Chapter

"Threat"

Bulma was brushing her teeth when she heard the doorbell ring. She furrowed her brow in consternation, and stomped out of the bathroom. She knew from experience that there was no way in hell Vegeta would answer the door, and her parents were off camping somewhere for some romantic getaway—gross. So she popped open the door, and promptly let her toothbrush fall out of her mouth to clack against the concrete.

"VEGETA!"


Chi Chi stared, bewildered, at her computer, where a rather distressed, steely eyed Bulma was sitting. In the background, she could see Vegeta pacing, his tail lashed angry circles behind him.

"I'm sorry—he did what?" Chi Chi had shooed Gohan from the room at Bulma's request, and now she sat here, listening to one of the most ridiculous things she'd ever heard.

"Bastard left a monkey head on my stoop," Bulma gritted out. "Like some cheesy, B-rated mob movie! I bet he thought it would scare me. Fat chance." Her crimson lips pulled up into a rueful sneer. "I got some of the staff to clean it up, but I think there's a permanent blood stain."

Vegeta looked slightly more frazzled about this information. He didn't look scared, but he looked… unsettled.

"We call off the wedding," he snapped. "I'll return to Freeza. I'll find another way to end him."

"Like hell you will!" Bulma turned on him, and Chi Chi frowned. "You're going to stay here, and—,"

"Woman, do you not understand how dangerous this is—what could happen to you?!"

"I'm fully aware what could happen to me and I'm telling you I don't care!"

Chi Chi sighed and ended the video call. That had sounded suspiciously close to a confession, and reminded Chi Chi of her own unfortunate predicament. Of course, her friend and the emotionally stunted freeloader could come to some resolution, while Chi Chi stumbled over the smallest of things. Then again, Bulma didn't exactly have a kid and a current husband.

Chi Chi sighed, and dropped her head into her hands. The past two years had gone by so fast, and now she couldn't imagine life without Junior. But life without Goku? —would it be any different? Goku was comfortable, he was someone that had been there all her life, and yet, would it be any different if she walked away right now? She kept coming back to the fact that Gohan needed a father, he needed someone positive in his life but… hadn't Gohan explicitly stated that he viewed Junior as a father? He'd been terribly upset with her at the revelation that Goku could possibly come home…

Chi Chi felt despair welling up in her stomach. She didn't know what was right, and what was wrong, or what she was supposed to do. Every step frightened her, every decision made her second guess herself for every step of the way. She wished there was a choice where nothing had to change.

She was startled at the small hand that landed on her back, as Gohan flopped his head onto her shoulder. He said nothing, but pressed his cheek up against her. It was a small comfort, but it was all that she needed.


"I need to go!" Gohan pleaded, tugging at Chi Chi's shirt. "Momma, please! What if Mr. Junior gets hurt?! I have to be there!"

"Gohan—," the argument died on Chi Chi's mouth, because she realized, it was one hell of a chance that Junior could potentially be pushed out of there on a gurney. There was no one to babysit—she'd been desperately calling around, but without Junior, Dende, or Bulma around, there wasn't a chance. The carnage of it all frightened her, of her sensitive little boy having to witness those fights in person but—

"Okay." She relented, and Gohan stared, agape, as if he hadn't expected it so quickly. "But we're leaving in an hour." Her stomach was a mess, and she didn't even bother to dress up. She was still wearing her khakis and one of her old embroidered blouses that she wore down in the restaurant. Her hair was pushed up into a bun, and she was pulling on her flats whenever Gohan came out of the room.

He had on his leather jacket, his sunglasses, and a t-shirt with a poorly painted Namekian on its front. Chi Chi stared, flabbergasted, as he toted a sign tucked into his armpit, with the words "MR. JUNIOR RULES" printed on it with glitter falling from every inch of it.

"When did you make those…?"

Gohan flushed. "Well, you told me to get ready, and—I didn't want him to think no one was supporting him!"

