A/N: Hi everyone, I finished this chapter a lot quicker than I thought I would and I considered posting it on a later date but since people have been so supportive in this story I figured an early update couldn't hurt, it just means the time between this post and the next will be longer. I think people will like this one, some drama but also some sexiness in this chapter, what's an epic romance story without a dream sequence? :3

In repy to Pic's-Pixie, thanks again for reviewing! and as for Piccolo, I've been watching DBZ since I was little but Piccolo was always my favourite and I didn't know why, I suppose because I thought of him as totally underappreciated, and in that way I sort of grew up with him and I actually find him the most interesting character though he's never been focused on as such in the anime/manga. He's actually my favourite anime/mnga character in general, not just in DBZ. I do explore his character more in later chapters, the more he opens up the more readers will see especially in regards to his past and its effects. I'm doing my best to make a story that applies Piccolo's character romantically but stays as close to him as possible, meanwhile showing my own interpretations. Sorry forthe long reply, I could write forever on this character, I've been tempted to write character studies on him and Vegeta for which I already have notes but I think i'll work them into this story instead since its more than doable and will fit in very nicely: the theme for Piccolo's character study is actually 'screams' and for Vegeta is 'innocence' and to any readers who think that its sounding a bit rapey it isn't meant like that lol ^^


Apples

Chapter 9: I'm Sorry

Gohan flew towards Korin's tower, the wind whipping around both individuals as he held Piccolo close to his chest, especially his injured arm, but under closer inspection he had come to the conclusion his beloved had smashed a few ribs and probably crushed part of his hip, the Namek's scent close and unable to ignore. A wetness cooling his flesh and clothes as Piccolo's blood seeped into the fibres, only making the teen fly faster, a need to help the Namek his most pressing thought.

Also, the teen didn't care if anyone saw him flying, normally he was deliberate in his travelling, but his world had flipped so quickly; the news cameras had caught him, as well as Hercule Satan's failure, they'd seen him as a Super Saiyajin and the world was most likely going crazy over the information. He was exposed. Son Gohan was the Golden Warrior. Videl knew too. He was thankful for her smile, that hug, but he still felt guilty for having stayed quiet for so long, he also hoped she had gotten away okay.

Gohan's thoughts switched back to his current situation as the white tower came into view and at the speed he was going by the time he saw it he was practically in front of it in the next moment, arriving at Korin's home he floated before yelling for the cat's attention "Korin...?"

He didn't have to wait long for the white cat to show himself, while the feline walked next the Yajarobi, said man was complaining as he always was as they approached "...how come its always your name people say, 'Korin's tower, Korin's tower' I'm here too y..." though Yajarobi's voice trailed off when his eyes saw Piccolo. The cat's feet patting lightly as he approached the teen and Namek, already holding a small brown bag of senzu beans and he threw it for Gohan to catch which he did, shifting Piccolo's weight with ease; "I prepared some earlier, I figured with it was better to be safe than sorry."

"What do you mean?" Gohan cocked his head to the side slightly, confused as Korin impled a warning to the day's events.

"Dende had a weird feeling that something bad was going to happen soon but couldn't tell anything else about it," the cat said, licking his paw and rubbing a tuft of hair my his ear, and added a note for the boy's behaviour "What did your mom teach you Gohan?"

"Manners, right," he offered a short laugh, he did usually try to be polite but with a bleeding Namek in his arms safe to say he was, at the very least, distracted, "thanks Korin" he said finally, for the beans and for his time. Also for the information: Dende sensed a darkness which meant Piccolo most likely felt it too; and that was why he was training so hard. "Bye guys."

Flying upwards, heading to the lookout he caught the quiet "see ya" said by both the cat and Yajarobi, before moving through more clouds to the floating palace and finally saw over the edge; the view presenting him with waiting company. Dende and Mr Popo stood by the edge, clearly having watched the scene below and Gohan heard a gasped "oh my" from the genie at Piccolo's state.

"Hey" he offered, letting his ki disappear, returning to his normal self, dark hair and eyes returning and he stood on the edge of the lookout before shifting Piccolo's weight again, freeing one hand and he took out a senzu bean from the bag; Dende stepping forward, holding the bag for convenience so Gohan didn't have to fidget about, tucking the bag into his robes. The younger Namek also began using his healing energy, and while Gohan knew Dende was only doing good, protecting his soldiers and friends, he struggled to suppress the growl in his throat at someone entering the space of his desired mate. The light of Dende's hands eliminating Piccolo's muscles and features and Gohan watched softly, the healing couldn't regenerate piccolos arm, he had to do that himself, but was fixing most of his bones bar small cracks, his hip bone would take a couple of days, and slowly Piccolo's skin began to clear, it wasn't charred and cuts were disappearing; and most of all, the bleeding was coming to a stop.

