Show me Love.

13; Love. (Pt 2)

A/n; I do apologize for the absurd long time it took me to finally finish this. This chapter gave me so much trouble, mostly because I just want it to be perfect and it also has the purpose of leading to something new, which will be apparent after you read through! Please forgive me for making you all wait so long. This is a very long chapter!

Onwards!

Krillin stretched out lazily before gently nudging Eighteen who was laying with her head on his lap while her legs stretched out over the length of the couch.

"What?" She asked softly, not taking her eyes off the TV.

They had been spending a good chunk of the afternoon watching old cheesy black and white martial arts movies from Master Roshi's extensive collection. Eighteen had been surprised the old perv even had movies that didn't involve people fornicating left and right across the screen. She also didn't think she would enjoy old black and white films, but found herself oddly amused by the bad acting and botched action scenes, a fact she loved to point out every now and then.

"I gotta get ready for work." Krillin said with a yawn. He glanced at the clock, he hadn't realized it was this late already. His shift started in an hour and would last to midnight.

Eighteen sat up so he could get off the couch. She pulled her knees up to wrap her arms around them. Master Roshi was on his favourite chair, dozing off.

Krillin stood, stretching a second time, before walking up the stairs to his room. He quickly discarded his comfortable shorts and t-shirt. He opened one of his drawers to get a clean work shirt, smiling when his eyes fell on a different, smaller pile of clothes next to his.

Since Eighteen spent so much time on the island, she had brought over some of her clothes and essentials but instead of storing them in the spare room, she had simply put them in his room and dresser.

When Krillin had asked her why, she had shrugged and reasoned that since she spent her nights usually in his room when she was on the island, it would be more convenient to have her stuff nearby than having to go up another floor get them. A fact Krillin had not been able to argue with and he certainly didn't mind her taking up a little space.

He stood in front of a small mirror on his wall and checked his reflection, running a hand through his hair to somewhat try to style it.

He had been working at Club Hercule for several weeks now. At first he only worked on Wednesday and Thursday evenings but the shift manager, after seeing his clean work ethic, had promoted him to a higher position resulting in him working an extra day in the week. He didn't mind it, the job was easy, his schedule was great, and the pay was fantastic.

Club Hercule was a very upscale place and had a prestige clientele. Krillin shook his head amused as he thought of all the rich and snobby people that frequented the club. Even Mr Satan made an appearance every now and then and when he did, the place was a madhouse.

At first Krillin had tried to avoid him at all cost, not wanting him to find out his identity. He was pretty certain the world champion still remembered him and the others from the Cell games, yet he also knew he looked quite different from back then which could work in his advantage.

But he hadn't had to worry, the guy was so egocentric that he immediately surrounded himself with fans whenever he stepped foot into the club, boasting about his fame and fortunes, retelling the fake tale of how he had managed to slay the monster who had so brutally threatened the planet.

He'd seen Krillin once or twice and squinted his eyes at him but never had he engaged him in a conversation or asked questions, a fact that suited the small man just fine. Satan was too popular for his own good. Earth's greatest hero!

Krillin snorted at his reflection. Oh if only they knew!

"What's so funny?"

Krillin turned around to face Eighteen who had appeared in the doorway.

"Ah nothing in particular, just thinking about some of the folks I see at work."

Eighteen stepped in the room and sat on the edge of the bed. She still wasn't sure why Krillin was working this job. He kept telling her he did it so he could have some extra money on hand, which was a plausible reason of course.

Yet she couldn't help but think there was a different reason as well. After all, one wouldn't start stuttering or turn red every time they got asked if they really just needed the money to replenish their savings account. But Krillin was adamant about it whenever she brought it up so she had decided to let it go.

"It's probably going to be packed tonight, since the big shot is due for a visit again." Krillin said with a sigh as he sat down next to her to put on his shoes.

"Oh well, as long as they pay me, I'll make the best of it!" He said in a cheerful tone. He took his security jacket from the back of his desk chair and put it on.

He turned around to face Eighteen.

"Will you be here when I get home?" He asked.

Eighteen stood up, she took a hold of his tie and straightened it. Krillin looked down when she let go of it.

"Thanks, I didn't realize it was still crooked."

"Maybe." Eighteen said in answer to his previous question.

Krillin smiled up at her.

"Alright, I guess I'll have to wait and see then. For now I got to go or else I'll be late!" He said glancing at his alarm clock. Eighteen followed him down the stairs.

"See you later Master Roshi!" Krillin said cheerful but he only received a weak grunt and a half wave from the dozing martial arts master.

"Don't get trampled." Eighteen joked. Krillin just shot her a look before levitating up from the ground.

"I'll try." He said dryly. He quickly kissed her before taking off with a wave of his hand. Eighteen watched him go with an amused expression on her face.

Krillin flew as fast as he could, he didn't want to be late.

"I really should stop waiting till the last minute to get ready and go." He said softly to himself as he observed the changing landscapes beneath him.

He closed his eyes temporarily, enjoying the cool wind on his face. A smile crossed his features. Eighteen still had no clue what he was up to and he desperately wanted to keep it that way. Though it was getting harder to keep a straight face whenever she brought up the subject of why he was working.

He frowned. The first parts of his plan were almost complete. Krillin chuckled softly to himself as he thought back on his struggle to get Eighteen's ring size.

At first Bulma had suggested she'd take Eighteen on some sort of shopping trip so she could sneakily find out, but Krillin knew it would be a challenge to get her to go along with that without her getting suspicious of something.

While she did get along with the other two women, Eighteen was still wary and opposed slightly to spend time with them unless Krillin was there. It was also the reason he had tried, and failed, to get her ring size himself. He had figured he could quickly measure it while she was sleeping. But unfortunately for him, Eighteen was always on high alert even in sleep. The smallest movement or disturbance in her surroundings would wake her up and she hardly slept to begin with.

He should have known better, after all she had hurt him that one time a long time ago when he had wanted to cover her up with a blanket. She hadn't grabbed a hold of him during his tries of late but had been very suspicious of him afterward so he had stopped trying. He almost wished she would wear some sort of ring on her visits to the island, but the only jewelry she really wore were earrings, bracelets and a pearl necklace every once in a while. He had almost thought of just guessing it himself when getting the ring but Bulma and Chichi had almost been scandalized at the idea, saying that this was something special and it needed to be done right.

