Chapter Summary: Krillin has to deal with a lot of things; he just didn't think a wolf in his backyard would be one of them.
My God, I'm so lonely, so I open the window/To hear sounds of people, to hear sounds of people/And I don't want your pity, I just want somebody near me/Guess I'm a coward, I just want to feel alright
God fucking damnit! Krillin screamed in his head while sitting up, dripping in sweat and annoyance at with what the universe decided to punish him for living for the last…week? It was Saturday when he dared to leave his covers to check, so yeah, a week. Lord have mercy knowing that made everything somehow much worst.
He didn't ask for much, you know. Okay, he didn't think he asked for much yet here he was, trying not think about claws digging inside of him, nudging him further to—
You know what, Krillin could go for some coffee right now! Nearly tripping over himself and avoiding looking at the couch in the process, he made it to the kitchen to find a better distraction. God, he hadn't had a cup in sometime either, so he had to thank the random stranger for the excuse. While waiting for the brew to be ready, he leaned over the counter, staring directly at his living room now.
A whole week had passed since 'the backyard incident' as it was dubbed by Krillin and he hadn't told a soul either, he was not dealing with their meddling, the good people that they were. He knew his friends were worried for him, they always have been, he had the tendency to…disappear it's something that happened…once or twice if you didn't count the short ones.
Nevertheless, he was fine, regardless of the implication of those dreams had to say. Would he even call them dreams, they felt like nightmares if you asked him. Loud beeping alerted him of his coffee and the smell of dark roast filled the room, Krillin suddenly didn't feel so bad about the morning. After putting his coffee in his mug, he leaned against the counter while taking small sips of his drink.
His phone rang and the caller ID showed that it was his friend Bulma, he answered it, "Hello?"
There was some rustling over the phone before a cheerful voice responded, "Hey Krillin, it's nice to hear your voice! How have you've been?" She didn't mean for it to be a loaded question because it wasn't one, but damn did it feel like it.
"I've been pretty good, what about you and Trunks?" Another round of rustling was heard before Krillin got his answer.
Bright child-like giggling echoed over the line, "Hey uncle Krillin, its Trunks!" Hearing his little lisp made it even cuter. To think he was four now instead of grouchy baby that had more angry pictures than an adult.
Krillin couldn't help but smile, "Hey little buddy, how have ya been?" For a few minutes, they talked about Trunks' new toys and his favorite TV show until his mom finally took away the phone.
The adults talked some more until Bulma finally said, "Oh god, we've been talking so long, I forgot the reason why I called you. I'm having a little get together later on today and I was wondering if you could make it."
Skipping out on the daily gatherings weren't intentional, it just happened. Going out seemed terrible, crying at the drop at a hat and curled up on a blow-up mattress was not a good look for him. Then he had to move in and start from scratch with interludes of crying fits when he remembered that he was preparing to be dad. So yeah, a mess seemed be right the bill.
But there were no more excuses and quite frankly, he was glad to not have one.
He said yes and that he couldn't wait to see everybody tonight, the call soon ended with a goodbye from Trunks. Krillin finished his coffee and washed in dishes in silence, thinking that maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all.
~WGBITN~
The sun was starting to set when Krillin was in the mirror fixing himself. While this wouldn't be so awful if he had his brush, but he couldn't find it for shit. Thankfully, he had a backup, but it was a backup for a reason.
Flinching when his head got dragged, only proved his point. He really needed his old one back before his hair fell out. After getting it best he could, he dropped the brush on the sink and stared up at the mirror. Just try and be happy Krillin, it's what you can do for your friends.
He smiled and walked out of his room, adjusting any part of his outfit that was out of order. After fixing his pants, his eyes caught something at the sliding door and once turning his head to see bright amber eyes peering at Krillin.
Standing there was a wolf, way bigger than ones he was used to seeing, its colors dark with highlighted red from the bright sun. Its stood there, staring at Krillin and for a strange reason, putting a familiar feeling inside of him.
Once making eye contact with him, the wolf scampered off making Krillin raise his eyebrow, "Well all right then." Walking over to the door and closed the blinds, after making sure it was locked, old habit. Can never be too careful.
"That's odd, I could have sworn I closed the blinds yesterday, been doing that a lot lately." He muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. Looking at the clock followed a stream of cusses as he made his way to the front door.
~WGBITN~
"Krillin! I'm glad you could make it." It has been a while since he's been to Bulma's house and he didn't remember it being this bright. Or big if he was being honest, might as well as far to that list.
Did she redecorate recently?
