When You're a Superhero

2. You May Find Yourself With a Love Interest

The city's new superhero had been quite careless. Videl had taken mental notes on everything he had told her about himself, and while it wasn't much, it was still something. It would at least give her a list of potential suspects, even if it would probably be a long one. But there were ways to narrow it down, and the young woman hoped the police would be willing to help her in return after all of her years of crime-fighting.

The first thing that the Great Saiyaman said that could be useful in her investigation was that he had heard the police sirens while in the middle of unpacking. It meant that he lived somewhere in the police cars' trajectory during the car chase earlier. The policeman she asked didn't object to giving her the navigation history of the cars that went after the armored truck. The map showed her the streets where Saiyaman could be living, which was a good start.

He also said that he just moved today. That one was a big clue. Videl asked the policeman if he could give her the list of all the people who had moved into Satan City on this day. Citizens were required to declare their new address when they moved, so such a list must exist.

Officer Curten eyed her with a frown as he twisted the edge of his mustache. "Why would you need to know something like that?"

"It would be a clue to Saiyaman's real identity," she explained. "He told me he just moved in the city today, and coupled with the trajectory of the police cars during the car chase earlier, I may be able to figure out where he lives."

The policeman raised an eyebrow at her. "You do realize there are hundreds of people who move every day, don't you? Even if you narrow it down to the streets that the police cars passed through, it's still going to give you a list too long to be useful."

"You forget that we're looking for a young man that's about six foot tall and is well-built. That should narrow down the list enough for a start, don't you think?"

"How do you know he's young?" the officer asked, his skepticism not wearing off. "He was wearing a helmet that covered all of his face."

"Not all of it. His mouth was visible, and I noticed that he didn't have lines at all, not even smiling ones. He has to be quite young, between eighteen and twenty-seven years old. Maybe thirty if he's got good genes, but he was a bit childish when I teased him so I kinda doubt it. If I had to guess, I'd say he's in his early twenties, probably around my age."

Officer Curten smiled at that. "Ever as observant, I see. You sure you don't want to enter the police officially? God knows we need more people like you."

She chuckled. "I will eventually, when I retire from martial arts. That's why I studied criminal justice in college, after all."

The policeman returned his attention to his computer. "Well, I'll try to get you the list you asked for, but it's going to take time. Some people don't declare their new address right away."

Videl nodded in understanding. "Let me know when you have it."

"I'll filter out the homes without young men. Hopefully the list won't be too long after that."

"Thank you, Officer Curten."

"I don't think it'll be enough to find out who the Great Saiyaman is, though."

Videl started to walk away. "I know, but it's a start."

She didn't reveal the rest of her plan to the policeman. First, she wanted that list, and then she would have to take it to the chief of police herself. Videl didn't know how her request was going to fly, and being in the force would have definitely been in her favor, but she hoped that her years of helping keep the city safe would be enough to convince Chief Veil to follow through with her plan.

In the meantime, she might as well go back to the coffee shop where she and her friends had been hanging out before she got the call from the police.

That night, Gohan found himself alone in his new apartment. Bulma had helped him finish unpacking and went home to her family. She suggested that he go out and have fun for his first night in Satan City, and Gohan supposed it wasn't a bad idea; he hadn't had a chance to celebrate his new promotion properly.

He picked up his smartphone and scrolled down the list of names of his contact list. One of his college friends had moved to Satan City to pursue her medical career, and they were still in touch. Although now that he thought about it, it had been quite a while since he called her. He supposed now was a good time to rectify that.

He brought the rectangle device to his ear and waited for his friend to pick up. Hopefully, she would be free this evening to celebrate his promotion and move to Satan City. As an intern at the hospital, she was probably too busy, but Gohan figured it didn't hurt to ask.

"Hey, Gohan," the familiar voice answered the call in her ever playful tone. "What's up?"

"Hey, Raven." He chuckled awkwardly and scratched his hair with his free hand. "I actually just moved to Satan City, so I thought we could maybe catch up if you're free?"