Luckily for him though, Eighteen had showed up wearing a new ring a few days back. She had told him she bought it with new winnings from a street tournament she and Seventeen had participated in. He had admired it with a smile, inwardly rejoicing about his stroke of luck.

Krillin shook his head as his destination came into view.

"Now I just got to decide what kind of ring to get, how hard can that be?" He mused, but he pushed the thought to the back of his mind for now, it was time to get to work.

Meanwhile back on Kame island, Eighteen had watched Krillin until he was out of sight. She debated on what to do. She didn't really feel like staying on the island with the old perv. He was cautious of doing things around her lately, but that didn't mean he would sneak a try every now and then. She'd rather just go home. She could always come back later if she wished to do so.

With her mind made up, she walked back into the house. She located her jacket on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. Master Roshi was also in the kitchen, preparing some hot tea. He seemed surprisingly awake and alert compared to just moments ago. Eighteen shrugged to herself and put her jacket on.

"Leaving already?" The old man said with a slight smile. She just nodded in answer as she turned away from him.

"Eighteen."

She lifted her brows at the unfamiliar, but very serious, tone of his voice. She stood still and turned to face him.

"What do you want?" She asked rather snappy.

"Nothing, I merely want to talk to you about something important. So if you could spare this old man a moment of your time?" Master Roshi gestured to one of the vacant kitchen chairs but Eighteen didn't sit down.

"Something important?" Eighteen asked despite her better judgment. She had to admit he had her attention for now.

"Yes, or better phrased, someone important. I want to talk to you about Krillin."

Eighteen's brows rose for a second time as she processed his words.

"What about Krillin?"

But Master Roshi didn't say anything else, instead he pointed to the vacant chair again with a smile.

"Please, sit."

Eighteen mulled it over for a moment before making up her mind. She sat down in the chair, impatiently folding her arms across her chest while she waited for him to finish pouring his tea. He offered her some but she declined.

"Your loss, this is some of the best tea in the region! You know, they have to specially..." But Eighteen cut him off.

"I'm not interested in that. What's the point of this?" She said with a hint of impatience.

Master Roshi chuckled at her tone as he gently sipped his hot tea. He wasn't sure how to start this conversation. He cared a lot about Krillin. In fact he saw him, and the late Goku for that matter, as a son. So naturally he did have some concerns when it came to the small man's well being.

Master Roshi rubbed his beard, observing the frowning blonde in front of him. She had warmed up considerably from when she first came around the island. He had seen her change from a cold, indifferent, and scary person to a warmer, kinder, yet still kind of intimating individual. But even he could see that she was good to Krillin.

Those two were so head over heels for each other that it made him nauseous though he was very careful not to say anything in that fashion whenever she was around. In a way he already knew this conversation wasn't really needed but this way he would only get confirmation. He only hoped she wouldn't kill him in the process.

"Well?" Eighteen inquired. She was glaring at him. Master Roshi sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin before smiling.

"I just want to know if you really care for Krillin, that's all. Do you love him?"

Eighteen raised her brows in surprise at that unexpected and kind of invasive question, but she answered almost immediately, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by the old Martial Arts master.

"Yes I do, what is it to you?"

"I just need to make sure that you are sincere. You see, Krillin is like a son to me, so of course I care for his well being. I do not want to see him hurt in whichever way. He's had enough hardships in his life already.

I see how happy he is with you and I just can't help but be a little protective of him. He's head over heels in love with you, you know. You're all he really cares about, he'd do anything to make you happy."

The old master folded his hands in front of him on the table as he leaned forward slightly, peering over the rim of his sunglasses at Eighteen who was still frowning at him.

"I just want to make absolutely sure the feelings are mutual. I don't want you take advantage of him, nor his feelings for you. After all, you were our enemy at first. Who's to say you won't turn your back on him? We all know you're a lot stronger than he is.

And because he trusts you completely, it would be very easy for you to hurt or maybe even kill him in his sleep, unnoticed by us until it's..." But he was cut off roughly when Eighteen shot forward and seized the front of his shirt. She snarled as she angrily pulled him towards her over the table till her face was mere inches away from his.

Her voice was eerily calm and collected as she began to speak in an icy tone that send a shiver down the old martial art's master's spine.

"I don't give two cents about what you, or anyone else for that matter, thinks of me. To me the only one who matters is Krillin. You've got some nerve to make such implications, how dare you! I would never take advantage of Krillin, not after all that he's done for me and then some. He means everything to me and I'll damn well make sure he knows. I could never hurt him intentionally and I most certainly don't plan on it as you just so nicely tried to imply!"

Eighteen tightened her grip.

"Count your lucky stars, old leech. If it wasn't for Krillin being rather fond of you, I'd kill you right here on the spot!"

Master Roshi grasped at her hands, she was cutting off his air supply. He could feel cold sweat break out on his face. He was pretty sure he was slowly turning blue.

"P...please l..let go!" He wheezed.

Eighteen sneered, forcefully shoving him backwards. He let out a shriek when he found himself flying into the kitchen wall. The impact left a pretty sizable crack.

Master Roshi coughed and took a few deep breaths, relieved to feel his lungs fill up with much needed oxygen.

But despite her almost suffocating him, despite the anger in her eyes that made him want to run and hide, despite the slight shivers of raw fear, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He grinned widely when he stood up and sat back in his chair.

"What the hell are you grinning about?" Eighteen hissed, narrowing her eyes at him. She slammed her hand on the table, which trembled ominously under the brute force.

He pointed to the chair she had abandoned in her anger.

"Please sit back down." Master Roshi said with a hoarse voice. He cleared his throat to speak more clearly.

"I apologize for upsetting you, but I just had to know. I was merely testing you."

"Testing...?" Eighteen repeated, deflating as the anger she had felt before was replaced by utter confusion. She sat back in her chair and waited for the old man to explain himself.

"Testing. And might I add you passed with flying colours! "

"What are you on about?"

Master Roshi leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"Once again, I apologize if my words upset you, I just wanted to confirm what I already knew. I know you wouldn't hurt Krillin intentionally. I see how happy you both are." Master Roshi took another sip of his cooling tea.

"Krillin changed so much since you came into his life. Before he found you in that forest, well he wasn't doing so well. A fact I'm sure you noticed too back then?"

