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

Notes: Hey, everyone! Hopefully my updates will be a bit more consistent now that I'm finishing up my classes! I hope everyone is healthy and safe!


Gohan's POV

I can do this...I need to do this.

The longer I wait, the more confidence and courage that I had been building up for this moment slips away, the words I had rehearsed dozens of times in my head are slowly disappearing from my throat. The silence quickly becomes suffocating, torturing me with the doubts and insecurities that have kept me from saying the words that have weighed so heavily on my heart for the past few months. I decide to close my eyes and shakily take several deep and much-needed breaths, trying desperately to calm down the frantic pounding of my heart before continuing with my long-overdue confession. After a few moments of self-regulation and gathering my thoughts, I open my eyes, finding myself filled with the new-found determination to let it all out, knowing that the truth has to come out. All of the emotions that I had kept bottled up until now are poured out in my voice, my anxiety and embarrassment taking the conversation way-off script, a direction beyond my control.

"Videl...there's something that I...I need to tell you, something that I've wanted to tell you for so long now, but...I just..." I reach my left hand up, running my fingers through my hair anxiously before rubbing the back of my neck, quickly becoming more and more frustrated with my stammering.

Stay focused; stay calm.

"...There's been something holding me back, Videl...and it's not uncertainty of my feelings for you or my commitment to our relationship. I...I've never felt this way about someone before, which is why I...I can't keep pretending anymore. I can't keep telling myself that the feelings I have for you are just that of a simple teenage romance between classmates or the bonding between cohorts, because it's not; it is so much more than that...we are more than that..." My heavy words trail off into a quiet whisper meant for no one else to hear, feeling my face becoming flushed as I open my eyes to stare back at equally widened ones.

"...I've known you for less than a year, and it's already felt like a life-time. Sometimes, I think you know me better than anyone else, even myself. You know what I'm capable of; you have faith in me and inspire me. You're always pushing me to be the best version of myself, someone that is strong, brave, and selfless...someone that I want to be not only for myself, but for you..." I lower my hand from the back of my neck and clench both of my fists tightly at my sides, my knuckles turning white from the tension in my hand.

I can do this.

"...Videl...I...I..."

Just three words.

"...Damn it, Videl! I love you!"

I quickly look up to catch my own eye in the bathroom mirror, embarrassment flooding my cheeks and contorting my lips into a soured grimace as my own words replay mockingly in my head. I left out a defeated sigh before unclenching my hands and bringing them forward to rest on the lip of Videl's bathroom sink, holding the marble with a tight yet controlled grip. I press my weight onto my straightened and stiff arms, allowing my eyes to fall shut once again as my head tilts downwards in disappointment, my confession going not at all as I had meticulously structured it in my mind. Letting out an exhausted sigh, I reflect on my jumbled words, carefully analyzing its weaknesses and frailties, trying to figure out exactly where it had all went wrong. I give my head a small shake before ruefully looking back up into my reflection, feeling crossed between the urge to either laugh at myself or put my fist through the mocking glass.

"If I can't even confess these feelings to myself...how will I be able to confess them to Videl? How can I do this without sounding so...flakey." I push my weight off of the counter and make my way towards the glass doors of Videl's oversized shower, taking hold of the handle as I prepare to open it.

Speaking of Videl, I wonder what could possibly be taking her so long downstairs? She's been gone for quite some time now. I know she told me to wait here for her, and that she'd be back soon, but maybe I should-

BUZZ, BUZZ!

"Hmm?...Someone's calling me-"

Oh. Oh no.

BUZZ, BUZZ!

I sigh heavily in exasperation before raising my watch up into my view, no at all surprised at the name that appears on the small screen, knowing deep down that this conversation would be inevitable. I let the watch vibrate on my wrist for a moment, inwardly hoping that the caller would either give up and end the call or leave a voicemail. Knowing that neither of those scenarios are likely, I decide to take the call out of the bathroom, walking back over to Videl's oversized bed to take a seat on the edge. During my short walk across the room, I delve into the most tactful parts of my mind to come up with a suitable excuse as to mine and Videl's absence at the part, as well as my reasoning for not returning home last night. After sitting down and taking another deep breath, knowing that it would be unwise to ignore the call, I press the small black button on the side of the watch, picking up the line.