"Of course not, baby…" Chi Chi's eyes softened, and she took Gohan's hand. "Come on, let's head outside. The cab is here." They headed down the stairs, pausing briefly to look where the red car was typically parked. They clambered in, and Chi Chi shot daggers at the cab driver, who was looking disgruntled about the sparkles going everywhere. He met Chi Chi's gaze, however, and quickly flailed, and drove much faster than was strictly necessary.

The arena was far nicer than the one Vegeta's fight had been at. This was official—and not some cruel joke by the Colds. It was large, with a domed building, and huge lights on outside, even though it was still daylight. Cars were parked everywhere, overflowing the parking spaces at every turn. Chi Chi could see trailers of famous fighters parked, with crew running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

She and Gohan walked through the entrance, where they were bombarded by fans of the fights. There were vendors in the large open area. Tickets were being bought, t-shirts were being sold, and people had large, drink hats set up. Gohan looked slightly overwhelmed—Chi Chi didn't know if he'd ever been to an event this big. She was mildly used to it, considering that she'd used to attend Goku's fights.

She pulled him along, and was startled when several people clapped Gohan on the shoulders, attempted to high-five him, and even whooped in his direction. A few of these affectionate strangers had received a sharp blow from Chi Chi, until finally she'd grown fed up with it all, had grabbed one young girl by the arm, and had sharply bent it around to the woman's back.

"Do you want to tell me why you creeps keep trying to touch my son?" Chi Chi snarled, while Gohan stood to the side, throwing nervous glances in every direction. He was on what he called 'stranger danger alert'.

"He's a Ma fan!" the girl yelped, her green mohawk trembling as she attempted to pull out of Chi Chi's grasp. She released her, and the girl stumbled away. "Christ, you psycho bitch—," Chi Chi took one step towards her, and the girl quickly scrambled away, to where several friends in bizarre clothes were waiting for her.

"I'm not a fan of Ma." Gohan pouted, zipping up his jacket. "I'm a fan of Mr. Junior."

Chi Chi sighed. "I know, honey… but these people don't know Mr. Junior." She held her hand out, and he took it. They went much faster than before, and hurriedly headed to the VIP seats that Goku had given them.

Once they sat down, Chi Chi was startled to see Freeza and Cooler were already occupying chairs. She and Gohan sat down rather quickly. She could sense Gohan's unease, and was careful to try to chomp down on her own. She sneaked covert glances over at the two brothers, but they seemed locked in a glaring contest, neither saying a word.

The announcer soon appeared on stage, rattling off words that Chi Chi couldn't bother to comprehend. All around her people were stuffing themselves with snacks, and she couldn't fathom how they could stand to eat at a time like this. She made sure to keep her jaw steely, though, so that every time Gohan glanced her way she was a pillar for him to cling to.

The first fight was announced—people that Chi Chi didn't know. As the combatants went at it, Gohan purposefully lowered his gaze to his lap, while all around them an excited babble broke out. She didn't know what was causing all the commotion, but was startled when she heard Freeza whisper a solid "What the fuck?" in a voice completely unlike his typically oily tone.

Chi Chi glanced over her shoulder, and almost screamed.

Demon King Piccolo was descending the steps into the VIP booth. He looked nothing like the glory of his younger years. He was still impossibly tall, his antennae scraping the ceiling even in his stooped state, but now his back was arched permanently. His skin was faded—almost yellow—as it bunched around his neck and mouth, folding into permanent lines. He looked like a malicious Kami, his beady black eyes squinted as young woman with long black hair poised herself beneath his right elbow, leading him along. It was clear he could hardly walk on his own.

"Momma," Gohan's terrified voice sounded beside her, "is that… Mr. Junior's dad?"

"Yes," Chi Chi murmured. "That's the Demon King." She clutched Gohan tighter, remembering all the hell that Goku had been through over this man. Thinking of the voracious beating that he'd received from him.

"Mai!" Freeza's voice was a deadly hiss, and Chi Chi heard the woman assisting Piccolo jump. "Why—,"

"Did you think you could keep me away from my boy's fight!" Piccolo's voice was loud and booming, reverberating into their bodies. It was higher pitched than his son's, and certainly more sinister. "I'm going to watch him wipe the floor with that Son Goku!"

