Of Two Hearts
Chapter 25: The Fulfillment
Another warm day was leisurely spent outdoors, as Talim and Chi-Chi retreated to one of the favored spots in the kingdom. The grass swayed at their feet as they leaned against a large, wooden fence, keeping the kingdom's horses inside the pasture. The morning sun was shining down on the frolicking horses. They ran around the field, chasing and eating alongside each other.
Talim took her eyes off the pasture for a moment to climb the fence for a better view. She climbed it carefully, as to not let anyone see beneath her skirt. She flattened the material against her legs, and glanced at Chi-Chi, expecting her to say something such as climbing things wasn't a proper thing for a girl to do.
But Chi-Chi was instead gazing adoringly at the horses. "He's so beautiful," she sighed.
She smiled as she saw Ikari's colt prick his ears and trot over to the fence, thinking the two ladies might have treats for him. He came close and sniffed around them, nuzzling his head against them. "What? I don't have anything," Chi-Chi said, and it seemed the colt was disappointed as he hung his head. Feeling sympathetic, Chi-Chi reached out and petted the colt, feeling his small, silky mane between her fingers. "Talim, did you really help Ikari deliver her foal?" she asked.
Talim nodded. "Yeah. I read and studied about animals. I love them. I think Kage looks more like his father than his mother."
"Who?" Chi-Chi asked, looking up at her. Talim pointed to the colt, and Chi-Chi tilted her head. "You gave him a name already?"
Talim shook her head. "Hisuke named him. He chose the name Kage because the colt is black and follows other horses around like a shadow. So his name means shadow. Chi-Chi smiled. "How cute. Where is Hisuke anyway?"
"He's training with 'Tousan as usual," Talim sighed. Chi-Chi glanced at her, concerned. Did Talim seem disappointed?
"You know," she said slowly. "We could always go and visit him. Do you want to?"
Talim looked away. "No," she answered quickly. "I'm fine."
A few moments later, they found themselves at the Tachihama family's quarter.
"Now this time, come at me with all you have!"
Hisuke growled as he glared determinedly at Talim's father, Hyuki. His grip on his bokken tightened as he blinked beads of sweat out of his eyes. He had been sparring with Hyuki, who hoped to install some basic swordfighting skills in the boy. Hisuke was growing angrier as he found he couldn't touch Hyuki. He was sweating so much, trying so hard, and strategizing until his brain hurt in order to prove to Hyuki that he was a good swordsman. It was still no luck…
He let out a battle cry as he charged and leapt at Hyuki, his bokken raised straight above him. He used his body weight to swing the bokken down toward Hyuki's head. Hyuki blocked it and a side strike once Hisuke touched the ground. The boy angrily struck at him in all sorts of directions, though not one landed on Hyuki. He tried to sweep Hyuki's feet, but he jumped, with his own bokken protecting his face and chest.
But his side was open, and with another cry, Hisuke swung at his ribs, and landed a hit this time.
"Ah!" Hyuki exclaimed, holding his side. "Easy, boy! That thing is made of wood!"
Hisuke panted to regain his breath and smiled, as he wiped sweat off his forehead. He took off his shirt and used it to wipe his face, but Hyuki shook his head at him.
"Put it back on, boy. That isn't a proper thing to do in front of the ladies."
Confused, Hisuke looked around, and then smiled sheepishly as he caught sight of Chi-Chi and Talim standing by. He was quick to put his shirt on.
At the quarter, Chi-Chi continued to observe as Hisuke and Hyuki resumed their sparring match. "Hisuke is becoming quite a fighter, isn't he?" she asked Talim. "Against a shogun like your father, that was pretty good. I'm impressed with his skills. Aren't you?"
She looked down at the girl, who turned her head away after peeking at a shirtless Hisuke. "Hmph," she said, as blush tinted her cheeks. "No."
Chi-Chi raised an eyebrow. "I've seen that look in your eyes before."
***
Meanwhile, the rest of the samurai were marching into Edo from the Yukimae Mountains. The fearless warriors were led by the ever-cheerful Son Goku, who had started a fast pace to get into Edo as quickly as possible. He was happy to get back home, and excited to see Chi-Chi. But things weren't as simple as that. Goku remembered he and the others had to check in with the Ox-King, who examined them and tested their abilities in their training. He found everything that Kazu said in his letter was true. They really had changed for the better during their time away. They were exceptional warriors, and had obtained a greater respect and loyalty to their lord.