The Namek's energy still very low, so much so the man still hadn't budged or shown sign of waking, and he would be in great need of it to regenerate so Gohan finally took the senzu bean and had to press his finger's to Piccolo's plush lips, feeling a moistness he placed the item onto Piccolo's tongue and by instinct, the Namek began to chew and swallow. Feeling a jolt of Piccolo's ki returning, filling the man's veins Gohan's chest felt a flutter, his love recovering and returning, slowly, those eyelids fluttered open, obsidian pools unfocused until locking gaze with Gohan's for a second, the teen mesmerised by what he saw, a heat tickling over his face, Piccolo's elegant features and wise eyes only intensified by the healing lights, which eventually stopped, the young guardian stepping back.

Piccolo's voice came to him raspy and quiet, but still definitely his, "umm, Gohan, you can put me down now" he said tiredly.

"Oh, sorry" Gohan panicked slightly, realising all too quickly the close embrace and his face heated up too quickly to control, so carefully and swiftly, Gohan let Piccolo down gently, the Namek winced slightly, his hip really painful and causing him to lean slightly, unable to hear the teen's apology as his eardrums were still torn, the throbbing sensation in his arm and a general burning ache throughout his body, despite this though Piccolo took a couple of large strides away from the teen, that look Gohan had given him only confusing him more meanwhile the demi-saiyajin missed their contact.

Piccolo felt his energy returning though he would steadily be using up part of it in his recovery, charging some ki to his hip he connected many of the bones that previously felt like they were grating against each other, shattered pieces painfully rejoining, not fully healed and still sore but at least he could stand better now. Looking to his arm, the limp broken thing, covered in purple blood quickly drying to black and sighed, grabbing his upper arm he began to pull, the limb useless as it was and beyond healing, a dead thing, feeling a tearing and stretching of muscles most men couldn't imagine. Part's popping and spasming before finally the appendage was torn free, blood flowing and Piccolo held his breath, though he had done this before didn't make it easy, and concentrating his ki to his nerve endings, severed tendons and ragged flesh suddenly a new arm grew, replacing the ruined one and leaving the Namek panting slightly.

Watching his friend, Gohan felt a tug in his chest, hating to watch Piccolo in pain and have to do such things, wishing he could have prevented such harm in the first place. Piccolo then repaired his eardrums, his blood flow beginning to normalise and his hearing returning as before, much to his relief. Turning back to the waiting trio, all relaxed at knowing his regeneration had been successful, and glad all the 'yucky stuff' was over, Piccolo looked to the guardian "so..." he coughed, his throat terribly dry and attempting to clear it "did you see what happened, Dende?" he asked, slightly better.

Dende looked down, "only what you saw, I don't have a clue what that spider contraption was or where it came from" slightly pursing his lips disappointed in himself.

"Did I miss anything while out cold?" Piccolo inquired.

Gohan replied with "nothing much, Android 17 and the robot are being taken to Capsule Corp, hopefully Bulma will figure this thing out," he offered "if anyone can get information it's her" and everyone nodded in agreement. A calm silence fell over the lookout, finally to take a breath and stand as pillars of good above the word they protect, feeling their recoveries from their most recent escapade though so much lay in the balance still, so much unknown. Gohan looked to the Namek, seeing his breathing return to normal though he was still clearly uncomfortable and aching, "are you okay Piccolo?"

"I'm fine," he replied, his voice returning a little better each time he spoke "actually I was about to ask you the same thing?"

"Huh?" Gohan blinked.

"Yah, you seem pretty beat up too Gohan" chimed Dende, more to open up the subject than anything else.

Gohan had almost forgot he had fought at all, he was so focused on Piccolo, it was only then Gohan realised just how sore he was, all the bruises and burn marks, his aching joints, tired soul and low level of ki, his clothes in rags and stained with both red and purple blood. "I could heal you if you want" Dende offered with a smile, always happy to lend a hand to his warriors.

Gohan just smiled, "nah, a senzu bean and a little rest and I'll be good as new" he said nicely, Dende then took a senzu bean from the bag now in his possession and handed it to the demi-saiyajin who accepted it with a small 'thanks.' Popping it into his mouth and eating the tasteless thing he felt his energy return, fuelling his body and in that instant felt much better, although not top of his game or even close to it.

