We will not repeat the same mistakes

A/N: Hello! New chapter.

Thank you for my brother for beta-reading.

For everyone who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone.

A longer chapter to compensate a little for the long update time. Happy reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ! However, I do own any new OC in this story.

Chapter 9: The perfect gift

Even though Mr. Satan was renowned for being a tough fighter, everyone knew he loved his daughter and made everything he could to protect her. He always gave her the freedom she wanted, trusting her blindly, but interfered when seemed necessary. And tonight, he found it necessary. He boiled with rage when he came back home and his butler told him his little girl went out with a boy, all dressed up, on Valentine's night. And when they returned home, and she hugged him, he couldn't take it anymore and decided to talk with her at her arrival instead of wait for the morning "Hey dad. You're home early tonight."
"Videl! Don't change the subject. Who is that boy and why were you hugging him? More importantly where were you?"
"Daddy calm down. Gohan is just a guy from school. He is the new guy I was telling you about and he thought it would be funny if we went out together, since all our friends have dates for tonight."
"Videl, don't mess with me. You never dressed up except when you had events to attend to. You certainly never did for a boy."
"You know all restaurants have a dress code for tonight. And he got me the dress. Isn't it rude to not wear it?"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE GOT IT. THIS BOY IS GONNA REMEMBER MY FIST ON HIS FACE."
"Dad calm down please. It was an apology gift. And before you burst out, let me finish." She told him about her school day and he looked sadly at her, affected by her down look, but he noticed how she shined at the mention of the boy.
"You could have told me you were going out. I would have come to get you. At least you wouldn't have to walk all the way back home. And what kind of boy is he if he lets girls walk back at this hour instead of using a car."
"DAD! First, I am not a normal girl. Second, I invited him to walk back home, the weather was perfect and I thought it would be nice."
He heard her mumble something else under her breath before he coughed at her, glaring. "What did you said?"
"Nothing important dad."
"Videl! Don't you dare lie to me."
She sighed, anticipating her father's reaction "He is not really wealthy. I don't think he has a car."
"NO VIDEL! I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS. YOU DESERVE SOMEONE WHO CAN MAKE YOU LIVE THE LIFE YOU DESERVE. NOT SOME GUY WHO WALKS YOU ALL THIS WAY BACK HOME BECAUSE HE CANNOT AFFORD A CAR."
"DAD! Calm down. I think I can decide who's good for me and who's not. You know I don't care about wealth. Gohan is smart and funny. Most importantly he respects me and isn't using me to get to you. He is different than the others."
He sighed and looked at her "I just want what's best for you, pumpkin. I don't want you to get hurt. You know I will always protect you."
She hugged him "I know dad, thank you. Trust me this time, he is different." He hugged her back before she went back to her room. She removed the dress and looked at it smiling before she held her hand to her chest, reaching the necklace. What happened tonight Gohan? Did someone make you do it or you decide to be friendlier with me? And why? She continued thinking while she reached her bathroom to shower, preparing herself for bed.

In West City, Gohan just reached the CC dome before he heard footsteps behind him and quickly got into a fighting stance "Wow. Calm down Superman. No need to send us flying."
He saw his best friends coming back from their date and smiled at them "Sorry guys. Force of habit. How was your night?"
"I am surprised that this guy here can actually behave in public. If we omit the fact that he ordered the whole menu, it was nice."
They laughed at the half-Saiyan before the couple looked at their friend smirking "What about you Gohan? You came home later than we expected."
"It was better than I anticipated. She was smiling so I guess she enjoyed the night out." They smiled at him and entered. He got to his room and heard a knocking. Lime stood there, smiling at him "Can I come in?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"I wanted to check on tonight. You know, details. I figured you won't talk in front of Mirai."
He laughed at her curiosity and invited her on the bed and started telling her how his night went "You really went all out, I'm impressed. You can actually be romantic."
"Ha ha very funny."
"I'm teasing you, idiot. But seriously, the dress and diner was a nice touch. You didn't need to get both, we asked for one, you know that right?"
"Actually, I got the dress last minute. The gift was actually a necklace."
"Oh my Kami, that is so cute. But wait, how did you afford all that?"
"I had some light savings. It wasn't much though, so I made the best of it. The restaurant was really basic, and I had to walk her home since I don't have a car. I didn't want to ask Bulma, you know."
She hugged him tightly, smiling at him "It was amazing. I'm sure she enjoyed the night. This is the Gohan I became friends with. Glad he is back."
"Haaaa, another joke." They continued their conversation before they decided to sleep, fearing they wouldn't wake up for class.

