Disclaimer: Do not own.
Trying to act cool and natural was something that he never did very well. He welcomed Videl in the house, and knocked over the umbrella stand with his foot. He showed her his room, the room she will also be staying in, and knocked over a pile of school work on the floor. As he was picking up his school work, a piece of paper floated underneath his desk, and as he tried to stand he hit his head instead. Thinking that there's no possible way to embarrass himself even more he sat on his bed. Something didn't feel right, a lump in his bed, and he pulled out what he was sitting on.
It wasn't bad enough that he was sitting on a dirty pair of underwear, and Videl saw him pull it out, but the pair of underwear was pink.
Instead of throwing into the hamper in the corner he decided to stuff it in his shirt.
Real cool.
"I've seen boxers before Gohan," Videl said as she giggled. Yeah, but he bet she never seen pink boxers! "Pink ones too!"
This mind reading stuff was getting way out of hand. He made a face that made Videl laugh. He smiled, a bit excited that he had Videl over. He never had a sleepover before, unless you counted Krillin crashing at the house here and there. There were camping trips as well, and no camping trip was complete without Oolong.
Who he remembered!
When was the last time he saw Oolong anyway? When was the last time he went camping? His family should go camping!
"Are you settling in okay," his mother asked as she stood by the doorway.
"I have everything unpacked," Videl said. She was sitting on Goten's bed. "Thank you for inviting me over."
"I'm going to start lunch shortly." Oh boy lunch! "Is there anything I can make for you?"
"I'm not very picky. Whatever you make I'm sure it would be wonderful."
"I suggest you keep an eye on your food, or that one right there will steal it off your plate."
He was never very good looking innocent. He looked left, right, and patted his lap as if he didn't have a clue. Videl looked at him and frowned.
"Are you the one stealing my French fries at lunch," she asked. He had no idea what she was talking about. "It is you! You have guilty written all over your face!"
He put his arms up in defense as Videl stood up. She had no proof that he stole her fries, and even if he did he bet they were delicious. Some days they were cold, but he only assumed that. The French fry stealer probably burnt their tongue as well, but once again it was something that he assumed.
"I'll leave you two alone," his mother said as she walked away, and closed the door. She could have left the door open so everyone could watch as Videl murdered him!
"You know, Sharpener and Erasa had food go missing before too," Videl inquired as she put her hands on her hips. She was going to kill him. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
He shook his head no, and bit his bottom lip. Food can magically disappear without a rhyme or reason. It happens! Well, it happens more when he's around. Videl sat down on the bed next to him.
"You were starved, weren't you," she asked. He didn't know how he survived two years with very little food. It was leftovers that they tossed at him, and he had to catch it in his mouth. He had to figure out how to eat with no hands, and half the time he dropped the food after one bite. When they had their way with him he tried to eat as much as he could, and force his stomach to keep it down. "Do you always wear long sleeves?"
He nodded. He grabbed his notebook, and told her that he didn't want his mother or brother to see. His arms were exposed a few times, but he never showed them his chest. He knew she would ask why, so he jotted down that the scars weren't pleasant, and he didn't want his mom to feel bad.
"Do you think one day you can tell me what happened?"
How can he tell her when he hasn't told anyone? His father...seen some of it, and his father hasn't been okay since. If he told Videl what happened how would she react? He wasn't ready to share that information just yet, but he wanted to know how much she knew about…abuse? That word sounds about right. He jotted down in his notebook that he wanted to hear a few of her police stories, ones that he could relate to. She read his writing, and seemed uneasy.
"There was a call that I got about a strange smell coming from a house," Videl said as she put her hands on her lap. She didn't make any eye contact with him. "When I got there the smell was bad. The house has been abandoned for years, but there was shady activity at night. Neighbors thought it was teenagers messing around, and didn't bother to call the cops. I went in the house and it was a mess. The smell was getting stronger, and it was coming from the basement."