"Would you like us to make you something to eat?" Dende offered.

"It's not necessary" Gohan replied politely, though he couldn't deny his mouth was already watering, Piccolo being close to naked a few feet away didn't help much either, that scrap of fabric clinging to his hips and thighs, and as that thought entered his head he felt a blush invade his skin yet again.

"Oh please, Mr Popo likes doing it" he smiled.

The genie too joined in "yes, with two Namekians around I don't get to show off my cooking skills very much, I'm afraid I'll get rusty one of these days."

"Well if you insist" Gohan chirped in classic Son family style, hand coming up to rest in his hair sweetly. Gohan's smile paused slightly however when he saw Piccolo was giving him a look, slightly suspicious but silent all the same, and Gohan wondered if he would mention his behaviour earlier, being so distracted on the battlefield. Luckily he didn't though and Gohan remembered his decision, Saturday was going to be the day, the day he confessed, Gohan felt his being freeze as he realised everything of that truth yet nothing at all.

Mr Popo turned his attention to Piccolo, stealing his gaze away from the teen, much to Gohan's relief, and asked "would you like me to start the baths Piccolo, I can't imagine you're too comfortable" he said, noting Piccolo caked in just about everything the city could offer, dust from dirt and even glass, blood and so on.

"Yes, thank you Mr Popo" Piccolo spoke gruffly but with a softness.

Gohan had never used the baths on the lookout, he imagined like every other room in the place it would be extravagant, but mainly his mind was filling with images of Piccolo bathing, wet and soapy, rivulets running down his body, his muscled, smooth, virgin, naked...control self! Came the much needed alarm bell in his head, and at that point he noticed Piccolo was already walking away, catching Gohan's eyes as he watched hungrily, exposed skin moving with every step, almost as though teasing the teen on purpose. If only.

As Piccolo disappeared into one of the main buildings of the floating palace, Gohan's reality switched to that of his present company and his face only reddened more when he saw Dende was watching him curiously, a brow raised and eventually a grin, a smooth "this way" with a gesture and the guardian began walking towards the buildings too expecting Gohan to follow and he did. Though for a moment, he wondered if Dende knew too, his guardian's eye more exposing than others, and if Vegeta could figure it out... well, the guy didn't say anything so he didn't allow himself to worry until necessary. He had enough on his plate.


The dining area was grand; he had been there many times, especially since his dad had always jumped at the chance to scarf down Mr Popo's delicious cooking, and over the recent years as he'd visit Piccolo he would dine luxuriously between spars. The room was large, whit and had a massive circular marble table attached to the matching floor and couches strewn about the edge of it, plush cushions in rich colours of green, pinks and purples. Gohan sat eating with vigour, having been given a new, clean, outfit consisting of what was basically a white gi but with sleeves and a red sash around his midsection, his feet bare, unbelievably hungry after the day he'd had, and was chatting with Dende whom sat a few feet away in feat of being eaten alive sipping water.

"...must be stressful, I'm afraid I don't know much about what it's like living down there but I imagine the news coverage will add a few problems" Dende said, sipping his water slowly.

"Yeah, don't remind me" Gohan sighed, he couldn't think of how the public were handling everything, mainly how it would affect school and his friends, and returned to his food, feeling ravenous.

"...is something else troubling you?"

Gohan blinked from his food, swallowing a large mouthful of rice before replying "no, just umm...school stuff no biggie" he lied badly but Dende didn't push Gohan for details, he wasn't the type. Actually, an idea lighting itself inside of Gohan's mind, this was a great opportunity to find out something "umm, on a completely different topic," though it was really the same topic "this may sound like a strange question..." how to ask? Answer: lie, LIE I TELL YOU, Gohan's mind tried to scream and he half hid his face in his bowl so as to cover how bad a liar he was. A hah, "me and Vegeta were training" begin with a truth, "...and we kind of stumbled on the subject of different races and their qualities, " this is gold he thought "and, just curious, since neither of us knew the answer, umm, you said Namekians are hermaphrodites, right?" Sly.

Raising a brow Dende seemed surprised by the topic, but was not offended simply said "yes" wondering what question would follow as the teen was clearly building to something.

"Well, how does that work exactly, if you don't mind me asking," a blush all over Gohan's face though he continued to speak into the half empty bowl, driven to find an answer "you don't have to say, we were just thinking; like is it just internally, are you externally male or female, or something else?" he inquired with some difficulty, but managed all the same.