Slowing heaving breathing, he nodded and gave a grimace. His friend let him pass and closed the door behind them as they walked through the bright yellow hallways, small conversations filling the vacant space around them.
They came to a room and greeted with the sight of everybody and Krillin meant everybody. Some friends he hasn't seen since he moved out of Goku's place, which had to be a few months at best it, and he was excited for the first time in a while.
Bulma left to check on something and the man walked off to meet everybody, well it wasn't long if the weight on his back was anything. Spun around so fast, circles filled his vision until it cleared on Tien and Yamcha. A long hair tan-skinned man dressed in plain tank top and jeans, that was Yamcha was with a tall pale-skinned bald man dressed similarly were smiling at him.
His scar-faced friend chuckled, "Well look who it is Tien, our old buddy Krillin. I'm glad you could make it dude! Me and Tien were getting worried for you man." So was he but he knew better than agree with that last statement.
Tien stared down at him, "You look well Krillin, it suits you." Nonchalant tones were a good thing when the taller man spoke and the warmth the spread in his stomach only made his decision to go out for valid.
Retuning their jovial energy, Krillin said thanks and watched them walk off, a hot blunt knife stabbed in his belly when he saw Tien's hand snaked around Yamcha's back. Good thoughts Krillin, good thoughts. Downing his bitterness into bottom of hell, he went off to get something to drown his acidity in a sweet drink.
"Uncle Krillin!"
In an instant he was slammed on the tiled floor by a flash of black, orange, and blue. Perched on top of him was a doppelganger of his best friend in the form of his youngest son, Goten. Shining onyx eyes peered into him as Krillin had tiny arms wrap around his neck, tightly at that.
Resisting to groan at the additional weight, he sat up with Goten still wrapped around him, "Wow look how big you've gotten! Someone's been eating their vegetables like a big boy!" Giggling rested against his ear as the boy burrowed into Krillin's neck.
Footsteps approached them and both uncle and boy looked up, "Mommy! Uncle Krillin at the party." He squeezed to show her, a disappointed Chi-Chi, what he found. She was dressed in a royal purple dress and black shoes, her equal black hair was down, bangs not hiding her expression.
She put her hands on her hips and lamented, "Goten you shouldn't run off like that, I'm sorry about that Krillin." The man said it was fine while getting up the floor with the boy hanging on.
Chi-Chi was followed by Goku and two others, Piccolo and Gohan. His old friend looked well as always, his bright mood dressed similar to his son mixed with the cool aura of Piccolo, who gave a small smile and wearing something closer to Chi-Chi's outfit but pants instead of a dress. Smiling was a new thing for the taller man. And finally, his eyes met his oldest nephew who was dressed in jeans and t-shirt and the song in his heart was loud. Krillin remembered when the oldest was a baby himself, a surprise of a lifetime if you asked him. Mostly because Goku having a kid hadn't passed through his mind, he should have known when the man got hitched.
Krillin smiled at the family, "Hey guys! How have you've been." He was once again hugged by Gohan and Goku, getting again crushed for the second time. The youngest didn't like that much and whined when he was squished, pouting at everyone when they laughed as everyone started talking. Once again Krillin was asked about the house and once again, he had to be a decent liar.
Goten was having a blast while conversations were had, trying to talk with Krillin as he spoke, pulling at his uncle's hair as it was much longer now and just straight up giggling at whenever anyone talked. He stayed in his arms most of the time, not wanting to get down, trust me, Krillin had asked.
After making a playdate at the Son family's house with his daughter, Krillin was about to put Goten down when the boy tighten his grip on his shirt. He looked up at the man, "No get down, want to stay with uncle Krillin." Both Goku and Chi-Chi tried to get the boy to let go but he was determined, even leaning away from his parents hands, and resting grumblingly on Krillin's chest.
Piccolo finally spoke up and stepped in, "Goten, your uncle wants to do something else, you have to get down, now." The dark-skinned man was having a stare down with the boy and Krillin knew that Goten wasn't winning this one.
So did Goten apparently when tears filled his eyes followed by him begrudgingly getting down which was making Krillin feel bad. He piped up, "Well…he can stay with me with me for the time being, I know you three can use a break." One day he'll have a backbone. Maybe when Goten stopped being so cute.
Chi-Chi frowned at him, "Are you sure Krillin, you don't have to." He didn't but he owed it to the family for what they did for him and it was the least he can do. The thought of where he would without their help was not a pretty sight.