She paused, and took a deep breath.
"There were three dead bodies, two women tied to a support beam, and a pregnant teenager in labor handcuffed to a dead body. They were badly bruised, and had duct tape over their mouths. I tended to the teenager who was bleeding badly while the other cops with me called an ambulance. The teenager was only fourteen, and only seven months pregnant. She died before she delivered her baby. The medics got the baby out, and he was still born. I couldn't save them," she began to cry, "and the other two women were in critical condition. They recovered, but one of them jumped off a building because she couldn't live with herself."
He put his hand on hers. Sure he's experienced the torture, but he's never been one to see it. Videl quickly wiped the tears away.
"It feels good when you're able to save the ones from danger, but when you can't you beat yourself up. As a cop I don't know what happens to the survivors, but when I see you I know that they are okay. They make it through one day at a time, at least I hope they do."
One day at a time? It's something like that. In the beginning it was tough getting back to the way things were, and he often over thought things. There were a lot of times where he took a step ahead, then ended up two steps behind. He was beating himself up a lot, but he never thought about ending his life. Some people weren't as strong.
He squeezed her hand. Videl and his father could have some conversations about him. Unlike his father, Videl knew that she couldn't do much to help those in need. She kept thinking positive, which is hard for some people to do. His father was strong, and helped him get back to his feet. His father struggled though, and to see what happened to him made his father fall. Slowly, his father was getting back to his feet and this time he was reaching out his hand to pull his father up.
But he still hated talking. It made his dad happy, and giving him the silent treatment wasn't helping his father out much. Maybe if he spoke to other people, like Piccolo, it might help him open up more. He stopped talking for the fear of people wanting to know what happened, but it didn't matter since people could read minds or see it for themselves.
Even though his voice was lame he would get used to it.
"I don't like talking because of what happened to me," he said quietly. He didn't dare look at Videl. She was probably surprised that he was even speaking at all! He was surprised he was talking to her! When will his voice not sound lame?! "Even now it's…uncomfortable."
Videl put her other hand on top of his. This was starting to get uncomfortable. He pulled his hand away, fearing that it would bring on an attack. He wanted to get close, but when Videl put her hand on top of his it scared him. He held her hand, he was okay with that. He grabbed her hand again, and put it on her lap.
This…this was fine. He could do this. This is what he could do. Doing this was okay. This didn't bother him.
He sounded like he was writing an essay in school!
"Then we'll work on it," Videl said. He still did not want to look at her. "Right now your hand is on top of mine, right?" He looked at their hands. "How would you feel if your hand was on the bottom?"
They both turned their hands so her hand was on top. It didn't feel right, and he pulled his hand away. Videl reached for his hand, but he pulled back. She rested her hand, palm up, on her lap.
"Grab my hand." He did as told, and left it there. "If you're holding my hand your fine, but you don't like it when I do it. You don't like being on the bottom either. I can work with this."
He glanced over and saw her smile. He smiled as well, and blushed slightly. He was holding a girl's hand. In a million years he did not think he would ever hold a girl's hand. She said that she could work with this. Does that mean Videl wants to hold his hand more? Does she like him like he likes her?
"I like being your friend Gohan," Videl said.
…
Is this the friend zone Sharpener keeps talking about? He didn't like where this is going. Sure he was fine being her friend, but you know…it sucks she didn't feel the same. It…hurt a little bit.
"No one is gonna love you like I love you."
He released Videl's hand. No, not now. He could not have an attack right now. Yeah she's seen one before, but now wasn't a good time to have one! She just got here! She's not even settled in yet!
"Tell me you love me."
"Lie down," he heard Videl say. He felt her hand on his arm, easing him on his bed. He clenched his eyes, and clenched onto his hair. He could fight this, he knew he could! A distraction, something that did not involve Videl, or Rohr. What the hell is he supposed to think about?!
