We will not repeat the same mistakes

A/N: Hello! New chapter.

I want to wish you all a happy new year. Hopefully the coming one will be better.

Thank you for my brother for beta-reading.

I hope you will like the chapter. Happy reading.

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

Chapter 10: New feelings

The ten days before the Cell Games were some of the best Gohan lived, since it was the most time he passed with his dad that could be considered a normal life. Sure, he spent a year with him in the chamber, but they were training all the time. Goku quickly found two sticks and improvised a fishing rod, then he sat near the river and looked at his older son "You surely have grown. You are my height now."
"Yeah. You haven't changed though. Even your muscle bulk is the same."
"I will never understand being dead. My body doesn't change but I can still eat like I'm alive."
They both laughed and looked at the lake "Wanna tell me about this girl?"
Gohan blushed, clearly surprised by his father's question "I honestly don't know dad. You are right, she is nice when you get to know her. But I never thought I would get attached to her like that."
"Well, I could always hear your mother complain how stubborn you got. But this is a discussion for another time. Right now, I think it's better we understand this."
"You really changed dad."
"Being away this long changed my perspective. King Kai helped a lot. I had to learn to get my priorities straight. I will always love a good fight, but they are other important things. Anyways, has Vegeta explained to you about Saiyan's attraction?"
"No. He once mentioned teenager Saiyans and hormones."
"Look son, he once explained it to me. He said that since we are a race of warriors, the female Saiyans were also fierce. He concluded that our attraction to Chi-Chi and Bulma follows the same concept. Both of them are considered strong women. From what I've seen, Videl is also pretty strong."
"Yeah, she helps the police after all."
"I don't mean only physically. If it were the case, Bulma wouldn't fit since she isn't a fighter. Yes Videl is a fighter but she is also mentally strong. You know that better."
Gohan looked at his father reluctantly "They are many strong women. How do you know she is the most suitable one?"
"Something called matting. Vegeta said it's like defining your territory. Basically, a Saiyan choose a mate for life, and they become connected, like they are affecting one another. Kind of like forming a bond or something. When the right person is in front of you, you feel the urge to bit this person on the left neck."
"Wait. So mom and Bulma have a bite on their neck? Like from a dog?"
"Why do you think your mom usually wears high collars. I guess Bulma used a cream or something to cover it more. Now that I think of it, your mom's isn't as present as before, I should ask her about it."
"That is a lot to process. I still have many questions though."
They both smiled, forgetting about the fishing rod in front of them. "It's normal son, don't worry, I'm here now. Hey Gohan. How did you get your tail back?"
"I don't know. Vegeta said it could happen when teenagers feel fear or rage or by matting. Since I didn't feel this weird neck thing yet, my guess was rage."
"You mean after Tao?"
"Yeah. I got pretty angry there. It could be."
"Maybe. It could be fear since you were gonna die."
"I don't think I got this terrified."
"Maybe fear that Videl could get hurt? You were pretty angry there and weren't thinking. From what I've seen, you were careless enough to let a human get hurt during the fight. I'm not judging you, we will discuss this later on, but it was a hunch. Even if you didn't really care for her back then, she was still a school friend." Gohan stayed silent at his father's comment, avoiding his look, and thinking about his words. The silence didn't last long when the twins arrived and jumped into the water "Daddy, Gohan. Let's play." The older Saiyans smiled and removed their clothes to join them and play. Not long after, Chi-Chi arrived and prepared a picnic.

The twins' bed time arrived faster than expected, and they waved goodnight to their family. Shortly after, Gohan and Goku stepped outside and found Piccolo waiting for them. "I gave you the day with your family. Now, what's going on?"
Goku quickly took a serious look and nodded "The Kais don't really know who it is. They are still trying to inform themselves. They noticed a disturbance in the equilibrium of the system or something like this. They told me that King Kai is watching over the quadrant and they will tell me as soon as they know something."
"I see. Let's be ready for anything. We have to train more, we never know. Do they know how much time we have?"
"No. They estimated with the disturbance around three months. But they said it might be more or less. They can't know for sure since they don't know its cause. Let's train together and be ready for anything." The trio nodded and started to discuss their plans.