He gently waved her off, "Its fine Chi-Chi, I'll take him, it is my job as uncle, right?" He looked down at Goten and patted his head.
"What do you say buddy, wanna spend some time with your uncle Krillin?" Tears weren't falling anymore, and the spark was back in his eyes, the guilt in the man was also fading away now too.
Goten turned to his parents, "Can Goten go mommy and daddies, I be good boy and listen to uncle, pretty please?" He was now back to hugging Krillin, staring up at them with big eyes. The three adults looked between each other before nodding, making Goten squeal.
Krillin looked at Gohan, "You wanna come too Gohan?" The teenager was surprised to be asked but smiled and said he would love that and Goten seemed really happy at that. Goten grabbed at his brother hand and linked his other with Krillin's.
"Bye bye, mommy and daddies, see you later!" The Son adults laughed as they watched three-year-old Goten pulled the both of them away, taking him wherever he wanted them to go.
~WGBITN~
"So how have you been Gohan? I know it's been a while since I've seen you." They were currently getting drinks, which Krillin was forever thankful and Goten had found Tien and Yamcha, so he was talking them under a table.
Gohan grinned, "I've been pretty good Krillin, thanks for asking." Krillin hummed, glad to hear the teenager being in good spirits. Squealing caught their attention and they saw Goten being tickled by Yamcha.
"You know, he missed you a lot when you left." Krillin turned to Gohan, "He would ask how where you were and we'd have to distract him until he forget but he'd asked, almost every day, where his uncle Krillin was. I guess that explains why he didn't want to let go today."
After the break-up with 18, he would help around the house when he wasn't busy with work, it was to show his gratitude for their kindness, and he didn't want to be a burden to the Son family. Sometimes he'd help by giving Chi-Chi a break and take care of Goten for the day, they would play games, read books, and just spend time together. It reminded him a lot of when Gohan was kid, but his youngest nephew was much more energetic and playful than the shy baby Gohan.
More squealing brought their attention and now a certain purple-haired boy has joined Goten. The boys hugged in delight and spun around, babbling to each about how much they missed each other which made Gohan laugh as he said they saw each other last week.
Goten pointed over at them and after saying goodbyes to Tien and Yamcha, they ran over to them. Trunks hugged Krillin, happy that he came today. When he lived with the Sons, Bulma's boy was over regularly and he would play with his other nephews when Gohan wasn't busy studying and the man could spear some time as well. Krillin had never met such children with spunk and miles of ecstatic energy.
The four-year old boy then hugged Gohan, swinging himself from the young adult, "Hi Gohan! What are doing here?" His voice bright and filled with child-like mischief.
Gohan laughed and explained that he was here with his parents but wanted to go with uncle Krillin for the time being, that made Trunks look at him with his big blue eyes, "Can I come too uncle, pretty please?" He had his eyes set to puppy dog and rivaling Marron's and Krillin couldn't say no, even if he wanted to.
Once he said yes, Trunks squealed and so did Goten, now having his best friend with him. They all decided to walk somewhere else with Trunks resting on Gohan's shoulders while Krillin was holding hands with Goten.
The two young boys were talking most of the way, filling their walk with much needed humor. Goten was babbling to Krillin about their playdate and about seeing the baby soon.
"Is baby coming too uncle?" The boy asked him and that made Krillin think for a moment. He didn't think to see with Bulma if 18 was coming, apparently his ex hasn't appeared to one of these gatherings since they separated.
He answered the boy honestly, "I don't know buddy. She's with her mom this week, so it's up for her to decided." While his turn for Marron was coming up, starting Sunday and he couldn't wait to see his baby. "But I'll get her this week and we can have that playdate alright?" Goten smiled and nodded in an agreement.
Trunks pouted, "I wanna see the baby too." Oh right, Trunks hadn't meet Marron yet, mostly due to how Bulma's schedule worked out. He, unlike, Goten wasn't around when 18 was born and that made Krillin feel bad again.
Thinking for a moment, Krillin spoke, "Maybe you can come to for a visit and have the playdate with us? You can ask your mom about it and see what she says." Trunks liked that idea and shouted in excitement.
Goten joined in, happy to have his friend included and hugged Krillin for the additional member of their playdate. "Gonna be so fun, with uncle Krillin, baby and Trunks too!" He sounded so thrilled to have people over.
The boy then blinked and addressed Gohan, "Are you gonna be there too big brother?" He stared up at him and that made the teen pause.
Shrugging, Gohan said, "Sure, I think I can convince mom to let me join, I wanna see the baby too." Krillin had never met a teen this willing to see and be around smaller children but yet, his nephew was full of surprise, he should know.
