Chapter 5
"Really huh? Is that right? Makes sense though" Goku said while sitting in his best friend's car.
"Yeah, and her tattoos were colorful too. They just weren't blank ink. Oh and get this, she's gone to jail before! Well, juvie, but holy cow I couldn't believe it." Krillin said very excitedly, which was odd...
"For what?"
"Uhh…A bunch of things. But she has changed, I can tell. She even works an office job at that Red Ribbon place where we dropped off her brother."
"Oh that's cool." His brother was surprised. "What does she do there?"
"She is a...she's a...hmm...she didn't say the title, but she orders and stocks all their inventory. I'm guessing she does raw materials, things like computers, and even minor items like pens and paper."
"That's easy to understand. Not like those decimals and zeni signs that you fill out."
"It's only hard for you to understand because of all those heavy weight punches you've taken to the head."
"Ahahaha! Touche brother...Should we get out of the car now? By the time we walk over there it will probably be open."
"Yeah! Let's get going. I can tell you about how she got her nickname! Oh, and how she used to be an orphan too!"
"Cool."
The two siblings were walking towards the entrance of a nature trail. Think like a park but the only attraction is a long walkway and getting to appreciate the flora and fauna. It officially opened at 9:00 but they got there at 8:45. Not a big deal to them, Krillin especially. That meant he got to talk about 18 some more. The groveling the gravel made under their shoes tried their best to drown out the praises of the love sick puppy, but to no avail.
"Did I mention she kissed me? On the cheek, but it was still so sweet. Her lips were soft and breath smelled like…well it smelled like sushi and cola, I can't blame her though that's what she literally got done eating 2 minutes ago. Oh and she ate A LOT, she was probably just hungry…Oh hello sir." Both of them got to the booth and gate and passed by a ranger. People were allowed to enter for free but the place closed once it got dark, camping was also prohibited. These were just some of the reasons why individuals watch over it. After their brief interaction Krillin was back at it. "Where was I?"
"So what's her real name?" Goku asks, already forgetting where he left off.
"Oh, uh, she didn't tell me."
"Whu? Why not?"
"She wants me to figure it out and try to guess."
"Weird. Any ideas?"
"No, not really. It's probably something that you don't hear often. She said she used to hate it."
"Maybe it's a man's name. Like Lee."
"...Goku, I don't think that is right." Krillin has come to expect comments like that though from his adoptive family member. He just lets it slide.
"Did y'all talk about your height? Some girls don't like dating guys they are taller than…then again if she didn't like it why would she ask you out to begin with?"
"I completely forgot!" He slapped his forehead. "I was having so much fun I forgot to mention it. I probably won't bring it up, she isn't that shallow."
"That's great."
The duo continue down the trail, not taking in the scenery as much as they probably should be. But rather enjoying the other's company, it was mainly Krillin talking about his date (still). Goku didn't mind. He was just happy for his brother, he could withstand his verbal onslaught. Some of it he heard, some of it he zoned out. The ratio was about 50/50. Krillin could talk as much as he could humanally muster and it still would have nothing on Chichi.
Around the first mile mark, Krillin was gushing about 18's beautiful cornsilk hair, when Goku brought something to attention.
"Oh yea…I forgot I had to let you know something. Chichi had to remind me this morning to tell you guys before I left."
"What is it?"
"I've only told gramps so far, I called him a couple days after we got the news, so you'll be the second one. I would have called to tell you too but I knew the trip was coming up and figured I'd tell you in person. OH! Wait, Chichi's dad knows too. I can't forget about Mr. Oxford. So you're the third."
"Just spit it out Goku!"
"Oh, Well Chichi is gonna have a baby."
The white collar worker stopped walking, Goku took about a dozen steps before he realized he ceased moving. Confused, he turned back to him. "Why'd you stop?"
Krillin's mouth was half agape, he couldn't believe it. There was no way. "Goku. Are you serious?"
"Yep, we found out about a month ago. She is around six weeks along now. I guess I'm gonna tell everyone the last day before I leave, but I figured I shoulda told you first."
Goku wasn't the best with emotions, at least with the sappy ones. Something like announcing the arrival of life by him and his wife should be a pretty big deal, but Goku was just stating a fact. He is having a kid. He is happy, for sure, but didn't see the need to wear his emotions on his sleeve.
"That's awesome, are you excited?" Krillin said.
"Course I am. I think I'm gonna be a great dad. Though it looks like I'll have to wait before I go back to fighting professionally…I don't think Chichi would like it if I started boxing again when we have a baby at home."
