Disclaimer: I do not own Dbz, it's characters or plotline; this belongs to Akria Toriyama and Toei Animation.

Notes: Last Chapter before Christmas! I'm posting a bit behind schedule; the Christmas chapter will be posted by the end of Boxing Day at the latest! I also just wanted to give y'all a quick heads up that this chapter will be a bit heavier the second half as Gohan and Videl share some secrets that they've been holding onto.

Thank you.

Gohan's POV

KNOCK, KNOCK!

I lower my hand from the door and adjust the strap of my bag hanging across my shoulder, waiting patiently on the front cement steps just outside of Videl's house. After waiting for a few moments with no answer, I turn and walk to the edge of the front steps to look out at the garden, which takes up the whole entire back and left side of the house. The garden is similar to the many indoor gardens that Bulma has at her place, filled with various exotic plants and flowers, the area very well-kept by their gardeners.

It's actually kind of odd; neither Mr. Satan nor Videl really strike me as being gardeners or flower connoisseurs. Maybe it's just for show, probably designed by the contractor when the house was built-

Sensing someone approaching the front door from the inside, I make my way back to stand in front of it, becoming immensely more nervous when I recognize the ki signature as the door opens, revealing Mr. Satan. Upon recognizing my face, he hastily swings the door open all the way, giving me one of his comical wide toothy smiles. I tilt my head and back down as I politely bow in respect, remembering all of the mannerisms Mom had taught me to formally greet people.

"Hello, Mr. Satan. It's good to see you again." I raise my head as Mr. Satan steps to the side, beckoning me to enter his home with a swing of his arm.

"Well, hey there, Gohan! Videl told me you were coming by to do some studying and whatnot. C'mon in. She's not finished getting dressed yet but I want to have a quick talk with you before I have to leave for my trip." I silently nod before stepping into the house and close the door behind me, always amazed to see the inside of the luxurious house.

Mom would lose her mind if she were to ever step foot in here, having only heard tales about the size of this place from Videl, the bored description not quite doing it justice. The entranceway alone is larger than my entire house, and then some-

BARK, BARK!

I smile as I watch Bee turns the corner to come into the foyer, skidding along the laminate floors, his nails surely leaving marks in his wake as he takes his short but quick strides over to greet me. Bee, coming in fast, slides into my legs, looking up at me happily as he wags his tail along the floor. Naturally, when Bee is in the room, Buu is never that far behind. As if on cue, Buu also comes running in from the same direction, his large gloved hands swinging happily at his sides as he skips over to me, sending me an enthusiastic wave with both arms waving over his head.

"Hey, Buu, Bee. How are you guys doing?" Bending low, I squat down to scratch Bee on the head, laughing as he unceremoniously flips onto his back, wiggling his stomach up at me.

BARK, BARK!

"Hi, strong boy! You come to play with Buu today?" I look up as Buu comes to stop in front of me, his head tilted to the side as he looks down at me with curiosity. Placing my hands on my knees, I straighten my back as I rise up, giving Buu an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Buu; I'm afraid I won't be able to play with you today. I'm actually here to do some school stuff with Videl. Maybe we can play next time I come over, okay?" Buu lets out an exaggerated huff at my words, crossing his arms as he turns his head the other way, a childish pout on his face.

Geez, it's almost like talking to Goten-

Mr. Satan lets out a hearty laugh at Buu's tantrum as he walks over to Buu, taking one of Buu's large gloved hands in his as he pats his arm with the other hand, trying to soothe the powerful pink alien. Bee, also sensing Buu's sadness, turns over on the floor, shifting back onto his legs as he stands up. Bee gives my fingers a quick lick before running over to Buu, playfully licking and nipping the pink skin of Buu's legs, trying to cheer him up. Mr, Satan gives him one last pat on the arm before speaking, using a tone like a father would to a child.

"That's okay, Buu! You're coming with me on my trip, remember? We're going to have tons of fun together, just you, me and Bee! Oh! There will be tons of games, and food too; all you can eat! Won't that be fun?" Buu instantly perks up at the mention of food, smiling happily as he claps his hands, the sound echoing loudly in the foyer.

