I do not own DB, DBZ, DBGT or DBS all rights to the companies that own them and Akira Toriyama.
Early December
Now that Gohan had finished school. She had her graduation coming up later that evening and had been shopping with Erasa, Bulma, Panchy and Videl looking for the right outfit. Personally Gohan just wanted to wear the outfit from Krillin and #18 wedding a few years ago. It still fit and looked great on her, in Gohan's opinion. Needless to say she was overruled by the majority and she had to get a new outfit along with Videl and Erasa. Can't always be just shopping for Gohan. Gohan managed to find something she would be comfortable in and fell into Erasa and Panchy's strict criteria for the occasion.
Late on the morning of her graduation, the small odd family they had sort of become, were sitting around having breakfast. Since the tournament Vegeta was joining them for breakfast and lunch on top of dinners while keeping up his edless training. Both Goten and Trunks were ecstatic. Goten had taken a huge shine to Vegeta over the years, besides Piccolo he was the next most solid role model he's had growing up without a father.
Gohan had finished first and was watching Bulma look over the group with uncommon excitement in her eyes. Before Gohan could ask what was up, she felt a powerful Ki and a smaller Ki both arrive within the room. 2 Ki's she hadn't expected to see anytime soon. Standing behind her was her Mother and Father.
"Hiya guys! Got news of a special occasion so I thought I'd bring Chi-Chi along for it."
Gohan was out of her chair in an instant and hugging both of her parents. Goten shrank back a little as Gohan let go of the hug she turned to find Goten so he could meet Chi-Chi. She found Trunks holding Goten's hand almost like he was stopping him from running away, the tears in his eyes and the scared look on his face made Gohan pause. She looked first to Vegeta in case he knew what was happening then to Trunks. Both had mild scowls on their faces but not at Goten's reaction, at her parents. Something had happened and Gohan had no idea what. As she was about to address Goten again he ran. Gohan thought she heard him say "not again" but wasn't sure.
"Oh, my poor baby what's wrong?" Chi-Chi asked to no one in particular.
Gohan replied anyway, "no idea. But he can't run faster then me." Sprinting off after Goten following his Ki.
He had made it outside but didn't get very far before Gohan stopped him wrapping him up into her arms as he cried his heart out. IT only took a few moments of Gohan soothing him for Goten to relax enough to be asked. "What was that about Goten? You've met Goku before."
"Th-They're going to take you from me again. *Hiccup*"
"What? What makes you think that?"
"Last time grandpa came you left. For days. I thought you had died. Now that lady that you showed me pictures of is here with him." He was rambling, Gohan knew it but she got the gist of what he was saying. "I don't want you to leave again just because your mummy and daddy are here. I don't want to lose my mummy. I know Trunks and Uncle Vegeta said you wouldn't leave me but he wasn't supposed to be back."
"Oh Goten, you'll never lose me. I'll always be your mummy. I'm not going anywhere." Hugging him tightly, their tails wrapping around each other.
"P-Promise?"
"Promise. Now let's go back inside I want to introduce you. Mum hasn't seen you since you were a baby."
"I don't remember Grandma being around, but I don't remember much from when I was a baby."
"Not many people do." They continued to talk as they entered back into the house.
Little did Gohan know the whole conversation was heard above them on the balcony. Both Goku and Chi-Chi had heard. Chi-Chi didn't know how to take the news she was though of as Goten's Grandma. Goku had told her before they came but to hear it from the child himself really solidified it in her heart. What did she expect, Gohan had risen the child, it was only natural he would see her as his mother.
Goten was reserved when meeting Chi-Chi, "hi Grandma." Before he could say anymore Chi-Chi wrapped him up in a tight hug weeping in joy at holding her little man again. Saying over and over how much he's grown and how much she's missed him.
While that was happening Gohan asked her father, "what brings you back?"