"Yes," Freeza sneered, and Chi Chi made sure Gohan was locked firmly in her arms. "Well, we shall see."

"Nothing to see!" Piccolo protested. "My boy's the best fighter there's ever been! Hell, it was what he was bred for!" He thumped his chest loudly. "Honestly, if the brat can't do this, there's not much point to him."

Chi Chi grimaced, as she felt Gohan writhe in her grip. This temper on her son was completely random, and she could feel her heart sinking. She was a hell of a good fighter—and she knew she could shut down a decrepit old Namekian—but if Freeza happened to come after her…

"Mr. Junior's more than just a fighter!" Gohan shouted, his little face red as he glared at Piccolo over his seat. His little hands formed fists that knotted up in the fabric of the chair. "And if you can't see that then you're a dummy!"

"A—what the hell?" Piccolo flared with rage, and almost swung and hit Mai. "Why the hell is this brat in the VIP booth!"

Freeza's face seem to light with recognition, and Chi Chi glared both men down. She didn't care if she couldn't realistically take them both, she'd make sure they were incapable of ever forgetting her name.

"Oh, Piccolo," Freeza's voice purred, "do forget about them. They're just Son Goku's miserable little family. Humans, you know? Imagine crossing breeds in such a distasteful way." His eyes lingered on Gohan, however, and Chi Chi felt her skin crawl.

"And what do you know of my boy, then? After he demolishes Goku, he's going to become a world champion—it will be amazing!" Piccolo formed a fist, and brandished it, his large teeth bared in their direction. "So shut your mouth you insufferable little brat."

"Take your advice you wrinkled up old prune," Chi Chi snapped, and tugged Gohan down into his seat. "You talk an awful lot for someone that can't even walk!" She whirled around in her seat to watch the fight draw to a close. She could hear Piccolo talking behind her, clearly still agitated as he ranted on at Mai.

"You're so cool, mom," Gohan grinned, and Chi Chi gave him a weak one in response.

"Next up—the beautiful, the ice cold, the amazing—Android 18!" The announcer waved as a young, blonde girl entered the arena. She wore a low-cut blouse, along with a denim skirt that seemed entirely improbably for a fight. "And her opponent—Krillin." The announcer moved out of the way, then, clearly not as excited for Krillin as he clambered in. His nose was still packed with gauze like always, and Chi Chi gave him a polite enough cheer.

The fight started, and it was over in less than three minutes. Android 18 rushed in, and slammed a rather sharp kick into Krillin's face. Chi Chi was pleased to see that she had on tights beneath her skirt, though she heard a few disapproving murmurs in the crowd. Once Krillin had hit the mat, Android 18 came over, grabbed him by the arm, and roughly threw him out of the ring. She was immediately crowned the winner, though everyone was shocked as she approached the edge, pulled Krillin up to her, and pressed a rather passionate kiss that made Chi Chi's cheeks flame as 18 cradled Krillin up off the ground.

Freeza balked, Cooler made a noise of distaste, and all around them were uproarious noises that were unidentifiable as happy or displeased. Gohan stared, astonished, as the apparent couple grinned, waved, and quickly exited as projectiles came flying out of nowhere. It took the announcer a few moments to collect himself, before he began stammering out the next fighters.


Junior sat in the back area, his fingers nervously laced together. He tried to exude complete calm, his face an expressionless mask as he stared at the wall. He was about to get the ever-loving shit beat out of him—all over a promise to a child that wasn't his. It should be pathetic. But he found he didn't really care. Something about it hurt worse, knowing that Chi Chi was out there in those stands, and she was going to watch him get pummeled. At least Gohan wouldn't actually see it…

He shifted. He'd thought about donning his old clothes—to finish out the Ma persona, but he had just stared at his leather jacket. He didn't want it ruined by his blood, if he could help it. Especially not on the patches Gohan had picked out for him. And as for the pants, well… those were retired for a reason. He was definitely too large in a multitude of areas to ever fit comfortably in those.

