Vulnerable


A/N: Hello! New chapter.

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


Chapter 10: Saiyan heritage and a party

Gohan sighed heavily, trying to focus on his studies. Dende how did he get into this mess? He hated parties. The loud music, the drunk people, sticky floors. Why would anyone enjoy this? He had spent the whole afternoon thinking of a way to get out of this, but couldn't. Midori was really excited and he didn't want her to be sad. It was already a little weird between them at the moment, he didn't need more problems to add to his stack. And he couldn't even understand what the problem was. Ever since the beginning of the semester, she was always searching for reasons to hold his hands or hug him. She even started kissing him good day and goodbye. Not forgetting the continuous pleads for private moments together. Just what the hell was her problem? Girls, seriously, what a mystery.

He finished his class problems and started roaming in the halls on the gigantic CC. Maybe walking could help him ease his mind. Trunks saw him walking aimlessly, his mind somewhere else, and the young Briefs decided to prank him a little, as he flew above him and landed right on his head. Gohan jumped by surprise and nearly cursed at the young boy who couldn't stop laughing at him.

Bulma's head then appeared from a door when she heard the commotion, and she smiled at her godson, inviting him inside. She was working on a new robot prototype and the young boy enjoyed watching her. Her work was just perfect.

She then lit up a cigarette and smiled at him "What's up kiddo? Something on your mind?"
Gohan sighed heavily, happy to discuss his problems with his godmother. She was the most social one of the group, hence the only one who could give him proper advice about his problems. He then started looking at the electric wires of the robot as he simply said "I'm invited to a party on Friday. But I don't feel like it. It's too loud and crowded for my likings."
The blue haired woman then answered, as if Gohan didn't think of the obvious before "Then don't go."
He chuckled and shook his head at her "Midori insisted we go. She said we haven't partied in forever, and we needed some time together."
Bulma raised her eyebrow at him, not understanding "If you want some time alone with your boyfriend, a party isn't exactly the perfect place to…" Then Bulma rose her eyebrows a little. She then remembered Midori's character and she smirked at the boy "Never mind that." She quickly remembered that she was the type of girls who enjoyed going to parties with her boyfriend, it was a good way to spend time close to each other. Gohan really was clueless. She smiled lightly at him "Dunno kiddo. You're on your own I guess. But the look on your face tells me there's something else."

