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LOVES TRIALS 34
Gohan couldn’t wait anymore. He was hungry; he wanted food and he wanted food right then. Gohan let out a sigh; he knew he had to wait. The kitchen robots had broken down late the night before, leaving them with no alternative but to go out for breakfast. But, Gohan had to wait for Yamcha and Krillin to finish getting up so they could go. Gohan sat down on a chair in the sitting room of the Satan Estate and crossed his arms over his chest, a slight scowl on his face. A hungry Saiya-jin was never a happy Saiya-jin.
On the other side of the room, Tien and Chaotzu were talking quietly, #18 was entertaining Marron, and Videl was sitting on the couch with an impassive look on her face. Gohan sighed again, all thoughts of food shoved out of his mind, as he looked at the woman he called his mate. Her hair was down, tucked behind her ears, and her blue eyes were staring forward, obviously engrossed in whatever she was thinking about.
A soft smile spread over his face as he looked at Videl. She was always beautiful, no matter the look on her face.
< Damn, I want her, > Gohan thought, the veil that shielded his thoughts from her dropping as the intensity of the thought hit him. Videl obviously heard Gohan’s thought and immediately sat up straight, looking at Gohan wide-eyed. Gohan realized that she had heard his thought and he blushed to the roots of his hair.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, his attraction to her obvious from the sheepish, yet unashamed look on his face. Considering the look on Videl’s face, it was apparent that as much as Gohan wanted her, she wanted him with the same intensity and passion. Gohan stood up, trying to ebb his want, and approached Videl, sitting down next to her on the couch. She looked at him, the expression on her face still that of wide-eyed shock.
“Yes Gohan?” Videl said as he sat down. He drew in a deep breath.
“We need to talk,” he said quietly. Videl’s heart started pounding in her chest so loudly she was sure Gohan could hear it.
“About what?” Videl asked. Gohan sighed again.
“I don’t know. About-” Gohan was cut off short as a familiar, strong ki appeared next to him, slightly behind his right arm. Gohan froze.
< No way, it couldn’t be, > Gohan said to himself, praying that who he was feeling was really there behind him. He looked at the shocked look on Videl’s face as she saw the people standing behind him and he turned around slowly, thinking that if he turned around too fast, than the presence would disappear. Once he turned around, his eyes fell on the source of the familiar ki and tears came to his eyes. It was his dad; his dad was back.
“Dad?” Gohan asked, his voice a scant whisper. Goku smiled at his oldest son, amazed at how much he had grown and filled out over the years.
< His ki has grown so much; he’s been training hard over the last 7 years, I can tell. He looks so mature, so much older. My son is not a boy anymore; my son is a man, > Goku said to himself in astonishment before he spotted Videl.
< This must be his mate. She’s pretty strong for a human. I think she’s even stronger than Chi-Chi, > Goku thought before turning his gaze back to Gohan.
“Hi Gohan,” Goku said, “I’m back.” Gohan smiled widely before he rushed off of the couch and threw his arms around his father in a hug. Goku smiled and hugged his son back tightly. No words were needed between the two, yet Gohan used them anyway.
“I missed you, father,” Gohan said, a couple of tears running down his cheeks. Goku nodded.
“So did I, Gohan.” Videl watched the endearing scene; she hadn’t felt Gohan this happy in a long time. She could keenly feel his emotions as they rolled off of him; he was practically broadcasting his joy to the whole world. His father was back; nothing could bring him down now. Tien and Chaotzu looked on as well, tears in their eyes.
“Goku, is it really you?” Tien asked. Goku nodded, not letting go of his son as they hugged. Suddenly, two more people appeared in the room; it was Bulma and Vegeta.
“Well, it looks like Kakarot is reuniting with his son. How sweet,” Vegeta said, sarcasm dripping from his words. Bulma turned to look at Vegeta and smacked him on the arm.
“Shut up,” Bulma said through gritted teeth as she glared at him. Vegeta only glared back before turning to see the scene in front of them. Gohan, in the meantime, had pulled away and was looking at his dad with awe and amazement.
“But…how?” Gohan asked. Goku smiled even wider.
“Bulma and Vegeta wished me back with the Dragonballs on Namek. They told me about what’s been going on here and I came back to help,” Goku said. Gohan was filled with relief.