Krillin didn't say another word, instead he walked up to Goku and gave him a brotherly hug. He accepted the gesture of love and hugged him back.
"Let me treat you to lunch as a celebratory congrats." He said after enough contact.
"Sure, but uh….are you sure about that? You know I'll take advantage of that."
"We can go to an all you can eat buffet, I know a good one."
"I like the sound of that!"
Their walk continued, they went another six miles. Yes there was Lazuli talk still here and there, but you can imagine that they talked about Goku's future kid more than anything. Krillin was insanely delighted for his sibling. The thought of him taking the next step into starting a family put things into fruition. Here he was, a kid abandoned by everyone at birth was now going to right the wrong that was done to him. Goku was going to be an amazing father, he was practically just a really big kid. That newborn would be showered in love and affection by both parents. It filled Krillin with joy knowing that was going to be an uncle. And he knew he was going to have to be next. Two of his closest friends in his life found love, the other being Bulma, he knew it had to be his turn. Having a nephew or niece would mean he'd get to practice all the fun parts prior to him having kids of his own. Hopefully Lazuli will be the one to do that, and he could prove to the world that just like Goku; despite his loveless start in life, that he was going to be one great guardian to several little Chestnuts.
"Hey bud. You wanna go back? I'm getting hungry." The coach asked his bro.
"Yeah sure, I could eat too. It's eleven now, so by the time we get to the restaurant it should be around twelve."
"Sweet." Goku patted his belly, warming it up for the probable 2500 calorie meal incoming. "By the way…do you think 18 talked as much about you as you did her? Huh?" He tapped his elbow into Krillin's ribs.
"I think so. I can tell she had a great time, same as me."
*Meanwhile at 18 and 17's Apartment*
"Hey, what time you go in?" 17 asked his sister once he walked into the living room and saw her playing video games on the couch.
"1:00."
"16 and I are going to see a movie Friday night, that new superhero movie where they won't cut out any of the blood and gore? Wanna come?"
"Got work that night, from six to three."
"Three in the morning!? They got you back on grave shifts?"
"Yep…it freaking sucks."
18 keeps clicking buttons and moving sticks as 17 watches the screen for a little bit before asking another question.
"How'd the date go?"
"Pretty good."
"Cool, I'm going to the store. We need anything?"
"Get some toilet paper, and don't get that one ply garbage."
"But it's cheaper.
"Okay, but it's not worth it. Get some two ply at least."
"Alright…Be back in about an hour. Call me if you think of something else we need. See ya!"
"Bye, thanks!"
*An Hour Later*
"Mmmm, Shmack So, Mmmm, when do you, ShmmmM! Shmack Delicious!" Goku says with a full mouth filled with several different types of food. "When will you go on a second date?"
Krillin wasn't impressed by Goku's stomach anymore after growing up with him. The dude was on his third plate of his BBQ buffet and was still going full speed. Krillin could eat too, but Goku was on a whole nother level.
"No, but we talked about it. What with you being here for only one more week, I should spend it with you."
"Oh c'mon." Goku licks some sauce off his finger. "You should go on another date soon….OOH! You can go see her Friday, that would be perfect!"
"Why?"
"I kinda forgot to tell you something else…my bad. Mr. Kai lives about an hour south from here. Some small town called….hmmm. St. Gregory I think? Bulma was going to lend me a car and I was going to go see him. That should take a big portion of Friday, it would be a perfect time."
Good ole' Mr. Kai. He wouldn't look like it from first appearances, but he was a top notch instructor. Goku ran into him in his professional career, right after his first ever loss. He didn't have a coach to travel with him because Roshi wasn't able to. Kai filled in the shoes perfectly and trained him just as well as gramps, if not better. Learning a different style and switching back and forth was just what he needed and it sent him on a huge win streak that lasted for several years. All thanks to King Kai.
"Goku, that's…A really good idea. That's almost too good of a plan."
"I get good ones every now and again. Aheahaha" The older of the two made himself laugh. He shoved the last of his food, an entire roll and some short rib, into his wide mouth, then informing him of another of his ideas. "Go ahead and call her now, before she makes any other plans."
"Now? A-a-are you serious?" The younger one was caught off guard. Yeah he was gonna have to ask her eventually…and he really wanted to…but better later than now.
"Yeah, it's either you ask her or I ask her for you. Now…I'm gonna go get another plate. Be right back!"
As he left for his fourth plate, Krillin sighed heavily. It's ok…you've got this, you gotta do it. She does like you…JUST CALL HER, why is it that hard…You've been talking about her all day and now when you've got to talk to her you get nervous again? C'mon! It's either this or have Goku take your phone and do it for you. JUST DO IT KRILLIN!