"Your graduation of course. Even before I died it was you mothers biggest wish for you to graduate high school. So when the Grand Kai let me know you were graduating this weekend I let Bulma know we were coming back for the night. I've given Chi-Chi 10 hours so we are here till 10pm tonight."
"Wow dad that's great, thanks! But why did the Grand Kai inform you. I thought it was King Kai's job?"
"Oh uh, so, King Kai isn't the Kai for Earth and surrounds anymore. After I killed him he lost the position and now there is a new Kai in his place. I don't think he likes me very much cause he always looks angry when he looks at me. How the Grand Kai found out I'm not sure but yeah."
"Either way. I'm so happy you two are here." Looking at her watch she had to get ready. "I have to get ready now I've got to be at the school before the ceremony. Mum, would you like to help me?"
Bulma had brought a dress into Gohan's room for Chi-Chi and the 3 ladies were getting ready together.
"My baby girl is all grown up and getting her diploma. Next stop Marriage! Then grandbabies!" She sighed wistfully. "Missing watching the 2 of you grow up is the only thing I regret about leaving when you were so young. I mean look at how beautiful and accomplished you are!" Chi-Chi gushed as they were getting ready.
"Chi-Chi here, I brought a dress from my wardrobe for you. I'm thinking since the whole world knows you died, we slipped through the cracks with Goku's visit not getting much notice with the whole Buu fiasco, but I think we should keep a low profile. The press won't be around the school hopefully. Oh and I'm hosting a huge party here after, so you'll get to see everyone. It was only going to be Grandpa-Ox, Yamcha, Vegeta, Trunks, Goten and myself going to the ceremony but now you and Goku are here that's a few more seats. Luckily there isn't assigned seating so we should be able to get you both in without too much hassle." Bulma was babbling by that stage but Gohan could tell both Bulma and her mother were so happy. "Oh, speaking of which Gohan you need to get over to the school for the sound check. Don't forget your speech. We'll see you in an hour. Chi-Chi mind helping me wrangle the boys into suits?"
"Right that will be fun. Do you have one for Goku?"
"Not a full suit but Yamcha has some nice pants and shirts Goku should fit." As the 2 women walked out Gohan put her shoes on and headed over to the school.
The ceremony went quick enough. Gohan had to give a speech, as the person with the highest grades in the school. When they called her up to give it they used her full title. Her classmates had gotten used to Gohan and didn't care about the titles, but it turns out a majority of the parents didn't know the crowned Princess of the world went to their kids' school if the surprised gasps and murmurs from the crowd were any indication. She got the little piece of paper and next thing she knew they were all back at Bulma's where all their friends were waiting. Even Piccolo and Dende had made appearances. Bulma had even invited Videl, Mr Satan, Erasa, Sharpner, their father: Mr Pincell and Mrs Pincell.
#18, Chi-Chi, Mrs Pincell and Bulma were off to the side chatting, The Saiyans were stuffing their faces with the seemingly endless supply of food Bulma had supplied. Yamcha, Krillin, Ox-king, Mr Pincell and even Mr Satan were to the side drinking and laughing.
As the 4 bottomless pits started to slow down their eating Krillin came over finding it safe to chat and being a mildly intoxicated. "So Vegeta, I'm surprised you haven't tried to fight Goku yet."
"Humph, well in the past I was very one minded on the task. Not that it is any of your business, but as of recently Kakarot is no longer a concern."
"Really? You don't even want to spar?" Goku asked mildly upset, Vegeta always wanted to fight and compare themselves. Not that they got that many chances over the years.
"No. Your daughter has far surpassed you and is my only focus for the rest of my life. My one equal." Vegeta looks to Gohan noticing her blushing. Without looking around he ups and leaves mumbling about getting out of these human clothing.
Everyone else didn't seem fazed by Vegeta's statement. They were all there for the tournament he had just won for her hand as well as his declaration of intent, they knew for the past few years it was a matter of time before they got together. Goku seemed a bit confused. Chi-Chi on the other hand looked at her blushing daughter with concern.
