Vulnerable

A/N: Hello! New chapter.

Thank you for Geliscon on your review. I will be more careful with the spelling mistakes, thank you for pointing them out. I am also very happy that you are enjoying my story so far and I loved that you noticed the small vulnerability hint with the counter.
For Videl's mom, I really enjoyed adding her, I felt like she would be very important in the development of this story. You'll see later on, I made her character a lot like Videl's.
For the name, I never choose one randomly, you'll see for every OC present, each name has a meaning. I chose Hoshiko because it's Japanese meaning is star. I took it because in the DB encyclopedia, it was stated that Videl's mother was a singer, so star could work. And also because Videl and her mother a very close, so she will be like Videl's role model, or as cheesy people call it, her star. I hope you'll like this, and you'll also see the future names that I will be more than happy to discuss when the time is right.

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

Chapter 8: Separation

When Bulma and Chi-Chi saw on the news that Videl had been kidnapped, the Son matron felt her heart sink. She loved the girl like her own, and watching Hoshiko cry broke her heart. They didn't know how to contact Gohan, but they hoped he got informed in any possible way and went to check on her. They then saw him on TV, flying away from the crime scene as police men took the unconscious crooks, and they both sighed in relief. He managed to get a hold of the news after all, thank Dende.

Bulma quickly nodded at the TV and Chi-Chi, thanking Gohan for his clever thinking. Even though he wasn't wearing his usual clothes, it was better that he transformed; no one could recognize him. They then saw Hoshiko rushed out of the house, carrying Videl in her arms, and the paramedics checked up on her. They saw several bruises on her body, surely made by her kidnappers, and they only hoped they didn't harm her in any other way. Her cheek showed a clear sign of a mark, and her hands were plastered with blue and red marks. When they saw her, the mothers looked at each other's, both feeling the same things; sadness on the girl's condition, hope that she will be alright, relief that she was safe and sound, and fear of Gohan's reaction.

They both knew how much the boy was attached to the young girl, and how protective he got of the people he loved, especially after everything he'd been through. And both women had a feeling in their guts that Videl meant a lot to Gohan, more than he knew, and seeing her like this surely woke up something deep in him. Whether he acted on it or not, Gohan was still a Saiyan; and Saiyans were very protective of their loved ones. They knew that the instant he'd be back, they'd have to calm him down, because he will surely be very enraged.

And as they though, barely seconds later, Gohan entered the CC dome by the window, and his mother could see his eyes burn with anger, as they were a shade darker than his usual Super Saiyan color. The Son matron quickly reacted and rushed to him, and hugged him against her heart, hopping to calm him down "Sweetie, calm down. She's okay now." She then started to calmly stroke his back "You did good. She's out of danger, you can calm down." She felt him calm a little and she continued her stroking "That's good, you can relax. Everything is under control. And sweetie, please. Loose the blonde hair." Bulma silently chuckled at Chi-Chi as Gohan lost his transformation. She really didn't like the Super Saiyan form, she made that very clear. Chi-Chi then proceeded to caress her son's hair in a soothing way, noticing that his breathing had finally calmed "How is she?"
Gohan held back tears as he recalled the state his friend was in "How can someone do that? Her hands and face were all red. They tied her so hard the blood stopped running to her hands. And when I removed the ropes, blood dripped of her wrists. Why would someone do that? I should've checked her Ki sooner, they wouldn't have caught her."
Both women smiled at him. Protective Saiyan instinct or not, Gohan had the most righteous human heart, and they were both proud of him. Bulma ruffled her godson's hair and she looked at him in a reassuring way "Kiddo, no one could've known. Don't blame yourself. They are some bad people on the planet. After four years of peace, humans tend to think it's time for one of them to show he's superior. We never learn from the past." Bulma then looked at Chi-Chi who appeared to be thinking the same thing, and she continued "You should wait till tomorrow and go check up on her. Make sure she's okay."
Both Gohan and Chi-Chi nodded before the Son matron continued, wiping the tear that rolled on his cheek as she crouched to his level to see his eyes "She will be very defensive, specially around a boy. Don't take it personal. She just went through something horrible, and every touch might trigger her. Let her make the first move, okay sweetie?" She then kissed his forehead "Listen if she wants to talk, lend her a shoulder if she wants to cry. You'll both know what to do in the time being. Make her understand that she's not alone, and most importantly, help her trust you."
Gohan nodded at his mother. And after the young boy calmed down, the Son family excused themselves as they made their way back to their home.