I already know I'm going to regret this...

"Mom, I was actually just about to call-"

"Like heck you were! Where are you, Gohan? Why didn't you come home last night?" I momentarily wince at the sound of Mom's high-pitched and demanding voice, drawing the watch slightly away from my face as not wanting to take the full front of the sound.

I suppose I brought this on myself; I have a feeling I won't be making it out of this conversation unscathed...and I'm honestly a bit surprised that Mom hadn't made a move to hunt me down sooner; maybe her alcohol intake at the party really caught up to her. That, or Dad may have played a role in it. Regardless, how I frame my explanation for my absence can really tip the balance from a heated lecture to a beating to the head with her pan.

"I'm...well...I'm actually at Videl's house at the moment. You see-"

"Videl's house?! So, that's where you two few off to last night? You know, if you wanted time alone with Videl, you didn't have to mysteriously leave in the middle of the party! Do you have any idea what people were saying about you two? Do you know how your little tryst made Hercule and I feel? All we could do was pace around and assume the worst!" I let out a gruff sigh before letting my upper body fall back onto the plush bed in acknowledgement of my inevitable defeat, recalling how it felt to be at the butt of many teasing jokes.

Oh, I've got a pretty good idea as to what they were saying...and it's probably nothing that I haven't already heard before. Whether it be at school or family parties, there is always something to be said for my relationship with Videl. Gossip on Videl and I is spreading like wildfire but I'm sure that, with time, everyone will move on to gossip about something or somebody else...right? Surely, people can't cling onto this forever...

"It's okay, Mom. They're just casual jokes between friends and family; we go through this at every get-together. You know how those guys are; I'm sure it was just some light-hearted teasing and they meant nothing by it. Also, I wouldn't call it a tryst; all we wanted was to take a breather from the party. We certainly didn't intend to be gone for so long or cause anyone to worry." I stare up at the ceiling as I lift my hand up to my head, roughly running my fingers through my hair before bending my arm to place the hand behind my head as a make-shift pillow.

"Still, you should've at least let your Father or myself know that you were leaving. Just because you and Videl are dating, doesn't mean you get to go off galivanting around at all hours of the night; you're both still young and need to be accounted for. I get it. I was young too once. I understand the thrill of venturing off and spending time alone together. I'm not saying that you two being together is a bad thing, but there needs to be more trust and communication going on between us, that includes Videl and her father as well. So then, if you're planning to stay out all night without asking first, then at least be sure to call to let me know. I thought something may have been wrong; I was just about to send your father out to find you." I quickly dart up into a sitting position at Mom's last few words, the panic setting in as I recall the embarrassment from mine and Dad's last encounter in Videl's bedroom.

"N-no! I-I mean...No, thank you, Mom. That...uh-really won't be necessary. Both of us are fine, really. Videl and I had some stuff that we needed to discuss in private...but I know that's no excuse for not staying in touch. I'm sorry for leaving without saying anything; I really didn't mean to worry you and we meant no disrespect-"

My whole body freezes in an instant, a fearful chill running up my spine as I sense the abrupt change in Videl's ki signature, the energy suddenly dropping lower than it should be. Without an explanation, I quickly end the call, ignoring the sound of Mom's questioning voice on the other end before the conversation is cut off. My mind quickly works to analyze the situation while my body is already moving on a protective instinct, carrying me out of her bedroom and into the kitchen in what could have only been in a matter of seconds. I don't give the broken glass or the open door a second thought, my mind solely focused on Videl's unconscious form laying limp on the floor. I quickly move to her side, kneeling down to the floor beside her and gently turning her body over, resting her upper back in my hands to keep her body off of the glass. My eyes are quickly drawn to the small bump on her right temple, the small area of skin turning a dark shade of purple, but the skin remaining intact and unbroken.

What's going on?!

"Videl? Can you hear me?" I gently run the pads of my fingers along the bruise and through her hair, checking to ensure that there was no blood residue on my fingers, my concerns growing as she does not respond to my touch or voice.

Please be alright, Videl...