"Whoa! For real? When did that happen? Why didn't you call me sooner?"

"It all happened really fast. Um, how about we meet for drinks so I can tell you all about it?"

"Sure! You caught me at a good time, actually ━ I just finished my shift and I'm already out for drinks with some colleagues. I'll text you the address so you can join us."

"Sounds good to me," Gohan replied, getting up from the couch. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again."

"Same. I can't wait to hear all about your move!"

He chuckled as they hung up. It was nice having a friend in a strange place. Raven was always fun to hang out with.

At least the crime in this city seemed to be taking a break for the day. Hopefully it stayed that way so he could enjoy a nice, peaceful time catching up with his friend.

His phone chimed with a text from Raven, who had sent him the address of the bar she was currently drinking at like promised. Being new to the city, Gohan had no idea how to get there, but thankfully, technology was there to help. He searched the address in the GPS application on his phone and was quickly given the itinerary to join Raven and her colleagues.

He should probably get changed to something more appropriate for a night out than a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants. Gohan decided to take a quick shower to wash the moving and unpacking ━ and crime-fighting ━ off himself.

As he stood in the shower, his thoughts traveled to the young woman from earlier ━ Videl. She was an extremely talented martial artist, and it made him wonder just how strong she could get if she was trained properly and learned about ki.

Gohan turned off the faucet, grabbed a towel, pushed the curtains and stepped out of the bathtub, pensively drying himself. Well, he supposed that was just wishful thinking. He couldn't even show Videl his face, so why was he thinking about teaching her ancient martial art skills at all? Like he had the time anyway. With his career and crime-fighting, and maybe a social life, Gohan didn't see his schedule opening for something new anytime soon. Not to mention managing his public image as soon as the announcement of his new position got out. He groaned at the thought.

He sat on the rim of the tub and dried his hair with the towel. His mind went back to Videl, and a blush crept up to his face. He couldn't shake her fierce, deep blue eyes from his head. He had never met anyone like her, and Gohan couldn't deny his attraction to her. She was so strong and feisty, and for some reason that made him like her even more. He remembered how she kept struggling against him even when he had her pinned down and unable to move, never giving up even with all the odds against her.

The memory made his face burn up even more. Gohan shook his head and tied the towel around his waist as he walked out of the bathroom.

It was silly to get a crush on someone who didn't even know what he looked like. He couldn't tell her who he was, so there was no future there.

He opened his walk-in closet and browsed through his clothes for something appropriate to wear at a bar. Well, it didn't hurt to daydream about her though, did it? He smiled to himself as he recalled her teasing. It had frustrated him in the moment, but now Gohan couldn't help thinking fondly of their exchange. He may have reacted somewhat childishly though; he supposed he was a little touchy concerning his superhero persona. But he really didn't understand how anyone couldn't love the disguise ━ it looked so cool!

He chuckled to himself as he got dressed. He remembered her smirk, and the way her eyes would sparkle in amusement as she messed up his superhero name on purpose.

It was a bit of a shame that he had to meet Videl as the Great Saiyaman and not as himself. Maybe then, he might have been able to…

Gohan stopped that train of thought right there. It was useless to think like that. Videl was a crime fighter, so no matter how they would have met, they would have always ended up stopping bad guys together, because there was no way he wouldn't get involved if innocent people's lives were at stake. It would have been worse if he met her as himself, because then, he would've had to lie to her as himself, and pretend he was someone else as his superhero self. It never would've worked out.

He supposed it just wasn't meant to be. Gohan sat on his bed to put on his shoes and let out an aggravated sigh, his shoulders slumping. What a shame. The one time a woman elicited some kind of emotion out of him… Oh, well. If it happened once, surely it could happen again, right?

Hadn't he decided to focus on his career anyway? Gohan chuckled at himself as he walked out to the balcony. Had he always been so fickle? He looked at the clear night sky, and he was reminded of Videl's raven hair.

He shook his head and took off to the sky, checking his phone for directions. It was just a silly crush, he told himself. It would surely pass with time. He was too busy for a love life anyway.

