#k18 week

Marron was sick. 18 frowned as she shook the thermometer. She wasn't sick in any serious sort of way, sure; she had a low fever and a bit of a stomach ache and that was it-but still! Her little girl was in pain and discomfort and she wanted nothing more than to beat the ever-loving hell out of whoever or whatever was causing it. Unfortunately, that wasn't really an option. Also unfortunately, Marron wasn't the only one 18 had to watch out for. If 18 had been upset to find Marron sick, Krillin had been downright inconsolable. He immediately went into a panic mode, pulling down the first aid kit, looking for every immune booster he could find, even trying to call in sick to work. On his first day on patrol. (“She needs her DAD too, 18! Our baby is sick! How can you worry about something as petty as keeping the lights on at a time like this???)”She swore to him, right hand raised, that she'd keep him updated on their daughter's condition and half-shove him out the door. That hadn't stopped him from constantly checking in, however. On the phone. “18, how's Marron? Is she ok? It's been almost an hour, I'm getting worried!” On his breaks. “Psst. 18. It's me, in the bushes. I got a ten-minute break so I ran here as fast as I could. Is she feeling better? I brought soup!” And even when passing by on patrol, she'd catch him driving by very slowly, trying his best to peer into the window. She sighed. She couldn't really be mad at him about it; she'd probably do the same, after all. Hell, even as it was, it hurt her to have to see their daughter's tiny frame, normally so energetic and full of joy, curled up under a blanket, frowning in her sleep. Every time she spoke in that wavering voice, asking for some water, it killed her. But she couldn't imagine having to be separated from her for an entire da- The door slammed open “18! THEY LET ME OFF EARLY SO I GOT SOMETHING!” a rapid set of footfalls later and Krillin stood in the doorway, panting, with a rather noticeable hole in the front of his helmet. 18 raised an eyebrow. “What happened?” “Turns out some people don't like parking tickets so he kinda shot me in the head.” “...A-are you ok?” “Huh? Oh, yeah, fine, but y'know... protocol and priorities.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bean. “ANYWAYS, I had some spare time so I ran to Korin's place and-” 18 stood quickly. “A Senzu?! This'll help her?” “Well, it should. Helped me after we had to try some of Tien's cooking anyways.” Krillin sat down on the bed and gently shook their daughter. “Hey, sweetheart. Papa's home.” Marron groggily opened an eye and groaned. “Papa... tummy hurts...” Krillin was already fighting back tears. “I know, baby. Pap brought you home something that'll help, but you gotta try to eat it, ok?” 18 bit her lip as Marron nodded, opening her mouth slightly. He quickly inserted it and she chewed slowly, almost gagging. “Nono, sweetheart, gotta chew fast and swallow.” 18 coaxed. Marron sped up her chewing and swallowed, sitting up as if to throw up, when- “Ohh woooow.” Marron's eyes went wide and she blinked a few times. “I feel all better!” She grinned and threw herself into her dad's arms. “Thank you, Papa!” She beamed. “And Mama!” 18 smiled and hugged her little family. “You're welcome, baby. I'm glad you're feeling all better.” “Mhm!” She smiled. “Can I have some water though? I'm really thirsty.” “Sure, honey. I'll be right back.” 18 headed toward the kitchen. Marron picked up her dad's helmet and marveled at the bullet hole there. “WOAH, Papa, what happened to your safe hat?” “Well, Firefly, some people just really don't like having to pay for breaking the ru-” A loud retching sound came from down the hall. “Oh, Godda-blaaagh.” Krillin and Marron both winced. “Uhoh. Mama's sick now.” Krillin sighed. “Stay here with your mommy sweetheart. Daddy's off to get another bean.”

“Good morning, Mama!” 18 groaned and stretched, sitting up in bed. There was barely even sunlight peeking through the curtains. “Marron? What are you doing up so early, sweetheart?” She smiled brightly and lifted the tray she was carrying above her head. “I made you breakfast!” 18 frowned. “You know you're not supposed to mess with kitchen appliances, Marron.” Marron set the tray on her mother's lap. “Is OK! I just used the toaster!” 18 looked down at the two very, very dark pieces of bread on the tray and a half-full glass of orange juice. “Hm. So it would seem.” She smiled warmly. “Thank you, sweetheart, this was very thoughtful of you. But next time we wait for a grownup, alright?” “Kay!” the little girl grinned and tiptoed to the other side of the bed. “Papa still sleepin', huh?” “Papa was very worried yesterday and worked very hard to make sure we got all better.” 18 ran a hand through Krillin's hair. “You have a very thoughtful daddy, Marron.” “The BEST daddy!” Marron leaned forward and gently pecked her Papa's cheek. “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered. “I love you whole bunches.” 18 leaned down and pecked his cheek as well before lifting the tray from her lap and heading down the stairs. “Come on sweetheart, let's go make daddy a big breakfast as a thank you.” Marron's eyes lit up. “OH, can we make waffles?!” 18 nodded and Marron clapped her hands in excitement before running down the stairs, chattering away as her mom followed behind her. And even through his deep slumber, Krillin smiled.