Junior looked at his phone, and realized how stupid he was for hoping there would be some text from Chi Chi. He didn't know what he wanted her to say, but he found himself hanging onto the fact that maybe, at the very least, she would text him a good luck. It didn't seem like it was happening.

Outside, he heard an uproar, and was startled. He rose up from his seat and approached the hallway that lead out to the ring. He stood, hands stuffed in his pants pockets as he peered down it. He saw the huge doors open, and in walked Android 18 and Krillin. Another flash of guilt washed over him as he saw the little man.

Krillin and 18 were babbling excitedly, when they ground to a halt in front of Junior. He towered over the both of them, and his mouth pressed into a thin line of nervousness.

"Hi." The mirth left Krillin's face, though his hand stayed firmly locked around 18's. The woman merely regarded him with a closed off face, her eyes lidded as she stood there.

"Uh—," Junior choked, "hello." He stood there for a moment, his ears flicking uncomfortably before he said, "Sorry about your, um. Nose." He gave a haphazard wave, and his cheeks were an astonishingly worrisome color of purple.

Krillin blinked. "Oh." He touched the gauze, and his look turned to something that Junior couldn't readily recognize. "It's uh—I mean, it still hurts but. It's mostly ok now."

"Good." Junior's voice was more growly than he intended.

Krillin gave a nervous laugh, and shifted closer to 18. "Y'know you're… not as scary as I remember you. You're kind of a—a big dork?"

Junior snarled his teeth down at Krillin, causing the young man to yelp in surprise. He stopped, though, and gave a weird, lop-sided shrug. "I guess I changed." His eyes flickered between the couple. "I meant it. That I am—uh—sorry."

"I believe you." Krillin's smile was tentative, and he shifted his feet. "I mean, I don't know if I really forgive you, y'know, cuz this kind of hurts. A lot. Still. Really embarrassing, too." Junior flushed. "But uh, I think I can say it's okay now." Krillin nodded a good-bye, then, as he and 18 took their leave.

Junior collapsed onto a nearby bench, and waited. There was only three more fights to sit through, before his name was called. And he waited the entire time, his hand in his pocket, desperately waiting to see whether or not he'd receive that fateful text.

He was disappointed, but not surprised. One of the workers came and collected him, instructing him to stand in the hall.

"Now!" Junior could hear the announcer's voice. "We have the amazing, the undefeated, Son Goku!" The stadium shook with the raucous applause and cries. Junior wondered if Chi Chi was joining in, and if she would even bother to yell for him. "And his opponent, the rematch of the century, the legend that disappeared—Ma Junior!"

Junior stepped out into the blinding light. He could hear fans screaming, but the moment they took in the sight of him, the cheers seemed to immediately dwindle. They dropped into a polite clap, before ceasing entirely, except for one, tiny little voice as Junior slid onto the stage.

He glanced to the VIP booth, and felt his heart stutter. There stood Gohan, in a hand-made t-shirt, waving a rather energetic little sign around. He saw that Chi Chi was cheering, too, albeit much quieter considering she was attempting to fend of glitter from getting in her eyes. And just behind her—his father, stony-faced, staring directly at his family.

He bared his fangs together, not even noticing the announcer that was attempting to get his attention.

"Uh—Ma, sir, we uh—the fight?"

Junior whirled around, fists clenched, as he glared across at Goku. He saw that the man was giving Chi Chi and Gohan his own mystified look. There was something like confusion and betrayal there, but Junior didn't stop to ponder it. He needed this beating to go fast if he wanted to get to Chi Chi and Gohan. There was no way in hell he was trusting his father not to do something to those two the moment he could get them alone.

The fight started, but Junior didn't move. He merely stuffed his hands in his pockets, and regarded Goku.

Goku, confused, circled around him. The Saiyan moved forward, punching Junior in the gut, and forcing him to double over. Still, he retained his hands' positions, and spit at Goku's feet.

