Chapter 3 – Meet Marron

Juuhachigou's face went from shocked to hurt. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out. "What kind of question is that?" She stammered. "Of course I looked for you! I searched for years and never came close. I was lucky to have found Krillin to comfort me! He stood by me and even tried to find you." Tears began to sting her eyes. She was almost lost for words.

"Damn, it was just a question," Juunanagou mumbled. Hurting Juuhachigou was the last thing he ever wanted to do. He bit his lip and turned his gaze to his bare feet. "I'm sorry," he glanced up in time to watch a tear start to stream down her face before she hastily wiped it off. "I'm an uncle, huh? Does it act like me?" Juuhachigou let out a light laugh.

"She's not an 'it', you idiot. Her name is Marron. She's just as stubborn and thinks everything is a game." Juuhachigou's smile broaden as she thought about her daughter. Juunanagou watched as her eyes perked up, "She's wonderful. I think you two will get a long just fine." She glanced at her watch and scowled, "You two might not get to hang out if she doesn't come home soon. It's already 9:35." I'm going to beat that child. How long do you need for a late dinner?

"C'mon, let her play. If she's your daughter at all, she'll be able to handle herself." Juuhachigou smirked at the sudden compliment. "Who's the baby daddy anyway? Wasn't Krillin the short one? Bald, big forehead, and no nose?" Juunanagou braced himself as Juuhachigou swung at his shoulder. He wasn't quick enough to catch it this time. "Ouch, did you intend to break my shoulder?" Juunanagou asked with an amused expression.

The mood lightened between the siblings. They began to take turns to tell their stories and the adventures they missed out on. It was a well needed conversation for both of them. Juuhachigou kept glancing at her watch and began to get more irritated as the seconds ticked on. Both Juuhachigou and Juunanagou jumped as the door swung open.

"Momma, I'm home!" Marron announced her entrance before stopping short of her mother and the guy she ran into earlier. She cocked her head to the side and slowly shut the door. "Gosh, Mom. Does Dad know there's a half naked man on the couch?" She put her hands on her hips as she waited for an answer.

"Yeah, mom, does dad know I'm on the couch?" Juunanagou inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Marron, this is your uncle, Juunanagou," Juuhachigou growled as she put her face into her hand. Marron smiled and waved. An uncle? She has a lot of explaining to do. I've got to tell the girls. Marron quickly produced a phone from her pocket and began texting the news to Bra and Pan. "Put that away for a while. I don't know how long Juunanagou is staying. It's rude to text with company."

Marron shrugged as she put her phone back into place. It couldn't hurt to wait a couple of hours to tell them. "So," Marron began, "does Dad know my half naked uncle is sitting on the couch?" Juunanagou let out a loud laugh as he nudged Juuhachigou.

"Your father had a rough day. It's best just to have him rest. He shouldn't be bothered about this," Juuhachigou sighed. She didn't want to admit she'd be embarrassed of him cowering at the mere sight of Juunanagou.

Marron raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure he's my uncle? You've never said anything about an uncle and the way you're hiding him from Dad makes it seem a bit suspicious." Marron gave Juunanagou another look, "Those are Dad's shorts. I won't tell if you're having a one-time fling." Juunanagou laughed even harder as Juuhachigou face palmed again.

"Marron! Quiet, your father is in the bedroom! Get to your room," Juuhachigou's anger rose with each word. It didn't seem to bother Marron at all.

"Kay," she replied with a smile, "goodnight Momma." She turned to Juunanagou, "Goodnight uncle," she said with a wink. Marron knew it wasn't like her mother to bring in strange men, so it had to be true. She just didn't understand why she hadn't heard about him until today. Marron threw herself onto her bed and began to tell the news to Bra and Pan.

Juuhachigou gave Juunanagou another swift punch, "I can't handle this much more, I'm going to bed." Juunanagou looked disappointed at her sudden departure.

"But, I have only just got here. I believe I love that kid already. We are going to be friends." Juunanagou smiled slyly at his sister. He was already plotting pranks he could pull with an accomplice like Marron.

"I'll show you to a guest bed for tonight and in the morning we can discuss other arrangements with Krillin." Juunanagou shrugged as Juuhachigou led him to his room. He wondered if she implied that he may get to stay with her. He started to wonder if he even wanted to. Juuhachigou stopped in front a small room that only held a bed in the far corner. "It's not much, but it will do. It's probably better then what you're used to."

Juunanagou grabbed her hand as she turned to leave, "I'm glad I've found you. I was worried that you wouldn't be okay. It seems you have done well for yourself." Juuhachigou smiled.

"Why can't I stay mad at you?" She replied as she pulled him into a hug, "I've missed you."