Chapter 10 – Friendship

Videl still couldn't fathom what had transpired the previous night. She opened up to a someone, a boy no less, about her father's lie she'd been grappling with for the past several months. While this was unprecedented for her, what happened next she hardly understood. She somehow fell for a boy, something she'd promised herself she had no time for. This wasn't just any boy, it was Son Gohan, the boy who seemingly came out of nowhere, and somehow entered her heart.

She gazed out her balcony from her bed, which overlooked a vast green space, staring toward the horizon as the sun rose, unsure what the future awaited. Oh, how she wanted Son Gohan, but there was the ambivalence from her doctrine of not having time for boys. But who was she kidding? Her best friend, Erasa, was right all along. Erasa was always teasing her about boys, specifically, Son Gohan ever since he arrived at Orange Star High. Somehow she knew. Videl's body ached for him, feelings she never thought she'd have, and so suddenly. However, when she thought back over the past few months, those initial feelings were there, but she swept them under the rug. Boys? Not a chance.

If she rewound six months prior and were told everything that had transpired to this day, she would not have believed it. In that time, she learned her father was a fake, which made her also feel like a fake. In addition, she was introduced to ki manipulation, a surreal ability where one was able to harness raw energy, and now, she had strong feelings toward Son Gohan, who appeared to reciprocate her feelings. At any given moment, she could feel ki inside her, which was surreal, but she had to remember the whole reason she became a student of Tien Shinhan. It was to have the chance to repent to the real hero of the Cell Games, the Delivery Boy.

Gohan told her to speak to her father about his lies, and she wanted to so badly, but there was some semblance of hope that her father would reach out to her first. Also, there was the fact that she promised Tien she wouldn't tell anyone. She lowered her head in shame as she already broke one of her promises by opening up to Gohan. Tien told her that the Delivery Boy wanted no reward, no praise, but he just wanted to live a normal life. Why was she worthy of Tien's training if she couldn't even keep one promise? Was she better than her father?

Videl tried to put her grogginess and thoughts behind her as she was to meet with Tien this morning to continue her training prior to seeing her friends that afternoon. This was one weekend she'd always remember. Yawning, she forced herself out of bed and got ready for her long day. Sleep was still hard to come by since she found out the truth, but she was slowly healing, thanks to Gohan.

Videl furiously attacked, punching her opponent as fast as humanly possible yet Tien easily defended each blow. Realizing her strategy wasn't working, she stepped back and attempted a roundhouse kick aimed at Tien's upper body, but he easily stepped out of range. She then lunged at him, swinging, and missing. Her expression dulled as she realized she was utterly outclassed by the seasoned warrior.

"Any one of those attacks would have knocked any normal person out," commented Videl through her breaths of exhaustion. Tien nodded.

"Indeed. However, I am not like any normal fighter."

"How?" she asked while relaxing her body.

"It all comes back to your ki. Utilize your ki." Videl raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean? You want me to fire blasts at you?"

"No. You must use your ki in every attack. Don't rely on brute force. Every punch and kick must utilize your ki." Videl slipped him a curious glance trying to make sense of Tien's words.

"Huh?"

"Use the same method you use to create a blast. Instead of producing raw energy, use the ki to increase your force of your hand to hand combat. Only then, will you become stronger and faster."

She blinked realizing the usage of ki was so dynamic. Of course, increasing brute stamina was helpful; however, without using her ki in every blow, she was just like any other fighter. Every technique she performed must include some output of ki. It boggled her mind that every living organism in the entire world possessed ki inside them, yet, to access it, required extensive training. Only a handful of warriors on this planet had access to their ki, and she was now one of them.

She thought back to all the warriors at the Cell Games. They all were experts at using ki manipulation. Saiyaman also had to be an expert in it. But was Bulma's son also advanced in ki manipulation? She understood that the boy must be some hybrid Saiyan because of his bizarre transformation into a golden fighter. However, it was his father that made her curious who had to be a Saiyan. Did Saiyans have a natural ability toward ki manipulation? There were so many questions and so few answers.

