Wake up, chores, train, cook, sleep, and repeat. That's what my days consisted of for the last six months. It was now the dead of winter, just after the New Year to be exact, and it was freezing in these beautiful mountains. Even with the cold temperatures, the scenery was breathtaking. After living in the Great Plains of the United States, just about any scenery besides farmland was breathtaking to me.
Bulma had come through with all the equipment we needed, including three capsule for Tien's and my guests. Goku and Gohan in one, Krillin and Yamcha in another, and Piccolo by himself. On more than one occasion, Yamcha tried talking me into joining him in his capsule house to drink and talk. I finally accepted, but firmly declined any alcohol offered. We made peace and I discovered that once he overcame his fear of women, he felt that he needed to overcompensate for that fear by becoming a lady's man. The fact that I seemed immune to his charm unnerved him and caused many and most of his outbursts involving me. He apologized for disrespecting me. I forgave him and told him to behave from then on. Surprisingly, he has.
Goku has made himself useful by helping with chores and helping me cook. His logic is that since he and his son are eating 75% of each meal, then he should learn to cool. At first he wasn't a very good cook, but he was determined to learn and got better as the weeks went by. He began to help me with my meditation. He has lots of patience, but not near to the seemingly endless patience as Tien has. There was a time where Goku would pop up with his Instant Transmission while I was chopping celery for a growing Saiyan's snack. Can you all guess what happened? I'll tell you. I screamed in surprise and almost cut my finger off. Goku apologized repeatedly, explaining that he kept forgetting that I couldn't sense ki very well yet. Ever sweet Gohan, rushed in with a Senzu bean. I refused, knowing the importance of the magickal beans.
Speaking of Gohan, his training has been intense, but fair. He was getting stronger daily. I could feel it with every hug he'd give me. He'd talk to me after his evening baths. I still sing him to sleep and he has begun to help with chores by stacking the chopped wood along a side of the cabin. He constantly said that he felt himself at the barrier of turning Super Saiyan, but he needed that final push. I had an idea, but would have to get the other men to help set it up. Watching him while he trained made me proud of the boy. I could see how he pushed himself.
Krillin sparred with everyone and seemed to play with Gohan more than much else. He'd help sort and plan meals. Other than that, he is solely training. Piccolo is still Piccolo. Pushing Gohan every day, he pushes everyone. He's even helped me meditate. Well, kind of. I don't think that he quite knows what to think when he deals with a woman. He has become my person to bounce training ideas off of before I suggest it to every one else.
Finally, the status of our tricloptic host. He has been working harder than ever. More often that he'd care to admit, I've had to give him a good massage just so he could sleep. Of course, I never minded. He has given me shelter and other basic needs before getting to know me. If chores and a weekly rub down is all he wishes for repayment, than I won't deny him. For six months, he has kept his work of not crossing any sort of line to disrespecting me and my marriage. He's been a wonderful friend and I feel safe and completely protected with him as my host.
"Supper smells delicious, Alicia." Yamcha brought me out of my thoughts. Tonight I was making a favorite meal from home. Well, for everyone but Tien. With living strictly organicly for a few years, his stomach couldn't quite digest some things I make. He does try some of what I make and hopefully with all the natural sides I make to accompany the entrée, I can get his stomach to slowly get used to what I make so he can enjoy eating with us.
"Thank you, Yamcha. Looks like you're already showered for the night. Got a hot date tonight?" I asked smiling.
"Only if you call going to a bar to drink and relax with Krillin a hot date, then I suppose. I came in to ask you and Tien to come with us. Goku doesn't wanna go because of having Gohan, which I don't blame him."
"Well, I'd be willing to go, but I've never been much of a drinker. Throw in some karaoke and I'm in. I'll need a shower and dig out some of the clothes Bulma got me. Do you want me to convince Tien to join us?" I looked at him from over my shoulder.
"Actually, if you could, please do. Do you have any ideas on what Goku and Gohan could do? That determined little kid needs a break and a reward for all the hard work he's put in."