"Why'd you take that hit…?" Goku furrowed his brow. It was clear that the man was still struggling to make sense of all the things that were happening, and for once, Junior didn't… really… hate him. His face was open, not hostile, and he seemed to be more confused than anything.

"I made a promise," Junior replied evenly. "I won't fight anymore."

Goku furrowed his brow. "You'll have to understand that I don't really trust that." The crowd was growing restless, and Goku knew it. He locked eyes with Junior, and slammed a rather heavy elbow into his temple. Junior at the mat, his cheeks grazing the ground as he slid. Goku came at him ferociously, and Junior allowed it. He felt one of his ribs crack, blood welled up in his mouth, and a piece of his ear was nicked off.

"You're… really not going to fight…?" Goku stared down at Junior, his eyebrows pulling together as he crouched down. Junior wasn't completely conscious at this point, and stared bewildered up at the kind face he was receiving. "Let's end this then." Goku pretended to kick him hard, and Junior was grateful that he'd pulled the strength behind the hit, as the Saiyan sent him tumbling over the edge of the arena.

Junior closed his eyes, realizing how nice concrete felt underneath him.


"Mr. Junior!" Gohan screamed, and dropped his sign. He was crying, and Chi Chi clung tight to him. The boy was practically incoherent. The entire fight he'd been screaming for Junior to actually fight back, and to revoke his promise. He either hadn't heard, or hadn't listened.

"What the hell?!" Piccolo was on his feet, leaning heavily against Mai. "My boy—he didn't even fight! How in all of hell—?! All of my money!"

"Your money is safe, rest assured," Freeza gave him a rather sinister smile. "I made sure to handle it all."

"You didn't handle it, you stupid lizard! I had to go fix it with the bookies! You apparently bet it all on Son Goku—though that would have been better!"

Chi Chi turned, slightly, as she held Gohan shaking in her arms. She saw Freeza's little grin freeze in place, and then slowly fall.

"You—you—you imbecile! You changed the bet!"

"To what you promised me you would set it as in the first place!"

"All of that money—gone!" Freeza was quivering with rage, and went to fly at Piccolo, but Cooler's tail held him in place.

"Do not make a scene," Cooler whispered. "We can only cover up so much."

Freeza was still a shaking mess, before his glittering eyes turned sharply to Chi Chi.

"You, you miserable cunt—you tell your blue haired friend I'm on my way for my pet, and I'm done playing these games." Freeza had lost every resemblance of calm he'd ever had. Every bit of composure that he normally lorded over his victims was vanished like smoke. Chi Chi, ever the one with a sharp retort, clamped her lips together and took off, Gohan in tow. She didn't know where Bulma was, or what the hell she was doing, but she was scared. She would send her friend a message whenever they got to the hospital, where she could see they were already escorting Junior.

Chapter

"Hospital"

When Junior woke up, it was to loud, beeping machine, and a rather sterile smell in the air. He didn't open his eyes, but he could still feel the pain he was in, and when he shifted his legs, he realized that his typical attire had been traded out for a hospital gown. He groaned, and opened his eyes, not quite ready for the harsh hospital lights.

"Junior!" He was immediately attacked by Chi Chi, who he could see now had dark little smudges around her eyes. That was all he got to see, however, as her hands grasped his face, and she practically clambered onto the bed, smothering him with kisses to his forehead as she held him. "Oh you absolute moron! You idiot! You stupid, stupid man! I can't believe you, my god! You haven't woken up in two days, I was so worried, and—can you breathe?" she asked, startled by the fast rise and fall of his chest

"I'm trying to," he mumbled through squished cheeks, trying not to combust as his face lit up like a beacon. He gulped, realizing that she was practically on top of him, and that was the first time he'd ever been kissed by her. He felt a bit dizzy.

"I was so worried," she whispered, and for a second she seemed to forget herself. She let go of his cheeks, and instead pressed her elbows into the hospital bed, her forehead resting against his as he felt a few of her tears drip onto his face. Shocked, he lifted his hands, and cradled the small of her back, relishing in the feel of having her like this.

