Chapter Ten: It's the Memories We Treasure

She'd told Gohan she could get home by herself, but he insisted on seeing her home, and Videl ended up conceding.

It wasn't like she didn't want to spend more time with Gohan, or didn't enjoy his company, it was just… After what happened earlier, she'd rather be alone for a while. Her forehead was still tingling from his tender kiss, and the memory of Gohan holding her in his arms, was still too vivid. If she closed her eyes, Videl would have no trouble recalling the way his toned body felt as Gohan held her against him, or how warm and comfy he was, or the way his scent could soothe her…

The way Gohan made her feel… It wasn't supposed to feel like that, was it? She certainly didn't feel that way for any of her other friends, that was for sure.

What else was for sure, though, was that Videl was confused as hell.

They were flying in silence, side by side. She wouldn't look at him, staring straight ahead. Soon, they reached the city, and landed by the outskirts, just in front of the big welcome sign portraying her father.

"I can get home by myself from here," Videl said in a soft tone, keeping her gaze on her feet. "I brought a jetcopter, so as not to arise suspicions."

"Ah, that's good…"

His disappointed tone made her look up at him against her better judgment. Her chest tightened unexplainably. Gohan looked back at her with a mild smile, scratching the back of his head in that adorable way.

"It's a nice night out, though, and I don't live very far from here," she said despite herself, and bit down her lip. "Would you like to…?"

"Walk you home?" he finished, his eyes lighting up in a heartbeat. Videl swallowed, her cheeks flushing for some unknown reason. "I'd love to."

She turned away from him and started walking, hearing Gohan's steps behind her. Without really meaning to, Videl sped up – as if she subconsciously wanted to put more distance between them.

"Hey, what's the rush?" Gohan chuckled, picking up the pace to catch up to her. Videl gulped when he swooped down to grab her hand.

It wasn't the first time they'd held hands, especially since she was brought back, but for some reason this time made her even more nervous than usual. It was probably because of his kiss, she reasoned. Gohan just caught her off guard earlier and now she just felt a little too aware of his presence. That was all. That was all it was. Right? Right.

She let him hold her hand as they walked together. Videl glanced around, but no one in the bustling city was really paying attention to them. They probably looked like any other couple.

Videl turned red at that thought. Gohan and her, a couple? Well, yeah, they were holding hands, but friends held hands too, didn't they? They were just a couple of friends, and nothing more. Right? Right.

"Remember that time you chased me all around the city for hours after school?" Gohan reminisced out of the blue, and Videl turned to look at him, unable to stop the tiny smirk tugging at her lips as she recalled the event in question.

"Oh yeah. You kept trying to lose me but I'd always manage to find you again thanks to your flashy costume."

Gohan cracked a grin. "It even got dark at some point. And you just wouldn't give up."

"Well, duh. Don't you know me at all?"

"I certainly do now," he chuckled. "Good thing we ended up on the news, too, and my mom at least knew why I got home so late."

"Yeah, well, you should've just let me unmask you," she replied matter-of-factly, not sounding the least bit sorry for his trouble. "It would've made things much easier for the both of us, too."

"Heh, you know what, I probably should've," he grinned. "But I guess I would've missed you chasing me around relentlessly. Things would've been so boring at school if you hadn't decided to unmask me at all cost."

Videl grinned back. "You bet it would've. It's what I've always told you, wasn't it?"

Something changed in his expression as she said that, and Gohan looked sideways, deep in thoughts, replying distractedly, "That's… true…"

Videl tilted her head to the side, wondering what was happening in that genius head of his. Gohan looked like he was remembering something, and for a few moments he was gone, immersed in his memories, while absent-mindedly following her as Videl led him by the hand.

When he came to, his cheeks got just a little bit redder, which piqued her curiosity even more. Gohan smiled at her.

"What were you thinking about?" she couldn't help asking. Yes, she was being nosy again, and it really wasn't her business, but that was just how she was, and Videl wasn't planning on changing anytime soon.

Gohan simply chuckled to himself, but didn't say anything. His cheeky grin was getting on her nerves – he wasn't going to tell her, was he? Videl pouted, and she would've crossed her arms for emphasis, had her hand not been in Gohan's hold.

"I'll tell you someday," he said, letting out a soft laugh at her pouting face. "I promise."

"Why not now?" she asked impatiently, frowning at him in suspicion.

"Because…" His voice trailed off, and Gohan paused, stopping in his tracks and making her stop walking as well. He smiled shyly, scratching his cheeks with his other hand. "Because you're not ready to hear it yet."

