I gave too much of my heart/I need someone to remember me/Just how many stars will I need to hang on around to finally call it heaven/I need someone to remember my name, after all that I can do for them is done/
It was a beautiful day in West City and all of its citizens knew—making it packed as people flocked to the outdoors. Children screamed in delight as they climbed on the brightly colored playground of the city's park, one such child being Krillin's daughter Marron. She was accompanied by two older boys, Trunks and Goten, all three playing and giggling around the beautiful day.
Krillin watched them, a soft smile on his face—happy to see someone was having a good time. Saying the last few days have been troubling wouldn't do his tiredness justice. It has nothing to do with his lovely daughter, oh no, he was dealing with a much larger pest and it was in the form of an overgrown dog. Ever since that Sunday evening, things had only gotten worse and Krillin wasn't coping well with it. For the last week, his problem would come strolling in, seemingly every time he got off work, and the tapping would start.
Oh god the tapping would clockwork, all he ever heard was tap, tap, tap, every single night. Thankfully, Marron could sleep through anything—he had no idea where she got it from, but he was grateful nonetheless—though didn't mean her daddy could. His reputation of being a terrible sleeper proved itself as he tossed and turn for hours on end, brain buzzing with energy as it reacted with the unnerving tapping. Some nights he would lie awake and wonder why god was punishing him with his new instrument of torture.
And he still didn't know what it wanted, 16 despite him being there for Marron when Krillin was working, never saw it. It was as if the wolf knew who was there and who was not, as if it wanted him. Silly, what a silly thought. Shaking it off, he looked over at the kids—his eyes wandering to his little girl, her gums wide in a bright smile as Trunks twirled her around.
"Be careful Trunks, we don't want Marron to get sick alright." Bulma called out, coming over to sit next to him. The boy pouted and walked over to the sandbox, where Goten and Gohan were, holding Marron to his chest.
Laughing at his nephew's antics, he leaned against the bench, resisting the urge to sigh at the cool metal. So badly did he want to sink into himself and close his eyes, god, how tired was he?
He turned to face his friend, her soft look meeting him, "You look tired Krillin, the wolf still keeping you up?" Mirroring her soft look, he nodded and she shook her head, "You know, me and Goku's offer still stands. You and Marron can spend a few nights at our places, we would love to have you."
Their offer was given to him when Lazuli told them after she found out from her brother, which was after an hour-long rant given by his ex. Insomnia blurred most of the conversation and he was more worried about Marron as she was upset from their arguing because Eighteen was angry with him, very angry at that. Things were said, words exchanged and none of it was spoken politely, not even as a couple did they yell at each other. They went at it and Krillin didn't even remember how they got so far but everything stopped dead when Eighteen said, 'Who the hell is going to be willing to take care of you when you can't even take care of yourself. Do you want to end up alone because I'm sick and tired of checking up on you and you doing nothing to get better. You're wasting my time and my patience. Get it together Krillin.' Hot shame melted his stomach when she finished, memories of disappointed blue eyes striking him as she left out of his house.
She still wasn't talking to him unless Marron was involved, and he couldn't blame her. She was right about him, when wasn't Lazuli right? He was wasting everyone's time and good faith effort—he needed to stop wasting everyone's time.
Still smiling, Krillin shook his head, "Don't worry about me, alright? Besides, Eighteen is picking Marron up tomorrow and I'll manage—I always do." Before Bulma could combat that Trunks and Gohan came up to them, his daughter still tucked in Trunk's arms.
"Sorry to interrupt uncle Krillin but Trunks wanted to take Marron on the swings, and I wanted to check with you." His oldest nephew asked sheepishly.
Nodding, he turned to Trunks, "Just be gentle with her okay kiddo, her mom would kill me if anything happened to this cutie pie." Patting his baby's head to emphasis his point making her giggle in response as Trunks happily ran off to the swings with Gohan following closely after him.
Bulma narrowed her eyes at him, "How are you and Eighteen doing, is she still not talking to you?" Not wanting to answer that loaded gun of a question, he shrugged while Bulma scoffed, "You two need to talk, it isn't healthy for you guys to ignore each other. Especially if my niece is involved, promise me Krillin, promise me you'll talk to her."
Sighing because he knew this wouldn't end until he agreed, he promised that he would and finally, it was dropped. Huffing triumphally, she leaned back with him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "If you're not staying the night, you're at least staying for dinner, you got me?"
Knowing better than to argue, he hummed a yes and truly did Bulma stop her never-ending provocations as they both watched the kids played—Trunks pushing Marron on the baby-sized swing, Goten being pushed by his big brother, cheerfully laugher all around.