Said boy sighed again, hoping that his godmother could at least find him an excuse to get out of the party. He then started screwing the circuit pieces together "She's just acting so differently. She always wants to hold my hand, always finds excuses to kiss me or hug me. I don't understand what happened. It's like all of the sudden, she feels like I'm not paying attention to her, and I don't understand why she would think that."
Bulma chuckled at her godson. She enjoyed hearing about his love problems; he appeared so normal. She then gave him the new board piece for him to add to the prototype, knowing it calmed him down, and she commented "You've grown up, talking about girls problems. What's up? Why is she jealous? Did you spot a new girl? Saiyans, I swear!"
Gohan blushed at her "What's that supposed to mean? I'm a half-Saiyan."
Bulma nodded firmly at him as she took the screwdriver from his hand and invited him to sit. She then discarded her cigarette and looked at him "Look Gohan. I learned a lot from your dumb father and the father of my child, the wanna be Prince." Gohan chuckled at the comment and she continued "Vegeta once told me that Saiyans have a tendency to search for the perfect mate. Until they find it, they will always be distracted when a potential mate is spotted, even if they don't really notice it at first. It's like an unconscious thing in their, or more likely your, culture."
Gohan tilted his head at her "Why would someone do that? It's like cheating on your partner."
She chuckled, moving her head up and down in agreement, and she continued "Vegeta explained to me that the nature of the mate will lead to the power of the child. If the mate, boy or girl, is kind of weak, they will lead to the third class warriors, and you go up the ladder. For this reason, a Saiyan will try to find the perfect fit for him or her, so their child would be a respected warrior. There are trials they follow after the first qualifications are met." Gohan nodded at her, waiting for her to continue, but she dramatically shook her head "Not gonna bother you with the trials, we live in a respected civilization, we're not barbaric." He chuckled under his breath, knowing very well that if Vegeta heard her comment, he would snap, and the blue-haired woman continued "Apparently, for the girl of course, the choice of the body is more important than for men. They need girls who can get pregnant with strong warriors. They don't need them to be 'weaklings', as my courteous husband would call them. Then, the character is studied. Saiyans have a tendency to be appealed to strong individuals. Vegeta said that's why he settled for me, claiming I was strong-headed, not that it's true; and that your dad unconsciously chose Chi-Chi who was a fighter. When the mate checks both criteria, their combination is studied. If they work, bingo, you got your mate. But, your body will let you feel if you should settle, or if you can do better. If no, you unconsciously keep on searching, and when a new possibility makes itself known, you'll restart the process all over again. You're nineteen now, so I guess you're in the searching phase for your potential mate."
Gohan blinked as he looked at her "It's not logical. I've been with Midori for two years now. And I know that I love her and she loves me back. It doesn't make sense."
She chuckled at him "Love has nothing to do with this. You're with Midori now, yes, and you think that's it. You never changed the way you looked at her before because she was perfect at the moment. Now, it looks like you found a new potential one, and your genes are telling you to act on it. For Saiyans, this search tops love. Vegeta told me that some 'couples', if you can call them that, got married and had kids without feelings. Just because they were right for each other. Like an arranged marriage if you want. Some of them fall in love after a while and everything is good. A minority of them fall in love without knowing they're perfect for each other, and they happen to be compatible together. But they're like one in a thousand maybe."
He rose his eyebrows, trying to process everything he just heard. His Saiyan heritage really was complicated. When he kind of understood what she said, he tilted his head at her "Um, what? So if she's the 'correct one' and not 'the one'." And he made sure to do the quotation marks with his fingers "I would feel the need to make her go through a series of trials? What is that? I think I can take these decisions myself. I don't need some weird process."
She chuckled lightly "Trust me, you really don't wanna know the specifics about these trials. Thankfully neither Vegeta nor your dad did them. They are, um, disturbing." She shivered when she remembered how Vegeta explained the 'piercing trial' and turned her attention back to the boy in front of her "I guess your human part is dominating your Saiyan one more than you think. You're not only thinking with your instincts, you're using your heart and mind to think rationally. This is why you're feeling like you're not acting the way I described you should. Deep down, when you're with Midori, you will feel something's not right; but for you, as in Gohan, it's not right to look at someone else while you're in a committed relationship. Look, I can tell you this, because both Chi-Chi and I passed through it. Vegeta and your dad didn't feel the need for the trials, or whatever; but, both of them, when they sensed they should settle, they felt the urge to bite us." Gohan looked at her, very surprised, as she explained "Saiyan don't care about marriage rituals the way we do them, that's why Vegeta and I didn't really get married. But, when they felt like this person is the mate they search for, usually during the first form of intimacy, kissing or more it depends, their eyes turned a shade of blue. It's the color for lust. When they feel like the mate is okay with this, they bite them on their left shoulder, just below your neck. The mark leaves after a while. This is the marriage agreement between them. You don't need that much info for now, especially since you didn't feel this urge. But I can tell you kid, if during your make out sessions with this girl, you didn't feel this need, she ain't it."
Gohan blushed and started rubbing his temples, thinking at what Bulma just said. He didn't know what was more disturbing; what Bulma just explained to him, or that she knew about his intimate moments with his girlfriend. His life was a mess. He didn't know what to do, so he turned at her for advice, only to fall more and more into the pit. He then remembered something she said and he tilted his head "You told me Saiyans have a tendency to choose strong women. Midori isn't a fighter and she's not stubborn or anything. It doesn't make sense. If I'm following this 'process' or whatever it's called, I should've chosen someone like that."
She gently smiled at him "Because you're also human, never forget that." He reciprocated the smile and she continued "Kiddo, you're very different than the other hybrids. You don't really seem to notice it. Your indifference towards fighting is the first clue that you're special. Maybe that's why you don't feel you're behaving like a Saiyan, or you chose Midori. She's smart, sweet and understanding, and that's something your human part yearns. Us humans don't always care for strength or power, we usually want someone who can rival our intellect and understand our emotions. Emotions are useless for Saiyans, they consider them a liability since they are fighters. It might be a good thing that your human side is dominating, you won't feel like you're cheating on your girlfriend. But we don't know anything yet. We are still discovering your anatomy and personality traits. So I guess, anything is possible at this point."
He nodded at her, trying to understand everything, before he thought of something "The eyes' change of color. To blue. Do I know about it? I mean, do I feel it happen? Maybe it happened and I didn't know about it."
Bulma started thinking for a while before she looked at him "I never really asked Vegeta because I happened to be with them when they changed. That's when he explained it. But my guess is, you'll feel something, even if it's small. And besides, the biting urge follow this color change almost instantly. Vegeta told that at best, you'll hold on for like six months before you feel it. So I guess you know this better than anyone at this point."
He sighed, almost banging his head on the counter, before he looked at her in a very desperate way "And the best solution would be?"
She smiled lightly, ruffling his hair like when he was a little kid "You're gonna have to make a decision. There are three people in the equation right now, and you have to choose whose happiness matters the most. Knowing you, you'll choose Midori's because the third person doesn't know about this mess, and you think that if your girlfriend is happy, then you'll be too. But eventually, someone will get hurt. I just hope it's not you kiddo." She then smiled at him, leaving him with his thoughts.