Dende coughed quietly containing his surprise, but the Namek didn't blush despite his tense appearance, probably just shy and the question thoroughly odd, "well I'm not about to give a detailed description to you" he began and Gohan realised he was trying not to show any embarrassment and he felt slightly guilty, but had said the Namek didn't have to answer "but it's not just internally, we do have gender..."

Gohan was happy to hear that though he quickly interjected "Dende you don't have to answer remember," he should have known due to Dende's shy nature he wasn't too comfortable talking about this, when telling Bulma it was simply referring to gender, anyone can say 'boys and girls, men and women' but to speak specifically of genitalia? "it was just a little curiosity that's all, never mind, it was silly."

Dende nodded and turned to normal rather quickly, well Gohan guessed if Dende had been asking him what the half human half saiyajin sexual reproductive organs were he'd be uncomfortable too. Part of his brain actually couldn't believe he'd had the gall to ask such a thing in the first place, surely warning signs of 'awkward' 'creepy' and 'stupid' should have been on his way down the road of strange conversations. But Dende had said that Nameks have gender, he didn't say which gender, or if it was a mix or what, but that was good, right? He said they weren't internally hermaphroditic, and it did make sense for Nameks to have sexual reproduction; if they were just cloning themselves in asexual reproduction, recycling DNA over and over, Nameks would all look the same, there has to be some genetic variation and just like human's there were short fat ones, tall skinny ones, different shades of green, all with their own faces as much as any earthling.

After some, more normal, conversation, Dende stood, taking several plates in his hands, a routine look of astonishment at the amount Saiyajins could eat and he said "after you eat you might want to take a nap, I'll just be observing earth if you need me" and Gohan nodded, stuffing his face with delicious food happily. The young guardian walked to the rooms exit and just before he was about to step out of view turned to the teen, "by the way," he said "I don't know what that was at all about but I don't buy the Vegeta story for a second" he smirked triumphantly, the teen couldn't lie for love nor money, and Gohan would have facepalmed if he weren't holding a bowl of rice and chopsticks.

Dende left the room after his comment thinking on how Gohan sure had been acting strange lately, and he doubted it was just due to the day's events, as stressful as it would be revealing his identity as the Golden Warrior it didn't quite fit with his signs. He wasn't sure of what it was, but there was certainly a good guess, he had an idea. Dende suspected Gohan had a crush on someone, the red faces the biggest give away, plus he was of the age where it was more than normal to be looking for a romantic relationship.

But on who? Having viewed the attack from the lookout, Dende had seen Gohan hug a girl, a Miss Videl Satan, though he knew she was the daughter of Hercule Satan so he was most likely comforting her they were definitely close, a feeling of love between them, but, for some reason, it didn't quite feel right. Gohan had also been acting strange towards Piccolo. That was the most noticeable thing. Throughout the entire fight he seemed distracted but had actively fought for Piccolo, which though wasn't too strange, bordered on a need, something animal which was most odd for the mild-mannered teen. Could Gohan...have feelings for Piccolo? The blushes would appear in Piccolo's company most frequently, there was also the way the teen had stared after Piccolo just a little while ago. The more Dende thought about it the more likely the idea became. It wasn't too odd a concept really, Nameks could mate with either gender after all...and considering the conversation he had just had, thing certainly seemed to be adding up. He knew the Vegeta thing was a lie.


The Lookout's bathing area was one of the most extravagant rooms in the palace, quite simply, in beauty. The room was large though the walls were barely seen, marble stones and mirrors making up the structures as showers ran like waterfalls from the high walls, open bathing areas with places to sit and keep even some plants dotted about the place, brightly coloured flowers gracing the ever moving waters with their falling petals. The water fresh, warm and through all of the reflections and crystal lights the room took on a sweet rainbow effect, colours streaming about the room and dancing with the elements.

Sitting in one of the baths, so as to take the weight from his aching bones and help recover easier, Piccolo was chest deep in heated water, a gentle steam tickling the air, resting on top of and against marble blocks that made the base of the room, a circular pool area surrounding him as a small fall moved and swished the water. Taking in a deep breath, Piccolo allowed himself, for a rare time, to enjoy the water, to feel the warm waves that glided over his abused flesh and soothed his aching muscles. The peaceful atmosphere clashing with the tight nerves from the battle he was just in and the ever busy mind. Hopefully Bulma would find something useful in her research, but Piccolo highly doubted this ordeal was over, this was just the beginning. At least Android 17 was stopped in time, much longer and Piccolo was sure the man would have burned up completely in that flurry of ki, and the z senshi returned alive. The poor city folk though...maybe he should look for the dragon balls to wish the people back, it would certainly help Dende feel better too, the young man often got terribly guilty in affairs like this.

