Chapter 31: Feelings Realized; in which you can only explain away an attraction for so long...
RATING NOW M FOR MATURE
/
The full moon was three weeks away, which translated to three weeks of anticipation for Goku and a newfound annoyance in the Son family household. Specifically, Goku pestering every member of his family (everyday) as to when the next full moon was.
Goten would scratch his head with a small pout. "Gee dad, Idunno when the moon gets full."
So Goku would then ask Chi-Chi.
"Why do you need to know?" she'd lightly asked the first time. And upon learning that her husband was going off to train with another woman, she'd then sent him a stern look and a terse "Why don't you ask Gohan?"
To which Gohan would be busy with something or other, until nearly a week of the same passed and Gohan had to sit his father down with a calendar.
"Okay, dad!" Gohan said with enlarged eyes and an awkward smile, thoroughly tired of being harassed over the date of which the next full moon would be. "Here, on the calendar—right were I'm pointing—it says there's a full moon that night!"
Goku, sitting with his arms crossed, leaned back from studying the calendar. "Got it!" He then smiled up at his firstborn. "Thanks, son!"
And so began the saga of Goku standing in front of the refrigerator, seemingly studying the calendar as if it would speed up the progressing weeks.
Gohan, one afternoon, saw his father looking at the datebook and decided to give him a moment before stepping in for a glass of water.
After a full minute went by of Goku appearing statue-esque in front of the fridge, Gohan quietly made his way to his father's side, eyeing him suspiciously.
Goku's lips were turned to the side in a contemplative manner, eyebrows low, gaze on the red 'X' that marked the full moon date.
Gohan leaned over his father's shoulder, wondering if there was something he was missing. His eyes then shifted left and right in confusion. "Dad?"
"Hmm?" Goku looked over, demeanor easing up. "Oh, hey, Gohan."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm just waiting."
Gohan's eyes grew large once more, his smile stretching at the pure oddness of it all. "Yeah? What are you waiting for, dad?"
Goku sighed, his shoulders briefly drooping. "The full moon! I'm just bored now that I have to wait until the end of the month to train with Midori again. The days seem to be going by even slower!"
A tiny "Oh…" left Gohan's lips before he looked around to make sure they were alone. "You know… there are more things to do than just… spending time with Midori." He didn't want his mother to hear him.
There'd been an underlying stress in their home ever since Goku had returned from the dead, and Gohan wasn't so sure things could go back to the way they were… seven years prior…
Not with his mom having to end things quietly with Yamcha, only for his dad to suddenly be spending all his time at Capsule Corp, which then caused his mom to turn back to Yamcha… albeit only in a venting manner so far…
He'd catch her on the phone sometimes, early in the morning, or in the evening before his father returned home, a chair pulled up to the phone, slightly curled into the wall as she spoke quietly.
He'd even heard a tender "I miss you, too…" at one point.
The discomfort in Gohan's chest was blooming the more he thought about it, and his gaze fell to the floor. 'I knew when we returned home from The Lookout that things wouldn't be perfect, but this just seems like…'
"Did you want a snack, or something?"
The teenager looked up in surprise at his father, who'd finally moved aside. "O-oh, um, just some water…" He then awkwardly proceeded to retrieve a glass pitcher from the fridge before shuffling towards the kitchen counter.
And what about Goten? What if his parents really couldn't make things work again? How would he handle the disappointment? Or was Goten so used to not having his father around that he'd be just the same if their parents were just... separated?
...And was there even anything going on between his father and Midori? They'd been spending a lot of time together, and Gohan had caught them looking cozy once or twice, but she had been the one to tell Goku to leave her alone until the next full moon.
Gohan took a breath to ease the queasiness of speculation in his stomach. 'Dwelling on hypothetical situations won't do me any good. As far as I know, nothing's going on with anyone... My parents are just... turned towards other people right now, and they'll turn back to each other soon enough...'
After all, they'd been divided by fate for seven years under the assumption that "'till death do us part" had occurred with finality. Goku had elected not to be revived. And while one parent had moved on, also having to consider the stability of their household, the other had…?
"Hey Gohan, you'll still come with us for the full moon, right? We might need a referee!"
The teen was still swallowing his drink, thus slow to respond, allowing Goku to continue.
"Don't think I forgot how strong you've gotten!" He then cozied up to his son with sly look. "Maybe the strongest person on the planet? Ehh? We could use your help!"
Though Gohan's eyes were downcast, morale in a similar place, he smiled. "You mean universe."
Their eyes met, and father and son broke into light laughter, Goku slapping him on the back.
'I'm sure everything's gonna be fine…' Gohan thought with a subtle nod as his father changed the subject to food.
…
…
Now—Goku's pestering aside, he'd also developed a habit—a morning ritual, really.
When the initial glow of the sunrise seeped through his bedroom curtains, that's when his day usually started.
And first thing's first: Feel out Midori's energy. Just because.
His eyes would open at first light, and upon his first thought—a certain saiyan out west—he'd close his eyes again with a gentle sigh, searching for her.
He would often forget about the time differences between where they lived, and when he would finally pinpoint her, it was an energy he found comforting… lulling even. The sleeping saiyan princess…
Once in the days since seeing her, he'd felt her to be awake, which meant she was either up very early, or up very late. Either way, he couldn't travel out west for some time.
At least… he'd been asked not to, but not commanded.
So, on a day when Goku was making a game out of chopping firewood, and he sensed Midori's energy nearby, Goku didn't think twice about teleporting to her.
"HI!" He said a little louder than intended, causing her to jump from the squatted position she was in, which led Midori to losing her footing on the hill and land on her butt. Goku then smiled sheepishly.
"Oh my god! What, Goku?!" She was looking at him like he was crazy.
He held his hands up in a non-offensive way, responding, "Sorry, I just wanted to see what you were up to."
With a much more dignified air, Midori stood, dusting off her long black dress and the jean vest she wore over it. "I'm just visiting an old friend's grave. I wasn't expecting company…"
"Oh, right. This must be where that girl is buried."
She looked down at the grave marker without responding, discomfort clear in her face.
Quietly, after a moment, she said, "That girl was almost my daughter… legally… In such a short amount of time, I really did love her… Gohan did, too."
With his arms crossed over his chest, Goku watched Midori. The lively bouquet of flowers at her feet contrasted with her dark attire and subdued expression.
Slowly his arms came undone, and the space between them diminished, a comforting hand squeezing her shoulder. "You would've made a great mom."
To this, Midori began nibbling a thumbnail. Her tired eyes then glanced his way. "A better mother than I was… to my son?"
Better?
She shook her head. "I've thought about having another baby, for years… but it seems like every child I've tried to mother ends up dead…"
Only then, with that admission, did Goku recognize the presence of an unhealed wound and the depth of it.
The saiyan found himself in unfamiliar territory; the pain of losing one child, and then another. And knowing what he knew about her, she probably blamed herself. It was an emotional trial he'd never known; not in the same, finite fate dealt to Midori.
Sure, Goku was a father. Many times he worried for the sake of his sons. Especially Gohan, who had been through so much when he was young. But even in the worst, seeing his eldest beaten to near paralysis as a child, eaten by a monster as a young man, and Earth's destruction taking both boys, Goku held steady, because he knew that there would always be some way to turn things around. Senzu beans. Powers bestowed by a God. The Dragon Balls.
Goku blinked.
…That was it.
'The Dragon Balls! Why didn't I think of it sooner?'
He then broke into a beaming grin, reaching to grab her other shoulder and spinning her around to him. "HEY!"