“Oh, thank you dad. We really could use your help with everything.” Goku put a hand on Gohan’s shoulder.
“I know, son. That’s why I came back. I’m here to stay, Gohan. I’m never leaving you or your mother alone again.” Gohan smiled before he remembered his mother and his eyes opened wide with excitement.
“Oh Kami, I should go and get mom!” Gohan said, “She will be so happy to see you, dad!” Right as Gohan said those words, Krillin and Yamcha decided to waltz in to the room.
“Hey guys, what’s-” Yamcha said, cutting himself off as he spotted Goku, his jaw dropping open.
“Go-Goku?” Krillin asked, wondering whether or not he really was seeing his best friend alive again. Goku turned around and looked at Krillin and Yamcha, a smile on his face.
“Hey there, guys,” Goku said as he walked over to them.
“You’re back, you’re really back!” Krillin exclaimed.
“And are you here to stay?” Yamcha asked. Goku nodded.
“Yup!” Bulma and Vegeta wished me back to life with the Dragonballs on Namek. I hear you guys are faced with a new threat.” Krillin nodded.
“Yeah, it’s a big one too,” Krillin muttered. Goku’s smile turned slightly grim.
“Yeah, or so I hear. But, don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll figure everything out,” Goku said confidently.
“Hey dad,” Gohan said from behind, “There’s someone I want you to meet before I go and get mom.” Goku turned around to see Gohan now standing next to Videl.
“Dad, this is Videl,” Gohan said, pushing Videl forward slightly. Goku’s smile turned happy again and he walked towards Videl, his hand extended.
“As I’m sure you already know, I’m Goku,” he said and Videl took his hand, shaking it.
“It’s nice to meet you, Goku,” Videl said, her voice respectful. Goku pulled his hand away and watched as Gohan and Videl exchanged hesitant, shy looks. Goku smirked; he was now certain that this girl was his son’s mate.
< So, she really is his mate. From what I’m guessing, he bonded with her on an instinct. Well, he couldn’t have picked a better girl. Not only is she strong and nice, but she’s good-looking too. But… > Goku thought, observing the way the two of them looked at each other and the way they held themselves, < It looks like neither of them has fully accepted the bond or fully completed it. They seem really hesitant around each other, like neither of them know what to do. Well, for their sakes, I hope they figure it out soon. >
“It’s nice to meet you too, Videl. I take it that you and Gohan are close.” Videl blushed.
“Yeah, well, you could say that,” Videl muttered. Gohan moved away from Videl and concentrated on Goten’s ki.
“Well, dad, I’m going to go and get mom. I’ll be right back.” With that, Gohan disappeared from the living room via the Instant Transmission, leaving Goku to glare slightly at the spot where Gohan had previously been.
“I still don’t think that’s very fair,” Goku muttered. Vegeta, upon hearing Goku’s words, promptly laughed.
***
It was only seconds later that Gohan appeared inside of his home, standing in the doorway to his kitchen, watching as Chi-Chi and Goten ate breakfast. Chi-Chi spotted her oldest son standing in the doorway, wearing a short-sleeved, red button-up shirt and blue jeans. What stuck out the most about her son’s sudden appearance was the look of pure joy on his face. Gohan didn’t even say hello before he began to speak.
“Goten, mom! Quick, come with me to Videl’s house. There’s something I have to show you!” Gohan exclaimed, catching the attention of not only Chi-Chi, but Goten as well.
“What is it Gohan?” Goten asked. Gohan’s face broke into a sly, secretive grin.
“It’s a surprise,” Gohan said, his eyes shining with secrecy, “Just come with me and you’ll find out what it is.” Gohan walked over to the table and pulled both Goten and Chi-Chi to their feet, focusing his mind on his father’s ki. With no more explanation, the three of them disappeared from the kitchen, reappearing in the sitting room of Videl’s house. It was Chi-Chi who spotted Goku immediately. She gasped, shocked at seeing her husband alive and in front of her.
“Goku,” she breathed. Goku smiled tenderly at his wife.
::Hello, Chi-Chi,:: Goku said through their bond. Chi-Chi was quiet for several more moments, just staring at her darling husband, tears of pure happiness filling her eyes, before she let out a loud, joyful laugh and hurled herself at Goku.