Raven hadn't changed at all. She was still the fun, lively, playful young woman he had befriended back in college. She didn't look a day older either, despite it being years since they last saw each other in person.

She was a beautiful woman, tall, curvy, with dark skin and frizzy hair. Seeing as they would hang out a lot back in college, the people around them always assumed they were a couple, but they were more like brother and sister.

After a quick introduction to her colleagues and friends, who inevitably asked if he was her boyfriend, Raven took him aside so they could catch up properly. They settled in a booth and she offered him a beer. Gohan wasn't too fond of the alcoholic beverage, but he refrained from saying anything as he sipped on the bitter drink. They say it's an acquired taste. He supposed he might as well try.

"Tell me everything," Raven said, her light brown eyes shining with curiosity.

He smiled sheepishly. "Well, you know I've been working for Bulma at Capsule Corp." Raven hummed and nodded her head. "Well, she opened a new branch here in Satan City, and she offered me the head position."

Raven's jaw slackened. "Wow… You're the head of the new Capsule Corp. branch?"

Gohan scratched his hair. "I didn't want to accept the promotion at first, and I still don't know if I have the maturity and experience to be a good leader… But Bulma insisted that I was the only one she trusted for the job. I hope I don't crash and burn, heh."

"I'm sure you'll do great," his friend said in encouragement. "You're the smartest person I know, and you've always been too mature for your age. Don't dismiss your capabilities just because you're young, Gohan."

He cracked a smile, a pleased blush spreading across his face. "Thanks, Raven."

She always did know what to say to make him feel better. He was glad he moved to the same city as her, that they would be able to see each other more now. He'd missed her.

"I'm guessing you're not too happy about becoming a public figure, huh?" she presumed correctly, giving him a side glance while she took a sip from her beer. "When is the word of your new position coming out?"

"Well, tomorrow's the grand opening of the new Capsule Corp. building, so I'm guessing then." His shoulders slumped. "I'm so not looking forward to that…"

"I'm sure it won't be so bad. It's not like you're a rock star ━ though I suspect you're still gonna get groupies…" Raven laughed at his grimace. "Hey, look at the bright side. You're in your early twenties and you're already at the top of your field. Me, I've still got a long way before I become an attending surgeon."

"How is that going, by the way?" He decided to change the subject.

"It's rough. Long hours, barely any sleep, and there's nothing worse than losing a patient… But the saving people thing makes it worth it," she finished with a small smile.

"That does sound nice. I mean, I love my job, but I did think of becoming a doctor myself."

"I don't think it'd suit you," she said honestly. "You're too sensitive, and you have too much empathy. And it takes a toll on you, that job. I don't know if you'd take it well, losing a patient ━ and that's not something you can avoid when you're a doctor."

His smile toned down, melancholic notes playing in his coal eyes and he observed his drink. She wasn't wrong.

"I guess."

"Besides, you're doing so well as a scientist!" She raised her beer. "Here's to the new chapter of your life!"

Gohan chuckled. They clinked their glasses, and Raven gulped the rest of her drink in one go. She wiped her mouth and sighed in content.

The flat-screen hanging on the wall caught his attention. It was on the news channel, and for a second Gohan thought some other crime was going on again. But it was a recount of earlier today. He perked up when he saw a familiar face being interviewed after the attempted armored truck robbery.

But his eyes widened at the tagline at the bottom of the screen. Videl, daughter of Mr. Satan, professional martial artist, and beloved champion of justice.

"She's Mr. Satan's daughter?" he blurted out in shock. Raven turned her head to look at the TV.

"You didn't know? I guess she's not that famous outside of Satan City, and you did just move in." Raven signed to a waiter for another round of beers. "She's been fighting crime since she was like, fifteen or something, and she's the current world champion too. She's a two-time champion, actually; she was only nineteen when she won the first time, and she won again last year. Her father retired from martial arts after she won against him. I mean, he wasn't at his prime then, so it's hard to tell whether Videl actually became stronger than him. People still think he was the strongest fighter ever in his youth."