“It's disgusting!” Chi-Chi giggled. “Oh Bulma, don't be like that. I think they're adorable.” The heiress crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “It's so shameless. And at my party, no less!” Today had been intended by Bulma to be her day. Capsule Corp, under her leadership, had just acquired one of the largest luxury air car manufacturers in the world. Therefore, it was only logical to allow all her friends to bask in her glory and congratulate her; a party was in order! Unfortunately for her, she hadn't counted on her seating chart placing her directly across from the two newest lovebirds. Krillin and the Android girl were in plain sight; giggling, kissing, the girl resting her head on his, half in his lap, no less!  And all this stealing attention meant for her accomplishment. And, she reluctantly admitted, making her feel just the tiniest bit jealous. Chi-Chi rested her cheek on her palm and swooned. “I remember being newly in love. Such a wonderful, happy feeling.” Bulma looked away and pouted. “Well the least they could do is cut out the PDA. It's entirely inappropriate in this scenario.” She grabbed her glass from the table and took a sip. Chi-Chi's brow curled upward and she cocked her head. “Ah, Bulma, are you sure that's the reason you're upset?” She smirked a bit. “I think you might just be a little bit jealous that Vegeta doesn't do these things for you.” Bulma spat her drink and stood, fists balled at her sides. “That's ridiculous, I am not jealous of that Android girl or her relationship, thank you very much! Besides, I don't exactly recall GOKU getting all romantic in public with you either!” Chi-Chi smiled into her teacup. “Nope, he didn't. But I also came to accept that long ago. Goku's wasn't really normal with his expressions of affection, and if that's indeed a Saiyan thing, it stands to reason Vegeta would be the same, doesn't it?” She gestured to the couple down the yard. “Krillin's a normal person, Bulma, like you or me. He's gonna be more openly affectionate, he's gonna have those early-relationship butterflies, the giggles, the silly phone conversations. And he's been blessed to find someone after waiting for so long. Can't you just be happy for your friend?” Bulma stood silently, appearing to give it some thought. Seeing 18 feed him yet another piece of chicken off her fork, however, seemed to push her over the edge. “Nope. Nope, I've gotta say something right now.” She stomped across the yard, ignoring Chi-Chi's plea not to make a scene, and came face to face with the couple, giggling in secret, no doubt over something stupid and sappy. Something pointless they both found amusing in their endorphin-infused state. Krillin was the first to look up and notice her presence. “Oh, hey Bulma!” he beamed at her. “Really great party you've got here. Looks like a lot of people wanted to come congratulate you on your big business deal, huh? Oh yeah,” he grinned raised his glass to her, wrapping his arm around his date's waist. “Congratulations on the big deal!” Bulma's gaze shifted briefly to the blonde with him. She too was smiling broadly and nodded. “Congratulations, Bulma. Krillin was gushing over this all morning. Seems he's quite proud of his friends and what they've accomplished.” Bulma hesitated. She's come over fully intent on telling them off, stopping their excessive canoodling on her lawn, but... seeing that girl so friendly... seeing Krillin smile like that... He was the happiest she'd seen him in... well... ever. “T-thank you both. I'm glad you decided to come...” she grinned. “And super glad you finally brought your girlfriend over, Krillin.” She punched him lightly in the shoulder. “You two should come by more often. I could use the distraction, and I've got all sorts of questions for-uh...” She looked at the blonde. “What name do you go by?” “Just 18 is fine,” she replied. “And I'm not so sure about swinging by too often, I'm afraid. Things still aren't so good between me and, uh-” she gestured to the side of the lawn with a nod “Mr. Grumpy Monkey over there.” She smirked. “I kinda almost get the feeling he doesn't like me being here.” Bulma turned to see Vegeta standing across the lawn, shooting 18 a death glare even as he stuffed his face. “Oh, Vegeta. Yeah, don't worry too much about him, I keep him in check.” She grinned. “If he wants that gravity room to stay in anything close to working order, he won't dare misbehave.” She looked over and shouted. “Will you, Vegeta? Don't raise your eyebrows at me, I know you can hear us over there.” Vegeta mumbled something and started shuffling toward the buffet tables. “I better go see if I can't soothe mister ego before he decides to go pout somewhere. Take care. Oh, and Krillin?” she smiled softly. “I really am happy for you guys. Congratulations. I mean it.” Krillin returned the smile and pulled 18 a little closer. “Thanks, Bulma. Means a lot, coming from you.”

