A/N: Thanks again for such wonderful reviews, sorry for the delays with updates, I've got a lot of stuff to do for college and other stuff too, I do love this story though so no worries it will continue ^^
In reply to Miyuki, thanks for being such a loyal reviewer and as for your question: yes, I have begun writing my own original manuscript. I've got general notes for the whole novel but as far as finished pieces I'm only on chapter 6, luckily it's under 20 chapters but even then it's pretty daunting, but I'm dedicated and hopefully one day I'll be a published author so fingers crossed. Part of me wishes that I was content to write a trashy romance novel, but no, I made it difficult for myself lol.
Apples
Chapter 25: I'll Just Listen
The week passed quickly enough, body guards trailing the teens every move until the sweet taste of freedom presented itself at the end of school, though as invasive as the guards were you'd think they'd intervene with the clearly obtrusive Angela, whose atrocious flirtations hadn't stopped and were more than stretching his patience, but regardless day after day the sun would rise and fall, Piccolo would continue his lessons and Gohan found it warmed his soul to return home and see the Namek there, waiting and adorning his apron.
And Chichi had finally revealed her 'catch' in regards for Goten's training, the child was to study, which would be odd since Goten looked just like dad, and if Goten showed promise, or at least effort, Piccolo would be allowed to train him. And Gohan's muscles could relax a little, but only a little, as on Monday maybe Bulma might be able to shed a little light on the whole robot situation; even if the news was bad at least everyone wouldn't be stuck in the dark so much. It was the not knowing that was the scariest part.
But today was Friday, and so Gohan's nerves were officially on high with what the day would present for him, both himself and Videl not be attending school so as to have a meeting at Satan Manor before the interview later in the evening. Meeting Hercule, introducing Piccolo and Videl, and the interview about being the Golden warrior and a bazillion other things broadcast to the whole world and all its people...Fuck.
Regardless, the day was a mountain that needed climbing and the victory, or at least completion, would assist in resting the demi-saiyajin's mind. So, Gohan and his beloved had set out as planned towards the Satan Manor, Gohan had never actually been there but had seen it on television a bunch of times and it looked far too extravagant for his liking, it wasn't like the Lookout which was ethereal and grand, the mansion often appeared gaudy and posed, but perhaps that was just the world of TV. He was nervous, he couldn't deny that, not just about the interview or Hercule: Videl and Piccolo would be meeting today. Piccolo was wonderful, even if Gohan was a little biased it was true, and Videl was great too, but...it was just so hard to gauge how things were going to play out. Piccolo didn't always make the best first impression, and it wasn't like Videl was beyond getting intimidated; he guessed he wouldn't know until it happened.
As the couple flew they came into view of the estate, high walls and gates with narrow trees yet a bright and vast mansion could still be seen blocking the horizon, reporters everywhere, constant movement as the vultures tried to get pictures of the family after the revelation, looking particularly rabid being starved of any action. Pathetic little things. Without hesitation the pair moved quickly passed them and over the walls so as not to be noticed, invisible to the bustling crowd at most a forgettable breeze upon cheeks before appearing at the front door, blocked from view by trees and garden features.
Finally at the door a moment of calm befell them, a pause to collect nerves as Gohan stared at the massive door in front of him and gulped, he really was scared, he didn't mind admitting that, he had a lot riding on today. Piccolo didn't knock, apparently letting Gohan take the lead though the Namek was even quieter than usual, probably nervous too but trying not to show it, his graceful being if anything too still and calculated in movements. The couple said nothing, simply waited and Gohan's dark eyes glanced over to his ever patient boyfriend, whom was loyally watching him, keeping as calm as possible for the teen and Gohan let a little smile curl upon his lips; they'd come too far to back out and even with Piccolo's dislike of meeting people he was being so supportive and Gohan felt a warmth amongst his chilled nerves.