Buu nods his head at Mr. Satan, now filled with a newfound excitement as he bends down to pick up a barking Bee, giving me a quick wave before running down the hall where they had come from. Several loud bangs and crashes are heard down the hall, causing many of the maids and chefs to scream after them. Only moments later, the voice of an elder woman is heard chastising both of them, having no idea of the inhuman power that Buu holds behind his child-like personality. I laugh as Mr. Satan lets out an exhausted sigh, shaking his head as he too stares off in the direction Buu and Bee had run, not even bothering to go assess the damage.

I can't even imagine the amount of trouble those two get into; I don't know how Mr. Satan does it. I guess it's a good thing he's as wealthy as he is; otherwise, I'm not sure how he would even be able to afford Buu's diet and maintenance..Come to think of it, I suppose Mom is in a similar boat sometimes...

I follow Mr. Satan into one of his many large rec rooms, filled with several leather couches, a couple of large televisions, and a full-sized bar. The room is dimly lit, only having spotlights shining on several mantels and shelves. As we walk across the room, I notice many of the glass cabinets on the walls are filled with various trophies, medals, and awards, probably for his martial arts accomplishments and for when he saved the world. He walks down into the large dug-in pit where the couches and are laid out, sitting down in the middle of one of the leather couches before gesturing to the one across from him.

I wonder what Mr. Satan wants to talk about; whatever it is, I'm sure it has to do with Videl and our relationship; that has been the hot topic for the past couple of days. I know that he is aware that Videl and I are together; so, I guess I'll be finding out whether or not he approves. I still remember our encounter at Bulma's last party; he made it pretty clear that he didn't want me anywhere near Videl.

I sit down, feeling the nerves set in as Mr. Satan and I make eye contact, searching each other's eyes to try to figure out what the other is thinking. As we sit in silence, I begin to worry about what Mr. Satan knows about Videl and I, and the extent of our relationship. He continues to eye me up and down as his elbows raise up, resting his arms on the back of the couch. After sitting for a few more minutes, the uncomfortable silence becomes unbearable, prompting me to open my mouth to initiate the conversation.

"S-so...sir. What did you want to-"

"Just what are your intentions with my daughter?" I stare back at Mr. Satan incredulously, the invasive question taking me by surprise, causing me to stutter as I try to form an appropriate response that will do the least amount of damage.

"M-my...intentions? Mr. Satan, I-"

"Don't play innocent with me, boy. I was your age once; I know exactly how the mind of a horny teenager works; with your sex and alcohol, and whatnot. I know this isn't hard to believe, but I was quite the ladies man- well...still the ladies man- and I am very much aware of the trouble kids your age get into. You may seem like a goody-two-shoes right now, but copping a feel can be a game-changer for small-town country boys like you." I find Mr. Satan's voice to be discrediting and demeaning, speaking to me as if he were scolding a child.

Mr. Satan is seriously going down this route...again? Why does he assume the worst of my intentions; how could he think that I...that I've only got my lustful self-interest in mind? Does he have any idea of how much I care about her?

Mr. Satan removes his arms from the back of the couch to cross over his chest which is puffed out, likely trying to appear intimidating and authoritative. I lean forward on the couch as my hands unconsciously clench on my lap, feeling both defensive and offended at Mr. Satan's presumptuous words. I manage to maintain eye contact with his challenging blue eyes, determined to not back down or relent in my pursuit of I take a calming breath, trying to stay level-headed as I open my mouth to reply, struggling to keep my voice calm and collected.

"With all due respect, sir, I'm not trying to-"

"Of course you're trying to seduce my baby girl, and you're not the first boy to try either. She's got offers coming in from men all over the world, rich and successful men that would leap at the chance for even so much as a date. So, if you think you can just woo my daughter with your crazy magic powers, you can think again. As her father, it is my responsibility to make sure Videl is safe-"

"Sir, that isn't just your responsibility!..." Mr. Satan leans back, his hardened expression faltering into astonishment at the audacity of my untimely interruption.

Oh.

I find myself taken aback by my own words as well, unclenching my fists as I realize that I am now standing up, looking down at Mr. Satan with widened eyes, unsure of what to do next. I stare down at him for a moment and, despite my own surprise at my outburst, I manage to keep my demeanor firm and unwavering. After recovering from the initial shock, he raises his brow and leans forward once again, but he does not speak. I hold his eye contact as I lower myself back onto the couch, determined to use his silence as an opportunity to speak my mind with unyielding certainty and earnest.