I diligently sense her ki once again for any abnormalities and scanning my eyes over the exposed skin that remains uncovered by her robe, letting a relieved sigh escape my lips as there appears to be no further presenting injuries. Looking up from Videl's body, now more focused and relaxed with the reassurance that Videl had not sustained life-threatening injuries, I utilize my ki sensing abilities to search the entire house. After a few moments of concentration, I determine that the perpetrator was no longer in the house or near the premises, likely having taken leave soon after he/she had struck Videl on the head. My eyes shift around the room, eyeing the space for any indication that there had been anyone else in the house, but the only indication of foul play was the broken glass door. Shifting my hardened gaze back down to Videl's sleeping expression, I quickly find myself drowning in an overwhelming sense of guilt and shame for being caught off-guard by someone with a tremendously lower power to my own.

There has to be more to this story. There's no way that someone with such a low level of ki could sneak up behind Videl and knock her out like this...unless...they may have been manipulating their ki to lead Videl and I into a false sense of security before striking, knowing that my guard would be down...But even then, why not kill her? If not Videl's life...then what were they after?...


Videl's POV

D-damn it, my head...

"...Videl...can you hear me?..." The familiar voice speaking somewhere to my side is faint and distant, gradually lulling me from the unprecedented darkness and back into reality as my senses become active once again.

That voice...

I let out a muffled moan in pain as my head begins to ache with a violent throbbing, the pressure worsening as my head is being tilted upright, sending another wave of pain that extends throughout my entire body as the rest of my body soon follows. I instinctively flinch my body away as I feel a set of larger arms wrap around my body, their aura easily overpowering my own in a pressure that forces my body to comply to their will. By the forced change in my body's position, and the gentle yet assertive touch of someone else's hands on my body, I become certain that I am being lifted off of the ground to be carried in their arms. I try to open my eyes to identify the person holding me, but my vision is only met with the bare skin of their chest as my face is pressed against it, enabling me from seeing their face. As I use my hands to push against the assailants chest, I quickly feel panic beginning to rise to the back of my head as my efforts are clearly in vain, my struggling seeming to have little to no effect.

What's going on...?

After what only felt like a few short moments later of my futile attempts to break free of the hold, I let out a quiet and strained gasp in surprise as my back makes contract with what feels like the comforter on my bed, my body sinking into the sheets as I am placed down. I quickly open my eyes, my vision still hazy, yet I am able to recognize Gohan's form sitting on the side of the bed beside me, a concerned expression adorning his features as he stares down at my stomach. His eyes are held absentmindedly on my body, but I can tell his mind is somewhere else, probably trying to make sense of the concerning situation. Noticing his hand pressed on the bed, not far from my own, I slowly reach over to run my fingers over the back of his hand, snapping him out of his daze. His dark and panicked eyes meet with mine, his whole body turning to face me as his hand shifts from underneath mine to hold it in a gentle and comforting grip.

"Videl! Hey, are you okay? Are you in any pain?" I give Gohan a brief nod before shifting my body to prop myself up on my forearms, wincing in the process as my head continues to ache with the movement.

Any pain? That might be a bit of an understatement; my head feels like it's about to burst, not that I would tell Gohan though. He's already overprotective as it is without me giving him more to worry about, and I can already tell he's on-edge from what happened. I haven't seen him like this since the hospital fire, and even then it was weeks before he recovered from the stress that traumatic experience put him through. I can't do that to him again...I won't.

"Y-yea...I'm just a little dizzy but I'll be alright. I must've taken one hell of a hit to the head though..." I reach a hand up to feel my head for any injuries, but one of Gohan's hands quickly reaches up to grasp my own, pulling it away from my forehead and lowering it back down to my lap.

"Take it easy, Videl. You really shouldn't be stirring around so much. Maybe I should take you to the hospital, just to be safe." With his hands on my shoulders, Gohan gently guides my upper body back onto the bed, but relents as I press back up with just as much resistance, still having many questions and concerns.

Gohan can't be serious! I don't have time to rest after someone just attacked me in my own house! Why did they break in? What were they after? Did they get what they came for? I can't let this go; I can't let them get away with this!

"No hospital. I'm fine, Gohan. Right now, we need to focus on what happened; we need to get to the bottom of this, before they decide to come back and finish the job, or worse, if they attack somebody else. When you came into the kitchen, did you see anything? Do you know what may have happened?" Gohan lets out a heavy sigh before his hands move to my back, helping to gently ease me into a sitting position before moving to sit across from me, his hands moving to rest on my lap as he recalls the events that occurred.

