(Author's Note: Just wanted to say THANKS to those who reviewed. I received the most reviews for a single chapter with this last one. A total of 7 reviews although only 6 of them really count. I'm not going to mention names this time.)

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED!

Disclaimer: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M FIRED!? YOU CAN'T FIRE ME! I AM THE PRINCE OF ALL SAIYANS!" Vegeta yelled loudly at the author. "Sorry Vegeta, but I've run out of ideas." "Well you better think of some new ones soon." He replied as he stormed back into his beloved Gravity Room. "Well now that that's over, Ahem. I, the author, would like to take this time to say… -sighs- I don't own Dragonball Z. Never have, never will."

Chapter 7- Rising Feelings


Heroes, to some they are just imaginary while to others they truly exist. What makes a one a hero? Strength? Speed? Luck? Good looks? Perhaps a hero is something far different than we have imagined. Could it be that it is not the great looks and physical strength that make one a hero, but rather the character of that person? Menace or hero, to the public the same figure can be thought of as both. One girl in particular must make up her mind on this topic of heroes versus menace. This girl is none other than Videl Satan.…

It was early on a Tuesday morning as a raven haired girl in pigtails with light blue eyes flew her helicopter around Satan City in pursuit of the Gold Fighter.

'Gold Fighter you have been nothing but trouble since you arrived. You steal my job and my credit. Sure you saved my life a few times, but still, this is my task. Saving the people is my job. For over a month I have been chasing you around. Today it all stops. I will find out who you are.' These were Videl's thoughts as she chased the Gold Fighter in her jet copter.

Meanwhile a certain Saiyan was having his own thoughts, 'I wonder why she won't give up. It's been over a month and she still insists on finding out my identity. She has become friends with Gohan Son, but refuses to be friends with the Gold Fighter. I am the same person for crying out loud! Okay, so she doesn't know that but still. Maybe I should…yeah that's what I'll do! Way to go Gohan you're a genius!'

While all this was taking place Videl and Gohan were flying in and out of the city which had become their "normal" morning routine.

Looking down at his watch and taking note of the time Gohan decided he had finally had enough for one day. He couldn't be late to class again and he only had fifteen more minutes before it started. He stopped in mid air making sure Videl was out of the city and had plenty of time to catch up to him fully.

'What is he doing?' Videl wondered as she continued to draw near to his location.

Once Videl was close enough in her jet copter, Gohan flew side by side with it and pointed to a building. He then proceeded to fly to the said building and land.

'I guess he's finally giving up. It could be a trick though. Oh well I guess I have to take a chance this time. Alright Gold Fighter I'll follow you.' Videl thought as she followed the Gold Fighter to the building and landed on the roof.

Getting out of her copter she asked, "You finally come to your senses and decided to give up?"

"Actually no, I just figured that, well, maybe we could… I don't know, try talking this time." The Gold Fighter responded in a sincere voice, not his "fake" one.

"You want to talk?" Videl questioned disbelievingly. "About what?"

"Well for starters how about why you dislike me so much and why you're always following me around." He replied honestly.

"Well for starters flying glow worm it's my job to protect the city and its people not yours and I'm always following you around because I will find out who you really are." Videl answered back crossly. 'Why am I answering him? It's not like he deserves an answer. I mean just because he's the hottest guy I've ever seen doesn't mean I have to answer him. AH Videl! Bad thoughts.' As Videl finished her thoughts she smacked herself on her forehead with her palm.

"Uh, hey Videl, are you okay?" Gohan asked genuinely. 'I guess she still hasn't given up the stupid nickname. Oh well, I'll just let it go.'

"Don't play nice with me." Videl shot back.

"I'm not playing nice with you Videl, I really am nice. Look I was hoping maybe we could meet somewhere and talk. After you get done with class-"

"-you mean after we get done with class." Videl interrupted while studying the 'flying glow worm' intently.

Gohan, who wasn't phased by Videl's remark continued, "As I was saying, why don't we meet up after you get done with class and talk? What do you say?"