In Satan City, two best friends were sitting in their usual café. Erasa held herself to avoid screaming when she saw the necklace "Kami. I didn't think he would actually do one. It must have cost him a fortune."
"I know. Did you told him about the inscriptions in the rings?"
"Which inscriptions? I don't know what you're talking about."
Videl looked at her best friend with a big questioning glare and showed her the necklace "If you didn't tell him. How did he know about them?"
"I don't know Vi." Erasa looked at the necklace amazed before she saw something weird "Look Vi. It looks like there is a small dent on the bigger silver ring." The crime-fighter quickly took the necklace and looked at it. She tried to speak but couldn't find the words, which made Erasa very anxious. When she regained her posture, she said "I remember when I was a kid. I was playing with my mother's necklace and I fell on the stairs. The necklace collided with the edge of the stairs and I thought it broke. Turned out it was only a dent. I can't understand anything anymore." She held her head in one hand and played with the necklace with the other while the blonde girl put a recomforting hand on her shoulder "Let's get you home."

When they reached the manor, the girls quickly made their way to Videl's room. When they entered, they saw an envelope on the bed with a small piece of paper. They quickly recognize Gohan's handwriting and Videl read it loudly

'Hey Videl. I know you must have a thousand questions. I cant tell you anything. Just trust me. I hope you will enjoy the second part of my gift.'

They looked at each other's "When did he enter your room?"
"Beats me. Let's read the letter." She took the envelope and opened it, but quickly froze at the handwriting. Erasa noticed her shock and took the letter from her before she also stiffened. Videl then took the letter and begun reading it with a trembling voice.

'My dear Videl, I know you are surprised. I was too. I am so happy that I was able to hear from you, I missed you so much. I am sorry, monkey, for not being able to celebrate with you, and I hope you are happy. I just wish I could the see fine woman you've become, but I have no doubt you are still as amazing as you were.

I am happy you found a young boy this affectionate. I was over the moon when he asked me about my necklace to give it to you as a gift. I can see how much he cares for you and I can only hope he makes you happy.
Promise me you won't be sad when you wear it; I was proud to say you were my family, and I hope you will be too. I know you have the courage to hold on to it. Who knows, maybe it could represent your future family one day too.

I wish I could see how much you've grown, but I also hope I won't see you for a long time. I am happy now, knowing you are in good hands. I can feel you have become a strong woman but I also know you are still the kind hearted full of energy girl you were.

Say hi to your father and kiss him hard for me.

I love you monkey with all my heart, always remember this.

Never lose your contagious smile.

Loads of love, mom.'

Both girls were speechless, and Videl broke into tears, followed slowly by Erasa as neither could understand what they were reading. She hugged the letter with all her power and hid her face in a pillow. Erasa calmed and started to rub her back, waiting for her to calm down "How? I don't understand a thing. How did he get that? And the necklace?"
"I don't know Vi. I guess it's better you ask him yourself." It took around five minutes for the crime-fighter to calm down a little as he sobs were starting to become more spaced. She looked at the letter and returned it into the envelope, before she put it in the drawer next to her bed.
"Vi why are you hiding it?"
"It's better my dad doesn't find it. I can't explain it and don't want him shouting about Gohan. I'm afraid he will ruin it and yell at me that I'm lying to him."
"Aren't you gonna tell him eventually? It's only fair he knows you are in love with a boy don't you think?"
"Don't make a big deal out of it. I'm not in love with him, it's just a crush or something. Forget it. I'll just wait for the perfect time to tell him and get him of my back."
Erasa rose an eyebrow at her friend and laughed "Yeah right, a crush. Tell yourself that. I better get goin'. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sure."

The next day, Videl looked at the necklace and put it in her drawer I can't. Not right now at least. She stopped a robbery on her way to school and arrived late, per usual. She found her friends and smiled at the half-Saiyan. He expected to be harassed with questions but was shocked when she started to discuss random things with the girls. The day finished casually and they all went back to their respective houses, much to the fighter's surprise. He didn't it question and left, thinking about his training with his father and former master, and failed to notice the raven girl looking at him fly, smiling.