Videl's frown deepened at these cryptic words. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"And I'm not ready to tell you, either," Gohan continued simply, resuming walking and tugging at her hand as he did, bringing her along with him. "But I will. I definitely will. Someday. Soon, maybe. I'll definitely tell you."

She gave him an unconvinced look, still not satisfied by his answer despite his promise. But in the end, Videl sighed in defeat. It wasn't like she could force it out of him against his will – it never used to work before, when she would grill him and try to make him admit what they both knew, in spite of her inability to prove that Gohan was Saiyaman – so why would it work now? Besides, she really was too nosy sometimes, and she should know, more than anyone, how valuable a person's privacy was.

"Will you really tell me eventually?" she asked in resignation. Gohan grinned from ear to ear.

"Yep. It does concern you after all."

"Huh?" Videl blinked. "Really?"

"Uh-huh," Gohan nodded. "It's a very precious memory of mine."

Videl narrowed her eyes at him. "Why did you have to go and say that? Now I'm even more impatient to know what it is! How am I supposed to wait now?"

Gohan laughed – and something happened in her chest. Videl swallowed, and inwardly commanded her blood to stop flowing in her head. Alas, it was in vain. Why was she even blushing anyway?

"Well," Gohan started, his eyes twinkling in mirth, "you kinda don't have a choice, do you?"

Her lips pursed, and Videl turned away from him, letting go of his hand to cross her arms over her chest, walking ahead of him. Her face turned redder when she heard Gohan laugh again, as he jogged to catch up to her.

"Aww, don't be like that, Videl," he said between bouts of giggles. "I promised I'd tell you eventually, didn't I?"

She huffed and kept walking, nose up in the air. But she slowed down as she started making out the shape of the enormous mansion that was her home in the distance. Gohan walked by her side, and grinned when she glanced at him. She rolled her eyes as she looked away, but the hint of a smile was threatening to show, the corner of her lips twitching ever so slightly.

She really did enjoy being in Gohan's company. She liked joking around with him, and laughing with him, and teasing him – although sometimes, like now, it could also be the other way around. Gohan was a very close friend – one of her best friends, really. They always had a lot of fun together, and Videl was so glad; she was so happy that she was given this second chance; to be able to see him again after what happened to her… She couldn't be any more grateful for this gift.

"Well, here we are," Gohan pointed out, as they both stopped before the gates surrounding the Satan House.

And then Videl froze for a moment, as Gohan wrapped her in his arms, holding her close. She soon relaxed, but the still very fresh and vivid memory of the previous night, after they had shared a similar hug, made her cheeks burn up. She hid her blush in his broad torso, burying her nose in his sweater and his coat, as her arms wrapped around his back in response to his hug.

"Thank you so much for tonight, Videl," Gohan murmured, his breath brushing her ear. "You have no idea what it meant to my family, and to me."

Her heart was racing a marathon – or at least it sure felt that way. "I should be the one thanking you," she muttered, her voice slightly muffled by the fabric of his sweater. "If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have gotten to know your dad, and I might've never been brought back. If it weren't for you, Gohan, I wouldn't even be here right now."

His strong arms tightened around her, and Gohan buried his nose in the crook of her neck, breathing in deeply. "I should've just wished you back myself," he whispered hoarsely. "I was… devastated, when you died… I really, really wanted to wish you back, to be honest…. And I almost did."

Videl blinked in surprise, taken off guard. She had no idea…

"I just…" he continued, sounding like he was struggling to get the words out – his arms tightened around her again. "I… I thought it would be selfish of me, to use a wish to bring back my friend, no matter how much you meant to me, or how much I was hurting… People die every day, all the time – you said so yourself, remember?" He let out a soft sigh, tickling her skin, and then Gohan straightened up and looked down at her. Was that… longing, shining in his eyes? "People die every day, and people lose their loved ones every day. I thought it wouldn't be fair that I would get to bring back someone I care about, when they didn't have a choice.

"But I really wanted to bring you back…" he continued in a whisper, his hand moving to brush a few bangs from her eyes, tucking a few stray strands behind her ear. A sad smile crossed his lips. "And I even went to see Bulma for her Dragon Radar." Videl raised her eyebrows at the information. "But I just couldn't bring myself to ask her…" He sighed again. "Maybe I was too afraid to take the responsibility of making that decision… I kept thinking that the Dragon Balls could be needed at any time… But maybe that was just an excuse not to do anything."

His hand was stroking her cheek now, and Videl's breathing was deepening, as blood rushed to her face.