Before she left, she stood by the door and looked at him "I'll prepare special earbuds for you. They should lower the music frequency you hear. I'll have Vegeta try them, make sure they're Saiyan appropriate. Dende, if one day the world knows about you people, I'd make a fortune from all the devices I create for you. Maybe you should procreate more? Vegeta and I are gonna have a long talk."
He turned red at his godmother's words, and tried to disappear into thin air when he heard call her partner in a very sensual way across the halls of CC. Why? Just why?

Friday then came and Gohan woke up lazily of his bed. He took his time during his morning shower before he made his way to his college. Midori didn't have classes in the morning, so he went on his own. It was better like this, his mind was drifting off and he couldn't focus on their conversations. To his luck, his teacher didn't show up and he sighed heavily as he made his way to the cafeteria. Not in mood of talking to anybody, he sat on a retreated table and settled his head on his bag. He really wasn't in the mood for the party tonight. It felt wrong. And he had so much on his mind. He kept on thinking about what Bulma told him. Why did his heritage feel the need to be this dramatic? You think the strongest beings in the universe won't care about their marriage partner, you couldn't be more wrong.

He tried to sum up what he knew until know. So apparently, in his Saiyan culture, he wasn't compatible with his current girlfriend? The same girl that made his life better, that was understanding and accepting of who he was. Just in which twisted universe did his ancestors live? And now, apparently, he might have spotted someone more fitting for him, and he will check this person out like some pervert? And if the new person is the correct one, he'll want to bite her? What were they? Animals! He couldn't fathom how stupid this all sounded. It felt so wrong. So disrespectful to the human kind. He felt like he was objectifying the person he was supposed to live the rest of his life with. Calling them mates and marrying them without love. It was so primal. So weird from such an advanced civilization. But was he really like this? Will he follow the train and actually forget about all his principles? He could never do that. Not to him nor his girlfriend. It was so wrong. He should never look at someone else while being in a committed relationship. It just isn't right. What should he do? Should he act on it or wait? He might not follow this process? But what if he did? He might have a chance to stop it in its early stages. Dende, he was so lost and he didn't know who could help him take the right decisions.

He could actually hear the gears in his head turn until someone's gentle whispers brought him back to the real world "Hey. You okay?"
He rose his head and saw Videl looking at him with concern. He then adjusted his stance and nodded, inviting her to sit "Hey. Yeah, I'm, eum, I'm good. You?"
She smiled as she sat down and looked at him "You were never good at lying. What's up? Is everyone's okay? Your mom and brother?"
He chuckled at her and scratched his neck "You know me well right?" She tilted her head playfully and he couldn't but smile at her "Yeah, everyone's fine, thank Kami. I don't see them much though." He drifted of, remembering that he won't be going to his house this weekend and will have to wait a whole other week to see them. He then remembered he had company and faked a smile "It's nothing really. Excited for tonight?"
She gently rose her shoulders "Not gonna lie, not really in the mood. But Erasa wants me to come, and who knows, it might be fun. I bet you're excited to go. Parties are the perfect excuses for couples to enjoy themselves. And I know Midori's been looking forward for this."
He blushed at her words, as he started to look down at his shoes "Yeah. She really wants to go. Parties aren't really my thing you know. But, as long as she's happy."
She gently squeezed his hand "You were always very kind. That'll kill you someday." He rapidly fluttered his eyes and she chuckled "I'm joking. What's with the long face?"
He chuckled lightly and she looked at her watch "I gotta go. I'll see you tonight? Please don't wear your usual school clothes. Pick something Midori'll like." He tilted his head, not very keen on the latest fashion trends, and she rolled her eyes "You have good muscles, try a somehow revealing shirt? Try a black shirt, it goes well with your eyes. And beige pants. They usually go together. I gotta go, bye."
She waved at him and rushed towards the exit.

Gohan smiled at her as she left. Being very clueless, he didn't understood a word she said, and thought that she was being nice, as usual. But he didn't know why he watched her leave the room. She was working out? Because he didn't remember her having this much muscle mass before. It suited her. Wait, what? What in Dende's name is wrong with him?