"...It's mine as well. I care about Videl, and I would do anything to protect her. She's not just a classmate, a crime-fighting partner, or a friend...she's...I...I love her..." I shift my gaze to my lap, watching my hands come together on my thighs as I let my feelings for Videl drive the rest of my unprepared confession.

"...There are times when...when I wasn't there when she needed me, or when I wasn't strong enough to protect her. I know now that, in order to protect her, I have to become stronger. I love her so much, and I want you to know and understand that I will never let anything happen to her again." I feel my chest becoming tighter with each word, trying not to be consumed by all of the negative and painful memories that still haunt me.

I don't ever want to experience that again...the pain of almost losing Videl; I can't. I will make sure that Videl is kept away from that part of my life; I don't want to expose her to such terrible things...

I look up from my lap at the sound of movement coming from across the table, surprised to see that Mr. Satan had risen off of his couch, looking down at me with a grim and serious expression. The look doesn't suit his typical flamboyant and ostentatious personality and, for the moment, I almost miss it. I watch as he walks around the short table separating us, coming to stand next to me before lowering himself onto the couch beside me, still avoiding eye contact as he chooses to stare at the wall in front of us while he speaks.

"I heard about what happened last week...with that fire. I just wanted to say...thank you...to you and that green fellow; thank you for saving Videl. I don't know what I'd do if anything were to happen to her. Losing my wife was hard enough...I can't lose her too, which is why I am thankful that she has you..." My eyes widen as he turns his head, finally looking back at me with a small smile, his demeanor now filled with sincerity and happiness with every word as he continues to speak.

"...I may come off as a stubborn father, hell-bent on keeping Videl to myself, but the truth is...I'm just not ready to let go of her; not yet. For the longest time, it's just been me and Videl, and now I'm feeling like I'm losing her. I know you're a good man and...and I know you respect Videl and you've proven time and time again that if she were to be safe and happy with anyone...that person would be you." At his final word, he reaches up his closest hand to me and places it on my shoulder, squeezing gently as he continues to smile back at me.

I won't let down Videl or Mr. Satan; I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

"Thank you, sir. Your approval really means a lot to me...and I'm sure it means the world to Videl." I watch as Mr. Satan gives me a brief nod before swinging his hand back to give me a firm smack on the shoulder.

"Yea, well...don't go thinking this means you two can go off and start running around humping like rabbits! She's still my little baby girl and I don't need to be a grandfather anytime soon! So, you better mind your hands while I'm gone, punk!"

I understand Mr.Satan's concerns...but his execution could use some improvement.

Videl's POV

"-and did you see the way he styled his hair yesterday?" I roll my eyes as I step out of my bathroom, turning off the lights behind me as I cross my bedroom.

"You mean...the same way he styles it...just like the day before...and every single day before that?" I try to hold back the sarcastic tone in my voice but sometimes I can't help myself when it comes to Erasa, feeling myself needing to compensate for her overly cheery and bubbly attitude.

I love Erasa; she's like the sister I never had. That being said, she's without a doubt the most dramatic person I have ever met, taking second place behind Dad, of course. She is able to turn even the smallest of situations into a whole broadway production, always dragging me right into the eye of the storm with her.

I shift my hands to tighten the white bath towel around my body as I make my way towards my large walk-in closet, shivering when the room temperature air hits my exposed shoulders and legs. After looking through my seemingly endless amount of clothing, I decide to opt for a more comfortable look, picking out a plain matching white bra and panties, an oversized grey t-shirt dress and a pair of white socks. I struggle to gather the clothes in my arms, dropping several pieces along the way while still holding the phone to my ear, listening to Erasa's ongoing ranting.

"No, Videl! Come on! Didn't you notice the subtle sheen when the light hit his highlights just right? Or the way it smelled? Something was totally different! He obviously used a new hair gel! Geez, Videl; you really need to pay attention to detail!" I unconsciously raise my brow at Erasa's zealous explanation, silently reminding myself that my sarcastically comical facial expressions would do no good being on the phone.

I can't even count the number of late-night chit-chats Erasa has dragged me into; most of the conversations focusing solely on Sharpner and, more often than not, his hair. Erasa knows Sharpner even better than he knows himself, having knowledge of his favorite food, drink, candy, movie, music and even the name of his teddy bear he keeps hidden in his underwear drawer. What's worse, is now my head is filled with years and years worth of useless facts about Sharpner.