Gohan stared at his friend, registering everything she had told him. He turned back to the screen, where Videl was talking about the car chase he had helped stop earlier today.

"Can you tell us about your first encounter with the Great Saiyaman?" the reporter questioned.

"At first I thought he was one of the bad guys," Videl recounted. "He was wearing a weird disguise━" Gohan frowned at that, "━and he was standing inside the armored truck. We fought, and I was about to handcuff him when he suddenly turned the tables and overpowered me."

"You mean to say that the new hero is stronger than you?" the off-screen reporter asked in disbelief.

"He did manage to immobilize me, which is quite a feat in itself. And he can fly ━ it didn't look like he was using any trick, but who knows what's possible with today's technology."

"Do you think he could have used some kind of strength-enhancement technology? That would explain how he was able to gain the upper hand against you. You are the current world champion, after all."

"I don't think so. He was very skilled, and that's not something science or technology can help with. The first rule of martial arts is that there is and always will be someone stronger than you out there, and that's why we keep training even when we think we're the best. Just because I won the Tenkaichi Budokai championship doesn't mean I'm actually the strongest fighter in the world." She smirked. "That's what I love about martial arts ━ I'm never out of a good challenge."

Gohan had no idea why his heart was thumping so hard or why his face felt so hot as he watched the interview. Raven glanced back at him and smiled knowingly.

"She's pretty badass, huh? Did you get starstruck?" She chuckled as his blush deepened. "It's hard to believe she's related to Mr. Satan, and not just because she looks nothing like him. He's always so extravagant and show-offy, but Videl's so cool and grounded."

Gohan looked away from the screen and massaged the nape of his neck. "Yeah…"

"And she's so hot, too." Raven sighed dreamily at the image of the female crime fighter on the news, propping her chin into her hand. "She's totally my type. She's never dated anyone though, or if she did she managed to keep the relationship under the radar, so who knows if she swings that way."

Somehow, the one thing Gohan took from Raven's words was that Videl wasn't dating anyone right now, or at least not publicly. He shouldn't care ━ it shouldn't matter; it wasn't like he ever had a chance with her ━ but he couldn't help feeling pleased with the information.

"What's your type, by the way?" Raven asked him out of the blue. He choked on his beer at the question. His face burst into flames.

"Wh… What?"

His friend shrugged. "I'm just curious. I've never seen you with a girl, or a guy for that matter. I've been wondering if you're maybe aromantic or something."

Aromantic ━ someone who wasn't interested in finding a romantic partner. Truth be told, Gohan had been wondering the same thing for some time.

Until today, that is.

"I… don't think I am." He coughed into his fist and kept his hand over his mouth. "I guess it's just not easy for me, to find someone I like."

Raven hummed thoughtfully. "Yeah, you're definitely not the type to fall in love easily. But, do you have a preference? A type of personality that attracts you more, or a physical trait?"

Gohan's blush didn't lessen. "You're being awfully nosy, Raven."

She laughed. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to pry, but I am curious. Besides, I know a lot of cute girls who would totally be interested in you. I could hook you up, but I'd need to know your taste for that."

He raised his hand in front of him and waved. "It's fine, really. I don't really want to be with someone right now, and I'm going to be way too busy for a relationship anyway ━ now wouldn't be the best time to meet someone."

"Aww… Are you sure? That's too bad, but I guess you'd need time to adjust to your new life before adding another person into the mix."

Gohan fell quiet. He glanced back at the flat screen on the wall, but the segment about earlier's car chase was over, and Videl was no longer on the news.

"Do you have a type, though?" Raven asked again, apparently too curious about his taste in women to let it go.

He sighed. He avoided her gaze as the heat on his face intensified, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well… I think, um… I think I may have a thing for strong girls."

"Oh?" Raven said coyly, letting out an amused chuckle.

Gohan hid his bright blush behind his large hand. Gosh, this was so embarrassing. Why did they have to talk about something like this? He understood that Raven was curious given that, indeed, he had never dated anyone before, but after admitting his preference, Gohan felt so mortified he wished the ground could swallow him right this instant.