Before he could talk himself out of it again, he collected his phone and found her number in his 'recents'. "Okay…here it goes…"
Actually dialing the number was much easier this time around…waiting for her to answer was a different story.
First Ring…No answer, not surprising. That doesn't seem like her style.
Second Ring…Still no answer, not that shocking either given the circumstances.
Do I text this time if she doesn't pick up? That would seem more appropriate.
Third Ring…Krillin was sure she'd answer it now.
Fourth Ring…
Oh…should I leave a voicemail? Does she even have that set up?
*Click*
"Krillin…couldn't wait more than a day huh?" A cold yet sarcastic voice said through the speaker of his phone.
One more ring this time…I shouldn't mention that, it sounds creepy "Oh, heeeey 18. Howzit going, did you uh, sleep well?"
"Hm? Yeah I did, is there a reason I shouldn't have?"
"No-I just…was making small talk."
"I take it you didn't call for just small talk. So whatcha need?"
"Oh, right um." Krillin thought he had gotten used to her by now, he did talk to her for like two hours straight last night. But he was still nervous as heck, how did this happen? He stares down at his plate, looking at scraps of bones and leftover barbecue sauce.
"Krillin? Hello? Did you hang up?"
"N-no…I'm here. I just, uh, Friday."
"Huh? Friday?"
"Yeah, um, Goku is going out of town Friday to see another friend, one I don't really know so I'm not going to go with him…and uh…I'll have nothing to do that day."
"Oh, another date."
"My bad…"
"Why are you saying my bad?" She sounded annoyed. "Listen…" There was a brief pause. "I'd love to go on another date with you Friday, I just didn't expect it to be so soon."
"After that it'll most likely be another week before we can have another one. That way you get a break from me. Heh heh."
"Who said I wanted a break?"
"*Gulp*"
"Ok, you picked the day and I get to pick the place. That was our agreement…let me think about where to go ok? I don't know yet."
"Alright, uh, in the evening I'd assume. Correct?"
"No I have wo-" Shit "No I mean, AHEM, excuse me. No…I already got asked to see a movie with my brothers. But I'm free before that, we go to see it at six so let's go out at noon."
"But wouldn't you be at work?"
"Ummm, right, well since you know…I'm part owner, I get special treatment. Taking a half day won't be an issue."
"Oh? You're part owner? Well I guess that makes sense given who your dad was. Is noon fine then? I can pick you up from Red Rib-"
"NO, no, that's good. I can meet you there. I'll text you when I think of something fun to do. Is that ok?"
"Yeah…uh…" Krillin wasn't nervous anymore, because he was a little weirded out. She was acting strange. He thought about asking her what's wrong but decided it wouldn't be a bright idea. If anything maybe work has her stressed out. It wasn't a big deal, at least it calmed him down a tad. "Yeah that sounds great. I can't wait to see you then."
"You too, see ya Friday Handsome." *Click*
A deep maroon appeared on Krillin's face, the confidence boosting compliment she departed with made him feel warm inside…
"Did you do it?" Goku was back, with even more food on his tray than the last two times.
"Yeah. She said yes….but she was acting a little odd. But she'd probably say the same thing about me.
"Did you *Shmack* decide where y'all would go?" Goku says, then hastily sucks down some of his iced tea so that the food could make it down to his stomach.
"She said she'd think about it."
"Where do you think you'll go?"
"I don't know….Oh crap."
"What? *Shmack* You should try the fried pickles! They sounded weird, but they taste oh so good!"
"Nothing, don't worry about it."
Krillin had come to the realization that he is going to have the exact same problem as Tuesday. He is going to be wondering about the actual date the entire time. But hasn't he already had one successful dinner with her? Wouldn't it be easier? Normally sure, but now he has to worry about keeping the punk's interest. Realistically it wasn't a problem, he was just in his own head. And it couldn't be helped, or cured.
"Goku, can we go back to Capsule Corp after this…I need to talk to Bulma."
It was now Friday. Friday at noon to be exact. Krillin's predicted concerns were true. Thursday was a day spent in his own head, again, playing through scenarios of 'what if's'. It wasn't as bad as last time, but it was still annoying. Logically, he had nothing to worry about. 18 showed interest in him and demonstrated that the two of them could carry a conversation, but anxiety didn't work well with logic. Bulma, bless her heart, did all she could. Her instructions and guidelines were simple, as they should be, and during the procedure Krillin got the all important text from his crush saying: "Wanna go to the zoo for our date?"
