Chapter 10: Goten

Gohan paused as they reached Chi Chi's room and Krillin asked what was wrong.

"Nothing's wrong, it's just that this is a big moment."

Gohan took a deep breath and opened the door; Chi Chi sat up slightly and grinned when he entered. Other than the bandage around her head she looked perfectly fine. But what attracted his and Krillin's eyes the most was the baby lying in her arms.

"Just look at him Gohan" Chi Chi said in tones of awe "Isn't he simply wonderful?"

"He's…he's…" Gohan's legs gave way and he fell into the chair beside her bed.

"Gohan, honey, are you alright?!"

He nodded and said "It's just that I'm so happy!"

Krillin, who had respectfully hung back, stepped forward and said "Congratulations Chi Chi! He's just amazing!" He looked closer and observed "I know he was only just born and all but he already reminds me of his Dad."

She nodded her agreement and turned to Gohan; "Do want to hold him?"

"Uh…sure." He picked up the sleeping baby with infinite care and cradled him in his arms. Tears of joy leaked out of his eyes as he said "It's really true isn't it? I'm a brother!" Krillin and Chi Chi merely nodded and grinned. "What's his name mom?"

"It's Goten of course, the name that you so wisely thought of."

"Oh Mom, you didn't have to do that."

"I know but I wanted to."

"Mom he's just…just…perfect!" At that precise moment, Goten woke up and began wailing his lungs out. "Uh maybe not perfect" he said as the other two laughed.

As Gohan handed Goten back to Chi Chi, Krillin leaned in and asked "He, uh, doesn't have a tail does he?"

"Not yet; Bulma says that Trunks never had one so maybe he won't."

Gohan said "I suppose the odds might be greatly reduced with half-Sayians."

"But you had one" Krillin observed.

"I've never been very usual have I?"

The Doctor entered the room and said "I realize that this is a very joyous occasion but I'm afraid I have to break it up. Gohan do you realize what time it is, your mother needs rest."

"Can't I stay in here tonight?"

The Doctor considered for a moment before answering "If you let your mother rest, then sure."

Krillin said his farewells as the Doctor took Goten back to the hospital nursery. Gohan settled back into the chair and said "Good night Mom."

"Good night Gohan, sweet dreams."

It took a few days for everything to settle back into normalcy. As soon as Chi Chi was released from the hospital Bulma had insisted on having a party to celebrate Goten's birth. Everyone was thrilled about the addition to the Son family and they all noted a strong resemblance to Goku. Bulma had decided to introduce Goten to Trunks who just sat staring as Goten cried. Vegeta had been absent from the festivities but Gohan thought he glimpsed him on the way out of Capsule Corp. He was gone when Gohan turned to look again but he had seemed to be smiling.

Back at home Gohan was coping with the reality of having a baby brother. He kept them up half of the night with his crying and Gohan had yet to change him without being peed on.

"Kid" Goten muttered as it happened again "I love you but you're getting on my last nerve."

"Welcome to parenthood, Gohan." He rolled his eyes at his mother's words and finished changing Goten. Chi Chi then picked him up and began rocking him.

"I really to appreciate all of your help."

"You're welcome, I just wish the work wasn't so messy." He was silent for a moment then started giggling.

"What is it?"

"I was just trying to imagine Dad taking care of a baby."

"He actually did a surprisingly good job with you, most of the time anyway."

Gohan's face fell and he said "It's sad that Goten will never know him."

"Years of experience have taught me to never say never and besides he'll know Goku through you. You're more like him than you realize." He felt himself swell with pride at these words but couldn't think of anything to say so he simply excused himself so he could go get cleaned up.

In the bathroom he took of his shirt and began washing off Goten's pee. He paused when he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. Mom thought that he was like Dad, huh. There were a few glaring differences but he realized that there was a whole field's worth of common ground.

"I'll make you proud Dad. I'll be the best big brother/father figure the world has seen because I learned from the best."

The End! I hope everybody enjoyed it!