"Look buster I don't have time to meet up and talk with you. I'm a busy girl." Videl replied as she crossed her arms in front of her chest aggressively.

"Please Videl, it's just a talk." Gohan tried once again. 'I really want Videl to be happy with BOTH sides of me.'

Videl sighed and replied, "Alright, fine. Meet me on the roof of the building we saved a few weeks back at 3:30pm. You do remember where that's at right?"

"Of course I remember where it's at. That's where I saved your life for the second time." The blond haired, black masked warrior answered with a smirk.

"Why you little-"

"-As much fun as this is I have somewhere else to be right now. See you at 3:30 Videl" The Gold Fighter interrupted as he took off into the air.

"WHY THAT LITTLE! ARGH HE'S SO FRUSTRATING!" Videl yelled into the air while throwing her fist into the air in aggravation.


-At School-

Gohan had landed on the roof of school and made his way down to class, after de-transforming of course.

"I even have two minutes to spare." Gohan said softly as he entered into the classroom.

"Hey Gohan." Kero greeted.

"Morning." Cheered Erasa.

"Oh hey guys. How are you?" Gohan greeted in return.

"I'm great!" Kero said with a little too much enthusiasm causing Gohan to raise one eyebrow in suspicion at him.

"Yeah me too." Erasa answered back. "Hey Gohan have you seen Videl?"

"Huh why ask me I just got here?" Gohan said with a grin on his face while scratching the back of his head.

"Well I just thought that maybe you might have seen her as you came in. It's really not like Videl to be late so much." Erasa stated.

"Oh well maybe she was busy or something." Kero said while slightly poking Gohan on the back of his shoulder.

"I'm sure she'll be here real soon." Gohan responded ignoring his friend's poking.

Azer soon walked into class and glared at Gohan and Kero before taking his seat. Sharpner followed him and also glared at Gohan. In fact, Sharpner had been glaring on and off at Gohan since Gohan and Erasa went on their "date".

"ALRIGHT CLASS IT'S TIME TO START SO SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET!" The teacher yelled above the noise of the room.

Not long after the noise had settled down in wandered Videl.

"Oh Videl you're late. Were you out saving the city again?" The teacher inquired.

"Kind of, but not really sir. I'm sorry I'm late." Videl replied calmly.

"It's alright Videl, we just got started so why don't you go take your seat." The brown suited man replied.

"Thank you sir." Videl said as she made her way to her seat and sat down.

Gohan glanced at Videl and flashed her a small smile and she in return gave him a small smile. A smile which did not go unnoticed by her boyfriend.

'Gohan you're getting to close to my Videl. You'll pay for interfering.' Azer thought evilly while his eyes burned with fury and rage.

'I wonder why the Gold Fighter wants to talk to me. Does he finally want to reveal himself? Nagh, that would be anti-climatic and way to easy. So what could he have to say? I suppose I'll just have to go there and find out for myself.' Videl thought as class had begun. 'Right now I should focus on school though.'

"Ahem, class may I have your attention. I would like to introduce to our newest student." The gray haired teacher called out.

A girl with auburn hair and teal eyes walked into the room. She was wearing kaki colored shorts and a red tank top. "Hello everyone, my name is Lime Laow. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Upon hearing her voice a certain brown haired male in the room shot his head up in disbelief.

'She's finally here! I still can't believe she actually decided to come.' Kero thought happily. 'I wonder if she'll sit next to me. Could I be so lucky?'

"Now Miss Lime why don't you choose somewhere to sit. I do believe there is an empty seat next to Mr. Yamaki. Mr. Yamaki would you please stand up so Miss Lime can see you." The brown suited teacher said.

"That looks like a fine seat to me. Thank you." Lime answered as she spotted Kero as well as Gohan and also who she believed were Erasa, Sharpner, Videl and Azer from the descriptions Kero and Gohan had given her.

Kero, who was grinning ear to ear, simply waved and tried to contain his excitement. When Lime finally reached her seat Kero greeted calmly, "Hey Lime, glad you could make it."

"Yeah me too." Lime replied 'More than you know Kero.'