Eighteen nodded, thinking back to when she first had seen Krillin after the Cell games, she could clearly visualize his thinning form and the almost haunting look he'd had about him back then.

"He felt guilty about Goku's death and not de-activating you, you know. Didn't feel worthy anymore. He was angry at himself, at the world, and I was really worried for him. But then he found you and later you started coming by the island more often. I can tell you, those were the highlights of his days. I was still very apprehensive of you in a sense and a little worried that Krillin might grow a little too attached to you, which he did eventually but it seemed you grew fond of him as well."

Eighteen nodded, listening to the old man's words.

"You've grown too, you know. When you first came here, you were hostile, cold even but gradually you warmed up to us and Krillin. The change is magnificent if I do say so myself.

I observed you two growing closer until Android Seventeen whisked you away. Krillin held his head up high after that but when you didn't come by to visit, I could tell he was having a hard time with it. I was angry at first, thinking you had turned your back on him once you moved out. But when I voiced this to Krillin he stubbornly denied it. I didn't really believe in it and I know Krillin's resolve must have diminished little by little as well but he was adamant you'd be back eventually. And I guess his hotheadedness paid off. I could feel a change between you two after you came back to talk to him. I didn't know what had been said but Krillin was kind of dazed that evening when he came in the house after you left."

Master Roshi finished his tea and poured a new cup.

"After that things just seemed to progress further between you, and I am actually glad they did. You're part of our little clan now, whether you like it or not, and I really wouldn't have it any other way if only for the fact that Krillin is back to his old self, better even, with you by his side."

Eighteen let his words sink in, for such an old leech, he surely had been observant.

"I am just happy Krillin finally gets what he deserves. The poor guy has always longed for someone special to love and maybe someday start a little family with."

Master Roshi stood up.

"Thank you, Eighteen, for not killing me, I still have so much to live for! He joked.

"But mostly for listening to this old geezer and putting up with all of us. I'll try to be a little less obnoxious towards you from now on, it's going to be hard though, I mean Krillin is a lucky man scoring such a beauty!"

He gently tapped her shoulder before making his way to the living room, leaving her to mull his words over in her head.

Eighteen just sat at the kitchen table for a good ten minutes before she folded her arms across her chest while turning her gaze towards the window. It was pitch black out. She glanced at the clock, it was still fairly early. Her mind was reeling from the conversation that had just ended moments ago, her mind already looping back to one particular part of the entire interaction.

"A family? That's...impossible"

She shook her head and stood up. Without a word, she passed the old man in the living room and walked out of the house.

A good while later, Krillin touched down on the soft sand of Kame island's beach. His gaze automatically went up to his bedroom window which was totally dark , same with the rest of the house. He let out a slightly disappointed sigh, Eighteen hadn't stayed after all.

She always kept his bedside lamp turned on whenever she waited for him to come back home from work or the TV would be playing softly in the living room.

"Ah well, she'll probably be back tomorrow anyway!" Krillin said with a smile to himself. He softly closed the door behind him when he stepped into the house. He felt his way to the stairs, not bothering to turn the lights on. He was beat, as expected it had been a madhouse at the club that evening.

Krillin carefully made his way to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth. He caught his tired reflection in the mirror, yawning and stretching before turning the lights back off and making his way to his bedroom.

He turned the lights on and stopped in his tracks.

"Huh?" He exclaimed softly.

Krillin smiled to himself as he made his way to his bed and gently sat down on the edge, surprised that the person before him hadn't woken up despite him turning the lights on and sitting down next to her. Usually she would be sitting up immediately with the slightest disturbance around her.

But instead, Eighteen didn't even flinch. She was curled up at his side of the bed on top of the covers, fast asleep. She was still in her day clothes. Krillin noticed she was wearing ear buds. He traced the wire over the edge where the music player had fallen to the floor. He picked it up and put it on his nightstand. He then very carefully pulled the little buds from her ears.

Eighteen's eyes opened instantly. She blinked slowly before turning her gaze to Krillin who greeted her with a grin.

"Hey sleepyhead!" He joked. She just gave him a look before stretching out.

"I didn't realize I had dozed off since it hasn't been that long since I slept last."

She sat up straight, leaning her back against the headboard of the bed as she observed Krillin rummaging around the room. She scooted over when he nudged her. He had changed into some shorts.

"You look tired."

Krillin nodded as he got comfortable, covering himself up a little while stretching his legs out in front of him.

"It was busy, the champ paid a visit after all. Anyway, I didn't think you'd still be here. What happened to leaving at least the bedside lamp on?"

Eighteen shrugged.

"I was just relaxing, listening to some music and I must've fallen asleep like I mentioned before. Besides I didn't stay the whole time. Just came back maybe a few hours ago."

She turned slightly towards him.

"That being said, I had a rather interesting conversation with the old man before I left though."

"Oh? About what?" Krillin asked, somehow finding it hard to believe they had found some common ground to hold a conversation over.

"You."

"Me? What can be so interesting about me?"

Krillin gently poked her shoulder when she stayed silent.

"Hey, are you going to elaborate on just why you guys were talking about me while I was away? I hope it wasn't anything bad." He said semi serious.

"Or awkward." He added as an after thought. After all, he had spent a good chunk of his life at Kame House and there were plenty of things that could be said that would classify as embarrassing memories to him.

Eighteen opened her mouth only to abruptly close it. She looked away from him.

She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them as she frowned slightly.

Krillin was confused. It seemed like something was bothering her, he could tell that much. He gently nudged her shoulder a second time.

"Eighteen?"

"Hm?" Eighteen looked at him, blinking slowly.

"What's the matter? What about that talk? Did something happen?"

But she just shook her head, flashing him a small smile.

"It was...nothing special, it was just interesting, that's all." She said softly. "Though Roshi might be a little shaken up still." She muttered.

"What?"

But Eighteen shrugged, waving away his question.

Krillin watched her as she stood up from the bed, he was confused to say the least and he could tell she wasn't being totally honest with him, but he decided to let it go. If something was indeed bugging her, she would most likely tell him one day or another. But he would ask Master Roshi about it in the morning. He dearly hoped the old man hadn't said anything to upset her.

Eighteen sat down on the edge of the bed to put her shoes on.

"I'm going home, I'm not sleepy anymore and I don't want to keep you awake any longer. Forgive me for saying this, but you look dreadful." She said as she turned her attention back to him.