The next morning, Gohan woke up before dawn and quickly finished his studies and showered. He meditated for a while, hoping to calm his nerves before he went to see his friend. At least one of them needed to have a clear mind, and it surely won't be her. Even though it was a Thursday, he was sure that Videl won't be going to school, and he decided to see her as soon as possible. He dressed in his traditional clothes, ate his breakfast, and left his house in a hurry.

He patrolled around the city, noticing that the police kept their investigation bands around the house she was held in. He landed there, double checking something. It wasn't abandoned, and the lock had been pierced, so they had most likely broken in. Since usually Videl and Erasa spend their afternoon in the park, that means the crooks could get from the park to this house in less than ten minutes viewing the distance between the two places. If it took the police fifteen to twenty minutes to find them, it means that Videl's kidnappers had plenty of time to harm her. Dende he hoped she wasn't as bruised as he thought. The simple thought made his eyes turn blue.

He kept on walking in the street, thinking a little bit. Who would do something like that to a defenseless person? And for what? Money? How can people be this heartless? How can they be this materialistic? Was it even worth it? Beating someone like this, just for fun. Did people learn nothing from the androids and Cell? He just couldn't understand how they were people this cold. And why?

Nonetheless, he needed to calm his mind. Right now, he was in no state to go and check on Videl. He walked aimlessly in the streets, working on his breathing for a bit, thanking Piccolo for these tricks. And after he felt himself calm enough, and making sure it wasn't too early anymore, the timing for a visit being now appropriate, he walked towards the Satan household. He found a small bakery on his way and entered, asking for some sweets to take with him, knowing it would be more polite. And surely Hoshiko won't be in a state of mind to prepare something to eat. The owner gave him a small assortment of cakes and croissants and Gohan left. Videl had a thing for sweets, it might boost her morale a little.

Thankfully, there weren't any reporter in front of the house, and Gohan assumed they wanted to give the family a little privacy. It was a good thing that the media wasn't this heartless. That, or they feared a wrath from Videl's parents. He chuckled, remembering the earful a reporter once got from Hoshiko when he followed them and he shook his head; surely they feared Hoshiko's wrath, that's why they didn't dare and gather in front of the house.

He then knocked on the door and felt two Ki inside the house, one getting very curious, while the other, scared. And his heart sank at this. He heard footsteps coming from the first floor, before he saw a shadow behind the door.

Then, her heard the lock unclick and Hoshiko opened the door carefully. She sighed in relief when she saw him, as she tried to smile at him "Gohan? What are you doing here? Dear, are you okay?"
Gohan tilted his head at the mother, not really understanding her question "Euh, Mrs. Hoshiko? What? Did I miss something?"
Hoshiko rubbed her temple "I'm sorry, what time is it?" She then looked at her watch "Kami, it's already nine-thirty? Wait, at what hour did you wake up to come?"
Gohan chuckled lightly at Hoshiko as she invited him inside. He gave her the box of sweets and the mother thanked him, telling him it wasn't necessary.

He sat in the living room and waited for Hoshiko to come. A few minutes later, the Satan mother gave him a warm cup of milk and sat near him. He thanked her and looked at her "I, umm, I saw the news. How is she?"
Hoshiko shook her head, tears in her eye "It's complicated. Every time she hears a car pass, she hides in a corner. Same if the lock unclicks, or when I move a chair. I don't know what to do. I can't even touch her to check on her bruises."
Gohan nodded understandingly as he looked at his cup of milk. He tracked a little her Ki, noticing how awake Videl actually was and he started to aimlessly stir the spoon "Did she sleep last night? At least a little?" Hoshiko shook her head and Gohan nodded "I know it's not really appropriate, b-but, is she bruised? Like a lot?"
Hoshiko rose her eyes to meet his as he explained "I, um, couldn't sleep all night. I saw the news yesterday and I saw her hands on the TV. I came to the city early and I sneaked in the house she was held in. I, um, I had an estimation about the time it took for the police to find her, and um, I-I got afraid that they harmed her, a lot more than what she let it show. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to impose."
Hoshiko smiled at the boy, noticing how troubled he actually was for her daughter. And she smiled when she noticed how he actually prepared what to say. He still didn't know that she knew the truth and he heart warmed; he really cared for her daughter, she could feel it. And the affection that Gohan had for Videl made her smile a little as she nodded lightly "I don't know if it worst or better than what we expected. At least, she doesn't have any broken bones. And thank Kami, they didn't touch her. I asked someone about a cream or something, it might help."
Gohan nodded at her and sat in silence. Hoshiko then excused herself and went upstairs, surely to check on her daughter.