Videl on the side, wished she could just disappear and never come back. Giving him fashion advices? And why in Kami's name did she say that? 'It goes well with your eyes.' Ugh what was wrong with her? If Midori knew, she'd kill her. She already felt like the girl wasn't always her biggest fan, and she clearly didn't want to be the reason she'd be going to jail. She had to learn how and when to shut up.


Night had already fallen when Gohan came back to CC, a shopping bag in his hand. Since he didn't know if he had appropriate clothes, he decided to buy something, just in case. He took Videl's advice and bought beige pants and a black shirt. The shop assistant insisted he took a very tight shirt, claiming he had the physique for it, but he just wasn't comfortable, and it made the assistant pout. It didn't look like she wasn't able to get a glimpse of his godly body after all.

He took his Saiyaman watch with him, just in case; and he wore his usual black boots. He made sure he had somehow good money in his wallet and he adjusted his clothes in front of the mirror. It wasn't bad, maybe he should go shopping more often. He could ask Bulma for extra hours in the lab so he could afford a new closet, that might do. He noticed his muscle mass didn't really weakened over the years. Saiyans physiology really was amazing. Any regular person, after eight years of slacking off, would have lost his shape. He didn't really care about this, but the science behind it was amazing.

He then found Bulma and thanked her for the earbuds. She told him it would reduce a lot the music's volume, without interfering with the sound of people talking, so he could engage in conversations. She was a genius. She reminded him to take his phone with him, since he had a tendancy of forgetting it, and to be careful with the drinks, even though his Saiyan metabolism offered him a high tolerance to alcohol. And he left CC towards Midori's apartment.

His girlfriend lived in an apartment with Ichika around four blocks away. He reached their building very fast and called them on the buzzer and they made their way down. Gohan's face flushed when he saw his girlfriend wearing a very tight red dress, showing her curves, and a little more cleavage than what he anticipated. And she had worn her hair in a ponytail, completing her ensemble with hoop earrings, a three circle necklace and a black jacket, since they were technically in November. Not that the brunette minded the cold, she managed to impress her boyfriend.

She smirked when she saw the look on his face and teased him "Like what you see?" He quickly turned a brighter shade of red and she laughed "I'm teasing you. Looks like I'm not the only one who dressed up. What's with the new clothes? They're amazing. I never thought you had it in you."
He chuckled, embarrassed a little, and she got on her tiptoes to kiss him gently. She then decapsulated her car and they made their way to Erasa's friends' house.

They could spot the house from four blocks away from the music and the lighting emanating from the windows. Erasa's friends really didn't have the same definition of small gatherings as everyone else. They entered, amazed by the ambiance, and quickly recognized some of their classmates. They were four students from Gohan's major, three from Midori's, around twenty art majors students, and some scattered between remaining majors they didn't know about.

They hung their coats and Midori lost no time dragging her boyfriend to the drink stand, and she prepared two cocktails that could even make Master Roshi's head spin. Over the last two years, Gohan got accustomed to the taste of alcohol, not that he enjoyed it. In the end, alcohol was an acquired taste, and his senior year parties helped a lot in this domain. He tried to get a hold of the snacks, only for his girlfriend to drag him to the dance floor.

Dancing wasn't something he was good at, but he didn't mind passing time with his girlfriend. Bulma told him that his hormones, teenagers' genes, and holding her close while they were dancing, was just the perfect combination for his Saiyans pheromones to interact with her own. And Midori was more than compliant on the subject, holding herself close to him; and, in the end, she was a cheerleader, dancing was in her genes. And even if Gohan wasn't a dancer at all, he always knew how to follow the rhythm. Having years of experience in martial arts benefited him, in a way.

And maybe it was the atmosphere, the alcohol that started talking after the third drink, or the music, but Gohan had a smile plastered on his face, and that didn't go unnoticed by his girlfriend who got on her tiptoes and decided to kiss him. To which he eagerly complied as he kissed her back. She was happy, feeling that he cared for her for the first time in a while, and she decided to take it up a little. And thanking her lucky star, the music changed to something a little more calm and Midori quickly changed their dancing position so something a little more intimate, benefiting from the mood to kiss her boyfriend again. This was just what they needed. Gohan put his forehead on hers, a big smile on his face, and they continued to follow the rhythm. The mood was perfect. Who would have thought that Gohan would enjoy a party? That surely was a first.

But Gohan was a Saiyan in the end. And girlfriend or not, nothing tops food. His senses sharpened when he smelled the aroma of pizza and he turned his attention to the corner of the room, where several boxes were stacked up. He saw people eating and made puppy eyes to his girlfriend who playfully rolled her eyes at him as he broke the stance to go eat.