Pulling her blushing daughter inside Chi-Chi had to express her concern. "Is there something going on between you and Vegeta?"
"Not yet, but I hope soon there will be. Mum, don't look at me like that. I'm not a child anymore."
"He's old enough to be your father, he was a tyrant that killed thousands of people, possibly a few planets from the rumours." Chi-Chi tried to persuade her daughter.
"I know what he's done, who he was. He isn't that guy anymore. He did his time in HIFL for it." At Chi-Chi's still unresolved face Gohan continued. Not that she needed her mothers permission to choose Vegeta but to have them go back to Otherworld without it, now that the option has been put on the table, she wanted it. "He just fought in a tournament for my hand. And before you point out that it was a natural he would win against humans keep in mind I was the person he fought against. I know he is a lot older than me but that doesn't bother me. He is one of the best people I know. Can't you be happy that I'm happy?"
Chi-Chi stared at her daughter for a while longer before letting her scowl drop and relenting, "He makes you happy?" Gohan nodded her head. "He has sworn himself to you?" Again Gohan nodded smiling. "Your happy?" Gohan continued to nod. "Fine, then I'm happy."
Wrapping her mother up in a hug, "thank you."
"Wait," Goku added having heard the conversation and finally getting what Vegeta was saying before. "You're going to marry Vegeta? Like what me and your mum are?"
Gohan had to giggle it usually took her father a while to catch on to things like this. "Yes dad. I hope to, eventually."
"No."
"What? What do you mean no?"
"No, I don't want you marrying Vegeta."
"It's not your choice dad. If Vegeta will have me I will be with him."
"If I beat you in a spar you can't marry him."
"What? Why? What do you have against him?"
"I like the guy he was a great rival and a good person but the idea of you marrying him or anyone. I don't like it." Gohan looked at her father confused.
"Very well dad, I'll fight you. And you won't say another thing about it and be happy I've found someone I love."
"Fine."
Most of the party followed Gohan and Goku to a deserted area standing far enough to the edge they hoped for what would be an amazing fight without the WMAT rules in their way. "How much time do you have left dad?"
"2 hours."
"Hey Bulma! Put a timer on for 1 hour 45 minutes! You know just in case!" Bulma nodded and set her watch. Piccolo flew up to be the mediator.
"Start from Super Saiyan 2? I don't want to destroy the planet accidentally. Plus you have such little time dad."
"Sounds great. The body the Supreme Kai gave me can handle Super Saiyan 3 and not eat away at my time so let's do this. But keeping it to Super Saiyan 2 would be fun." Both began yo power up to full, Goku had changed back into his orange Gi and powered up to Super Saiyan 2. Gohan pushed the switch on her watch to her Saiyan Armour and powered as well. Not many people outside of Goten and Vegeta had seen her modified super Saiyan transformation. The silver tinge on the aura as well as her hair shocked everyone present. Even her father seemed surprised. It gave her a regal look and her armour just set the look off completely.
The fight for anyone but Piccolo, Goten, Trunks and Vegeta was a mass of silver/gold and yellow blurs with strong after shocks in the air. The Saiyan's and Namekian saw every blow for blow. Both seemed even. Vegeta had flown up to watch from Piccolo's vantage point.
"It seems Kakarot is almost at his limit for that form. Gohan hasn't even given half output yet."
"It would appear that way. Gohan has always been able to match her father since she was a kid. She just didn't believe it so never tried."
Down on the observation deck everyone that wasn't a z-fighter or married to one was staring at the sky slack-jawed. They couldn't see the punches thrown but could hear and feel it.
When the duo separated to catch their breaths Videl had to comment. "Wow that is completely different look to her old gold form. Why isn't Gohan using her other form?"