Midori physically shrunk back in alarm, but managed a "Hey?!" back at him. Her cheeks were turning a bright red.
'Cute…' Goku thought in amusement, smiling more calmly. A moment later his face transitioned from happy to struck with dramatic realization. "Ehhh…"
He'd just remembered that Samantha had died of natural causes, and so was ineligible for revival. Lattice on the other hand… would have to wait. They still had to restore West City and erase all the Earthlings' memories of Majin Buu.
'Wha'do I say now?!'
"Goku…" She was beginning to pry at his hands, using a clear warning tone. "What are you doing?"
His eyes rounded out, and before he even thought it through… "Come with me to King Kai's!" he exclaimed with a returning grin.
Her incredulity was also clear. "Why?"
As Goku stood straight, he was even able to appreciate the skeptically arched brow and once-over directed at him. She really could look at him any way and still look good doing it.
He chucked faintly to himself, before replying, "Because, that's where Lattice is."
All attitude immediately melted away, leaving a woman before him with subtle shock in her eyes, and hope undoubtedly swelling with the deep breath she took.
"You mean I can just… see him?"
"Yep!" Goku replied, holding a hand out for her to take. "I should've thought of it sooner!"
But instead of grabbing his hand, she seemed to flounder for words, until she managed to say, "Well, it's a Kai's world! I can't just… up and go as I please!"
"With me you can!" Goku winked, bringing two fingers to his forehead. "Come on!"
And so, with a demure smile and shining emotion in her eyes, Midori reached with both hands—soft compared to Goku's calloused skin—and gently took his.
Goku secretly enjoyed the expression on her face, and when the two transmitted to King Kai's world, they remained hand-in-hand for another moment, sharing a look that could only be described as loving by the God sitting just beside them.
The oddity of it offset the slight startle given to King Kai by their sudden presence. "Uhh, hello?" he greeted awkwardly from his picnic table.
Midori snatched her hands back as if something had just nipped at her fingers, while Goku blinked as if coming out of a trance.
"Oh hi, King Kai!"
King Kai merely sighed, his dark, circular shades hiding all traces of what his eyes might be saying in place of his mouth. After a moment the stumpy God sat straight, asking plainly, "Goku, what's the meaning of this?"
Earth's hero smiled, eyes widening. "Whad'you mean? This is Midori!"
"I know who she is, Goku!" King Kai snapped, louder than before. "But haven't you ever heard of calling before you show up with other people?"
As Goku was about to answer, a hand was clamped over his mouth and Midori quickly answered, "No, he hasn't! And I'm—terribly sorry for the intrusion!"
But the Kai seemed to calm down, responding, "Well, you're here now, I assume to see your son." He then thumbed to the side. "He's over there under the tree with Bubbles."
She twiddled her fingers for a moment, hesitant to move. "Is it… really okay?"
Goku placed a coaxing hand on her lower back, and pointed to the exact spot where Lattice was napping across Bubbles' lap. "Come on! Let's go say hi!"
As King Kai nodded, Midori bowed her head and muttered a quicks thanks before hurrying off towards her son. And, just as Goku took a step to follow her—
"Goku, you stay. I need to have a word with you."
The saiyan frowned, lifting his hands. "Aw, King Kai, is it really that big of a deal that I brought her here?"
The God's fingers interlocked over the table top. "Yes… but under these circumstances I'm willing to overlook it. Besides, that's not what I wanted to talk about. Not exactly."
"Oh," Goku said while sitting down. "Then what?"
King Kai shifted around a bit, and even Goku could tell that he was hesitating, that is, until:
"Goku… I don't make it a point to spy on you, but, every once in a while, I do take a peek to make sure everything's alright on Earth." He then leaned forward, voice lower. "But every time I look to see what you're up to, you're with Lattice's mother. I have to wonder, Goku, if you're having an affair?"
Goku tilted his head to the side. "Are you asking if I've taken Midori to the fair?" He then folded his arms over his chest. "I never really thought to…"
Meanwhile King Kai was rubbing his temples, but it was of little consequence to Earth's first saiyan. He had gazed over yonder where Midori was seated, close to Bubbles as she caressed her son's head. It was in that moment he awoke, and his gradual, brightening joy at seeing his mother up close was easily recognized from where Goku sat.
"Mommy!" He tackled Midori onto her back, or, she'd let him. Either way, both were happy and the love was too radiant to be ignored.
"That is a lovely sight," King Kai said, "isn't it?" Even he was smiling.
Goku felt a swell of affection in his chest. A heartstring was being tugged towards the two, like he belonged beside them, but his better senses kept him seated. Instead, he directed a dopey smile at his twiddling thumbs, occasionally stealing glimpses of Midori and Lattice.
Eventually King Kai was able to hold his undivided attention, with conversation about training technique and the like, but when the food came out Goku was especially engaged, even with the other saiyans coming to the table.
Everything came very naturally after that, like they were some sort of blended, alien family; saiyans, monkey, cricket, and Kai. It went unquestioned when Lattice was practically in Goku's lap, picking off of his platter. Even when Midori offered some of her food to Goku in apology for her son's indiscriminate eating habits, no one batted an eye at Goku leaning over to bite off her fork instead of grabbing it. At least, that's what Goku assumed.
King Kai continue to smile as the three walked off some time later, all the while his eyes remained shifty behind his dark shades.
But Goku didn't notice this. Only the contentment received from spending time with two people he loved is what he cared about at that moment.
That semi-conscious confession caused him to blink as he laid back on the carpet of green grass. He turned his head to the side, where Midori and her son were playing a mild game of tag to test Lattice's speed.
With a faint smile, Goku then tucked his arms under his head to get comfortable. 'Of course I love 'em,' Goku thought, 'They're family, too.'
After all, Goku had mentored Midori's (permanently three-year old) son for seven years. And as for Midori? Well, you couldn't convince Goku otherwise to his and Vegeta's families being intertwined by fate. That's how it seemed to him, at any rate. A life where he wasn't close to Bulma, Vegeta, Trunks, or Midori, would feel like he'd had something taken from him.
Behind closed eyelids, Goku could visualize the life-altering moments that each person in their family was tied to.
'Man,' he mused with a mirthful smirk, 'My life would be totally different without them…'
He imagined what life would be like had he not left his grandfather's tiny home in the mountains to search for the Dragon Balls with Bulma… Or, had Vegeta not arrived on Earth and pushed his limits… Even Trunks, who'd traveled back in time to prevent Goku's sickness and more permanent death. And then there was Midori… had they not battled the saiyan of legend… had she not returned to Earth with them…
Goku's eyes opened to the pastel sky, expression serious. He was beginning to understand that he felt a certain way around her that nobody else had ever made him feel. Like a… good kind of jitters… Like butterflies. Maybe, without her, he wouldn't have discovered what…
'No… Stop.' Goku pinched the bridge of his nose, squinting his eyes shut tight.
He didn't like where his mind was heading. Bad things might happen if he started thinking about stuff that had to do with a certain four-letter word. Just because she'd kissed him and the Supreme Kai marked them as compatible didn't mean that Goku should or would do anything else about it aside from continuing life as always intended: In his home on Mount Paozu with his wife and sons.
He was doing fine balancing things as they were… Ignoring the way his heart beat fast at times when in her presence, meanwhile keeping up a training schedule. He could and he would, because they were friends. Good friends!
And so he smiled again, albeit involuntarily strained, because try as he might, it was still difficult ignoring the things he felt around Midori.