He waited for the crowd to scatter and he opened up a whole box to eat on his own. He then heard someone giggle behind him "Still a heavy eater? Show some manners at least." He turned and saw Erasa smiling at him "Hiya Gohan." She then hugged him happily "Ya made it, yey. You look hot as hell my friend. Why hide your muscles under the baggy shirts? Your girlfriend is really lucky."
He nearly choked, making the girl laughed and he looked at her, very surprised.

He already knew that Erasa was always updated on the latest fashion trends, especially since she was a fashion student. But she looked just amazing. She was wearing a very revealing black dress, with a golden line defining said cleavage. The dress was barely above her knees and he added a necklace with a blue stone to accentuate her eyes and three-pieces earrings. Since her hair was short, she couldn't really do anything with it; but even though, it was just perfect. And she had put the exact amount of makeup to appear natural, yet elegant. Gohan couldn't believe his eyes.

He felt his mouth dry as he gulped, earning a giggle from the girl "My college clothes weren't doing me any good right? What do you think?" She then started twirling around, making the boy blush "I love it when you blush. You're still so sweet. Your girlfriend's really lucky you don't have a tendency to look at other girls."
Said girlfriend spotted the girl from afar, and happily smiled when she saw Erasa. She then rushed to both teens and happily hugged the blonde girl "Girl, you look, waw! You're gonna melt some hearts tonight."
Erasa looked at the other girl very proudly "I don't care about some hearts. My eyes are on Hayato. He's hot as hell."
Both girls giggled, then Erasa saw Videl from across the room and waved at her "I swear to Kami this girl is unbelievable. Who comes this late to a party?"

They all waited for her to find them. And when the lights changed, they could see her clothes better. Videl was wearing a black skirt with white sneakers and a shoulder ruffle red crop top. She was wearing her hair in a ponytail and added a long necklace and, of course, the four leaves clover as a bracelet. She had put on a little makeup, barely noticeable, but her eyeliner reflected perfectly her eyes. Not less, and not more than what suited her.

Gohan tried to stop his staring but she was just stunning. He never really noticed how much her body had changed, even though she didn't wear very baggy clothes as school. She was more toned than before, yet, still had the feminine look. And these clothes really suited her, defining very well her curves. Said girl noticed the look Gohan gave her and blushed, embarrassed by the attention. Erasa had chosen her clothes, saying she had to get into the game, but she didn't think they would do this impression. Specially on the last boy she wanted to impress.

Then everyone's thoughts were cut short when Erasa squealed at her friend, hugging her "You wore them, that's amazing. It looks everyone decided to suit up. Even Gohan made an effort, and Kami he's hot." Erasa then looked at Midori "Girl, you're lucky. I wish a hot boy like that would look at me." She then sighed dramatically at Videl "Even this girl has stolen someone's heart. Wait till Benjori sees you. He's gonna have a heart attack."

All the teens looked at each other, each one with a different expression. Erasa was glad that someone good had set his eyes on Videl, and she hoped her friend could give the guy a chance. Midori was smiling lightly. Videl and Benjori were both very nice and they friends of her. And she felt they would really work together. Maybe she should ask her boyfriend to have a talk with the other boy, see if he was really interested. Said boyfriend, at the mention of Benjori, felt a hint of, jealousy? Sure Videl was gorgeous, but she wasn't his. He was with Midori, but why did he feel like this? Lastly Videl felt somehow uncomfortable. On one side, she hoped that Midori wasn't thinking the same way as her, that Gohan was looking at her in a very new way; and on the other side, she had Erasa that wanted to pair her up with a boy she didn't real care about.

She had got through her intimacy issues a long time ago, and getting touched by other people, especially boys, didn't affect her anymore. But she could at least choose the guy she wanted to be with. And she didn't feel at ease with Benjori. She always felt like he was hiding something. Don't get her wrong, he was very nice, polite and smart. But, it was a gut feeling. The guy had a lot of secrets he won't share and you don't want that in a relationship. Everyone had secrets, but you usually share some of them with your partner. At least, that how she knew relationships theoretically worked.

Nevertheless, the young girl smiled at her "Hey Midori. How are you?" Said girl nodded as Videl complimented her "Your dress is very nice. Suits you."
The brunette happily smiled at her "Thank you. You too." She then noticed something "To be honest, I never thought you would wear something like this. You always dress in a nice way at school but never with this feminine touch. You usually wear something a little bit more sports oriented."
A small silence filled the room as Erasa started looking back and forth at the two girls, waiting for Videl's answer. Which surprisingly took longer than expected. Gohan also started looking at both girls, not really understanding when the conversation ended, thinking he really should work on his social skills more. Midori started looking at them, not understanding why they were all looking at her like this. Videl then broke the silence "I don't usually have the time to prepare in the morning. I'm kind of a heavy sleeper. That's why I usually arrive barely seconds before class starts. But, I was determined to melt some hearts tonight. Besides, I prefer a slight sports style, less attention drawn to me and it brings back old memories. Right Gohan?"
Midori could see Videl reminisce while she looked at Gohan, waiting for him to answer. Said boy only nodded and turned his attention back to his pizza.