"Well, your dad made that decision for you," she said softly, smiling up at him as she put her hand over his. "But you're right, it was selfish of us to make that wish. I don't blame you for not using the Dragon Balls for me, Gohan, I really don't. I do hope we won't have to need them anytime soon, but to be honest I don't regret anything that's happened to me. I don't mind being selfish now and then, if it means I get to be alive once again. And besides, if you had brought me back too soon, I wouldn't have been able to get to know your dad at all, or even get his and King Kai's training – and I never would've forgiven you if that happened!" she finished in a joking tone. Gohan smiled, and then pulled her to him again.

"You always know just the words I need to hear, huh?" he mumbled softly, his arms tightly bound around her waist.

Though she was blushing again, Videl let out a chuckle. "You're welcome, Gohan."

While Gohan was on his way home, his heart was still filled with Videl's presence. He'd almost told her, again, as they'd pulled away; he'd been so close to just blurting out those three words, as he'd gazed into her blue eyes – and the moment actually felt perfect.

But he didn't – he chickened out, quite frankly. But, it was probably for the best anyway. His mother may be thinking otherwise, but to Gohan it was still too soon for him to tell Videl how he felt about her. Initially, he'd decided not to rush Videl, and Gohan still believed it was his best option. Last thing he wanted was to overwhelm Videl with his feelings – and they sure felt overwhelming to him, those feelings of his. She'd only come back yesterday, after all, and besides, they had a lifetime ahead of them now – which hopefully, they'd get to spend together – and there was no point in rushing things, especially when there was still a chance that acting upon his feelings might ruin everything he and Videl had now.

He let out a sigh, and rubbed the back of his neck in hopes of relieving some of his tension. His earlier promise to her wasn't helping calm his nerves, to be honest. He did make the decision to tell her how he felt about her, eventually, yes, but to tell her how he'd fallen for her? That was a completely different story. It was just so… personal. He never thought he'd have to tell that to anyone – but a promise was a promise, and Son Gohan was never one to break a promise.

Thinking back, Gohan recalled that one crucial moment clearly. Back then, he hadn't even realized what was happening. He hadn't noticed the change; the way his heart had skipped a beat, and how his eyes wouldn't – couldn't – tear away from her, following her every move, detailing her every feature. And the drumming, pulsing in his head, and in his chest, painfully pounding against his ribs.

He hadn't realized back then. He hadn't noticed the change in him, in the way he was seeing her. It happened in just one moment. One crucial, life changing moment.

And in that very moment, he hadn't even been aware he was falling in love.

He remembered it all too well. That cheeky smile. That look. That twinkle in her eyes, full of mirth and deviousness. Those cunning blue eyes. Knowing, seeing, suspecting, deducing. Yet she'd never been able to prove anything.

"You know you'd miss it," she'd said, poking his chest, her head raised so as to look him in the eye. "If I stopped suspecting you and left you alone with this Saiyaman thing. You know you'd miss it."

He'd gulped, feeling his face burn up for some reason. "That's – that's not true. You make it sound like I – like I want the attention."

She arched an eyebrow at him, the corner of her mouth curving further in amusement. "Don't you? Wouldn't it boring if I lost interest in you?"

Gosh, could he turn any redder? Did she have to say it like that? It wasn't like… It wasn't like he… Like he…

Oh, but yes, it certainly was like that. It'd been simply too fresh for him at the time. Too soon. Too early. Too sudden. Too strong. And Gohan hadn't been ready to acknowledge it. Not yet.

He smiled to himself. He truly cherished that memory, which would always have a special place in his heart; and although he felt uneasy and nervous with the prospect of telling Videl about it, he was also… glad, that he would be sharing that special moment with her.

She was really something, that Videl. She'd pretty much known all along that Saiyaman was him, and the only thing she'd ever lacked was the proof, or his confession. He felt bad, though, that she had to meet his dad in afterlife to get her proof, but her words from earlier eased his mind and heart. And again Gohan smiled to himself, thinking of how amazing Videl was.

Her father was waiting on her at the entrance hall when Videl got home, looking down at her sternly with his arms crossed.

"I'm not late, am I?" she asked sheepishly, glancing at her watch.

"You were hugging that boy," Hercule stated disapprovingly, scrunching his nose. "I knew I couldn't trust that Golan boy."

"It's Gohan, Dad," Videl corrected with a sigh, and a slight blush. "And we were just hugging as friends."

Hercule scowled. "Well he better watch out, that Gohan. I don't like how close you two are."

"Yes, Daddy, you made that pretty clear. But Gohan's a really nice guy, he truly is, and if you gave him a chance I'm sure you'd like him."

"Doubt it," her father affirmed curtly. "Anyways, your friends have been waiting for you in your room."

Videl blinked. "Erasa and Sharpner?"

"Yeah, them. I told them you had some duties to attend to."