"You have come a long way Videl. As a human, it's a huge accomplishment to utilize your ki successfully. You should be proud of yourself," praised Tien.

Videl broke from her thoughts at the praise from her master. Her eyes lit up as she was unsure how much progress she made. It was clear that Videl was far from Tien's strength and it felt like she'd never get to that level, but it was good to be reassured that she has come a long way. This was by far the most challenging accomplishment she achieved in her short life. Controlling one's ki is a complicated process, yet she still had questions. Why did it take her so long when it comes so naturally to others?

"I don't get it," commented a perplexed Videl. "I met a child who outclassed me in every possible way. Do some people have a natural ability toward ki manipulation?"

Tien lifted an eyebrow. "Who was that?"

"It was a boy named Trunks. Uh, he is Bulma's son."

She was stepping into unknown territory. All her life, she was under the impression that ki manipulation was a result of a trick yet here she was, meeting people who had techniques she could hardly fathom. Certainly, Bulma's son had unique powers.

"That boy is the son of a powerful fighter. He is likely being trained by his father," Tien deduced.

"I believe the boy is a Saiyan," admitted Videl. She carefully eyed Tien's reaction.

"Oh? What makes you think that?"

Videl paused. It was obvious Tien was ambivalent in sharing his friend's secrets, yet she was being exposed to them without the aid of Tien. She had seen Trunks transform into a Super Saiyan. She had even met Piccolo after recovering a dragon ball in which Videl learned he trained the Delivery Boy. She understood Tien's reasons for being vague as she was the daughter of a fraud who caused a great deal of trouble for his friends, but she still wanted answers. She cleared her throat.

"I saw the boy transform into a Super Saiyan," she admitted.

Tien jaw tightened at hearing that. He was surprised the boy who must have been no older than eight was able to transform into the legendary Super Saiyan, but more importantly, Videl should not have witnessed that. He sighed.

"Yes, the boy is a Saiyan, but I would caution you from digging too deep." She raised an eyebrow.

"Why's that?"

"Like I said before. The one who defeated Cell and his family hold no grudge toward your father. They are selfless to the end. However, Bulma's husband may not be so forgiving," he said.

She blinked. "I don't understand. You said the Saiyans were evil; that it was in their nature, yet Son Goku and the Delivery Boy, both of whom were Saiyans are honorable and moral." Additionally, Bulma's son seemed harmless despite being part Saiyan.

This surprised Tien. Somehow, Videl connected dots when he thought he was careful in protecting his friends. Videl was essentially one of them so why was he continually holding back?

"Yes. However, those Saiyans were raised on Earth. Bulma's husband was not," said Tien.

"Bulma's husband–"

"Vegeta. That's his name."

She stared at the mention of his name. "Umm, isn't that the planet where the Saiyans came from?"

She remembered the Tien telling a story about the Saiyans and their ruthless nature. He had mentioned the planet by name, and now he was telling her that Bulma's husband was named after the planet?

"Yes. You see Videl, Vegeta is the Prince of all Saiyans, and he makes that very clear to you. His royalty is his arrogance. I would stay away from him. He is not very forgiving and believe it or not, Vegeta's right-hand man killed me once before."

She winced at hearing that. Tien must have been wished back to life with the dragon balls. This led to more questions. How the heck was this group of warriors who defended earth so functional? It consisted Saiyans, humans, and the once evil King Piccolo. Given what she knew, it was possible Vegeta was the last surviving alien from the Saiyan race. But, why did they look so human? Shouldn't Trunks have some weird alien features? She sat down on the ground baffled.

"Your group is a bizarre bunch of people you know? I hardly know anything about them. Heck, I hardly know anything about you," admitted Videl.

He shrugged. "You must realize that Goku was what kept our group together. He started the group and was incredibly forgiving. That is why it consists of so many different types of people. Each fighter has their story."