…
After another heartfelt goodbye between mother and son, Goku took Midori back to one of Capsule Corporation's luxury sites where the Briefs were staying. And, right there on the deck, she threw her arms around him, squeezing tight.
"Oof—" Goku stumbled back a bit with a laugh. "You're too strong to be jumpin' on me like that!" he exclaimed before gladly returning the hug. This time around, having her warm energy so close and chest pressed to his (with the faintly sweet-smelling shampoo) was welcomed.
"Thank you…" Midori gently replied into his ear before pulling away. It was all too brief for him. She then pressed out a wrinkle on his dark wife-beater. "You're too good to me… letting me see my son like that."
She took a long step back from him, and once again something was knocking awfully hard beneath Goku's chest.
"Sometimes it… hurts… not being able to see him when I want…" Midori's eyes were beginning to water, but her voice remained steady. "Having to say goodbye to my baby boy, who's still a baby… after all these years…" She looked slightly confused but shook her head.
It took a second for Goku to find his voice.
"Yeah," he finally replied in a higher pitch, suddenly feeling like something was caught in his throat. He then briefly cleared it before responding, "We should go more often!"
Her low-lidded gaze, that was cast on the nearby shore, gradually rose to meet his. "Or… I can go alone…"
Goku blinked. "Huh?"
She took another step back, whispering, "Boundaries…"
Slowly, Goku nodded. "Right…"
A reminder that he wasn't the only one feeling things out of the normal.
Midori offered one last smirk and a sniff of laughter as she leaned against the sliding glass door they'd arrived next to. "Goodbye, Goku."
He then offered a small smile in return, turning slightly away. "Yeah… Take care, Dori."
As Goku then readied for instant transmission, he watched her enter the living room and greet Bulma's father. After that he was gone, back home.
In the peaceful scene surrounding him, the woodsy breeze, creaking trees, and swaying wildflowers were usually comforting. But, as he stood alone, the bountiful nature, meant to be enjoyed with others, seemed to emphasize his lack of something…
…Or someone.
Regarding his unfinished pile of firewood with a deep sigh, Goku chose to ignore his feelings, grateful that his youngest son soon met him with an enthusiasm great enough to fill his temporary feeling of being without.
With each passing day on my room calendar, I seemed to chew my bottom lip a little more upon the nearing of the full moon.
I couldn't get Goku off my mind… How thoughtful of him it was to allow me a visit with my son in another realm… A realm I didn't belong in… He did that for me… And, after another two afternoons came and went, my infatuation was nearing unhealthy, and the smiles I thought private were growing more noticeable to my family.
"She must've finally gone and found herself a man," Panchy commented over her lemonade with sugary mischief in her voice. "I've never seen her smile so much!"
Under his breath, Trunks commented, "Gross…"
To which I rolled my eyes, happening to catch Bulma's glance.
"I have to wonder as well," Bulma said with a knowing look. "So what's the deal, Midori?"
I mentally cursed myself for being so obvious.
'But the truth doesn't sound so bad…'
So, I took a breath and erected my posture. "It's about my son. Goku took me to King Kai's world the other day and allowed me to see him."
A round of pleasantly surprised exclamations came in reply.
I then added, "I've been thinking… maybe in the coming year or so… after we've fixed Majin Buu's issue and West City…"
"Of course!" Bulma interjected brightly.
I let out a shocked breath, having been nervous about voicing that wish for a while. "You… will resurrect him? Seriously?"
"YES! Of course!"
I leaned onto the table in relief, though quickly shot back up to voice my gratitude.
I couldn't believe it!
Trunks even seemed hyped for the idea. "Awesome! My cousin gets to come back to life!" He then got up from his half-eaten meal. "I'm gonna go tell dad!"
His mother called after him about his abandoned lunch, while I laughingly called out, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves!"
After all, we couldn't predict the future; one that might involve another extinction-level threat…
'We really… shouldn't… get ahead of ourselves…' I thought, savoring a particularly tender cut of roast beef.
But…
After our meal was concluded and I was able to find some solitude in the summery bio-dome, I decided to reach out to Goku.
"Are you still awake?"
He answered almost immediately, though noticeably groggy. "Dori? Yeah, I am. Everyone's turned in for the night. I was just dozing off, too, but not quite."
I cringed a little. "Oh, I'm sorry… It can wait 'till tomorrow."
"No..! I can feel it's important. Tell me what's on your mind."
I regarded a passing dinosaur with an amused, albeit dubious look. "How can you 'feel' something through telepathy?"
His short, gentle laugh filled my head. "I just can."
"Well, you're quite the empath, aren't you?"
"Sure!" he exclaimed through a laugh. "Now are you gonna tell me what's up?"
I inhaled a deep breath, smiling to myself. "Well, I asked Bulma and she's on board with the idea of using the Dragon Balls to bring Lattice back to life!"
"Heeey! That's great, Midori! You two deserve to be together!"
For a moment I grinned, calculating the time until it might come true; two years at the most, maybe. "Thank you… I miss him so much…"
"I miss you, too."
My brow furrowed. "What?"
"He misses you, too."
I cast a slightly uncomfortable look towards the pond. "You must be falling asleep."
"Hehe… yeah…" He definitely sounded tired, even in his mind.
"I'll let you get to sleep, then… Goodnight."
I didn't receive anything back, which admittedly was disappointing, but something curious happened instead.
I'd never been telepathically connected to someone transitioning into a REM sleep state… and there was this sort of low hum… like voices in a distant crowd. His subconscious, perhaps…
It was an odd sensation to try and sift through it, so I pulled back.
'The things I could hear and see though, if I really tried,' I thought with a wandering gaze.
When Goku opened his eyes, he was in a state of absolute comfort. His bedroom was darkened, cozy, and the outside world muffled; almost nonexistent. A hand slid up his bare chest, then back down his abs, and when he looked to his bedside, he saw Midori, like he knew he would, watching him with sultry eyes.
Her silky robe was loosely fastened, barely clinging to her shoulders, allowing him to see an ample amount of her chest and abdomen.
"You fell asleep on me…" she murmured softly, leaning in. "You can't do that while we're… connected…"
With half-lidded eyes, Goku instinctually reached out to her. "Sorry…" he whispered back, grasping her arms to pull her closer.
For a fraction of a moment, he questioned his reality, and his actions, but something told him to just go with it. It's what you want.
And so his fingertips found their way under the collar of her robe to slide it back farther, leaving him and her bare breast-to-breast. They continued to glide down her body, contact unhindered due to an absence of undergarments. And he made sure to meet her halfway as their lips met; not like the last time… he wouldn't leave her hanging like last time…
'Soft…' He cupped her face in both hands, continuously kissing her as she tried to talk.
"Is this—how you—like—to image train…?"
This elicited a faint chuckle from Goku, who was ready to ditch the remainder of their clothing. While Midori revealed the rest of her physique, he reached under her to tug his constricting boxers down. Just a bit—just enough to free his heated cock, so she could reposition herself to sit on it… To take it… All of it… Just… like… that…
Goku blew out a tiny breath upon full penetration, and his eyes slid shut, the pleasure of being inside her seemingly heightened.
A faint "Goku?" then reached his ears.
That's when he opened his eyes for real, the illusion vanished, daytime present, and the feeling of skin-on-skin gone. But his body had reacted to the dream, felt by the not-so-comfortable fit of his sleeping trunks, and seen in the pop-up under the covers.
His heart sank.
Goku gasped, a tiny "Oh no..!" escaping his lips.
Flashes of Midori mounting him entered his mind, making him wince, despite the feeling of want tingling through his loins.