Gohan started walking a little in the living room, feeling anxious a little. Maybe it wasn't a good thing that he came. Videl and Hoshiko needed to stay alone for a while to sort things out, but he decided to come anyways. He had to be sure she was okay or he won't be able to sleep at night. And he felt like they might be comforted in someone else's presence; and if not, their Ki disturbances would help him know if they preferred to be left alone.

He started to walk around the living and smiled lightly at the pictures. They were mainly about Videl and her mother, but he could see some of them with her father. He didn't come very often to his house, and usually, he didn't really look at the pictures. Videl looked nothing like her father, that's why he was so surprised when she told him. Aside from the eyes, she was a copy of her mother. He saw photos at school events, science fairs, school plays, or in outings such as restaurants or the amusement park. She looked so happy in them, and he hoped that she could go back to her old self. It will take time, she lived a traumatizing event after all, but she was a strong girl in the end. He had faith that she could get pass it.

A few minutes later, while he was looking at their books library, he heard footsteps and turned around. He smiled lightly when he saw Hoshiko with Videl standing next to her. She was wearing pajamas with a long-sleeved shirt over them. He saw a rather large red mark on her face that he knew was caused by the crook's last assault. The attack that triggered him and sent him over the edge. And it took all the self-control he had not to get angry when he remembered the events that happened the day prior.

He stood in his place, not wanting to approach her and he tried to smile at her "Hey."
She responded with a silent "Hi." and sat down on the couch. He approached and smiled at her as he chose a place to sit. However, he noticed she twitched a little, probably thinking he was sitting rather too close to her, and he quickly changed his place, feeling her getting less tense than before.

Hoshiko tried to smile at the exchange before she heard the phone ring and she excused herself. Gohan sat still, analyzing her body, and Videl sighed a little "I'm sorry you had to come."
He chuckled lightly "I should've come yesterday. But I didn't really know if it was appropriate or not. How are you feeling?" He then scratched the back of his neck "Stupid question, I know."
She smiled lightly at him "I'm okay, I guess. Still under the shock mostly. Glad I'm alive? I don't know. You? How are you?"
He tilted his head at her. Was she supposed to be this calm? He really didn't know anything about human interactions, that was for sure. He then remembered his mother's words, and decided to go along with her. Making her feel as if everything was normal, it might help. With this decision in mind, he looked at her gently "Same as before. Goten is becoming a handful. He spilled juice all over my clothes yesterday, and I had to get them to a dry cleaner. Which I now noticed I forgot about." She chuckled at him and he continued "I read a good book yesterday. I think you'll like it. It's actually a series of book(*), they talk about the son of the Greek god Poseidon, it's nice."
She smiled lightly at him, her arms still crossed, her grip tightened on the piece of cloth around her hands "Sure. I'll take them when you finish. I'll give you the ones(**) I'm reading now too."
Gohan nodded, happy that the exchange was going on pretty easily. Maybe it was a good thing to have her discuss things as usual, it might help.

Then, they heard Hoshiko hang up the phone and she came back to them, a cream tube in her hand. She looked sadly at her daughter as she crouched next to her "Monkey, can I put cream on your hands? Don't worry, it's only me." Nodded reluctantly nodded and Hoshiko looked at Gohan "Sweetie…" He quickly nodded at her and got up to leave the room.
Videl saw him and stopped him shyly "Wait, um, it's okay. It's you. I-If I'm not comfortable, I'll let you know."
Gohan smiled at her and sat back in his place.

Hoshiko carefully ungripped Videl's arms and proceeded to remove the t-shirt from around her arms, as the latter shivered at the touching. When the overshirt and pajama shirt were removed, Gohan could see Videl's hands pretty clearly. Her arms were covered in bruises, as several red and blue spots were scattered on her arms and forearms. Her right shoulder had a big scar, appearing to be made by a sharp object, and Hoshiko carefully lifted up her undershirt, showing her back and under her arms, also marked in red and purple. When he saw the marks, Gohan couldn't help but stare at his friend. Just how psychos were her kidnappers? Didn't they have any sense of humanity?

Hoshiko turned her attention to the young boy, and she saw him stare in the bruises. But it wasn't pity or disgust. It was more like a shock, and, a hint of anger? She saw him noticing the bruises on Videl's back and shoulder, and she swore she saw his eyes turn teal for a moment. He then regained his spirits, and blushed lightly, excusing himself to give the girls privacy.

He went to the garden and sighed heavily, trying to process everything. He then looked at the sky and sighed "Why Dende? Why? Can't you prevent this stuff? She's the sweetest girl you'll ever meet. It's not like she ever did anything wrong to deserve this. I really need to talk to you about all of this."