"Yay! And now big brother, too!" Gohan and Krillin laughed at that and Trunks just giggled as Goten making a song about the playdate. They still walked around with now both the young boys singing about what they're going to do at their playdate.
Trunks suddenly gasped and called out Krillin name's, when he got the man's attention, his heart froze. There's was Lapis, walking in the same way with Marron in her arms and a baby bag on her shoulder. She looked nice in a tank long sleeve and blue jeans, his daughter wearing a bright pink dress with matching pink shoes, they both looked so nice. He really didn't think she would come today.
She made eye contact with him and he had to resist the urge to run and Krillin smiled at her. 18 walked over to them and said hi to everybody, Marron joining in when she saw her daddy, leaning down and stretching out her arms to him.
Once taking his daughter, Krillin stared at 18, "I didn't think you were coming, Bulma didn't say you were." Marron noticed Goten and smiled at him, making the boy smile back and started talking to her.
18 tucked her hair out of her face, "Usually I wouldn't but I heard you were coming today and I…wanted to surprise you with Marron." Her usual hardened blue eyes were softened when she mentioned their child and Krillin had to look away, he couldn't handle it when 18 did things for him.
Shifting his daughter to a better position on his shoulder and he stared back at her, "Thanks but you shouldn't have gone through all that trouble besides, I walked here today and—"
Blue eyes widened at him, "You walked here? Krillin do you know how dangerous that is, you should have asked someone to pick you up, you can get hurt like that." She never liked it when he walked, argued that a bus was better than walking in the middle of the night, but it was sometimes he did since childhood.
Before he could open his mouth, 18 went on, "My brother is picking me up after this, you're letting us take you home." Krillin quickly shut his trap because he wasn't getting out of it, his ex was a stubborn one and he nodded as it was the only way she would leave it alone.
Bulma finally popped out of where she was lurking around and called out to everyone, "Hey guys, dinner's ready!"
Oh, thank God.
~WGBITN~
Krillin never felt so glad to have food in his mouth because it gave him an excuse to shut up without being rude. Also, Bulma had some good chefs and he would be a really rude guest if he didn't enjoy, wouldn't want that now?
"Where's baby Marron, there's she is!" He looked over to see Trunks and Goten playing with his daughter in the living room while she was in Gohan's lap on the couch. All them had been playing before dinner was served and entertaining each other. She was giggling at the boys, reaching out to try and grab at them.
Goten of course was having a great time, those two always had a blast when Marron came over, indulging in whatever a toddler and baby find interesting together, that usually made some wild conversations.
Trunks surprised him, he knew that he was interested in meeting the baby but the fact that he was hugging and loving on her was something he didn't expect. He wouldn't call the boy introverted, but he seemed more comfortable around kids his age, like Goten or older, like Gohan. To be fair, this was the first baby he was around, but he did like it so far.
He wasn't complaining by any means, it was good for Marron to have other people be around her.
"Boys come to the table and eat; we don't want to be rude now." There was groaning heard from the smallest boys while Gohan said they'll be right there; he gathered the boys and gave Marron back to Krillin.
Sweet Marron gurgled at him and patted at his face, making her dad kiss his chubby hands. Having his baby here with him was making him so happy and he couldn't thank 18 enough for letting him have her early.
His daughter settled against his chest, sucking on her thumb as she laid her head on his shoulder. He patted her back as he ate, checking up on her whenever she moved and jerked but she was mostly fine.
"So Krillin, I heard from a certain young man that there's a playdate coming up." Bulma spoke up and the man said yeah there was, and his friend hummed, "Where's it going to be then, I'm curious."
He blinked in confusion, "Uhm…at Goku's place, I think. Don't know where else we would have it." Krillin laughed to ease the awkwardness stirring in his stomach.
"Oh, I thought it would be at your house, you know since no one except 18 has seen it." That didn't sound like a good idea, he quickly said no and that the house wasn't ready yet for anyone to see. Cutting out the part about the stranger attack seemed to be a smart move.
His friend narrowed her eyes at that but dropped it, making Krillin thankful for whatever divine intervention stopped her probing. After taking a quiet exhale, he focused back on his child who mostly had a great time munching on his shirt.
No more conversation were passed to Krillin for the rest of dinner and never did it feel so nice to kind of be in the background. 18 had given him a bottle to heat during everything and he fed Marron while everyone was eating, burping her when she was done.