The zoo? Bulma and Krillin were both caught off guard when they saw the message. Not that 18 didn't seem like someone who didn't enjoy animals or anything, but it didn't seem like the logical second spot.
But here he was, at Los Mono Central Zoo at twelve on the dot. He hadn't been here in years and he'd be lying if he said there would be no personal interest in walking around. Animals were cool. Maybe they would get to see a show or something along those lines, that would be neat to see. At the very least, he could get to know her better. Which is the whole point of even coming out here.
The gentleman was at the front entrance, one aspect of Lazuli's character he had learned by now was how late she was to everything. Her getting here on time wasn't inevitable. He had to remain calm and realize she was ABSOLUTELY going to get here not on the designated time.
Her showing up twenty minutes late was proof.
"Yoo hoo! What's up Krillin!"
The weather was nice, but the blonde still covered her arms and legs with a red and black flannel and gray khakis that had several rips and tears in them. As her converse clad feet got her closer and closer to the nervous Krillin, he waved back.
Oh man…do I go for a hug, maybe a fist pump, definitely not a handshake. The guy dressed in a navy blue casual Nimbus t-shirt and clean cut pants debated in his head.
His demeanor got more conflicted by the second on what to do, but 18 put a stop to all of it once she wrapped her arms around him and brought him close. It wasn't a long hug, but oh did it put butterflies in his stomach.
"Sorry I'm late." 18 says, as she gets off of him and eyes him down. Liking how he fits into that shirt he is wearing. "Ahahahaha, I would not expect you to wear those." She points to his feet.
"Oh…d-do you not like them?"
"No, I love high tops. They just don't seem to be your style…but they look good on you."
"I like sneakers, and, thank you…so uh, why the zoo? Not that I'm against the idea, it just seemed out of left field."
"I love this place, have you ever been here?"
"Yeah, a long time ago. I liked it and all, but-"
"But you gotta see how it is now, it's changed over the years."
"Do you like, come here a lot?"
"You could say that, c'mon."
18 led the way. They walked through a brick arch into a lobby-esque area. It consisted of a gift shop, bathrooms, a big map, and at the end was the booth where you pay for access for the day. There was no need to stop at the first three places, she just kept walking to the booth.
"Hey, what's goin' on old timer." 18 says to the elderly man working his job. He looked to be about in his late sixties, early seventies.
He was reading something, but when she made her presence known he looked up and took off his reading glasses to get a better visual. "Look what the cat dragged in today, how are you doing Miss 18."
"It's a nice time to be alive." The punk rested an elbow on the counter and leaned in. "I've been meaning to drop by and see how the animals are doing, and I'd thought I'd show a friend around." Pointing behind her with her thumb.
"I see" He playfully squints behind her. "HA! Then I don't wanna hold you back with some chit-chat, you know what to do. They are feeding the big boy in about thirty minutes, just so you know. Do you need to buy wristbands or do you have your card on you?"
"I got it. Thanks Tupper, does he need to pay?"
"Nah, your card should be good enough for two"
"Awesome, catch later then. Have a good one."
"You as well youngin'."
"Let's go Krillin."
The pair walked out of the building through an open gate that only closed when the park did.
"ENJOY YOUR STAY!" Tupper yelled at them before they were out of ear shot.
Krillin was going to say something, but first he looked around. There were two main paths to take, and what looked to be some sort of off shoot. No doubt they expected you to take on on the left then circle around until you came back to the front, then you could decide if you wanted to go check out the aquarium? Or whatever it was.
"I already know what you're gonna ask." 18 read his mind. "My brother works here. When we shared a car I'd have to pick him up. I'd get here early, because 17 always gave me the wrong time on when to arrive, so I got used to the place. And I like it, it's nice. Good people work here, like Tupper. You'd like him, he used to be an engineer then retired. He got really bored though so he got a part time job here."
"Wow…so you get to come here for free just because your brother works here?"
"Pretty much. Employees get to come in with no charge, and they can bring in family members. So 17 got me this ID card to come into the back entrance because it was more convenient, and it turns out it does everything else. The managers n' owners didn't seem to mind. So, I can come here for free."
"That's pretty cool. So you, like this place a lot."
"I mean now that my brother got his own car I don't come in here nearly as much. But I'll stop by once every couple months and see how everything is. I guess you could say I got attached to the animals when I saw them several times a week. But there is something soothing about seeing them, maybe it's therapeutic. Who knows?" She looked at him with a playful sort of smile when saying that last sentence. It admittedly made him melt, seeing a girl smile at him usually did
"That's pretty cool, it's making more and more sense why you suggested this place.."