“GOKU!” she exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck, holding him close to her. Goku cradled his tiny wife in his arms, reveling in the feeling of holding her again. Although they had been allowed to see each other once a month by the Grand Kai, it hadn’t been a meeting of physical bodies; only their spiritual essences had been allowed to meet, which paled in comparison to physical contact.
“I missed you so much, Goku,” Chi-Chi whispered into her husband’s ear. Goku smiled as tears, too, came to his eyes.
“I missed you too, Chi-Chi,” Goku said before he pulled away slightly from his wife and looked down at her, pure love reflecting in his eyes. He gave her a soft smile before leaning in, his lips touching Chi-Chi’s for the first time in 7 years.
::I love you, Chi-Chi,:: Goku whispered through their bond.
::I love you, too, Goku,:: Chi-Chi said back, clinging to Goku as they kissed. Everyone who was watching was touched by the scene, except for Vegeta, who found the display of emotion disgusting, Bardock, and Goten, who were both confused by what was going on.
Goten, who was still holding on to Gohan, tugged on Gohan’s pant leg to get his older brother’s attention. Gohan looked down to see the confused look on Goten’s face.
“What is it Goten?” Gohan asked, pulling his eyes away from his parents’ reunion.
“Who is that man kissing mommy?” Goten asked, clutching to Gohan, “And why does he look like me?” Gohan smiled and knelt down next to Goten, ruffling his little brother’s hair.
“That’s dad, Goten. Bulma and Vegeta brought him back to life with the Dragonballs on Namek,” Gohan explained softly. Goten’s eyes widened in amazement; his daddy was alive? Goten watched the scene between his parents and immediately felt the love that a child feels for a parent for the man who Gohan said was his dad, wondering how he was going to confront him.
Eventually, Chi-Chi and Goku pulled apart and Goku looked past his wife to his oldest son, who was now kneeling on the ground next to a young boy who looked surprising like him.
“Chi-Chi, who’s that?” Goku asked, pointing at Goten. Goten saw that he was suddenly the focus of his father’s scrutiny and immediately became bashful, hiding behind Gohan. Gohan sighed and stood up, pushing Goten out in front of him.
“Go say hi,” Gohan whispered into Goten’s ear, leaning forward to do so. Chi-Chi smiled and looked up at her husband.
“That’s Goten,” Chi-Chi said, “Your youngest son.” Goku was shocked; he had another son and he didn’t know about it? He turned to look at Chi-Chi, his surprise written clearly on his face.
“I have another son? When was he born?” Goku asked.
“About 5 or 6 months after the Cell Games,” Chi-Chi said and the two of them watched as Gohan tried to urge Goten in the direction of their father. Goten turned around and looked at Gohan, worry in his eyes.
“But what if he doesn’t like me?” Goten asked, nervousness ringing in his voice. Gohan looked at Goten reassuringly and laid his hands on the younger boy’s shoulders.
“He’ll love you, Goten, but you have to go and talk to him. It’ll be all right. He won’t hurt you. He’s our dad. He would never do that.” Goku watched as Gohan reassured his younger brother, almost acting more like a father than an older brother. Chi-Chi picked up on what Goku was thinking about and spoke to him through their bond.
::Well, Gohan has been acting like a father to Goten ever since he was born. Without you here, Gohan has been Goten’s role model. Goten looks up to Gohan not only as an older brother, but as a father as well. Their relationship is a special one and I won’t be the only one to say that it’s going to take Goten a little while to get used to having you here,:: Chi-Chi said.
::But, why didn’t you tell me that he was here?:: Goku asked. Chi-Chi mentally shrugged.
::I didn’t want you to worry about it, so I decided not to tell you. I didn’t want to make you feel bad that you weren’t here for the beginning of Goten’s life. And don’t worry; I’m not mad at you. I understand why you sacrificed your life,:: Chi-Chi said reassuringly. Goku nodded numbly as he watched the exchange between his two sons. Gohan finally got Goten to gather up the nerve to approach his father. Goten took several shy steps towards Goku, his gaze firmly locked on the ground.
“Um, hi…sir, I’m Goten,” Goten said softly. Goku smiled and knelt down next to Goten, pushing his chin up so he could look his youngest son in the eye.
“Don’t call me ‘sir’. Call me ‘dad’. And it’s nice to meet you, Goten.” Goten looked up at Goku, a big smile on his face.
“Can I call you ‘daddy’, too?” Goten asked. Goku smiled.