"Gee thanks." He said. "Suit yourself, though I'll have you know, this bed isn't nearly as comfortable without you in it." He said pouting.

"You'll get over it." Eighteen said matter of fact. Krillin stuck his tongue out at her before turning away from her.

"Fine, go. Leave me all by myself then, turn the lights off before you do." He muttered. He heard her sigh and just knew she was rolling her eyes at him. Suddenly the room was enveloped in darkness.

"Thanks."

Krillin heard her walk towards the window, a small gust of wind entered the room when she opened it. After a few moments he closed his eyes with a yawn. Eighteen had left the window open, the breeze felt nice.

He was starting to doze off when suddenly something grabbed a hold of him. Krillin could practically feel his heart jump in his chest as he turned slightly and found himself face to face with Eighteen, who was bending over him. He could see a hint of a knowing smirk on her face in the reflection of the pale moonlight that filtered through his window.

"Eighteen! Don't do that, you scared me! I thought you'd already left!"

"I forgot something."

She held up the the music player she had grasped from the nightstand. Krillin just shook his head at her, he willed his still racing heart to calm down.

"You could've just taken it, there really was no need to scare..." But Eighteen interrupted him.

"Krillin."

"What?"

Eighteen straddled him above the covers, placing her hands on each side of his head, effectively trapping him.

"Shut up."

She grinned at his incredulous expression before pressing her mouth to his in a breathtaking kiss. Krillin gasped for air when she finally let go of him. He could feel her warm breath tickling his ear as she leaned in closer.

"I love you." She whispered.

Krillin swallowed thickly, his heart was doing little jumps in his chest once again. He felt his face heat up. She always had that effect on him.

"'Love you too."

Eighteen squeezed his shoulder affectionately before stepping away from him.

"See you later." With that she climbed through the window once more, but this time really disappearing into the cool night air.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Chichi took a hold of Krillin's hand to take a closer look at the gray little box he was holding. He had opened it to reveal a small, sparkling ring.

Krillin chuckled at her reaction, he only hoped Eighteen's would be quite similar, no, even more awestruck. The black haired widow stood back up to her full height, holding her hands to her cheeks as she let out a sigh.

Gohan, who had watched the scene before him in amusement, inched closer to take a look at the ring as well.

"It really is pretty Krillin! It's so shiny!"

"Thanks guys." Krillin closed the box and carefully slid it back into the inner pocket of his jacket.

"I just hope Eighteen thinks the same!" he said with a nervous chuckle. He had put a lot of thought into the ring, but hadn't really been sure of exactly what kind of jewelry the blonde cyborg liked, but most of her trinkets had some kind of sparkle to them so he went with the notion that she must like glossy things.

"Don't worry so much, Krillin. Eighteen's going to love it, I'm sure of it. I doubt she'll be able to say no to that!" Chichi gushed.

"Let's hope so!" Krillin said with a grin.

"Have you though of how to ask her yet?" Chichi asked. She motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen where she promptly stirred the contents of several pots and pans on the stove.

Krillin sat at the kitchen table as he thought about her question. He knew he still had a lot of things to figure out. He had a feeling it wouldn't be easy to make certain decisions, though his friends were most excited to help him out. Both Yamcha and Bulma had already bombarded him with possible proposal scenario's, the former actually suggesting to do it on a big screen during one of his baseball games, something Krillin couldn't really see himself doing.

"Not really, no. I mean it's just a simple question but somehow I just can't think of any good way to ask her. I guess I'll stew on that for a little longer. It's not like we're in a hurry."

Chichi suddenly turned around with such a determined and fierce expression on her face, that for a second Krillin was absolutely sure she was going to hit him over the head with the ladle she was brandishing.

"Don't be silly! The sooner the better! What if, for some reason, peace is disturbed once again? You'll regret not acting fast enough." She said with a scowl.

Krillin held up his hands, gulping slightly.

"Uhm I don't think something like that would happen? I mean we haven't heard or seen anything worrying or disturbing since the defeat of Cell. I'm pretty sure we'll be fine for a while."

"That doesn't matter! This is an important step in your life. Isn't this what you've always wanted? Don't you want it to happen as soon as possible and make that dream come true?" Chichi had turned away from him and was now wishfully staring out of the window.

"Weddings are so nice. I remember mine and Goku's like it was yesterday."

Krillin ran a hand through his hair as he regarded the woman in front of him. He smiled fondly to himself as he remembered just how they got to be married in the first place.

"That's true. I want nothing more then to get this over with and be married to the woman of my dreams, but I also don't want to rush things too much. We've always taken things a little slow plus I just want this moment to be special and perfect. That takes time."

Chichi nodded, acknowledging she had heard him. In a way, the small fighter was right. She smiled to herself. She would never have guessed things would work out the way they did. But she was happy for Krillin, he deserved some happiness and Eighteen clearly made him the happiest man on the planet.

"Oh fine, but don't take an eternity to ask her, alright? I don't think I could take waiting that long to hear the good news.

"I promise." Krillin said with a smile. He stood up from the table.

"I guess I'll go home now, it's getting late and I have to work tonight."

"You're still working at that place? But you have the ring now, wasn't that the whole reason you started working in the first place?"

Krillin shrugged.

"That's true, but the job's easy and the money is great so I figured I could continue for a while longer, get some more savings and set some aside for the wedding, if it happens."

"Good point, and it will happen! Stop worrying so much!"

Gohan took a hold of Krillin's arm.

"You don't want to stay over for dinner?" He asked with a hopeful expression on his face. Krillin ruffled his hair.

"Sorry buddy, I don't have time to stay today, but maybe next time okay?"

"Deal!"

Krillin bent down to pick up Goten who had been pulling on his pants for attention.

"Hey little one, or should I say big one? Whatever you're feeding him, it sure works, he seems to have grown every time I come by for a visit!" Krillin said as he held the boy into the air.

"I've told you before, he has an appetite that rivals his father, I can't help that."

"He eats more than I do sometimes!" Gohan chimed in.

"You know, that shouldn't surprise me, yet it does in some way." Krillin said in answer to Gohan's comment. He hugged Goten for a moment before letting him down on the floor again.

"Well I'll be off! See you next time!"

"Don't be a stranger! Bring Eighteen with you next time, okay?!" Gohan yelled up as Krillin took off into the sky.

"Will do." He replied with a wave.