"I know. If you have any questions just ask. About anything. Me or the animals." She giggled. "Allow me to be your guide."
What happened next, Krillin delegated a lot of turmoil to in the past 24 hours. When he found out they were going out to a place that would have them walk around rather than sitting, the first thing that came to his mind was hand holding. He wanted to hold her hand, and thought about IF and HOW he should. But of course, that all went out the window almost immediately.
18 grabbed his right hand with her left and escorted him to the first sight to behold, after forty or so steps they were at their first exhibit. "These guys are fun to watch. Careful, they might show stuff at you."
"What kinda stuff?"
"Do you really wanna know?"
"No, not really."
Their first mutual laugh of the day was shared in front of these spider monkeys. "Are you an expert on all the exhibits here?"
"Pfft, hell no. I can't tell you anything scientific like about them, I just know they are loud and play around a lot….they eat a lot, especially for their size. And they're jerks."
"Yeah I think I read about how they will bully the weakest in the pack, steal their food and stuff like that."
"I believe it. But these guys like the attention, they know how to put on a show. Case and point." 18 lifted her index finger to a little monkey on the floor. He was staring at the two of them and pulled out his best poses and howls.
She howled back.
"Hey uh, will I meet your brother?" Krillin asks amongst her animalistic banter.
"Maybe, I dunno. If we see him I'll introduce you two. But I'm not gonna seek him out, he's working."
"Yeah totally. If you don't mind me asking, why doesn't he work at Red Ribbon with you?"
Her eyeballs widened, good thing he was looking at the smaller primates and not her. "He isn't an office…type guy. He'd much rather work hands on with stuff…and uh…h-he really likes animals." Most of that was true, but she still stretched the truth again. She felt bad for not being honest with him, but it was for the best. She really liked Krillin and didn't want to ruin anything. The nightmarish scenario of him seeing her at her gas station crossed her mind, but it was in a sketchy part of town. A place Krillin probably didn't even know existed and one he certainly didn't want to visit. He did have a right to know…eventually. It could wait. She had a couple of ideas in the works if their relationship furthered, aka how to cover for herself. It was all planned out.
"That's cool. You're full of surprises, you know that?"
"I could say the same thing about you. Let's go check out the crocodiles." Her hand collapsed on his again and guided him to the next exhibit.
"I'm full of surprises? How?"
"Those shoes first of all. Who'da thought a geek had style? And don't get me started on those muscles."
Krillin anxiously scratched the back of his neck. "Maybe one day I can take you to the gym with me and we can work out together."
"Maybe…could be fun to use a free trainer. Do you think that would be a good date idea, or do you want to see me sweaty and panting?"
Crimson didn't even describe the blush he got from her saying that.
"Just kidding, you should see your face. It's impressive."
"Yeah…I bet it is."
"Yo! Blondie, are you who I think you are?"
18, and Krillin, both spin to see who called out the blonde's name. Krillin mentally noted that he'd never seen her before, not that he should have. She was a tall woman with long brown hair. She had deep purple highlights however, and matching lipstick. Her skin was tan, and darker than the light brown work uniform she was wearing.
His date definitely recognized her.
"Coco? You're still working here?" 18 was surprised.
The two ladies shared an embrace, which was a total shocker. She didn't seem like the type of person to just give those out to anyone.
"Yeah, unfortunately. Two more years of school, then I can finally quit. How have you been?"
"Pretty good, decided to show a friend this place."
"What kind of friend?"
"Don't know yet."
The one named Cocotte laughed, "I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm on scrub duty?"
"The good kind or the bad kind?"
"Just teeth, thankfully. We should catch up over lunch or somethin'. I'll get your brother to give me your number."
"Totally."
"All right, bye La- I mean 18!"
Cocotte was gone as soon as she appeared, but that short interaction was nothing short of wholesome. And you better believe Krillin took note of what that woman said before she departed. Was 'La' 18's name…or the beginning of it at least?
"I like it when the little birds sit on them." 18 pointed while leaning on the side of the railing. The crocs were just layin around doing nothing, like she said the only things moving were tiny birds eating insects off of them. She'd already moved past that greeting, but he had to ask her about it.
Since nothing was happening, Krillin's curiosity took over. "So uh, who was that?"
"Oh yeah, sorry. That was Cocotte. She dated my brother a while ago, she's cool. I got to know her pretty well. She's going to school to be a physical therapist, she just works here part time."
Krillin didn't respond verbally.
"These reptiles aren't doin' shit, let's go to the next exhibit." The tatted individual grabbed Krillin by the hand again, he graciously abided and they made their way down the paved ground.