Raising his hand slowly, taking in a deep breath, Gohan's strong hand hesitated as he tried to gather himself but faltered a little. "Gohan?" Piccolo addressed, looking into his loves eyes sharply, gruff voice instantly making the teen's skin shiver, he had nothing to say further, he just wanted to make Gohan relax and it didn't take a genius to see how his voice affected him. The demi-saiyajin just looked back at his beloved, and gave a small nod in understanding before leaning up and kissing Piccolo on the cheek, soft skin beneath eternally hungry lips for only a moment before finally he knocked on the thick door and waited.
Quickly a bodyguard answered the door without a word, seeing that Son Gohan had arrived he bowed his head and gestured entry though wary eyes paused at the tall Namekian, but otherwise remained professional as the duo walked into the establishment. Instantly the pair disliked the place, the ceilings were unnecessarily high, decor garish and bold, too expensive for such cheap taste, clearly a reflection on Hercule rather than his daughter, floors too shiny, walls too patterned, layout too obnoxious and simply too much in all conceivable aspects: too much. Despite this they remained silent and politely poised as the bodyguard took Gohan's coat, the suited man also lay out his hand for Piccolo to give his cape but he shook his head to decline, the human clearly unaware that the item could crush every bone in his body and finally they were lead into one of the sitting rooms of the mansion to await the company of their host.
It was an indecently large room, too much space for such little substance, blue luxurious carpets, green walls which the pair sincerely hoped weren't leopard printed as they appeared to be, a tacky shiny quality making them feel slightly nauseous, sconces of undeterminable material or even forethought and furniture of a light blue to accentuate the walls, too large for any family to possibly require unless they had the breeding habits of rabbits. In all: Piccolo and Gohan would be more than relieved when this meeting was over. Very, very, very relieved.
All too quickly the pair were accompanied, large double doors opened to reveal several guards and more colourful characters, undoubtedly students, and in the centre of the group walked Hercule, gold belt shining to match his teeth, cologne immediately offending the senses. But despite the unattractive display, the pair did not miss the quivering bottom lip and overly thought out footsteps, the couple exchanged a look and shrug before looking back.
Hercule and company came to a stop in front of them, Hercule did not bow but it was not in his habit, "Welcome to my humble abode" he smiled as Gohan, before dark eyes travelled next to the teen, arching his neck slightly and wary nerves seemed to jump a little as the green warrior's presence. "Please, sit" he spoke politely and the pair did so, seating themselves quietly upon the large sofa and Hercule took seat upon a large chair facing them, his entourage huddling beside and behind him; "I wasn't expecting company."
"Is there a problem?" Piccolo asked, gruff voice seeming to scrape against the plushness of Satan's luxury, flat in tone but with an edge that made Hercule's spine liquefy that little bit more than usual.
"No, no, of course not" he almost whimpered, voice raising a few octaves but they did not comment, coughing, the man carried on "Piccolo...right?" and he received a nod, "I have to say, glad you seem to be on the good side" he said and was followed by nervous laughter, the Namek just glancing to his love as though saying 'seriously?' "Umm, you're not planning on being in the interview too, are you?" he asked attempting to cause as little offence as possible.
"No," Piccolo answered, "but I'm to observe."
"Ah, you'll be in the wings, fair enough" he nodded though nervousness did not leave his eyes, maybe he had his group with him to keep him from melting under pressure too quickly, meanwhile Hercule wondered what the hell this green guy's deal was, how did a fine boy like Gohan even know a creature like that? "What about right now?"
Piccolo rolled his eyes and Hercule worried he may be ticking off the demon, Hercule obviously threatened and knowing very little, for all he knew Piccolo could punch him in the teeth any second. "Just carry on," Piccolo said, "chat, I'll just listen."
"...okay..." Hercule replied, still scared silly, but decided todo as the man instructed, "anyway, Gohan, is it alright that iI call you that?"
"Its fine, you don't have to be formal" Gohan smiled, glad nothing unbecoming hd been exchanged between his boyfriend and man in front of them.