Goku and his spouses joined them on the bench after enjoying a walk around the park, somehow all five of them fitting on bench and Krillin wished all of his friends could have been here but that was selfish, wasn't it? They all had lives that were more important than what he wanted, and they had a right to. Was he always this needy? Who the hell is going to be willing to take care of you when you can't even take care of yourself.
Shrinking into himself, he reminded himself that he wasn't going waste anyone's time, it was time for him to deal with his own crap.
He would take care of himself.
...
Marron was dead asleep when they made it home, not even hearing as her daddy waved goodbye to her auntie. Entering quietly, Krillin kicked off his shoes and walked over to her room to change her when she tiredly opened her eyes.
Her daddy froze as she whined, clenching tighter on his shirt in attempt to stay with him. Groaning softly, he turned around and went to his bedroom, noticing that the noises has stopped. Laying her on the bed to quickly run out, her cries soon quieted when he returned with pajamas in hand. Marron gurgled as he took off her clothes, grabbing at his hair as he shifted her to put on fresh clean pajamas. Once done, she smiled and reached for him, being taken into his arms as he climbed into the bed. Hand in her mouth, she cuddled into his chest and went out in minutes, surrounded by his warmth.
Looking down at his sleeping daughter, Krillin kissed at her forehead and listened to her little heartbeat against him. She had been doing this for a few days now, whining and crying whenever he put her down in her own bed, wanting to sleep in his room—he didn't know why but the argument with his ex may be the cause—Marron was pretty distressed after her mom left. Just like with his burnt lunch on Sunday, she was clingy to him, wanting him to stay with her and he would, he always would. Grabbing at his covers, he pulled it over them and snuggled into the blankets and her. It was quiet tonight and Krillin devoured it, gobbling up the peace and indulging into it as for once, his mind was silent. Welcoming his dash of good luck, tiredness washed over him like a warm fog, giving in within seconds and the fog soon covered him, showing him a world of pleasant blackness.
Krillin slept well that night.
~WGBITN~
Lazuli was coming to pick up their daughter and Krillin's stomach was jumping and squirming like no one's business. It has been a while since they talked, and his best friend's words bounced around since he woke up. Promise me Krillin, promise me you'll talk to her . The phrase repeating as he went about his day, packing up Marron's things as she was occupied with her TV show. He took a shower and washed up his daughter after she had risen from her sleep—making her clean and presentable for her mother—even putting on one of those dresses Chi-Chi had bought as a gift. It was a nice light blue color, and it was poofy too, Marron looked so cute in it.
They were just waiting now, his daughter in his lap because she demanded it, bouncing her lightly as she watched her show. Soon he heard the doorbell ring and with Marron in his arms, he opened the door. Eighteen stood there with her hands on her hips, dressed in a gray shirt and jeans—her hair in a low ponytail. She looked great; she always did. Stomach whirling like a hurricane, he smiled at her.
"Hey Eighteen, how have you've been?" She hummed and reached out to grab their daughter, Marron meeting her halfway, was now being held by her mother.
She looked at him, a look that wasn't the most positive, "I'm fine Krillin, thanks for asking. Listen I would sit and chat but I got somewhere to be, we'll talk later—I'll call you." It was simple and cold, and it dunked over him like a bucket.
Shifting foot to foot, he muttered, "Oh yeah, sure, you're busy, get that. We'll talk later and I'll see you next week." Poking at his daughter's cheek made her babble at him and he then kissed her chubby face, making her grab at him in a Marron styled hug.
Pulling away, he didn't meet his ex's gaze as he gripped the door, "See you guys soon and I'll talk to you soon Eighteen." She nodded in agreement and gave a curt wave as she walked back to her truck, Marron gurgling out a goodbye as he closed the door, banging his head on it.
Well, that was a fucking disaster.
...
Trying to distract himself, Krillin cleaned up, his quiet house his only companion. Scrubbing at the floor, counters and even the cabinets. He mopped everywhere, vacuumed three times, and wiped down every window he could find. The smell of bleach singed his nose as he kept working, finally stopping at his kitchen to wipe down the sink. Leaning against the counter, he sighed while tugging at his hair—feeling more useless than before.
He had one job, keep the peace between the two of them. That was what him and Eighteen owed each other, being able to work each other for the sake of their daughter and he fucked that up. All of their hard work was ruined by a damn wolf.