Bulma said that before everyone left, she wanted to watch a movie, kid-friendly of course. Once people got comfortable with everyone tall siting on the couches while the kids and Krillin, including Gohan sat on the floor, she popped in the movie.
After being fed, Marron was sleepy and just nuzzled herself into her dad while the movie played, a pacifier in her mouth given by her mother. Trunks and Goten were laying on him too, actually quiet for once as they were sucked into the story.
Gohan was laying on his stomach and next to his baby brother and watched in silence, only making noise when something interested him. Seeing his oldest nephew relaxed warmed his heart, the boy was always so quiet, never knowing exactly how he was feeling.
While looking over his friends, him and 18 accidently stared at each other and Krillin ignored the pang that stabbed him. He smiled however, not wanting to make his ex feel like something was wrong, because there wasn't it.
She smiled back, like she always did and that didn't make him feel light, it shouldn't at least. They weren't together anymore, there's should be a light inside of him because there wasn't anything to feel light about.
He turned back to the screen, so he could move on with his life, he had to.
For the both of them.
~WGBITN~
The night had finally ended, and it was time to leave. Krillin said goodbye to all of his friends with a sleeping Marron on his shoulder, watching as the Son family drove away with their sleeping kids, Tien and Yamcha leave for their own home and Bulma close her door to her house.
Him and 18 were outside waiting for her brothers to come and oh boy, it was awkward. It wasn't like he was never alone with her, it just that being alone in a quiet area with her was making his stomach does flips like a gymnast.
"Thanks again for drive home and bringing Marron here today, it was really nice of you." 18 said that it was no problem, and it was nice to see the man so happy. And she was right, it made him the most happiest to see his little girl.
"Besides, I did owe it to Bulma to come, I've been blowing her off when she's been asking. I think she told me you were coming to spike my interest." She laughed, folding her arms.
Krillin joined in, "She used Trunks for me, never could resist the calling of my nephews. We all our weakness don't we." They talked so more about their week and upcoming plans they had until a truck pulled up.
A dark-haired man with similar steel blue eyes poked his head out of the window, "Hey two, need a lift somewhere?"
Krillin waved the twins off as they drove off, "Thanks again, you two! I'll see you guys soon!" Once he saw them turn a street, he got out his keys and walked inside his house. A small part of his mind reminding him to water the plants once again.
He locked up behind him as he walked over to his daughters' room. Marron, still in a deep sleep, was none the wiser to being changed into her pajamas and tucked into her crib. The father grabbed the baby monitor, turning it on and kissed his baby on the head before turning off the lights and closing the door.
Pleasantly exhausted from being social, he too headed off to bed. He changed into own pair of pajamas and climbed into bed after placing the baby monitor on his nightstand, ready to turn in for the night.
Despite his reserved about going out tonight, it was a really good to see everybody and it got his mind off what's been plaguing him for the past week. He got to see the kids too and it always made him happy to see them doing well.
And the best part, he got to see his daughter. His little girl. He really should do something nice for 18 to pay her back somehow, oh well, he can think about it tomorrow.
Snuggling into his covers, he closed his eyes, letting the quiet of his house and the soft breathing of his daughter through the monitor be his guide into the realm of dreams, hoping for a quiet sleep this night.
~WGBITN~
It was the next day, allowing father and daughter to spend time together. Marron woke him with her cries of hunger before the sun even came up, but the plus side was morning cuddles in daddy's bed, so not all bad.
His daughter spent the morning playing with some of the toys Krillin brought her when she was born and watching some cartoons while he was busy cleaning up the house. She also was getting the hang of crawling now, so when she got bored, Krillin would have a little shadow follow him around. That also went for things that were laying around were a toy too, no matter how much Krillin tried to keep it away from her.
After changing her diaper, Krillin plopped her down on her mat, "Alright Marron, daddy will be right back. He needs to get something from his bedroom, be a good girl and stay on the mat okay." She gurgled and hiccupped which Krillin took as a 'yes.'
Moving as quickly as possible, he ran off to his room to look his computer charger, which somehow ended up under his bed before going back to the living room. Marron wasn't on her mat anymore and now was patting at the sliding door. How the hell did she move so quickly?
She saw her daddy and babbled to him, turning back at the backyard, and tapping on the glass. Did she want to go outside? He picked her up and sat down on the mat with her in his lap, holding her up to face him.
"Marron I thought I told you stay on the mat, I thought you were listening to daddy." He tried to use his stern voice but then she pouted at it, and he couldn't really be mad right? She was just a baby.