"Bye!" Little Goten was jumping up and down, waving his small arms frantically. Krillin waved back just as enthusiastically before speeding up and vanishing.

Meanwhile in the woods, Seventeen was lugging back and forth with rocks of varying sizes.

"Just what exactly is the purpose of this again?" Eighteen asked. She was seated on the small porch their cabin possessed, drinking some of her homemade iced tea while watching her brother strategically placing the rocks in a circle.

"I'm building a fire pit, we need a decent one that we can reuse every time." Seventeen answered. He knelt down in front of the rocks and changed some around before standing up and dusting off his pants.

"Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself!" He said admiring his handiwork.

"And what do we need a fire pit for?"

Seventeen rolled his eyes at her.

"Well I can use it to cook the meat from Game I kill, I bet it will taste better this way than cooking it with energy beams or on the stove plus the fire will keep predators at bay."

"Predators such as?"

"You know, bears, wolves, and alike." Seventeen said. He was now walking back and forth with thick, cut logs he had prepared earlier in the day.

"Sure, because they really do present a danger to us." Eighteen said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Hush it, will you. It's also aesthetically pleasing and ups the value of your property." Seventeen said in a monotone which told Eighteen he was clearly reciting what he had read in many of the useless magazines he liked to read.

"And there it is." She said. But she stood up and helped him putting the last of the logs into the pit.

"Wanna do the honors?"

"If you insist." Eighteen carefully shot a small beam of energy from the tip of her index finger into the middle of the logs which caught fire immediately.

The twins observed the dancing flames for a moment before Eighteen shrugged.

"Huh, this is actually kind of cool." She said. Seventeen gave a her a smug grin before he hastily turned away and ran into the house. Eighteen lifted her brows when he came back with two bags and the two small kitchen chairs.

"What are you doing now? Don't even think of burning those chairs, I like to have a place to sit at the kitchen table." She remarked.

"Relax sis, I just want to try something I saw on TV, remember that movie from a while back where those people were singing around their campfire?"

"If you think I'm gonna sit here like an idiot and sing, you are sorely mistaken!" Eighteen said with an almost scandalous look on her face.

Seventeen burst out laughing at her expression.

"Sorry to say it, but I wouldn't want to destroy my ears listening to you sing, sis. No, I was talking about these!" He said holding up the two bags he was holding. Eighteen lifted her brows, clearly confused as to what he was getting at.

Seventeen put the bags down and motioned for her to sit in her chair while he browsed the ground for two thin sticks.

"These are perfect!" He said. Sitting down on his chair, he grabbed one of the bags and took a small square package from it.

"I've wanted to try this for the longest time because it actually looks fun and edible. I think they call these s'Mores?" Seventeen opened his package which contained two graham crackers and a marshmallow. He seized a piece of chocolate from the second bag.

"Now how did they do it again?" He pondered softly.

Eighteen took what she needed as well.

"If I remember correctly, you put this white fluffy thing on the end of the stick and hold it above the flames till it starts to melt." She started.

"And then you smash it between the crackers and chocolate." Seventeen finished her sentence.

They carefully stretched out their arms and held the marshmallows above the fire. Unfortunately, Seventeen didn't have enough patience to wait for it to melt so he lowered his hand. The marshmallow on his stick promptly caught fire.

"Shit!" He hastily retreated the stick and blew the small fire out.

"To be honest, that does not look very appetizing!" Eighteen said, trying, but failing, to hide her utter amusement.

"Shut up, I'll just grab a new one." Seventeen said with a frown. This time he patiently waited for the white fluff to show signs of melting.

Eighteen carefully placed her's between her crackers and chocolate. It quickly collapsed under the pressure of her pushing down.

"Yuck." She said with a scowl when the mallow dripped all over her hand. This time it was Seventeen's turn to laugh at her but she just shrugged and licked the gooey stuff from her fingers before taking a bite from the crackers.

"Well?" Seventeen asked. He had prepared his as well but waited until Eighteen was done tasting hers.

"Pretty tasty, sweet but very sticky." She said smacking her lips slightly. She felt as if her mouth was glued together but it did taste very nice.

Seventeen chewed his own, nodding in agreement of her analysis.

"I think I've found a new favourite thing." He said with his mouth full.

Eighteen just chuckled, already mentally noting she should tell Krillin to try these.

"It's good, but iced tea is still my favourite."

Bulma knocked on the opened door of Kame house to announce her presence. She let Trunks down who immediately ran towards Gohan. The teen greeted him with a smile.

It was Master Roshi's birthday. Most of their friends had gathered. Yamcha lifted a hand in greeting.

"Happy birthday!" She shook Master Roshi's hand and handed him a small envelope. He let out a disappointed sigh.

"What, no hug for this kind old man?"

"Forget it!" Bulma warned in a low voice.

"You're no fun!"

But Bulma didn't pay him any attention anymore. She looked around the crowded living room. Yamcha, Oolong and Master Roshi had started a new card game. Chichi was on the couch talking to Baba. Bulma lifted her brows at the sight of the old fortune teller. The kids were now engrossed in a puzzle Gohan had started. She frowned when she realized someone was missing from the scene.

Bulma walked towards the kitchen where she found said missing person tending to the oven.

"There you are!" She said at once.

Krillin turned to the unexpected sound behind him.

"Oh hey Bulma! Glad you could make it!" He said in greeting. He was holding a cake platter with all kinds of small cakes arranged on it. Bulma nodded in greeting before sniffing the air. The kitchen was filled with sweet aroma's that seemed to come from the platter Krillin was holding.

"Did you make those?"

Krillin nodded with a smile. He set the platter down on the counter so it could cool down.

Bulma lifted her brows at him.

"What? A man can experiment in the kitchen! Besides it was your mom who gave me these recipes! I only hope they taste as good as hers."

"Really?" Bulma chuckled at that new snippet of information before frowning. She poked Krillin in the shoulder rather forcefully.

"So, a little bird told me you purchased a certain item and you didn't even bother to show me? Your bestie? I mean since we go way back, you would think!" She said sounding semi offended.

Krillin cocked his brows at her outburst before laughing softly.

"We've known each other a long time, that's true. Though I wouldn't call us..." But he stopped talking when Bulma glared at him. He held up his hands in defense.

"I'll show you in a little while, promise! But first let's just enjoy the party and eat some cake while we're at it!"