The semester was going fine and the group had decided to settle on the 'identity' topic in their social studies class, taking the approach of 'how a person's identity is altered due to a series of events', much to Gohan's dislike who felt it was too personal. They were studying each weekend at a person's house, and this week, it was Gohan's turn to be the host, much to Videl's displeasure, and Erasa quickly took the matters into her own hands "I can't come. There's no way my dad is gonna accept."
"Just tell him you're sleeping at my place."
"I don't want to lie to him like that." The conversation continued for what seemed an eternity for the half-Saiyans, before the raven girl complied. And with that, they decided to meet their classmate on Saturday morning.

They arrived at his house earlier than expected, and found the half-Saiyan in grey sweatpants and a black shirt, meditating in front of his house "Hey guys. Welcome."
Chi-Chi heard the noises and went to greet the guests. "Hello everyone. Welcome. Gohan why are they still outside?"
"They just arrived mom. Calm down."
"I only want our guests to be welcomed like they should." They all smiled at the matriarch and made their way inside. The house was cozy and had a really familial flair with all the pictures scattered. Videl and Erasa were smiling at the different pictures of the happy family, and noticed what looked like a new one, with the twins and Goku. Videl looked at Gohan and smiled "Hey Gohan. How's your dad?"
"He's great. He went fishing I guess."
Erasa looked at them surprised "Wait your dad is back? Why didn't you tell? And how did you know Vi?" She smirked at her friend who blushed at the comment. Lime laughed and broke the ice "Let's go start. If we can finish before lunch, we will be able to pass the day together." They all nodded and made their way to the living room, and to Chi-Chi's surprise, they were all working seriously and didn't lose time at all.

They didn't notice the time pass as Hina came running to them. Gohan saw her and smiled "Hey squirt. When did you come back?"
"I don't know. A long time. Come on big brother. We wanna eat."
"Heh, we're coming. Did you have fun with dad? Catch a lot of fish?"
"Yeah, he is the best, just like you. And we got a lot of fish. Daddy said a catch the most."
He laughed at his sister before carrying her and invited his friends to eat. They all met Goku and were surprised by the resemblance between the kids and him, noticing very little details coming from Chi-Chi, except a little for Hina. The Saiyan lost no time asking about his son and teasing him, before he got lost and did his usual grin. Erasa giggled "Now we know where you got that one from Gohan." He blushed and instinctively imitated his father, making his friends laugh. They quickly finished their work after lunch and decided to go sightseeing. The girls were amazed by the scenery and while they were walking in the forest, Videl noticed something engraved on a tree 'Gohan, Goku, Chi-Chi, Gohan, Goten, Hina'. She smiled at the family tree before Lime joined her "It was Goten's idea. He said 'if it's called family tree. Where's ours? Can I choose it?' he then rushed here and said that one." They laughed at the boy's innocence "Gohan and I also marked our name on a different tree, it's near the river where we always sit. He said that 'these trees witnessed many stories. Why not mark our names? This way other people will remember us.' We were so dumb back then."
"You know. I can see it now. The sweet side you were talking about. He doesn't let it show easily but you can tell he is gentle inside."
"Yeah. I just wished he could stay like this all the time. He still has anger issues, just not in front of everyone. I miss the way he was honestly, always shy and carefree. I remember how my mood boosted every time he smiled, even though it was sometimes a facade. I hope we can find a solution fast. He was becoming a new Vegeta and trust me, one is more than enough." They looked at one another laughing and joined the group. Mirai looked at them and smiled "Hey princess. What do you say we give them the full 439 Area experience?"
They both smirked and looked at Gohan who raised his hands "Your idea."
The couple looked at their friends and laughed "So… The perfect weekend here isn't complete without a campfire and a midnight swim. No backouts." The girls gulped at the idea of swimming in the cold water but then raised their shoulders and smiled.