Around an hour later, the duo unluckily missed out on the tiger feeding, but that was fine
This date was way beyond what Krillin expected it to be. It was so great. More of 18's lively nature was showing and it was so much fun! He already got the idea of her personality from the sushi place…but still. Getting to learn more about her made him fall even more head over heels. After visiting the monkeys and crocodiles, the bulk of their date was similar. They'd keep walking and seeing what each animal had to offer. Nothing jumped out at him as being overly fascinating, but having 18 give stories about each one of them was making him feel nostalgic for a place he'd only been to one time.
One thing did keep creeping into the back of his head though, that old man in the ticket booth and the woman that brushed by them. She was so sweet to them, and their actions were mutual. He thought punk rock chicks were supposed to be hardcore, but 18 didn't really act like it. At least, not in front of him. Was this all an act?
"Say, 18…" The two were looking at the Giraffe exhibit. The tallest mammals were munching on leaves, not much else was happening.
"Yeah?"
"What kinda music do you listen to?"
"Why?"
"I'm…just curious."
"Oh, well anything rock or metal. My favorite band of all time are The Majins. They're a punk rock band. I've seen them live three times."
"Haven't heard of them, but I'll give them a try."
"I have a vinyl of them, if you have a record player."
"Uhh, I don't. Heh…I'll just have to stream them."
18 slugged him in the arm, playfully. "I don't have one either, I just got it to hang up on my wall. What do you listen to?"
"Oh, mainly podcasts and audiobooks."
"I see. That's perfect!"
"Huh?"
"Since you're such a blank slate when it comes to music, I can shape and mold your taste into my liking. One of our near future dates you can come over to my house and I'll play you some of my favorites."
"How do you know I'm a blank slate?"
"Ok, then who is your favorite artist?"
"I like um…that one guy who sings um…No wait, the girl who sings that Cha La song!"
"And her name is?."
"Ok, you're right. I don't really listen to music."
"I know. But like I said, this will be great."
As they turned back to the spotted creatures 18 told him a story about how one time they tried to eat a zookeeper's hair. Krillin listened partially, but was still fixated on her 'punk' status. The music definitely helped her case, but the way she talked to people made her seem like a big sweet heart. What else could he ask to test her?
Unbeknownst to either part of the match, they were about to encounter more company. Unwanted company.
Down the road three guys had made their way to the same exhibit, they walked past the geek and his date and couldn't help but notice them. They got down as far as possible, while still being able to check out the giraffes.
"Did y'all see that?" The first of the trio asked the other two.
"What?" The second one asked.
"That blonde with the short hair, she was fine as hell."
"I saw that, I thought I was the only one." The last of them chimed in. "She is with someone though."
"She is, but did you see him? It was probably her little brother or cousin or something." #1 confidently informed them. "If I wasn't thinkin' about getting back with my last girlfriend I'd probably go ask her for her number."
"Bull." #3 said back while pushing the air. "You're not still talking to Hiyo, you're just chicken."
"HEY! I ain't scared!"
"Then go over there and talk to her, you can get her number and just never call her…I'll put 2000 zeni on it."
"Same here!" #2 wanted in on some of that action.
"Alright fine, you two stay here. Watch." #1 turned his back to them. "And get ready to pay up when I get back." With swagger and confidence he jutted back toward the hottest woman in the vicinity.
He wasn't nervous, he had a way with women. He was tall, captivating eyes, good hair, and had a great sense of style. He knew he was the total package. This was gonna be a breeze. So when he got ten feet away from her, his charm activated.
"Hey, excuse me?" He said, not noticing that they were talking amongst each other.
"Hmm?" 18, and Krillin both looked to the right of them and saw the pickup artist.
Krillin was sure it was another person 18 knew, she seemed to be pretty popular here. He was really hoping it wasn't an ex boyfriend…the guy was good looking, especially compared to him (in his opinion).
"Whatsup?" 18 said something first.
"My name is Hans, my friends and I just walked past you and I just wanted to let you know that I love your hair. It's gorgeous."
"Thanks…" 18 said, she didn't really care though.
She seems interested, time to reel her in. "I actually think you're really pretty in general. I was wondering, if you want, I could get your number. If you do-"
"No." She said, giving her attention back to the animals that were probably more intelligent than Hans over here.
"What?" He didn't expect that…neither did Krillin. "Why not?"
"A lot of reasons." 18 didn't even look at him while she talked. "Main one being that I'm on a date right now. Goodbye."
"A date? With who? That pipsqueak?" He pointed to the accountant next to her.