He rubbed his temples, trying to process everything, as the memories of her bruises haunt him every time he closed his eyes. He opened his eyes, not noticing they changed to teal, as he cracked his knuckles and calmed his breathing.

He then got startled as he felt someone put a hand on his shoulder, turning his eyes back to their original onyx color, and he saw a smiling Hoshiko look at him "Thank you. You're a real gentleman, Gohan. Are you okay?"
He blushed at her words, words muttering "I-I'm, huh, t-thank you?"
Hoshiko chuckled lightly as she hugged the young boy "Thank you, really. For everything. Videl's back in her room, come with me."
Gohan blushed as he nodded and followed the Satan mother.

He didn't know she was actually thanking him for saving her daughter, and the mother was relieved that the boy didn't understand. She didn't want to mess their relationship at the moment. She saw his eyes turn teal in the living room, and now change from blue to black. And while she didn't understand how it was possible, she understood it was from anger and affection for her daughter. And for that, she was more than glad.

They climbed the stairs and Hoshiko knocked gently at the door. She heard Videl tell her to get in as the girl was sitting on her bed. The mother told her Gohan was with her and Videl told her to let him in. Hoshiko nodded and left them alone.

He stood at the door, not knowing what to do. He noticed she was always crossing her hands, surely to hide her bruises. If only he could find a way to make her understand that everything was going to be okay. He then heard the girl chuckled lightly "You can come close, it's alright. I'm okay, I promise. Come sit on the bed, I'm fine."
Gohan shyly nodded as he entered her room, sitting next to her.

It was actually the first time he entered her room. The wallpapers were a light shade of blue, with a golden design. She had a closet with a sliding wood door, and an adjacent bathroom. Her bed was in the middle of the room, and a bureau was on the opposite of the door next to a big library filled with different types of books. There was a standing mirror in front of the bed, next to a dressing table with a picture of her and her mother in a frame, and he saw a small poof next to it. Several posters of movies, books and singers were hung on the walls. A big teddy bear was sitting in the corner, and a multiple photos frame was hung above the bed, with pictures of Videl with her mother, father, Erasa, and who he assumed were grandparents. Her room was very different from how he would've imagined it.

She saw him looking at the room and she chuckled lightly "Something wrong?"
He quickly blushed, passing his hand behind his neck "N-no, I, umm, sorry. I didn't mean to look."
She chuckled lightly and smiled at him and they sat in silence.

After a few minutes, Videl looked at Gohan "Thanks, for coming. I didn't want to ruin your day."
Gohan smiled lightly at her "No, I had nothing to do. I wouldn't have been able to concentrate anyways. I wanted to come yesterday but I didn't know if it was appropriate, and this morning also, I…"
His words were cut short when he felt Videl hold his hand, squeezing it lightly. He smiled at her, relieved that she didn't shiver at the interaction. Maybe she was indeed getting better. He then noticed her holding her tears "Thank you. For coming, for caring, for being there. For everything, I guess."
Gohan saw the tear in her eyes, and being very clueless about this stuff, he innocently asked "Videl, you sure you're okay?"
Videl shook her head, as tears fell on her cheeks. She then hugged Gohan, feeling secured in his arms, as she started crying "No, I'm not. I'm scared. I can't sleep, can't eat. I'm afraid someone will get to me. I'm disgusted at my arms, I'm afraid of being touched. I don't know what to do. I feel alone. If the Delivery Boy didn't come, I don't know what could've happened. I'm afraid of dying, of being alone. I don't know what to do."
Gohan waited for her to calm down, as she was pouring her heart out to the young boy. When she finished, Gohan passed his hand around her shoulders and hugged her, hoping to make her feel safe. He then gently tighten his grip around her, holding her close to his heart, as he whispered calmly in her ear "You're not alone. I'm here. I'll always stay by your side. I promise, you won't be going through this on your own. I'll always protect you, no matter what. I'll always be here for you."
Videl shook her head on the young boy's shoulder, as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, her tears falling. She didn't understand how she didn't get repulse at his touch, but she didn't care. She never felt this secure. As if nothing bad would ever happen to her when she would be with Gohan.

Hoshiko saw them from the door, a smile plastered on her face, and tears falling. Videl didn't cry the whole night, and she feared it would affect her on a longer run. Seeing her finally cry and being held by someone really reassured her. Her daughter will be alright, she could feel it. And she couldn't stop thanking Gohan for his presence. He was just what her daughter needed, and she would always be grateful for the young boy. She owed him her daughter's life, and nothing she could ever do could ever repay this.