But then his bedroom door opened, and Chi-Chi entered, eyes wide with expectancy. "Goku! What's with you sleeping in so late today? Breakfast is almost ready!" Her eyes then shifted lower, and she blinked.
"Uhh—!" He abruptly flipped onto his side, laughing several pitches higher than usual. "Oh nothing! Don't mind me! I'll be down soon!"
Literally and figuratively.
But it was too late. Chi-Chi had already seen his morning wood, and had turned around to close their door as quietly as possible. When she turned back, her face was lit up with a scheming look. "Well… I did leave the stove on low…" she said, making her way slowly around the bed, discarding her scarf, and then her belt. "And the boys are outside…"
When she stopped beside him, her back was to him as she carefully peeled away the rest of her conservative clothing.
Goku could only watch with parted lips, mesmerized at the turn of events; at her pants falling to her ankles, the dress discarded on the bed, and her undershirt unbuttoned at a teasingly slow rate.
Finally, she faced him, pose chaste, yet sensuous, with one delicate hand placed above her breasts, the other just beneath them, and a leg slightly bent. "We could take advantage of this time…" Chi-Chi offered with a tiny, yet playful smile.
It was Goku's turn to blink before he shook his head to rid it of the fog. They'd only had sex three times since he'd been home, all at night, so he was just now noticing that her body hadn't changed too much over the years. And her rare show of initiative got his blood pumping again.
"Al-right," Goku accepted with a smirk. "But you forgot to take off your underwear."
Chi-Chi giggled as Goku flung the covers back and hopped up.
…
…
…
Half the day had passed when Goku grabbed his head in annoyance, roughly disheveling his hair as if it would scrub the pervy thoughts of Midori from his mind.
Sure, he'd had fun with his wife before breakfast, and had been totally focused on her. He'd developed a ravenous appetite to show for it afterwards, but… he just couldn't get a certain saiyan out of his head.
"Why'd I have to go and dream about her like that?!"
The meadow remained silent to his question.
All Goku knew is that he was already betraying his wife… and that he wished Midori had never kissed him, and that the Supreme Kai had never opened his mouth about her, or that he'd never seen her naked so he wouldn't get any ideas.
Then she'd just be his amazingly powerful, smart, funny, pretty… friend… whom he'd already envisioned himself balls-deep in a dozen times that day.
"NOOO, DARN-IT!" Goku shouted to nobody in particular, fists skyward. He then broke down, wailing, "THINK INNOCENT THOUGHTS!"
His knees hit the grass first, and he fell over a second later, groaning behind both of his hands.
"Dad…"
Goku spread his fingers to peep through to Gohan, and his eyebrows rose a great deal. "When did you get here?"
The teen was watching him with deep concern. "Think innocent thoughts?" he inquired skeptically. "Are you having trouble meditating or something?"
Goku jumped to his feet, trying to put on a convincing grin. "Oh, you know your mother! Trying to surprise me with breakfast in bed! Makes it kinda hard to concentrate after that, ya know?!" he exclaimed with a wink and a nudge.
To which Gohan's expression evolved from concern to embarrassment. "That's—great?" he replied with tint to his cheeks and hands up in protest. "I don't need to know anymore, dad…"
Goku then rubbed the back of his head, nerves calmer. "Are you here to get some training in, too?"
"Actually, I lost track of time and I need to pick up Goten from Capsule Corp. before dinner's ready."
The older saiyan could envision Midori again, albeit on their beach, turning to face him with the sunset glowing behind her… and one of those foxy smiles…
Goku blinked. "I thought Capsule Corp. was still destroyed?"
"Yeah, I meant the vacation spot. Can you take me there, dad?"
"Sure." Goku waited for his son to grab on before getting into proper transmission position. 'I might even see Dori…' he thought, making sure to lock onto his younger son and not her out of habit.
A moment later they were out west, on a beach, as fate would have it.
"There they are," Gohan noticed, finally smiling.
There they were indeed. Trunks and Goten, poking around the shoreline for shells, and Midori, wading from deeper waters into the shallows in a two-piece; a much more revealing one than he'd seen poolside.
And she seemed to know she was being watched, as their gazes met, causing Goku to bristle.
She quickly waved. "Hi!"
Gohan advanced then. "Hey guys!"
Goku also took a few steps forward, but was stopped by a rough voice.
"Kakarot, what brings you here?"
Coming from Vegeta, the tone was more suspicious than inquisitive.
"The full moon has not yet arrived."
And seeing the prince for some reason was like seeing an apparition; chilling. It was the cold stare. Something about it wasn't so endearing anymore, and screamed to him, I KNOW YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT BONING MY SISTER, KAKAROT.
So Goku awkwardly replied, "I'm just uh… here for my kid… hehe, you know… pickin' 'im up!"
He could feel the sweat building.
'Man, I really need to relax!' He thought while turning away from Vegeta. 'Don't think about all that sex stuff! I'm just here with my friends and family!'
But then he caught sight of Midori dropping a large conch shell and having to bend over, her lightly browned buns on full display.
Goku couldn't help a tiny whine. "That's not fair…"
"What's not fair?"
'Crap…' Goku dared to face the prince, who was glaring. "Ehh—did you see the size of those uh—shells?"
The prince wasn't fooled. "Oh, get real, Kakarot! I'm not blind! I saw you gazing at my sister's backside like dinner was being served!" Vegeta's demeanor then softened, surprisingly, to a grave stare. "Listen closely. I know how my sister feels about you. And I know that you feel affection towards her as well. I know what the Supreme Kai told you."
Goku's jaw dropped. "But… how?"
Vegeta regarded him with annoyance then. "Surely, you've been experiencing my memories—as I have yours, post-fusion!"
Goku's shoulders sunk. "Yeah… It's been a while… I almost forgot."
The prince realigned his footing. "My point, Kakarot, is that you need to distance yourself from her. I've seen how the two of you look at each other. If you're an honorable saiyan warrior, then you will continue to honor your family as well."
Sighing, Goku knew there was no retort to the prince's words. He was right.
'I don't wanna hurt my family by developing feelings for Midori that I can't control… Gohan and Goten… Chi-Chi…'
Slowly, the two saiyans turned away from each other. Goku could only watch Midori hugging his youngest goodbye, take in her sun-kissed olive complexion, and yearn to share a moment with her.
…
Crickets were chirping and owls hooting under the halfmoon when Goku snuck out of his house. All day had been a mental (at times physical) torture for him. He was finding it extremely difficult to carry on around his wife like normal, when day-by-day, he was unable to think about little else but Midori. Especially after that morning.
His acknowledged affection had turned into denied attraction over the summer, and as if his inner most consciousness aimed to drive a point home, he'd wound up dreaming about the two of them just beginning to make love.
Goku had no other choice but to get some things off of his chest, which lead him to a second story window that night, rapping his knuckles lightly against the glass.
"Are you awake?" he called quietly.
He knocked again, and a few seconds later the window slid up, revealing the squinting, sleepy face of Master Roshi.
"Goku..? What on Earth are you doing here so late?"
"I need your help, Master Roshi!" Goku whispered with more urgency.
This caused the old man to open his eyes fully. "Well… can it wait 'till the sun comes up?"
His door opened at that moment, Krillin poking his head in. "Do I sense Goku?"
Goku shot a hand up in greeting, replying with a quiet, "Yo!"
A couple minutes later saw them settling down around the beach chairs, the breeze and late-night waves gentle on the small island shore.
The saiyan opted to sit cross-legged on the sand, whilst the residents of Kame House occupied the recliners.