The next day, they were greeted by Erasa's screams "WHAT! AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO CALL ME YESTERDAY TO TELL ME."
She saw Gohan and smirked at him "We were talking about you."
He turned red at the comment and sighed "Good morning to you too Erasa."
They all laughed, hearing the blonde girl talk and ask for details, before they noticed everyone looking at them in the hallways. Sharpner came running at them "GUYS! Come fast. You are not going to like this." They followed him and saw a picture of Gohan and Videl at the restaurant the night before. They turned red while everyone was looking at them. Sharpner bended towards them and whispered "Good job guys. It looks like your secret date is not secret anymore."
Gohan got angry and looked at his classmates, hearing them talk about them. He burst into anger and shouted "Anyone has something to say? We're all ears come on. Instead of whispering, let us in." The hallways got so silent that no one even dared to make a sound while breathing. He glared at them before talking "What happened last night is none of your business. And instead of talking about us and making dumb assumptions, thinking about the reasons that made Videl go out with a nerd. Maybe you will finally stop treating her like you do." He took the picture of the wall and throwed it in the trash "I don't care who put these up, but if I see one picture when I leave, this person will have the pleasure of my company." Everyone was looking at each other and started to remove the pictures from the walls before the bell rang. The group of friend looked at one another and reached their class. When they reached their seats, Videl looked at Gohan "Thank you."
"No need. They got on my nerve."
She smiled at him but her mind was trying to process what he said 'making dumb assumptions'. So yesterday was just a friendly night out? She sighed and tried to focus at the teacher. When the day ended, Erasa poked her and told her they were going to her place to talk about today's events and her friend complied, happy to have someone to vent to. She told her about yesterday, stating all the details she could, she told her about both gifts and got the necklace out of her shirt before finalizing with the argument with her father. The blonde listened and smiled at Gohan's apologies and his fear that it wasn't much and how Videl was understanding. She knew her friend didn't care for the money, but it a was nice reminder. They talked about what happened and Erasa told her everything will be fine, and she would eventually understand what happened. "You see each other every day. I'm sure we will be able to understand the meaning of all this." She nodded at her and continued their talk before they decided to work on their homework, unaware that a certain half-Saiyan had as almost identical conversation with his best friend in their usually spot near the river.

Everyone in school knew how much Erasa and Videl were close. They became friends since elementary school, long before her father even won the MWAT tournament, and the blonde girl never changed the way she perceived Videl. Also, everyone knew how much Erasa loved parties, and planning Videl's birthday was one of her favorite moments of the year. Usually, Videl celebrates her birthday with a simple hangout with her friends, since it was really close to Mother's days and she didn't like celebrating this day; but this year, her best friend made sure she would have a big party for her senior year, even though Videl was younger to her class and celebrated her 17th birthday. Erasa talked with Mr. Satan and asked for his permission to throw a party to which he complied; he didn't like his girl drifting off but he wanted her to be happy no matter what and he trusted Erasa more than anyone else. She asked for his help to get her out of the house, and he scheduled a press conference and forced her to come with him, claiming she should appear with him at events this close to Mother's day. Erasa prepared the party, and made sure everyone was present before the crime-fighter came back and the blonde girl was more than happy when she saw that her best friend had no idea what was planned and she wasn't faking her shock. They were all having a good time, dancing to the music and Erasa made sure that no alcohol would be involved, to avoid any scolding from the world champion. The group of friend was standing in the back, enjoying the ambiance and laughing all together, and looked at their friends dancing and having fun. Lime was able to get Mirai on the dance floor but he quickly backed up, claiming all their classmates were here. She rolled her eyes and looked at Gohan with the same puppy eyes his siblings tried on him, knowing he couldn't resist it and he complied and accompanied her. I have to learn to get immune to this. He weirdly enjoyed the night and tried to follow Lime's moves, setting a rhythm. After a while, they got thirsty and decided to get something to drink. They noticed a group of jocks near the table and decided to wait for them to leave, not enjoying their company. Gohan was staring at the roof before Lime elbowed him and whispered "Gohan look."
He looked at them and noticed they were pouring something in the drink "What are they doing?"
"They are spiking their drinks. We better be careful."
He nodded at her and went to get their drinks, avoiding their glares at him. After a while, they found Videl laughing with Erasa and a couple of girls from their class, but Gohan noticed a spike in her Ki. Lime called him and asked "Doesn't she look redder to you? Her cheeks look like they are burning"
"Yeah. Her Ki is higher than usual. Maybe she's hot?"
She giggled at him "Be careful with that expression Gohan." He blushed at her comment before he made fun of her and went to find Mirai.