"I see that now."

Tien narrowed his eyes. Perhaps it was time for him to have a conversation with Gohan. Surely, he deserved to know that he was training the daughter of Mr. Satan. He knew Gohan would have no qualms about her, but he deserved to know since it was Videl's father who stole his credit and trashed his friends and family. In addition, she was learning a lot of things about their group. He would have to ponder this.

Little did he know that Videl and Gohan were already very close.

Gohan was more fidgety than usual because he was to hang out with Videl along with Sharpner and Erasa. Erasa had set him up to go to the dance with Videl last night which turned out interesting, but also, the four teenagers were to spend Saturday at Videl's house. Gohan hoped that Videl's father would not be at the house because that would be the last thing he needed to worry about. He was excited yet nervous because Videl potentially opened a new chapter in his life.

"Can I go with you?" Goten chirped tugging on his brother's leg.

"Huh? Not this time Goten," said Gohan.

"But why!"

"Because." Goten pouted at the response.

"Who are you even hanging out with?" asked the 7-year-old.

"Umm, just some friends from school," replied Gohan.

"Are you going to see that one girl you talked about before?" asked Goten grinning. Gohan raised an eyebrow.

"Goten. You promised you wouldn't talk about that."

"What's her name? Huh?" asked the hyper half-Saiyan.

"Stop it," said Gohan as his face flushed at the thought of Videl.

"No!"

"Sometimes you're so annoying."

"Nuh uh! You just don't want me to meet your friends." Gohan's eyebrow rose.

"That's not true Goten. They just umm, don't know anything about stuff we do, and I'm trying to keep it that way." Goten tilted his head.

"Uh, why don't you just tell them?"

Gohan sighed. "Because they would think I am a freak. Don't you remember? They think all the things we do are tricks."

Goten shrugged. "It's not that weird."

"To us, but my friends probably wouldn't understand it," said Gohan.

"You should just tell them the truth," reasoned Goten as if it were so simple.

"And risk losing my friends?" countered Gohan.

"Well, you have to tell your girlfriend someday." Gohan's eyes narrowed.

"Goten. For the last time, she isn't… isn't my girlfriend?"

What were they exactly? After what happened last night, were they together? Sure, he got advice from his godmother, Bulma Briefs, but Gohan never thought he'd get this far with her. It all happened so fast, and of course, he never wanted to go back. The feelings he had last night were none like he had before. Perhaps he should go to Bulma for more advice, but there may be repercussions if he did so. He got Bulma to keep quiet about his date last night, but surely, Bulma would tell his mother if Gohan told her everything. Heck, even Bulma didn't know the identity of his date last night. If Bulma found out it was Videl Satan, things could easily go south for him given the Videl's last name.

Gohan landed in the same park when going to Orange Star High, in his Saiyaman costume, but it was Saturday afternoon, and he was going to Videl's to hang out. After transforming back to his original clothes, he made the short fifteen-minute walk to Videl's house. During his walk, he thought about what to say to Videl. What were they exactly?

His thoughts came to a close as he approached the giant Satan mansion. He sighed unsure what to expect as he walked up the grand staircase to the front door and rang the doorbell. Within a few seconds, someone answered the door.

"Ah, you must be Gohan. Ms. Satan said you'd be coming," one of the butlers answered the door. "Please, come in."

"Thank you," said Gohan as he entered the mansion.

"I will alert her that you have arrived," said the butler.

Gohan nodded while waiting in the grand entrance of the Satan mansion. He could easily feel Videl's ki not far from him and was thankful not to feel Mr. Satan's nearby. He could easily sense both of them since their ki's stuck out like a sore thumb compared to all the other humans. What was he to say when they met? He would certainly have to talk about last night. Were they together now? Gohan knew of his awkwardness when it came to girls. Since prior to high school, he had only met a handful of girls.