"Right...Look, I don't understand why you don't just tell him how you feel; I think this, 'will they, won't they', has gone on long enough. You're usually so forward with everyone else, especially when it comes to flirting. Heck, you were even hitting on Gohan at one point...not that he'd even notice, being so clueless. So, why is Sharpner any different?" I hear Erasa sigh heavily and dramatically on the other end as she clicks her tongue in thought, a habit that she's had since we were kids.

Erasa's tongue clicking is something she only ever does when she is really anxious. I've always known she had a crush on Sharpner, but I'm thinking her feelings for him have surpassed the 'crush phase'. I didn't realize that she was stressing over this...

I stand at the foot of my bed, tossing my clothes on top of my sheets before lowering my phone from my ear as I push a couple of buttons to put it on speaker. I set my phone down on my nightstand, freeing up my hands to dress myself. Shifting the towel off of my body, I quickly pat myself down, visibly shaking when a breeze brushes past the damp spots on my skin. Once I make sure that my body is completely dry, I throw the towel into the laundry basket and reach for my clothes.

"Sharpner is...he's not just some guy...he's the guy. I always knew that he's had a crush on you but that never mattered to me; each day I spend with him...my feelings for him only continue to grow. I know he only sees me as a friend; it's always been this way. So, is it wrong to want more?" I hear the break in Erasa's voice, making the emotions pouring out from her heart in a way that makes me feel like a terrible friend for not taking her situation more seriously.

"Of course it's not wrong, Rase. What is wrong, is your perception of how Sharpner feels about you. I've watched the way you two act when you're around each other, and I've seen the way he looks at you; the chemistry between you two is undeniable. He may not be able to admit it yet, but his feelings for you show in the way he talks to you, the way he looks at you and the way he talks about you. He really respects you, Rase, of that much I'm certain." I shrug my bra straps up my shoulders to their proper place as I move my hands behind my back, groaning in frustration as I fumble with the clasp.

Now I can see why Gohan was getting so frustrated over these stupid things; I could practically feel him gritting his teeth against my lips when he was trying to take it off. Not only that, but his energy was steadily increasing as well; not enough to hurt me, but still abnormally high. I'm honestly surprised he didn't just rip the whole thing right off; that would actually be kind of hot-

"B-but...he-"

"Erasa, Sharpner may have a school-boy crush on me, but the feelings that he has for you are real. It's you that he wants to be with, Rase; it's always been you." I turn around to sit back on my bed with my underwear on, reaching beside me to grab my shirt as I contemplate my words.

I've made it very clear to Sharpner that we would only ever be friends, that there is nothing romantic between us. Since having that discussion with him, he hasn't made any inappropriate comments or called me 'his girl'. Also, based on his behavior from yesterday, with Erasa and Gohan, maybe he really has moved past this...

I slide my t-shirt dress over my head as I listen to the loud shuffling on Erasa's end of the line, easily picturing her pacing anxiously in her bedroom. After pulling my arms and head through the fabric, I let out an exhausted sigh at the sound of her breathing heavily into the microphone as her worrying only escalates. I stand up from the bed to let the dress slide down my thighs, checking in the mirror to make sure it's long enough, the hem resting against my lower thighs. As I wait patiently for Erasa to gather her bearings and find her words, I move back to the edge of my bed and sit down.

"B-but what do I say? Should I tell him? Or should I wait for him to make the first move? Oh, I'm so scared, V! I don't know what I'd do if he rejects me; our friendship would be ruined for sure!" I attempt to reassure Erasa in a soft voice, having understanding the stress and insecurity of being in the same position as she is in not that long ago.

"Don't be scared, Erasa; be confident. Speak from your heart and say what needs to be said; if you know what needs to be said, then don't hold back! Go for it! I know you can-"

"-don't go thinking this means you two can go off and start running around humping like rabbits!"

Of course...some things are better left unsaid.

Gohan's POV

I've come to the conclusion that...studying with Videl...is impossible...

"V-Videl...there's...there's only one more...one more question left-"

I gasp quietly and close my eyes, the muscles in my stomach tightening as Videl teasingly traces her soft lips along my abdomen, nipping lightly on my skin. She continues to push my white long-sleeved shirt farther up my chest, gradually revealing more and more of my skin for her to touch and taste. Overwhelmed by the sensual touch, I lean my head back against the pillow and clutch her bedsheets beneath me in a tight grip, breathing heavily as I try to restrain myself. I feel the bed shift as Videl moves farther up my body, her breath fanning across my skin as she places a gentle kiss over my heart.