They were all enjoying the night and Lime smiled when she saw Gohan looking in Videl's direction smiling. Mirai noticed it and whispered "He can say all he wants, but I'm sure he likes her."
"I know, it's so obvious. I've never seen him smile like this before. I hope he will make a move."
"Yeah. Who would have thought that Gohan would go out with the girl of the guy who stole his credit. That's the weirdest news ever."
They laughed and looked towards Gohan who was glaring, noticing the same jocks as before laugh and spiking another drink, and saw one of the guys from his class, whom he didn't remember the name, make his way towards Videl. He kept guard when he saw he offered her said drink and invited her outside the dance floor, claiming it would be quieter. Mirai noticed his staring and asked him what was going on and he told them what he noticed before Lime understood "Dende. Guys, he is trying to drug her. We have to act fast." The boys nodded before they went to find the girl, noticing her clear lack of focus "Hey Videl. Mirai lost a bet and has to dance with you. Can you come?"
"Do you mind nerd. We're talking."
The boys glared at each other before Videl sensed her head get heavy and tried to sit. The guy smirked and tried to hold her "I guess you are tired Videl. Let me help you get you to your room."
Mirai stepped between them fast "I guess she just needs to breath a little. Thank you for your concern."
"Who do you think you are?"
"Someone who has no problem sending you to the hospital."
Lime saw the interaction and came to them "Guys. Not the moment. Let's avoid making a scene."
Gohan glared at the boy as he held his friend, ready to take her out to breathe "Nerd. What do you think you are doing?"
He put his hand on Gohan shoulder trying to stop him before he felt the boy grab it "You leave her alone. Or I'll send you to the hospital before Mirai does."
With that, he held his hand, breaking his fist in the process. The jock cursed at him and called his friends, leaving. Gohan nodded at his friends and took Videl to the balcony and Erasa joined him with a cup of water "Thanks, Gohan. Kami I don't know what could have happened." He smiled at her and left them alone, relieved that Videl was gaining her senses. After a moment, the girls got back inside and continued the night as if nothing happened and they were all ready for the cake. Mirai noticed the number of candles and asked about it; Lime explained and they looked at Gohan "Looks like you're not the only one younger to the class here."
"They all think I'm gonna be 18. It's easier to explain my body type than trying to explain the hyperbolic time chamber." They all laughed at his comment and clapped as Videl was cutting the cake, and the night continued peacefully without any more disturbances.