Erasa then excused them, claiming she was craving a drink, as she held Videl and took her to the bar. The blonde girl lost no time blinking at her "What was that about? I swear you were about to cat fight her."
Videl rolled her eyes as she started to pour herself a drink "You're asking me? She had it coming. Why did she say a comment like this? It's like she wanted to embarrass me in front of you. She's lucky I didn't beat the shit out of her the second she opened her mouth. There's a move I learned in class today that I've been dying to try for real."
Erasa almost choke on her drink "I swear, signing you for martial arts classes was the worse decision we've taken. You're really you dad's daughter."
Videl smirked proudly as she drank her cup. Even though her father didn't kill Cell, he was still the world champion. And signing up for martial classes was the best decision she's taken. It felt natural, even though she didn't really put them to practice in real life. Maybe she should see if she could work them out in community work?
But then, Erasa looked at her again "Now, what's really going on? Because it's so out of character for you to say something like that to someone. She didn't even say anything that could have triggered this response."
Videl blinked at her and Erasa sighed, trying to gather her thoughts "Vi? Is there something I should know? Because what Midori said was actually a fact and you know it. You told me yourself you prefer wearing a sports and chic combination, like your mom. So, why did it upset you when she pointed it out?"
The raven girl tried to avoid her friend's gaze and focused on her drink, stirring the plastic spoon aimlessly. Erasa noticed it and decided to ignore it for the moment. When Videl didn't want to tell her something, it could go like that for days or weeks. She'll ask her about it later. But she knew there was a reason for this comment. Videl never pried on anyone before, and for her to throw a mean comment like this, there must be a very good reason.

On the other side of the room, a furious Midori sent death glares to her boyfriend, who didn't know how to react. Eventually, he decided to go to the balcony, hoping to catch a fresh breath of air. He told her to follow him, to which she eagerly complied, as they made their way outside.

To their luck, no one was out there, well since it was November. Gohan then rose his Ki a little, making sure it reached his girlfriend, as he held to the balcony bars and sighed heavily "It's really crowded in there, no?" He turned around to see a very fuming brunette as he rose his eyebrows "What?"
He really was very clueless, it was amazing. But the young girl didn't like what happened at all and decided to clear things up "What do you mean what? I was genuinely commenting on her clothes, and she barked at me like I offended her on something. And, of course, she decided to switch the conversation to something related only to the both of you. I get it, you have lots of memories together, but there's no need to point them out all the time."
Gohan sighed as he tried to calm his train of thoughts. Why was his life this complicated? Nevertheless, he couldn't let her think that and he held her hand "Look, I don't know what's going on. I'm not in her mind to know what happened. And I'm sure she didn't mean to make you uncomfortable by switching the topic. I'm sure there's a very good explanation to this. But I'm guessing there's something else that's been upsetting you, I could feel it for a while now. If there's something wrong, I'd like you to come and tell me. So, what's the issue?"
Midori sighed heavily at how clueless he actually was and she tighten her grip on his arm "Gohan, do you find me boring?" His eyes widened at her as she continued "Because, you always find excuses to talk with her about your past adventures. As if they mean to you more than the time we spend together. So, is there something wrong with me? Do you not enjoy my company anymore?"
The boy had his mouth agape as he tried to formulate a clear sentence "W-Wha, what? Why would you think that?"
The brunette sighed again, rubbing her temples, before she started to look around her, avoiding him "It's just that, ever since you saw her, you always search for ways to spend time with her. She's always somehow mentioned in a conversation. And you always talk about old memories without including me, as if I'm not important. I know how much she means to you, and you have no idea how happy I am that you guys got reunited again. But, if I'm being honest, even though you and I are in a relationship, I sometimes feel like the third wheel. I try my best to not make her feel like this, but it doesn't mean I enjoy this feeling. So, and I want an honest answer from you. Do I need to worry Gohan? Is there something you're not telling me?"
Gohan blushed in embarrassment. Dende, did he really make her feel this way? He needed to make up for it; otherwise, his girlfriend might think he wasn't loyal to her. He then smiled at her as he held her hands and spoke gently "Hey. Look at me." He then held her chin up with his hand "You're right, I should include you more. I'm sorry. From now on, you'll know everything. It's just that we haven't seen each other in a long time and we used to see each other a lot. I didn't want you to feel left out. And if you want, we'll stop talking about the past."
The young girl had a tear in her eye as she smiled lightly at him "No, no. There's no need. I trust you. I even trust you more than I trust myself. I just want to feel like you enjoy my company as much as theirs." He smiled at her, wiping the tear that fell, and she asked "Can you tell me this though?" He nodded at her as she continued "What did mean when she said she didn't want attention to herself? And what the hell is with this clover?"
Gohan started thinking for a while, not knowing what to say. It wasn't his story to disclose after all. But he couldn't lie to his girlfriend anymore and he decided to explain to her the general story, as much as he could "I really can't tell you, it's really personal." He saw the annoyed look on her face at the additional secret but he continued "But if Videl is ready to talk about it, I will tell you everything. But I can tell you that something bad happened to her when we were younger. And I mean bad. And it was because there was too much attention drawn to her. So after it happened, I gave her the clover as a good luck charm. To reassure her that nothing bad will ever happen to her. At least like what happened. I told her it was like I was watching over her, so she could feel safe."
The brunette winced at his last words, as he clearly didn't notice what he just said.