Speaking of which, tap, tap tap. Slamming his hands down, he turned and there was his problem—big and black—staring lazily at him from the sliding door, pissing him off. Did this thing sense his despair and wanted to relish in it, relish that it was ruining his life—the fucker.
Tap, tap, tap. Krillin wanted to scream, to shout and throw something heavy, potentially at his guest. Glancing at the open drawer, a knife glistened and before long, his hand was hovering over it—snapping out of it and retreating back into himself. No, he wasn't going to do anything that crazy, it was the insomnia talking, an intrusive thought.
Tap, tap, tap. His eyes then turned to the broom and still wanting this nightmare to end, he grabbed it. Walking over to his sliding door—opening and staring down at his guest—meeting bright amber eyes as he rose the broom over his head and slammed down. The wolf made a surprised noise as Krillin made contact, a sharp WHACK echoing throughout the woods as the man raised his broom again. The wolf bolted after the second hit and Krillin ran after, swinging wildly, getting a few more strikes.
He was screaming, angry and drained from the lost sleep, lost patience, and lost energy. "This is all your fucking fault—you stupid overgrown fucking dog! Leave me alone, leave me and my daughter alone—and don't ever come back!" The wolf fled into the woods and Krillin lost steam, huffing as his grip on the broom loosened.
"Don't ever come back." Whispering into the now silent woods, heart beating in his ear as he tried to breath—taking multiple slow breaths until he was calm. Stepping back, he turned for home until he heard some rustling. Stiffening and lifting the broom up again, he faced the endless woods for any more trouble. A nearby bush moved and he gripped tighter on his weapon—something stood up and as Krillin readied himself, he froze.
There was no longer a wolf but a man; his hair black and long, styled into a wild mullet, tanned muscular skin and those same amber eyes. His heart sank as they made eye contact, feeling he couldn't move until the man opened his mouth. Snapping out his trance, he swung the broom and hit him in the face—him falling back in the bushes as Krillin ran. Cussing followed him and soon—so did rapid heavy footsteps—pushing himself even harder, he zoomed back to his house.
As he saw his house, hope filled him until something hard slammed into his back. Falling flat and unable to get up, claws dug at his arms to turn him around and he was faced with blazing gold eyes. His struggling went nowhere as his hands were sealed in steel-like hold, a harsh voice speaking to him, "I'm not gonna hurt you, just let me—" Desperate to get away, Krillin leaned forward and headbutted him, making the man grunt.
The grip on his arms loosen and he pushed the heavy body off, scrambling to his feet until his foot was grabbed. He fell and this time, a hidden rock met his head, a sickening CRACK heard as pain shot through him.
The world was spinning, and something was trailing down his head, it smelled like blood. His arms wobbled as he sat up, everything hurt, and his legs felt heavy. Swaying on his hands and knees—it felt like he was dying—he tried to ground himself.
His vision blurred while he looked at the open sliding door, trying to crawl to freedom before crumbling under himself. More curses were heard as things went darker, "Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Was the last thing he heard and the last thing he saw was a shadow looming over him before everything went black.
...
Krillin opened his eyes and was met with darkness, no longer on cool grass but on a familiar feeling couch. Shooting up, a striking pain followed him. He groaned and touched his temple—flinching at the simple touch—he pulled it back to reveal blood. Oh god!
Turning to his sliding door, it was wide open. Frantically getting to his feet, he slammed and locked it, closing the blinds. He slid to the ground, heart beating so hard— he couldn't breathe. Gasping on the floor, he tried to retrace what happened; —the tapping, the broom, the wolf, the stranger, him falling, the horrific CRACK. How the hell was he alive, why was he alive? His head was pounding like a drum, panic wasn't helping.
He needed a hospital, but he couldn't call anyone; he didn't know how to explain to his friends, to his ex, hell to himself. Using the wall as a support, he stood up in search for his phone. Once finding it, he dialed 911.
He never once looked back at the door.
~WGBITN~
"Do you feel any discomfort or pain from the stiches, Mr. Son?"
Krillin told him no and the doctor nodded, "Alright you're good to go, I will say—that was a nasty concussion—that fall must have been something serious." Serious felt like an understatement if he was being honest but the doctor didn't need to know that.
He was cleared to hop down and grab his clothes, the doctor spoke, "And I've called Ms. Lazuli, she'll be here to pick you up." Shit, he never changed the emergency contact back, and he knew that Eighteen was going to be pissed. Great, just what he needed, her even more mad at him. Nodding, the doctor soon left and closed the door as he changed.