The night came fast and the group of friends set their campfire. The boys went fishing and Gohan taught them how to grill the fish using sticks "Gohan this is amazing. How did you learn to do that?"
He laughed and said "The hard way."
The girls looked at him but ignore his comment, knowing very well he won't explain more. They were all laughing together before the boys decided to go swimming. The girls followed them reluctantly, but noticed that the water was excellent once they got used to it. They were enjoying their time before Erasa excused herself to answer her phone. Lime and Mirai decided to go swim a little, leaving the crime-fighting duo alone. Gohan looked at Videl who was admiring the stars "It's really beautiful here. Now I get it why you love it this much."
"My dad grew here. You see the mountain up there? The small dome appearing is his grandpa Gohan's house. He took care of him. I was named after him to keep his memory going."
"It's really beautiful. I'm sure he was a great man, just like you." She blushed at the comment and lowered her eyes. He looked at her and smiled before he approached and hugged her from behind, making her redder. "Hey Videl?"
"Huh?"
"Do you want to learn how to fly tomorrow?"
She turned to face him, surprised by his question "I thought you didn't teach?"
"I can make an exception."
They smiled at one another, their face coming closer by the instant, but were quickly brought back to the world around them when Erasa spoke "Guys? Oh Kami. I'm sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
Videl became red at her friend's smirking "Where were you?"
"Ryo called. Anyway, can you get out I'm freezing. I'm not coming back in the water. Except if you want me to leave you two alone."
"We're coming." Videl quickly got out of the water, shooting daggers at her smirking friend. They found Mirai and Lime and decided to reach their tents to sleep.

The next day, Gohan woke Videl up early and took her to a clearing. He quickly noticed her improvements "Krillin did a good job. I guess you have enough control now. I'm sure he was gonna teach you how to fly sometimes during this week." She smiled and paid attention at his explanation. He thaught her how to concentrate to control more her Ki, teaching her how to hold it long enough for her to fly. "Okay, I'm gonna need you to be able to hold your Ki for almost ten minutes. If you can do it, I will show you the next step." It took her a while but after five failed attempts, she was able to hold on for ten minutes and more. Gohan smiled at her and continued his explanation, showing her how to direct her Ki from her legs instead of arms. It was already past noon when Videl was able to fly, and she got excited when she first felt her feet leaving the ground "Excellent Videl. Keep focusing." She retained her focus and opened her eyes, noticing how high she was. But at her excitement, she lost her focus and started to fall, before she felt a strong pair of arms holding her. She opened he eyes and saw Gohan smiling "Thanks."
"You're welcome. You did a great job by the way."
"It's because I have a great teacher." They re-felt the unresolved tension of yesterday night taking over them as they were drawn to each other. Their face got dangerously close but they were interrupted again by Hina calling them "Big brother. Where are you? Time for lunch." He put her down, his face redder than his wrist bands, and he motioned at her to follow him to his house.

They arrived and saw Goten play on Nimbus. Erasa asked about the golden cloud and Gohan explained "It's a gift my father received when he was a kid. They say that only the pure of hearts, and people with no bad intentions, can ride it. The others will fall through it. Wanna try?" Erasa got reluctant at first before Lime pushed her. She eventually climbed and waited for her fall, and was over excited when she felt herself sitting on what felt like fluffy cotton. They were all smiling at her and turned their focus to Videl. I'm sure I can't sit. I have been lying to my dad every time I saw Gohan. I can't be pure of heart. "No thanks. I'm good. I don't need a flying cloud since I can fly on my own now." They all got excited at the news and proceeded to eat lunch. When they finished, the duo of girls excused themselves and went to retrieve their bags to leave. They thanked the Son family for their hospitality and waved goodbye to their friends "Bye guys. See you tomorrow." Videl decapsulated her copter and set her house's coordinates. She barely got the time to set the auto-pilot that Erasa started questioning her about Gohan, the flying and the cloud. She sighed and laughed at her best friend's curiosity and started telling her everything that happened, praying to Kami she could support her squealing without damaging her ears.