Krillin took the tinfoil off another platter, showing more little cakes, though those didn't look as well made as the ones that were currently cooling off.

"Just how many did you make?" Bulma wondered aloud.

"Ah well you see, I kind of messed up a lot of times. But this batch from last night came out pretty good so I didn't want to throw it out even though they're not perfect. Eighteen agreed, she helped me with these and said they tasted alright.

Bulma carefully took a small chocolate swirl cupcake from the platter and bit into it. She chewed slowly, admiring the rich texture and taste.

"Hmmwell she wasn't wrong! This one is very good at least!" She finished the rest before wiping her hands on a piece of paper towel.

"Speaking of which, where is Eighteen anyway? She didn't want to come? Well I can't really blame here seeing as it is the old perv's birthday..."

Krillin chuckled at that.

"She'll be here shortly." Krillin smiled at the thought of the blonde cyborg. Bulma rolled her eyes at the sappy expression her friend was sporting.

"Oh boy..." She muttered as she followed him to the living room. Everyone crowded around the table when Krillin put the little cakes down.

"Now I know they don't look like much, but I can assure you they taste really good!" He started.

"They're a bit...floppy."

"Lopsided maybe?"

Everyone was observing the small cakes with mixes expressions. Krillin felt his face heat up at their comments.

"Well you don't have to eat them! But don't think you're gonna get to taste the good looking batch then either!" He huffed.

"We're sorry, Krillin. They just look so funny! I'm sure they taste great!" Gohan said hastily. He was the first one to grab one. He split it with Goten who eagerly chomped down on his share.

"Wow these really are good!" Yamcha chimed in after talking a bite from his as well.

"Hmm mm!" Gohan agreed nodding fervently.

"Well now I gotta try one. Thanks for these, Krillin." Mater Roshi said with a nod.

Krillin just shook his head as he observed his friends dive into the remainder of the cakes. He reached to grab one for himself but found nothing.

"What the?! Oh great guys! You could've saved me at least one!" He said with a scowl.

"Never mind that, there's more you said?" Oolong asked hopefully.

Krillin sighed.

"Yeah, but they're not cooled off enough yet so you'll have to wait."

"Bummer."

And just like that, everyone resumed what they had been doing before. Krillin snorted at them.

"Geesh, you people are the worst." But he grinned to himself as he took the empty platter back to the kitchen. To see his friends enjoy his food gave him a strangely happy feeling. He always liked to cook and bake, it felt good to know people enjoyed his creations at times.

"I must not forget to thank Mrs Briefs again." He muttered to himself.

He made his way back to the living room and sat on the couch next to Gohan, who was reading a small book to Trunks and Goten. The moment Trunks saw Krillin, he snatched the book from Gohan and gave it to him instead, indicating he wanted him to read for them.

"Oh fine, but just one story this time okay?!" Krillin said amused. The small child nodded eagerly, crawling into his lap.

"You don't mind me staying to listen too right? I like how you read stories, you bring them to life. No wonder these two like your reading better than mine!" Gohan said.

"Oh don't bring yourself down Gohan, you're an excellent reader." Krillin turned the pages of the book until he found a medium length story and started to read.

Back at the door, Bulma and Chichi had just said bye to Baba and were now regarding the scene in front of them.

"I don't think I have seen Trunks sit that still...ever." Bulma remarked with a surprised look on her face. Then the look turned to annoyance.

"He never wants me to read to him!"

Chichi laughed softly at her friend's offended tone of voice.

"Don't worry, it's not you. Krillin just has a knack for dealing with kids. He's a natural!"

Bulma scoffed but couldn't disagree with that statement.

"He'll make an excellent father someday." Chichi said with a fond smile.

Bulma lifted her brows at that. She couldn't deny the truth in that statement either. Krillin was very good with kids, Trunks simply adored him, which was annoying to her at times whenever the small man paid a visit.

Nevertheless, she couldn't help but frown a little as she leaned into the opened door frame. She lit a cigarette and blew the smoke towards the ocean.

"That is, if he will be able to be one." She muttered.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Chichi asked curious. She raised her brows at the troubled expression on the blue haired woman's face.

Bulma crossed her arms.

"Well Eighteen isn't a regular human. She's a cyborg. She might have a human base and all, but Gero really did some work on both her and her brother. At least that's what Dad and I could decipher from Android Seventeen's blueprint. It looked really complicated and even the two of us couldn't completely comprehend what exactly had been altered or enhanced.

But even if it were Android Seventeen's blue prints, we can safely deduce that Eighteen underwent the same treatment. Only question that really remains is whether or not Gero altered her reproductive system. If he did, she might not be able to conceive, right?"

Chichi mulled that over in her mind. She glanced back to the couch, both Trunks and Goten were now in Krillin's lap, trying to yank his hair while the short man was trying to fend them off halfheartedly.

"That's a good point." She said absentmindedly.

"I mean, there are other ways to have kids of course, but Krillin has always wanted a little family of his own. I think it would devastate him if he couldn't have that, traditionally speaking. I wonder just to what extend he really understands Eighteen's alterations. He keeps saying it doesn't bother him in the least, but what if this becomes an issue later on?"

Chichi turned her attention back to Bulma.

"Well, I think it's up to them to deal with that when the time comes." She stated matter of fact.

"True, but I don't want to see him hurt. I might give him a hard time at times." At that Chichi raised a brow.

"Okay most of the time. But still, it probably would break his heart to find out about this after he asked her to marry him. Do you think we should say something?"

"No!" Chichi said rather loudly, causing a few heads to turn.

"Everything alright?" Krillin asked concerned.

"Everything's fine!" Chichi reassured him before taking a hold of Bulma's arm and dragging her out of the house.

"What the? Chichi?"

"Listen Bulma, I know you're worried for Krillin, I am too, but we can't interfere! This is something between him and Eighteen. Who knows, she might already have told him about this and yet he still wants to marry her. We have no idea of knowing."

She let out a sigh.

"But what I do know is, Krillin is very happy right now and I do not want to be the one to destroy that and I know you don't want to be either. So let's just let this go and see how things go. Besides I feel kind of bad discussing our friends like this. Let's just forget about all of this, okay?"

Bulma nodded.

"I guess you're right. And who knows, we might be worrying for nothing!" She said softly, not too sure of that statement. She shrugged the uneasy feeling off and followed Chichi back in the house.