"Do you really want to be doing homework right now?... because if so...your body says otherwise, Gohan." I open my mouth to respond to her insinuation, but I choke on my words as Videl's hand unexpectedly reaches down my body, her fingers roughly wrapping around my hardened member over top of my red pants.

After quickly opening my eyes, I'm immediately drawn to a breathless Videl, staring up at her flushed cheeks and swollen panting lips. She had moved to sit on top of my thighs, smirking down at me as she continues to hold my tent in her right hand. Her smirk only increases as she strokes up slightly, causing me to loudly moan her name, no longer feeling the need to keep quiet in the large empty house. I know I need to stop her before it's too late, but making no move to do so, caught up in the new pleasurable stimulation.

Videl's left-hand reaches down, resting on my right pectoral to balance her weight as she leans down, bringing her face closer to mine. My hands continue to hold the sheets, worried about what I would do next if I let go; worried that I will hurt her if she pushes me too far. I'm about to open my mouth against hers, needing to taste her mouth, but she suddenly pulls away, looking down at me with a concerned expression, her hand releasing my crotch before reaching up to rest her hand on top of my tense one, squeezing lightly.

W-why is she looking at me like that? I did something; I s-screwed up. I...I can't-

"Gohan? Are you okay? I'm sorry if I-"

"N-no! I'm the one that should be apologizing. I've been...distracted lately. There's just something weighing heavily on me and I...I don't..." My voice trails off, seeing her expression triggers something painful inside of me, reminding me of the way she had looked at me in my nightmare.

Great. I managed to mess things up with Videl in my nightmare and in reality. What if...what if my nightmare was a sign; what if Videl really is afraid of-

I am pulled from my thoughts as Videl's hand grips mine, removing the sheets from my hand as she runs her thumb along my fingers. Continuing to look into my eyes with her light blue ones, she raises my hand up to her mouth, gently pressing several gentle kisses along my knuckles. I find her touch soothing, finding myself calming down as I lose myself in her loving eyes, unable to look away.

"Come with me; I want to show you something." Videl pulls my shirt back down to cover my chest and grabs my hand, pulling me into a sitting position as she throws her legs off of the bed to sit on the edge.

Videl takes my hand and gently pulls me off of the bed, wordlessly guiding me across her room and over to her balcony doors. After moving the curtains to the side, she looks back at me and smiles before opening the doors, letting the cold winter breeze flood into her room. I allow her to guide me through the frame to stand on her balcony, looking out at the garden below us.

Why is she taking me out here?

We hop over the railing and descend to the grass below, touching down in front of a large cement fountain. I take a moment to silently admire the statue surrounded by the water, my eyes tracing along the intricate details of the woman in the middle. The cement woman wears a peaceful smile, appearing as though she were dancing in the fountain, her skirt flaring out as her hands are up over her head in an elegant pose. I further study the woman's face, taking note of the structure and elegant features that bring a nostalgic sense of familiarity.

I've seen this woman before...her face-

"This garden was built before I was born, in dedication to my...to my mother." My eyes widen as her words take me back to when I had seen her photo in Videl's room, nearly mistaking Videl's mother for her.

I remember that day in her bedroom...I had asked Videl about her mother, but she said she wasn't ready to talk about her yet; what changed?

Videl turns her back to the fountain before lowering herself down, taking a seat on the lip surrounding the water. I mimic her position, our shoulders and thighs touching as I move to sit down next to her. I look to my side to see her head down, staring down at her hands on her lap, struggling to continue to speak. Sensing her distress, I reach both of my hands over, taking both of her hands in mine as I try to encourage her to continue.

"It's okay, Videl. Take your time." Videl looks up at me gratefully, giving me a quick nod before looking out into the garden, ready to continue her story.

"My mom...she loved nature, spending most of her time out here. My Dad has built this whole garden just for her when I was six; Dad even let me pick out some of the flowers to plant. I...I still remember the look on her face when he walked her out here; she fell in love with the beauty. She would take me on walks every day along the path; sometimes we would even bring a picnic basket and we would sit underneath one of the trees...until..." I give Videl's hands a supportive squeeze as she takes in a shaky breath, struggling to continue.