A routine was beginning to settle in the life of the half-Saiyan. Between studying and the work on his project, training with his father, Piccolo and occasionally Mirai and Vegeta, he barely got the time to play with his siblings, who were beginning to complain a lot about the situation. He also kept training a little Videl, teaching her how to control more her flying, suppress her Ki and form small energy ball. Needless to say, these past one and a half month were really busy.

During these weeks, the half-Saiyan got more accustomed to his high school life and became as Chi-Chi claimed 'less naïve and socially awkward'. Gohan and Videl started to get closer, feeling unresolved tension taking over them every time they were alone. Their friends noticed the situation but weren't able to do anything since Videl had forbidden Erasa to interfere, claiming she could take the matters into her own hands. Her best friend pouted but accepted, knowing very well her friend's personality.

With the school year beginning to end, all the students were over the moon with the anniversary of the Cell Games, some of them planning to catch up on their studies, while others planned a week full of vacations. Since the city was the home of Hercule, the proclaimed savior of the earth, the mayor had declared this week to be a festival and everything should be closed, to honor properly the champion. Usually, Videl was happy to celebrate her father; but this year, she wasn't able to stand next to him, knowing very well that he was lying about his victory. She was even angry that he stole Gohan's friends' credit, and she was sure that his classmate's father was the one who beat Cell. While she was discussing the events with Erasa, she overheard Lime and Mirai talk about Gohan. Alarmed that something happened to him, she went to find the couple "Hey guys. So Videl, how are you handling the press?"
"Don't remind me, it's a nightmare. I can't stand my father and his lies anymore. Anyways, we overheard you talking about Gohan. Is he okay?"
"Yeah, he's awesome. Actually we were talking about his birthday."
Erasa looked at them questioning "Why he never mentioned his birthday was approaching? I swear I will never understand him. I know he is shy, but I thought that he would tell us something like this."
"He doesn't like to talk about it. It's really close to the Cell Games so he associates them together. He usually pass this day alone training, but this year, we decided to surprise him. He is becoming 18, so we must celebrate."
"Count us in. What's the plan?"
"Nothing fancy. We will prepare a small gathering with all the family's friends, and you guys with Sharpner. We will meet at their house while Mirai occupies him elsewhere. We'll do it Friday afternoon. We will have the day to prepare since school is off and he won't suspect a thing since it will be a week late."
The girls nodded and started discussing the details, happy to celebrate their friend's birthday.

Lime was over the moon when her plan worked. Gohan had no idea everyone was gathering since he was busy training with his friend to notice everyone's Ki in the same place. He arrived and saw the picnic table set outside the house, and everyone was chatting and talking. He noticed Piccolo and Yamcha talking with his father, while Krillin, 18 and Bulma were talking with Chi-Chi and his grandfather. He even saw Vegeta next to a tree and his school friends sitting together near the river. They all wished him a happy birthday and were having a good time, chatting and having fun. The half-Saiyan felt happy for the first time in a while, which brought a smile on all the guests' faces.

After cutting the cake prepared specially by Chi-Chi, who mistakenly placed 17 candles instead of 18 before Lime noticed, everyone was gathered to see their friend open his gifts. Yamcha got him a baseball signed by one of his teammates and claimed that he would look cool if he had one; Krillin on the other side, decided to go with something more personal and offered him an original Turtle School Gi and the half-Saiyan hugged his godfather. Bulma laughed at Krillin "Ya think you can out-top his godmother." She smirked at her friend before landing her box to Gohan. He opened it and saw a new high tech telescope "I know you like stars. I made specially for you. I can assure you it's better than your Saiyan vision." Gohan smiled at the gift and hugged the blue-haired woman, thanking her, and the latter looked at Krillin and winked, making the group laugh.