"I'm not entirely sure, Videl. Once I felt the change in your ki, I rushed downstairs to find you...but the time I got to you were already unconscious on the floor. There was nobody else there with you; I even scanned over the area to be sure. Looks like whoever attacked you fled the scene pretty quick and it looks like nothing was left behind to give us any clues as to who they were or what they were after. There's a lot about this that doesn't make sense. Do you remember anything from what happened? Did you see who did this to you?" Feeling a warmth motion brush across my leg, I tilt my head downwards to stare at Gohan's hands to watch as his thumbs rub soothing over my skin, the comforting gesture somehow working to ease the pain in my head.

What did happen? The last thing I can remember was seeing the door...the broken glass...then, I turned around and everything suddenly went black. I don't even remember seeing their body or face...hell, I didn't even feel my body hit the floor. It all happened so fast...

"N-no...sorry; I didn't get a good look at their face...or anything for that matter. The whole thing is still hazy..." My free hand tightly clutches the blanket beneath me as my voice quietly trails off, the pain quickly being replaced with a mix of anger and embarrassment as I drown in my own thoughts.

Darn it, how could I have let someone sneak up on me like that? With all of the training that I've been doing with Gohan and on my own time, I should have been able to react in time to have countered, or at the very least dodged the hit. On top of that, how were they able to break in and roam around the house without me being able to sense them? Since they were able to get behind me like that, they were probably following me around the house...waiting for the right time to strike. There's something about them...there's no way that some cheap-shot burglar would be able to best me like that. Either that, or I'm a whole lot weaker than I thought-

"Hey...what's wrong?" I bring my eyes back up to Gohan's at the sound of his soft voice, clearly sensing the change in my demeanor as his hands on my legs suddenly stop their stroking motions, now giving me his full attention.

"I just...I can't believe someone knocked me out like that; I didn't even sense it coming. I couldn't do anything. I feel so...so weak. I'm sorry." Unable to hold his gaze as his eyes widen in surprise at my apology, I turn my head to the side, choosing to stare blankly at the wall in the hopes of allowing the conversation to fall-through.

Why is it that I...I can't seem to protect myself from anything. First, I was useless against that over-juiced jerk at the tournament, and then came evil Buu, then the hospital fire, and now this...I can't keep relying on Gohan to save me from every fight or problem that comes my way. I'm not his responsibility; It's not his job to keep me safe-

"Videl...don't ever apologize, not for this." I let out a quiet gasp in surprise as Gohan's larger hands are suddenly gripping my own, wordlessly tugging gently on my arms to pull me off of the bed with him.

I open my mouth to question him but, as soon as my feet touch the floor and my body is lifted into a standing position, I already find myself stumbling forward, the dizziness quickly catching up with my body and balance. Gohan's hands, which hand been encasing mine, shift to take a hold of my robe-covered hips, steadying my fall with his supportive hold before guiding me back into an upright position. After regaining my footing, I mutter a quiet 'thank you', my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as my face is drawn to the opposite wall. The absence of a cheeky remark or a light-hearted laugh prompts me to finally meet his gaze, surprised to see him already staring down a me with a sad smile, an expression that leaves me both unsettled and curious. His glance to me is fleeting as he turns both his face and his body from mine, looking to the other side of my bedroom before using his hand to tug me behind him, guiding me across the room.

My eyes widen slightly as we step into my bathroom, the lights already turned on and the hinge-glassed doors propped open in preparation for the shower that had been long-forgotten. As I step through the doorframe and onto the cold white tiled floors, Gohan turns around to extend his arm past my chest to grip the doorknob, effectively pulling the door shut behind me. Before I even have time to register the sound of the shower turning on, Gohan's hands have already made their way to his belt, working to unfasten the buckle. I feel my cheeks quickly heating up as I silently watch him undress in front of me, my eyes drawn to his muscular bare shoulders before traveling lower. At the sound of the rest of his clothing hitting the floor below, I choose to hold my gaze at his stomach, uncertain as to whether my eyes should venture any lower.

