remember? I'm the-' *Sara slaps her hand over Laura's mouth* "Let's not spoil it for everyone, alright?" Thanks, Sara. Don't worry, Laura, I'll introduce you later. Now let's get back to the fanfiction!)
Trunks sighed. "I can't believe she's doing this!"
Sara agreed. "Let's just ignore her."
Sara took a deep breath of the night air and stretched her arms and tail.
('You have a tail?' Laura! 'Sorry.')
Sara tilted her head back and looked at the shining stars. It was a clear night, so you could see each and every star perfectly. The moon looked especially gorgeous, so big and round tonight.
"Hey, look, it's a full moon! Cool,...uh-" Sara froze, her eyes grew wide. Trunks looked up and noticed Sara's ominous stare. 'What's she looking at?' "Sara, are you alright?"
No answer; something was definitely wrong.
Sara stood, transfixed by the moon. Trunks had a bad feeling...
Sara continued to gaze at the moon, completely oblivious to all sound or movement around her.
"Sara?....SARA!"