But… he couldn't deny it. If he learned anything from his first encounter with Videl, it was that he was attracted to her fire.

Although, he supposed it didn't hurt that she was so ridiculously beautiful.

Gohan blinked at the ceiling, the haze of slumber slowly clearing.

He had dreamed about her.

He sighed tiredly as he rose and sat on the edge of his bed, running a hand down his face. What was going on with him? He couldn't believe that he had actually dreamed about Videl when he only met her once, and quite briefly too.

This wasn't like him. He had never been remotely interested in anyone before. What made Videl so different? Why couldn't he stop thinking about her? How was she even infiltrating his dreams?

Seriously, what the heck? Yes, so she was beautiful, and he was extremely attracted to her strong persona ━ but it could never work, and he knew that. He wasn't going to stop helping the police fight crime, and neither did she, so it was doomed from the start. He couldn't tell her his real identity, or even show her his face, so nothing could ever happen.

Why couldn't his subconscious understand that? Gohan slumped his shoulders, rubbing the back of his neck. He was hopeless. Even though he knew better, he couldn't help the way he felt about her; he couldn't help wanting for something to happen between them.

Why did his first crush have to be on someone he couldn't be with?

He stood and started getting ready for the day. It was the inauguration of the new Capsule Corp. estate in Satan City, and his first day as the new head scientist; it was also his last moments of anonymity, whether he liked it or not. It was going to be a long day, but hopefully a good one too, and for that to happen he needed to focus on his work. Not on his useless feelings for a girl he barely knew.

It was silly anyway, developing a crush on someone after such a short time. Ridiculous, really. He was fine being on his own, he didn't need to be with someone ━ it had suited him perfectly for the past twenty-three years, so there was no reason for it to change.

So what if she was super cool and badass and strong and simply stunning? So what if her eyes were so blue and clever and fierce and made his heart thump hard? So what if she was the most amazing person he'd ever met? It didn't matter. None of that mattered. Videl was off-limits ━ he met her as the Great Saiyaman and couldn't show her who he really was, so that was the end of it. Period.

Leaned onto the sink of the bathroom, Gohan groaned in frustration. Why was it so hard to convince himself? How could he like her so much already? He didn't even know her! Gohan closed his eyes and massaged his temples.

He didn't want those cursed feelings. They didn't even make sense. He barely knew her, for god's sake!

He stepped out of his apartment grumbling to himself. He could have just flown out the window, but Gohan supposed he might as well try to go to work like a normal person. It was only ten minutes away by foot, and he had plenty of time before the inauguration, so he had no reason to rush.

He stopped at a cozy coffee shop on his way. It was just a couple blocks away from his building, and it wasn't a big franchise. Just a small, warm shop smelling of delicious coffee and pastries. Gohan went inside without a second thought. He had some time to kill anyway.

The line wasn't long; only three people were ahead of him. He waited patiently while he looked at the delicacies displayed in a showcase and made his choice. When his turn came, he ordered a tall cappuccino and a few different pastries, which were handed to him moments later. Glancing at his watch, Gohan figured he had the time to sit at a table and eat his second breakfast at his leisure, so he found himself a booth in a quiet corner and placed his tray on the table.

He was savoring a cream-filled bun when the bell jiggled and new customers came in. His gaze distractedly followed the sound; three young women got in line.

His bun dropped on his tray; his jaw hung open. Without his consent, blood rushed to his face and his heart jolted stupidly.

It was Videl. Videl was among them.

He couldn't help digging his head in between his shoulders and raising his hand to hide his face. It was silly. She had no idea what he looked like ━ his super cool helmet did a good job at concealing his identity.

But he didn't want to meet her as himself. He didn't want to find himself in a situation where he would have no choice but to lie to her, and then have to pretend he was someone else as Saiyaman. He didn't want to be the Clark Kent/Superman to her Lois Lane. Videl should only know him as the Great Saiyaman. There would be no double identities with her. Just his secret one, which she was aware he had, and that was it. No games, no lies, no drama. Just fighting crime together, and nothing else.