They would always be training, but for this one day, they could rest their weary bodies from the tiring journey. Their day of relaxation began as they were dismissed one by one. When Goku started to leave, he found he was confronted by the Ox-King.
Goku bowed his head before him. "Dost thou seek something, Your Majesty?"
Ox-King clapped him on the shoulder. "No reason to be so formal, boy. Heed my word. I told you this before, but I know I misjudged you and thought ill of you, and it was the wrong thing to do. I see that you are not who I thought you were."
Goku looked up at him, concentrating on his words as he continued speaking.
"I saw so many different things, and when I read Kazu's letter, he told me many things about you that are true. I congratulate you for staying in Edo all these years and enduring the training at the Yukimae. You did all of this in the name of my daughter… Perhaps your feelings for her are genuine. You are unmoving, loyal, the last to seek pleasure for yourself. I… I like that in a son."
Goku's eyebrows nearly shot up in surprise. Son? Was Ox-King embracing him into the family? That was impossible unless he was related to him somehow. Chi-Chi…
"Does… Does this mean I can give Chi-Chi the word?" Goku asked hesitantly.
The Ox-King smiled a bit. "Yes. Go and tell my daughter of her good fortune."
Goku returned the smile and bowed deeply. "Thank you," he murmured.
Finally, he could go see Chi-Chi and he was sure she would be surprised at his news. His excitement nearly conquered him, but as he glanced at some of the pedestrian villagers, he noticed they were dressed better than he was. Their plain, cotton clothes were better than his dirty and torn clothes he had worn in his training. He didn't want to go to Chi-Chi without seeming presentable. A bath and change of clothes would have to do. Goku headed back to his living quarter with the Tachihamas, thinking of how he should approach Chi-Chi.
Should he surprise her? Should he casually walk by and see if she would notice him? Or was it a better idea to see her later on in the evening, when he knew there would be no reason for a visit's interruption?
There were so many ways to go about it, and it all excited Goku terribly. He still had to have the fact that he was finally home drilled into his brain thoroughly. Initially, he had been hoping for a bite to eat upon returning to Edo, but he was way too excited to be hungry now.
Chi-Chi, Chi-Chi, Chi-Chi was all that ran in his mind now. He was finally going to see her after so long! He thought he would explode with all kinds of feelings, but at the same time, a calm sense of happiness rushed through him as he realized he would be happy if he simply looked into her eyes…
***
The cool droplets of dew gradually streamed down the thousands of petals of the many flowers in the garden. The fragrance of the flowers wafted in the air, exuding a serene atmosphere. There was something elegant about the garden that soothed whoever stepped foot into it. A quiet and gentle breeze kicked up, swaying the petals of the flowers and the dark tendrils of a lone visitor: the royal maiden of Edo. She was having the midday meal in solitude, nonchalantly wishing she didn't have to be alone right now.
As if on cue, the distant bushes rustled as someone made their way through the hedges. He stood at attention, waiting to be noticed by his authoritative figure. At last they had eye contact, and the samurai courier bowed deeply.
"I apologize for interrupting in the midday meal," he said politely. "I have a message for Lady Chi-Chi."
The young woman looked up at the samurai curiously. "Yes?"
The messenger pointed to the hills behind him in the distance. "A visitor awaits you at the river beyond these hills, Princess. Shall I escort you there?"
Chi-Chi blinked in wonder. Someone was waiting for her? Well, this was new. Usually, she was summoned by whomever to do this and that. No one ever actually wanted to see her. "No… I will go alone, thank you. You may report I have received the message," she informed the samurai as she stood up, looking out at the distant hills. After the samurai left, Chi-Chi began her journey to the hills to greet the visitor. She was no longer interested in lunch.
She was confused as she strolled to the destination. Just who wanted to see her? This was very unusual, yet interesting. The sunshine from the skies lit a clear path of a dirt road below. Scattered on the ground were fragile, pink petals of the cherry blossom trees that bloomed in spring.
There were many cherry blossom trees in the grass by the dirt roads, and on the riverbank. Smiling wistfully, Chi-Chi remembered celebrating hanami as a child. She remembered the sweet fragrance of the petals and buds, and the way they would dance away in the sky. The luscious scent reached her nose, triggering more memories of her childhood. The wind blew arduously, swaying anything seemingly weightless. It stirred up a cyclone of petals from the ground and trees, and the loose articles of Chi-Chi's clothing. She used one hand to hold down the lower material of the dress-like kimono, and the other to move aside the long locks of her raven hair out of her eyes.