He smiled as he held her back to his chest "Awww, you didn't mean to upset daddy, didn't you. You just wanted to see what was in the backyard because you're so curious. Daddy's little explorer, isn't that right?" He kissed her all over her cheeks making her giggle.
Nap time soon followed for his daughter and Krillin decided to relax on the couch for the time being. While Marron wasn't the most active baby in the world, she still needed attention and wanted his attention in the same breath. Also, they had a few incidents with her crawling in places she isn't supposed to be, like a good girl does. She even went back to the door again, as if she were looking for something.
He sighed and leaned into the couch, humming as he closed his eyes. Tiredness began to fill him, and he found himself dozing off in the middle of the day. Who would it hurt to nap with his daughter, he thought he deserved it.
Waking up, he noticed the sun was starting to go down and that Marron was still asleep. Odd, she wasn't that hard of sleeper, he should go and check up on her. As he was leaning forward on the couch to stretch, his eyes went over to sliding door and he screamed.
There was the wolf again, standing as still as a board outside. Sharp amber eyes were staring directly at him, watching as Krillin moved around and not panic because holy fuck there was a wolf in his backyard again.
Where the hell was it coming from?
This was a new problem, like a fresh out the factory new, wait…was that what Marron saw? He looked back at it and it was still staring at him, not having moved an inch since it locked on him. He would like to take note, how much bigger this thing was from your average wolf, which you know, is not concerning at all.
His new visitor finally moved, stepping closer to the glass, and tapping its nose, as if to sniff. Slowly but surely, Krillin scooted across his carpet until he was face-to-face with the animal, who finally lifted it face from the glass to stare at him.
"Uhhh…hello there." Not a human Krillin, doesn't understand English but you know, it didn't matter, "I haven't seen you around these woods." Trying not to flinch at his own terrible joke, he sighed and stared back at the thing.
"Look…this is like the second time I've seen you and you're creeping me out." Silence was the answer and a slow wag of fluffy tail, if wolves were anything like dogs, tail wagging was a good thing. Alright, not angry, or aggressive but still creepy and ominous.
Titling his head, he placed a hand on glass and watched in surprise as the wolf pressed it head against his hand. Wolves weren't known for entertaining humans or better yet, being anywhere close to humans.
Removing his hand, he stared at the wolf and before he could open his mouth, Marron started crying so loudly it traveled from both the monitor and her room. The wolf turned and ran off in the deeper woods and Krillin blinked before registering that his daughter needed him. Staring at the plentiful woods, no trace of the animal seemed to even be there.
That was odd.
~WGBITN~
Him and Marron were cuddling together on the couch as it was now night, watching some television to unwind after the day. His daughter was laying against his chest, chubby fingers in her mouth and attention directly on the screen.
They've been at it for about an hour now and Krillin never seen his daughter so entertained by bright colors and people talking in his life, but she looked so cute. Her non spit hand was on his shirt, a death-like grip on it to make sure he didn't leave.
Marron had been a good girl for the rest of the day, still crawling like a champ but decided that following her dad was more exciting than the cabinets. Krillin decided to give her a treat in the form of ice-cream which was happily enjoyed by both baby and father even thought a messy daughter was the adorable outcome.
Now they were just having time together and Krillin wouldn't have it any other way, nuzzling his face into her blond scuff of hair. Hours had passed since the wolf incident and the man hadn't seen it since, he hoped that it wouldn't come back. While it wasn't a direct threat to anyone, he didn't think a wolf was good thing to have around his child.
And something told him Marron wouldn't see the harm in having the animal around, being the little sweetheart that she was. 18 and him did notice she had an interest in things tinier or bigger than her and even things that could maul, so no wolf. He stared down at his daughter and kissed her on the forehead, making her giggle and swat at him.
Kissing her so more, a feeling washed over him, and it was nothing positive either. He looked over and he forget to close the blinds, again. Something about staring into pitch blackness creeped him out and was the worst thing about moving in here, damn it he needed to get a light back there.
Irritated that he had to move, he scooted his daughter off him and sat her against the couch while he walked over to close the blinds, briefly wondering if that wolf was still out there. He was met with the pouting of his daughter as she reached out for him.
"Awww poor baby, daddy interrupted cuddle time, I'm so sorry." She babbled to him when he put her back in his arms and grabbed on to his shirt while giving him a baby-faced glare. That made her look even more like a cutie and he told her that as she snuggled herself back to his chest.
Curling around his baby, he turned his attention to the show and the strange feeling invading his stomach was gone for the moment and he indulged in the peace he was given.