“You can call me that, too, if you want to.” Goten gave a firm nod of his head.
“Ok, daddy,” Goten chirped cheerfully. Goku laughed at Goten’s tone of voice and Goten launched himself at his father, hugging him as well. Gohan smiled as he watched the scene with affection. Videl, who was looking over at Gohan, decided to use their bond to talk to him.
::Well, looks like you can step down from your role as Goten’s father,:: Videl said. Gohan nodded.
::Yeah, now I can just be his older brother instead of his older brother and his father,:: Gohan said, relief filling his mental voice. Videl smiled at Gohan and turned her head to look back at Goten and Goku. That’s when she spotted him: a man who was a dead ringer for Goku. Confused, she decided to speak out loud.
“Hey, who’s that?” she asked, causing all of the others to look over at Bardock, who was hidden slightly in the shadows, now knowing how to integrate himself into the group.
“Yeah dad, that’s a good question,” Gohan said, “Who is he? You had your hand on his shoulder when you came into the room. I was going to ask you who he was the moment I saw him, but I was too happy to see you at the moment.” Goku smiled and put down Goten, walking over to his father, giving Bardock a firm shove in the direction of the group.
“Guys, I’d like you to meet Bardock. He’s my father,” Goku said, a huge grin on his face. Everyone, except for Bulma, Vegeta, and Goten, gaped at Bardock. Vegeta and Bulma knew who he was and Goten just didn’t understand.
“But, how?” Yamcha asked, “I thought he died when Vegetasei exploded.” Goku nodded.
“Oh, he did, but Bulma and Vegeta wished him back as well when I asked them too. I wouldn’t come back unless he came back with me,” Goku explained. Everyone nodded in understanding. Krillin looked Bardock over, mentally commenting on how much he looked like Goku, when he spotted the older Saiya-jin’s tail.
“Ah!” Krillin exclaimed, “He still has his tail!” Bardock shook his head, laughing slightly.
“Don’t worry,” Bardock said calmly, “From what I understand, this planet has no more moon and, even if it did, I can control my reaction to the full moon. My decision to go Oozaru would be purely consensual. As a Saiya-jin who grew up on Vegetasei, I learned how control my reaction to the full moon. Although the full moon gave us incredible powers, we didn’t always want to change into our Oozaru form. There were times when it was purely not needed.” Krillin sighed in relief.
“Oh, good. I was only worried because of the damage that both Goku and Gohan did when they transformed into their Oozaru form,” Krillin said. Bardock smirked.
“Well, in the sheer amount of power that the Oozaru form holds, you were right to worry,” Bardock said. Vegeta chose that moment to speak up.
“Ha!” Vegeta said with a laugh, “The power of the Oozaru form is nothing compared to the power of a Super Saiya-jin.” Bardock sighed.
“Yes, that is true,” Bardock said, “It still simply amazes me that a Super Saiya-jin hadn’t existed for 1000 years and then, all at once, three of them appear, two of them being my own flesh and blood.” A proud smile spread over Bardock’s face as he thought about his son and his grandson both being Super Saiya-jins. But, while he was proud, it left Bardock with a feeling of inadequacy. His son and his grandson were both so strong; what did that make of him? Bardock shook off the thoughts and feelings of his insufficiency and concentrated back on his newly discovered family.
Bardock walked over to where Gohan and Goten were standing, looking over them unsurely. Gohan and Goten both looked at each other and Gohan smiled at Goten who smiled right back; if their grandfather was a true Saiya-jin, then he knew nothing about expressing emotions. Bardock was, indeed, having difficulties thinking about what to do. Part of him wanted to embrace his family, but part of him held back, thinking that it would be weak to display such an open expression of emotion, especially in front of people he didn’t know.
Gohan, who noticed and understood Bardock’s hesitancy, walked forward so that he was standing right in front of Bardock and held out his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Grandfather,” Gohan said, joyful and relieved as Bardock clasped his hand and gripped it tightly, a sign of strength between two warriors. Bardock allowed a small, affectionate smile to make its way onto his face as he looked at his oldest grandson.
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Gohan.” The two let go of each other’s hands and Gohan looked at his grandfather with confusion written all over his face.
“How did you know my name?” Gohan asked. Bardock’s smile turned from an affectionate one to a smirk.
