Day Three: Afternoon

[Android-18]

He slept so soundly that even an earthquake wouldn’t wake him. Even though the sun had risen, their fun filled night had left the Saiya-Jin out of stamina and in much need of sleeps embrace. She couldn’t argue with that, she was sleepy herself, but this was her moment to be alone. He stirred only lightly, twitching here and turning there. His tail was free from his waist and flicked once or twice whilst the cutest of snores escaped from deep within his throat. She, however, sat very still at the end of the bed. She stared at him, and at the way the rays of sunlight sparkled down across his body. His pants were discarded, leaving a thin white sheet to cover his well toned body, even though he wore boxers so as to respect her wishes. The sheet stopped just above the waste, letting her see his belly button in the shattered light. The blinds held back most of the afternoon’s onslaught; it still let shafts of gold pierce through holes and slots.

She let her feet slip from under her and settle upon the wooden floor. She stood in the small room that was their temporary bedroom. Their packs lay against one wall, their various weapons with them. The cards remained upon the floor, the bed, and one or two had made it into the hall. She began silently picking them up, making sure to count them as she went. Each one was glossy and well decorated on one side. She had never really been interested in cards, but last night had been interesting. She smiled so very softly to herself, and left the deck of cards upon the nightstand. There were only 51 cards, one was missing, but she could not find it.

Eighteen turned her attention to the packs. She examined the sniper riffle carefully, making sure that it was in good shape. She moved on to the brass knuckles, noting that they seemed barely used. The maps were bent in every which way, but she took the time to fold them nicely and set them together in one pack. The compasses and water bottles were added to the same pack. She would add some of the canned food to it later; they still needed to eat on this island.

She rummaged within the other pack and pulled out the Ki Pistol. Its cold metal was soothing against her palm. She stared at it, contemplating it. The android felt like it belonged in her hand, but other feelings stirred within her as well. His light snores penetrated her thoughts, and she found herself wandering toward the bed. Slow and softly, her feet made no noise although the floorboards must have been very old. She stood hovering over his dozing body like some villain, the pistol held loose like some foreign thing in her grip. She gazed at him, his soft features, and his undefended posture. Dare she even think it? She found herself raising her arm, the gun pointed at him as if for the kill. Her hand visibly shook, but the only noise was that of her heavy breathing mixed with his. It felt as if a lifetime passed, she wondered whether she could really pull the trigger. Is this what winners did? She asked herself many questions, even more than once. Did team mates do this?

The gun lowered back to her thigh, and she felt her heart begin to slow. She reached down slowly with her free hand, and with deft delicate fingers she pulled the blood splattered card from her lover’s hair. It was an omen for sure, but she didn’t want to dwell on it. She would not be his reaper, not for all the gold in the world, and certainly not for some tournament. She turned from him and went about packing the other bag with the weapons that they had thus far, including the gun. It would be a long journey once they were rested, and surely fights would ensue.

The android returned to the bed, her naked form slipped beneath the sheets and found itself close to his body for warmth. She held his torso with one arm, and rested her head upon his chest. The girl waited for sleep to take her, she wanted to forget what could have transpired in this room. Greed and battle lust could have taken over, but she wanted to be better than that. Innocent as she was, how other people won these games were their own business. She would win her own way.

Little did Android Eighteen know, her Saiya-Jin companion lay with eyes wide open, contemplating his girlfriend’s actions. He did not sleep soundly when danger pricked upon his senses. He was not a fool, an enemy could lurk into their room at any time…he knew, in his heart, that she was not like them. He smiled lightly, thankful for that.