"Great, same goes for my name too" Hercule said trying to sound friendly and add more comfort to the situation, but it did not work too well. Piccolo rolled his eyes slightly, what was it with humans and small talk? Just get to the point already! And after a few awkward starts, they finally dod so, "umm, a couple things about the interview itself; Jimmy Firecracker will be conducting it..."
Piccolo looked a little confused, especially as the teen nodded apparently finding some relevance in the words and Gohan explained quietly "the same guy who covered the Cell Games for ZTV" and the Namek raised a brow before Gohan added, "...you blew up his camera."
"Oh yeah" Piccolo remembered and Gohan smiled a little while Hercule took on an even more shaky appearance.
"Uh huh...umm..." Hercule spoke numbly , really not feeling safe by the alien's company, "I-it'll be an hour long television broadcast later tonight..." he recovered, barely, and it was then that the information finally seemed to roll, ad breaks, question and answer sessions and so on to which Piccolo was thankful.
As the conversation continued, Gohan listening as though his life depended on it, hoping to acquire as much information as possible so he might be even slightly prepared and Hercule keeping his eyes straight ahead and beginning to sweat, and the man's guards remained still as trees while his warriors seemed to grow a little tired, someone else quietly entered the room. Videl walked onto the landing, and cast her eyes down at the scene, doing her best to go unnoticed, calm breathing and calculated steps, she say her father looking more than a little uncomfortable and quite the show of connections behind him. And seeing over the back of one of the , any sofas, she saw the back of Gohan's head, sometimes nodding along to Hercule's words and for a while she just watched him.
She couldn't deny that she still had a crush on Gohan, wondered what it might be like if he had chosen her, a curious warmth followed by a pressure, a tightening at knowing it was not to happen. It hurt, but it would be alright, they were friends through and though and that made her happier than any thought. Eventually, her eyes moved along and landed upon one most interesting of figures.
Piccolo Daimao Jr. His appearance from what she could see was a very tall man, muscular, and from the poise of his shoulders and neck, that gentle arch spoke of an ethereal quality that made her mind mist slightly. Slightly more blunt details were in his colour and ears, though the elegant points of the ears were somehow pleasing in his aesthetics, and the green, not so garish or obtrusive as one might think, more rich and sweepingly otherworldly. Seeing the couple side by side, though she couldn't see them fully, a mix entered her psyche as she couldn't help but feel that little bit of jealousy, knowing in the flesh that the man existed, but at the same time, the moment her eyes had seen the Namek he was so significant in a room, his presence strong yet balanced and she could only feel drawn to him.
Her eyes narrowed, observing finer details in the Namek's wardrobe and the markings over his arms that could just be seen, and she was oddly amused when she saw one of those ears flick a little, the action more than a little cute but distracted Videl was struck full force by a glance. Having picked up on the girl's presence the moment she had walked into the room, Piccolo had ignored for a while, but a quickened pace of her breath intrigued him enough to turn his head, in one fluid movement his eyes locked with hers for the first time.
Finally seeing her in the flesh, though it was not so odd, he had heard of her for long enough to not find her unknown, her reaction to Piccolo's attention one most startled so he excused her wide eyes and flinching shoulders, her ki was stronger than average and immediately he knew of her potential, he poise one of dedication and a little rough around the edges which he preferred. Videl's heart beat jumped the moment those obsidian depths caught her; he really did have beautiful eyes, she thought. His face though familiar to video footage was something to behold in person, those high cheekbones, dainty nose and chin, lips steady and full, and back to those eyes, those incomprehensible and addictive eyes.
Silently the two stared at one another, not moving a muscle until eventually Gohan realised his beloved was engrossed elsewhere from the conversation, seeing a strong gaze targeted behind tham the teen followed his gaze to see none other than Videl. Hercule, many things but not blind, stopped speaking and the room fell silent, prompting Videl to snap out of her awe, identifying with her feet once more, Videl gulped and made herself move, with difficulty pulled her eyes away from the Nameks and descended the stairs.