He chanced a glance as she and her friends picked up their order. His brow furrowed as he observed the glasses-wearing girl with light-brown skin and dark hair. She looked kind of familiar… Where had he seen her before? Could he be mistaking her for someone else? But he was sure he'd met her at some point. When could it have been?

Much to his dismay, the three friends didn't take their order to go. They sat only two tables away from him ━ then again, the coffee place was rather small, so it wasn't surprising that they ended up so close.

Gohan slumped his shoulders and hung his head. Why was this happening to him?

"Thanks for treating me, Videl," the brown-skinned woman said. "But you really didn't have to."

Videl waved her off dismissively. "Nonsense. It's your first day at your super fancy job, you deserve to be pampered. And it's not like I can't afford it."

"That's right," the short-haired blonde weighed in. "Even without Videl's dad's wealth, she's doing really well for herself. You don't even need roommates to afford our place, for that matter," she added toward Videl, who shrugged in response as she sipped on her carton cup.

"I like having you guys around."

His pastries were long gone, and his coffee cup was almost empty, but Gohan was too curious to leave and get on his way. He felt bad for eavesdropping, but his desire to know more about Videl easily trumped his guilt.

"I like what you said on the news yesterday," the brown-skinned woman said to Videl, changing the subject. "About how there's always someone stronger than you out there. Your father would never be caught saying something like that."

Videl smiled. Gohan found himself staring. Dang it ━ her smile made her look even more beautiful. Why was he so attracted to her? Why couldn't he help the way he felt?

"Yeah, he would never, ever admit to the possibility that someone stronger than him might even exist," Videl agreed. "Even today, he claims that he would never have lost against me if he was still in his prime, that nobody could ever rival him."

"Well, he did kill Cell," the blonde reasoned, not knowing any better. "And he was the world champion for a long time."

Videl shrugged. "I prefer to think there are stronger guys out there. Where's the fun in fighting if nobody ever poses a challenge anymore?"

Gohan smiled to himself at her logic. She really was nothing like her father, that Videl. He was positive she was much stronger than her dad ever was, for that matter. There was no doubt about it in his mind. Videl well deserved her title of world champion. He had been able to assess her skills when she attacked him yesterday, wrongly assuming he was a supervillain. Misunderstanding aside, Videl was an incredible fighter.

"What about that hero guy? Do you think he's actually stronger than you?"

Gohan's heart thumped hard as the blonde asked Videl about him. Well, about his superhero self. He strained his ears as he listened in, eager to know what the girl he liked thought of him.

"I know that he is," Videl replied calmly. Her friends stared at her with wide eyes. Gohan couldn't help turning his head to look at her, his lips parting.

She cracked a smile. "I didn't say it outright on the news, but there's no doubt about it. I couldn't even touch him, and he didn't look like he was even trying. He seemed distracted, even."

"Wow. That's crazy," the dark-haired friend murmured.

"How do you think he got so strong?" the blonde asked.

Videl shrugged. "Beats me." She looked around distractedly ━ and ended up catching the gaze of a certain smitten young man. She smiled politely before turning to her friends again.

Gohan's heart was racing. That brief eye contact had felt like a lightning bolt. His face felt like wildfire. His hands were clammy, and his throat was tight and dry.

He turned away, raising a hand over his eyes, trying to compose himself.

Shaking his head sharply, he got up and, resisting the urge to look back at Videl one last time, hastily left the coffee shop.

How could he be in so deep already? This was bad. This was very, very bad.

And his heart still wouldn't hold still.

He should probably find himself another coffee shop from now on. It was a real shame; the coffee and pastries had been so tasty. But he couldn't risk running into Videl again. He couldn't meet her as himself, no matter what.

He sighed in dejection and slumped his shoulders as he dragged his feet on his way to the inauguration. What a waste of a first crush…

On the bright side, at least now he knew with absolute certainty that he wasn't aromantic.

Yipee.

June 1, 2021