As Lime made her way to her seat, on the Kero's right, she accidentally brushed against Kero lightly causing both of them to go beet red.

"Sorry about that." Lime whispered while blushing.

"It's no problem Lime, really." Kero replied back. 'Get a grip Kero, it was just an accident. Besides she barely touched you.' Kero told himself trying to regain his 'cool' composure.

Azer took note of the conversation between the two and also how they both blushed at the simple touch. 'Yamaki I think I just found the perfect way to put you in your place and teach you what happens when people get in my way.' Azer thought darkly. A dark feeling came about him and his icy blue eyes shone evilly. It was as if a shadow came over him, a very dark shadow; a shadow which meant only pain and suffering for those around him.


-Lunch Time-

As class had ended the 'group' made their way down the stairs and out the room.

"So Gohan aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?" Lime asked.

"Huh oh yeah, Lime this is Videl, Sharpner, Erasa and Azer." Gohan said while pointing to each one respectively. "Guys this is Lime. She's one of my best friends."

'One of his best friends? That means she's known him for a while now.' Videl thought somewhat uneasy.

"Hiya I'm Erasa, nice to meet you Lime." The blond greeted warmly.

"Hey babe my name is Sharpner, how about we catch a movie later? What do you say?" Sharpner asked while swishing his long blond locks behind his shoulder, secretly flexing his bicep as he did so.

"Uh, I think I'll pass." Lime replied calmly. While Kero looked like he could kill Sharpner for asking Lime out.

Erasa glared daggers at Sharpner's back.

"Hi my name's Videl. It's a pleasure to meet you." Videl said half heartedly. 'Why do I feel so… out of place?'

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Lime responded and then looked expectantly at Azer.

"What do you want?" Azer questioned clearly aggravated.

"Oh, um, nothing I suppose." Lime answered quietly while slightly stepping back towards Kero.

"Azer what's gotten into you? Since when are you this cold to people you don't even know?" Videl questioned somewhat confused. 'Azer sure has been acting weird lately. He's usually so nice. Sure he can be mean to some of the guys around school, but still he's a nice guy. I've never seen him like this so cold, almost ruthless.'

'This is me fool. I guess I should put up the act to please her, again. I don't want to arouse any suspicions and she is already to close to Gohan. I can't afford to lose her now, not when I'm so close.' thought the hot headed blond briefly before responding, "Sorry I didn't get much sleep last night. Hi, my name is Azer. It's nice to meet you." All this was said with a very fake and forced smile on his face.

"Well should we go have lunch now? Where do you guys usually sit?" Lime asked curiously.

"Gohan and I usually eat outside. Erasa usually eats with us and recently Videl has been joining us also." Kero replied.

"You mean you don't all eat together?" Lime responded slightly shocked.

"No, not typically. Lime why don't you eat with Kero and I today? Unless of course you would rather eat with Videl and Erasa. Oh, and the boys." Gohan suggested.

"Who you calling boy, freak?" Azer shot back angrily.

"I believe it was you." Kero interjected smugly.

"Kiss my as-"

"-Azer that's enough!" Videl interrupted cutting off his sentence. "I think you three should eat together and catch up. Come on Azer I'm hungry let's go eat." Videl said while taking his arm in hers. 'This feels so weird but it's the only chance I have to keep a fight from happening both verbally and physically.'

'Get your slimy paws off me you little- wait, this is the perfect opportunity to show Gohan who really holds Videl's affection.' Azer thought with an evil tint in his eyes, which was quickly covered up by his usual icy glare.

When Videl willingly linked arms with Azer, Gohan's face dropped a bit. "Yeah, okay, we'll catch you later then." Gohan said somewhat disheartened. 'Why do I feel depressed that she doesn't want to eat lunch with us? Or is it more I am depressed she's choosing to eat lunch with him? Hold on a second, why would I care. I mean Videl and I are just friends. I just want to protect her that's all. Yeah, that's got to be it. I just want to make sure she's safe.' Gohan told himself in his head. Almost as if he was trying to figure out the solution to a problem and also, somewhat convincing himself of the same thought.