Out of habit Gohan stood as it was polite, though Piccolo did not, "Hey Videl," the teen greeted with a smile and as she came to stand by them he spoke with gestures "this is Piccolo, Piccolo this is Videl."
Videl immediately stretched her hand out and Piccolo looked at her for a second before choosing to reciprocate, and to her surprise his skin was softer than hers, having been training day after day she knew she was not exactly a princess in body but she hadn't expected to touch such silk, but this was numbed as another thought came to her in that Piccolo's action was not natural, and Gohan's words about his isolation becoming all too real. But she also found novelty in how careful the man was, making sure to not touch her with his sharp nails, fine details she was coming to realise all the more intriguing. Hercule seemed to tense at his though, disliking his daughter's presence during this conversation, he had a tough enough time when they were alone after the truth all came out, and he couldn't help but feel a little anxious as she made contact with the unpredictable demon.
"Videl, don't you have some homework to do?" Hercule tried, but to no avail as Videl chimed "done it, you'll have to try harder to get rid of me dad" she sighed with a small smile before plopping herself down upon the adjacent sofa, seated between the couple and her father, she did take some pity however as she saw his helpless eyes and she said "I'll just listen" mirroring the Namek unknowingly and both he and Gohan blinked before returning to the conversation.
"So, the basic details alright with you?" Hercule asked and the demi-saiyajin nodded, "fine by me" and paused before glancing at the Namek, wondering what he had to say on the matter only to head a telepathic message, the feeling never becoming natural for the teen but he enjoyed the thorough feel of his loved voice so intimately 'that's the basics. He's far from finished.'
Hercule was too scared to notice the small exchange but Videl's watchful eyes caught the glances and miniscule nod, those locked eyes and she wondered just how well they could communicate; it was really quite remarkable. And just as Piccolo suggested, Hercule spoke again "I was just wondering what you were planning on speaking about in the interview, their questions can be quite invasive and try to twist your words..." he twisted to sound supportive however his interests obviously his own.
"I know, but I'm really not sure what to say, especially since I don't know what questions they'll ask me" Gohan said honestly.
With a exhaled breath Hercule was actually being a little helpful as he listed "Mr Firecracker will probably ask about your powers and history as a fighter so it's up to you how you handle that, but about the Cell Games..." and his helpfulness was over, so quickly.
'Here it comes' Piccolo telepathically sent and Gohan felt his tummy lurch a little, and the feeling only increased as the ridiculousness invaded his ears; "I was wondering...if you would possibly, if you wouldn't mind, maybe...say that I tutored you."
"Huh?" Gohan said aloud, even in his well trained manners he couldn't contain the response to the ludicrous request, and Hercules large puppy dog eyes did not help matters, especially since puppies are cute and Hercule was not. Eww.
"Aw c'mon," he started, a pleading slightly in his voice and his staff and students behind him seemed to collectively sweatdrop, not that they were surprised, it wasn't exactly secret about hi true self but, meh, he had the money; it was Videl to facepalm . "It won't be news that my reputation is at stake here" Piccolo was rather amazed how quickly Hercule went from responsible host to squabbling nit-wit, it was quite the talent, "a-and if people think that I was responsible for your victory my name could be saved, I could say I took the focus away from you because you were so young and weren't ready for the press intrusion?" he rambled and continued with those atrocious puppy dog eyes which remained disturbing.
Videl grumbled under her breath, his entourage looking everywhere but ahead, Piccolo felt a little embarrassed for him but hoped to Kami the teen wouldn't be so easily taken in by a desperate man's plea and about to message him just such a reality he was relieved the teen was ahead of him.