"...until one day Mom got...she got really sick from an illness that, at the time...there was nothing that could be done. I-I watched her for months...getting sicker and weaker. S-she passed away when I was nine. It was h-hard and I...I don't like to share this side of me because...I..." I listen to Videl's words trail off as her head tilts downward, trying to hide her face from mine.

I hate seeing Videl like this...seeing her so broken and in pain. I wish that...I wish that there was more that I could do for her; I feel so useless right now...just like last time...

Pulling gently on her hands, I guide her towards my body, allowing the side of her head to rest against my shoulder as my arms release hers to wrap around her back and side, holding her close. I place a small kiss on her forehead before tilting my head to rest my cheek against her hair, lightly breathing in the calming natural aroma. I move my hand in a circular motion soothingly on her back as I feel her body quivering against mine, feeling her still trying to self-regulate her pain.

"It's okay, Videl. I don't want you to ever feel like you need to put up a front for me; you don't have to be strong all the time. Please, Videl; let me help you." I feel her nod weakly against my chest, continuing to bury her face into my shirt, my heart tightening at the sound of her gasping in between her tears.

Videl...she always so strong for others, putting up walls to keep everyone else sheltered from her pain. I had no idea that she was hurting just...just like me.

Videl's POV

Just breathe, Videl...I need to stop all of this crying. I can't let Gohan see me like this...

I continue to press my face against Gohan's shirt, being too emotional to care that my fresh tears are soaking into his clothes, probably dampening his skin underneath. He remains quiet against me, showing no indication of letting go as he keeps his arms wrapped around my body, keeping me warm with his ki. I feel my body involuntarily trembling against him, the cold air rushing up my t-shirt dress sending goosebumps forming down my arms and legs.

I gasp quietly, not from the cold, but from Gohan's movements, as he uses one of his hands to grab my legs, bringing them up and sideways to lay across his lap. With this new position, I am able to move in closer to him, pressing my face into the side of my neck as my hands move up to lay on his chest, tracing the wet stains on his shirt. One of his hands remains firm around my back, while the other stays on my legs, gently rubbing his calloused hands up and down my thighs and calves, trying to warm my skin. I look up to give him a grateful smile before stretching my neck to place a small kiss on his chin.

How did I get so lucky? Here I am practically draping myself over him, sobbing like a child, and he's being so...so understanding and comforting.

"Thank you, Gohan...for listening to me and for...for holding me like this. I wanted to tell you sooner, about my Mom, but I just...I don't like it when people see me like this; I hate it. There are few people that I feel comfortable sharing my feelings with...few people that I can trust." Gohan smiles down at me, his dark eyes just as warm and loving as his voice.

"And I'm glad to be one of them. I'll always here for you, Videl. If you're ever feeling hurt or afraid, or if you just need someone to talk to, I want you to come to me. I know...I know what it's like, to have these emotions and not knowing how to handle them, but just remember that you're never alone, even when it feels like it." I find myself struggling to blink back fresh tears, my eyes watering once again at his selfless and tender words.

I remove my head from Gohan's warm neck and press my hands against his chest, pushing myself up into a sitting position to see his face better. After a few moments of me squirming in his arms, he reluctantly allows me to pull away from him, looking down at me with a concerned expression. Pulling my left hand off of his chest, I reach up to delicately cup the side of his face, stroking along his cheekbone to soothe his worries as I stare deeply into his onyx eyes.

"And I'll always be here for you, Gohan. I've never felt closer to someone than I have to you; you make me feel safe and...and loved and...and I want you to feel that way too. I think, if you're ready, we should talk about yesterday, when you came into my room; what happened to you that night?" Gohan's expression turns more serious and grim as it had the night before, the pain and sadness evident in his eyes.

"It's...it's not something you should be burdened with. I don't want to upset you by bringing up such terrible memories...memories that no one should ever have to relive; that wouldn't be fair to you-"

"Gohan, please...let me in. What would our relationship be if I'm always relying on you to comfort me, but I can't do the same for you? I want to help you." I shift my hand to pull his face closer to mine but he pulls away, turning his face away from mine.

No, not again. I won't let him pull away from me like this. I let it happen yesterday morning, but not this time; I feel so distant from him, like he's off fighting this battle all alone.