"Okay, see you three in class." Erasa called out as she started to walk away with Sharpner.

"Let's go Videl." Azer said as placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Lunch should be a lot quieter and much more fun."

Videl turned bright red out of embarrassment. She new Azer didn't like Gohan or Kero and was referring to them being the 'loud' ones. She also realized when he said lunch would be more fun that he was trying to imply they kiss or make out or something. Videl had never even kissed him on the lips before, but neither Gohan nor Kero knew that.

At this point Gohan looked like he was going to explode and was giving Azer a glare that Vegeta would be proud of.

"Come on buddy, things are a little to warm in here. Let's go outside for lunch." Kero stated seeing Gohan glaring at Azer. Oh if only looks could kill.

"Yeah you're right." Gohan said calming down some. 'Why do I care about them anyway? After all they are dating. Why should I let some stupid little kiss get me all worked up and for no reason?'


-Lunch with Lime, Kero and Gohan-

"So Lime, you actually decided to come to O.S.H, but how do you get here? You don't know how to fly like Kero and I and that would make for once REALLY long commute." Gohan inquired while eating his fish and rice.

"Oh well, actually grandpa and I moved into the city.-"

"-YOU MOVED?" Kero shouted interrupting Lime.

Lime, enjoying the moment and the opportunity to tease Kero decided to toy with him. "Yeah, he said, 'The commute was too long and that I deserved to be with my friends.' I don't know if we'll ever go back." Lime finished waiting to see Kero's reaction.

"What do you mean you don't know if you'll go back!? You have to go back. I mean it's only right! You belong out there close to me… I mean… close to Gohan and me." Kero finished with a slight blush forming on his face. 'YOU IDIOT! You almost slipped up and made a complete fool out of yourself. It's not like Lime will ever think of me that way. I don't know why I don't just try to move on.'

Having teased him enough, and receiving the Lime-tell-him-the-truth look from Gohan, she spoke, "Relax Kero, I'm only kidding. Well kinda, Grandpa and I really did move into the city, but it's only while I'm in high school. Since I'm a senior like you two, it's only for this year. After that we'll probably go back out to the cabin."

'She was toying with me?!?' Kero thought while sweat dropping "Oh, yeah, okay. You know it's not nice to mess with people like that." Kero said playfully yet deviously.

"Oh yeah well what are you going to do about it?" Lime responded while sticking out her tongue playing along.

"THIS!" Kero yelled as he grabbed Lime into a head lock and started giving her a nugie.

"AH!" Lime screamed, but quickly recovered as she lightly elbowed and unsuspecting Kero in the side causing him to release her from his grip.

"Come back here!"

"No way, come and get me if you can." Lime taunted while running around the grassy lawn upon which they were once sitting.

Gohan, who was still eating, paused to glance up at his friends' playful antics. 'Those two, someday when they actually tell each other how they feel, will make a great couple. Maybe one day Videl and I could be that carefree around each other.' Pausing in his thought, Gohan spoke out loud, "Wait. Do I…. like…. Videl?"

Gohan thought about his feelings for the said girl and came to this conclusion. 'I guess I am starting to really get attracted to Videl. I've always thought that she was beautiful, especially those eyes of hers, but I think this is more that just mere physical attraction. I…I guess I really do like her. That's why I got so worked up over Azer. Now what though? She is friends with Gohan, but not the Gold Fighter AND she has a boyfriend. I just have to be the same old me. Nothing has really changed. I simply realized that I am attracted to Videl that's all.'

Kero was hiding behind a tree hoping to catch Lime off guard, but Lime had quietly snuck behind Kero and grabbed him.

"Hey no fair!" Kero pouted.

"All is fair in Love and War." Lime responded.

"So which is this?"

This caused Lime to slightly flush before replying, "War" while she pounced on him and gave him a nugie of his own.

Soon the 'war' was over with no clear victor. Kero and Lime had once again resumed eating and talking with Gohan.

"Lime you should stay away from Azer." Kero stated flatly.

"I kinda figured that. He didn't really seem that, well how should I say it? He seemed kind of…-"

"-Like a complete and utter jerk?" Kero interrupted.