Once she was out of earshot, Krillin smirked at 18. “See? I told you she wouldn't blow up at us. Now you owe me 50 Zeni.” 18 scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. I guess she's not as bad as she seems. For someone who built a remote designed to rob me of my person-hood again.” “Aww babe, don't be like that, she felt it was our only option at the time.” “Yeah, yeah... truth be told I'd have done about anything to stop that bug too, I guess.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze and she smiled. Oh, uh...” he gestured to the empty seat next to him. “Did you wanna sit in your own chair now?” 18 thought for a second before laying her head back on his. “Mm, nah. I kinda like this seat better anyways.”

“Lazuli, please, I need to get to work!” “Guess you gotta catch me then, huh?” Krillin scratched his head and sighed. He'd known this woman was a bit of a wild card when they'd entered their relationship a few weeks ago (in, he noted, a rather... unorthodox manner), but sometimes she just drove him up the wall. First, came the days she'd show herself into his home late at night and the subsequent chasing out of various insects and assorted creatures of the night who followed her through the still-ajar windows, then came the very inappropriate selfies and video messages while he was at work, and now... Now she'd acquired a fondness for stealing part of his uniform and making him catch her to get it back. Today? His hat. “Babe, PLEASE... If I'm late I could get written up again!” Her voice echoed from the other side of the house this time. “Guess you better hurry then, hmm?” He ran a hand through his hair and trotted toward the bathroom. “I know you think the hat is a dumb requirement hon, but I do have to wear the thi-OOF!” He found himself flat on his back as a blonde streak slammed right into him, knocking him to the floor and straddling him quickly. Lazuli smirked down at him, blue eyes twinkling mischievously. “Alright then. I suppose I'll just have to save some time and catch you.” Krillin couldn't help but note his hat was planted atop her head, slightly askew due to being oversized for her. 'She looks super cute...' He shook his head a bit to keep out of the stupor she always put him in. “Alright, you win. But I need to get up and finish getting ready. You know I like to get there early and organize my paperwork.” Lazuli rolled her eyes. “Of course. How could I forget? A place for everything-” “-and everything in its place, yes. It's what keeps me focused and on the ball.” He tried to scoot from under her. “Can I please get up now?” Lazuli stared at his face for a moment, studying him, like a cat with a new toy. She gently raised a hand to caress his face softly and smiled. “Sure thing, short stuff. But first...” she leaned down and pressed her lips to his, kissing him softly. Krillin felt his face turn beet red as her lips moved against his. He'd had no real doubts Lazuli cared for him, but she often showed it in ways that were overtly sexual, more commanding and intense. Something this gentle, this pure... it was a recent development, but not at all unwelcome, and it made his heart flutter every time. She finally pulled away from his lips and planted a soft kiss on his ear. “Be safe, love.” Krillin nodded, praying the red in his face would subside before work. “Y-yeah. I mean, will do. I promise.” Lazuli flashed him a warm smile before finally standing, tossing his hat on the table as she helped him up before heading to the fridge. Krillin boosted himself to his feet with a slight grunt, grabbed his hat and headed for the door before a mocking tone called to him. “Oh, officer~” He looked back over his shoulder to see Lazuli standing there, feigning innocence, a Popsicle in hand. “Do please hurry back when you're done. I've got some-” she gave the pop a seductive lick and winked. “Plans for you tonight~.” Krillin gulped and nodded before hurrying out the door and down the walk to his car. Now he had two things he hoped faded before he got to work. 'That woman's really gonna be the end of me someday, I just know it.'

“Aw crud, not another one.” Krillin stood in front of his bathroom mirror, turtle pajamas ruffled, holding onto yet another gray hair. He swore the universe was out to get him. Not more than a few days ago, his hair was its normal, natural silky black self, nary a split end or discoloration in sight. And now, today, there were three in total. On his 40th birthday. He groaned. It was bad enough that he'd find himself waking up a bit sore after intense workout days again. As if he'd needed another reason to feel old! He felt a light touch trace his shoulder. “Something wrong, birthday boy?” He sighed. 18 was the world to him, one of the two most important people in his life, the best partner and friend he could have asked for. She was also, to his current chagrin, seemingly eternally youthful, unlike himself. Brittle, falling apart... “Hey, babe.” He leaned upward and placed a kiss on her cheek, earning a small smile. “Nah, I was just checking the damage.” 18 arched an eyebrow. “Damage? You didn't hurt yourself or anything, did you?” “No, no. Not this time,” he chuckled. “Just getting old is all. Not rebounding as quickly as I used to and... I found a few gray hairs.” His brow furrowed at his wife's barely suppressed laughter. “Well at least one of us finds me turning into an old man amusing.” 18 wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his. “I'm sorry, honey, it's just... it's gray hairs. You've found them before.” He hung his head. “Yeah well... I wasn't 40 then. I wasn't becoming ancient while you stay young and beautiful and people shoot you and Marron weird looks for being with some ol' fart like me.” 18 scoffed. “And you really think I give a damn about what those people think?” “I know you don't, I just..” He rested a hand on the sink. “I feel bad sometimes is all. And then there was that really awkward meeting with Marron's teacher, the whole 'how old were you when she was born, blink twice if he took you as a child' deal...” “Krillin, look at me.” 18 cupped his cheek, tilting his face toward her. “You know I love you, and Marron does too. Just because we had a child later in life than a lot of people doesn't mean a thing. Marron adores you and brags about you constantly,” 18 smiled and ruffled his hair. “And I think you're kinda neat too.” She leaned down and pecked his cheek and smiled at the blush that still crept across his face. “Now you go on downstairs. I'll be down soon and then we can go celebrate.” “Mmkay.” Krillin stood on his tip-toes and returned the kiss, noting with some amusement he wasn't the only one who still turned a shade of red. “I'll get the ol' shoes on and start the car.” He got about halfway down the stairs when he heard a cry of distress from the bathroom. Spinning on his heel, he double timed it back and shoved the door open. “Babe, are you oka-” He froze as he noticed 18 holding up two fallen strands, staring in shock. “I have... g-gray... hairs...” Krillin patted her on the back and grinned. “What’s wrong, honey? They’re just some gray hairs.”