“Well, your father told me all about you and his mate when we were in the Otherworld, including your name. But,” Bardock said, focusing his attention onto Goten, “Neither your father nor I knew about this little warrior.” Goten offered Bardock a huge smile, an expression that Bardock couldn’t help but smile back at.
“I’m Goten,” he announced loudly, cheer resonating throughout his voice. < This is so cool. I get to meet my father and my other grandfather all in one day! > Goten thought excitedly as Bardock knelt down next to his youngest grandson.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Goten. Do you train like your big brother?” Bardock asked. Goten nodded.
“Yeah, but I’m not as strong as Gohan is, though. It’ll take me awhile to become that strong.” Bardock smiled proudly.
“You will be strong, my boy. You have Saiya-jin blood in you. You will be one of the strongest warriors in the Universe.” Goten beamed happily.
“Really? You mean it, Grandpa?” Goten asked with hope in his voice. Bardock nodded, his face turning serious.
“But only if you train, Goten. You won’t get to be strong if you don’t train hard.” Goten’s eyes widened.
“Then I’ll train really, really hard,” Goten said with a hushed voice, as if it were a matter of life and death. Bardock smiled again and rested a hand on Goten’s head, ruffling his hair slightly.
“I’m sure you will.” Suddenly, there was a loud noise that filled the room and everyone turned to look at Goku, who was wearing a bashful look on his face.
“Sorry guys, I guess I’m hungry,” Goku said with a nervous laugh; the noise was obviously Goku’s stomach crying out for food. Everyone could only laugh at that.
“Well,” Gohan said, “We were getting ready to go out to a buffet for breakfast. I guess that should be fine for you.” Goku’s eyes lit up like a little kid at Christmas.
“Oh yeah! That should be great.” Bulma looked over at Vegeta.
“Hey, we should go and get Trunks so we can join them,” Bulma said before looking over at Gohan, “It is ok if we go with you guys, isn’t it?” Gohan nodded.
“Of course, Bulma. You’re welcome to come with us out to breakfast.” Bulma smiled.
“Great, just let us go and get Trunks before we leave.” Bulma turned back to Vegeta, her look becoming bossy. “Well, let’s go,” Bulma commanded. Vegeta shot her a look.
“Why should I?” Vegeta asked, his face settling into his ever-present scowl.
“Because you’re a Saiya-jin, too, and I know how much you like to eat. And this is an all-you-can-eat buffet; you can eat as much as you want.” Vegeta nodded in approval.
“Fine woman, but the food there better be good.” Bulma just rolled her eyes as Vegeta wrapped an arm around her waist and the two disappeared from sight. The group all stood around, asking Goku questions about his time in the Otherworld as they waited for Vegeta and Bulma to return with Trunks. Goku was in the middle of telling them about the Otherworld Tournament that he fought in when Bulma, Vegeta, and Trunks appeared in the room.
Once they appeared, Gohan and Goku were the first two out of the sitting room, Gohan racing to the front door with Goku right behind him. A couple of steps behind Goku and Gohan were Bardock, Vegeta, Goten, and Trunks. Chi-Chi and Videl sighed while Bulma looked on with amusement, letting out a little laugh.
“Saiya-jins,” she said, “Go figure.” Everyone laughed at that remark and followed the group of aliens and half-aliens out the door so they could eat their breakfast too.
***
Gohan sighed as he leaned back in the lawn chair that he was lounging in. He had been training every day since he returned from Kami’s Lookout and he felt that he deserved a break from the rigorous training schedule that he was keeping. He remembered when his father told him that rest was as important as training, maybe even more important. Gohan smiled widely as he thought of his father.
< I can’t believe that dad’s back after all these years. It’s like when he’s here, I can forget all about the years I spent trying to just survive against all the evil we faced, > Gohan thought as he looked across at the large swimming pool that sat in the large backyard of the Satan Estate.
Gohan looked down at the book that rested in his lap, picking it up and inspecting the cover. A science fiction/fantasy story, the type of books that he loved to read for fun; he really could identify with the characters, seeing how his life resembled the characters’ lives in the books. It was funny how some of the authors were very close to the truth of thing, closer than they probably thought possible. Gohan smirked as he remembered Videl telling him that his life was like a science fiction/fantasy book.