There was also Android 17, Piccolo sincerely hoped the man recovered from this, that his mind would return, insanity a crueller fate than death, especially for someone of pride. Piccolo wasn't too doubtful of the man's recovery though, the man was strong, the person, not the cyborg. The very fact that Android 18's presence affected him so drastically showed his human side, the side that was a brother, the side that cared, was still very much there and ready to fight. That's probably why he was so out of it, if something is controlling all of you there's no room for conflict, but maybe it was only affecting his android self, not his soul. Piccolo sighed, time would tell.

Then Piccolo, like always, found his thoughts leading him to the demi-saiyajin. He had been acting so strange it was most worrisome, Piccolo could fight androids and wish people back from the dead but he didn't have a clue how to approach such a matter, or if he should at all considering how distanced Gohan had been over the last year. The Namek began to feel that clawing sensation inside his chest, something hurtful and strong.

Moving from his sitting position he dipped into a deeper part of the bath, allowing himself to immerse completely in the water, holding his breath with ease, feeling the gentle waved all over his body from the tip on his toes to the top of his head as his mind still wandered. He remembered waking up in the teen's arms just a little while ago, and at first, Piccolo hadn't felt the pain of his injuries, nor had he felt the stab of loneliness or guilt, but he was warm. The feeling surprisingly overwhelming, how he could be so sensitive to those muscular arms and broad chest, sometimes he couldn't believe just how big Gohan had gotten, how much a man he looked, so different from that little boy he knew years ago, the same person, those eyes though carrying more experiences were still so open.

He was really starting to make his way in the world, not that Piccolo would ever admit it, but Chichi did right making her son study, she was maybe a bit too obsessed with it but Gohan was doing so well now. Piccolo had trained Gohan how to fight and face opponents, he was relieved the teen didn't look to him for guidance in some areas for he had none to give, Piccolo had never been to school, wasn't social or very academic really, the only thing to offer there was a like for reading though that was more recent and Piccolo suspected he had inherited that from his fusion with Kami, and everything he knew of relationships came from Gohan in the first place; he'd be less than useless for that kind of advice. But it seemed he needn't have to worry about that, the teen was heading for success, he was smart and loved to learn, he'd become a scholar one day, and with his kind soul and sweet charm he'd never be short of friends and would make a good husband one day, protective and strong, and Piccolo guessed that was something to be thankful for. Who wouldn't want someone who had that kind of everything?

Piccolo felt the tickling in his core which signalled it was time to rise from under the water, splashing slightly as he broke into the air once more he took in a deep breath calmly, small streams and rivulets of water caressing over his defined muscles and contours of his body. Eyes looked around the room, thinking of everything and nothing, and with a sigh, Piccolo decided to get back to his room, attempt to meditate in private, feeling he had indulged in rest enough for a day, he'd start sleeping next if he wasn't careful.


The world was white, a constant, brilliant white, a void where there was a nothingness making the two beings feel exposed and naked though both were fully clothed, facing each other, one speaking and one listening, a confession; a damnation. "I love you" came the cliché but all too true words, they echoed through the air and shattering souls into pieces never to be fixed again. Gohan's confession hanging between the two friends, staring into the understandably widened eyes of his beloved, Piccolo seemed to have stopped breathing completely before turning away.

The majestic cape swishing about his form adding to his grand nature, the air turned to a bitter cold and the demi-saiyajin's skin stung and shivered. The Namek was walking away from him, silent graceful steps that tugged at the teens heart the further they took him and as Gohan was about to step after his love he was halted by the most pained voice he had ever heard. Piccolo's gruff voice poisoned with a pressure, a hurt and a tremble, without turning, without stopping his exit, Piccolo spoke, "you were the only one to ever really talk to me, I've died for you and I just don't understand...why did you have to ruin everything?"

Once, a long time ago, a tired and hungry little boy, was to find two red apples...

Gohan lay on his bed, his room as it always was: posters, stereo and CDs, books galore and so on, but as he felt his body give in to the sinking warm feeling of the pillows another form moved and cuddled into his side and that earthy scent filled his head. Looking down, careful of his love's antennae, finding it cute that Piccolo's feet stuck out the bottom of the covers from his height; and his eyes observed his partner with a hunger. The two were lying together, just enjoying the feel and company of each other, when Gohan's body seemed to heat up. Leaning his head down, he kissed Piccolo's forehead, making the man look up only for Gohan to have already continued to those sensitive ears, hot breath flirting with emerald flesh and causing a small shiver within the Namek, and a exploring tongue to dip and caress those pointed ears, making Piccolo give that extremely rare, practically mythical, blush, a streak of purple staining his skin sinfully.