For the next ten days, Gohan kept on coming every day to Videl's. Her bruises started to heal, as only some of them showed a mark. She was starting to open up more, no longer triggered by everything as before. She still couldn't sleep alone, but the sounds of cars didn't affect her as much. She could now be mostly touched by women, and Gohan was the only boy who could come near her without triggering her. Even male doctors couldn't really get close to her. Erasa kept coming every day, helping her friend in every way she could. She would listen to her when she talked, and hugged her when she needed to cry. It was a long process, but it was a going good. She was advancing, step by step.

Hoshiko and Videl didn't yet deliver the news to Gohan and Erasa about their departure. Hoshiko had called some relatives and the mother and daughter booked two plane tickets to another country. They decided it would be the best solution as the moment since Hercule's popularity wasn't this big outside of Japan. And when they'll feel that the time will be right, they'd come back to the country but will live in West City. Capsules Corp. was the dominating giant of the city, and thankfully no one there cared about Hercule this much. They knew it would be a very harsh news, but it was the best solution at the moment. At least until Hercule's popularity decreased a bit.

Videl didn't come back to school, deciding to drop out of the year. She didn't feel like she could go back and face other people, especially having students passing by touching each other in the hallways and near the lockers. It would be too much for her to handle. Erasa was more than sad at the news but she understood it. It was the right thing to do.

Gohan was walking back and forth in his room, his mind in overdrive. Videl's birthday was tomorrow, and he wanted to get her something nice. But what? He had no clue. His mind kept drifting off to his conversation with Dende. Gohan went to see his old friend, wanting an explanation on what happened to his friend, and Dende started to explain to him his whole Guardian concept.

"I am unable to stop bad things from happening. This is just how life works. When people pray and ask for my help or blessing, I try to find a solution to their problem. If they need advice, I try to make an idea cross their minds. If they need help, I try to have a solution ready. But it isn't always easy. Sometimes, they can't understand the message, or the solution isn't to their likings. What happened with your friend was very unpleasant, I agree with you my friend. But I didn't want this to happen to her, and I helped as much as I could. I quickly plotted the idea of calling the police into her friend's head, before panic took control of her, which helped you gain at least ten minutes. Then, I heard everyone's prayers; hers, her friend, her mother and all the people that wanted her to be okay. Why do you think Goten spilled juice on you and you had to go to this city during this time specifically? You could've gone earlier or later, and it wouldn't have helped. Trust the process Gohan, trust me my friend. I'll always keep my eyes on you and your loved one, you can count on this."

Gohan smiled lightly towards the sky, knowing that his friend was watching over him. He was right, he needed to believe in him, like he always did. His friends will be okay.

He then sighed as he looked at his physics' homework on the table. He wasn't able to concentrate for the last hour at least. His mother was going to kill him. Even though she was more lenient with everything that happened with Videl, she still pestered him about his studies. He quickly finished his exercises and went to the living room, where he saw his mother sitting on the couch, keeping a close eye on Goten.

She smiled when she saw him, inviting him to sit next to her "Are you going to Videl's today, sweetie?" Gohan nodded at her as he started to play with Goten "How is she? Is she better?"
Gohan turned his attention back to his mother "Yes, she's better. More people can touch her, and the bruises are disappearing. Only car noises seem to affect her now, but much less than before."
Chi-Chi saw his mind was somewhere else and she asked "What's the matter? You seem, distracted?"
Gohan sighed as she held Goten on his legs, bouncing him up and down "Videl's birthday is tomorrow. What do you get a girl who has everything?"
Chi-Chi nodded understandably. Ever since she discovered that Videl had a lot more money that what they expected, she was very surprised at her behavior. She was so humble and sweet. Even her mother was more than humble and didn't let it show they were more than rich. It was nice to know people like them.
Then, an idea popped in Chi-Chi's head who smirked playfully at her son "You get her something magical."

Gohan landed in a deserted alley next to Videl's house and made his way, walking casually. He prepared himself to knock on the door, only to hear Erasa's screams coming from inside "NO! You're joking. No, you can't do that. Tell me it's a lie. You can't leave me, please. No, no, no!"
He didn't understand what was happening, but he felt it won't be something he'll like. He knocked on the door and Hoshiko greeted him, telling him to come inside.