Krillin decided to answer her this time. "It's the one form I think they share. Goku can't go Super Saiyan 4 and Gohan did say one time that the Super Saiyan 3 though strong is a very draining form. It looks like Goku is getting exhausted holding that form and not going higher. But Gohan has plenty left in her tanks."
"Well their time is running out Goku is down to 30 minutes left. Trunks can you go up and tell Piccolo please." Trunks nodded and took off with Goten holding Maron's hand following behind up to Piccolo and Vegeta. Maron wasn't that adept at flying on her own yet so she a firm grip on Goten's hand.
Panting heavy Goku reiterated during blows, "it's not that I'm disapproving. I just want you to be sure it's what you want. You know I married your mother before I knew what it was, I got to know her and found great companionship, but I did go in blind."
"I know dad, you don't have to worry about that with me. I'm going in with my eyes wide open."
"But the thought of you being with anyone the way I was with Chi-Chi really pisses me off." Goku powered up to Super Saiyan 3 then in a rage thinking about it. Gohan continued to match her father blow for blow in Super Saiyan 2.
"I'm told that is a normal reaction for a father. Mr Satan said Videl can't date till the guy interested beats him in a match." Gohan stopped fighting all together and surprise hugged Goku. Making him falter and fall back to Super Saiyan 2. "It's okay dad. You can feel that way. But it won't change my mind. I love him."
Goku relaxed into her hug they weren't huggers often but when they did it meant the most. "If your sure about it be sure to keep a tight leash on him like your mother tried with me."
Pulling away Gohan couldn't help but laugh. "We know that's impossible, you Saiyan men won't be held down."
"Goku! Your down to 20 minutes of the match!"
"Thanks Piccolo! Want to call it a draw?" Goku asked.
"I guess we can but I was able to go toe to toe with you at Super Saiyan 3 so if that saves your ego." Gohan smirked.
The rest of the time was saying goodbye to the rest of the group.
"Hey dad, why don't you wait a few years before using the rest of your hours."
"Yeah I think I will. I'll miss you till then my Monkey Princess."
She had finally gotten the Diploma her mother always wanted and was starting to take more duties on as future Queen. Her relationship with Vegeta was moving slowly. She had accepted him, but it was like they were starting from scratch. It mostly involved them sparing in the mornings before she would leave for her duties.
Gohan managed to get the next 2 nights with no commitments to the crown and decided to spend it at the cottage. Goten wanted to spend time with Trunks. The two were practically inseparable these days and Gohan was just happy to get away from the Palace. She had been spending most of her time at King Furry's palace and though lavishly big it didn't hold the same warmth her grandfather's did. It was just easier for her as most of the tasks she had involved her being close to West City and Satan City.
Sitting out under the stars Gohan was enjoying the serenity. She heard the soft landing of someone off to her right. Without opening her eyes, "Hi Veggie"
"Gohan. It's.. uh.. Nice night?" Vegeta asked with a slightly nervous tint to his voice
A smile crept over Gohan's face listening to him stumble. She could tell it was still new for him to be like that. It made her happy that he was willing to show he had that side even if it was just when they were alone. He had even gone to wearing human clothing more but Gohan had to admit she preferred him in his Saiyan armour but was happy he would relax enough to not feel the need to wear it. Tonight was one such night he had on track pants and a sweater. At least he wasn't constantly fidgeting like when he wore a suit.
Realising she hadn't responded and was just staring at him Gohan shook her head to clear the thoughts. "Yes, yes it is a nice night. Why is it even with no moon I can tell it would have been a full moon?"
Vegeta seemed to relax when she spoke and came up to sit beside her. "It's ingrained in us."
As his hand tentatively touched the side of hers Gohan got an idea. "Want to spar?"
Vegeta contemplated it for barely a second before agreeing. Stripping out of his sweater leaving his bare chested he took his stance. Gohan already in Gi pants and a singlet also got into her stance. There was no frenzied rush when they charged each other.