All of Goten's kidding aside, if they were actually dating as they call it in high school, Gohan would have to tell her his secrets. How could they have a healthy relationship if he kept the fact that he was a half alien, Saiyaman, and the defeater of Cell from her? He gulped at the prospect of telling Videl those things and she not accepting him. After all, her father was Hercule Satan for goodness sakes; thus it was probably ingrained in her that he was a trickster.

Gohan knew she hated secrets. But, if he were to tell her everything, there was no way she'd believe him and the friendship he worked so hard to achieve would be gone. But they weren't friends exactly anymore. Sure, they were close, but how could they be friends after last night? They had to be something more.

"Hey, Gohan."

His thoughts were cut short as he jumped surprised by Videl's voice. He saw Videl walking down the gargantuan staircase into the large entrance area of the Satan mansion.

"Oh! Uh, hey Videl," stuttered Gohan. Videl blinked.

"You're here earlier than I thought you'd be."

Gohan looked away. Here goes, he thought. "Umm, I uh, wanted to talk before Erasa and Sharpner come if that's okay of course."

Videl smiled. "Duh."

"Oh, so about last night," started Gohan as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Uh, let's go to my room and talk," said Videl. She didn't want any of dad's butler's or servants to get any ideas. It was no secret she was not allowed to date anyone.

Gohan followed Videl upstairs, down a long hallway with many rooms, and into Videl's room. The house seemed over the top fancy, and he wasn't surprised given Mr. Satan's nature. Once in Videl's room, he saw a sitting area. Her room must have been nearly the size of his small house.

He sat down on a chair and realized he would be the one to speak up, not Videl. His heartbeat raced unsure exactly what to say.

"So uh, about last night," he repeated while Videl sighed.

"What about last night? Was I not clear?" Videl asked putting her hand on her hip.

"Yes umm, I was just hoping you didn't regret it," he said softly.

"No, did you?" asked Videl.

He better not, she thought. She opened up to him, something she hadn't even done to her father nor her best friend. It was incredibly difficult for her given her pride yet Son Gohan was unlike anyone she'd ever met. He was carefree despite being to hell and back. He was in tune with her emotions like no other, cared for her, and was incredibly kind. If he regretted last night, then that would certainly devastate her.

"No! I definitely don't regret it. I was just making sure," reassured Gohan.

"Good," she said. "You know Gohan, I've never told anyone what I told you last night."

"Yeah," Gohan said softly while smiling. "Did you talk to your father?"

Videl froze in place. No, she most certainly didn't speak to her father. That was one conversation she was dreading, but also, it was likely not to happen despite Gohan's best intentions. She'd promised Tien that she wouldn't confront her father. Yet, how would she heal from her wound if she didn't?

"No. He isn't home this weekend," she explained. It was clearly an excuse, but she couldn't tell Gohan the true reason.

"Well, are you going to?"

"I don't know," she said looking away.

"You have to. It's the only way."

She tensed at his words. Gohan was right. It was the only way, but she couldn't go against Tien yet again. Maybe, her father could make the first move if she hinted it toward him? How could he wake up every morning knowing he lied to the world?

"Right," she agreed.

"I can help," suggested Gohan.

"No," she proclaimed. "I can do it myself. It will happen eventually."

Gohan stiffened. Yes, he could help, or potentially make things far worse. The position he was in was awkward given his past with Mr. Satan. He sighed knowing he would have to come clean to Videl eventually if they were to stay together. What was he supposed to do?

"So umm, are we like together now?" Gohan awkwardly asked. Please say yes. Please say yes, he thought.

Videl relaxed, and a smile tugged at her lips. "Uh, I certainly hope so. You don't kiss me for nothing."

Gohan's cheeks turned red at the thought of the kiss, but he instinctively hugged her out of joy that they were together. Videl's soft lips the night before stirred his emotions and even produced new feelings he never thought existed, which warmed his soul. Videl was proud, yet so determined and selfless. She saved those that needed saving without all those superpowers he had which made it that much more incredible. He was definitely attracted to that.