Master Roshi folded his hands in his lap, his legs over the side of his chair. "So… what is it that you need my help with so badly, Goku?"
Krillin leaned forward from his seat beside his friend. "Is there something bad coming our way?"
Goku grew fidgety with his hands, unease obvious in his face. "No… It's me..! I mean—it's Midori!"
While Krillin held his hands up in question Master Roshi replied, "Don't keep us waiting. Let's hear it already."
Goku's eyes traveled across the stars as he inhaled a shaky breath. He then whined again, hands slapping over his face before slowly dragging down to reveal owlish eyes. "You guys… I think I'm in love with Midori…"
Krillin leaned forward with squinting eyes. "What was that?"
"Speak up, Goku!" Master Roshi added.
The saiyan then balled his fists, yelling out, "I SAID I'M IN LOVE WITH MIDORI!"
Master Roshi immediately jerked back. "Eh?!"
Meanwhile Krillin could only gape.
The two humans then looked at each other, expressions… guilty?
Goku swallowed the thickness in his throat, wondering, 'Why do they look like they know something?' He then asked, "You guys aren't gonna tell me I'm in the wrong or anything?"
Master Roshi sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I had a feeling… seeing the way you two were at Capsule Corp…" He then folded his arms. "I'm getting too old for this."
Not the answer nor the scolding the saiyan was expecting, causing an eyebrow to lower.
Krillin scooted forward, leaning forward onto his knees. "Goku… how did you develop feelings for Midori? I know you two have been doing some training in the last month or so, but…?"
Goku scratched his head. "Uhm… well… I've liked her from the very first day I met her, Krillin. I'd never met a woman of our kind so it was kinda cool, I guess," he answered, a little more at ease while going down memory lane. "She was nice and I wanted to help her find a better home…"
Goku paused for a moment, thinking about the Cell Games and being able to see what she was really capable of. But his time was cut short back then…
And he didn't get to see her again until a certain Halloween night.
With his memory refreshed, Goku then admitted, "And I think she's had feelings for me for a really long time…" His fingertips gingerly touched his cheek, where she'd shown her first real sign of affection after their supernatural battle. "But… I don't think I really started thinking about her like that until we started fighting Buu."
His teacher and longtime friend listened intently.
"I mean I couldn't just forget about her in Otherworld, not while mentoring Lattice… and I was happy to see her again… She seemed different… in a good way. But right before I left after teaching the boys the fusion technique… she kissed me… and—"
Krillin interrupted with, "Wait a minute, she kissed you?! When?!" and even Master Roshi muttered a low "Lucky dog..."
"In a separate room, right before I had to leave…"
The younger human looked like his mind had been blow. "Man… where was I?"
Goku let out a short, dry laugh. "Well… I really just tried to forget about it, seeing as how I thought I'd be going away for good again… That's why she did it, I think… but then the Supreme Kai told me something about her… Er, about us, actually…"
"What'd he say?"
Again, Goku glanced to the night sky. "He talked about how soulmates aren't just people in love, but parents and kids, friends, and twins… And he said that people can have more than one soulmate in a lifetime… but, that me and Midori were…"
"…Soulmates...?" Krillin finished quietly, prompting Goku to nod.
"And ever since being back I just…" The saiyan's head went down in guilt then, voice lowering. "…Dori's easy to be with… she's kind, and funny, and a good sparring partner… and the more time I spend with her, the more things I find I like about her…"
But there was so much more to it than Goku could articulate in that moment. He only wished he knew how…
Master Roshi then spoke up, in a very serious tone. "Goku… does your wife know about this?"
Goku replied with a miserable "No…"
The Kame House residents shared another look, before the elder sighed. "This is too complicated for an old turtle hermit like me. Goku, you need to talk to Chi-Chi about this before things progress any further."
The thought of doing so brought on images of his wife's wrath, and just as he was about to voice his caution, another voice cut in.
"It makes perfect sense to me."
They all turned around to look at the front door, Eighteen's silhouette visible through the screen.
"Eighteen!" Krillin exclaimed in shock. "This is a private conversation!"
She held a hand up as if to say, so? "I could literally hear him yelling about how he's in love with Midori from upstairs."
This caused the men to transition into an awkward silence.
"Chi-Chi moved on years ago. And now it sounds like your friend has actually fallen in love for the first time since making his ignorant promise of marriage to someone he barely knew."
A harsh take; savage, one might say. But…
Goku turned to face her fully. "What do you mean moved on?"
Krillin was beginning to wave his arms. "Eighteen...!"
"I'm saying Chi-Chi has Yamcha—"
"EIGHTEEN!"
"—And you have Midori now. There, I uncomplicated it for you. Now everyone can move on with more compatible partners."
Krillin was nervously saying something to Goku, Master Roshi also trying to get his attention, but Goku felt stuck in some sort of detached mental space… A buzzing… that drowned out every coherent thought aside from "Chi-Chi" and "Yamcha".
Two weeks later:
Over the previous two weeks before the night of the full moon, I'd dedicated quite a bit of my time to a project recently begun by my brother. One that I was more than happy to assist with: A proper record of saiyan history.
At least, what we could recall, as the last members of a dead society.
While my brother would dictate information, I would write. The first notebook alone was dedicated to the basics; the saiyan language, the traits of our race (with comparisons to others), and combat and transformation capabilities.
Unlike Vegeta, I'd had a more liberal experience of the universe while growing up and therefore was more accustomed to the universal language; English. This helped me write and translate said basics in a way that might be textbook-friendly.
That's how I liked to envision it, at any rate; a scholarly piece of literature on the saiyan race. I'd love to have something like that professionally made for all our kids.
But this process took days, as neither of us could sit still for too long and would often go on tangents about our own battles over the years, sometimes even arguing.
"I still have a hard time believing you defeated Frieza's brother."
"Well… I did have help."
"Then you didn't defeat him."
I snorted in amusement, tapping the mechanical pencil on my chest a couple times. "No, I defeated Cooler."
"Hmph. You can hardly make that claim with Broly having done the heavy lifting!"
Sitting up straight from my hunched over, cross-legged position, I pointed a challenging finger at my brother. "How about I show you the heavy lifting I did before finishing him off?"
"HA! As if you could!"
It was usually Bulma's warning call from their bathroom or walk-in closet that stopped any further escalation. And so he'd go back to pacing their master bedroom, and I'd stretch my back from my spot on the carpet before leaning back into the wall or the side of their bed.
The second notebook delved more into our ancestors' history. I'd nearly forgotten that Planet Vegeta wasn't always so—that the war on Planet Tuffle and the confiscation of Tuffle technology was what made the saiyan race I knew.
"That wasn't too long before you were born…" I mumbled while making note of the years. With an arch of a brow I then commented, "The golden age of saiyans didn't last very long."
Considering our home planet was annexed by King Cold a few years after the transition from Tuffle to Saiyan rule.
Bulma peeked out of the closet a second later. "That's enough for now," she stated in a finalizing tone. "It's time to prepare for the charity."
I nearly rolled my eyes. "Right…" I'd nearly forgotten.
Schmoozing other millionaires into donating for the science cause was being redirected to the rebuilding of West city.
Vegeta then quickly added, "Next time we delve into our bloodlines and other noteworthy persons."
As I stood up, notebooks and pencil in hand, I smirked at my brother. "You mean like Goku and Broly?"
Receiving only a grunt to my inquiry, I snickered while making my leave, but my brother made it a point to walk me to the door.
"Remember what I told you about Kakarot..." he said lowly.