The thought of Videl was enough to make his heart stop, whether it was in great affection and love or sadness. He needed to talk to her about a lot of things, needed to tell her that he loved her, but he was scared. Even though she knew everything about him, he was still scared to do it. He hadn’t given her a choice with the bonding; he selfishly did it, even though he didn’t know exactly what he was doing. He felt awful.
Although he knew that because the mark was permanent, they were meant to be together, he still thought that he had taken away her free will away from her and he felt really bad about it. Because she had been shielding her thoughts from him, he didn’t know how she felt about the whole bonding. Part of him didn’t even want to know because he was afraid of her reaction. Gohan set the book back with a sigh and looked down at his lap, immediately looking back up with he felt a very familiar ki approaching him from behind.
“Hey dad,” Gohan said, his tone slightly dejected, but still full with joy at the thought of his father. Goku picked up on the sadness in Gohan’s voice, but decided not to bring it up unless Gohan himself did. Goku chuckled to himself; most people wouldn’t have even thought that Goku would have picked up on the slightly depressed tone in Gohan’s voice, but he was more perceptive than people thought him to be. It was just easier to let people think he was perpetually clueless because they let their guards down around him.
“Hey Gohan, whatcha doing?” Goku asked, sitting down next to him on a lawn chair. Gohan held up the book and gave Goku a small smile.
“Just reading. So, what brings you down here?” Gohan asked.
“Oh, just to talk to you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you and I’m sure a lot has happened in your life, especially in the last year or so. From what I understand from your mother, you’ve been attending school in Satan City. How do you like it?” Gohan had to smile; he had some of his best times just going to schook with people his own age.
“I love it, dad. It’s been a lot of fun making friends my age. Most of my friends before that were all of your friends, all of them old enough to be my parent. It’s nice to have friends my age.”
“Is school where you met Videl?” Goku asked. Gohan nodded.
“Yeah, she’s in almost all of my classes. She showed me around the first day. You know, showing me the ropes in stuff.” Goku smiled, almost roguishly.
“You like her, don’t you?” Goku asked, pretending that he didn’t know Videl was his son’s mate, “And I don’t just mean as friends either.” Goku almost laughed out loud at the bright red blush that spread over Gohan’s face.
“Looks like I’m right,” Goku said, “I’m right, aren’t I?” Gohan nodded.
“Dad, I think I’m in love with her,” Gohan admitted, “No, I know I’m in love with her. She’s unlike any girl I’ve ever known. There’s just something about her that draws me in. It’s everything about her that draws me in. She’s smart, funny, strong, nice, and absolutely beautiful. The only things I can find negative about her are the fact that she has a quick temper like mom and that she’s the daughter of Mr. Satan.” Goku had to let a laugh at that one.
“I can’t believe you’ve fallen in love with the daughter of the man who stole the credit for what you did. It’s just too funny of a coincidence,” Goku said. Gohan had to laugh at that one too.
“You know dad, I’ve never looked at it that way before. When you put it that way, it is rather funny.” Both father and son laughed at that before Goku turned serious.
“You’ve bonded with her, haven’t you?” Goku asked. Gohan blushed brightly and his eyes widened in surprise.
“How’d you know, dad?” Goku raised an eyebrow in humor and leaned forward, pulling down the loose, right collar of Gohan’s shirt slightly to expose the teeth marks on the crook of his neck.
“I noticed it this morning when we went out to breakfast. I also noticed the same mark on Videl. So, tell me, if you and Videl have bonded, why are you ignoring her?” Goku asked. Gohan narrowed his eyes at his father.
“How do you know I’m ignoring her?” Gohan asked. Goku sighed.
“One, it’s obvious, Gohan. You look really nervous around her and you never look her straight in the eye when you talk to her, if you talk to her at all. Two, you’re my son. I know how you act when you’re trying to ignore someone, but you can’t avoid having to be near them, like you did with your mother when you hadn’t finished all of your studies.” Gohan’s eyes only narrowed further.
“You know, I think you’re more perceptive than you let on, dad,” Gohan said. Goku let out a small laugh.
“Yeah, but don’t tell anybody else. It’s a lot easier to notice things when people think you don’t notice them.” Gohan had to agree with his father’s logic.
“Yeah, you have a good point there, dad,” Gohan said.
“So,” Goku said, changing the topic, “if you’re in love with Videl and you’ve bonded with her, then why are you ignoring her?” Gohan sighed.