"Uh, well that wasn't quite what I was going to say, but I suppose that works too. Although he did say he didn't get much sleep last night. Perhaps he's just tired and irritated." Lime responded unknowingly.

"Yeah he must always sleep poorly then." Kero laughed.

"Seriously Lime, Kero's right, you should be careful around him. In the month and a half I've been here, I've seen him break someone's nose, send another to the hospital and threaten more people than I can count. All of which just mysteriously happened so he was never even suspected." Gohan stated seriously.

"Then how do you know it was him?" Lime inquired.

"Because I saw him and felt his ki." Gohan answered knowingly. "Just please be careful, alright. I don't want you getting hurt. Make sure you are never alone with him, understood?"

"Yeah, of course Gohan." Lime replied back seriously. "You must have a really bad feeling about this guy to be acting so severely."

"Believe me, he hasn't fully shown dark side yet." Gohan responded confidently.

The sound of the bell ringing echoed through the air as the three packed up and headed back to class.


-After school-

The final bell had rung and all the students were now heading to their lockers to gather their belongings and go home. One student, a man with unruly, spiky, jet black hair, was heading to his locker to gather his things when he was suddenly shoved into a small, empty classroom.

"You and I need to talk Gohan." Azer said coldly while about five guys gathered behind him. All of which were decently built. Gohan didn't recognize any of them but was studying their faces for later.

"What do you want Azer?" Gohan asked shortly.

Azer threw a hard punch at Gohan and Gohan allowed himself to be hit causing him to slightly stumble backwards.

"Listen up freak. Videl is MINE and if you mess with what is mine again I swear you're life will be a living hell. After you get out of the hospital that is." Azer stated while his dark, enraged eyes glared at Gohan.

"I highly doubt that." Gohan replied without thinking.

The five guys behind Azer suddenly stepped forward and were preparing to 'pound' Gohan when Azer called them off with the extension of his arm.

"Suit yourself Son, but I wouldn't walk in any dark alleys if I were you." Azer threatened as he turned to leave. "Oh and one more thing." He started with his back still turned.

"What?"

"If you don't want your friends to get hurt you better treat me with the respect I deserve."

"Azer, you deserve the respect of a serpent. None." Gohan responded earning him another punch in the face and also to the gut.

Gohan decided to go along with it for now and act like he was really hurt. He clutched his stomach and fell to the floor.

"Way to go Azer you sure showed that loser." One guy said.

"Shut the heck up and get the hell out of my way." Azer roared as he left the room. The other five guys also followed him.

"Well that was informative." Gohan said aloud. 'Azer actually knew how to throw a ki enhanced punch. If I were just a human who never trained I would be seriously hurt. I think this is the first time I have ever been threatened by a human other than my Mother or Bulma. I better warn Lime and Kero about this. Oh crap I have to meet Videl right now as the Gold Fighter I can't. I'll do it tomorrow.'

Gohan made his way to the school roof where he once again took the form of the Gold Fighter. His black gi and yellow sash and wristbands, along with his super saiyan hair and mask allowed him to safely make it there on time. Of course when one can safely fly without worry of being seen it makes life much easier.


-On the roof of the building-

"Argh, he's late!" Videl ranted as she glanced at her watch which read 3:29pm as she paced along the roof.

Soon the familiar figure of black and yellow made his way down to the said roof. Upon landing he stated, "Ah right on time."

"What do you mean right on time? You're late." Videl said while crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"No I'm not, look, 3:30 on the dot. I'm not late you were just early." The Gold Fighter responded defensively yet playfully while pointing to the time on his watch.

"Whatever, anyways, why did you want me to meet you here?" Videl asked as her voice softened and let go of the harsh tone it held before.

"I have a proposal for you." Gohan responded.

"Sorry but I'm not ready for marriage."

"Not that kind of proposal. Look you and I both know you won't stop chasing me-"

"-So you're going to reveal yourself to me." Videl interrupted while grinning hopefully.

"-Uh, no, I'm here to suggest a truce." The golden warrior stated bluntly.