A movie, a scene from a movie. Goten has been watching cartoon movies, and he watched a few with him. Okay, now what movie where they watching? Turtles, it had turtles that were ninjas…what was the movie called?
Not important.
The turtle in orange liked pizza, and he liked pizza. Pizza is round and delicious. It is very good with pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and lots and lots of cheese. Boy did he love pizza! He loved any kind of food. Chicken and rice, dumplings, surf and turf, even pickles.
Okay, not a big fan of pickles. He'd eat them, make a face, and eat more. They tasted nasty, almost like-
No pickles! Nope! Nope! Nope!
Why didn't realize what pickles tasted like before?! He can never eat pickles again! Out of all the times he had to think about what pickles taste like he chose this time!
Well if he couldn't think about food then what could he think about, trees?!
Trees…is there anything wrong with trees?
…
He got nothing. They're tall, sometimes they flowers or fruit, and in the fall he's stuck raking leafs. Yeah…trees it is.
He was lying on his bed, loosen his hands in his hair, and was still in his room. He done it.
He stopped an attack!
He had the will power to stop an attack by thinking of trees! He quickly sat up and saw Videl. He gave her a hug, and needed to tell someone! His dad, he needed to tell his dad!
He swung open his door. His mother was setting the table with Goten's help, and looked around. He didn't see his father around. Outside? Bathroom?
"What's wrong Gohan," his mother asked. He pointed to his mother, Goten, and lifted his finger in the air. He did it twice more. "Your father?" He nodded. "He's in the bedroom making our bed."
To the bedroom!
He ran upstairs, and found his dad in the bedroom. He ran in, and slammed the door. His father jumped, and dropped a pillow on the ground.
"Trees," he shouted.
"Trees," his father questioned.
"Trees." He smiled. There. He found a way to stop his attacks, for the time being at least. You know what, he was able to stop one. He felt accomplished. He left his parent's room with a smile on his face, and standing up proud.
(PG)
Videl could not believe her eyes. Not only was Gohan eating at a fast pace, but his father and brother were as well. There were piles of empty dishes stacking up, and food was disappearing fast. Videl had her sandwich, and a couple of chips for lunch. Chi-Chi had a small sandwich as well, and eating at her own leisure. There was a lot of food as well, something Videl was not used to.
Best not to question it, Videl started to eat her sandwich. She reach down on her plate for a chip, and found her plate completely empty. Now she knew she had a few potato chips on her plate, and she knew she didn't eat any yet. Next to her was Gohan, and on the other side was Goten. Chi-Chi warned Videl that if she didn't pay attention Gohan would eat her food, but his little brother seemed suspicious as well. She held onto her sandwich tightly. If she wasn't careful that sandwich could magically disappear out of her hands.
Videl helped with the dishes, since there were so many, and had a pleasant conversation with Chi-Chi. Women talk mostly, and some discussion about high school. Gohan, Goku and Goten went fishing. Depending on what they caught would be the night's dinner.
"What if they don't catch anything," Videl asked drying the dishes.
"They always catch something. They are great hunters," Chi-Chi said handing Videl a dish to dry. "Goku sometimes goes in the water to catch the fish. Gohan and Goten fish the old fashion way."
"It must be nice living here. No annoying neighbors, and the scenery is beautiful."
"I couldn't ask for a better place to live. I only wish the nearest town wasn't miles away."
"Why need a town when you have hunters to get your meat?"
"And a garden of my own vegetables to pick at."
Both women smiled at each other.
"I wouldn't mind living here. Sometimes the city life isn't as grand as people say it is," Videl said.
"Videl, if I ask you something, promise me you won't take it the wrong way." Chi-Chi stopped scrubbing the dishes.
"Yeah, sure."
Chi-Chi took her hands out of the sink, and grabbed a towel to dry them.
"Why are you friends with Gohan," Chi-Chi asked.
"Are you asking me this because of what happened to him?"