Which he shouldn't have done. Krillin was fine with it, he'd heard MUCH worse. If he let comments like that get to him he wouldn't be able to leave his apartment. 'You know who' wasn't going to let that slide.
"Fuck you dick," She said with an accompanying middle finger.
"Chill out, all I did was call him a-"
"BEAT IT! Before I kick your ass!"
"Ok damn…I'm going." He backed up. Despite the less than civil discussion, they didn't start a crowd. Voices were raised, well 18's was, but no one paid enough attention to listen in. "Have fun with her shrimp, I can tell she ain't worth my time if she's into guys like you."
18 wanted to say something but she just glared at him, if looks could kill…The audacity of some people. He walked away pretty quickly, some would even call it a jog. Hans wanted nothing to do with her or her friend. There was no commotion after he retreated.
There was some silence, both digested what had just happened. That wasn't Krillin's first rodeo with people berating him about his height, and he was certain it wouldn't be his last. What he wasn't used to wasn't used to was-
"C'mon, next are the hippos. And I wanna check something out." 18 grabbed him by his hand, not waiting for his permission to go on next. She dragged him out of his reflection, he didn't even have time to comprehend. Before this point they walked side by side, conjoined by their fingers and their steps were in harmony. Now it was like a parent being embarrassed by her kid and taking them to the car so she can yell at them in private…but she wasn't mad at him, surely. No no no, it was Hans. He got the last comment before he ran off and that was a no go in her book. You just don't do that to her (and Krillin) and get off the hook that easily. So in the corner of her eye when she saw him leave with his two friends she wanted to follow them and enact his just desserts.
"18, what's going on?" Krillin wanted to know.
She didn't answer. Being too dialed in on the person who insulted her date. She was catching up fast, and he didn't suspect a thing. She wanted to do something a little more…illegal, something along the lines that might have been seen as assault.
Plan B would- No, that also would be too much. Plan C it was.
Without Krillin even realizing, she enacted her plan. She let go of him and stretched her stride extra long, stepping on the back of Hans' shoe and flat tiring him. The jerk's shoe completely popped off.
"What the?" He reacted, but not nearly fast enough. The fierce pierced sister grabbed the loose footwear and threw it as deep as she could: right into the giraffe exhibit. Into their watering hole to boot. She minded to not toss it any where near the majestic creatures.
Shock set in for the chauvinist, his eyes must've been deceiving him. "You bitch! Those were $240 bucks!" He ran to the guard rail, hoping the animals didn't touch it. He put his hands on his head and yelled "NO! You're fuck- you piece of- You're gonna pay for that you- Hey, where did they go? What are you assholes laughing at?"
Hans' freakout lasted too long, which for the record wasn't even ten seconds, the two of them just made a quick getaway. The only thing he saw were pedestrians staring at him and his two buddies cackling like hooligans.
"You got cash on you? Or do you need to hit an ATM?"
"That's two lost bets!"
They said, holding their sides from laughter.
.
.
.
The team ran off from the consequences. 18 got away, hoping Krillin would take the hint and not stay around the three douchebags. Luckily, he did and the two of them dashed back to the main hub area. They skipped out on three enclosures but it was so worth it.
18 was winded, heaving heavily. "Man I haven't had to sprint like that in a while. Maybe I should go ahead and make you my personal trainer."
As expected, Krillin was perfectly fine. "18…that was awesome." He gushed: It was ruthless, swift, strategical, unethical, and strangely thoughtful. The only people to stand up for him like that were Goku, Yamcha, and Bulma. Those are people he's known his entire life. This was only his third time hanging out with her and she just committed a felony for the sake of his self-esteem.
He was starting to slowly figure her personality out. It wasn't anything like he thought at first, nor was it like anything he'd seen before. His suspicions of her being a secret softy had been squashed. She was the real deal, someone you didn't want to cross.
"No problem…He's probably following us. Let's go to the aquatic park, if we see him there I know a place we can get away from him if we need to." She was still trying to catch her breath.
So that's where the third path led.
"If there is any legal trouble, I can't help you…you did basically assault him."
"That's okay, I'll be fine. I was gonna do something worse but I talked myself out of it. Wanna go see the penguins…and maybe find a bench in there while we're at it?"
"Yeah!" Krillin was the one to grab her hand this time. "And if you don't mind me asking…what did you talk yourself out of?"
"I wanted to kick him in the back of the knee and then stomp on his calf. I've done that move a lot. Especially back when…you know what, nevermind…I also thought about getting ahead of him and tripping him, I know a way to do it that always works. But I figured having things be nonviolent would be best, I do know people here. Don't wanna cause them trouble and have to be kicked out."