A few minutes later and Krillin was now sitting on a chair, waiting for her. The door reopened, looking up he saw Eighteen 's sharp eyes cut into him. "What the hell happened, oh my god, are those stiches?" She asked furiously, walking over before squatting to his level and touching at them. Trying not to flinch at cool hands touching him, he looked at the ground.
"How the hell did you manage—you fucked with that wolf didn't you? —what the fuck is the matter with you? You could have been killed!" Squirming away from her anger, he still didn't meet her gaze, knowing that disappointment was waiting for him.
Scoffing, she got up to her feet and folded her arms, clearly tired and wanting to go home. They sat in silence until a nurse soon came with some pain medication and discharge papers for Krillin, saying he can leave once it was filled out. Once done with the paperwork, the nurse told them to have a goodnight and left.
When she was gone, Eighteen grabbed at his arm and led him out of emergency care. His protests went unheard as she helped him in the truck before she got into the driver's seat and started up the car. The car ride was tense as Krillin looked everywhere but at his ex until they came at a stop sign.
"Why the fuck did you go after the thing Krillin, do you know stupid that was?" Her voice was clipped and angry. "Out of all the stupid shit you've done—this takes the fucking cake—I'm so close to being done with you—"
"Then be done with me." She stopped, her grip tightening on the steering wheel, still looking ahead at the road. "If you want so badly to get rid of me, then do it but don't threaten me. Don't act as if you're staying in my life because you pity me—I don't need that shit—alright? If you just want to be polite for the sake of our daughter then I'm fine with that but we aren't doing this, Lazuli. Not as long as I live." Finishing as tears filled his eyes, he curled into himself and became silent.
He was stupid for thinking that this could work, that they could remain friends after breaking up and be good role models for their daughter. Who was he kidding, this was a fucking disaster if they were fighting only seven months into this shit. Sniffing, Krillin stared out the window and saw the no moon, feeling utter sadness fill him.
For the rest of the ride, they didn't talk, and she soon pulled up to his house. Opening the door once the car was parked, he sped walked over to his door until he heard an engine shut off. Eighteen jumped down and walked over to him. Staring at each other and saying nothing, Krillin was about to open his door when Eighteen spoke, "I don't pity you." Footsteps came closer, "And I don't want you out of my life—I'm just, worried for you. Krillin, you have stiches in your head, I have a right to be worried, don't I?" Tightening his hold on the doorknob, soft hands touched his shoulders. Relaxing in seconds, he leaned into Eighteen —some part of him shouldn't indulge in this—he knew that.
"Please, just talk to me, let me in." Krillin could do that, he would have to do that. Twisting the door open, his ex went inside and noticed a strong smell as she sat on the couch. Moving to the kitchen, he muttered, "I did some cleaning when you left—may have overdone it a bit." Chucking a little, mostly for himself, he opened a cabinet for glasses.
He asked if she wanted something to drink and Eighteen said yes, water would be fine. Pouring them two cups, his ex said thanks when she received her glass. For a while, they didn't speak, too much but also too little to say. Gulping down his water out of anxiety, he got up for another glass when Eighteen gently grabbed his wrist to pull him into her. Tucked away in her neck, it felt safe and he went limp in her arms—the first time in a week, feeling like nothing was truly wrong.
"I shouldn't have said what I said last week, it wasn't true and I'm sorry for that. It just that, when I found out what was happening, I was scared. Not just for our daughter but for you because I know what you would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means getting hurt. And you're just a human, both of you are, one wrong move—you're over—done, finished, gone. I don't want that, want there to be a world without you. We didn't work out but that doesn't mean I will ever stop caring for you, that's why I'm so frustrated with you. You don't care for yourself, would do anything for anyone else but won't give yourself the same treatment. There are stiches in your head, and I have a feeling you weren't going to tell me or anybody if they didn't call me."
Hiding in her neck, he shrugged, "I was going to tell someone—just maybe not tonight." Muttering in her shirt, Eighteen huffed and tightened her hold.
"Would you have told the others and I mean the full truth, that you hit your head after chasing a wolf after not sleeping for days on end. You know, the wolf that they didn't know about." Blunt but true, he wouldn't have told them.
Because they couldn't drop everything for him, his friends had their own lives, and they were already such a big help after the breakup. He didn't need to be a bother anyway. He knew how hard they worked and how busy they were—it would be selfish to ask them to help him. Krillin told Eighteen as such and she shook her head.