“Well, I guess it’s because I’m scared that she hadn’t accepted the whole thing. It just kinda happened. We weren’t even really together at the time. Things had been really tense between us because of the whole thing with my Saiya-jin heritage and all of the weird things about me. I hadn’t been telling her anything about me and she was getting mad at me, while I wasn’t ready to tell her about myself yet.
"When we bonded, it was very all of the sudden. She came into my room after having a really bad nightmare and we ended up kissing, later bonding. I never gave her a choice, dad. I took that away from her. Now she’s learned about me in the worst way possible, having learned it through my memories, and I’m scared she thinks I’m a freak.” Goku smiled gently at his son.
“She doesn’t think you’re a freak, Gohan,” Goku said. Gohan looked at his dad curiously.
“And just how do you know that, dad?” Gohan asked.
“I’ve seen the way Videl looks at you. She’s in love with you, too, Gohan. You two just both need to get over your hesitancies and doubts first. Just give it a little more time,” Goku advised. Gohan smiled thankfully at his father.
“Thanks, dad,” Gohan said.
“No problem,” Goku said with a smile on his face. “Hey,” Goku continued, his smile turning sly, “Just how did you bond with Videl anyway? I mean, from what I remember about bonding with your mother and from what I was told about it from my father, it comes in response to an incredibly intense feeling. I’m sure that you two kissing didn’t do it.” Gohan’s face took on another light blush as he admitted what had happened.
“She found my tail spot,” Gohan said softly. Goku guffawed before bursting out into laughter, holding onto his sides as the laughter shook his body. Gohan looked as his dad, his look a mix of a pout and a scowl.
“It’s not funny dad,” Gohan said, but Goku ignored him.
“She found your tail spot? Oh, smart girl!” Goku exclaimed. Gohan’s look darkened even more.
“Dad, please, stop laughing,” Gohan said, this time the words getting through to Goku’s brain.
“I’m sorry, son. It’s just funny, that’s all,” Goku said, giving his son a firm pat on the back. Gohan, who wasn’t ready for the strong touch, was immediately pushed out of his chair and his body flew through the air, landing in the pool. Goku only looked, wide-eyed, as his son flew through the air.
“Heh, whoops,” Goku muttered, “Sorry about that.” Goku stood up and walked over to the edge of the pool, standing over the spot where Gohan had fallen in, looking down at his son’s wet form.
“You ok, Gohan?” he asked. Gohan looked up at his dad, his gaze a slight glare, as he spoke.
“Yeah, I’m ok. I just wasn’t expecting you to do that, that’s all,” Gohan said. Goku sighed.
“Sorry for knocking you into the pool, Gohan,” Goku said, holding out a hand to help his son out of the pool. Gohan smirked evilly at his father’s outstretched hand. Gohan took his father’s hand and pulled the unsuspecting older man into the pool with him. When Goku surfaced, just as soaked as his son, Gohan just had to laugh.
“Well, let’s just say that you’re forgiven now, dad,” Gohan said with a smile. Goku shot his son a look.
“You do realize that this means war,” Goku said as he used his hands to splash Gohan. Gohan looked surprised, even wronged, at Goku’s actions.
“Oh, you are so dead, dad,” Gohan said as he splashed him back. Suddenly, an all-out water fight started between father and son, both of them soaking each other even more. From afar, Videl watched as Gohan and Goku laughed as they engaged in their water fight, both of them sounding like they had not a care in the world.
< Look at him, he looks so happy, > Videl thought with a smile on her face, < It’s right for Gohan to have his father back. So many bad things have happened to him over the years and he deserves this after all he’s gone through. > Videl sighed, wishing that she had the type of relationship with a parent that Gohan had with Goku. But, with her mother dead and her father the way he was, it made that impossible.
< Guess I’ll only be able to experience that type of relationship through Gohan. He’s so happy; I can feel it. It’s like I have a direct link into his emotions, > Videl thought, a smirk forming on her face, < I bet he has the same thing with me because of our bond. Thinking of which, I wonder what that thought was all about this morning. Does he really want me? And, if he does, then why is he ignoring me? > Videl’s face took on a slight frown as she turned around and walked away from the happy scene.
< Just hurry up and figure it out soon, love. I don’t know how much more of this separation I can take. I love you, Son Gohan. >
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