Should she feel offended that he never said anything like this to her? That he never mentioned in a way or another that he'll protect her or stay with her? She knew he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her but, she noticed that it's something implied in their relationship. Whereas with Videl, it was something explicitly said. She didn't know what to think in this situation. She made a mental note to search for the story later on. If Videl had too much attention drawn to her, she would surely find something. Maybe it could help her understand a little bit more the nature of the relationship between her boyfriend and his childhood friend.

She then looked at Gohan, noticing that he was waiting for her, and she couldn't but smile at him. He was just adorable, so pure. And his loyalty was one of the many things she adored about him, so she knew there was nothing to be afraid of. If something had happen in the past, he would've told her.

She then nodded at him "Okay, I trust you. I'll ask her about it."
He nodded back at her "So, no more fights with her? If you want to know something, ask. I don't need the most important girl in my life fight with my childhood friend."
She chuckled lightly at him "So, I'm the most important girl in your life?"
He blushed at her, now noticing what he said "I, um, yeah. Well, after my mom that is. And Bulma, maybe?"
She chuckled at him, enjoying teasing him, and she got on her tiptoes "You're an idiot." And she kissed him, stopping his mumbling.
He smiled at her as he stopped the kiss "So, we're good?"
She nodded at him "Yeah, we're good."
She could hear him say "good" in a whisper and they closed the gap between them, a smile plastered on their face. Their tongues easily found each other in a dance, both of them at ease in the other's presence.

Midori felt like she was in Heaven, as she finally broke Gohan's walls. She could now know everything about his story with Videl. And that will prove the her that Gohan trusted her enough to tell her. That would mean he cared for her, and that was all that mattered to her. He was one of the best thing that happened to her, she discovered a magical world thanks to him. And she intended to pass more time with, because she knew that what stories he already told her was just the tip of the iceberg.

From the inside, Erasa quickly elbowed her friend who was talking with one of her classmates "Look." She then pointed at Gohan and Midori who were standing outside, arguing about something "It looks like they're fighting. Do you think it's bad?"
Videl quickly felt responsible for the fight and she closed her eyes "Kami, I hope not. I feel bad. Do you think it's my fault?"
Erasa rose her shoulders as they turned their head to give them privacy "I don't know. She must be pretty upset about your comment. But I think they're arguing about something else. It doesn't make sense for her to reprimand him on something you said. But maybe it triggered her and she found it as an opportunity."
Videl nodded, her mind somewhere else.

She felt so bad for the way she treated Midori. Erasa was right, she didn't deserve this mean comment, she felt like a bitch. But her jealousy got the best of her, and it was an ugly emotion she hated. Maybe it was because Gohan followed her advice and she saw herself in Midori's place. She had to apologize to the girl for the trouble she caused and she had to learn to control her temper. She knew she was possessive of what's hers, but Gohan was never hers to begin with. And she had to find a logical explanation for Erasa because she knew her friend will not let the matter pass this easily. And she wasn't ready to tell her the whole truth, she didn't know how Erasa might react. She might have calmed a little over the years, but she was still the same person when there were boys involved.

A few moments later, the blonde girl's curiosity took the best of her and she turned her attention back to the balcony and saw Midori kissing Gohan "Looks like they made up." They then saw Gohan smile at her as he kissed back, making Erasa chuckle "He's getting some. Look at shy Gohan making out with a girl. Do you think he's a good kisser?"
Videl nearly choked on her drink, not wanting to answer this specific question about their friend. She looked at them, a pang in her heart and she sighed lightly.