"A truce?" Videl questioned disbelievingly.

"Yes, how about we put this you-chase-me-around-and-I-evade-you thing aside and call a truce? Not only that, but well, I suggest along with the truce we become "friends". The Gold Fighter suggested.

"You want to just say the heck with it and form a truce AND become 'friends'?" Videl questioned once again while blinking a few times. This was certainly not what she had expected. Sure she didn't know what to expect, but she definitely wasn't expecting this kind of thing.

"Yes that's what I'm saying." Gohan said hopefully. 'This is perfect. Now I can get Videl to be friends with both sides of me.'

"No." Videl answered flatly.

Gohan fell over anime style. "What do you mean no?"

"No." She responded plainly once again.

"Well why on Earth not?" Gohan asked slightly flustered.

"To see your reaction." The raven haired girl stated with a smirk on her face.

"WHAT!? That's a stupid reason." The golden, spiky haired saiyan replied.

"I thought it was quite humorous actually." Videl said while actually smiling a real smile. "Okay. From here on out we're 'friends'."

"That's it? You're going to be that simple? No begging, no conditions, no nothing. Just okay?" Gohan stated amazed.

"Yeah pretty much." Her light blue eyes searched for his underneath that black mask.

"Why are you being so easy all of the sudden?" He questioned while meeting her eyes unbeknownst to her.

"I have my reasons." Videl replied as she walked closer to him.

"Oh really and those would be."

"You'll just have to wait and see." She responded as she extended her arm out to him.

Taking her hand and shaking it the Gold Fighter replied, "Deal. You sure are one interesting person Videl Satan."

"I'll take that as a compliment." She said with a smile.

"Okay well I still can't believe you agreed this easily, so I'll leave before I jinx it." Gohan said smiling as he started to gather some energy around him giving him a glowing golden aura. "See you around Videl."

"See you later." Videl bade. "This is perfect! Now I can get to know him and figure out who he really is." Videl said aloud as she walked back over to her jet copter.

'He's saved my life three times now. After everything he's still so nice to me and called a truce. Perhaps things can be different. Maybe I can even get to know him and he'll trust me enough to reveal his identity to me.' Videl thought as she took to the skies on her way home.


Night had fallen upon Satan City and a certain raven haired teen was lying in her bed talking aloud, "I wonder how close Lime and Gohan were? How close they are. I know I shouldn't care because I have a boyfriend but I can't help but feel out of place or different when I think of him. He's a good friend. I just don't make friends that easily. I hope he doesn't start to forget about Erasa and I just because another one of his friends goes to Orange Star High now. Oh why do I care in the first place?"

Videl closed her eyes and let the exhaustion take over her body. She fell asleep with images of a certain saiyan filling her head in both regular form and alter ego as the Gold Fighter.


Author's Note:

Well readers, I'm sorry about the long update. Between moving, working, and life I have been really busy. In fact I wrote the majority of this story tonight (the day I'm posting it). It's 3:30 in the morning right now and I wanted to post before I left for Virginia tomorrow. I should have the next one out quicker than this one took, but you never know. Please bear with me and my busy schedule.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and found it to be as enjoyable to read as I did to write. Please continue to REVIEW. I would really appreciate it.

-Samurai Girl


Next Time on Growing Up, Gohan Style:

A double date takes place, a fight occurs, someone gets hurt and feelings arise.


Gohan- "Well now, that was interesting."

Samurai Girl- "Yup, Lime's at O.S.H. now too. What's going to happen next?"

Gohan- "Why are you asking me? You're the author."

Samurai Girl- "Hmmm, you have a point. Okay, so I do know what's going to happen next."

Vegeta- "Woman would you stop your blabbering and write already."

Samurai Girl- "Vegeta, how nice to see you again. Hey you never know you might even make an appearance in the next chapter."

Vegeta- "All the more reason to go write." -walks away-

Samurai Girl- "Well someone's in a pushy mood."

Gohan- "You'd better go start writing before he comes back and also before your fans kill you for taking so long to update."

Samurai Girl- "Yikes you're right!" -runs to go start writing story-