The birthday boy proceeded with his friends' gifts. Erasa and Sharpner gave him their boxes. He saw a leather bracelet in Sharpner's and a necklace with a dinosaur' tooth in Erasa's "You can wear them with your jeans. We figured you will like this style since you live in the mountains." He smiled as his friends before hugging them and went back to his place to open the rest of the gifts. Mirai got him a new red and blue training gi, but the colors were at the inverse of his actual one, and he felt that the belt and accessories were heavier, noticing the added weight. He then took Videl's gift and noticed a silver watch. He smiled at her and tried it, making sure it fit. The raven-girl smiled at him before explaining "You always wear your Goldfighter's watch, even at events. So I thought a new one would be nice." He thanked her and went to hug her, a gesture that made the both of them blush. He opened Lime's gift and saw a frame made of several pictures of them together before he entered high school and he smiled at his best friend "You can put it near your bed. It's a reminder of all the times we spent together, back when it was easier." He laughed and embraced his friend thanking her. When he regained his place, he saw his siblings looking at him, each one handing him something. Goten gave him what looked like a pile of leaves "It's a book. Of all the trees in the forest. I know you like to read." Everyone smiled at the little boy and Gohan carried him to his shoulders. He then looked at Hina who was holding a small ring in her hand "I tried to do a bracelet, like the one with Lime. But I'm sorry it got smaller."
He took the ring and tried to pass it on his finger "You know squirt, you and me will find a nice chain, and I will wear it on my neck. Like that, it will always be near my heart." His sister smiled and hugged him on his leg before he lifted her and held her, making everyone smile.

He finalized his gifts by opening the one his parents gave him. It was a photo album of all the events of his life, each one representing a different occasion, and his mother even commented on the photos so he could remember the events later on. His grandfather, on the other hand, handed him a sword. He noticed how beautiful it was and had a dragon on the handle. He thanked his grandfather before he spoke "My father made it for me. It's time I pass it to you. And before I forget, I think it's time we held a party at the castle, to officially introduce Gohan as the new heir. I was thinking next weekend if you want." The new heir of the Ox-kingdom nodded in agreement, and put the sword away to avoid having someone get hurt.

The day finished and everyone waved goodbye. The high schoolers were the last to leave and wished their friend a happy birthday. In the jet copter, Erasa kept looking at Videl before the latter set the autopilot and looked back. "Spill it Erasa. What's going on?"
"You tell me. A watch? Are you serious?"
"It was just a formality in front of his parents and family. I have something else planned."
"What? When?"
"It's a surprise. Maybe tomorrow, if he has nothing planned."
Erasa squealed at the news and tried to get more details from her friend who was begging Sharpner to take over the conversation and save her.

The next day, Videl woke up before dawn and sent a message to Gohan 'old spot today. Can you make it?' she waited an hour for a reply but eventually gave up and went to shower. When she finished, she noticed her phone blinking 'Im sorry I was training. And yeah sure if youre still on. Ill see you around 1.' She smiled and quickly wore he usual clothes to prepare everything.

She was happy that today marked the famous May 26, and her father was busy with the press, bragging. She benefited of her father's absence to prep everything, and at around 11, she packed everything in her copter and went to change her clothes. She decided to surprise her friend and searched in her closet. She saw a black skirt and mentally thanked Erasa that she made her buy it, she matched a light blue top, and added her white sneakers to it. She then looked at the pearl necklace she was wearing There is no way I remove it. Let me see if my mother's work with it. She reluctantly took her mother's necklace from her drawer and tried it. She was excited that the pearl had a small chain and the two necklaces weren't superimposing. She added Lime's bracelet and took her jean jacket. She rushed out of her house to avoid their butler and made her way to their spot to prepare. When she arrived, she saw she had almost half an hour and started prepping for the picnic she had in mind. She finished just in time before noticing her friend arriving, wearing beige pants and a black shirt and sneakers; and he even had his tail loosen.
"Hey Videl. Wow you look gorgeous. And what's all that?"
"Thanks. I wanted to give you a proper gift. I never got the chance to thank you for mine, so I thought I would surprise you."

She showed him her mother's necklace and he smiled at her "I'm happy you liked it. It's nice that you wore it."