"I'm asking because he is my son. Are you going to stay friends with him after high school?"
"I want to," Videl answered. She had to pick her words carefully. Gohan wasn't your average teenager. He had super human powers, and a not so great childhood. Videl understood why Chi-Chi was very protective.
"I know how teenage girls are. They have guy friends, and then they have boyfriends. Girls with boyfriends tend to distance themselves from their guy friends." Chi-Chi faced Videl. She had one hand on her hip, while the other leaning on the sink. "If you're going to break my son's heart you better do it sooner than later. Just because you pity him doesn't give you the right to be friends with him."
"Pity him," Videl exclaimed. She put her hand on her chest. "I don't pity him! Sure when I first met him I felt bad because he couldn't talk, and made sure that the school bullies left him alone, but I never pitied him! I didn't know what happened to him until Vegeta said something at the tournament. He showed me his scars on his wrists and arms, and it hurt me to think that someone as sweet as Gohan would hurt him!"
"He…he showed you his scars," Chi-Chi asked. "He's never shown me his scars. How…why did he show you and not me?"
Chi-Chi staggered over to the kitchen table. She pulled out a chair and sat down. Both elbows on the table, Chi-Chi folded her hands and rested her chin on them. Videl gulped, and found a seat next to Chi-Chi. She put her hand on Chi-Chi's shoulder.
"You're his mother. He doesn't want you to see how badly he was…treated. He trusts me because I've seen it done to people, and I don't treat him differently. I treat him like I treat anyone else."
"You think the reason why he's quiet around me is because he doesn't want to hurt me," Chi-Chi asked. Videl nodded her head. Chi-Chi's bottom lip started to tremble. "He's such a good boy." She sniffed. "You're going to be the perfect daughter-in-law!"
"Daughter-in-what?"
Chi-Chi flung her body, and gave Videl a hug.
"Thank you for seeing my son as a person!"
Videl could never talk to the family of the victims she's encountered. She would make sure the victims were okay, watch as they leave in an ambulance, and sometimes be in the room while they were being interview. It's not just their lives that change, but their family and friends as well.
"Has Gohan ever spoken to you," Videl asked. Chi-Chi pulled away, and dabbed her eyes with her apron.
"He hasn't spoken since he was a kid. I think he forgot how to," Chi-Chi answered with a smile. "I know he can, and I hope one day he will."
It's…uncomfortable.
"I hope he does too."
(PG)
"I'm telling you Goku, Videl is going to be the one. Gohan is going to marry her one day, and I hope that one day they will have kids but I'm not pushing it," Chi-Chi said as she fluffed her pillow. She was wearing a pink nightgown with short, ruffled, sleeves. "I know Gohan likes her, and I think Videl likes him too."
Chi-Chi did nothing but smile. Goku was already in bed, sweatpants and white tank top, as Chi-Chi curled up in the bed. Her black hair was down instead of her usual bun.
"Did you guys talk," Goku asked.
"You know me Goku. I'm straight to the point, and that spunky girl passed with flying colors." The smile faded. "He showed her his wrists, at the tournament apparently. When you left Videl was there with Gohan, even though she was badly beaten she made sure he was okay."
"She did seem a bit shaken up," Goku admitted. He didn't like what happened to Gohan that day. Even though Supreme Kai said to stay back Goku couldn't. Even with his energy fully drained Gohan laid there, digging his nails into the concrete. He could even rush over then because they needed to leave. Supreme Kai assured Goku that Gohan was going to be fine, but if they didn't hurry the planet would be in more danger. With a sore cheek and stomach, thanks to a swift kick from Vegeta, Goku left.
"You guys caught a lot of fish today. Did Gohan go for a swim? I took his clothes to do laundry and they were wet."
Goku chuckled.
"Goten thought it would be funny to push him in," Goku said. Chi-Chi scooted over, and found herself blocked by Goten. He's fallen asleep so quickly Chi-Chi forgot he was there. (Goten went to bed early) "Gohan wasn't as happy, and pulled him in the water."