She muttered something about the persistent wind as she walked closer to the river, but it soon passed by, leaving behind a curtain of petals to reveal the main attraction: the visitor.
Chi-Chi gasped softly, and felt her heart stop.
It was him.
Her eyes widened as everything else around her tremendously slowed down. She was washed over with disbelief and pure joy. Her mouth opened to say his name, but the shock from her sights rendered her speechless. Her heart began to ferociously pound once again.
…Kami, is it really him? she thought delightedly. Can he really be standing in front of me?
She looked into his eyes. Yes.
A radiant smile appeared on Chi-Chi's face, as her eyes once again gazed over her visitor: Son Goku. Amazement filled every part of her as she stood still, in awe of what Goku had become. He had changed so much in only a year, and just when it seemed he couldn't be any more different, Chi-Chi realized how good looking he was. Of course, he always was to her, but now…
Her eyes took in every detail of Goku's physical change. He still maintained his wild mop of hair, though it had grown a bit longer than she remembered. The thick bangs of his hair fell into his dark eyes, which were watching her ever so softly. He still had the adorable face she remembered in her dreams. Come to think of it, now she noticed that she had to look even further up to see his face.
He had grown significantly taller as well. Chi-Chi also noted that all of Goku's hard training had paid off, as she noticed he was stronger. She could see the expansion of muscles on his arms and the rest of his body. Yet, he still had a thin frame, clad in a V-neck, green overcoat, and a dark hakama. The V-neck was plunged very deep, enough to reveal to Chi-Chi a portion of the muscled chest of her beloved.
Overall, Goku had changed a great deal, but was still enough to stun Chi-Chi. She didn't think anyone could be so handsome like this… It was almost as if Kami himself had sent him to her.
Again, she found herself staring at him instead of greeting him. Finally, she moved toward him, hanging her head to hide her reddening face all the while. Her cheeks were flushed, partially because of Goku's appearance, and partially from the shame of gazing at him for so long.
If she had kept her head up, she would have noticed that Goku was looking at her too… He only hid his reactions from laying eyes on that form of beauty.
Chi-Chi managed to tilt her head up slightly, and she had eye contact with Goku again. She saw his gentle smile. "It's nice to see you again, Chi-Chi," he said. Even the simple way he greeted her caused Chi-Chi to feel a bit timid for some reason. Yet, hearing Goku's even deeper, gentle, and soothing voice calmed her. She always felt somewhat shy around him, but…
This was kind of funny. The scene of reuniting with Goku had played over and over in Chi-Chi's mind, and she always imagined greeting him with zeal, running toward him, embracing him and never ever letting go. But now… What happened?
She looked up as she heard the grass swaying. Goku was stepping closer to her, and he looked at her questioningly, his arms extended toward her. Chi-Chi's smile served as her consent, and she scooted closer to Goku, feeling his arms wrap around her. When they embraced at last, Chi-Chi thought she had never felt more at peace. She had always dreamt that Goku would hold her, but now it was really happening. She relished his warmth, and the feeling of her supple body pressed against his firm one. Closing her eyes, she remembered the way Goku felt against her, his protective hold, and his scent of cherry blossom petals, as he had leaned against one of the trees.
"I've missed you," he whispered into her ear, which sent a tingle of pleasure racing down her spine, and causing her insides to melt at the same time.
Goku gently broke the embrace, and noticed Chi-Chi was studying his face, still in awe. She had been caressing the side of his face with her gentle hand. "I can't believe you're back," she said softly. "I have missed you as well… Kami, you've changed so much…"
She trailed off and tilted her head to lay it on Goku's chest, as she leaned into him more. Her eyelids slowly fluttered closed as she listened for Goku's heartbeat. "When did you get back?" she asked.
"Just a little while ago," he answered, stroking her hair.
"I see. How was your time away? What did you have to do?"
Goku lowered his head and tilted it, so that he could feel Chi-Chi's soft hair on his face. It felt great to hold her again. "It was a challenge, but it was great. I had to do all sorts of things for training, and it reminded me a little of the old days with Roshi. Being away like this reminded me of the hardships I had to face as a little boy, but I wasn't alone this time. Still, I'm glad to be back. I wanted to come home so badly. I didn't know when I was going to get to see you again, and every time I thought about you, which was a lot, it just made the desire to come back to Edo stronger."
He smiled. "I told you I was going to come back. I even told you in the letter I gave you before I left."
"I remember. You don't know how much that letter meant to me," she said softly. "I treasured that and all the letters you wrote to me while you were away. It made me feel close to you."