"But there is one problem," she said pulling away.

Gohan grimaced at her words.

"My father's rule." Gohan's eyebrow rose.

"What? What rule is that?"

Videl rolled her eyes. "You idiot! Don't you remember? My dad won't let anybody date me unless they are stronger than him!"

Gohan immediately grinned at Mr. Satan's rule. What an interesting position he was in.

"What?" she asked narrowing her eyes after seeing Gohan's smile.

"Oh umm, nothing. Uh, yeah that rule is dumb."

Videl studied him. Why would he be happy at her father's dumb rule? Nobody can defeat my father, well, except the guys at the Cell Games. She sighed.

"For now, we'll just have to keep it a secret. I mean Erasa and Sharpner can know, but that's it."

Gohan's eyes bulged. "Wait, we are telling Erasa and Sharpner?"

Videl smirked. "What? Worried Sharpner would beat you up?"

"Huh? No, not at all," said Gohan rubbing the back of his head.

"Think you can take him on?" Videl smirked.

"Maybe." Gohan nervously laughed.

"Silly Gohan. Sharpner is one of the strongest people at our school, beneath me of course." She playfully hit him.

Just then, Videl sensed Sharpner and Erasa approaching the front door. How was she going to tell Erasa that Gohan and Videl were a thing now? She did not want Erasa to have the pleasure of thinking she was right about them all along. In the process of sensing Sharpner and Erasa, Videl made a note of Gohan's unique ki. It surprised her how high it was; however, she dismissed any suspicious thoughts as he was now her boyfriend. She had to trust him. Videl still required a lot of training to achieve a true focused sensing ability. For all she knew, she may be misreading Gohan's ki, but she has successfully imprinted Sharpner and Erasa's ki signature in her mind. She shrugged at those thoughts.

"Erasa and Sharpner are here," noted Videl.

Gohan did a ki sweep, and indeed, Erasa and Sharpner were here. He blinked in confusion.

"How do you know they are here?" he asked.

"Oh uh, they said they were coming around this time," explained Videl. Someday, he's going to find out what I've been doing. How do I explain that I've been training in the use of tricks?

Gohan cocked his head to the side. Weird.

"Let's go get them," said Videl as she exited her room. Gohan quickly followed after her.

Once downstairs, the butler had not let Erasa and Sharpner in yet because Videl managed to get there quickly before they rang the doorbell. She opened the door before they even got to the front door.

"Gohan! Videl!" Erasa chirped as she ran up the steps followed by Sharpner.

"Hey guys," greeted Gohan.

"Hey, man," said Sharpner. "I didn't think you'd be here before us."

"Umm, yeah, I came a little early," explained Gohan.

"Why?" asked Sharpner.

"Uhh, I had to talk to Videl about a few things," Gohan said nervously.

"Come on in already. It's cold," demanded Videl. She shut the door, and the four went up to Videl's room to hang out.

Once, there, Erasa immediately made herself at home, and plopped on Videl's bed and turned toward Gohan. She was very familiar with Videl's house as she was, of course, Videl's best friend.

"Gosh. You and Videl sure spend a lot of time talking to each other these days. First, it was after school a while back, and who knows where you all went last night," babbled Erasa.

"Ummm, yeah," Gohan said apprehensively.

"Where did you guys go last night at the dance? It wasn't that bad, was it?" Erasa asked Videl.

Gohan looked over to Videl, nodding his head, hoping that Videl would take charge of this conversation. After all, it was Videl who wanted to talk to Gohan at the dance, and he didn't know how much she wanted to share with Erasa, despite being her best friend.

"Well, Gohan and I had a lot to talk about that evening," explained Videl while grinning.

Erasa froze, wide-eyed from her best friend's response. Where was the suspicious look her friend always had, especially regarding Gohan? Certainly, what Erasa thought was not possible. She joked around a lot and knew of Videl's prideful nature, so surely, her thoughts were nothing but mere thoughts. Videl continued though.