"Your clothes weren't wet."
"I take off my clothes before I go swimming."
"You should take them off before you go to bed too."
Chi-Chi had a sparkle in her eye, and Goku couldn't help but grin. He moved closer to Chi-Chi, and found Goten in the middle. He, like Chi-Chi, forgot that Goten was sleeping with them for a while. He looked down at his sleeping son, and sighed.
"Another time," Goku said, upset that he was riled up for nothing.
"We could always do that thing we did before in the bathroom."
"What thing?"
"Remember when you came out of the shower, and I was deciding where to hang the towel rack?"
"I remember where we didn't hang it."
"Let's make sure we made the right decision."
Chi-Chi smiled as she threw the covers off of her body. Goku was quick to follow, and made sure Goten was asleep. He quickly tucked in Goten, and trotted his way to the bathroom. Both of them quietly giggled as they shut the bathroom door.
(PG)
He wasn't very good at drawing, but Videl was taking forever in the bathroom and he wasn't ready for bed yet. He'd grabbed one of his notebooks, and tried to draw a bird. He had the image in his head, but as he drew it on the paper it looked more like a deformed duck. So his bird turned into a duck. He could work with that.
Soon he added more deformed ducks, a questionable frog on a lily pad, and a giant pond. Some fish were added in the pond, and a shark. No pond was complete without a shark because sharks would be awesome in ponds.
He heard his bedroom door close, and saw Videl. Her hair was down, and she wore a long white shirt with a sleeping kitten on it. Underneath her shirt she wore plaid grey and black pajama bottoms. He closed his notebook and put it back on his desk. Now that she was finally out of the bathroom they could talk, or something.
What do people do at sleepovers?
"Your family is really nice," Videl said as she curled up in the bed. "It's been a while since I had a family meal. Usually my dad is out of town, and I'm stuck at home by myself."
Life styles of the rich and the famous. Big houses, nice cars, and a family that sits at home waiting for your return.
"I'm beat. I'll see you in the morning."
Videl turned over so her back was facing him.
But…he was still awake. He thought at sleepovers you taking until the early morning, share ghost stories, make prank phone calls! He didn't think you actually sleep at sleep overs. Technically, he really couldn't do any of those things cause it involved talking. Maybe a game of charades to pass the time would be fun. He was the master of that game.
Since Videl wasn't up for a chat he decided to try and sleep. He turned off his lamp, and let himself stare at Videl for a while. He had a girl in his bedroom. A smile appeared on his face. Never in a million years did he ever think that he would have a girl in his room. Sure she was in another bed, but it didn't matter. He had a friend.
As usual, sleep wasn't going to come. Videl was asleep, and he wasn't going to wake her. He noticed the kitchen light was on, and knew who would be up at this hour.
Quietly getting out of bed, he walked around Goten's bed and noticed how Videl slept. She was on her stomach, one hand underneath the pillow, the other lying limp at her side, and her mouth was opened. He chuckled a bit, knowing that Videl took pride in being a bit of a perfectionist. A perfect sleeper slept with their mouth closed so they wouldn't drool on the pillow.
He escaped his bedroom, and saw his dad eating a sandwich at the kitchen table. His dad heard him, and waved him over. That's when he noticed the second sandwich.
"I knew you would be up soon," his father said as the plate made its way to his seat.
"Thank you," he said. His father smiled.
"I didn't have to force it out of you this time." Well if you kept making him food he would sing you a song!
Or not.
During their fishing trip he wrote that thinking about trees helped him come over an attack. His father was so happy. Goten seemed pretty happy about it as well. His little brother was giving him support to overcome his fears. That was nice of his little brother, that is, until Goten decided to push him into the water.
Stupid brother.
"Is Videl enjoying herself," his father asked. He nodded, about ready to bite into his sandwich. "You guys seem to be pretty close if you were able to show her some of your scars."