"I kept your letters too… I want to tell you something important, so listen closely."
Goku's hands grasped Chi-Chi's shoulders, and he gently pulled her away from his chest so he could look her solemnly in the eyes. "Before I came here and ordered one of the samurai to deliver a message to you, I went to-"
"That was you?" Chi-Chi interrupted curiously.
"Yes. I wanted to surprise you," Goku answered and then continued. "But before all of that, I went to your father with all the samurai. He inspected us after our time away, but he wished to speak to me. It was about our relationship… You mustn't worry, but…"
He hung his head as he trailed off, causing Chi-Chi to fret. "What?" she asked, fear capturing her voice. "What did Otousan say? Tell me what he said!"
He lifted his head back up and smiled at her sincerely. "I have consent from the emperor to have his daughter's hand."
***
Goku looked at Chi-Chi, waiting for her reaction. She seemed to be in thought for a second before the realization of the words settled in. Then her eyes widened in surprise, her face brightening up in high hopes. She opened her mouth to speak, but Goku placed a finger to her lips.
"Don't speak yet. I know what you will say. How can that be? I told you I would do this, Chi-Chi. I'm going to keep my promise to you, and the Ox-King saw that I was serious. He saw what I had done with myself over the past year, and he is pleased. He called me his son… Do you see what this means? We can finally get married…"
Chi-Chi lifted her hand to Goku's and held it, allowing her to speak at last. "Otousan gave you the word? After all this time, he finally permitted it? You… Do you still want this after all this time?"
Goku smiled at her gently, and lowered himself to a knee. He still held her hand in his. "Yes," he said sincerely. "Two years ago, I asked for your hand, but I didn't know the meaning of it and I didn't have strong feelings for you. Now I do, and I'm going to ask you again. Chi-Chi, will you be my bride?"
Chi-Chi returned Goku's gentle smile with one of her own, and held his hand with both of hers. She gently brought Goku up to his feet and looked at him ardently. Her face softened as she saw Goku's bewildered expression. Oh, how she missed that face…
Driven by compassion, she leaned toward him and kissed him softly. When she pulled away, she smiled again, shyly, and saw that he was blushing. Of course, her cheeks were tinted dark pink also upon being this close to him again.
Goku was not expecting a kiss. He stood motionless for a moment, savoring the quick touch of Chi-Chi's lips against his own. Then he blinked and looked at Chi-Chi curiously. "Yes or no?"
He felt Chi-Chi's arm come around his neck, her fingers combing through his hair as she pulled his head closer to hers again. He felt the tender brush of her lips against his once again. This time Goku wasn't surprised, and responded by holding her close to him. His arms wrapped around her warm frame, as he solely focused on the kiss.
Chi-Chi pulled away only to lean against him and bury her face in his chest. She sighed in bliss, smelling the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms on him. She closed her eyes. "Yes," she whispered to him, holding back her tears of joy. "Yes, I will be yours until the day I die."
It didn't take long before Goku felt his fiancée's warm tears trickle down his chest, sending rivulets to soak the rim of his overcoat. He wanted to question her of her tears, but it would be something he couldn't understand. He didn't know the pure state of bliss Chi-Chi was in. He had no clue of what level of happiness Chi-Chi had reached—a level strong enough to force the tears out of her, no matter what strength she used to hold them back. He had no idea that he was bringing her dream to life.
"Chi-Chi," he said softly. "Will we be all right? When will we finally belong to each other?"
He heard her soft and serene sigh before he looked at her. "We already belong to each other," she answered him. "We just have to make it official. We start by asking my father for marital consent."
Goku blinked confusedly. "But I've already received consent…"
Chi-Chi shook her head, smiling at his clueless state. "No, my love. You had consent to ask me to be your bride. Together as a couple, we must present ourselves to my father and seek consent on our marriage. We need his permission and his blessing."
Goku smiled at her confidently. "All right then. Let's go get what we need."
As the couple waited at the entrance of the emperor's courtroom, they noticed the curious eyes of the many people walking in and out. They saw the custom of waiting for an invitation from the emperor, but seeing the princess with that Son character the emperor never liked… It almost made the people feel sorry for the princess, knowing she was going to try again.
It wasn't long before the Ox-King saw his daughter and the man she loved humbly wait by the courtroom's entrance. "Come before me, my child, and my noble," he invited. He watched as Chi-Chi and Goku entered the court to present themselves before him. They bowed at his feet.