He entered and saw Erasa crying, hiding her face in a pillow, as Videl tighten her grip on her pillow, trying to hold her tears. Gohan noticed the exchange, not understanding a thing, and Hoshiko invited him to sit on the couch as she started "Look Gohan, we already told Erasa. We have some, um, news. I don't think you'll like it."
Gohan waited for the mother to continue, noticing a tear threatening to fall from Videl's eyes "We took a decision the other day, and we couldn't tell you about it before but… Viewing the situation, Videl's safety is our priority at the moment, I'm sure you understand that. That's why we decided to move out. We'll be moving out of the country. At least until we know she'll be safe again."
Gohan paralyzed at the mother's words. They were leaving the city? No, wait. The country? What should he do in this situation?
The mother seemed to have read his thoughts as she answered his silent questions "As I just told Erasa, I love you both like my own kids, but we have a huge favor to ask. We don't want anyone to know where we'll live, so… If you could avoid calling us for a little while. We can find ways to communicate with you, but I'm afraid someone might track us down." She then looked sadly at her daughter and continued "It breaks my heart, you have no idea how hard this is but, I need you to understand."
Gohan fought the lump in his throat and nodded "I understand, of course. Videl's safety is a priority. When are you leaving?"
Hoshiko smiled lightly at them "Tomorrow night. We want to leave as discreetly as possible. We'll send you a letter once we settle. This is why I wanted to ask you both if you could stay for dinner tonight. We could all have a small meal together, what do you say?"
Both Gohan and Erasa nodded their heads, trying to fight off their tears.

Hoshiko left them alone to talk while she prepared for dinner. She could feel the tension in the living room, but she couldn't do anything about it. They had taken their decision. They would let them know eventually where they were, but since Erasa and Gohan were Videl's closest friends, they could be targeted and their location would be discovered, making their lives endangered, again. She didn't want this; her daughter's life was what mattered most.

They all sat quietly at dinner, chitchatting lightly. The evening was tense, logically, and even the cheery Erasa didn't know how to ease the tension. They discussed general things, mostly about their plans for school and locations, just to make small talks. After they finished dinner, Gohan excused himself to get back home, promising Videl he would see her the next day. And with that, he left their house and flew away.

It took him a while to reach his house, as he started to fly randomly to clear his mind. Even though he didn't feel at ease, he remembered Dende's words, being reassured that if anything were to happen, he would somehow direct him to her. But it would be impossible for him to track their Ki, they will blend in with the crowd, especially being miles away. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to notice a small cut on his finger. When he noticed it, he remembered how he mistakenly cut his finger while eating his diner. It was really weird, he never bled before. And they were so preoccupied by Videl's leaving that he didn't notice it before. Nevertheless, he decided to ignore it. It wasn't very important.

He then reached his house, and told his mother the news. She was very sad once she heard it, but understood Hoshiko's point of view. It was a mother protecting her daughter in the end. She held Gohan when she saw him fight the urge to cry, and she stroke his hair. It was a harsh news for him to take, she was his first real friend in the end, but he was a smart boy in the end and she knew he understood Hoshiko's decision. Gohan turned most of the night in his bed, trying to wrap his mind around everything that was happening, and he tried to come up with a gift idea, but at last, nothing. Tomorrow would be a new day, he'll think of something.

Gohan woke up the next day to the aroma of a freshly baked cake. His Saiyan appetite surfacing, his quickly made his way to the kitchen, and saw an amazing strawberry cake, made especially by his mother. He approached his head, looking hungrily at it, only to get a smack on his head by his mother "No mister. It's for Videl. It's a birthday cake. Don't you dare eat it. Your breakfast's on the table."
Gohan nodded sadly as he sat on the table and ate. Her mother was an outstanding cook, but there was a birthday cake on the counter for Dende's sake. This was just too cruel. But now that he thought about it, a birthday cake, it was a nice idea. Surely Videl would be happy, she enjoyed sweets more than anything.
His mother smiled at him while he was eating, only to notice something "Gohan?" The latter rose his head from his plate and waited for her "How did you cut your finger?"
Gohan looked at his hand and rose his shoulders "I don't know. Yesterday during our diner at Videl's I guess."
Chi-Chi tiltled her head "You cut yourself using a normal knife? How? Ours maybe, Bulma made them strong enough to withstand your powers. But Hoshiko's surely aren't this special."
Gohan shook his head "I don't know. Didn't really pay attention to this."
Chi-Chi nodded at her son as he continued to eat. He may not think it was important, but she did. Something wasn't right, and she marked this event in the back of her brain. There had to be a logical explanation.