The sandwich froze in place. He pulled the sandwich away from his mouth. How did he know?
"Your mother and I are concerned with your relationship with Videl. We know you like her."
Was he that obvious?
"She's just a friend," he said. From their earlier conversation she was happy being friends, nothing more. Huh, it still hurt a bit. He wasn't used to being rejected. A growing process he assumed.
"What are you going to do if she dates someone else?"
It would suck! Not that many people accepted him, or dealt with his issues for that matter. Videl was perfect. She seen the ugly in him, but continued to be with him. They held hands. That was a sign for affection, right? She said she could deal with it. Was it safe to assume that she didn't mind holding his hand?
"Listen Gohan, I am proud that you are doing so much better," his father said. He put his sandwich on his plate; his appetite was gone. He didn't like where this was going. "Videl is a real nice person, but is she ready to see all of you? It took you years to trust me, and it took Videl only a few months to gain your trust."
"She's seen stuff," he tried to explain. He rubbed his wrist. "She's seen people like me. I showed her my scars, and she knew what they were from. I didn't have to tell her. She stayed with me at the tournament…you didn't."
"I know." He knew that protecting the planet was important. He knew that there were millions of lives that needed to be save. There was no way he could blame his father for trying to save the planet. It was selfish to make his dad stay, and to risk so many lives?
Wherever there was danger his dad was there, and if he could help he would. Peace was hard to come by nowadays, and he couldn't be holding his father back for selfish reasons. That's why Videl was important to him. Instead of depending on his dad he could depend on her. She accepted him, just like his father. He was fine having her as a friend as long as she stayed his friend. She could have a family of her own, and granted she may not always be there she was still his friend!
Videl may not always be there…
His father wasn't always going to be there.
"I can't be alone," he said.
"You won't be Gohan. I'll always be here to make sure you won't be," his father said.
"But Earth-"
"There are other fighters besides me Gohan that can protect this planet. I just want you to know if things don't work with Videl, I will always be here."
His father was too pure, and carried a burden. No matter what happened to him his father would be there. His father was willing to dedicate his whole life them him, and for what? The happiness of his son?
If Videl didn't feel the same she would at least stay his friend. He was okay staying her friend. Well, not really but he didn't have a choice. Would it be selfish to ask his father to stay by his side? Who else was there? He did trust Piccolo, but he couldn't open up as easily as he could with his father. The Lookout was quiet, peaceful, but Piccolo wasn't a huge fan of the clingy type. Piccolo was not a huge fan of him attaching into his cape as his green friend walked.
Then again, when he first saw Kabito Piccolo was quick to protect him. Piccolo let him hug him when he regain his memories. Maybe he was just so used to having his dad around.
His dad just wants to protect him, but he doesn't want his dad to risk everything for him.
He pushed out his chair, and stood up.
"Gohan?"
Ignoring his dad, he walked upstairs. He reached his parents room, and quietly knocked on the door. He saw his mother moving in the covers. She sat up in the bed, and rubbed her eyes.
"What's wrong Gohan," she asked. "Did you have a bad dream?"
"Can we have pancakes tomorrow," he asked. His mother was awake now. She sat upright in her bed, her eyes wide a saucers. Yep, this was the reaction he was expecting.
"Sure," she replied.
"Thank you."
He turned around and headed back downstairs. His father was waiting at the bottom of the steps just as shocked as his mother. His courageous act was cut short as a panic set in. He clenched his father's tank top and placed his forehead on the shoulder.
He spoke to his mother, and now he was afraid of how she would be tomorrow. Is she going to pressure him? Will she force him to speak again? He should really learn how to think before he acted.
He was an idiot!
"You made your point," his father said hugging him. "I'll let you figure out what you need to do. Just don't push yourself too hard. You are making quick progress in doing things yourself, but don't overdo it."
"Okay," he said. "I like Videl."