"I'm sorry Hercule, I'm not about to lie like that" Gohan's eyes apologetic but firm and Piccolo smirked, Videl's gaze seeing this display she liked seeing the two guys like that, Gohan's jaw strong and assertively honest nature, and Piccolo amused and smirking at the same time. "But, I'm not about to bad talk you either" Gohan continued "I'm glad the press weren't all over me, so, even though you did it for your own reasons, I guess I'm thankful you took the spotlight."
Hercule wasn't sure what to say, a 'you're welcome' certainly wasn't appropriate since Gohan was basically saying it was coincidence Hercule's self-centredness worked out for the better so again he just nodded nervously. But seeing the man clearly had more to say despite his silence and Gohan prompted, "was there something else Hercule?"
"...yes..." Hercule cheeped, eyes looking to his daughter and then back to Gohan, this action repeating a couple of times before finally he said "I would like to know your intentions towards my daughter."
Gohan and Videl were almost floored by the words and Piccolo just rolledhis eyes, but quickly Videl laughed, she couldn't help it, for all she still had a crush on Gohan knowing his feelings for the Namek hearing that paranoid question was rather funny.
Clearly confused, Hercule more firmly asked "what's so funny?" but his daughter just giggled a little harder and Gohan covered his smile with his hand courtly and Piccolo remained still but an ever so slight look of amusement over his features.
"Sorry, dad," Videl recovered but still with a giggle "just...you've got nothing to worry about."
Videl looked to the couple with a smile and Gohan straightened up his back, he hadn't foreseen telling Hercule of all people this but "well, while she's one of my best friends, Videl and I aren't romantically involved and won't be..."
"Oh? What's wrong with my daughter?" came the unexpected response and Gohan couldn't contain the "What?!" that fell from his lips, holding up his hands defensively he really had not seen that question coming "nothing-".
There were few things Hercule was willing to defend strongly and his daughter was one and so the man continued "clearly you think there's something wrong with my daughter if you're not romantically interested."
Piccolo just tried to drown the stupidity out, Gohan's fumbling to try and not offend amusing but dragging, Videl's giggles continuing and Hercule's pitch getting that little bit higher with every word. Poor Gohan, so polite: "wait...do you want me to date your daughter?"
"...N-no" Hercule replied, realising what he had just said "but that's not the point!" and the man rambled on yet again and Gohan slowly smiled and silently, slowly moved his hand onto Piccolo's, the Namek stilling for a moment but said nothing, and the pair waited for the buffoon to notice. Videl not so slow on the observations started giggling that little bit harder the longer this went on, and eventually a guard leant down to whisper in Hercule's ear and slowly the information seemed to register and his words faded, eyes looking down to the joined hands and the cogs began to turn and suddenly it became all too clear why the demon had attended the meeting with the teen.
"You two?!" he gasped wide-eyed, and Videl put both hands over her mouth to try and keep the full on laugh down and Gohan just smiled warmly saying "I think you can see why there is nothing romantic between myself and your daughter..."
The man's mouth remained agape, but it was true and perfect, after all the crap between himself and his daughter he could seem like the good guy, he could support her friendship with a boy and not worry, "I wish my daughter hung out with more young men like you" to which he received suspicious brows "polite, I mean" he lied and all just let him away with it, shaking heads slightly.
Hercule did think a moment if he should say something, he was a parent after all and Gohan's boyfriend was...well...less than reputable, but he opted for silence as he didn't want to be beaten to a pulp. Slightly uncomfortable, Hercule turned the subject back to the interview, and a few of his own curiosities about the real golden warrior, how the hell someone so young could have stood up to Cell and so on, and a few more bouts of begging which ultimately were rejected.
Feminine hands slowly pushed her father backwards, his and his crew stepping accordingly "Dad, Gohan is not about to say you were his role model and inspiration!" Videl said before moving the group by the double doors they had stepped through. The man tried to argue with "but sweetie we've got to think of the family name!" but all attempts failed. "Go make sure everything's perfect for tonight's interview."