"Krillin, we're your friends, we are there to help you. We care about you; I care about you and you need to let us take care of you." Nodding against her chest, they sat there—holding one another for a while as Eighteen ran a hand through his hair. The warm embrace was so soothing, so soothing that he closed his eyes and went to sleep, curled around the woman he lost.
It felt nice to be cared for.
~WGBITN~
A few days has passed since Krillin cracked his head and he was relaxing as told by the doctor. Taking the advice Lazuli gave him—he told everyone what happened—went better than he thought. His friends were still worried, and the last few days were filled with visits by everyone, especially from the kids.
Feeling sorry for their uncle, Trunks and Goten were over constantly, just spending time with him. They would read to him, watch TV together and eat snacks with one another—it was nice to say the least. The boys asked him about his scar, telling him how cool it was, and Trunks asked him if he had seen the wolf anymore.
He told them no and it was the truth. Ever since his accident, there was no more tapping, no more late nights, no more guest. Felt like what he had gone through just stopped and he was happy about that. It's just—what it all real? No one else saw this thing and now, all of a sudden, its over without a word. Stiches on the forehead, the only evidence that something occurred, and it happened after he fell—then there was that guy—was he actually there? He had to be, Krillin remembered seeing the guy, remembered that same raspy voice in his ear a few weeks ago. Claws against his skin and burning amber eyes, his heart in his throat as fear took over him. He had to be there.
Krillin wasn't losing his mind, was he?
Even know, laying on the couch, his mind was wandering. His bedroom hadn't been used since he got back from the hospital, a gnawing fear that if he laid down there, it would all start again. It was half pass six, the time tapping would start and would for hours, usually stopping around twelve pm. Some days were longer, one night being around two am and Krillin hated that day the most. Staring at the sliding door, blinds drawn back, he peered into the vacant darkness of the backyard. Krillin didn't know what he was looking for—maybe a small sound, movement or a wolf-shaped shadow with glowing eyes, something.
He hummed as he watched, a song that he didn't know the name of but heard sometime ago, it was nice though.
I'm liquid smooth, come touch me, too
I'm at my highest peak, I'm ripe
About to fall, capture me
~WGBITN~
Krillin had never been so happy to go back to work in his life because if he stared at his backyard one more night—anyway, he was happy to be in the dojo. Adrenaline pumping as he taught the kids, unused energy being burnt and his mind not finally on the wolf or the stranger. He felt so damn free and was enjoying every minute of it.
"Wow Krillin, you're on a roll today!" Goku praised during lunch break and he smiled, happy to do some good. He was huffing like he ran a marathon and it felt so amazing, so great to be out of the damn house.
Wrapping an arm around his waist, Goku pulled him closer, "I'm so glad you were able to come. It's been kind of boring without you here and I've missed my best friend." Face going red, Krillin muttered he missed him too into his friend's shoulder. He didn't know why he was allowed to have such good friends, who put up with his mess, but he truly did treasure them.
"Oh, I almost forgot, we're going out this Saturday and we wanted to know if you want to come." Another night not in his house, sign him up. Also, he hadn't gone out to a club since Marron was born and while he loved his little girl, he wanted to have some fun. Saying yes, a bit too quickly but Goku didn't seem to notice as the man beamed and grabbed him in a bear hug. Melting into the broad affection, he beamed too. He could always beam with everyone around
...
Saturday came quicker than he expected and Krillin has never felt so excited. He got ready a bit early, dressing himself up in an orange tank-top and denim shorts and his hair fluffed up and no headband. Makeup wasn't what he normally did but since he was in a good mood, he decided that some eyeliner and glitter eyeshadow wouldn't hurt right? As he added the blush in the mirror, excitement rise in him and for once, he wasn't worried. Wasn't worried that some wolf-like boogeyman was coming to ruin his life and it felt good, not letting fear control him. He's been doing that a lot lately and he was done letting things run him. Slipping into platforms, his eyes went to the sliding door, curtains closed.
He hadn't looked at it in days once he settled back into his bedroom instead of the couch.
Once stomping into his shoes, he walked over and opened them, the night staring at him. Crickets and small critters were the only thing being heard as Krillin stared into the woods. Stepping away, he gave one last look at the darkness of his backyard before turning away and going out the door, grabbing his things as he left.
...
Strobing lights changed flickered between a rainbow of colors as Krillin danced rhythmically to upbeat music. Him and Bulma were dancing with each other, like they always did when they went out and he was buzzed as hell. Blame can put on the five drinks of margaritas already in his system but god it felt so good to be alive. As Bulma twirled him around, loudly giggling and cackling to one another, Krillin said he was getting another drink. She went with him and they ordered another round of drinks before sitting at their assigned table.