"I completely agree. He works so hard for an eight year old kid. I do know of something they could do. Go suggest to Goku that they could go see a movie or something. I'm sure both will enjoy doing that."
"That's a great idea! Why didn't I think of that? I'll go tell Tien that you wanna talk to him."
"Thanks. By the way, supper will be ready in ten minutes. Get everyone washed up. I'll have Tien set the table for us. Please and thank you!"
"Yes, ma'am. Be right back." Yamcha jogged out the door. "Hey Tien! Alicia wants your help with supper! It smells delicious, too!"
I couldn't help but shake my head and chuckle at his antics. Tien opened the door with a knock and laugh. "Yamcha said it was my turn to set the table. Was he right, mom?" My response was snapping my towel at him. It had been an ongoing joke between all of us that we seemed to be playing house and called Tien, 'Dad,' and I, 'Mom,' when we'd act like that role. Even Piccolo got a kick out of our joking around.
"Oh, you're a funny one. This should make you roll on the floor in laughter. Yamcha and Krillin want us to go relax…"
"In other words, go to a bar and drink. No, thanks."
"I don't plan on drinking. When I'd go out and see friends back home, I'd drink soda. You could always get a soda or water. I don't care what you drink as long as you're there keeping me company. We can make fun of those two. Could be fun, right? Plus, you can be my 'safety blanket' and keep the creeps away from me. What do you say?" Seeing him hesitate, I began to give him Gohan's puppy eyes and said a drug out, "Please?"
"Alright, you need to stop hanging out with Gohan. I'll go."
As everyone came in to eat, Tien looked at the others. "Yamcha, we will join you, but I'm not drinking, though. Please, don't push it." Tien seemed to be able to put his foot down on the subject. I couldn't help but smile at the promising night ahead.
"Ya know, a night out sounds great, but I've got my little man here and if I were to take him home, Chi-Chi will NEVER let him come back and finish training." Goku ruffled Gohan's hair. "Besides, you want to stay and train, right, Gohan?"
"Right, Dad. I want to be able to save everyone. Just like Miss Alicia says I can." Gohan seemed to beam at the thought of making all of us proud.
"Well, Goku, you and Gohan could always go see a movie. Gohan definitely deserves a break. He has been working incredibly hard."
"Now there's a fun idea. What do you say, Gohan? Movie night with your old man?"
"You're not THAT old, Dad," Gohan got up and stood next to his father. "Plus, going to a movie sounds like fun."
"Glad you feel that way, buddy."
"Hey, Goku, would you mind if I use your capsule house so I can shower and get ready to go out with the three stooges?" Glancing at the three men, I began laughing at the varying expressions I was receiving from them. One shocked, one slightly offended, and the last was trying not to laugh. I couldn't help but laugh at them.
"Of course, you can! By the way, Alicia, this is delicious. Vegeta sure is missing out. Thank you for cooking." I was bombarded with compliments and gratitude. All these guys were much better than before about that.
"Thank you, guys. Alright, I made it, you boys clean up and I'll go get ready. Yamcha, just remember out deal." I got up and went to go get ready.
After about an hour, I emerged from Goku's temporary home with a nice sweater, jeans, heeled boots, and minimal jewelry. Yamcha was dressed to impress and giving a casual looking Krillin reason to look more and more nervous. Tien looked good in a green and blue flannel shirt, dark jeans, a black stocking hat, and boots. All courtesy of Bulma, of course.
Tien smirked at me. "Your chariot await, milady." I rolled my eyes and walked up to him. Most of the other guys hooted and hollered as I put my arms around his neck. He turned to the others, "Ready?"
At every one's nods, I whispered, "Rise slowly, please. I'm still not used to the heights yet." When I finished, I buried my face between his pectorals.
"Here we go. Just remember I've got you." He kept saying soothing words to keep me relaxed. I mentioned to him that flying at night was making me nervous, but he knew I trusted him enough.