"Don't let this get to your head," Videl cautiously explained. "But Gohan and I are together now, well as of yesterday."

Erasa's jaw dropped and Sharpner gasped taking a step back. It was just a few days ago, Videl agreed to go to the dance as friends, so Gohan didn't go with Angela. Erasa was so sure that Videl's wall would never break down, but if anyone could, it would be Gohan. What in the heck happened in the past few days?

"No way," blurted Sharpner. "How?"

"I mean, I was sort of joking all this time. I saw the possibility but never thought it would actually happen," exclaimed Erasa. "So was he a good kisser?"

Videl and Gohan immediately turned red at the mention of their kiss.

"What!" Sharpner yelled. "You kissed him?!"

"Shh! Not so loud," hissed Videl.

Sharpner was pacing back and forth. "No, no, how is this possible. Is Gohan better than me?"

Erasa's brows furrowed. "Hey, buddy. Remember, we are a thing now? You can't say that!"

Sharpner stopped. "I know, but still!"

"Well, was I right, or was I right?" Erasa said smiling, pivoting back toward Videl and Gohan.

"Well, umm," started Gohan, but was immediately cut off by Videl.

"Oh, don't do that Erasa. Your reasons were wrong from the start," explained Videl. Gohan rubbed the back of his head as he continued to blushed.

"Sure Videl, sure. I mean, I'm your best friend after all. Trust me, I knew from the day Gohan arrived at Orange Star High," Erasa smirked.

"Pfft, whatever," said Videl.

"Videl, how on earth is this going to work?" asked Sharpner. "What about your dad's rule? I mean, I was the only one that could have put up a decent fight."

Videl rolled her eyes. "Forget about that stupid rule. I'll figure something out. Dad can't control my life forever."

"Gosh. Can I ask how exactly all this happened?" Erasa wondered.

"Not now," said Videl. Sharpner frowned at that.

"Oh, I get it. You want to tell Erasa alone. We're all friends here!" explained Sharpner.

"Nuh uh. Yeah, we are all friends, but this is girl to girl talk. No boys allowed!" Erasa said while playfully hit Sharpner.

"Whatever. Gohan, you'll tell me, right?" pleaded Sharpner.

"Umm, maybe," replied Gohan. Sharpner rolled her eyes turning toward Videl.

"It's going to take me a while to get used to this. I just don't understand how Gohan could be dating you while you never gave me a chance."

"Silly Sharpner. Gohan clearly is better than you," joked Erasa.

"Don't be ridiculous," responded Sharpner.

"Enough of this," demanded Videl. "Let's watch a movie like we said. Then after, I can have the cooks make enough food for even Gohan." Gohan perked up at the mention of food.

"Okay. But we will talk one on one about this Videl," demanded Erasa.

"Whatever."

Sharpner shook his head. "I'm just going to forget about this whole conversation."

"Still won't make what happened disappear," said Erasa.

Gohan felt really embarrassed about the conversation. He wasn't expecting Videl to be so forward with them so quickly. He needed to change the conversation.

"So, what movie are we going to watch?" he asked.

"Uh, I don't care," said Videl.

"Oooh! How about that one where the aliens come to earth and eradicate all life?" suggested Erasa.

Gohan of all people was not on top of pop culture, let alone films humans put out these days. They had one small television at home, which was seldom used

"What's it called?" asked Sharpner.

"Humans vs. Aliens," said Erasa.

"I didn't think you'd want to watch a movie as scary as that," commented Videl.

"No! It's supposed to be about that rumor when the aliens came and destroyed East City like twelve years ago," said Erasa.

The Saiyans, thought Videl. Yes, she was aware that the rumor was circulating that a pair of aliens came to Earth and destroyed East City. It was never truly confirmed who or what destroyed East City. Some speculated it was an explosion from a bomb. Other's thought it was because of an alien attack, however, they were just rumors. Watching this movie would make her uneasy given that she knew the truth.