This time sparing without an audience they started slower then normal. Each punch, each block was almost measured, it was like they were making excused to touch each other instead of actually fight. Each block was held a few moments longer than would be seen as normal. No one person fighting for dominance over the other. They continued on in this fashion for almost a half hour before Vegeta got Gohan in a body lock. She felt her back pulled to the front of his. His grip was firm, possessive but Gohan knew if she tried he would release her instantly. She didn't want to. The feel of his arms around her again made her heartbeat erratically. She was frozen just feeling his strength. They were equals now. She felt Vegeta's lips on her shoulder, his arms tightened around her. His tail was caressing hers and she felt more complete then she had in a long time.
Waking up the next day it was a weird feeling having someone in the bed next to her. She tried to remember how they ended up in the same bed. She remembered wanting to spar with him which turned into more of a dance with each other. She asked him if he wanted to stay as it was late into he night. There was a lot of kissing and talking, before falling asleep in his embrace. As she tried to get up she felt a tug. Their tails were firmly wrapped around each other. The sun peaked over the mountains streaming through the window Gohan was still sitting up but any thought of leaving the bed seemed to leave her as Vegeta groggily looked up at her, pulling her to himself. She never would of thought he was not a morning person considering how he was always up and training before the crack of dawn.
Year 775, Late February.
That night was the start of a new rhythm they got into. Technically Vegeta didn't live with her but she found him staying with her most nights. The boys would stay as well, just like they did over the years before Buu. Only this time the spare room went unused, Trunks would sleep in Goten's room and Vegeta would sleep with her. On the nights she stayed at a palace he wouldn't come by. But that was okay with her, she knew he was a solitary man and had never asked him what palace life on planet Vegeta was like, for all she knew it gave him bad memories of what was taken from him. She would have to ask that of him one night.
Gohan knew when she was coronated her mountain home would become more of a Holiday home like when she was at school. She would have to choose a Palace to call her home. Some of the officials already were asking her to declare one as her main home but Gohan just couldn't she was enjoying living in her small cottage. Though the more she thought about it the more she realised that it would be her Grandfathers Palace that she would choose. King Furry's was just too extravagant. She would leave that one for all the official meetings and Party's that were expected of her as Queen and leave the smaller Palace as her home. Would Vegeta be there to help support her and live with her in the Palace? It was something they hadn't discussed. Hence why they hadn't mated yet. Gohan wanted to know that he would be hers and hers alone.
He did tell her one night the fact the Lower class Saiyan's barely ever chose one mate and 'Married' in a human sense. It was expected the King would, but he only knew of a very small handful of Warriors that chose to be with another exclusively. With that mentality she wondered if he would. Did he just want her because she was the only female Saiyan left even if she is a half breed? Their children would be more Saiyan than she was. Shin did let slip that there could be other Saiyan's out there, if one of those were a female pure blood would he chose them over her. He was much older than her, even if he looked barely 30. He had already made a child with Bulma, he admitted it was a child of lust with no real affection except respect for the woman she was. How could she even bring it up? Would she be okay being used like that? Does she want more. He would never be like in her mother's romance novels declaring his love in a grand gesture. But he had declared in front of all their friends that she would be his only focus for the rest of his life. Did that mean he wanted her as a life-mate.
As she was training in her Gravity Chamber all these thoughts revolved around her mind. She was usually so determined and strong willed but as soon as those thoughts entered her mind it was like she wasn't herself. She had never been in a situation like this before. Maybe she should talk to Bulma. Bulma had the most experience with strong men and Vegeta himself. Even though her mind was all over the place her workout was not. She was working herself up with the thoughts. As a result she found she was pushing herself more and more with each thought. By the time she was done she was working out in her base form at 500x, she had stripped down to just her sports bra and short lycra shorts, panting heavily.