"Thank you for this time, my lord," Chi-Chi spoke firstly, bowing her head. "I am the Gyuu-Mao's daughter, Chi-Chi, and I present myself to you with an important subject matter."
Beside her, Goku copied the custom, bowing his head. "Your Majesty, I am the grandson of Son Gohan, and I also present myself to you with an important subject matter."
Ox-King nodded, pleased so far. "Present your matter."
Goku tried to remember what Chi-Chi told him to say before they left. "…Hm… I seek consent to take your daughter's hand and receive her as my bride. With your consent, I may be known as your son and the husband of your daughter. I seek your blessings to assist our future."
There. He had said that much right.
Ox-King nodded. "I see. You have proven to be true, of character and worthy. You have proven to obtain the qualities found in an exceptional husband. I trust you will keep these qualities as you take the role of being Chi-Chi's husband. Both of you come to me and receive your rightful blessings. And let there be witnesses before us."
The people standing by observed Goku and Chi-Chi bowing closer to the Ox-King, who put a hand on each of their heads. "With Kami and these individuals as witnesses, I present to my daughter and her beloved the blessings I held for this day. Let their present and future lives be filled with hope, happiness, and abundance in whatever they should need. Now they have the ritual blessings given unto them by the father of the bride…"
Once the blessings were given, Goku and Chi-Chi gave their thanks before leaving the courtroom, their hands joined in the unity they anticipated. But Ox-King had one more thing to say. "Er… Wait, you two."
They both turned back, and Ox-King nodded at Goku first. "I highly suggest you get some rest, Goku. The wedding preparations are a bit hectic. I need to speak with Chi-Chi alone for a moment."
"Yes, sir," Goku responded. He gently squeezed Chi-Chi's hand and smiled, once they had eye contact. It was their own sweet little goodbye. Blushing lightly, Chi-Chi returned the same gestures before turning to her father.
"Hmm," the Ox-King snorted teasingly, seeing the blush on his daughter's face. That only caused her to blush deeper.
Ox-King chuckled. "Heh. I wish to speak to you about this marriage, Chi-Chi. I remember you once told me you wished to have the privilege of making your own decisions. I forbade that of you, thinking I knew best as your father. But you are nearly twenty-four years old. You are an adult now and I have finally come to realize that… I have given you what you want for your marriage, and now I will let you choose what you wish you to do. If you want to live with Goku and not stay in the palace at all times, you may."
The idea almost appealed to Chi-Chi immediately, but then she looked at the Ox-King, surprised. "What? Wait a moment. I'm still a princess, even if that is what I want. I mustn't throw away my duties like that. Don't I still have to reign as empress?"
Ox-King smiled. "You won't be throwing a thing away. I will continue to reign. No matter how much I have emphasized on you reigning as empress with a good husband, if it doesn't make you happy, then it isn't worth it."
"But…the people…you wanted a grandson to reign after-"
Ox-King patted her shoulder. "Don't fret. It will be all right. I don't need a successor. When I decide I want to resign, I will carefully choose an advisor to take my place. You will be fine."
Chi-Chi still had a few more questions. "Are you certain? Will the people agree? And why would you want to resign? You love being the emperor…"
Ox-King crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at her. "I don't think I can handle both being an emperor and a caring grandfather. Playing with children is much more fun. So how many do you think you will have?"
Chi-Chi's face turned a bright red, and she hung her head, burying her face in her hands. "Umm, G-Goku and I h-haven't talked about it yet," she murmured into her hands, though the Ox-King heard it and laughed.
"I was only teasing."
***
The next evening after supper, Chi-Chi wanted to show Goku something. She had approached him as he ate at the table in the Dining Hall, and had a cheerful smile on her face. This confused Goku, and he had asked why she was standing so close to him and why was she watching him eat. He dismissed it and continued to eat slowly.
Chi-Chi sighed impatiently and sat in a chair next to him. She glanced at him, half-pouting, half-teasing.
Goku saw Chi-Chi's look and smiled. "What are you so excited about? Can't you show me what it is right here? No one else is around."
Chi-Chi looked around. He was right. She shrugged and then smiled at him. "I have the best news. Ready to hear it?"
Goku nodded. Chi-Chi took out a rolled up paper tucked in her obi and placed it on the table. She unfolded the paper to reveal a map. "Look," she said, pointing to an "x" on a drawing of a hill. Her finger pointed to various places as she spoke excitedly.
"We're here in the palace, but Otousan said after we marry, we don't have to live here anymore. I can be free to go anywhere I want with you! We can go anywhere we want together, but I have an idea for us. Over here is the woods you grew up in, am I right?"
