Authors Note: You know you guys never read this.

Disclaimer: You know what it's for.

The Jade Princess: Chapter 6

The ride home was awkward and silent. No one knew how to tell the two young saiyans. All they knew was that they didn't want to scare them. And that they wanted them to live their last months normally and happily.

During the time in which Crystal and Goten were in the hospital, everyone took it as an opportunity to sort their own feelings out. It would make things harder to explain other wise. There was also the fact that they needed time with themselves before they can face the children.

The Briefs family comforted each other. Goku and Chichi tried their best to get themselves through their own pain. Gohan, however, was at lost on who he can confide in, Sure, their was Piccolo, but, he needed the comfort Piccolo wasn't able to provide. He flew araound aimlessly for hours, stopping only when he couldn't concentrate due to his emotions.

After a much needed rest, Gohan was once again air born. Lost in his own thought, he didn't realize where he landed. Deciding to trust his subconscious. He knocked on the door before him.

A woman in gray answered the door. She smiled upon recognizing who it was. "Ah, Sir Gohan, please take a seat. Miss Videl will be down shortly." Gohan sat patiently waiting.

Jogging down the stairs, two at a time, Videl happily called, "He Gohan! What's up?" Upon seeing his face, Videl lost her enthusiasm, bringing the 'up' as a confused, breathless whisper.

Gohan's face showed evidence of sadness and worry. His eyes, tired. His mouth in a frown. He answered in a tired sigh, "Hey Videl. Wanna go for a walk?" Her stomach knotted in worry and her voice got caught in her throat, in fear she nodded.

They walked in silence. In his mind, he wondered how to start. In hers, she wondered if she really wanted to know what put Gohan in the state he is in now. They stopped, facing a lake. It was a beautiful sight. Across the lake was the city skyline. The setting sun can be seen, peeking out from behind the buildings, and the sky was painted in hues of pink, purple, and green.

Sitting under a tree, Gohan started with a chuckle. "You know, when crystal and Goten were younger, they always wanted to play hide and go seek. They especially loved hiding in the house, because of all the small spaces they could fit in. Once, they even tried hiding in the washer and dryer we never used." Turning to face Videl, he explained. "Mom always thought hand washing and line drying provided extra love. Anyway, they were always surprised at how I found them, No matter how good their hiding spot was" Giggling he continued, " There was one time they really stumped me. My senses kept telling me 'They're right here!' But I couldn't find them. I checked in the fireplace, under the couch, the book cases, everywhere. I was going crazy. Until I heard a sneeze and a 'shhh' following it. It was then I remembered the two lose floor boards. The floor boards were wide so with two of them out of place, it was no problem for them to squeeze through. So, in a loud voice I said, 'Maybe their upstairs.' and made stomping noises. Hiding behind the couch, I watched as the floor boards came out of place nd two heads popped out. Just as they were climbing out and were about to celebrate their first ever victory I pounced."

His smile once again faded and he got that far away look. "It's funny though. How every night, they'd beg for stories about our father. It wasn't long until I had to take them to all of my dad's friends for fresh stories. And now he's back!"

His face then grew angry, "Why does bad stuff always have to happen to us? Were good people. Do we deserve it? It's like, we can never be a complete family. Someone will forever be missing. If one comes back, it isn't long until someone has to leave." He was now very angry and frustrated. His power was skyrocketing and the earth was starting to tremble.

Videl's eyes widened in fear. She never knew the pain behind the mask. Pulling him into a desperate hug she whispered calming words into his ear. "Shh. I'm here. Shh. Gohan, tell me what's going on." Tears streamed down his face and his voice cracked. It pained her to see him like this. "Videl, Crystal and Goten. They're sick. They've. They've caught a new disease that attacks vital parts of their bodies. They only have 5 months to live."

At these words, the pit of her stomach dropped. Her breath got caught in her throat and fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "But, how? They're saiyin." "Believe it or not. We're not indestructible!" He snapped. Realizing what he did, he quickly felt remorse. "Videl, I'm sorry. It's just that" "Shhh." She pulled him into a tight comforting hug. She understood.

And for the rest of the evening, the young couple sat in each others comforting embrace.

##&##

Goku and Chichi both new they couldn't hide anything from Crystal and Goten. There was no way that they could pretend nothing happened. Crystal couldn't pretend seeing her brother being rushed to the hospital, and hours later, waking up there as well. They couldn't pretend they weren't in the hospital being prodded and poked by various doctors. And sure as hell they couldn't pretend getting home cooked food, but having no one from home visit.

The only thing to do was to tell them the truth, but how?

Authors note: The only reason Gohan and Videl are a couple in this fic is, well, they are a couple. Personally, I thought the whole 'I'm Hercules daughter' crap was annoying which led to my own irritation with her.