"...Wow. Incredible."
"Krillin, your mouth?"
"Oh!" It was hanging open without him noticing. "S-Sorry. I just didn't see that coming. Thank you."
"It serves him right. Who the hell does that? Go up to two strangers and insult one of them. That dickweed deserved worse! I let him off with a warning!...Oh a bench! Can we sit for a minute?"
"Yeah, sure."
18 practically pranced to the seat that was on the opposite side of the penguin reserve. She parked her rear in the middle of it, Krillin followed and sat next to her. They rested mutely as traffic went by. Seeing mostly families with young children and their parents. That reminded the accountant of something 18 asked him on their last date, about what his dream in life was. His answer was right in front of him, starting a family. But that begged the question.
"Hey 18, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"What is your dream? Like your goal in life."
"Didn't I already ask YOU this?"
"Which is why I believe I have a right to know yours."
"That's totally fair…Let's see, I uh…hmmm." She was clearly in deep thought, taking the topic seriously. "I, don't…know. I guess I've never thought about it. Can I get back to you on that?"
"Sure, but I could help you figure it out now if you want."
"How would you do that?"
"That's easy! First off…" Krillin was looking ahead, eyeing the arctic birds jumping off the frozen cliff over and over again. They were cute, but upon listening to 18's last inquiry he angled his head at her. She was already looking at him, his eyes met hers and Krillin suddenly couldn't focus. He already knew her beauty, but for some reason it was increasingly captivating now. Maybe it was the sweat? Or maybe he forgot because he was looking at animals for such a long time. He was lost in her enthralling ocean eyes, and her porcelain skin made them even pop out more. Not to mention her cornsilk hair. The color, length, coarseness, every aspect of it was purely perfect. And that nose ring. He didn't think much of it when he first saw 18, but he had already fallen in love with it. All of her accessories and overall fashion sense for that matter found themselves being enthralled by the short cubicle goer.
"Krillin?" 18 said, trying to shake him out of this weird daze. "You ok? You're not saying anything."
"Gosh you're beautiful."
18 couldn't help but laugh, that comment came so out of the blue that it caught her off guard. But he was so dorkly adorable that it made her chuckle. "Hahahaha! Thank you!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud."
"You shouldn't apologize for giving out a compliment, especially one so true."
"Yeah…so um. What were we talking about?"
"HEY!"
"Uh-oh…run."
*Later That Night*
"So after that Hans fella found us again we made a break for it. It was easy to out run him because he only had one shoe. And 18 was right, she knew a way to hide from him. It was a place only employees were allowed so we lost him again pretty easily. Though our fun was cut short because 18's brother called her to scold her for making a ruckus. I guess another zookeeper recognized her and noticed the commotion we caused. I didn't get to meet 17, but I heard him. They were certainly twins. So we had to cut the date short, we overstayed our welcome." Krillin explained.
"Did you get a goodbye kiss?"
"No, she was out of breath."
"I see." The other person in the room put all of her fingers together and leaned back in her chair. "Well it sounded like things went great." She said after she debated it mentally. Bulma didn't ask for Krillin to give so many details about the date, but she was more than happy he did. She was a certified Cupid. He had to agree, the bluenette was a huge help. "So the next time you see her will be after Goku goes back home?"
"That's the plan. Which is great! That's over a week away so I can decompress."
"Decompress? From what?"
"You know me, you're well aware of what I mean by that."
"...Yeah. But you need to stop worrying, this woman sounds like she is into you."
"You're right, but telling the anxiety in my brain that is much harder."
"Hmph." Bulma took a drink from her fruity alcoholic beverage she had in front of her. "Come any closer to figuring out her name?"
"OOOOH! That reminds me. The Cocotte woman said the first part it. It begins with 'La'. That has to be a big hint." Krillin mimicked Bulma by taking a swig of his light beer. The scientist's home had plenty of booze in it, visiting it always had the company indulging in some of it.
"Then we should start brainstorming. Lacy?"
"...Laney?"
"Lana?"
"Layla?"
The two ping ponged back and forth, there was no way of knowing which name it was. But they were entertaining themselves and at least giving Krillin some sort of start at guessing it. Figuring out the first syllable was a huge start!
What a great day it was for Krillin. Learning more and more about 18 made him even more excited that he was dating such a vibrant and witty person. The way she treated people, her music taste, and most of all her definite punk status were all fascinating to uncover.
This was going to be something long-term. He knew it in his heart.
A/N: I didn't forget about this story. I've got things planned out.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a comment, it helps a lot.