Gohan's veins fuelled with a need to continue, to devour and dominate, to completely ravage his mate, enjoying how Piccolo's breathing seemed to quicken in anticipation and lips travelled to the jaw, laying warm kisses to the unconquered territory. Powerful arms encircled the Namek, puling his body closer and the heat intensified, brawny hands pressed onto Piccolo's back, moving slowly in an inviting gesture. A steady, eager tongue explored Piccolo's neck, gliding over a strong throat and both bodies shared in a feverish tremble and the journey continued, the teen's mind a blur to the world now. He found himself with a tension in his lips, his own tongue flicking over a predator's teeth, touching his canines with an urge to expose them. Eye's glanced up to take in the image before him, the blush and beautifully blissful eyes dancing with his soul, just as he delved lower and began sucking on the Namek's collar bone making Piccolo inhale sharply.

Tasting the addictive skin, Gohan felt his need growing, intensifying, setting his own skin aflame with desire, his hands tightening, fingertips pressing against the offending fabric of Piccolo's gi top, feeling the shaking muscles that hid beneath. He wanted to bit. He needed to bite. Feeling Piccolo's blood pulse under his lips, moving to the flesh between the shoulder and neck, tongue teasing the flesh he so wanted to sink his flesh into, offending him to not be marked already. His mate unbitten, unclaimed, and amongst Gohan's lust he heard a whispered 'wait.' The gruff whisper from Piccolo, vibrating through the heavy air and sending Gohan's nerved ablaze, lips kissing the flesh, tongue kneading, breath ghosting and the inability to resist. Too distracted to see the scared eyes of his love, the 'not yet's and the 'stop's, grazing his teeth playfully over smooth skin, blind to pain as he was drowning in the pleasure. Diving, indulging, surrendering...Gohan tasted blood.

The apples a gift, the apples a sign and the apples a promise...

Piccolo sat calmly in the Lookout's dining area, sitting upon one of the settees, plush cushions adding to the comfortable appearance of the Namek, one leg propped up on the seat while the other lay normally foot occasionally tapping over the floor mindlessly. A relaxed atmosphere with the rare sight of a lounging Namekian; especially one of Piccolo's attitude. But even more curious was the blushed scarlet apple in his elegant hand, which was slowly brought to inviting lips and pristine white teeth, fangs and all, which bit into the firm flesh of the fruit and chewed the delicious mouthful, juices glistening over an already pouty bottom lip.

Gohan sat watching in awe at the scene, it was possibly the most sensual view imaginable but despite his desire, his mind allowed his lips a confused piece of logic. "Nameks don't eat" he said, whispered and laced with yearning, as if he needed that little piece of reason to remain in some grounding to reality, but when Piccolo swallowed his bite, the teen's eyes fixed to the throats movements. The Namek, in his usual heavenly voice, spoke reminding Gohan that Namek's can eat, they just don't need to...it was purely a pleasure thing. Gohan's mouth watered and his body heated in an instant, Piccolo's indulgence the sexiest thing in existence or fantasy. "Can I have a taste?" Gohan asked.

Piccolo casually handed the teen the apple, a beautiful contrast between the red skin and white bite mark, bringing his lips to the fruit, seeing and feeling where Piccolo's mouth had already been and the fang marks creating sharp dips, a chorus of sweetness exploding and swirling about his mouth and rolling about his tongue. Preoccupied with not letting the flashing memories and desires overtake him, to invade his skin to make his face match the apples', the demi-saiyajin almost didn't notice Piccolo returning the fruit to his own possession. Bringing it to his mouth again, Piccolo bit, the flesh crumbling with a soft crushing noise, and juices began to glide down over his lips and chin and Gohan's eyes became fixed more so than they ever had been before.

An almost inaudible growl laced through Gohan's words with "you're not used to eating are you?" a fond smile curling his lips before moving closer to the Namek, whose purple tongue flicked out about to lap at the juices, and decided he wanted to taste too. Piccolo's tongue returning to the privacy of his mouth as he felt the demi-saiyajin's tongue glide along his chin. Smoothly, and with a fervent desire. Licks the sweetness from Piccolo's chin, moving up to those plush, sinful lips and a blur befell the teen's existence, the next thing he knew the Namek was beneath him, Piccolo's body shivering and close as Gohan kissed him passionately, the apple having dropped to the floor. In the flurry of lips, love, want and pleasure, Gohan's hands travelling over emerald flesh and playing with the Namek's sensitivity through clothes, flesh heated and inviting.