That night, Krillin found himself on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, listening to the serenade of the chirping crickets. “Well. At least I can appreciate the irony.”

She wasn't really sure when it had happened. It had all started innocently enough. She came to him seeking a place to stay, taking up his offer of hospitality to get some space from her brother. He'd just smiled and nodded and shown her to a room, assured her that if she needed anything, she need only ask and he'd do his best to make it happen. Perhaps that was what had done it. The constant offers of help, of friendship. The nights he'd comfort her when she'd had a particularly bad nightmare, the days when he'd sit there and indulge her desire to pummel him endlessly in a game she knew he wasn't good at, yet he still did it without complaint. The way he'd pushed her to socialize, make friends, and didn't try at all to monopolize her time or attention. Perhaps it was seeing him act so selflessly for not only her but Goku's family. The man she'd been made to kill, she noted with irony. And even then he'd brought her into their home, introduced her to Goku's wife. To her second friend. She'd been there when Gohan would explain something new he'd read to Krillin with wide-eyed wonder, as Krillin did his best to follow along and be involved, ask him questions, encourage his interests. She'd been there when the new baby came, the one named Goten, and saw him hold the boy so gently, volunteering to babysit and even do overnights so Chi-Chi could finally get some sleep. Or maybe it was the times she'd lose her temper, yell at him, threaten him, only for him to stand his ground and still tell her she was wrong. To push her to not let her emotions control her. Maybe it was the night he'd opened up to her and shared with her his own problems, his struggles, and why he fought to not give in to them, the scars resulting from it. 18 wasn't sure what lead her to grab Krillin's wrist as he'd left for his own room that night, but she certainly knew in her heart why she'd guided him back to her bed. “Stay with me. Not... not just tonight, either. Please.” Android 18 had fallen in love with her best friend.

18 and Krillin both had their share of scars. More than once they'd noticed the marks on the other, tentatively asked about the source. A few times they'd refused to talk about it, not feeling ready to share that information, but eventually, the topic would come back up, the story told. 18 bore most of her scars in strategic places, the cuts of a skilled surgeon, some of them no longer even visible due to artificial skin, replacements meant to be more durable. They were hidden from everyone; well, everyone but her. She could still see them, trace them, even show him where to look for the faintest of marks until they were seen. Krillin had typically been more open with most of his own scars. A scuff mark here, a cut eyebrow there, many with some semi-fond memories attached. He'd even told her, hesitantly, about the time he'd been impaled, how he had many scars that, even if not visible, were still fresh wounds in his memory. The scars he mostly kept quiet about, however, were his most prominent. 18 had asked him about the burn marks on his forehead, what they meant to him, what they symbolized; more often than not, he would go quiet and seem to lock up before changing the subject. When he'd finally told 18 his story, about his time in Orin and the memories he had of the place, he'd had to almost physically restrain her to keep her from wrecking the place. It was scary, he'd noted, but a bit touching. Those, however, were just the scars that showed. It was not uncommon for 18 to wake up in the middle of the night, flailing in a cold sweat, fighting off the monster who had once claimed her. Each time, Krillin found his way to her side, gently calming her and coaxing her back into reality, despite some harsh words (and more than one stray fist or kick) falling on him. 18 too would sometimes hear the small man sobbing at night, curled into a ball, asking whatever monster haunting his dreams to please stop, to leave him alone. She would gently shake him awake and whisper comfort to him, remind him he was not alone, that she was there and would keep him safe until he could finally drift off back to sleep again. They knew they would be there for one another, could understand one another. Because despite being so different on the surface, deep down they knew... They shared the same scars.