Gohan ignored the pensive look on his mother's face and he finished his breakfast and proceeded to finish his homework so he could meditate a little. He then took a shower and put on some clothes. He decided to wear nontraditional clothes as he chose a pair of black pants and boots and look between his shirts. He saw a red t-shirt he remembered Videl chose and he decided to wear it. It had a black circle in the middle, with what appeared to be a shuriken inside of it. He never used weapons aside the sword he had when he was a kid, but he felt it was nice; reminding him of his fighting side. She had chosen it after their mountain escapade, claiming that all his tricks made him look like a ninja. He chuckled at the happy memory. He then search for a jacket to wear, remembering a jeans one Erasa had gifted him.

He then stared at the collection of books(*) he promised would give Videl. They were on his night table next to the ones she had given him(**) and he thought they could work as a birthday gift. It wasn't a lot but reading books was something they both enjoyed; besides, they were his favorite and if anyone deserved to have them, it would be Videl. He put them in a bag and took the cake before he took off, fighting with all his might the urge to eat the cake in one gulp. This was just torture, but Videl was worth it.

He didn't know why but decided to stop at the cave they had ventured in together, reminiscing on easier days. He sat for a moment on the ground, trying to process everything that had happened in the past few days, now noticing how much his life has and will change.

This is when something caught his eye. A four leafed clover. What were the odds? He then chuckled and looked at the sky, thanking Dende for his help.

This was his magical gift, he found it.

He took the clover and, using his Ki, steadied it. It would never perish this way. He thanked his mother and Dende again as he flew towards Videl's house.

He arrived and sensed the presence of Erasa inside. He knocked and was this time greeted by Videl, a smile plastered on her face. She was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, surely to hid the bruises. But since it was March, a long-sleeved shirt would've made sense. He smiled at her and gave her the cake, wishing her a happy birthday, and she hugged him as a thank you, making him blush. Her eyes twitched with excitement when she saw the freshly baked sweet and she rushed towards the kitchen, searching for candles. Gohan smiled and went inside to sit with Erasa while Hoshiko thanked Gohan for the cake and set candles on it. Fourteen. She wasn't a kid anymore. They happily sang her a happy birthday as she blew the candles, making her wish, and they passed the afternoon together.

After a while, Erasa rushed to the kitchen, and came back with a small bag. She wished her friend a happy birthday while Videl opened the gift. It was a handmade photo album of their friendship. Ten years and counting, it was something. Videl had tears in her eyes as she reminisced at the pictures, thinking of happier times. She then saw an empty frame in the bag, as Erasa explained she kept it empty so she could choose a picture of her liking. The raven girl hugged her best friend, tears threatening to fall.

Gohan smiled at them, as he twitched the clover in his pocket. Maybe his gift wasn't good after all. He decided not to give it in front of Erasa. For one, it would be embarrassing, and for two, it would ruin the mood. Instead, he gave her the book collection, telling her he promised to give them to her. He told her that a character in the book reminded him of her, and that he wanted her to keep them as a souvenir. Videl smiled at him and hugged him, thanking him for the gift, telling him she will take good care of them, especially since they were his favorites.

They then got up to take a picture all together and Videl decided would be the one to go into the frame. They all smiled happily, as Gohan decided to tease Videl as he held her. The picture ended up being very spontaneous, with Gohan holding a laughing Videl on his shoulder, while Erasa was smiling as she looked at her friend. It was a happy picture.

At the end of the afternoon, Erasa and Gohan excused themselves for a while and went to the garden to talk about some things, mainly Erasa making sure that Gohan would still come visit her. A few minutes later, Videl came and she smiled at them "E, can you give us a minute?"
Erasa nodded at her as she hugged her "Sure, I was about to leave anyways. Can I see you for just a minute? Say proper goodbyes?"
Videl battled the lump in her throat as she and Erasa said their goodbyes to one another. But when they hugged, both girls couldn't hold on their tears anymore, the pressure of the separation taking control. Even though they knew they will find a way to talk very soon, they weren't used to stay apart this long. Erasa made Videl promise to stay strong, and that if she needed anything, she'll find her by her side in an instant, no matter where she was. Videl nodded firmly at her friend, promising her she'll be okay. And then, Erasa decided to leave, claiming she won't be able to stop her tears anymore. She told Gohan to remember his promise as she hugged her friend and her mother one last time before she left.

Gohan smiled lightly at the exchange. He knew how much they were both affected, and he hoped they will be okay. He promised Erasa to come and see her as much as he could, and he intended to keep this promise.