"It's actually the first time. It was hard at first, but then I felt like she was with me and it simplified things."
He smiled at her and she revealed him the "small" picnic she prepared. They were enjoying their time together, laughing and having fun. After a while, Videl looked at him "Gohan, can I ask you something?"
The latter nodded at her, waiting "What happened to you? You used to be so angry when I first met you. How did you became so calm?"
"Huh… ummm, I don't know. I guess I managed? I have no idea."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean. I was just curious. Lime used to say that you are usually shy and calm and I couldn't understand at first. When I saw you lately, I got confused."
"Yeah… I'm sorry. It's just I can't really tell you, I feel it's too personal to share."
"Still keeping secrets? I thought you trusted me enough to open up a little."
"I do trust you. My life is just… complicated. But to prove to you that I trust you, I'm gonna tell you something."
Videl got excited at the idea of getting to know her crush better and waited for him "I'm actually 17."
"Huh? How?"
"Before the Cell Games, I trained with my father in a place called the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. It's an interdimensional place and when a day passes here, the person inside lives a whole year. When I got out, I had the body of an eleven years old while I was only ten. So we decided it would be easier to say I'm eleven than explain why I have a bigger body."
"Wow. That's amazing. I didn't know something like that existed. But then again, you have a tail and magical cloud so, who am I to judge. Speaking of, why are you keeping it loose today?"
"You're gonna have to ask it. I swear it has a mind on his own. Every time I tried to wrap it around my waist, it loosened. So I gave up. You already saw it, so it's not a surprise anymore."

They laughed at his comment before she looked at him "I have a small surprise for you."
She got her bag and retrieved a small box from it "Happy birthday Gohan."
"You really shouldn't have. You got me a watch. Look, I'm wearing it now. And I have to tell it's weird not having a big red button on it."
She laughed at him "It's nothing really. The watch was a formality. I couldn't give you this in front of everyone. Besides, nothing will repay for the necklace."
He smiled and opened the box. He retrieved a small snow globe and saw their group of friends inside "That is amazing. Thank you so much."
"I'm happy you like it. It's the picture we all took when we were at CC." He hugged her and looked again at the ball, amazed by it.
"Why this picture?"
She smiled but didn't respond and he dropped the subject, looking back at the ball, shaking it to see the flakes inside. She smiled at his happiness, and sighed in relief at the fact that he liked it.

They continued their picnic before Gohan stood up "Something's bothering you?"
"No. I just want to try something."
She looked at him questioning before hear him shout "NIMBUUUUUSSS". She waited and saw the golden cloud coming their way. "Gohan? Why are you calling it? Did something happen, you wanna leave?"
"Haha no don't worry. Trust me."
He extended his hand and waited for her to hold it "No way Gohan. I can't be pure of heart. There is no way I'm not gonna fall."
"Why would you think that?"
"I'm lying to my father so I can see you. There is no way I can sit."
He smiled again at her "Videl. Don't worry. Lying does not mean you are not pure hearted. Trust me."
She gulped and nodded at him as she approached the golden cloud who lowered to her level to help her hop. She closed her eyes and climbed, waiting for her fall. When she noticed she was still on the cloud, she opened her eyes and saw Gohan smiling at her " See. I told you to trust me." She got over excited and lowered herself to hug him. He blushed at her action but quickly hugged back. When they released the grip, he noticed the pearl necklace around her neck "Hey. You're still wearing the pearl one."
"Of course I am."
"Why?"
"Because it's a gift from you and I really liked it."
He instinctively made his usual grin and started to stutter "R…Really?"