"I can't believe how much fun I'm having!" Krillin happily shouted, taking a sip of his sweet drink.
Bulma snickered and nodded, "I'll say, you haven't drunk this much since sophomore year of college and we took one of my dad's car for a spin." They both laughed at the memory, "You almost pissed yourself—still fucking surprised we didn't get caught that day." She continued, dunking back her drink.
Rolling his eyes, he huffed, "Yeah whatever, at least I wasn't Goku, who thought a car was a demon and called you a witch. Which you are but I digress." His friend scoffed and ordered one more drink. Krillin still sipped on his sixth.
Staggering into their view came Goku, his partners—mostly Piccolo—holding on to him as they sat him down next to Krillin. The man wrapped himself around his smaller friend, who rolled his eyes but let him cuddle him.
Chi-Chi and Piccolo sat next to Bulma, "Alright Krillin, you're on babysitting duty." Chi-Chi teased as Piccolo smirked. His best friend just sighed into his neck and petted at his hair, which was a bit new.
Krillin always got put on duty when Goku got drunk, something he had been doing since they all could drink legally, he was used to it. He smiled at her—which got him pouted at by Goku—but he gave a smile to him as well and that got him a kiss on the cheek.
"Has anyone seen Tien and Yamcha, they were on the dance floor and suddenly disappeared in an instant." Bulma asked and no one really knew but were sure they were the two were around here somewhere.
Goku whined as Krillin took a sip of his drink, the man rolling his eyes before giving him a sip. "You know I can get you a drink buddy, we don't have to share." He told his friend but Goku just shook his head and said he only wanted a sip. Krillin doubted that but hey, that's him.
While his friends talked, his mind went somewhere else. Maybe it the tipsy haze but thoughts of the wolf and more importantly, the stranger. That night haunted him for days and nothing happened, just the wolf appearing like a week later. Why did he come back after so long, why did the wolf harass him for so long, were the two connected in some way? There was something, there had to be, but he just couldn't figure out what.
"Oh, there you two are!" Blinking, he turned to see Tien and Yamcha walking up to their booth, both looking a bit—disheveled—which Bulma at once sank her teeth into that. After they sat down with him and Goku, who lazily waved at them before snuggling back into Krillin.
The blue-haired woman smiled at them, "So where have you two been, we've been so worried." The two men blushed and made up an excuse about having to do something but Bulma hummed and said nothing.
Goku finally looked, "You two fucked, didn't you?" Both of them sputtered while everyone else cackled in good faith as Goku curled into his neck. Shaking his head, Krillin patted his shoulder and Goku hummed in delight.
Everything was so much nicer, light and happy, and Krillin wanted to keep it that way.
~WGBITN~
Stumbling into his house, he locked the door behind him after dropping his dumb keys but whatever, he was home, thank Bulma for that. Grabbing at his shoes, he threw them into a corner as he walked over to the kitchen. Getting a drink of water out of an unusual dehydration, he walked back and forth in his small kitchen while gulping down his glass.
Once finishing his water, he dumped the glass into the sink and dragged his feet into the living room when he stopped. Standing in the backyard, bright amber eyes were staring at him. It was back, the thing had come back and was acting as if—Krillin didn't take a broom to it less than a week ago. They stared at each other, just like they had been for some time now and Krillin then laughed. Maybe it was drinks, maybe the relief that he wasn't actually losing it, but he just kept laughing—oh god, this was his life.
Putting his hands on his hips, he smiled at it, "Well look you finally decided to show their face here. Was starting to think I made you up, didn't want got back to that therapist again. Nothing wrong with him, just don't like being there is all." The wolf said nothing, just kept staring making him shake his head.
"You know, you've been a pain in my ass for the past week, making me lose sleep and my damn mind, you strange ass creature." With every word, he took another step toward the backyard and found himself at the door handle. What was he doing, what was he's going to do, he was not about to do this before he turned to unlock the door.
Pushing it open, he was now face-to-face with the thing and moved aside, "Come on in, I cleaned up the place just for you. How does it feel to be my first non-family/friend in my house?" Closing the door behind the wolf as it walked in and strangely, it went over to the couch, sniffing extensively.
His stomach shifted at that, not knowing why, "Hey, what are you looking for, there's nothing over there." Getting down on the floor next to the creature, he reached out a hand to touch when it flinched away from him.
