6: No Matter How Long

                                    

                                          
"Oh, wow, sure sounds like you've had one hectic adventure," Natu sadly smiled. "I'm sorry for your losses, Bulma." 
                          
Bulma wore the same expression, "Yeah, those were the days... I feel guilty for not appreciating them as much as I should have. Now, I value the time I have with those I love. There's still Chi-Chi and Gohan, but Trunks means the world to me. I don't know what I'd do without him." She avoided his gaze, staring at the table. 
                          
Natu reached over and placed his hand on hers. "I know how you feel," he replied earnestly. "I lost my whole family to Frieza. My reason for living was Makona, then our son, and now our daughter. My wife, Makona, will probably pass soon." His voice cracked. "She's terribly ill. Earth medications aren't sufficient, and Ken-La, my sister-in-law, has done everything she can. And my son, Kusuke, is the second most stubborn Saiyan I've ever met. The need for saving will be his demise." His gaze fell upon the empty table as well. 
                          
He cleared his throat. "My point is, you're not alone, Bulma. Feel free to contact us any time."
                          
Bulma -- touched -- nodded, and wiped the tears in the corners of her eyes. "Will do, Natu. Thank you." She patted his hand and gently pulled away. She checked her watch, "It's been about three hours. We should get going for the kids." 
                          
The two parents stood and silently walked to fetch their children. 
                          
●♡●
                          
Trunks and Niya sat at an arts and crafts table with other kids. There was plenty of drawing, coloring, and even origami. The two sat side-by-side in the table of four with two vacant seats across from them. The other kids were with familiar faces and friends. It didn't matter because the two were content with each other's company. 
                          
The half-saiyan snuck a peak, but Niya's arms were blocking the paper. "Can I see?" Trunks curiously asked.
                          
Niya was fully concentrated on her paper, but halted her quick coloring for the question. "Oh, um." She sheepishly smiled and moved her arm. "Not finished, sorry." The picture revealed two people next to a house on a green patch of grass with a bright blue sky and the glowing sun. Trunks was able to make out a girl and a boy. The boy looked oddly like him... 
                          
With a blush, he pointed to the people, "Who are they?"
                          
Niya nibbled on her bottom lip, "You... and me." Her coal eyes nervously met his blue ones. She smiled, "We are good friends, no?"
                          
Trunks was content with the idea. He would never feel lonely again. "Yeah," he smiled. He showed her his drawing. It was a drawing of the flowers he gave her, bright red poppies. It wasn't very good, but it seemed like it didn't matter to Niya. "I want you to have it."
                          
"Oh! Thank yoo!" Her smile gleamed. "I will give my picture to yoo when I have finish." She got back to work. 
                          
He watched her as she colored in some details. She drew her hair and eyes crimson. That made him wonder. "Why is your hair black today? Why not red?" 
                          
She answered without facing him, "Less attention." 
                          
"Oh," he simply said. "I like your red hair better," he added. 
                          
"Me too," Niya nodded. She placed down her crayon and presented the drawing to Trunks. Her drawing was surprisingly detailed. "Here. I finish," she smiled. There were some strange symbols in the corner Trunks couldn't read. 
                          
"What's that?" he pointed. 
                          
Niya checked, "Ah, that is my name in my language. It is my first name." 
                          
His eyes lit up, "Wow, it looks so cool! Can you teach me?" 
                          
"Huh?" her eyes widened. "You would like to learn? Why?"