~WGBITN~
The morning after proved to be more interesting as Marron woke up at a decent time but was even more cuddlier mood than usual. They spent most of the morning the same, but a certain little girl just wanted to be under him most of the time. Wanting to see him or be held all of the time.
Even in naptime had to be with him, crying whenever he tried to move and work on something when she finally fell asleep because she would only nap on his chest. She especially hated it when he left the room for anything and would use her superior crawling skills to follow him to sternly chatter at him for leaving her.
Lunchtime was no exception as Marron already had her bottle, she wanted to stay in her highchair to be with her dad. She wanted to held at first but since he had to use the stove, that had to wait until he was finished, which got him pouted at. He hummed to himself as music he choose from his phone played through a small speaker he had, which calmed Marron down enough to not upset.
Cutting up some vegetables and giving small bits of it to his child, he enjoyed the peace that was bringing brought to him. Glancing at his daughter, he said, "Give daddy a few minutes okay and we can watch those movies we like, how does that sound?"
Gurgles were his answer as he dumped sliced broccoli and peppers into the pan, "That's a good girl, now just be patience, alright?" Another round of noises were given, as music started playing, distracting his daughter.
I have never known peace
Like the damp grass that yields to me
I have never known hunger
Like these insects that feast on me
Odd, he didn't know this song either, but his baby seemed to like it. 18 really didn't like his type of music, he was more drawn to slow songs, songs that talked about death, melancholy, that sort of things. Knowing that his daughter could be drawn to it as well was nice to think about. It did have a nice tone to it, making Krillin sway slowly as the music continued.
I have never known sleep
Like this slumber that creeps to me
I have never known colour
Like this morning reveals to me
The aroma of cooked vegetables filled the kitchen featuring babbles by Marron. She was telling him something important and Krillin listened intently, agreeing with what she had to say, even if she kept making a tapping sound against her chair.
He looked over when he heard her laughing and it made him raise an eyebrow when she was staring at something in the living room. The wall of the kitchen some part of the room and unfortunately, where the stove was placed.
And you haven't moved an inch
Such that I would not know
If you sleep always like this
The flesh calmly going cold
"What are you looking at baby, a bird or some…." Sharp tapping returned and it wasn't Marron this time because her hands were flat on the chair and she was giggling, odd. It started up again making him turn the stove to low and walked over to where sight of the sliding door met.
He froze as him and Marron were staring at a gigantic black wolf tapping against the doorknob causing the knob on the inside to jiggle, as if trying to see if it was open. His daughter cooed, trying to talk to it.
And they'd find us in a week
When the cattle show fear
After the insects have made their claim
After the foxes have known our taste
I'd be home with you, I'd be home with you...
It finally noticed Krillin, stop tapping at the door to stare directly at him. And again, an odd feeling wrapped itself in his stomach, what was it doing here, how long was it standing at the door watching the both of them.
But then, it tapped its head against the glass like yesterday and a strange thought crossed him, did it want them to come closer, like it was trying to persuade them to be around it. Marron seemed interested in the idea as she was trying to wiggle herself out of the chair to meet it, whining at her dad to get her out.
They'd find us in a week (We lay here for years or for hours)
When the weather gets hot (So long we become the flowers)
And they'd find us in a week (We lay here for years or for hours)
When the cattle show fear (So long we become the flowers)
No. NO. NO. Finding his footing, he stomped over to the door and getting one more look at bright amber eyes, he pulled the blinds close once more. This wasn't going to be a thing goddamn it. That made Marron cry because she wanted to see the wolf and she raised her arms to her father to take her into his arms.
And they'd find us in a week
When the buzzards get loud
After the insects have made their claim
After the foxes have known our taste
There was the smell of burning vegetables poisoned the room as it had become charred and lunch was ruined but it was background noise as Krillin comforted his child. Bouncing her around until her cries quieted into whimpers, hiding her face in her father's shirt matched with her tight grip on his neck.
Time soon passed, Marron had quieted down fully but when Krillin tried to put her down to check the door, she immediately started up again. "It'll only be a second Marron; daddy would be right back. Come on, sweetheart, let go of daddy." Grabbing at her little arms made her shout and tighten even harder, making him sigh.
He rubbed her back while glancing over the door, no longer hearing the tapping anymore. It had to be gone by now and it wasn't important if Marron's drying tears had something to say about. She was muttering against his shirt, shaking her head as if to tell him no.