"Oh, okay. Thanks, Daddy." She kissed him on the cheek and jogged to her bedroom, taking the stairs three at a time, and then hurried along the hallways.

Videl was grinning from ear to ear when she opened the door, only to let out a yelp and slam it shut not a second later.

"Eww, guys! Not on my bed!" she shrieked to the closed door, making a face at the mental image of her friends making out on her sheets. She'd have to change those before going to bed tonight.

"Sorry!" called out Erasa's breathless voice from the other side of the door, and a few moments later the door opened to reveal her blushing yet smiling face. Behind her, Sharpner was smugly standing by the bed, looking very pleased with himself.

"Where have you been anyways?" he asked, while Videl stepped in the room.

"What about you?" she countered with a smirk. "Took you long enough to show your face."

"In my defense, you were away last night," he smirked back. "And Erasa dragged me to the mall all day today. She wants us to—"

"Tut-tut!" the blonde girl interrupted. "It's my idea, Sharp, I'm the one telling Videl."

The girl in question turned around to face Erasa, crossing her arms as she looked at her friend in curiosity. "What's it all about?"

Erasa took a moment to compose her obvious excitement, took a deep breath, and then squealed, "I made a reservation for a ski trip! Isn't that, like, the best idea ever to celebrate your return? We'll be going for the last four days of the school break, the day after tomorrow! Oh, I just can't wait!"

"Brains, too," added Sharpner, sitting backwards on the chair at Videl's desk. "Erasa decided that the four of us should have fun before school starts again."

Videl just stood there for a while, while Erasa impatiently waited for her answer. Then, she smiled sheepishly. "I'd love to, Erasa, but I was kinda counting on those few days to catch up on my schoolwork…"

"Oh, you're such a nerd," Erasa stuck her tongue at her playfully. "Just bring some books with you if you must, but you have to come! This trip is about you, after all. Come on, we're going to have so much fun together! The four of us, just like old times!"

Videl cracked a smile. "Alright then. If you manage to convince Gohan to come along, that is. His mom is pretty strict and overprotective, you know."

"Oh, I'm not worried," Erasa said with a sweet smile. "I'll talk to her if I have to, but the four of us just have to go together. It wouldn't make sense otherwise."

"And besides, without Brains to keep you company, you'd be kinda bored when me and Erasa have some alone time together," added Sharper with a smirk.

Erasa blushed slightly, still grinning, and Videl just rolled her eyes at the pair.

"So, you said we're going the day after tomorrow, right?" she asked for confirmation, turning to Erasa. "So, Thursday."

"Yep yep," her friend nodded happily. "I already paid for everything, it was a really good deal, too."

Videl chuckled. "Alright then."

"So," Sharpner started then, leaning forward on the back of the chair. "What was it about this secret organization you've been with all this time? Care to tell us more?"

Videl's smile fell in an instant at the question, and inwardly she sighed at the thought of having to lie to her friends. She'd completely forgotten to ask Gohan if she could reveal the truth to them. She moved to sit on her bed, and looked down at her knees.

"I really can't, guys. I'm sorry," she said softly. "I might someday, but this isn't just about me. Other people are involved, and I have to keep their secret safe."

Erasa nodded in understanding, a rare, serious look on her face, but Sharpner frowned, clearly not satisfied by her answer. Or lack of.

"Don't you think you can trust us?" he said in an accusing tone, sending a blade through Videl's chest with his words.

"It's not about you," she said, looking up at him. "But it's not my secret to tell. If it were just about me, I wouldn't even think twice before telling you guys. But I really can't."

He turned away and crossed his arms, clearly still upset. Erasa walked over to sit next to her, and offered a compassionate smile.

"Don't worry about him, he'll get over it," she said gently. "He's too nosy for his own good – just like you are, actually."

Videl chuckled. "Yeah, I know. Remember when we were kids and played detectives?"

Erasa scrunched her nose. "I hated that. You two were always looking for clues about nothing, and I always felt left out."

"It was your own fault, 'Rase," pointed out Sharpner; he was still turned away and pouting, but apparently he felt like adding his two cents anyway. "You never wanted to brainstorm with us."

"Because it was so boring!" she retorted, and her boyfriend finally turned on his seat to smirk at her. "There wasn't ever anything, but you two just couldn't help making up cases."

"It's called having imagination," Videl said with a wide smile, and she and Sharpner shared a look. "And a deductive mind."

"Deductive mind my ass," Erasa muttered.

Videl snorted laughing, while Sharpner smirked. The pretty blonde pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, but ended up smiling at the pair. Hanging out together like that, it felt just like old times.