Yes... I'd heard it enough times over the last month—
"Keep your distance from him, for both of your sake."
I patted his chest for show. "Yes, of course." And I all but laughed as their room door closed behind me.
Down the hall I went, the prospect of lunch passing through my mind, and then, of course, Goku.
'I'd love to get his story as one of the last saiyan babies to be sent to conquer lower lifeforms…'
It really was an ironically remarkable tale; from destined conqueror to saiyan avenger and Earth's protector.
My smile was wide as I swung my door open—
"Ow!"
—something stopping it halfway with a resounding thump.
I quickly shuffled into my room and around the door. "What?! Goku!"
Slowly he lowered his hands from his nose and checked them, undoubtedly for blood, before directing a dopey grin at me. "You got me good!"
Goku…
I sighed, closing the door quietly. "You really should call before showing up in people's homes… But it just so happens, I was thinking about you."
"Oh yeah?" he asked, a little brighter than before. "I've been thinking about you, too! You ready to train?"
My eyes narrowed, and I turned towards my wall calendar. "It's not…" But it was. "Oh… wow, it's the full moon already. I thought I had a day or two left..."
We'd been so consumed with our project that I'd lost count of two weeks practically.
"Yeah, Come on! Get outta that robe and let's get out there! Gohan'll be by later, too!"
As he reached out for my arm, I caught his hand, laughing awkwardly. "Wait, wait…" I then moved away, towards the vanity to place my things down. With my back to him, I admitted, "I don't think I'm up for that kind of exertion today, Goku… I know I promised we'd continue trying to explore this great-ape transformation, but my mind has actually been on other things lately."
Truly, he looked like he'd been given the letdown of his life at my decision to cancel our plans. "Aw~ What gives? I thought you wanted to get stronger?"
I lifted a finger in his direction whilst turning my chair to face him. "I do. But Capsule Corporation's got a huge event planned for this evening and I need to get ready." I then sat down, smiling apologetically. "I would like to talk with you about something later, though."
There was a subtle change in Goku's demeanor that I noticed when I suggested we talk… His eyes somewhat widening… expression bordering on nervous… Why?
His smile was most definitely nervous when he replied, "Yeah… tonight?"
I blinked. "Well, I meant tomorrow or something… Wouldn't it be in the wee hours out east if you stayed here until late?"
He was wringing his hands at that point. "Heh… Yeah, that's right. Silly me!"
I watched Goku with growing disconcertion. Something was wrong with him.
'Hell, something's gonna be wrong with me if I keep this man in my room for much longer,' I thought, wanting to roll my eyes at myself.
A few measured steps later I was before him, hands interlocked loosely in front of me as I gently stated, "I really need to get ready now."
He took a deep breath, slowly, in and out, before nodding. "I'll wait for you."
Wait for me?
I could only muster an uncertain "Okay…" as he finally exited my room.
My brow line scrunched up. 'He's acting so odd…'
It was almost enough to make me anxious. But I couldn't worry about it at the moment. Not when I had to shower and get myself into an expensive gown afterwards. Not to mention the makeup process…
…
…
Half an hour later the painful process had begun. Earth, like few others planets I'd visited in my lifetime, seemed to do the most when it came to the average woman's fashion. One would think that royal blood ran through every female's veins in this word, with the level of pageantry that came with being presentable for a formal occasion.
"Suck it in, Midori!"
I grimaced heavily in just my underwear, bent over the side of a tall bed on my hands. "There's nothing left to suck in!"
Bulma was behind me, also bent over, working hard to fit one of her corsets onto me. Because mine weren't constricting enough, apparently. She suddenly yanked so hard that I was pulled upwards, feet shuffling and barely contained breasts popping out of the cups.
"Bulma!"
"I got part of it clasped! Hold still!"
I rolled my eyes. "My boobs are hanging over the top!"
"Uuugh, fine! Hang on…"
At that point she had to work to undo the obscenely tight clasps, and I leaned back over the bed in exhaustion.
"Whaaat are you guys doing..?"
Both of us turned sharply at Goku's voice in my doorway, whose eyes were big, and both of us yelled in perfect unison, "GET OUT!"
And while I covered my exposed breasts with one arm, Bulma chucked one of her slippers at the already retreating (and yelping) saiyan.
UGH!
… …
That afternoon brought an unforeseen amount of stress. From the constricting corset, to the stupid, fake eyelashes (that were usually fun to apply) not staying on at first, to the nervous sweats hindering the rest of the makeup process, to—Goku—who was going to be hanging about.
But I managed to take a calming breath in my dark blue dress and diamond accessories, hand lightly atop my strangled abdomen.
"Okay…" I finally said from the end of the hall, proceeding to take careful, calculating steps in my silver heels onto the staircase.
What I was not expecting, when I neared the landing, was the friendly "Hey!" that greeted me.
It was then that I nearly missed the next step down as I spotted Goku in one of our finest suits, leaned casually over the banister. He breathed a small laugh at my stumble, and I couldn't have become more self-conscious.
'Why did he have to show up looking like that?'
I'd never known how much I needed a dapper Goku in my life until that moment, with his black suit and burgundy pocket handkerchief neatly exposed, and that matching tie and that—that smell; that cologne!
'Kais, I'm in trouble… Ugh, just ignore it all.'
When my heels finally clicked onto the floor, he seemed to be studying me with this subtle look of surprise. "You look…"
I'm sure it was a culture shock for him, to see me with a full face of makeup and an evening gown, when I was usually engaged in combat with or beside him. In appropriate attire, of course.
But his eyes wandered from mine, a little lower. "…like your boobs are about to pop out!"
Before my face could even show the raw irritation, my hand was pushing his face away while I passed him by. "Quiet, fool."
He seemed to snort into my hand, whether from nasal obstruction or laughter I knew not, but was quick to follow. "Don't be like that!"
"Why are you even dressed up?" I asked tiredly.
I then paused, while passing alongside glass doors, taking a moment to admire the full leg in view from the high slit in my dress, and the way the strapless gown hugged my bosom, then loosely fell over my lower body.
My heels put me at the same height as Goku, allowing me to face him eye-to-eye when he said, "I could ask you the same thing. I ran into Bulma's mother and told her I was waiting for you, and she just whisked me away to get all dressed up!"
I regarded him then with large eyes. "It's a charity ball, Goku! For West City's reconstruction and humanitarian aid! The richest of the rich are going to be here! That means you have to be on your best behavior…"
Something I said must've triggered something in him, because he looked down, as if recalling an unpleasant memory.
"Is this gonna be some kind of lying contest to get money?"
Huh?
My narrowed eyes blinked. "What? No. Just—" I grabbed his forearms, making him focus on me. "Stay close to me. Don't say anything weird to anybody, either! And don't eat all the food. It's for the guests. You can have a couple hors d'oeuvre plates… and a drink or two."
As I backed up, he replied, "This doesn't sound like much fun… and to have to do it in a stuffy suit?" He sighed hard.
I turned away, continuing down the glass corridor. "Feel free to come back tomorrow…"
I wasn't too comfortable with the idea of having him by my side at the moment either… It was like every time I told him "boundaries" it would go in one ear and out the other…
Goku easily caught up to Midori, but not before taking notice that her tail was seamlessly hidden under her navy-colored dress that seemed to flow as if a gentle breeze were catching the fabric as she moved.
'I really can't see it,' he thought while eyeing her backside, which was noticeable. 'Huh… maybe she tucked it in…'
His attention to her rear almost caused him to bump into her as she stopped before a more normal looking set of double-doors, which muffled voices and soft music.