We landed outside of town and walked the rest of the way. After dropping the Son men off at the theater, we arrived at the bar. Yamcha paid the cover charge and we picked a table. After getting our drinks, I walked up to the karaoke booth to turn in a song.
As I walked back to the trio, I noticed a few men eying me. Needless to say, I began to feel a little uneasy. One jerk grabbed my ass and I turned around and glared at him.
When I sat down, Tien leaned over, "Did that guy really just grab your behind?"
"Yeah, and it's not the first time that's happened when I've gone out. Do me a favor and put your arm around me. Hopefully, that will discourage the rest of them from making any more pathetic moves on me again." I rolled my eyes and made a few disgusted expressions.
He chuckled and put his arm around me. "Should I throw some pet names out there, too?"
"Sure, just don't go overboard." After hearing my name announced to sing, "Cheer me on, handsome." I winked and walked to the stage.
"My baby, he don't talk sweet,
He ain't got much to say.
But he loves me, loves me, loves me.
I know that he loves me anyway.
And maybe he don't dress fine,
But I don't really mind.
Cause every time he pulls me near,
I just wanna cheer…
"Let's hear it for the boy!
Ah, let's give the boy a hand.
Let's hear it for my baby.
You know you got to understand.
Wo-oh, maybe he's no Romeo,
But he's my lovin' one man show,
Oh, oh, oh, let's hear it for the boy!"
When I finished, I was approached by a few men, who wanted to 'chat' and 'buy me a few drinks.' Luckily, Tien walked up an offered me him arm. I took it and flashed him a bright smile. As we walked back to Krillin and Yamcha, Tien gave off the 'stay back' aura.
"Wow, Goku said you could sing, but DAMN! You can fucking wail!" Krillin exclaimed.
"Yeah, maybe I should show you what I can do," Yamcha slurred out. After only being here an hour, he was completely drunk. He gets up as gracefully as he can, which isn't as graceful as he thinks, and struts, more like staggers, to the karaoke booth to submit a song.
"Good kami above, he's not seriously going to sing, is he?" Tien looked at me. "This is bad. He can't sing."
"This is bad. This is bad. This is bad." Krillin seemed to start to hyperventilate. He kept repeating that phrase as a mantra.
"Oh, come on, guys. He can't be THAT bad. If he's that bad, and you guys continue to put him down, I'll make BOTH of you go sing up there."
Both men beside me paled, then Tien spoke up gravely, "Just wait. Then you'll see what I mean."
I rolled my eyes at them and watched as Yamcha attempted to stand still while on the little stage.
"Been workin' so hard.
I'm punchin, my card.
Eight hours, for what?
Oh tell me what I got!
I've got this feelin'
That time's just holdin me down.
"I'll hit the ceiling,
Or else I'll tear up this town!
"Tonight I gotta cut loose,
Footloose!
Kick off my Sunday shoes.
Please, Louise, pull me off of my knees.
Jack! Get back!
Come on, before we crack.
Lose your blues,
Everybody cut Footloose!"
All I could do was stare with the most dumbfounded look on my face. He was ruining one of my favorite songs from that decade. I looked up at Tien, "Seriously? I think I'm going to need to go outside and smoke a cigarette or take a shot of whiskey. You were right. He can't carry a tune in a semi-trailer. At least while he's drunk."
Tien and Krillin both laughed at my admission. Tien stood up and offered his hand. "Come on. Outside we go."
"Thank the gods! I'm not sure I could have stood for much more of his singing." I sighed. "So, either one of you guys want to attempt singing? Neither one of you could be THAT bad. Come on. I dare you both."
Krillin began to laugh at me. Tien seemed to have a serious debate on whether or not he wanted to even attempt to humor us. He kept giving me a look that said, 'Seriously?'
Suddenly, Krillin jumped up. "Alright, you convinced me. I'll go turn in a song. I'll need another shot, but I'll give it a shot." He went back inside and left Tien and I to snicker at his pun.