As she finally exited the Chamber looking like she had gone a few rounds, she had lost track of how long she was in there for and unlike the one at capsule Corp this one didn't have a way to communicate with people outside as the door locked as soon as the gravity was activated, except for them to knock on the door to announce they were outside. So when she found Vegeta leaning against the house watching the door she was stunned.
"You should of made yourself known by knocking on the door." She stated as she walked past him into the house looking for a drink and setting the Chef 2.0 for a light snack. Vegeta followed behind. She could tell he had something on his mind by his lack of response, even though she had lots on her mind she found herself turning around and asking him directly as she knew he wouldn't say it without being prompted. "Is there something you want?"
"Yes." He responded in his gruff voice. "I want to learn that new Super Saiyan form you have. Or at least how you learnt it. I've tried on my own. Searched deep within me and I can't find it. All I could sense was a higher form of super Saiyan that didn't seem good enough. I'm lowering myself to ask for your help."
"Wow what a humbled offer. You know it doesn't have to be a competition. I would of helped you find it sooner if you asked." Gohan turned back around to see her food being served, taking it to the table. Before she sat down she turned back to him, he was right up in her personal space, not that she minded. "I want us be equals, I was given the chance to go further but I'd never goad that over you. You know that." Kissing him sweetly on the lips she sat down and began eating. "For the record you need your Ape transformation and we have no moon until mid-May."
"I won't wait that long and as you won't leave the planet with me for long enough to find a planet in this solar system with a moon that has the right amount of Blutz waves. I need to know it now; I've stewed over it for too long."
"I can talk to the Supreme Kai, maybe he will do it as a thank you for fixing the Buu problem that was meant to be his task." Gohan mused out loud while eating her 'snack'.
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go!"
"Hold your horses. I'm sweaty and in need of a shower and change of clothing."
"Such a Human emotion. A true Saiyan wouldn't worry about appearances like that. You shouldn't."
"So, I'm not a true Saiyan woman? I won't change who I am to be your version of a true Saiyan. I am a proud Saiyan." Gohan was honestly hurt by his statement. She wouldn't back out of helping but she was reconsidering going right now to the Supreme Kai, if she did go, it would be to be far away from Vegeta and his still skewed ideals.
"Wh.. uh.." Fumbling with what he said. "I.. I didn't mean it like that!"
She gave him a cold look, he knew he was on thin ice with how this conversation was going. "How did you mean it then? I'm fine as I am but as soon as I'm no longer the strongest between us you would go look for a True Saiyan to be with?"
"No… I.." He was really fumbling now. This wasn't like Gohan she never got offensive during a conversation she was always understanding and laughing it off. It was like she was goading him into a verbal sparing match.
"Then what did you mean by that statement? I'm not a full blooded Saiyan. I never will be. Because I choose to be presentable when I can? What is it?" Vegeta face was red but he kept his mouth shut. "Am I not enough as I am?" She felt like she had yelled it but in the heat of the moment she had practically whispered it.
Vegeta was kneeling in front of her in an instant. "You are enough. You are more than any Saiyan I have met. I might have been young when the planet was eradicated but I had met some females before then. I don't know if any survived and after spending so many years here with you I don't care if there are. It was a off handed comment." He took a deep breath no matter how much he cared about Gohan these words were always tough for him to say. "I'm sorry."
Gohan didn't understand why the comment affected her so. Was it because of the thoughts she had while training and some fear came out in the form of lashing out? Was it because she could be getting her period and her hormones were in control? She was going to say it could be both, She had never had a 'normal' period in a human sense only twice a year and even then it wasn't set when it would come. But these overreactions within her mind had been happening a lot for her when Vegeta was around. This was just the first time that they made her lash out to him. Leaning down she kissed him. It was less than a second before Vegeta responded to the kiss. "I'm sorry as well. I overreacted."
"Let's put it behind us now. Are we doing an this excursion to that Kai's planet?"
"I'm not sure how happy he will be for house guests, but yeah, let's go. After I shower."
TBC..