Krillin frowned, "I'm not gonna hurt you, it's alright—yeah come closer." Smiling at the feeling of wet nose against his nose, he used his other hand to pet oddly soft spiky hair, one side of him was appalled that he was petting a wild animal, but it was like a whisper. The wolf looked up with those amber eyes and something washed over him.
The stranger and the wolf had the same eyes, identical at that. The fur he was stroking—when he looked closely—resembles the exact hairstyle of the guy but those could be coincidences, that wasn't entirely too concrete. Holding the wolf's face up with his hand, he noticed a small mark on its head.
"Awww you poor dear, this is probably from my broom. Sorry about that." Apologetic, he massaged the area with his thumb and pressed his lips against the mark. The wolf huffed, backing away from his touch—looked around for a moment—stopped and ducking down behind the couch.
Swaying to his feet, he called for it, "Hey don't go back there, I have no idea what you're looking for but you're not going to find it budd—" There wasn't a wolf but that guy once again, now standing up and staring at him in a similar suit that fateful day.
He couldn't breathe, his heart was pounding like that week and the world was spinning all over again. Not this again, for the love of God, not this again. He had the guy who assaulted right in front of him and was the damn wolf all along that he was just petting like an ordinary dog. What the fuck was his life?
The guy spoke, "Okay, I'm going to need you to stay calm, I just wanna talk to you." Stepping forward made Krillin step away, each attempt bringing them closer to the kitchen until Krillin's back hit the drawers. Eyes cutting to the figure getting even closer to him, he turned around and opened it, yelping when arms grabbed him.
Scrambling out of the hold, he went to the knife drawer and took out the sharpest knife. Whipping around, he sliced at whatever skin he could touch at, drawing blood from a cheek. Going in for another attack, he raised the knife, but his wrist was grabbed, both of them struggling for control but Krillin regained it, plunging the knife deep at into the stranger's shoulder.
The strange yowled, falling to his knees and Krillin tried to run past, he was tripped up and hit the floor. With his ankle caught in a vice grip, he was dragged back into the small space, sliding on his back. Reaching up, he twisted the knife out and blood pooled around tan skin, making the man growl and slam him against the tile.
Grunting in pain, the stranger overcame him and pushed him into ground, digging his claws into small shoulders to keep him still. Thinking fast, Krillin tapped the knife over his neck and the stranger stopped as cool steel pressed against into his flesh. He stared down at burning coal black eyes, at the smudged mess of eyeliner and glitter, at the tank top slipping off, the image made him sigh.
Leaning back, he ran a hand through his hair, "What the fuck am I doing?" Now straddling the human, he let go of his shoulders and dragged a hand over the human's chest. Something shifted, no longer smelling of hot rage and fear but more of confusion and something tangy.
"I am going to get off you but don't freak out and don't run, you got me?" His voice no longer rough and harsh, Krillin was confused by how soft he sounded. He shouldn't listen, shouldn't take a stranger's word that they wouldn't get hurt but soon, the knife clattered to the floor and he was limp.
Staring up the stranger, the weight around his hips were gone and sitting up, the stranger sat across from him.
Dragging his knees to his chest and curling in on himself, Krillin didn't say anything—just watched as the strange moved uncomfortably against the floor. Finally looking up at the human, the stranger sighed, "This wasn't supposed to happen, god Raditz is going to kill me if he ever finds out what we did." Not knowing who that was, Krillin said nothing.
The stranger chuckled, "But you weren't making it easy, I thought you would be, but you just proved me wrong. Twice now, very ballsy to put a knife to my neck, a bit worse than a broom to the face, impressed, I will say." The praise was unexpected and out of place.
Krillin looked him up and down, "You want me to thank you or something?"
He got a small smirk in return, "No, I don't think so. Don't think you would give me anything even if I asked."
The human scoffed, "That would be an understatement."
He laughed again, harder and longer, "You're something human, what's your name?" Raising an eyebrow, Krillin was shocked at the boldness.
Letting his knees fall, he narrowed his eyes, "You first. I think you owe me that."
Another harsh chuckle, the man stared, "I owe you a lot, but I can give you that now. The name's Vegeta, don't forget it." Oh, Krillin thinks that would be hard to do, it already was. Especially after this mess, he would have to try hard to forget this guy.
"I have some questions for you, Vegeta. Why are you here, why did you stalk me and why did you hurt me?" He had to know, had to know why this happened to him, he deserved to know.
Vegeta sighed while looking at the ceiling, "Despite what it seems, I really didn't mean for this mess. At first, I wasn't going to come back here but then I thought back to what happened when first met and strangely, I felt bad for hurting you the first time after you helped me."