"But-" and the man was ignored as the doors slammed shut, Hercule clearly offended at being thrown out of a room in his own home but just scratched his head and mumbled "teenagers" thoroughly defeated. Videl having shut the doors leaned her back against the doors and sighed; "sorry about him" with an apologetic smile.
Gohan laughed a little "no problem, he's not too bad" knowing for all he was a Class A idiot he wasn't actually a bad guy.
"You're too polite sometimes" she smiled and steps forward, joining the pair once again, finally just her and them "now we can have a real conversation: it's nice to finally meet you, Piccolo" she bowed her head slightly, dark bangs playing over her face and Piccolo mimicked the small bow, feeling slightly nervous now, a good impression was necessary here as both were so important to Gohan, "Gohan's told me so much and I have to say you're a very interesting person" she chimed.
"Is that a good or a bad thing?" his voice gruff and soul shaking which Videl found herself liking, such a powerful voice.
"Definitely a good thing" she smirked, before sitting back onto the sofa from before, plush cushions puffing around her legs and she grinned; this was going to be fun, and she proceeded to delve into her own curiosities, hearing a general description in one go could only tell her so much about the z senshi, and so began a warm exchange of stories and learning.
"So, how did you guys defeat Slug if he was so strong?!" Videl inquired with gleaming eyes like an excited child engrossed in her bedtime story, her elbows pressed into the arm of the chair, hands under her chin and excitement evident in every moment. She was learning so much about Earth's history from these two, who knew they'd been so involved without the public's knowledge, but then again, the number of stories that included Piccolo destroying cameras was becoming a trend she rather enjoyed.
"There's a little cheat, I suppose" Piccolo said, and Videl had observed his the entire time, finding his appearance more intriguing the more he did. He was so still most of the time, and any movement was so graceful it seemed impossible, a vocabulary and diction to match, his hands in particular rarely moved but when they did they were ,mesmerising, like some hypnotic spell and Videl was hooked.
The Namek was clearly a reserved person, keeping much to himself and not naturally expressive, and amongst the stories the more she learned the more honourable and majestic a figure he became. "How come?" she asked, eagerness threaded into each word.
"Namekian hearing is extremely sensitive and so with Slug's increased size his senses were increased as well, which at first was an advantage, but we turned it against him."
"Uh-huh?" she chirped, "so what did you do?" so engrossed is the stories and Gohan watched the entire exchange with an unmovable smile, they were so adorable, Piccolo's cool exterior but Gohan could tell he was nervous, not used to speaking so much but Videl was warm and accommodating, and the girl's actions obvious in her curiosity.
"Gohan whistled" Piccolo said cocking his head towards his love and Videl paused, taking in the odd answer and looked to Gohan whom just shrugged. "You...whistled?" her brow twitching as the information processed in her brain; "but the guy was so strong!" Piccolo allowed his lips to curl slightly, she reminded him a little of Goten like this, the big eager eyes and excitable so easily.
"Didn't matter, high pitched noises affect our balance, concentration and so on."
"Wait a minute, if Gohan was whistling, what about you?" she asked, showing her intelligence well.
"I ripped my ears off beforehand" Piccolo answered bluntly, as if normal it rolled from his tongue and Videl, usually so strong upon her feat seemed to fumble even seated, "wha...?" causing Gohan to laugh, grabbing their attention; "that's the tip of the iceberg with Piccolo" he informed through chuckles.
And the meeting carried on, more exciting stories and character revelations, but all in all Gohan kept smiling, his two best friends getting along just as he hoped they would, and he had never seen Videl look like she was, so open and gleeful, genuine joy laced into her being as she stared up at the Namek. He could not have asked for more, so, all he had to worry about was his interview, but even then, he knew that Piccolo would be waiting in the wings, supporting him and waiting. And from the sound of things he doubted Videl would be too far away either.
A/N: thanks for reading! Sorry for any typos this hasn't been proofread. Again, there may be some delay between now and the next chapter, I am busy with college, and writing my book etc but believe me I am still really into this fic :3
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