Burly hands travelled down Piccolo's abdomen, and circled slightly to the curved hip, still kissing with a hunger and fire, though just as the curious fingers were to reach the Namek's crotch an elegant hand wrapped around the teen's wrist strongly, Gohan's attention seeming to snap into sharp focus. The trembling of the Namekian that Gohan had considered a pleasured response, the tension that had seemed to be anticipation and the passion that was simply a flame, had all been illusions, as the teen looked up to see Piccolo as he had never seen him before. The Namek took in a deep breath to steady the need to sob, eyes brimming with tears and a look of absolute suffering. His voice heartbreaking, hitching and afraid "I'm sorry, Gohan...I can't-" he tried to continue but as a the tears finally overpowered his resolve he silently choked on inner pain, hand letting go of Gohan's in an uncharacteristic nervous fidgety movement.

Gohan's reality began screaming at him, what had he done? Confusion, dread and guilt invading his being, replacing any joy or fever he had before, now he was chilled to the core and angry at himself, "what-, don't cry" he whispered in urgency. Moving his hands up to Piccolo's face, one on either side and thumbs caringly removing the tears as they came, too many for Gohan to believe he'd done such a thing. Gohan suddenly feeling a lump in his throat, his chest a excruciating furnace and eyes stinging, but what struck the teen the worst was what Piccolo said next, amongst the hurt and victimisation, the Namek showed his dedication.

"...I've let you down...I'm sorry..."

...that despite all falsehoods and facades of darkness, a covenant with kindness had been made...

As Piccolo continued to chew his mouthful, Gohan sat watching in awe at the scene, it was possibly the most sensual view imaginable but despite his desire, his mind allowed his lips a confused piece of logic. "Nameks don't eat" he said, whispered and laced with yearning, as if he needed that little piece of reason to remain in some grounding to reality, but when Piccolo swallowed his bite, the teen's eyes fixed to the throats movements. The Namek, in his usual heavenly voice, spoke reminding Gohan that Namek's can eat, they just don't need to...it was purely a pleasure thing. Gohan's mouth watered and his body heated in an instant, Piccolo's indulgence the sexiest thing imaginable. "Can I have a taste?" Gohan asked.

"No" the abrupt and harsh rejection seemed to stab Gohan's chest, creating a wound that, though it did not bleed, was worsening. Feeling as though his breath had left him, his bearings fucked and senses zapped, trying to cling at something, anything that could rectify his state; searching for words but none would come. Piccolo simply clarified: "you don't deserve apples, just forget about them...all right?" though it was not a question: it was advice, a request. And Gohan felt his soul dissolving, destroyed in faith and strength.

...and so, with every bite, lick, nip and taste, Gohan would think of love, his love, and hunger.

Bringing it to his mouth again, Piccolo bit, the flesh crumbling with a soft crushing noise, and juices began to glide down over his lips and chin and Gohan's eyes became fixed more so than they ever had been before. An almost inaudible growl laced through Gohan's words with "you're not used to eating are you?" a fond smile curling his lips before moving closer to the Namek, whose purple tongue flicked out about to lap at the juices, and decided he wanted to taste too. Piccolo's tongue returning to the privacy of his mouth as he felt the demi-saiyajin's tongue glide along his chin. Smoothly, and with a fervent desire. Licking the sweetness from Piccolo's chin, moving up to those plush, sinful lips and a blur befell the teen's existence, the next thing he knew the Namek was beneath him, Piccolo's body shivering and close as Gohan kissed him passionately, the apple having dropped to the floor. In the flurry of lips, love, want and pleasure, Gohan's hands travelling over emerald flesh and playing with the Namek's sensitivity through clothes, flesh heated and inviting.

Burly hands travelled down Piccolo's abdomen, and circled slightly to the curved hip, still kissing with a hunger and fire, though just as the curious fingers were to reach the Namek's crotch he felt a blunt tension in the body beneath him, not in anticipation or even nerves; a guard: a defence and in that second Gohan's attention seemed to snap into sharp focus. Pausing, hand moving a hairsbreadth closer but not touching, to watch that beautiful face, with pursed lips and closed eyes, suddenly flinch; and to feel his own heart jump into his throat at the dreaded question he was about to ask.