How can I be thinking about 'that' in a time like this? I was nearly killed in my own kitchen, and yet here I am gawking at Gohan like I've never seen him naked before. Maybe I was hit on the head harder than I thought-

"Here...let me help you." Before I can properly register Gohan's words, his hands have already taken ahold of the cotton belt around my waist, the only fabric holding my robe closed.

I close my eyes and bite my lip in anticipation, my heart quickly pounding heavily in my chest as I wait for the robe to fall from my form, fully exposing my body for only Gohan's eyes to see and for his hands to touch. After a few short moments of silence without movement, I hesitantly open my eyes and look up to meet his gaze, surprised to see him staring down at me with a patient and questioning smile. Without having to vocalize his request to me, I shyly nod in understanding with a small smile of my own, giving him the consent that he needs before continuing his advancements in undressing me. I struggle to hold his gaze as I feel his hands making quick work in untying my belt causing the front of my robe to unravel itself, now resting loosely at my front, barely covering the swell of my chest. I involuntarily shiver from both the sudden rush of cold from the air and Gohan's heated gaze as the clothing slides off of my shoulders and down my back, dropping haphazardly at my feet.

"I know you want answers, so do I...but at least let me take care of you first. Once we finish getting cleaned up, we can make the call to the police department to file a report, okay? Don't worry, Videl; we'll figure this out together." I feel one of Gohan's warm hands encasing mine as he steps backwards while pulling my hand, impressively keeping his eyes locked on mine as he guides me into the shower.

After stepping in and closing the glass doors behind us, I release Gohan's hand and to turn to the control dial, trying desperately to keep my hands steady as I set the water to turn on. While the shower area is large enough to fit both of us comfortably, there is still little space available to allow our bodies movement without brushing up against one another. Once the warm water hits my back from above, pooling down my skin at a comfortable temperature, I sense him stepping towards me, caging me between his body and the tiled wall. My lips press into a soft smile as his hands affectionately soothe over my hips, shifting to encircle my waist before pulling us both completely beneath the stream of water, soaking us both from head-to-toe. I sigh contently at the calming sensation of the fresh water running down my body, the warmth working to numb the pain in my head and the concerns growing in my mind.

I really do need this...Thank you, Gohan.


Gohan's POV

It's quite interesting how something as mundane as 'showering' can actually be more satisfying when it's with someone else...although this would only be the case when that 'someone' is Videl...

I struggle to keep my thoughts pure and innocent as the sound of Videl's soft moan echos off of the shower walls to reach my ears, the sweet melody ringing through my ears and to my heart. My arms carefully tighten around her lithe waist, holding her body close to mine in a spooning embrace from from behind as we allow the water to wash over us. Her figure continues to remain motionless in my arms as her back is pressed against my chest, relying on my arms and torso to hold her up. I manage to keep my eyes modestly on her upper back, being sure to keep my attention on the task at hand as I release one of my hands from around Videl to reach for the body soap behind me. With the bottle in my hand, I bring it around to her front, waving it in front of her body for emphasis before leaning my head forward to speak into her ear from over the noise of the shower.

"May I?" I feel Videl's body shifting in my embrace as she raises her arms up in a futile attempt to cover her chest before swiveling in my arms to face me, her cheeks dusted in a warm pink as she smiles up at me bashfully.

"Mhmmm...thank you, Gohan." I return Videl's smile with one of my own before releasing her from my arms, allowing her turn her back to me once more before I use my newly freed hand to open the soap bottle.

Tipping the bottle upside down, I squeeze a fair amount into my hands before rubbing them together to lather the soap, all the while allowing my eyes to roam over Videl's body. I lift my hands and place them ontop of either shoulder, tenderly stroking over the skin and massaging the muscles beneath it. A smile makes its way onto my lips as she leans further into my hands and tips her head up, her eyes closed and her soft lips parted. I listen to the sounds of her pleasured sighs as my hands work their way down her back, and it is only when the suds of the soap wash away that I notice the dark bruising adorning her otherwise flawless skin. I silently trace my hands over the harsh purple markings, noticing the large brusing on her back and the hand-shaped marks on her arms, legs and hips that had been previously hidden by the dirt.

I knew our intimacy wouldn't come without complications, but seeing these markings...and knowing that I had caused them...this is different. How am I supposed to touch Videl...and lover her without being worried for her safety? I don't think this is something I could ever get used to seeing...