Kissing at her forehead, he cooed at her, "It's okay baby, daddy's not going anywhere, no is taking him from his Marron." He'll check later it wasn't what he needed to deal with right now, his child needed him, he'll stay with his baby until the end of time.
After the raven has had his say
I'd be home with you, I'd be home with you
I'd be home with you, I'd be home with you
I'd be home with you, I'd be home with you
~WGBITN~
Krillin was exhausted but he needed to do get a different opinion, like yesterday. When Marron finally calmed down enough to let her daddy check, there was nothing behind the blinds meaning that the wolf had left, again.
And there was one person he knew could get him so grounding and he was dialing them right now. Shifting Marron on another hip as she held on to him, trying to grab at him to get his attention. He quietly scolded her before the phone got picked up.
"Hello, Krillin?" A monotone voice answered and that was exactly what he needed making him smile.
Clearing his throat, he responded, "Uhhh…hey 16, how have you've been buddy?" He remembered when he met the gentle giant that was Lapis' brother. A very sweet and quiet man despite his large size wouldn't hurt a soul without reason and Krillin trusted the man.
"I am well, is everything alright with you and Marron. 18 is not here right now but if you need anything, I can be of assistance." And he didn't doubt that for a minute but that's not what he needed right now.
Swallowing a groan when Marron tugged at his hair to push herself higher on his hip, he continued, "We're fine but I need your advice on something…animal related." He reiterated what happened for the past few days and asked him point blank what he should do.
16 hummed over the phone, "You've said that the wolf hasn't been violent, and you are sure its tail was wagging." Krillin answered yes, making 16 hum, "That's very unusual and if you have never feed it than it really shouldn't bother you. Wolves usually leave humans alone." 16 said that he could babysit Marron this week while he worked to see if the wolf came back.
He thanked the man and hung up, looking at his baby, "Well at least we get to see uncle 16 this week, don't we sweetie." Looking back at over his destroyed lunch, he decided to just spend time with his daughter, they needed a break, didn't they? Clean up wasn't that hard and he at least saved the pan while Marron sat at her mat, watching him. She was really happy when he sat down with her and crawled her way into his lap as he turned on the TV.
Like he said, they needed a break.
For the mess of lunch, the two spent the rest of the day watching whatever came to mind, Krillin deciding to order out instead of cooking because while yes, having home-cook meals every day had the charm but screw charm, he wanted something that was terrible for him.
That also meant more ice-cream for the two, which they indulged themselves into after dinner. Marron seemed to have forgotten the wolf and didn't go looking for it, deciding that staying with her daddy and watching their shows was what she wanted to do.
Currently, Krillin was on his laptop typing away on a search engine with his baby laid against his chest as she patted at his chest. While 16 was a big help, the man still needed to understand what the hell was going on with him before he had work in the morning, maybe to set up anything to stop the visits.
After searching up 'Wolf behaviors' and what he got was certain articles about wolves, apparently wild wolves avoid humans like the plague but that definitely wasn't what his wolf was doing, if today was any example.
If anything, it seemed the wolf wanted him to know that it was there. And he had wolves came but they always left without much fuss and never seemed to come back either, which was normal behavior. He usually ignored them and they in turn, ignored him.
Unless this was a captive wolf that was realized into the wood, which he could see since West City did see some weirdos. But even then, it shouldn't be this willing to get his attention and annoyance was understating feeling. Some more searching led him to something weird…nothing really intelligent or groundbreaking but this weird sentence kept repeated when he looked up relationships between human and wolves.
"The wolf only needs enough luck to find you once." Well that's not fucking ominous, thanks Emily.
Giving up and pretty annoyed from not getting direct answer, he shut it and noticed that Marron was fast asleep and drooling on him. She must have been tuckered out from all the excitement because it was bit early for bedtime, but she looked so peaceful that he'd let it slide this once.
Quietly closing the door to her bedroom after putting her down in her crib, he decided to follow suit because they both needed it. Not brushing his hair for the second day in a row because the brush hurt him, wasn't really worth it and he was too lazy was the justification as he face planted in bed.
He felt like a train hit him at full speed, emotions drained and he was more confused than ever. A second week of nonsense seemed unfair and not even the universe could be that heartless, right? He hoped not. Dragging the covers up to his chest, he stared at the ceiling while the noise outside buzzed, letting his lull him to sleep.
Before sleep over came him, one thought highlighted in his mind. Here's to hoping for a better week, it can't get worse than this.
Endnotes: Did I just write 7k chapters back-to-back because now we're getting into heavy content and material…yes, yes, I am. Enjoy hope you enjoyed and see you guys in a month