Even though she was relieved they made up, it was a weight on her heart. She knew he was in a happy relationship, and she was happy for him and will always there for him, like he was for her. But she'd be lying if she didn't say it bothered her. If only she muttered the courage to talk to the boy when she came back to the country. Maybe, then maybe, things would've been different. Or at least she would've had more time to accept the situation. Gohan never saw her as more than a sister, and she had to accept this.

Her trail of thoughts were then shut down by Erasa who was clicking her fingers in front of her. Videl shook her head and looked at her friend, noticing someone standing next to her.

Said boy smiled at her as Erasa spoke "Vi, you remember Benjori? He's in your bioethics law class."
Videl nodded as she extended her hand to shake the boy's "Sure, hey. How are you?"
The boy smiled at her, shaking her hand gracefully "Good thanks. I've been hoping you'd be here. You look just amazing."
Videl blushed a little "Thank you. You're not bad yourself. I didn't know you worked out."
The boy smiled, telling her he was on the soccer team, and Videl nodded.

He was wearing dark blue fitting jeans and a tight salmon colored button up shirt, to which he kept the first three buttons unbuttoned, reveling his defined muscles. And he was wearing leather bracelet, giving him a jock style. She didn't really enjoy this style, but she knew it was what boys like to wear on parties.

The boy smiled at her "Would you like to dance? I know the music isn't fit for my request, but we could, you know, dance around together."
Videl quickly looked at Erasa who smirked at her before she talked "Anika, wait for me. I'll see you guys later, I'm craving a drink. Bye."
Videl nearly cursed at her friend's smirking before she left.

She then turned her attention around to the boy who chuckled "I get it. I'll leave you alone. Sorry."
Videl quickly stopped him before he disappeared into the crowd "Wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Sure, let's dance."
The boy smiled as he extended his hand and guided her towards the dance floor.

What was the worst that could happen? Maximum she won't enjoy his company and nobody could tell her they didn't try to make it work. Besides, the only boy who caught her eyes was in a loving committed relationship. It won't kill her to try and find happiness someplace else. Benjori was educated, polite, and athletic. He might fit in perfectly. Again, what's the worst that could happen?

Benjori tried to initiate the conversation "So, you're a first yearer, right?" She shyly nodded at him "I'm in my third year. That means I'm two years older than you. Damn, I feel old." She chuckled at him, not wanting to disclose her real age and he looked around "Say, I thought Gohan would be here. He was the one to asked me to come."
She pointed towards the balcony "He's outside with Midori."
The soccer player turned around "Outside? It's freezing." Videl rose her shoulder, never understanding how Gohan didn't mind the cold, and she tried to avoid looking at him. Benjori then chuckled "You know, when I met him, I never thought he'd be like this. He's so different than Midori I sometimes think they got together using a dating app or something. He's so shy and restricted while she sociable and talkative. I feel like she understands that and helps him get out of his shell, but they will reach a point where they won't work anymore. But hey, what do I know?"
Videl nodded at him, trying to disclose as much as she could "I think they work well together. They complete one another. She accepted him as he is and that's the best anyone could ask for."
He looked again at Gohan and Midori who were still standing outside, talking and laughing lightly, and Benjori nodded at Videl "You're right. You know them since high school?"
She shook her head "No. I met Gohan when we were younger before I moved out of the city because of my mom's work. I saw him again in class with Midori."
He chuckled lightly "Lost childhood friends. It's like in the movies. What's missing is one of you having feelings for the other. It'd be the classical drama romance we see in cinemas."
She blushed a little, chuckling lightly "Yeah. No, it's not the case. Both of us see the other as a sibling, and it's literal. Strictly platonic."
The young boy smiled at her "I'm glad. It gives me the opportunity to talk to you." She blushed at him, a light smile on her face "Do you want a drink or something?" She politely nodded and he smiled at her "Wait for me here. I'll bring something." And he disappeared into the crowd.

Erasa lost no time finding her friend, a smirk plastered on her face "So, tell me everything."
Videl playfully rolled her eyes at her "There's nothing to tell. We barely talked two minutes and he went to get us drinks."
Erasa started to shook her head dramatically "I'll wait for the juicy details later on. I have to go, Hayato in near the balcony. I swear this guy is more clueless than Gohan."
Both girls giggled as Videl wished her friend good luck before she left. And seconds later, Benjori came back, drinks in his hands, and they continued to dance together for a while.

And it looked like everything will turn out okay. Nothing could go wrong at this point, right?