Erasa made sure the trio of friends spent the night at Satan's manor, claiming they would all enjoy the night longer. Mirai and Gohan shared a room with Sharpner while the girls were all set together and decided to pass the night in Videl's room. The blonde set all her classmates' gifts in the living room, leaving theirs in another one. They all gathered and she started to open them. She laughed at Sharpner when she saw the designer bag filled with different types of candy "You have a sweet tooth. I know you won't enjoy the bag. My mom got it anyways."
They all laughed at him before she spotted a small bag with the names of Mirai and Lime. She opened the bag and saw a small silver bracelet with the inscription 'the best is yet to come'. She smiled at them and hugged them before Lime spoke "He had me add his name, claiming it was his idea to add the inscription."
They laughed at his glaring before he sighed "I won't know what to give a girl. And you don't want my mother to get you a gift."
He looked at Sharpner amused before he heard him tease "I should have tagged along with you." a comment that earned a group laugh.
She saw a big bag and looked at Erasa "I swear E, if you got me a girly bag."
"You didn't even see it yet." The blonde smirked at her friend's rolling eyes. The crime-fighter opened the bag and noticed it was filled with random stuff. Several chocolate bars were scattered in the bag alongside random stuff from needles to gum or even fireworks. Finally, a necklace in form of arrow with the word 'fierce' written on it made its appearance. They all looked at Erasa with a questioning face, except for Videl who had a wide smile. Erasa smiled at her friend before she explained "She has a very sweet tooth, Sharpner went over that. The rest is some random stuff to remember all the things we lived together. It's like a small memory bag, to remember ten years of friendship. And the necklace was just so you, I felt it was designed specially."
The raven-girl got up and hugged her best friend as tight as she could "Thank you. I love you."
"Love you too Vi."
They were all smiling before Sharpner yawned "Time for bed guys." They all nodded and made their way to their respective rooms, and failed to notice the smirk on Erasa's face. When the girls reached Videl's room, they were amazed. Small lights were hung on the wall behind Videl's bed, and several pictures were attached to them. They saw photos of the two girls when they were only seven or eight years old, and they showed a small evolution, alongside pictures of Videl with her parents, when her dad won his first tournament, holding her on his shoulders. Pictures of them at school or several events such as the Christmas gala or New Year were hung, a picture of Videl and her mom, and even small group photos of their group, and to Erasa's fun, the picture of her "date" with Gohan. She looked at the blonde girls with tears in her eyes "Erasa. This is amazing. I can't thank you enough. I love you." She held her friend in a tight embrace to which she reciprocated. They started remembering the events captured in the photos before fatigue took over and they drifted to sleep.

The next morning, Videl woke up with a bad headache and was surprised. She asked Erasa about it and she told her what happened the night before "That jerk. I am going to kill him when I see him."
"Calm down Vi, Mirai and Gohan stood to him don't worry. Plus, Gohan already broke his wrist, I don't think there is anything else you can do."
"He did what?"
"Yeah. He got pretty angry."
She blushed at the comment before she sighed "Come on. Let's get some breakfast."
She nodded and they woke up Lime and found the boys. They reached the living room and saw Mr. Satan already waiting for them "Morning sweatpea. How was your night?"
"Hey dad. It was nice. Let me introduce you. You already know Erasa and Sharpner, this is Lime, Mirai and Gohan."
The world champion turned his focus to the last name and recognized the boy from CC. He glared at him but regained his posture when he saw his daughter's looks and welcomed her guests. He kept looking at Gohan before Videl noticed it and spoke "A problem dad?"
"You didn't tell me this punk was invited."
"DAD!"
"Look sweetie. I don't like this boy. I remember him from the Christmas gala."
"Dad, he is just a friend. What's gotten into you?"
They all looked at the half-Saiyan but were surprised to see him calm. He got up and excused himself "I'm sorry. I don't want to be a problem. I am going to get my stuff. I'll see at school. Sorry again sir." He bowed and left the table in direction of his room to retrieve his stuff.
They were all surprised before Videl yelled "ARE YOU HAPPY NOW DAD? WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT?"
Erasa cut them fast "I'm sorry to interrupt. We are going back to our rooms. It's a private conversation."
They all got up and left before Erasa stopped and started to eavesdrop. She mentioned at them to follow Gohan while she overheard "Care to explain dad?"
"Is he the boy you went out with?"
"Yeah. So?"
"I don't approve. I remember how close he held you during the gala and how he angry he got when I spoke with him. He has a temper and by the looks of it, clearly likes to hold you."
"Seriously dad? A temper? Couldn't you find something better? That's a lame excuse. And what does that even mean 'likes to hold me'?!"
"Don't you dare respond young girl. I forbid you to see this boy you hear me."
"WHAT! You really think you can veto him like this? You don't even know how he is or what are the things he did for me."
"Yes I can. And don't try seeing him behind my back or you will not be allowed to leave your room. It's bad enough I had to stop pictures of you two from going to the press, I had to see the pitiful place he took you to. And now he is spending the night here after your parties. Enough is enough."
He didn't let her respond before he got up "George. Prepare my car." Videl was speechless at what happened and stayed in her seat, processing what just happened.