"Mom," Gohan entered the room, and she quickly pulled herself out of Junior's embrace, wiping at her face. "Mr. Junior, you're awake!" the little boy's eyes immediately filled with tears, and he rushed to the bed, clasping at Junior's hands. "I'm so sorry!" he wailed. "You could've gotten killed over my stupid promise!"

"It's fine, kid, I'm alive, aren't I?"

"Yes, but—,"

"Mrs. Daimao, we need to speak to you out in the hall." A nurse poked her head in, and Junior flushed as Chi Chi straightened out her clothes, and wouldn't meet his gaze. She quickly hurried outside, and he watched her go, stupefied.

Mrs. Daimao...?

"It was the only way they'd let us in to see you," Gohan whispered. "Mom told them you guys were married." Gohan sat there, looking rather pitiful, while Junior collected himself, and patted the sheets beside him.

"Come on up, kid."

"The nurses said I'm not allowed…"

"Let them say something to me," Junior snapped his fangs together, before abruptly pulling Gohan up onto the bed. He hid the wince from his ribs, and Gohan quickly got comfortable, his head laying on Junior's chest as the two sat there. "Kid, you know it's not your fault. I could have broken the promise. You didn't force me to keep it."

"Okay…" Gohan tightened his grip on Junior, and sniffled. "I was really scared. So was mom. We've stayed here the past few nights, and I know she hasn't been sleeping. Dad came once, and mom cussed at him a lot, and chased him out."

Junior frowned. "Actually… your father pulled his kick that sent me out of the ring, to end the fight early."

"He did…?"

"Yeah."

"Oh… we'll make sure to tell mom." Gohan glanced up at Junior. "Hey, so does this mean you and mom are okay again? That we can go back to normal…?"

"I don't know," Junior replied honestly.

"You love my mom, don't you?"

Junior's jaw clenched.

"I figured. Why don't you just tell her?"

"It's not that easy."

"Sure it is."

"Your father—,"

"Mom's not happy with him," Gohan said, shrugging his shoulders. He sounded incredibly pitiful. "But… with you… she smiles a lot, and you two almost kiss a lot." Junior chose not to admit that Chi Chi had just peppered quite a few kisses to his face, though presumably in the heat of the moment. He didn't know if those counted.

They could hear Chi Chi's voice out in the hallway, and Junior fought to sit up, while Gohan slid down in his lap.

"I've got to go use the bathroom," Gohan said suddenly, though he looked pointedly at Junior. "You should talk to mom." He slid down, then, and left Junior to clutch at his rib. He could hear Gohan stop to talk to Chi Chi, before the woman herself entered the room.

She seemed nervous, and Junior could feel his throat dry up.

"Hi."

"Hey."

She slowly came over, standing beside the bed. "Sorry about that—the Mrs. Daimao thing, it's just—,"

"Gohan told me," Junior said, and licked his lips. "It's not… that bad, though, is it?" He immediately wanted to stab himself. Maybe if he reversed time, he could convince Son Goku to murder him, so that he never would have said that. It was perhaps the most humiliating moment of his life.

Chi Chi's face looked a startling pink. "Oh."

He gritted his teeth. "It's just that… Milk." She looked at him, surprised by the nickname. "I—want to be with you, and Gohan." He closed his eyes. "I'm tired of pretending that I don't—that I don't want to. I don't want to pretend like I don't have feelings anymore." He sounded almost constipated, and he hated that, but he couldn't make himself sound natural, try as he might.

"Junior," Chi Chi whispered, and he knew from the lilt in her voice what came next. He released a shuttering sigh, before he sat back down on the pillows, and clenched his eyes shut.

"It's fine." He managed to make his voice sound all right, even though inside he was falling apart at the seams. "You don't—I got it. You don't have to formally tell me no."

"Junior, that's not it," Chi Chi protested, and he felt her hands knot up in the sheets beside his arm. "Please—I—I want to be with you, too," she admitted, "but—,"

"I got it," Junior snarled, finally opening his eyes to glare at her. "You don't have to say it. Please."