He looked over to her then, shrugging with a little smirk. "I'll stay."
To which Midori quietly sighed. "Okay… Well, my job is to flirt with the old men…" Painted lips poked outward as her expression changed for the slightly annoyed. "So, I may use you as an excuse to escape here and there."
Goku heard her, and nodded, but he was quietly mystified by how different she looked up-close. The makeup almost seemed to change her facial features, and her lashes were practically two times their length and thickness. Even her hair seemed… relaxed…
She almost looked like a different person…
'Not better, but… different…' He mused, mentally comparing Midori's makeup to the lesser amount his wife used.
The thought of his wife reminded him of the main reason he'd traveled to see Midori in the first place, and he inhaled a deep breath… But then they entered what looked like a great banquet hall, with many circular tables, elegantly decorated, before a stage, and two of the walls lined by tables filled with all sorts of fancy food platters.
Goku gaped at the spread. "Oh, wow!"
And what looked like a hundred people were speckled across the large room, mingling in all their formal wear. He was eager to cut through them to get to the food.
"On second thought… maybe we should stick close to the food… and away from my brother…" Midori mumbled.
Goku had already spotted his longtime rival with Bulma, at a table near the front.
Bulma was seated next to him, her hands over his as she spoke enthusiastically to him; probably about the event. Vegeta seemed to regard her with his casual stoicism, but when Bulma finally stood to walk away, his hand remained holding hers for a moment, keeping her from leaving. This prompted a surprised smile from her, and the tiniest smirk from the prince, before he relinquished hold of her hand.
Even Goku smiled knowingly at the small display of affection, before Midori gently took his upper arm to direct him towards the back wall.
They were soon met with a rainbow of fruit displays, bordered by champagne glasses. Down the line were fancy looking breads and spreads, and on the other table was the largest variety of sliced meats Goku had ever seen.
"Let's go down there!"
But his arm was caught again, firmly.
"Remember what I said," Midori responded with a pointed side-eye.
"Ah, right…"
They stared at each other for a moment, before the lights dimmed and Midori smiled, turning away. And as she prepared some fruit and candied nuts for herself, Goku found his nerves acting up again. The speech being given by Dr. Brief was just background noise to the racing thoughts in his head… all about Midori.
He wished he could say what he came to say… His original plan was to train, with Gohan's help, but he'd been counting on the afterwards… Being able to steal a moment for just him and her… So he could say that he knew what had been going on in his home, and how he really felt about Midori…
Without thinking, Goku grabbed a glass of bubbly, awkwardly inquiring, "So, uh, what is it you said you wanted to talk to me about?"
It was then that Midori graced him with one of her wide, toothy grins, helping to deflate his bloated chest.
"Well, Vegeta and I are attempting to record everything we know about the Saiyan race… And I'd love it if you could tell me all about your life as a saiyan raised on Earth." She then pushed a bit of hair behind her ear. "From your earliest memories… to Frieza's defeat… and what it's taken for you to ascend your previous plateaus of strength…"
'Oh, neat…' Goku automatically mirrored her happy expression. "Yeah, sure!"
Sadly, before he could say anything else, an elderly man with a loud suit and an unconvincing comb-over approached Midori's side, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Still working out I see! Have you reconsidered modeling for us?"
Midori looked down at the man with raised eyebrows, her smile far less genuine. "Ohhh you… Why don't we step over here and talk about it?"
She placed her hands behind the old man's shoulders and ushered him down the line of the banquet table, but not before casting a roll of her eyes to Goku.
"Man…" Goku pouted somewhat. "I wanted to talk to 'er…" He then gulped down the champagne without a second thought.
His confessions would have to wait…
The lonely saiyan then turned towards the food, spitefully thinking, 'I'm gonna eat!'
A few minutes later Goku took a seat with four plates lined on his left arm better than the best waiter could've, and easily placed them onto the table without spilling a crumb. The two champagne glasses in his right hand also made it to the table top safely.
And so he sat by himself, distractedly nibbling on expensive cured meats, pungent cheeses, and sweet fruit, all the while his eyes were glued to Midori.
Being elevated in heels did something to her toned calf that was pleasant to the saiyan's tastes, as well as her exposed thigh… Part of him wished he could get a hand on her just to feel those muscles…
But that would be inappropriate, of course.
Goku sighed into his glass, blandly thinking, 'Think innocent thoughts…'
But how could he, with that one perfect leg out and her bust pushed way up as if inviting him to rest his weary head on them?
He concentrated on her for a moment.
"Can you hurry up?" He just about whined to her. "This is kinda boring…"
"Please wait…"
Goku sighed once more, turning slightly away from her, despite his eyes never straying far.
He didn't particularly care for the way the old man kept touching her arms, and his blatant admiration for her cleavage was off-putting as well. Then there was that weird patting of her hips. Even Midori felt it necessary to move his hands away with a sweet smile accompanied by a sharp look in her eyes.
'She wouldn't even let Master Roshi get close enough to touch her… But he's not some rich guy she has to make nice with for donations, I guess…'
Goku's mind continued to wander as he over-chewed some pineapple. He liked the dark blue color of the gown on her… sort of like the shirts he wore while in uniform… He just felt bad for her boobs. They looked strangled. And high. Unnaturally high up.
The following transition of thought came naturally, and with unconsciously bated breath, Goku allowed himself to imagine the two of them together in her bedroom… alone… in the dark… her arms draped loosely around his shoulders… Goku being more than willing to assist in the freeing of her breasts… All he had to do was unzip the back and peel the tight dress down the front for her to sigh a breath of relief into his ear, leaving her all too eager to pull his face down into her chest. He, of course, would gladly use his tongue and hands to make her feel even better.
"GOKU!"
A jolt of shock caused the saiyan's knee to hit the table, and he could hear Midori's slightly raised voice from where she was standing.
"I am so sorry, I just remembered I need to take care of something urgent!" She made apologetic motions to the elderly man, before moving quickly towards Goku, expression deadly and heels clacking loudly.
And before he knew it, he was being yanked up by the arm.
Goku blinked in surprise as they walked swiftly towards an exit. "Hey—what's the big rush?"
But she refused to answer him as she shoved glass doors aside, the July air rushing over them.
It wasn't until she'd hurried him around a corner on the upper outdoors deck did she roughly push him into a railing.
Goku's eyebrows scrunched up as he recoiled from being manhandled. "Hey!"
"Do you not understand telepathy, or are you just some kind of pervert?!"
Goku's eyes bulged. "Huh?! What are you talking about?!"
Midori's hands went to cover her nose for a moment, the murderous look in her eyes interrupted by them closing. "I saw the images you sent me…" She then met his confused gaze with austerity, speaking lowly. "Of you… taking my dress off…"
Ohhh… no…
Goku's jaw dropped in time with his heart, a long squeak leaving his mouth in place of coherent speech.
'I was still connected telepathically?! AND SHARED THOSE THOUGHTS WITH HER?!'
…shiiiiit!
He was about to turn his body into the railing and hide his face out of utter humiliation, but Midori beat him to it, weary expression obscured by her hands as she leaned over the metal bar.
"Why would you do that..?" she quietly asked. "I thought you said you viewed me as… family?"
"Er…" Goku couldn't find the words to get out—to get across.
A lie would be unacceptable… but the truth, in that moment, suddenly seemed impossible for him.