Unbeknownst to them however, Eighteen was hovering above them, eyes widened in shock. But then her expression changed to a blank stare as she slowly turned away from the house.

She had heard every word.

Krillin lazily kicked the ocean water around with his feet. It was already dark out but still warm. He took a few steps back until his feet weren't covered by water anymore. He let out a yawn as he stretched out.

He was happy he didn't have to work today. If he was honest with himself he really didn't need the job anymore yet he did enjoy himself and all the extra money was very welcoming. His savings account had been growing steadily and he loved it. It was always good to have some money to fall back on in case of an emergency.

Krillin glanced back to the opened door of Kame house, he could hear Eighteen and Roshi inside, both were yelling but not at each other for a change, instead they were shouting answers at the TV screen while watching a quiz show. The first time it had happened in his presence, Krillin hadn't wanted to believe his eyes. He'd just sat on the couch, dumbstruck and confused, while he watched them. Since then it had become a welcome sight.

He still didn't quite understand how or when, but it seemed that they were on much better terms lately. Master Roshi had almost completely ceased his advances on Eighteen and Eighteen had cut him some more slack than usual. Though he had a hunch it had something to do with a certain crack in the kitchen wall. His thoughts turned back to the morning after Eighteen had told him she'd had an conversation about him with Master Roshi.

Of course he had asked the him what had happened but Master Roshi had merely shrugged, telling him he had only been looking out for him. As for the reason the wall was cracked, he'd simply smiled and walked away.

Krillin turned his attention back to the ocean, there was a slight frown on his face.

He could not shake the feeling that Eighteen was hiding something from him. She tended to avoid him at times. Other times he would catch her staring at him and he swore she almost looked...sad? But when she noticed him looking at her, her expression changed and she berated him for staring at her.

He'd asked her a couple of times if something was bothering but she had told him he was seeing things. It was a little infuriating, not being able to do anything about the uneasiness that had settled within him.

Krillin let out a long sigh, slipping his hands into the pockets of his shorts. He started walking slowly around the island. It had been a few weeks since he had purchased the ring and yet here he was, still debating on exactly how to ask that one important question.

Every time he thought about the big moment, he would almost get nauseous with nerves. But he really didn't want to wait much longer.

He came to a halt where he had started and just stared ahead of him, mulling things over in his mind.

He was startled out of his thoughts when he felt two arms encircle his shoulders. Eighteen stood behind him, resting her chin on the top of his head.

Krillin turned his face up in welcome.

"Hey, so who won this time?"

"You should know the answer to that question by now." Eighteen opened her palm revealing some crisp bills.

Krillin grinned at her answer. He guessed that Master Roshi was up in his room by now, sulking about his loss. He had actually hoped the old man would win for once, but that chance was very small. He had also told him time and time again to not make a bet out of it, it would only deplete his cash pile.

"How'd you get so good at those TV quizzes anyway?"

Eighteen shrugged.

"My brother and I watch a lot of game shows, they're always on one of the few channels we can get on the TV."

"That explains everything." Krillin said with a grin.

"You know, I used to watch them a lot too, but I don't watch too much TV lately. I like watching cartoons with Goten and Gohan though whenever they are here, it's fun and keeps them entertained at times. Same with Trunks."

Eighteen nodded, feeling a little less relaxed at the mention of his friend's kids. It brought back certain thoughts she'd rather forget or avoid. Luckily for her, Krillin had no idea what she had been struggling with, at least she dearly hoped so. She didn't like to keep things from him and he seemed to have noticed that at least something was a little off but she had shrugged his concerns away every time he brought them up and she knew she couldn't keep it from him forever.

Specially now that she knew something she probably shouldn't have yet. The thought brought a certain warmness to her cheeks but she shrugged it off.

Krillin leaned backwards a little, he loved it when Eighteen hugged him. He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes briefly, just enjoying the feeling of her arms around him and the silence that surrounded them.

He blinked when Eighteen suddenly let go of him. He watched her walk towards the shoreline, yet not far enough to get her feet wet. He decided to join her and was taken aback by the troubled expression on her face.

That's when he made up his mind. He couldn't stand not knowing what she was thinking, something he usually had no problem with.

"Okay, this is getting ridiculous." He said with a sigh. He gently took a hold of her hands and turned her towards him.

"Eighteen, will you please just tell me what is going with you? And don't tell me I'm 'seeing things', because I know that's a lie. You're either hiding something from me or something is bothering you so much that you're just not yourself lately."

Krillin let go of her hands.

"Whatever it is, please just tell me . I hate seeing you like this. You might think I don't notice, but I do and it's been driving me nuts. You're just not you. Something's up and I wanna know what it is. Does it have something to do with me? Us? What is it that's seems to be eating you up inside?"

Eighteen frowned at the small man in front of her before letting out a sigh and sitting down on the still warm sand. She hugged her knees to her chest. She figured it was best to just get this over with, no matter the consequences. Whatever the outcome was, she had to at least be honest with him.

"I can't..." She said softly. Krillin knelt next to her.

"What was that? I didn't hear you."

Eighteen swallowed the small lump that seemed to have formed in her throat. She looked away from him as she repeated her statement, loud enough this time for him to hear her.

"I can't marry you."

Krillin's face paled considerable as he lost his balance, he fell backwards but quickly sat back up.

"Wh..what? How...I mean...what?"

Eighteen bit her lip, the lump in her throat seemed to have grown bigger. She hated it.

"H..how do you know about...about.." Krillin was at a loss for words. Then the implication of her words really settled in and he deflated completely.

Oh

Krillin pulled his knees up as well, resting his chin on top of them. For the longest time it was quiet safe from the sounds of nature around them.

Eighteen glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. Krillin had turned his face away from her.

"Why not?" He asked abruptly, his voice was soft.

Eighteen let out a small sigh. Clearing her throat, she told him what she had overheard at Roshi's birthday party first and went from there.

When she finished, she didn't look at him. Instead she cast her eyes upward taking in the brilliant starry sky and full moon that cast its bright light upon them. A breeze had picked up slightly, it whipped her hair into her face.

The silence that followed her monologue was almost deafening.

Was this how it would end? Did this ruin everything they'd worked so hard for? She didn't know and part of her really did not feel like finding out either.