Chi Chi bit her lip, and furrowed her brow. She seemed to think about something for a moment, before she moved forward. "Junior… do you understand what you're asking… what you're proposing? You'd become a father, a boyfriend, potentially a husband. You'd live with us, spend all your time with us. You'd have to take care of Gohan—that means school, meals, performances. With me you'd have to talk, listen, pay bills, and—,"

"Milk… is there a single thing on that list that I don't already do?"

Chi Chi froze, and stared. "I—oh. You're… you're right…"

Junior frowned. "Milk, I'm not going to force you, either way. But… a little bird told me that I needed to at least come out and say it. That… I love you and Gohan." He met her gaze, and forced iron that he didn't feel into everything he said, and how he sat.

"A little bird…?" Chi Chi's face lit with comprehension, before she slowly came forward. "Gohan… wanted you to tell me all this?"

"Yes."

"Oh," Chi Chi's chest rose and fell with rapid succession, before he was suddenly grabbed rather forcibly by the jaw. She dragged his face close to hers. "You sure about this?"

"Yes." His heart leapt up to his throat, and he realized he liked that she was essentially man-handling him closer. He anticipated the kiss, his breath mingling with hers.

"Good." She released him, and slid off the bed, leaving him completely and utterly at a loss. "I'll talk to Goku, then."

He stared.

"You didn't think I would just make-out with you—Junior, I'm still a married woman!" Chi Chi looked scandalized, and he glared at her. "Don't give me that look." She softened. "I'm not going to want to date for some time. And… I still have to talk to him."

"Talk to who?"

Junior groaned and flopped back into his pillows, as he recognized the spiky haired son of a bitch that was peering in at him. There stood Son Goku, with Gohan not far behind. Gohan had scuttled in, and clambered back into the hospital bed, where Junior welcomed him.

Chi Chi seemed astonished at the sight of him.

"I thought you had to pretend we were married to get in here?" Junior grumbled.

"On the first day, when you were in the ICU," she explained, looking nervously to her actual husband.

"Sorry about knocking you out, buddy." Goku rubbed at the back of his head, and Junior noticed that the man was carrying a box. "Gohan told me all about that promise you guys had—and hey, I didn't realize you were such a good guy!" His laugh was boyish and infectious, and Junior hated it on principle. Junior's laugh sounded stupid.

"Why are you here, Goku…?"

"Well, I wanted to pay my new buddy a visit." Goku grinned, and stepped closer to the bed. Junior bit back the growl that rose in his throat. "Here ya go!" He proffered up what Junior realized was a box of chocolates.

"My species is lactose intolerant," Junior snarled. Gohan giggled, and Goku puckered his lips.

"Gee, sorry, Junior!"

Junior sighed. "It's fine, Son. Give it to Gohan."

"Wait—he hasn't had dinner yet," Chi Chi protested. Both Goku and Junior snorted, and set the boy up to receive the candy. The woman planted her fists on her hips, but let Gohan tear into the candies without further protest. She did collect herself, however, enough to place a small hand onto Goku's bicep.

Junior tightened his grip around Gohan's midsection.

"C'mon, Goku… walk me to the vending machine?" They left, and Gohan finally squirmed in Junior's grasp.

"I know you're nervous Mr. Junior, but you're crushing me."

Junior released him, looking slightly guilty. "Sorry, kid…"

"So you n' mom talked?"

"Yeah… now she's got to talk to your dad. So much damn talking…"

Gohan gave him a sympathetic pat on the arm, and only smeared three inches worth of chocolate onto him. He sighed.


Goku was chattering happily, and Chi Chi hated to interrupt him. She found she liked it when they were alone, walking down the halls, with nothing at stake. It was nice, to have him at her side, and to hear his voice, warm and familiar.

"Goku," she said, and he turned to her, that wonderful smile on his face. It was remarkable, she decided, how different Junior and Goku really were. All of Goku's smiles were so soft and warm, and they had that homey quality to them. They lit up every room, and you couldn't be angry when you saw his teeth flashed your way. Junior's smiles were… rare, and pointy. Chi Chi didn't know what was actually pleasant about them, but they were still nice, especially if you were what caused them.