She giggled at him "You really are cute when you get shy. This will need time to get used to it. And of course it matters, I care about you Gohan. Don't you get it?"
He blushed at her before asking "So… the picture? In the snow ball. Why this one?"
"It's when I first realized that I cared about you. But since we didn't have a picture together back then, I thought about this one."
"You really care? After the way I treated you?"
"Of course. Lime told me it wasn't the real you. I waited and noticed she was right. You are an amazing person, and I am lucky to know you."
He reddened harder at her comment, and then looked back at the pearl "But why are still wearing the pearl since you have your mother's necklace?"
"My mother's necklace is still new. I can't find it in myself to always wear it. And besides, it has nothing to do with the pearl one. I would never remove it."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because it's from you, silly."
He smiled at her put his head of her forehead, whispering to her "I'm happy you liked it."
"As long as it's from you, I will always be happy. I feel safe when I'm with you."
"Then, I will make sure that you will always feel this way."
He lifted her head and looked in her eyes, noticing how bright they were. He smiled at her and approached her and she closed her eyes when she saw his movement, before they lips met. It was shy at first, both unsure of what was happening. But after a moment, the built-up tension that was taking over them the last two months dominated, and the kiss got fiercer. Videl put her hands behind Gohan's neck and he held her by the waist, getting her off nimbus. She slipped her tongue in his mouth and he reciprocated, making their tongues dance. They broke the kiss, both reaching for air, before they smiled at one another and Gohan kissed her gently again. She responded and caressed the back of his neck. He then put back his forehead on hers, smiling "That was amazing. No scratch that, you are amazing"
She blushed at his comment "I did not expect this picnic to end up like this."
They both laughed, before Gohan embraced her. She wanted to stay like this but had to break the mood "I'm sorry for being a mood killer. But I have to leave. My dad might get back soon and he can't see me wearing this. He will get suspicious."
"Still cannot let you see me?"
She moved her head from left to right before he sighed "We'll find a way. And why do you want to change. You look gorgeous in these."
She smiled at him and kissed him on the check "Thanks. But he knows I don't usually wear something like this. I think he doesn't even know I own a skirt. And since I didn't want to accompany him to his stupid gala, he won't understand why I was dressed up."
The half-Saiyan laughed and helped her pack. He kissed her one more time before she left, and he made his way back to his house.

Gohan texted Lime as soon as he arrived home and told her to find him in their usual spot. She rushed there and saw him, smiling. "Somebody is in a good mood. What happened?" He showed her the snow globe and told her everything that happened "YOU KISSED! KAMI, THAT'S AMAZING. I AM SO HAPPY."
"Me too. She is amazing."
"I'm glad that you're happy. Took you long enough to calm this anger of yours."
"Yeah I know. I was dumb really. But that's another story. I actually have a problem."
"What's the matter?"
"I'm afraid."
"I'm gonna need more."
"What if something happened to her because of me. What if I can't protect her. Worse, what if I hurt her?"
"Gohan, calm down. Nothing will happen don't worry. Everything will be alright. And I'm right here with you. Don't overthink it."
He smiled at his best friend and looked at the globe before they made their way to the Son's house.

On the other hand, Videl rushed to her house and entered her room avoiding her father coming out of his. "Sweetpea, did you change your mind?"
"No dad. I'm going to find Erasa at the park. Don't drink too much."
She heard him sigh and quickly changed her clothes and texted Erasa to meet her. Half an hour later, the duo of friends were sitting together and Erasa had stars in her eyes "That is so cute. I can't believe you gave him a snow globe. Vi, that's amazing."
"Yeah. There is actually something else. We kind of, technically… kissed."
"WHAT. DETAILS. NOW."
The raven girl explained everything to her best friend, who couldn't stop screaming from happiness. "Kami Vi, it's amazing. Finally."
"Yeah. I'm so happy he finally trusts me and can open up, even if it's a little."
"I have a lot of follow up questions."
The crime fighter laughed at her friend and nodded "Not here though. Let's go back to your place. I don't want someone to hear us. I barely escaped the media that was following me on my way here. The last thing I need is my name in headlines claiming I have a new boyfriend."
Erasa nodded and the duo made their way back to her house. After an eternity of interrogation on Gohan, his newly exposed shy character and to Videl's horror, his way of kissing, Erasa smiled at her friend "Now what Vi?"
"Honestly, I don't know. We'll see. Let's hope for the best."
Erasa nodded and noticed her friend reaching for the pearl necklace, holding it tightly in her hand, and she started to analyze the situation.

A/N: tenth chapter done.

I hope you liked this chapter. Let's see if these two will trust each other enough to hold up together. And the party at the Ox-Kingdom might change things a little.

I didn't forget about the threat. I can say it will not be Buu, it's an OC, and things will evolve in max one or two chapters.

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.

The story is still in draft but I will update as soon as I can. Thank you and I will see you in the next chapter!