"Do you suppose it's safe enough to go back in? Does Yamcha always sing when he's drunk?" I looked up at the man beside me. "I'm glad you came out tonight. Thank you for everything these past six months. You've been far too kind. I'm sure you have more than made up for your past by now."
Tien pulled me in for a hug. "It's been a pleasure having you out there. You've improved so much on your meditation, you can sort of sense energy now, all that's left is for you to conquer your fear of heights," he finished with a chuckle. "Thank you for the kind words. Let's go see what torture Krillin will put us through and see if Yamcha is still standing."
I laughed at what was implied. "Should I stuff napkins in my ears for Krillin's singing, or is he not as bad and Yamcha?"
"Well, he's not as drunk as Yamcha, Then again, I don't have a trained ear like you do." Tien chuckled.
As we got back to the table, Yamcha seemed to slow down and Krillin picked up the microphone. A slow melody began to fill the crowded bar. I gasped at realization of just what the song was.
"If I should stay,
I would only be in your way."
He was doing better than Yamcha, but I had to smile at his song choice. I grabbed Tien and made him dance with me.
"So I'll go, but I know,
I'll think of you
Every step of
The way.
"And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
You, my Darling, you. Mmm…"
"He's doing alright, just not a good song for his voice." I said into Tien's ear. With such a height difference, Tien ended up picking me up. "I'm sorry for making you dance, but I just can't pass dancing to this song up."
"It's not a problem. It looked like some of your 'admirers' were gonna try and grab you. So your security blanket is here to save you."
"My knight in shining armor," I giggled. He responded with a wink. "So will my knight serenade me tonight? You can't be near as bad as Thing One and Thing Two over there. At least you're not drunk at the moment."
"If I say that I'll sing, will you promise to sing for me whenever I want you to and you never ask me to sing in public ever again? Do we have a deal?"
Tien put me down as Krillin finished an interesting version of his song choice. Still looking into his deep, green eyes, all I could do was nod in agreement. He walked me back to our table and went to the DJ to turn in a song. He came back with a new round of drinks.
He winked as he turned around to walk to the stage. Taking a deep drink from his soda, he picked up the microphone and took a deep breath. The music started and I watched in awe at how well he could sing.
"Baby, lock the door and turn the lights down low,
Put some music on that's soft and slow.
Baby, we ain't got no place to go,
I hope you understand.
"I've been thinking 'bout this all day long,
Never felt a feeling quite this strong,
I can't believe how much it turns me on.
Just to be your man."
I was in absolute awe of his talent. I couldn't believe how good his pitch was. Hearing the laughter from beside me, I turned my head to a close to passing out Yamcha and an obviously buzzing Krillin. "What's so funny over there?"
"That you are totally diggin' Tien!" Yamcha barely managed to slur out.
"And in what sense do you mean 'digging'?" I raised my eyebrow at him.
"What Yamcha means is that you like him. As in like him, like him." Krillin clarified with a wink.
"Whoa! No, no, no. I am impressed that he can sing so well. Remember that I'm a married woman, you guys. I won't look at another man like that. So please stop assuming."
"Sorry that I assumed. Yamcha won't remember anything about tonight. He's toast." He chuckled as he glanced at Yamcha.
"I can see that," I giggled. "Maybe we should head home after Tien sings. Would you be able to carry Yamcha since I can't fly? I'm also used to either him or Goku carrying me."
Krillin looked at his watch before he replied. "Yeah, I'll have to go slow. I'm sure Goku and Gohan's movie is over."
"Alright, if nothing else, let Tien and I go and have Goku instant transmission to you guys. I'm sure if I stay in his capsule house until he gets back, he'll come get you guys."
"Ya know, I think that's a better plan. He'll be nothing but dead weight anyway." We looked at Yamcha and snickered.
Tien walked up to us. "Well, Miss Music Major, how'd I do?"