Goku looked down at a patch of green and brown at the edge of the map, where Chi-Chi's finger was. The forest was labeled on the map, and Goku nodded. But he also wondered how she knew that.
"All right, and look over here," Chi-Chi said, pointing to a small hut resembling a temple off to the side. "See, that's your Ojiisan Gohan's home by Mount Paozu. Otousan saved it and fixed it up a bit. He thought it would be a good place for us to live, and we won't be so far from him. Don't you agree?"
Goku stared at her in amazement. How did she know everything? How did she know his grandfather?
"Chi-Chi," he said slowly. "How do you find out about all of this? Did you know Ojiisan also?"
Chi-Chi shook her head. "No, but he and Otousan were students together under Roshi. When Otousan told me that story, he mentioned that his home was still around. Then I came up with the idea that perhaps we could live there. I thought it was fine, considering the location, and now I'm asking you what you think."
She looked up in thought. "The house needs some repairing and add-ons, but we can work on it together. It will be fun."
Then she looked at Goku, blushing a bit as she spoke softly, "I think with this house and where it's at, you'll feel more at home. I wanted to keep some memories of your Ojiisan alive for you. Are you surprised?"
Goku looked down at Chi-Chi, still in amazement. A strange feeling suddenly exploded from inside of him. Chi-Chi went out of her way just for this? Just to surprise me? He thought.
No one had ever done that for him before. No one cared enough to try and see what made him happy and what his past was about.
Chi-Chi really was different from anyone else he knew or met. She suddenly seemed more special to him than anyone else, even more than himself. No, not even suddenly. She always had a place in his heart…
Goku came close to her, and studied her face, her beautiful and loving face. An overwhelming mixture of feelings took over him, as he felt his heart begin to beat a little faster, and his spirit elevated within him.
He hadn't felt this way in a long time. Truly and deeply touched…
He realized and always knew Chi-Chi wasn't lying when she said she cared for him more than she cared for herself. Well, now he certainly felt the same way about her…
Goku gently cupped Chi-Chi's face in his hands, and slowly brought her head to his chest, so she could rest against it, as he lovingly wrapped his arms around her in a grateful embrace.
Chi-Chi smiled as she relaxed in Goku's embrace. She really liked this. She really liked it when Goku initiated a sign of affection, whether it be a tender kiss or a hug like now. He's learning, she thought affectionately. She rested comfortably in Goku's arms.
This was perfect. There was no need for words. Just let this sweet moment feel good as long as it lasts…
Goku hung his head until his chin rested on top of Chi-Chi's head. He could smell her pleasant scent, and his heart swelled with even more admiration for her. "Chi-Chi?" he whispered.
"Hm?"
Goku pulled away slightly and looked at her, never feeling so loved in his whole entire life.Chi-Chi looked up at him and it seemed she could feel all his emotions by gazing deep into his dark, soft eyes. "Why?" she heard him whisper.
Chi-Chi was confused now. "Why? I told you. I wanted to keep some memories of Gohan alive for you. I wanted to make you happy. You know that I would do anything for you."
She looked away sorrowfully and spoke quietly, "Besides, I know how it feels to lose someone you love, and having a reminder of that person can make the pain seem bearable. I wanted to do that for you."
She was sad no longer as she returned her look on Goku. "I don't know how you felt when you lost your Ojiisan, but I think it feels incomplete. You have memories of how he was, how happy he was that you were born, and how he cared for you unconditionally. Even though he's gone, you remember how he loved you deeply. Goku… Do you… Do you think I can take his place?"
"Chi-Chi," he said softly. His eyes shone with such deep admiration for her, though they steadily closed as he leaned into her. His lips met Chi-Chi's softly at first, though the kiss grew passionate, yet it was full of the gentleness he felt in his heart. He didn't want to pull away, but he did only to hold her once more. He lowered his head until his lips were near her ear. Then he let all of his bottled emotions and thoughts out in a simple whisper.
"I love you, Chi-Chi…"
Chi-Chi didn't feel surprise overcome her or gasp softly at such an intimate declaration, even if this was the first time he said it. His heartfelt emotions were clearly translated through his confession, and it was enough to melt Chi-Chi's heart.
Quickly, unknowingly, tears ran down her cheeks. She didn't know why they had come, but they did.
In a gentle whisper back:
"I love you too, Goku. More than you'll ever know…"
To be continued…
Chapter Twenty-Six: Desires Revealed