After she calmed down, Videl came back to Gohan, a light smile on her face "You wore the t-shirt. I didn't think you liked it."
He blushed lightly, looking down at his t-shirt "Yeah. I don't know why I didn't wear it before. Force of habit I guess." He then put his hand in his pocket, fidgeting the clover, as he and Videl both spoke up at the same time "Look…"
They both shut up and Gohan invited Videl to talk first. The latter insist on his talking and he chuckled "I, umm, have something I wanted to give to you. Before I came here, I stopped by the cave, to think for a while. It's where I saw this." He then retrieved the clover from his pocket and handed it to her "It's for you. It will never die. Take it as a good luck charm. It's a way to remind you that I'll always be by your side, no matter what. Whenever and wherever you need me, you'll find me next to you, like I promised. Think of me as a guardian angel, maybe?"
She smiled when she saw the clover, turned into a bracelet, and she looked at him "Why now? Why not in front of Erasa?"
He blushed at her "I was embarrassed… Her gift was amazing and this is really basic so… And besides, the cave was our little adventure, so I thought it would be nice to give it to you in private. I know it's not much but, I couldn't think of anything else. I didn't know what to give a girl who already had everything, so I wanted to create something magical." He then chuckled, slightly embarrassed "I'm not good at this."
A tear rolled down her eyes as she looked at the bracelet, deciding to pass it on her wrist "It's the most amazing gift anyone ever gave me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I'll cherish it a lot. I wanted to thank you for everything. For staying by my side, for bearing with me, listening to me. Thank you for being such an amazing friend, the best anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for being this nice, understanding, patient and much more. You truly are a unique, amazing person and I only hope I was able to mark your life at least half of how much you marked mine. I discovered such an amazing new world thanks to you, and I'll never forget it."

Both teens had tears in their eyes as Videl hugged the young boy, her petite physique barely showing next to his. The only boy that could come near her, touch her and hug her. The one that made her feel secure, safe, protected, every time she was with him. Like her own guardian angel. And she wouldn't trade this security feeling for all the money in the world. She wouldn't even want to trade this amazing friendship. Gohan was the best thing that happened to her in a long time. And she was more than grateful for his presence in her life.

Her feelings for him were very real. She felt it during their adventure in the cave. And she felt it for the past days, every time he came, touched her, hugged her. This spark of electricity, the fireworks feeling. How her world would lit every time he'd enter the room, how much she would feel happy when she would see him. How much she cherished every second they passed together, every little detail still marked in her brain. She didn't see him as a friend, he was more than this. She was sure of this. And she didn't regret her feelings nor denied them. Maybe they were the reason she was able to stay near him after what happened. It was what made her stay calm when he would stand too close, or touch her. They were what made her okay when he hugged her. Even doctors could barely touch her if they were men, but he could. He just had this weird new effect on her. And she loved it. She was happy.

She then pulled away from the hug, her hands still around his torso, and she rose her head to look straight in his eyes, smiling at him "Don't you dare forget about me, right?"
He chuckled lightly at her, flustered a little "As if you'll let me. You'll come back to haunt me if that happened."
She playfully rose her eyebrows at him, as her smile couldn't go away "So you're not regretting meeting me?"
Gohan kept looking in her eyes, smiling lightly "It's the best thing that happened to me. Even if I could, I'd never press the reset button."
She smiled at him, a tear threatening to fall "Thank you for everything Gohan." She then blushed lightly as she let him go, quickly noticing the loss of heat from their separation "I won't hold you hostage anymore. I hope to see you soon." She then showed him the clover bracelet "I promise to take good care of this."
Gohan nodded at her and he made his way towards the house to leave.

Before he opened the back door, Videl called him again, face very red, and she approached him slowly. She then stood next to him, and stood on her tiptoes "Just something to remember me by. As a thank you."

She then pecked him gently on his lips. A simple gently peck, that conveyed all her emotions. Security, comfort, trust, friendship. All of them, and even more, explained in this simple act.

She then smiled at him again before she made her way back inside and got up to her room, leaving a very red Gohan alone with his thoughts. He then regained his spirits and entered the house, waiving goodbye to a smiling Hoshiko who hugged him and thanked him for everything, and he left.

He walked a little in the street, trying to process what just happened.

Videl kissed him.

A/N: The series of books I mentioned with the (*) are actually the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan. They're one of my favorite and I couldn't but mention them since they were talking about things they read. If someone didn't read them yet, I highly recommend them. As for the (**), they will mentioned later on in the story. I'll give the name later.

The Percy Jackson books don't have a significance for the story, I just wanted to mention them because I love them. But the other set will have a small significance, you'll see it later on and I will explain it. But it's not something major.