"Do these hurt?" I feel Videl's hands being placed on top of my own where they remain rested on her hips, her fingers soothing over my forearms as she presses her back closer against my chest, snuggling deeper into my embrace.

"A bit...but it was worth every second that I spent with you. Don't worry, Gohan; It's nothing that I can't handle." I open my mouth to respond with an apology, but Videl has already squirmed free of my arms and stepped forward to take the body wash bottle that I had placed back on the shelf.

I know that Videl can handle this and that it would be a waste of time in trying to convince her otherwise. Once she has her mind set on something, pain is certainly not a force that is near strong enough to influence her, no matter the degree. This only means that I need to train harder and focus my time in learning to regulate my power...so that I can love Videl without hurting her. This bruising may have only been the start; I cannot allow this to escalate any further...

After squirting a decent amount of soap into her palms, she steps back under the stream of water to stand facing my chest, staring up at me with a loving smile, similar to the one she had greeted me with when we woke up this morning. I feel my heart beginning to race the second her hands make contact with my chest, the pounding surely being felt by her each time her palms make their way over my heart. Unsure of where to place my hands, I choose to keep them balled into fists at my sides allowing her to explore my body without interruption, reflecting the same courtesy she has shown me only moments ago. I take a deep inhale as her hands make their way lower, her fingers teasingly brush just below my hip bone before venturing back up my chest. I can't help but remain silently thankful for her change in direction, knowing full-well that, had she continued any lower on my body, I would not have been able to restrain myself from giving into my desires. I silently remind myself of both her injuries from last night and this morning, chastising myself for coming as close as I have, in both my thoughts and my involuntary responses, to putting my own needs over hers.

Videl's attention remains focused on her work, being sure that none of my skin is left untouched as she moves up to my shoulders, attempting to mimic the massaging motion as I had with her. I watch with interest as she slowly levitates off of the shower floor, now bribing her face level with immune to allow her an easier access to my shoulders and neck. The pleasurable touch of her hands grazing over my body is numbed out as my focus is quickly drawn to her face. I take the time to admire the gentle femininity of her features, my eyes shifting from the softness of her pink lips, to the shape of her jaw and cheekbones before settling into the depths of her intense blue eyes. I watch as her gaze follows along the muscle of my neck, the purpose of our shower seeming long forgotten as she slowly brings her face closer to mine. Both of our eyes begin to close as she continues to press forward, her body stopping as her forehead rests against mine. My hands instinctively move in response to her advances, placing either hand back in her waist to easily holding up her weight, pulling her body flush against mine to return her embrace.

This feels so perfect; I could stand here all day with Videl in my arms like this. There's something about holding her; it's the same feeling I had experienced when I had woken up to her laying at my side. This feeling, it...it makes me want to hold on forever. I don't ever want to let go of her or this moment. Maybe...could this be the time? Should I tell her how I feel now? I know my test run this morning didn't go as I had envisioned it in any of my dreams, but I don't think all of the practicing in the world could possibly prepare me for confessing my love to her-

"Gohan?" I quickly open my eyes at the sound of Videl's voice, surprised to see that she had already moved to head away from mine to stare back at me with a raised brow in a questioning expression.

"Mhmmm?" I flash Videl a soft smile, wanting to mitigate her growing concern as her hands move up my neck and into my hair to fiddle with the strands, something I've come to question as to whether or not the gesture is to calm my nerves or her own.

"What's on your mind? You seem really distracted, which is pretty odd considering the fact that we are in the shower together. Are you still worried about what happened in the kitchen?" I let out a relaxed sigh as Videl continues to rake her fingers through my hair, the added pressure with each stroke sending waves of pleasure down my body and straight to my groin.

That's right...I should be thinking about what happened to Videl and how to approach the task of finding whoever broke in...but I can't help it if my mind is focused elsewhere. Maybe, given everything that took place this morning, it would be unwise to tell Videl how I feel about her. I don't want to overwhelm her or pressure her into reciprocating my feelings in a time where she may be feeling vulnerable; that wouldn't be fair to her. I guess it's just not the time...especially with my erection being indecently pressed against her; there's nothing romantic about that.

