Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Beyond All Expectations ❯ Our Next Steps II ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: As throughout this entire story, I do not own Dragonball, DragonballZ or Dragonball GT (wishful thinking on my part though), nor am I making any money off my writings (even more wishful thinking).

A/N: It took me forever to finally get this chapter right, but I think I finally have it. Sorry for the wait guys. I hope this is worth it.

“It's been a while, but recently I've started seeing someone,” I explained as I began breaking the news to Marron's parents, knowing very well how horribly wrong things could go for myself should I use the wrong words.

Krillin was almost dying with curiosity. “Tell me more! Is it serious? I'll bet she's pretty!” Eighteen shot her husband a cold glare, and Krillin's face quickly dropped to a rather sheepish expression. She always has had a good bit of control of her husband.

I had to chuckle a little at Krillin and Eighteen's interaction. “Of course she's beautiful,” I answered the overly curious Krillin. “Would you expect anything less from me?”

“How long have you been seeing her?” Eighteen questioned. It seemed she could not resist probing for all the details. Her robotic mind had to know everything possible to assess any situation correctly. At least that's what she told herself, I'm sure.

“Well,” I glanced at Marron before answering her mother; “it's been six months the day after tomorrow.”

“So, is it serious?” Krillin asked brightly. He always has been highly excitable.

“I guess…well, it really depends on her.” I felt Marron begin to blush lightly at my words as she gazed at her hands folded absently in her lap. “We haven't really finalized where we're going, yet.”

“Does she have a name?” Krillin probed, pressing my hand. I knew at this point I would not be able to withhold the truth any longer. With that last bit in my mind, I decided it was time I showed my hand and hoped I would be good enough to survive this round.

“Yes, she does.” I took a deep breath before delving into a complete confession. “Actually, her name is Marron.” Marron's hand clamped on mine as Krillin and Eighteen blinked, lost in utter confusion; Marron's not exactly a common name. Taking Marron's hand in mine into the air to clarify, I repeated, “Marron.”

As Krillin caught my meaning, his eyes grew wide and then narrowed to tiny slits. Honestly, seeing Krillin's reaction was even more terrifying than knowing Buu, standing before me, was about to end my life. The difference? I knew Buu would end everything quickly, which he did. Krillin had been angry enough at that moment to make my death last for days, and I was not foolish enough to miss that fact. I knew my best friend.

Just as Krillin's murderous rage looked about ready to explode, Eighteen reached her hand over, resting it on her irate husband's knee, affectively getting his attention as she shook her head. Realizing his wife wanted to handle the situation alone, Krillin calmed himself and chose to rely on his wife's programmed, calm wisdom in such a touchy situation rather than going off the deep end. Besides, Eighteen can be far more sadistic than anyone else on our team, having been evil at one time. If anyone knew how to make a person suffer for their transgressions, it was definitely Eighteen. I'm sure Krillin knew she had something good in mind to punish my transgression.

Looking into the android's crystal blue eyes, Krillin blinked before Eighteen had looked away from him and into Marron's eyes instead.

“Are you happy?” the mother asked her daughter in a flat tone so as not to betray any of her deeper thoughts or feelings: a question, which puzzled us all.

After closely inspecting her mother's face for any possible repercussions, Marron nodded solemnly. “Yes, very.”

I will never forget holding my breath for what seemed an eternity, waiting for Eighteen's response. What verdict would she pass? Would my life be ended quickly to spare Marron's feelings, or did Eighteen have something truly evil cooked up in her robotic mind?

After inspecting her daughter's face another minute, without any hint of a smile, Eighteen had nodded her approval. “All right. As long as you're happy and know what you're doing, I support you.”

Silence had immediately ensued as everyone tried to digest what had just transpired. Finally, Krillin broke the silence with a heavy sigh. “Marron, I won't say that I approve of your decision, but I will support your happiness.” He had forced himself to look Marron in the eyes with a tenderly loving smile. “I love you, very much, and I always will.”

Those words must have been the hardest thing Krillin has ever tried to know. I know those words - were I in his position - would be hard for me as well. Then again, my friend has always been the stronger of us, and the more courageous. I suppose, that's a great deal of the reason why I admire him so.

I wish I could say that from that point on, Marron and I had a fairytale life. Unfortunately, no one ever does. We had our ups and our downs with thankfully more ups than downs.

A month after telling Marron's parents about our relationship, Marron and I were engaged and only one week later, we married. Some said it was a premature decision, but neither of us ever regretted any of it. Nine months later, Marron and I had our own bundle of joy, symbolizing our love for one another. Hancha made me a father for the first time (Yes, I did say the first time.) at the young age of sixty-three.

As for Krillin and I, it took us years to get over our differences. At first, though he had accepted Marron and my relationship, Krillin had a very hard time accepting that it was I who was with his baby girl, not that I can blame him. In the end, I think it was a combination effort by Eighteen, Krillin witnessing Marron and my happiness for himself along with the birth of Hancha, which brought him around. Who can honestly stay angry with the parents, who are friends and family nonetheless, when there is a beautiful grandbaby boy involved? Well, Krillin certainly couldn't.

Of course, after I got in touch with Krillin, Eighteen, Master Roshi and Turtle again, it was inevitable I would again find Goku, Bulma and the rest of my friends. It is nice to spend time with them as one group after so long. I finally overcame my fear of being murdered by kill-crazed aliens bent on world domination. Yeah, for most people that is a rather irrelevant fear. But, you know my knack for being at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.

I guess you could say that for once in my life, I happened to be in the right place at the right time to find my destiny. I found Marron, and for all the ups and downs, she has been the best change in my life. Yes, for once, I am glad to have that life, my life. For the first time since I can remember, I am more than proud to call that life my own with my wife and my son. My family.

A/N: Well, what did you think? Good story, or should I send it back to the lab for even more editing? Let me know! REVIEW!

Oh, and for all of you have reviewed in the past, thank you so much! I have really appreciated all your words of praise and words of help. You guys kept me going even when I was ready to scream thanks to this last chapter.