Not trying to blush at the memory of what did after Vegeta left, he waved it off, "Don't worry about that, what I want to know is what was the mess with the tapping. You drove me insane; you know?"
Vegeta scoffed, "I didn't mean to, if you had just opened the door, I would have never come back again and again. Was my presence that unwanted?"
Rolling his eyes, he said, "Very much unwanted and after what we just did, still unwanted." Vegeta hummed but seemed to agree, hissing when he moved incorrectly, agitating the wound on his shoulder.
Krillin's stomach turned and shifted his eyes to the still bleeding wound, "I'll be right back." Standing up and around the wounded man, he walked over to his bathroom to get out his first aid kit. Once back, he went on his knees and opened the kit, taking out peroxide and cotton balls. Like he did their first night, he cleaned Vegeta up—ignoring the occasional grunt or groan of discomfort from his guest—he patted one last time and was satisfied.
Taking out sutures, he began stitching. Focus entirely on his task, he didn't notice half-lidded eyes staring at him. Vegeta was looking at the stiches on his head, wondering if Krillin did them himself before trailing down at perched lips. He could feel warm breath on his skin as the man huffed while working, watching as the wound was sown together, flesh becoming one once more.
"You didn't tell me your name, by the way."
Krillin looked up, blinking for a moment, "Its Krillin, Son Krillin."
They fell into silence once again, Vegeta's pain now minuscule from the gentle care, it was hard to think that knife was once in the smaller man's hand. Krillin soon finished, cutting the last bit of thread and bandaging his shoulder.
Scooting away after packing up, he nodded at his work, "There all patched up, don't have to thank me but you can still." Chortling, Vegeta stood up and out reached a hand that Krillin grabbed. Their hands were wet and sticky from Vegeta's blood and it made a mess but neither pulled away until Vegeta finally let go.
"I think letting you kiss me was enough thanks." Krillin glared at him as they walked over to the backyard door.
"You were a wolf then and I kissed you out of pity for hitting you with a broom." Opening the doorway, cool breeze came into the house as Vegeta walked out to the outdoors. Looking back at the human, he gave a small smirk.
"So, I can get a kiss in that form or if I come back here hurt, good to know."
Krillin snorted and rolled his eyes, leaning against the sliding door, "So you are coming back—I thought this was your last visit." Vegeta's smirk fell and there was a strange look on his face, but he didn't say anything as he walked into the woods, leaving Krillin to stare into the darkness. He stayed there for some time, a feeling of unknown blooming in his chest before finally walking back in his house.
Looking at the mess of his kitchen, he sighed because now he had to clean up again, great.
~WGBITN~
"Marron honey, stop putting that in your mouth, give that to daddy please." His daughter pouted as he took away his phone from her. They were on the floor on the baby's mat, a bright sunny Friday being with them. After what happened last week, Krillin was so happy to see his daughter, her warming and innocent presence needed. Marron whined to him, putting her arms up to be held and her father gladly indulged her.
Resting against his chest, Marron sighed softly while watching TV, both of them happy. Krillin definitely was happy to have his life semi back to normal, haven't has a surprised guest in almost a week now. He decided it was best not to tell Eighteen about Vegeta, she wouldn't react well to the news—that was a given—besides, he was sure he wasn't coming back.
A loud beep sound cut through his thoughts making him sigh and plop his whining daughter back on the floor. Getting up to check on his coffee, he told Marron that he'll right back and to be a good girl—and to stay on the mat. Babbling as he turned, his daughter shoved her fist in her mouth as she went back to her show.
Wanting to be as quick, he scampered over to the kitchen to quickly make his cup. While moving about in the kitchen, Marron talked away, her loud giggles making his heart sing and when he turned around, she wasn't on the mat anymore. Tapping followed by giggling made him sigh, putting his coffee down on the counter. "Marron honey, I told you to stay on the mat. What did you find now—" He froze when he entered his living room.
His daughter was tapping at the backyard door, making cooing noises as she stared up at a familiar figure dressed in a black silk jumpsuit. Marron finally noticed her dad and squealed at him, pointed up at Vegeta standing at the door. Their eyes met and the man's hands twitched when he saw him and Krillin just stood there as Marron crawled to him—grabbing at his pant leg. He hardly noticed as his mouth dried and his heartbeat pounded in his chest—its only when Marron lets out a cry does he pick her up.
Vegeta raised his hand—for a second Krillin thought the worst—before soft knocks made him flinch. They were shy and timid, but their message was clear for the man.
May I come in?