I shift my focus to Videl, trying not to let my internal dilemma be reflected on my expression as she continues to search my face for any indication as to what I may be thinking, a tactic of hers that I know all too well. Before her suspicions can elicit any further questioning, I quickly lean my head forward and place a soft kiss on her wet forehead, the gesture causing her to still in my arms. I close my eyes and allow my lips to linger against her skin, listening carefully to her short calming breathes and the beating of her heart as her chest presses closer to mine, the rhythmic sensation putting my own heart and mind at ease. I filter out the sound of the falling water beating against our bodies from above, using the serene moment to drown out the doubts and worries weighing me down. After a few moments of reveling in the intimate silence between us both, I pull my lips from her face, bringing my head back to that our eyes are level with one another so that I may address her with certainty.

"No, I...I'm just thinking about you, and how perfect you are...and how perfect this feels." I chuckle quietly as Videl brings head face closer, playfully nuzzling her nose against mine while moving her hands through my hair to cup either side of my jaw in her palms.

"This is perfect, isn't it...I really did need this. I wish we could just stay like this forever..." I barely catch Videl's final hushed words before her lips are pressed against mine in a slow and passionate kiss, the force behind the kiss nearly sending our bodies into the shower wall behind me.

Forever, huh? Yea, I could do that...


Videl's POV

So much for getting cleaned up...

"G-Gohan! D-damn it..." I tilt my head back as Gohan's lips and teeth attack my neck with his pent-up passion, surely leaving marks across my skin as he bites and licks the tender skin.

I'm honestly surprised Gohan was able to restrain himself for this long, but I know first-hand that his concern for others well-being will always come before his own. Although, with the direction things are heading now, I guess even his ridiculous level of chivalry has its limits-

I feel the vibrations of Gohan's guttural moaning against the sensitive skin where my shoulder meets my neck, the sensual touch and sounds nearly sending me over the edge but I take several gasps of air to try to calm myself down. I loop my right arm around his neck for my hand to hold his head in place while my other arm reaches over his shoulder, my nails digging into the skin between his shoulder blades. I use my new grip on Gohan to prop myself up higher against his body, feeling my ki slowly dissipating along with my concentration as I struggle to keep myself airborne with the pleasure numbing my abilities. As his hands tighten their grip on my hips, I helplessly allow my ki to fade away, the energy no longer enabling my levitation as I rely on him to continue supporting my weight. He must have noticed the change in my ki and the weight in his arms as his lips halt their passionate advances and he pulls his face from my neck, now staring up at me with concerned frown.

"Videl? Are you doing okay? I...if you're in pain or too tired, we can stop now. I don't want you to push yourself too hard." I hastily shake my head in response to Gohan's suggestion, looking past my own fatigue and soreness as I am filled with the desire to immerse myself in the pleasure that I had been desiring since we stepped into the bathroom.

"N-no! Please, Gohan...I want you to keep going; don't stop." As Gohan opens his mouth to retort, I seize the opportunity to recapture his lips with mine, urging him to continue as my tongue slips past his lips.

Gohan lets out a throaty grunt into my mouth before quickly responding to my lips with just as much passion and intensity, his head tilting opposite to mine to deepen the kiss. I feel his warm hands, which had been gripping my hips, slip down to hold the back of my upper thighs in a firm but gentle grip, utilizing the leverage to pull our torsos closer together as he forces my legs to bend at the knees. I instinctively spread my legs to accommodate his hips and wrap my bare legs around his waist, gasping quietly against his mouth as my sensitive core brushes roughly against his pubic bone. The pleasure builds up into an intense and heated pulsing between my legs, the sensation causing my legs to quiver and my core to dampen with anticipation. He must have taken note of my reaction because he gives a playful tug to my bottom lip with his teeth and gyrates his hips roughly against mine, the grinding motion causing his hardened length to make contact with the outer lips of my clit.

Damn it...I guess my body is still in pretty bad shape from last night; my whole body feels weak and sore. It's a good thing Gohan's holding me up. I doubt that I would even be able to stand on my own two feet right now. Initiating 'this' probably wasn't my best idea...but even I can't deny how much I want him now...