"I know."
He nodded his head, but wasn't ready to let go just yet. He just wanted to be like the others. Have conversations, be able to relax around people, and have that special someone by your side. He could do it, right? He wouldn't have to depend on his father, and shouldn't have to depend on Videl either. He was going to be okay, he knew that but…
He didn't want to be alone.
Those two years locked up left scars, not so pleasant memories, and hours alone did a lot of damage. There were days when no one came to see him, and all he did was cry. Cold, alone and scared…he didn't want to go back to that. The haunting memories of Zane or Gwak, Rohr even, were not as bad as the ones where he was by himself.
His legs were feeling weak, and his father helped him on the ground. He was on his knees, his hands still clinging onto his father's tank top.
"Breathe slowly," his father whispered. Was he breathing? Inhale…exhale…inhale…now he was breathing. He's pretty sure he wasn't breathing earlier. Okay, so he was breathing now and the panic was decreasing. "Feeling better?"
He nodded.
The idea was to prove to his father that he was able to take care of himself. Talking to his mom, simple, but now he would have to see her in the morning. That's when the panic set it, and he started to over think. He didn't have an attack to where he was clawing at the wood; it was more of a panic attack. It wasn't as bad. He could have one of them and be perfectly fine as long as he remembered to breathe.
"I'm hungry," he said. He heard his father laugh.
"Your sandwich is still on the table," his father said. "Can you get up?"
"Just a minute."
"Take your time."
…
Videl stood by the doorway as she watched Gohan cling onto his father. She saw everything, from the conversation at the dinner table to now. Gohan didn't see her, but when Goku went to follow Gohan he saw Videl standing by the doorway. He was surprised to see her, and before he could say anything Gohan started to come down the stairs. Videl hid inside the bedroom, door partly closed, and continued to watch.
Gohan liked her.
She also saw learned more of Gohan she never knew about.
"Your wrist."
Videl snapped her attention back to the father and son. Gohan pulled away from Goku, and looked at his wrist. He's forgotten he was rubbing it before, and it was bad to the point where blood was seeping through his shirt sleeve. She's seen that before. Gohan's first day of school he was cornered by some students, and he started rubbing his wrist.
Videl took a few steps back into the bedroom. She crawled back into the bed, and made sure her back was towards the door.
Gohan had feelings for her, and he was afraid. She was pretty sure she was sending out signals to tell him that she felt the same way, and made sure she didn't push too far. Both his parents feared that she was going to leave him, find another man, but she didn't want another man.
Gohan accpeted her for who she was, not because she was famous. He was able to open up to her, plus he was a great listener. He had problems, attacks, and there were certain things he did not like to do. To her, it didn't bug her.
Videl needed to prove to Goku and Chi-Chi that she wanted to stay with him in the long run. If things didn't work out it wouldn't be because of Gohan's history.
With Gohan…she'll just have to flat out ask him out. She wasn't used to asking people out, but knowing Gohan had feelings for her would make asking him easier. With what happened tonight Videl knew she needed to work a few things out with Gohan. If Gohan could step out of his comfort zone then so can she!
Yes, Gohan had a full conversation with Goku. (He gave Goku the silent treatment because he was mad.) His handy dandy notebook hasn't been on him, which sorta forces him to make conversation. With Goku, he's okay. He likes Videl, so of course he's gonna speak to her a little bit. When you like someone you tend to go out of your way on things. Gohan also trusts Videl. Since she's seen abuse before he feels comfortable around her. It's the same as having something in common with someone.
Now Chi-Chi…Gohan was proving to Goku that he didn't need to give up everything. Just because Gohan has issues doesn't mean Goku needed to throw away what he loves (fighting). Of course, proving that fact was a step that Gohan wasn't ready for. It freaked him out a little…a lot.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Sorry if it doesn't make sense in some spots, and I hoped I explain said spots.
Love,
-CrazyGohanGurl