"Wait a minute! You were a music major?" Krillin exclaimed. "I didn't know that!"
I couldn't help but laugh at Krillin. "You never asked, so I never told you. I was a music major. Music has always been a big part of my life." Turning to Tien, "You did an awesome job. I was very impressed. Let's go home and get Goku to come get these two."
"Alright. Let's go. You guys go wait outside so Goku doesn't freak people out when he pops up." He grabbed my hand and led me outside and began to walk to the edge of town.
"Did you have fun tonight, Mr. Stick in the Mud?" I really had no idea to start this conversation with the tall man walking beside me. For some reason, I was nervous and intimidated to talk to him right now.
Tien gave me a side glance that seemed to say, 'Really?' and began to chuckle at me. "Surprisingly, I had a blast. You gave me better company than those two knuckleheads."
"Was it because I didn't drink alcohol like it was going out of style? I've never seen someone get so drunk that fast as Yamcha did. Do you know if there was a reason for him to drink that hard?"
"Honestly, I think him and Bulma broke it off for good when he came out to the cabin to train. I think that's why he lashed out at you at the beginning and now he might be in that depression stage of the break-up. He was trying to drink away the pain. Then again, I'm no relationship expert." He said grimly.
By now, we had reached the outskirts of town. Tien picked me up and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I buried my face in the crook of his neck. I suddenly started laughing.
"What's got you so amused?"
"I feel like a little kid like this. It's been a VERY long time since I've been held quite like this." I looked up at Tien blushing like mad.
He started chuckling. "Well, did you have fun tonight? I enjoyed listening to you sing again. You can really wail."
"Thank you for that and protecting me tonight. That meant a lot to me. You did a fantastic job, too. You surprised me with your bass voice. Maybe I'll talk Gohan into asking you to sing at night. Give my voice a break."
Tien started to blush as we landed in his front yard. He set me down and walked into the cabin.
I walked into Goku's capsule house and walked into the bedroom. After shaking him awake, I explained the situation.
"Why does it NOT surprise me in the least that those two are drunk? Will you lay here with Gohan?"
"I planned to. Better hurry before Yamcha does something stupid." He nodded and vanished.
About a minute later, I heard a commotion outside. Making sure Gohan was sound asleep, I went to see what was going on. I was shocked at what I saw.
Goku was back and, apparently, Yamcha was NOT happy about it. He was currently trying to fight Goku and Tien. Krillin was trying to reason with him, but it was falling on deaf ears.
"Yamcha, you really need to stay here and calm down. You are so drunk that you think you can go get Bulma back."
"I don't give a fuck what you think I should do. I loved her. I still DO love her. Why am I not enough for her? I just don't understand…"
Tien grabbed him from behind. "If you love her like you say you do, then why did you argue so much? Did you ever calmly talk to each other about your problems? I understand that you are hurting, but it seems like Bulma has had all that she can take. I think you should think about just being friends. Come on, buddy, let's get you in bed." Tien held him as he spoke in his gentle, calm voice. Yamcha burst into tears.
Once the door to the house shut, Goku and I looked at each other and sighed. "Tien sure knew how to handle a drunk Yamcha. Does this happen often?"
"To be honest, I don't have a clue. Judging by how Tien acted, I'd say yes. I better get to bed. Good night, Alicia." Goku gently hugged me.
"Good night, Goku. Thank you for getting those two. Sweet dreams."
I went into the cabin and changed into some flannel pajamas. As I crawled into bed, Tien walked in. "Did you get him settled down and in bed?"
"Yeah, after he finally calmed down, he just passed out. He's gonna have one heck of a hangover. Good night, Alicia."
"Good night. Thanks for coming out and taking care of us."
Song List:
"Let's Hear It For The Boy,"
By: Deniece Williams
"Footloose"
By: Kenny Loggins
"I Will Always Love You"
By: Whitney Houston
"Your Man"
By: Josh Turner
Thank you all for your patience! I had some technical problems that was fixed. Thanks again!