Meanwhile, the pit of Gohan's stomach fell at the description of the movie. He had no idea that people were aware that it might have been aliens who attacked. He didn't want to watch something like that. Although some good came out of that day, it still was terrifying for a six-year-old, to be put on the battlefield, and watch his friends and family die. He'd prefer to watch anything else, but surely, the plot was not even going to be somewhat close to what actually happened. Just when he thought he was about to have a normal life, suddenly, Erasa wants to watch a movie that brought up a dark past.

Videl caught a glimpse of Gohan, and was surprised to see his expression. His features were tightened and looked slightly pale. What is that all about? Maybe he doesn't like scary movies? She thought.

"Gohan?"

He forced a smile. "Yeah?"

"You okay?"

"Uh, Yeah."

"…Okay."

Meanwhile, Sharpner was surprised to see Videl looking concerned.

"What's up Videl?" asked Sharpner.

"Huh? Nothing, but that movie reminds me of a story someone once told me," said Videl.

"Oh yeah? What's it about?" asked Sharpner.

"Umm. It's about that rumor of the aliens."

"What? Don't tell me you think they are real?" replied Sharpner

"You'd be surprised," she insinuated.

"Silly, it's just a movie," said Erasa.

"I was taught to always expect the unexpected. The truth may not be what you expect," said Videl quoting her master, Tien Shinhan. Sharpner rolled his eyes.

Gohan didn't anticipate that response. Why the change of mind over the past few months? He still didn't know how or why Videl found out about her father's lie. It almost seemed that Videl may potentially be capable of understanding some of his secrets. After all, she seemed to have developed an open mind over the past few months as it was a stark difference than when they first met. Did that have something to do with her finding out the truth?

Erasa turned toward Gohan and Videl. "You good with that movie? Or should we watch something else?"

"No, no, that movie is good. Is that okay with you?" Videl asked turning toward Gohan.

"Y- yeah," he stuttered.

Videl lifted an eyebrow. It almost seemed that the mention of the movie seemed personal to him. It made no sense to her whatsoever. She did know that indeed, the premise of the movie was real to some extent. Tien had taught her to be very open-minded, and that was especially true after learning the truth of the Cell Games. It was now clear that her friends would laugh in her face if she were ever to explain what truly happened the day the Saiyans arrived or the Cell Games.

Erasa turned on the wide screened television in Videl's room, started the movie, and jumped on a giant beanbag. Sharpner plopped next to her. Meanwhile, Videl sat down on a large chair. She patted the available space next to her, so Gohan could sit. Gohan was a little surprised given how close they would be but immediately complied. He sat down, lifted his legs up on the ottoman, and started watching the large screen. It also surprised Gohan how open Videl was being in front of Erasa and Sharpner.

Videl wrapped her arm around Gohan's chest, and was reminded how much muscle his body consisted. She cursed at herself for not enquiring Gohan about that before. Honestly, it was as if he spent most of his life training because most guys their age were not as ripped as Gohan. He was slender yet toned, or so it seemed. She would have to ask him about that later. Nonetheless, She wasn't complaining.

As the movie started, their bodies warmed at the contact. This was perfect for a cool fall day, as both Gohan and Videl felt calmed in their embrace. Videl intertwined her fingers with Gohan's and once again, the anxiety that has plagued her over the months lifted once more. Again, she was reassured that Gohan was the right person for her.

A/N: Again, appreciate everyone's patience and am so thankful for all the reviews, favorites, follows. I have tried to respond to all the questions by PMing. As always, I love suggestions about the story. Thank you! More to come.

As for the guest reviewer, A-man, I have not seen you around these parts in at many years. What a pleasant surprise to see your review pop up. I admit, when I saw the email notification, I grimaced after seeing the reviewer name haha. If you are indeed the same A-man that has critically reviewed my stories (and many others) years ago, I sincerely appreciate your review. Your reviews were always helpful. I am glad you are enjoying the story. Take care.