Back in the room, the teenagers were shocked at what happened and looked at Gohan who was packing his stuff silently. Lime looked at her best friend before she spoke "How did you stay this calm?"
"Huh?"
"He was screaming at you and kicked you out. But you stayed calm. Why?"
"Because I don't want Videl to be sad. It's bad enough she got angry at her dad for the way he treated me. I don't think me getting angry would resolve it."
They all smiled lightly at him before they saw Erasa enter the room "So?"
"It's bad."
He nodded at her and got his bag before leaving "I'll see you guys later. Let me know how she'll be."
He made his way to the door and noticed Videl coming their way angrily. He smiled at her "Hey Videl. I'll see you Monday?"
"You're leaving?"
"Yeah. My mom called anyways saying the twins are hyped today and she needs help."
She faked a smile at his lie and saw him leave before silence filled the room. The boys excused themselves to pack their stuff, leaving the girls alone to talk. After she told them what her dad told her, they looked at her sadly. After a while, Erasa talked "Small question. What did Gohan get you? Maybe if you show your dad how kind he is, he will change his mind."
"He actually didn't get me anything. I didn't find anything under his name."
Lime looked at her surprised "Wait what? He asked me about gift ideas all week."
"I don't need anything really. He already paid diner once, and he got me a dress and this necklace. It's more than enough. I don't think he can afford anything else and he was asking you just to avoid suspicions."
"Did you tell your dad about the necklace?"
"No. I prefer to keep it a secret."
They tried to smile at her before the boys called them, and Lime retrieved her stuff, ready to leave "Let me in on anything."
"Sure thing. And we are waiting on news from Gohan from you."
She hugged them and the three teenagers left. Erasa and Videl came back to the fighter's room and the blonde girl started the conversation "How are you feeling?"
"Terrible. He literally got kicked out of my house. I didn't even got to thank him for yesterday. I need to talk with my dad as soon as possible."
"I guess it's better you wait a little." She sighed at her friend's reply and went to her closet to get dressed and start the day.

Lime tried to reach Gohan all day, but Chi-Chi told her he was playing with the kids. She sighed and sent him a text message 'can I come tmrw?'
'I have something planned. See you Monday?'
'sure. Are you alright? Please dont lose yourself in training'
'yeah im fine. Im playing with the twins not training. Ill tell you later dw.'

The next day, he went to Satan City and found Erasa at the park who hugged him when she saw him "Hey Gohan. How are you?"
"I'm good. You?"
"Amazing. How is your family?"
"Great. The twins are growing each day and getting more energized by the minute. It's amazing."
She smiled at him before they went on a walk "So what's the matter?"
"I guess you know that I wasn't able to give Videl a gift. Truth is I didn't know what to get. I can't afford anything expensive and I guessed she already had everything. I want to get her something she doesn't have but I have no clue what. Can you help me?"
"Gohan that is so sweet."
He blushed at her giggles before she continued "Look, not gonna lie, I asked Vi about your gift, ya know curiosity, and she told me she doesn't need anything from you. She said what you did for Valentine's was enough. Really don't bother."
"There must something she'd want."
They looked at each before something stroke in him "How did her mom die?"
"She caught this weird heart virus that appeared right after Cell. She died shortly after."
Shit. Natural causes, the dragon balls are useless. "Was there something they like to do together?"
"They spent a lot of time together. I don't think there was something really particular."
"Did she ever mention something she wanted to get her? A matching gift or anything?"
"No, sorry. I don't know if it helps, but, her mom had a necklace she always wore. It was three rings intertwined. Wait I'll show you a picture."
She showed him the picture of Videl and her mom she printed from the frame. The necklace was made of three intertwined rings, a big golden one followed by two smaller silver ones.
"The golden is for her dad. The other silver ones are her mom and her. It's like a family tree. She said that if they got another child, they would add a new ring."
"Did she lose it?"
"No, her mom was buried with it."
"I see. Awesome, thanks Erasa."
"Umm… yeah sure. Anytime." They hugged before he made his way to West City.