"Piccolo...do even you want this?''

The Namek's eyes opened then, looking to Gohan but not for long which only unsettled the teen more so, before saying breathily "it's fine, just do what you want" his being in complete dedication and compliance, but not in want. Gohan's soul shook at the revelation, he may have misunderstood, may be jumping to the worst conclusion possible, so as a test, the teen leaned don once more, moving to kiss his beloved all whilst holding back tears and, true enough, Piccolo tensed again: unwanting. Stopping at the reaction Gohan just hovered and attempted to collect himself, his passion, his love, his hurt, guilt and his raw anger that prowled through his veins.

"I don't want you to pretend Piccolo..." he whispered and Piccolo looked to the man above him, patient and slightly confused "I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to" the teen spoke his voice hitching in areas, the feeling blazing in his chest and only intensifying as he heard Piccolo reply quietly with an 'I'm not-'. Unable to stop himself or think clearly, too hurt to feel real in that moment he spoke honestly and fiercely "don't lie to me Piccolo, please..." and with that Gohan's tears overwhelmed him, spilling over and rolling down his cheeks and falling to the Namek the lay beneath, hot droplets making the skin tingle. "...please...I don't want 'this'...I don't 'us' to one want to be one of your sacrifices!"

With apples akin to his heart and emblem of his soul, the teen would fight as a warrior, live as a man, soften as one with faith, kiss with jubilance, and love...quite simply: love.

A man stood utterly still, heavy rain the only noise in the grey streets, his umbrella long abandoned as it rolled occasionally over cold concrete pavements, unable to shield him or undo the wetness soaked into his hair, flesh and layers of clothing, his grey suit heavy and clinging to the muscular body beneath. A chill numbing the sad individual as the pattering of rain continued to dance over his flesh, battering him abundantly as the colourless world around him mirrored his soul and life. This man stood as a pillar in nothing, he existed in a forgiving and repetitive world. This man had a conventional 9-5 job, one where he wore a suit and tie, carried a briefcase and looked like every other employee, a number in the books and an impersonal day; everyday. He would end his day with a rehearsed sigh, wondering why he tired his bones in a job that gave him no fire, no passion, and head home to a faceless wife and kids, a happy facade, a lonely world though people were aplenty.

But this man feel's something, feels that flickering flame in his chest, a memory and a soul, when he remembered the person he once was. This character remembers a battle savvy body, a brave heart and eyes that openly searched for goodness. A time where he loved someone. Someone who's flame and colour gave him reason to fight and cheer and believe, to be brave enough for a tomorrow no matter what, not this dead form of life. Pale lips then ghosted with that name, wet skin painfully cold as the name 'Piccolo' rolled about Gohan's soul but didn't reach the colourless world he was in. Not compatible with such defeated days. The demi-saiyajin that once saved the world and believed in it once as well, was now the businessman in the rain without a voice. The man is so totally alone, having lost his only colour, a stabbing fear piercing his heart; but even as he tried to scream, his mourning went unrecognised, his tears camouflaged by the heavy droplets running down his face, denying him his one something of reality; a mute.

"Mr Piccolo...were you the one...who gave me those apples?"


The teen's body jolted upright, cold tears streaming down his cheeks and biting at his chilled flesh; a breathlessness in the fear of his dreams; eyes taking in the shadows of the room, night having fallen upon the lookout, Gohan's aching muscles comforted slightly by the cushions and settee he had fallen asleep, the dining area still grand in scale though not as bright. He had also been covered with quilts and the plates had been taken away from the now clear table most likely by Mr Popo. The silence of the floating castle deafening as all the teen could hear were his own reactions.

That dream had truly terrified him; his core unsettled and uncontained shivers wracking his pained body and mind. He didn't want to hurt Piccolo, and he didn't want to lose Piccolo, but he refused to hide and lie from him either, because that colourless man was the most terrifying thought in the world to him, that dead thing something Piccolo could not even muster a hint of respect for and neither could the teen; only pity.

Despite his worried soul, his hear about telling Piccolo his feelings and whatever the consequences, he was now more driven than ever, the quicker his reality came, the less fanciful uncertainties would be plaguing him. Nameks don't sleep, he thought. So Gohan quickly threw back the covers and stood with a power in his stance and went to search for Piccolo; to confess his love.


A/N: next chapter is NOT the confession, we'll be taking a look at other Z senshi including Bulma in her lab ^^ Chapter title is "Restore to Factory Settings" however you may like to know chapter 11 is titled "I Love You."