How could he just blurt out that he knew his wife had found someone else in his absence—that he'd seen for himself in the last week that the two were still in contact—his wife and friend—meanwhile Goku had come to a realization that Midori meant more to him with every passing day? Between the time they spent together sparring and the occasional visits in between… Starting all the way back from Broly, to Cell, to that one Halloween, Majin Buu, and the all the unfamiliar memories that popped into his head at random from his fusion with Vegeta…
'And it's those memories that help me feel close to Dori even when we're apart.'
Yes… with those peeks into her recently shared past with Vegeta, she'd endeared herself to his heart so much without even trying. This inadvertent way of getting to know her, added to their shared experiences, helped cement passing observations about her into strong biases. Like the sharp features of her beauty forever ingrained in his head… her calmly loving disposition, and the fire of a saiyan heart that undoubtedly beat in time with his. They were soulmates after all… And he couldn't put into words how much he was beginning to ache to make his own memories with her. Just the two of them… eating, laughing, playing, sparring, reaching new heights, and spending hours wrapped up in each other's bodies… all of it.
Such a revelation caused his heart to skip a beat.
At his silence, Midori turned in exasperation. "What is it, Goku? Do you have feelings—?"
"I know about Chi-Chi and Yamcha," he interrupted, ushering them both into another moment of silence.
A twinge of pain was felt in his chest at the admission, but he needed to get that out in the very least…
Midori's shoulders sunk, as well as her level of intensity. "Um… wow… Were they still..?"
The discomfort Goku felt in his heart showed in his face as he said, "You knew about them?"
She sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, but you were dead. They had the right, and it was pretty obvious to everyone even though they downplayed it for years. I just assumed she would cut him off since you were—back… I mean… the choice would've been obvious for me…"
Goku's gaze drifted to the darkened pool deck below as he remembered Eighteen's "advice", but…
"Idunno what to do, Dori…"
He felt stuck, mentally, emotionally, and even physically; something he'd never felt before, from an obstacle he'd never faced.
With a hint of incredulity, Midori then asked, "Don't you want your marriage back on track?"
And with increasing guilt, Goku mumbled back, "I don't know…"
His marriage felt different from the moment he'd returned to Earth, alive. He didn't think anything of it then, considering the adjustment after their seven-year separation and a new edition to the family. But, thinking back to all those years with and without his family… Goku had never felt the same level of want and need towards the Ox King's daughter that he did with the saiyan princess. Sure, in Other World Goku had craved his wife the way any husband would… And he did adore her—she was the mother of his children—sweet and attentive, fierce when need-be, but had Goku and Chi-Chi ever really… connected?
After another moment, Midori shifted her feet a bit, and laid a hand on the rail while sighing. "We are… damn-near having an affair at this point, Goku… and that's not what I want." She shook her head, and said, "But you need to be honest about what you want first… Don't just blow up your life… and others…"
Goku finally made eye contact with Midori, prompting her to softly reiterate, "What do you want?"
He inhaled a deep breath, thinking of his sons, and Chi-Chi. "I just wish we could be closer… without hurting anybody else…" Managing to crack a nervous smile, he added, "Cuz you're important to me… and—the way I love you—it's different than I've ever felt before…"
The subtlest of gasps escaped her lips upon his confession, almond eyes blinking open wider. "O-oh…" came her unsteady reply. She then looked down, lips pursing.
Not a good sign.
'Damn-it, I shouldn't have said that!' Goku mentally berated himself, about to apologize.
But then Midori lifted her bowed head, eyes holding a familiar glint in them. "So… when you say you want to be closer, you mean…" She took a measured step forward, hand sliding closer to him on the rail. "Like… this?"
Goku's faintly aching heart picked up its pace. "Maybe more… like this…" he responded, slight grin showing some teeth whilst the space between them decreased by another foot.
They were within arm's length then, silent, metaphorical butterflies abundant as she laid a hand softly atop his heart.
"Think about Gohan and Goten…"
He had, many times already.
"My sons understand that I lead with my feelings," Goku murmured, butterflies dissipating as he lifted her extended arm to rest over his shoulder.
The remaining space between them disappeared soon after. Forehead to forehead, hands on her waist, he was ready to show her how he felt.
She started to tell him, "Then… take the lea—" but he pressed his lips into hers, fully and wholeheartedly, the two swaying to the side with the increasing intimacy of the kiss and embrace; her caressing hand slipping into his hair—his instinct to encircle his arms around her.
'This feels right… I do love her…'
Slowly, his lips left hers, leaving Midori to nibble her bottom lip as Goku's grin returned, their bodies comfortably flush. She even let out a breath of a laugh.
"I can't believe you just did that…"
Despite them standing at the same height, Goku eased back a bit so he could see her face better. "Hehe, I always do what feels right."
To this, her smile waned. It was clear she was going to say something sobering.
"We are not about to carry on like this until you settle things with your family." Her hands wandered down his chest to fiddle with his tie. "You have to tell them, and be absolutely sure about you want… Even if that means you end up staying with Chi-Chi to fix your marriage…"
'She's right…' Goku thought. 'But I already know what I want.'
Midori then uttered a soft "You should go." Something he didn't care to hear. "But… one more kiss wouldn't hurt…" Something he did care to hear.
So he hooked his right arm around her shoulders, pulling her back in with a bit of rough playfulness for a big smooch.
"DAD!"
They tore apart in an instant, Goku's heart plummeting as he saw Gohan floating over the deck. The son's eyes matched his father's; wide like a deer caught in headlights.
"GOHAN—I-I CAN EXPLAIN—"
But then a door slammed, followed by a "SAVE IT, YOU LYING, ADULTERING CLOWN!"
'Oh shit…'
For once, Goku was unable to act quick enough, and before he knew it Vegeta was shoving Gohan aside, who'd jumped between the two older saiyans to stop the inevitable altercation—Vegeta's approaching fist—
A frightful gasp was ripped from my lips as Goku was knocked out cold, his body falling into me. "Goku!" But just as I lowered him to the ground, I was snatched up by my brother, his hands gripping my forearms.
"I told you to forget about that fool!"
"Stop!" I pushed him away, every bit of me shaking. I tried to inhale a deep breath, hand on the impairing corset as I dared to look at Gohan.
Gohan… whose pained features spoke the betrayal I knew he felt.
Why had I let things with Goku get so far? When I knew his boys would get hurt?! This wasn't how things were supposed to happen…
I opened my mouth, but choked. "I'm s… sorry!"
It was all my heart could bare when he looked away from me. I blasted off, billowing gown and all, into the dark sky, leaving my hurt and angered loved-ones, and a trail of tears to fall over the island estate.
/
Author's Note: So I'm trying to keep Goku in character with the sort of well-rounded adult he was in his thirties in Dragon Ball Z, with the more... caricature portrayal he's getting in DB Super. If you're a fan it's easy to imagine 37 y/o Goku being fun and sexy, but DB Super Goku? Who acts like a child 50% of the time outside of fights? Apparently ain't EVER kissed his wife? lmfao. Hoo boi. Gonna have to rewatch both dubs and reread the manga for Super arcs if I want a solid median for Goku's portrayal.
You guys catch my Broly movie and TFS references? Goku having to dress up, thinking there was going to be a lying contest to get Gohan into a private school, and Nail referring to the universal language being English lmao.
And sorry I took so long to get this out. Even I had to peek at the previous chapter to make sure the progression of things seemed natural lol. May edit this chapter some more later. And I decided to up the rating for the explicit fantasizing/dreaming that went on, but trust me, when we get to the big event it's gonna make what I wrote above look tame lol.
Anyway, stay safe out on these streets, people. Wear ya masks when you go out, etc etc. and please review! I feel like every 3 or so chapters I post I have a new audience, because I take so long lmao