He called Lime to ask her about a jeweler's number and he quickly rushed there. He detailed the necklace and asked him if he could do an identical one "Sure my boy. I'm going to need a two to three days and it will be ready."
"Perfect. Do you know how much it would cost?"
"I can't know for sure just yet. But I will around 5000 zenis, more or less."
"Oh. I'm sorry I can't afford that much. Thank you for your time."
He left the store and sighed I could ask Bulma for more hours at the lab, maybe I could have enough. He started walking aimlessly in the streets before a brilliant idea rushed his mind I need to find Dende. He quickly hid in a deserted alley and flew towards the Lookout. He was greeted by his namekian friend "Hello Gohan. What can I do to help?"
"Dende. Is there a way to get something of a buried body without disturbing the grave?"
"What do you mean?"
"My friend's mother was buried with a necklace. I wanted to know if there was a way to get it without disturbing the grave."
"I'm sorry my friend, it's not possible. But, I do know that when someone is admitted into heaven, King Yemma allows them to keep one of their belongings, if they have a sentimental value for them. You know as a souvenir. If it is this important, maybe she chose it."
"How can I be sure?"
"Ask for Baba, Master Roshi's sister. She can help. She can flow in and out the Otherworld easily."
"You are awesome Dende. Say hi to Piccolo and Mr. Popo for me." He quickly left the Lookout and went to Kame House. He asked his father's old master about his sister and he made his way to her location. When she found her place in the desert, he was greeted by a weird looking ghost who directed him to the fortune teller "Hello Gohan. What can I do for you?"
"Hello. I need you to retrieve something from the Otherworld."
"Nothing comes without a price my boy."
"I don't really have any money. Is there anything I can do to help instead?"
"I can do a small exception. As a thank you for saving us from Cell all these years ago. I can let you pay the price later on. Now tell me."
"Awesome, thank you."
He told her everything about the necklace before she got up her crystal ball "Let's see." She hummed something and an image appeared in the crystal ball. He saw a woman who resembles Videl like a twin, having the same blue eyes, black hair and peach skin "You are in luck. This woman is in Heaven. Give me two days and I will see what I can do. Do you have any information that might help me."
"If I write something, would it help?"
"Yes."
He took a piece of paper and wrote in it:

'Hello, it might sound weird to you but I am a friend of Videl. I am trying to surprise her for her birthday and got informed about a necklace you held. I'm guessing it would mean the world to her if she could have it. If you have it with you and don't mind, can we have it so I could give it to her? and if not, and I understand its value, if there is something you would like to tell her, if you want to write her a letter or anything, I would be more than happy to give it to her. Thank you.'

He gave the letter to Baba "Come back in two days." He bowed and left.

Gohan avoided Videl as much as he could on Monday, afraid that he would blurt anything about his gift, and spent his lunch time with Lime, the latter crying at her friend's gift's idea. The city fighter was sad, afraid that it had something to do with her dad. At the end of the day, she stopped him "Hey Gohan. How are you?"
"Umm, hey…Videl. I'm good and you?"
"Fine. Do you want to hang out?"
"Your dad won't say anything?"
"He is out of town for the week."
"Oh, okay. I'm sorry I can't today. The twins are waiting for me."
He saw the sad look on her face before he continued "Maybe tomorrow?"
"Sure."
He smiled at her illuminated face "We meet up at the same place I showed you last time?"
"Why don't we go together after class?"
"Umm… you know. I don't want people seeing us together and tell your dad."
"Oh. Okay. I'll see you then. Bye."
The next day, Gohan rushed quickly after class to Baba's place. "Hello Gohan. There you go."
She gave him a small box and an envelope "The necklace is in it. And this is a small letter she wanted to give her."
"Thank you so much Baba."
"Don't forget I might come back any time and ask for my price."
He nodded at her and quickly left. He stopped first at Satan's manor and entered her room from her balcony, leaving the envelope on her bed. It's personal, I think it would be better she reads it alone. He then noticed he was in her room before he blushed and he felt his tail loosening its grip around his waist and starting to wave in every direction Wow, I didn't expect her room to be like this. Kami I need to leave. He noticed the pictures on the wall behind the bed and smiled. He noticed her picture with her mother and father during the tournament. She looked so happy here. I hope she will like the gift. It suits her to smile. He found a piece of paper and wrote her a small message and left it near the envelope before he left and made his way to their meeting spot.