No longer able to maintain the dominant position with my hand situated around Gohan's neck and back, I shift them down his shoulders and chest to weakly grip his biceps for support. As I settle into my new position, Gohan pulls his lips from mine to allow us both the chance to catch ours breath, the kiss leaving us both panting heavily as the shower water continues to run between our bodies. It only takes the time of a quick breath for him to maneuver both of our bodies around to press my back against the clear shower door, the wet glass feeling cold against my skin in contrast to his warm body. After the initial shock of our movement wears off, I can't help but quirk smile at the gentleness behind his bold actions, how even in the heat of passion he remains conscious of his strength and prioritizes my safety. I reach up to place a sweet kiss on his chiselled jaw while rubbing along the length of his arms affectionately, wordlessly beckoning for him to continue.

Gohan tilts his head down to meet my gaze, giving me a small nod to affirm his understanding my desires, likely just as eager to fulfill his own as he moves on to adjusting our hips. I decide to trace my lips across the muscles of his chest as he reaches down with one of his hands to guide his member directly beneath my opening, carefully aligning himself in preparation for our bodies to be joined. I tilt my head back against the glass and release a small cry as he teasingly rubs his tip in between my folds, coating himself in the wetness of my arousal. He repeats this motion several times, all the while observing my face and body as I continue to moan and writhe against him. I let out a huff in frustration and his hand on my hip tightens it's hold, preventing me from grinding my body against his to alleviate the pressure building up between my legs.

Gohan...he can be such a-

"Ah! G-Gohan...I need you n-now, please. D-don't make me wait...I-I can't..." My chest rises and falls with my heavy panting as I struggle to catch my breath, my begging becoming lost in the sound of the running water.

...such a damn tease.

"As impatient as ever, hmmm?" I look back at Gohan, expecting to see his usual teasing smirk or a cheeky smile that he wears when his more confident personal shines through.

Instead, I am taken aback as Gohan peers down at me with a genuine and thoughtful smile, one that leaves me warm in the heart and weak in the knees the longer he holds my gaze. I part my lips to speak but he leaves me no time to reply as he slowly and gently presses his hips forward, his tip spreading my folds to enter my body. I wince slightly as my body stretches to adjust to his size, the pain of having his tip being sheathed within me lessened compared to last night. As he halts his thrust, only giving the head of his cock admission into my canals, I hear his shakey breaths being mix with my own. My hands slide up his arms and shoulders to cup his face in my hands, my thumbs absentmindedly brush along his bottom lip and jaw before pulling his head down to mine. I crane my neck to press my lips to his in a fleeting but passionate kiss, my lips forming a smile against his before I pull away to finally address the meaning behind his remark.

"A-and here I thought you liked that about me?" Gohan's smile only brightens at my words, completely erasing any trace of uncertainty or physical strenuation to maintain his control over his strength. His expression airs a sense of tranquility, one that often struggles to reach his eyes given the pain and hardships he's endured since his childhood.

What's changed? I've never seen him so at peace before. Even since the defeat of evil Buu, I could tell the trauma from the event was weighing so heavily on him, burdening him with a newfound responsibility to become stronger, as if the whole fight and initial loss had been his fault. Between his moments of insecurity and night terrors, he's been training constantly and beating himself down at even the slightest mistake. So what's changed?

While Gohan's one hand continues to support my weight from its place underneath my leg, his other hand reaches up, running his fingers through the front of my wet hair and tucking it behind my ear. His gentle fingers linger on my skin as they tenderly trace over my ear and cheekbone, his focused eyes following close behind his touch as if trying to memorize every detail of this moment. Giving no indication of his intentions, he continues to stroke my cheeks with his thumbs as his hips slowly begin to press forward again, this time not stopping until I feel pressure pushing against the very back of my inner walls. I quickly bite down on my bottom lip, trying desperately to keep my cries of pleasure under control, nearly losing my resolve as Gohan presses his lips against mine, the kiss as short and seeet as the one I had given him. I feel my heart beginning to overflow with the warmth of his body and words as he whispers quietly against my lips, his voice barely heard over the rain of water surround us.

"It's one of the many things that I love about you, Videl..." I can only take quick and shallow breaths as Gohan begins to shift his hips against mine in a soft and slow thrusting motion, allowing me to indulge myself in all of the pleasure while still holding his previous words in the back of my mind.

...things that...that Gohan loves about me?