A/N: This story came to my mind. So hope you enjoy. I'm still new to Dragon Ball series. Just gotten back into it so I don't know about this. I do know it is when Gohan is in High School and after the Cell saga and before Majin Buu.

thoughts/dreams/memories

Pairings:

PiccoloxGohan

VegetaxBulma

GokuxChi-Chi

Warnings: kissing, mentions of mating, graphic torture, blood, violence, Vegeta caring, fluff, death, and anything else I don't remember to add.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z. Only FUNimation, Toei Animation, Akira Toriayama. I only own my character(s).

This was it. Today was the day he will ask Gohan to marry him. He fiddled with the ring in his gi pocket. They had been going out for over a year now. The only ones who knew were the gang, minus Chi-Chi of course. Piccolo waited patiently outside of the High School. The bell rang and students filed out. The Namekian warrior scanned the large crowd for his lover. The hybrid came out with a short girl attached to his arm. He looked uncomfortable and tried to get away. The girl, Videl, didn't let go of Gohan.

"Gohan," Videl whined. "Why won't you go out with me?"

"I told you I can't," said Gohan.

"Doesn't give me a reason," she pouted.

"I'm really busy with... my little brother and my mom. With dad gone, I have to be there for them," said Gohan.

"Well I can help you," Videl peeped.

"No. Just leave it at that," Gohan finalized. He spotted Piccolo, and walked towards him. "Hey Piccolo."

"Gohan," Piccolo greeted. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah," said Gohan.

The two started to walk when Nail landed in front of them. Gohan, startled, bumped right into Piccolo. The earth-born Namekian had wished for Nail and Kami to be separate beings 3 years ago. A stoic, but grim face appeared on Nail's face.

"Nail, what is it?" asked Piccolo.

"It's your father. He was struck by another heart attack," said Nail.

"How bad is it this time?" asked Piccolo, fear tightening his chest.

"Bad. Dende said it was severe. He's doing the best he can to help. He says that Kami may not survive this time. Kami asked for your presence," Nail explained.

"Hold on Gohan," said Piccolo, grabbing his lover.

Piccolo and Nail launched into the sky and headed towards the Lookout. Gohan, once out of site of the city, flew on his own. Korin's Tower came fast into view and Piccolo shot in front of his companions. He landed on the white tiles and ran towards the weakening ki, cape flying behind him.

Dende was at Kami's side, dabbing a cool, wet cloth to his forehead. The attack was so sudden. He and the former guardian were talking when the elder made a sound of pain. Dende got worried and tried to help him. That was a few hours ago. He continued with the cloth until Piccolo came. And soon enough he did come. The warrior sat down in the chair next to the bed and grabbed his father's hand. His turban and cape came off, making it easier.

"He fell asleep not that long ago," said Dende softly.

"Will he live?" Piccolo asked.

"I'm afraid not. His heart can't keep going for much longer," said Dende. "I did all I could."

"I know. Thank you," Piccolo whispered, voice cracking.

"I'll leave you be," said Dende, taking his exit.

Piccolo didn't wish to cry, but the urge was strong. The tears formed, but did not fall. Reality came hard. Kami was dying, right in that bed with his son next to him. The warrior's heart clenched painfully, not wanting to accept the fact of his father's condition.

"F-father," Piccolo whispered.

It was another couple hours until Kami woke up. Piccolo had resumed Dende's job. He was dabbing his right cheek when ancient eyes opened. He smiled at the sight of his son.

"Piccolo," Kami said softly.

"I'm here," Piccolo said.

"I am sorry that I won't be around," Kami said.

"I don't want you to go. I want my children to have a grandfather to spoil them. I need you still. I know that I haven't been the best to you, but I can't... go on without you," Piccolo vented out. "What about the wedding? You are suppose to be there. I want you there and when I lay eggs and..."

"Shh... it'll be fine my son," Kami soothed.

"No it won't. I won't have you around to help with supporting me," the other retorted, voice cracking again.

"I promise things will be alright. I love you, always remember that," Kami whispered, his time coming to an end.

"I love you too father," said Piccolo, not wanting his father to be in anymore pain. "You can go. I don't want you to be in pain any longer."

Kami smiled softly, closing his eyes once more. Slowly, but surely, his breathing came to a halt. Piccolo let the tears come. That was it. His father had passed on to join the other former guardians of the planet.

"Father," the lone Namekian mumbled.

Piccolo got up and headed outside. Dende, Nail, Gohan, and Mr. Popo stopped talking when they caught sight of the man. Gohan walked up to Piccolo and turned his head to look at him.

"He's gone," Piccolo whispered.

"Oh Pic, I'm so sorry," said Gohan.

Piccolo looked away from his lover. The emotional pain was heavy upon him. Popo had left inside to mourn. Dende hugged Nail and cried. Gohan hugged his warrior close and pressed small kisses to his cheeks. The earth-born Namekian would wait to propose.