"Finally. I thought you were going to ditch me. I've been waiting an hour for you."
"Sorry. I had something I needed to get before."
"And that is?"
"Close your eyes."
"Gohan I hate surprises."
They laughed before she asked "Wait. What would you want me to close my eyes."
"Well… huh… it's a surprise… for you."
"For me? Why?"
"You know, for your birthday."
"Gohan! You didn't need to. Valentine's night was more than enough."
"I know. It's nothing really. Just a small thing. I felt bad, everyone got you something. So here."
He gave her the bag and she looked at him "No way Gohan. I'm not accepting this. It's too much really."
He chuckled "Look at it before you say no. Trust me."
She sighed and opened the bag, retrieving a small box from it. She raised her eyebrow ready to scold him for getting her jewelry but stayed silent when she noticed the light smile on his face. She opened the box and felt her heart stopped at the sight in front of her "Kami. Gohan… how? When? I don't understand."
He smiled at her "Happy birthday Videl."
"I really can't accept it. It must have cost you a fortune."
"I'm sorry but it's nonrefundable."
She observed him before looking back at the necklace and she noticed something engraved in each ring 'shelter, support, smiles'.
She looked back and forth at the ring and Gohan, tears forming in her eyes "how did you… how… who told you? No one knew, how?"
"Videl? You aren't making any sense."
He got worried when he noticed her tears "Videl? Kami I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."
"How did you know?"
"Know what?"
"About the inscriptions."
She showed him the rings before he smiled at her. She looked at him and he waited for her to speak noticing her reluctance. "I don't know what to say. And I have so many questions. How did you know?"
"Erasa told me about the necklace."
"And what about the inscriptions?"
"What inscriptions?"
"Huh?"
He had a quizzical look but then smiled at her "I had some strings pulled. And before your mind drifts, nothing bad happened"
"You are messing with me. How?"
He approached her and whispered in her ear "I know someone who wants you to have this more than her."
She widened her eyes and couldn't stop her hands from hugging him with all her force, unable to stop her tears from falling. He hugged her back and waited for her to calm. "Thank you. It's the best thing anyone ever got me."
"You're welcome. Happy birthday."
They released their grip and Gohan held his forehead on hers, smiling. They stayed like this a moment, before Videl looked at the necklace again. "I still have a lot of questions on how you knew. I never told anyone about them."
He laughed at her curiosity "Don't worry. You will understand everything sooner than you expect."
"Still cannot tell me at least a little secret?"
He laughed before he heard his father speak with him. Son, I am coming back today. Meet me at home. She looked at him and heard him whisper "Dad is coming back."
She noticed he was lost at what to do and she smiled at him before speaking "Gohan, if you need to leave you can. We can always talk another time."
"You sure? Thanks Videl."
He unconsciously hugged her and they both blushed at the act. "Umm, I'm sorry. I'll talk to you later."
He left her and she looked back his gift smiling. She called Erasa and told her to meet her at their usual café, and she went to find her best friend to tell her what happened.

Gohan reached his house in merely minutes and found his dad waiting for him at the front door, no hallow up his head "Hey son." He rushed to hug him as tears were falling "Dad! Finally." His mother cried at the sight before the twins let loose of their mother's legs and rushed to hug their dad "Daddy!" he held the both of them on his shoulders laughing "I'm finally able to hold you guys. I missed you all." They all went inside, happy to be finally reunited. After lunch, Goku and Gohan found their way to the clearing where they used to fish before the Cell Games, deciding it would be easier to discuss the situation.

A/N: ninth chapter done.

There you have it. Videl's birthday and gift will get these two closer. We will see if she can link all that is happening with Gohan and understand who he is. And how will she react when she will see her mother's letter and how it will affect her talk with her dad to remove his "veto". And with Goku's return, the new threat should appear really soon.

Until the next one, please reviews and comments. Also please tell me if I should develop anything more. As I said I am opened to criticism. Let me know what I should arrange in the future.

I will update as soon as I can. Thank you and I will see you in the next chapter!