"What's up, Cheech?"

"I… wanted to talk to you about… about divorce."

Goku halted, his face a puzzled mess as he stared at her. "What…?"

Chi Chi pressed her lips into a thin line. "A divorce."

"Cheech—why—?"

"Because…" Chi Chi leaned against the wall, feeling the cool texture beneath her fingers. Around them the bustle of the hospital still went on, and she saw people hobbling about, and nurses rushing to and from. "Because I don't want to be unhappy anymore."

Goku's brow furrowed, and his eyes softened. His spiked hair fell across his forehead, and she wanted to cry at how wonderful he looked. "Cheech… are you not happy?"

"No… no, I'm not. And… and if you give up fighting to stay home with me n' Gohan, then you won't be either." Chi Chi gulped, and she stared up at her husband. "Goku—think about it. Do you really want to give up on fighting?"

"Well, no," Goku admitted, though he had the decency to look rather shame-faced about it. "But—that doesn't matter. I'm going to come home, and be with you n' Gohan. Chi Chi, you know that I love you and him, more than anything."

"I know you do, Goku," Chi Chi bit her lip, and stepped forward. She wasn't going to cry this time. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and tightened her grip. "And I love you, that's why—I still want a divorce."

"I'll do anything to make you happy," Goku said, and he looked serious for once. His larger hand lifted to cover hers, and his smile was tinged with sadness. "I'm no good with legal stuff, though, y'know—you're gonna have to help me there."

"Goku, I'm the one that handled all of our marriage stuff, trust me, I know." Chi Chi laughed, and she did feel the tiniest pinprick of tears. "Now come on. I'm going to grab some chips." They collected the food and returned to the hospital room, where Junior was antagonizing his nurse.

"Sir, please, with your rib condition that child—,"

"Touch him, Debra, and I'll make sure you'll have several new holes to breath out of," Junior snapped at the desperate woman. The woman turned as soon as Chi Chi entered, at which point she quickly flung herself at Chi Chi for moral support.

"Mrs. Daimao, please—your husband is being belligerent—,"

"No, I'm not." Goku looked mystified as he squinted his eyes up at a flustered Chi Chi.

Debra barely spared him a passing glance, before Chi Chi quickly intervened.

"It's fine. Junior, c'mon, she's trying to help you." Chi Chi glowered at the Namek, who very pointedly snapped his fangs in her direction. Gohan remained comfortably seated on Junior's torso, where he seemed to feel no obligation to move from. He was obviously clinging, and wasn't willing to budge.

"She can fuck off," Junior growled, and gave her a rather rude gesture. "The kid stays. He's comfortable, and my ribs are fine."

"Three broken ribs isn't fine!" Chi Chi shouted back, her nose already scrunched. "Are you an absolute moron?! Gohan, baby, I know you want to be with Mr. Junior, but the nurse is kindly asking for you to leave the bed."

"My ribs are okay, and Gohan isn't hurting anything." Junior sneered at her, earning him a rather strangled noise from the mother.

Goku stood next to them all, a large grin planted on his face.

"Gee, you guys sure do get along well. I feel real bad about beatin' ya up now, Junior!"

Junior bit back whatever retort he had as Chi Chi punched him rather hard on the arm, and grabbed up Gohan.

"Ow!"

"You said you didn't hurt that bad," Chi Chi sniffed, as she held Gohan in her grasp. It was rather comical, considering the boy had been growing, and was already almost his mother's height. "Now, we'll be back later. I expect you to have learned to control yourself a little in the meantime." She set Gohan down, and gave him a quick little pat, sending him away after Goku.

Junior jutted his chin out, and slunk down into the hospital bed as Debra quickly fluttered back over to her previous position.

"And Junior…" Her eyes lit upon the tile, and she chewed at the inside of her lip. "I talked to Goku… and if you give me some time, then we can talk about us later."

I'm not... happy with this

But the next chapter will potentially be the last