Gohan opened his eyes, and then closed them again. He was having such a nice dream… He wanted to fall back to sleep and see what happened next. The haze of slumber was still there, and Gohan's wish was granted, his dream continuing practically where it left off.

It was the first time he'd appeared as the Great Saiyaman in front of Videl, a few days after he just started going to school. He'd been so impressed by her fighting skills and brute strength – who knew such a petite girl could hold so much power in her tiny fists? The guy she was up against was a giant, almost as large as he was tall, and all muscle, yet he did not stand a chance. Hit after hit he received, while each of his attempts to strike back missed without fail.

This girl was amazing. She was so much better than he'd expected – much, much better than her father, for that matter. Unnoticed as he floated just above the scene, the red cape of his superhero suit flowing gently in the breeze, Gohan decided he had worried for nothing – Videl could very well take care of herself, and she certainly didn't look like she needed his help.

Or maybe he spoke too soon. The giant's accomplice, a short and skinny guy, was pulling out his gun. Well, not on the Great Saiyaman's watch! The crook was disarmed before he could blink, and his accomplice was already out cold – courtesy of Miss Videl Satan.

Oh, so the guy wanted to know who he was, huh? Well, he was just starting his superhero career, he couldn't blame the guy for not knowing who he was dealing with.

Gohan grinned in triumph: all that practice the night before had paid off! His grand speech and timed poses were perfectly executed – he must look so cool right now! Well then, time to arrest some bad guys.

The silly man thought a ridiculous smoke trick could fool him… Really? Well, tough luck for that guy. Gohan flew after the escaping criminal, and upon reaching the car, knocked out the evil-doer. With style.

He brought the unconscious man back to Videl, who was looking at him in suspicion.

"What should we do with them?" he asked her as he landed and set the short guy down. "Bring them to the police station?"

"No need. I'll just contact the chief with my radio," Videl offered.

"Good idea."

She eyed him from the corner of her eye as she called for back-up with her watch communicator, and Gohan grinned uneasily. He should probably be going now – not only was he missing class, but Videl had things perfectly under control.

Just as he was preparing to bid his farewell and fly off, Videl spoke to him. "You're really strong. Could you tell me who you are?"

"I-I really can't…" he stammered awkwardly, taking a step back with his hands raised in front of him. Well, that was what he got for sticking around for too long. A superhero was supposed to leave right after he'd saved the day – everyone knew that!

"So, Gohan, how'd manage to get out of class?"

He was just about to open his mouth and answer when police sirens were heard from the distance.

And then Gohan woke up, a silly smile on his face. That was a nice memory. Oh, sure, if it hadn't been for the police crew arriving at that precise moment, he would've fallen right into Videl's trap and replied, "Oh, that was easy, I just asked to use the bathroom." He was so gullible at times, and Videl had been really close to successfully tricking him. How she managed to figure out who he was right off the bat, he would never know, but following that first encounter Gohan had made sure to be extra careful around her, even disguising his voice in an attempt to fool her sharp mind. But Videl would always be trying to make him confess the truth, and every time she would give him the Suspicious Look, he would feel as though she was seeing right through him, whether he was wearing the helmet or not.

Well, he did succeed in not slipping up after that, but that didn't matter anymore did it? Videl knew who he was now – getting the information from none other than his dead father. Well, obviously Goku couldn't have specifically told Videl that Gohan was a high school superhero, but after he'd told her all about him and his family it must've been child's play for Videl to put two and two together.

As he watched the sun rays on the ceiling, Gohan smiled to himself. That was a really nice dream, indeed. Though, he was glad that his secrets were definitely off the table now; it sure made his relationship with Videl a whole lot easier, and much better, for that matter. They'd become a lot closer since she came back.

He closed his eyes, picturing her smile in his head. Gosh, he really did love her. Some might say that he was too young to know about true love, that he didn't know what he was talking about, or that it was happening way too fast – but Gohan knew better. She was the one. Videl was the only one for him, and he didn't want anyone else for that matter. No one would ever measure up to Videl. She was the only one he wanted; the only one he'd ever love.

His father cheering him on last night had given him some strength, and Gohan cracked a smile as he remembered his encouraging words.

"You and Videl will be really happy together, I just know it!"

He sure hoped so. He had never wanted something so much – to be able to make Videl happy was really all he could ask for.

He blinked his eyes open when he heard the phone ringing, but wasn't surprised when it stopped after only two rings: his mother had always been an early riser. A few moments later, however, he sat up abruptly when Chichi called out to him.

"Gohan! Phone for you!"

A big thank you to Ino aka Boarderlined Innocence for beta reading so quickly for me.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

May 30, 2015