She reached out to gently touch Krillin's shoulder but he shrugged her hand off. Eighteen's eyes widened at the rejection.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

"I.." But she didn't have any words left to speak. She was at a loss on what to do.

Krillin's mind was reeling with what Eighteen had told him. He now understood just why she had been so off lately, it was a big pill to swallow and part of him regretted ever bringing it up.

But other part of him wanted to grab her and shake her. Yell at her, be mad at her but not for reasons one might think.

"Do you love me?"

Eighteen looked up when his voice cut through the tense silence.

"What's that's supposed t...?" But Krillin cut her off.

"Answer the question, Eighteen. Do you love me?" He repeated. His voice was hoarse, it sounded like he was making an effort to restrain himself.

"Yes. You know I do." She answered.

Krillin turned towards her.

"You're an idiot." He said.

It was Eighteen's turn to be completely taken aback. She frowned at the insult but before she could retort, Krillin had taken a hold of her and pulled her closer. She was not prepared for the sudden movement and found herself falling into his tight embrace.

"What?" She asked confused when Krillin murmured something.

"I said, you're the biggest idiot on this planet right now if you really thought something like that could stop me from being with you! I really wish you'd tell me this earlier, only so I could reassure you sooner. Why didn't you?"

"Because I was scared." Eighteen admitted softly after a few moments.

"I know it's stupid and I can't really explain why. I guess in the back of my mind the thought kept lingering that if I told you that I might not be able to...well you'd..." She let out a shaky sigh before finishing her sentence.

"You'd leave me." She flinched at the incredulous expression Krillin shot at her.

She averted her gaze. The possibility of him leaving her had made her feel almost sick to her stomach. She had come such a long way and he was such a big part of her life right now. It became harder every day to imagine her life without him in it.

"Eighteen, I sometimes don't get you at all! I'd never do that!" He exclaimed rather loudly after he had properly processed her words. He strengthened his hold on her for a moment.

"Why would you even think that?"

"I know it's a very drastic idea but I couldn't help it. I'm so happy with you, but I want you to be happy too and I know a family.." But Krillin didn't let her speak any further.

"I AM happy. In fact, I'm the happiest man on this planet, because I get to spend my time with you." Krillin said, putting emphasis on every word he spoke.

"And if we can't have kids, then so be it! I don't care about that, as long as I have you, As long as you'll love me and have me, I'll be content. Besides..." Krillin abruptly stopped talking. Eighteen raised a brow at the sudden serious, but thoughtful, expression that crossed his features.

"Besides...what?"

But Krillin didn't answer her, instead he stood, pulling her up with him as he took to the air. Eighteen was confused but reluctantly let him lead her to the roof.

He let go of her and climbed through his bedroom window. Then he went to his dresser to take the small gray box from the back of one of the drawers. He slid it into the pocket of his shorts.

He had thought out so many scenario's on how to approach this moment, yet they all seemed insignificant now. Eighteen already knew he had been planning to ask her this one important question.

He just did not feel like waiting any longer. Right now, in this moment, everything was perfect to him as he approached her. She was still standing at the window.

Krillin lifted her up and sat her down on the ledge. He stood between her legs, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Eighteen barely had time to register what happened when he pulled her down slightly by the collar of her shirt and pressed his mouth to hers. He kissed her very slowly.

Her heart literally skipped a beat as she sunk into him. Somehow this kiss was different than usual, a lot more intense despite the slow pace.

Krillin reached up to bury his hands in her hair as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss before slowly breaking away, leaving the blonde in front of him almost breathless.

Eighteen wasn't really sure what to make of the situation, her mind was still reeling from that kiss, but she locked her eyes on him when he cleared his throat and started to speak.

"Besides...you don't have to have children to be a family."

His answer confused her but Krillin let go of her and held his hands up so she wouldn't interrupt him.

"It's true. A family is not determined by having one or more kids. A family can be many different things. Like Master Roshi and Oolong and the rest of my friends, I consider them sort of a family.

Krillin scratched the back of his head, he felt very nervous all of a sudden. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Ah, I've thought of so many fancy ways to do this but none seemed good enough. Until now that is. Besides, the moment is already ruined just a little by Chichi and Bulma. I'll get them for that!" He trailed off with a chuckle.

"Eighteen, I love you, I love being with you. I want to spend all my time with you. You're my world, my everything. To be honest, way back, on that lookout, I could not have imagined being right here in this moment with you.

Matter of fact if someone had told me it would come to this, I would not have believed them." Krillin smiled.

"You and me, we can be a family, just the two of us. We've come this far. The road to where we are now wasn't always smooth and easy but we made it. Like I said before, I just can't imagine my life without you anymore. I want you by my side, that is if you'll let me."

Krillin thrust his hand into his pocket, fumbling slightly as his cheeks heated up more and more under Eighteen's watchful gaze. He took a firm hold of the small box, almost afraid it would fall the moment he would pull it out.

Eighteen didn't know what to make of the sudden shiver that ran through her when Krillin revealed the small box to her. Nor could she contain her gasp when he opened it to reveal the small ring which sparkled in the bright moonlight behind them.

"That's...that's..." She said breathless. She was completely awestruck.

The small fighter couldn't have asked for a better reaction. He took the ring from its cushion.

"I know you already know this, but I'm still going to ask you formally." He joked softly as he gently pushed the ring onto her finger.

Krillin swallowed the lump in his throat and took a deep breath. His voice was soft, hoarse and shaky when he started to speak again.

"Eighteen, will you marry me?"

After a few tense moments of silence, she practically launched herself forward into his arms, the force made her slide from the ledge. Krillin wasn't prepared for such a reaction. With a surprised yelp he fell backwards. He cringed when he made contact with the floor, but the pain and discomfort was completely forgotten when he heard her whisper her answer into his ear.

"Yes."

THE END!

I am SO happy I managed to finish this fic! Thanks to every single one of you who read/reviewed/send me messages if encouragement. This story is devoted to ALL of you.

You might have noticed I omitted a certain preview scene from the last chapter. I just felt it was too out of place.

And now that this one is finished, I can tell y'all the good news!

SHOW ME LOVE WILL HAVE A SEQUEL! Are you excited? I am, I have already written quite some stuff down. But it will be a little while before I'll start uploading. Look forward to it!

Also, I'll most likely start a one shot series, I sometimes have so much inspiration for little ficlets and the like. Look for ward to that too, I supposed!

Thank you for reading!