I move my hand from his cheek to grip his shoulder, squeezing tightly as I shift my body upright, pressing my chest against his as I shift my legs from his grasp. I raise myself up onto his lap, swinging my right knee over his hip to rest my legs on either side of him. I bring my arms around his broad shoulders, closing my eyes as I affectionately rub my nose along his. I feel his shaky breath sweep across my lips as he sighs, realizing that I'm not going to let the conversation go so easily.

"That night I...I had a nightmare. I've had bad dreams before, about some...difficult things from my past, but this was on a whole other level. It hurt so much to watch; I didn't understand why I was seeing it..." Gohan removes his forehead against mine, moving his face into my neck as his hands reach up to wrap around my back while the other buries itself into my hair.

I know Gohan has had a traumatic childhood, seeing more terrible things than any child should have to. I'm not surprised that he's experienced night terrors, but I am surprised that has yet to confide in me. Do I have something to do with them? Is that why he came to me that night?

"...I saw him, it was Spopovich; he was hurting you just like...just like at the tournament. Seeing him do those things to you, touching you like that, I...something happened to me; I-I wasn't me. I was filled with so much anger and hatred and it was terrifying..." Gohan continues to hold me possessively as if afraid that someone would try to take me from his arms.

"But that wasn't the worst of it. After I...after I killed him, I felt...good; I felt a power that I have been craving, and I didn't want it to stop." I feel Gohan's staggered breathing against my neck and his hands quivering on my body.

I know that...if Gohan ever did try to kill someone, it would be to protect the people that he loves; it would be to save them. His intentions have always been pure and good. I have never seen him use his power for selfish reasons or to cause someone pain without a reason; that's not him.

I move my head from Gohan's neck to scan the area, making sure we are completely alone, shaded from anyone that may be peeking through the front gate or over the fences. After being sure that we're completely alone, I push gently on his shoulders, moving his head from my face so that I'm able to see his face. Cupping his cheeks in my hands, I pull his face closer to mine, lightly brushing my lips against his in a soft kiss. As I begin to lean away, he tried to pull me in closer, his mouth eagerly reaching for mine. After placing a hand to his chest, he instantly halts his advances, opening his eyes and leaning back to look at me, watching my lips as I take a few panting breathes before speaking.

"Gohan...it was only a nightmare; it wasn't real. You didn't kill him-"

"But I wish that I had!..." I flinch away at Gohan's sudden and uncommon outburst, my eyes widening, shocked by the rise in his voice.

Gohan's eyes widen as well, his hardened dark eyes looking into my blue ones, realizing the force behind his words. His hands release their hold on my hair and back as he tries to lean away, seeming scared of his on reaction. I feel my hand unconsciously clench to grip his shirt, trying to keep his body from pulling away. I know my grip will be futile the second he decided to move, but instead he remains frozen in place, his hands hovering a few inches from my body, now unsure of where to place them. He fumbles with his next words looking around at my features but avoiding my eyes as he speaks to me.

"...I...I'm so sorry, Videl. I didn't mean to yell. It's just...I should've saved you; I should've protected you from that...that monster but...I did nothing. Then, in my nightmare I-I became someone that...someone that you feared; the look in your eyes was enough, I-"

"I'm not afraid of you; I never have been. Mistakes happen and people get hurt, but I have never once blamed you or been afraid of you for any reason. Gohan, I...I trust you with my life; I know that you would never do anything to hurt me. As for your nightmare, those were moments of the past, things that we moved on from because we're strong...we're strong together, you and I, and I don't want to lose that." Gohan's shocked expression softens at my confession, loooking back into my eyes with a newfound certainty.

I gasp quietly as Gohan's hands move back to my body, one resting firmly on my lower back and the other moving up to cup the side of my face. I watch he's eyes dart over my face, scanning my features as his eyes make their way down to my lips. Without warning, he quickly leans forward, pressing a loving but fleeting kiss to my lips. He only pulls back slightly, keeping his lips barley touching mine. With each word he speaks, I feel the brush of his lips faintly against mine but I remain focused on his soft words.

"Do you remember what I told you, the night I had dropped you off at home after the fire? I told you that I'll protect you and that I'll never leave your side. I'll keep my promise to you, Videl; no matter what." With his last word spoken, he leans back in, pulling my body closer to his as I, in turn, move my hand back up from his chest to his neck, my fingers burying themselves in his hair as I lose myself in his passion.

I know you'll protect me...and I will do the same for you.