Author's Note: Hi there, I'm Jrhall2! This is the first Fanfic I've ever written and published so thanks for checking it out! I've attempted writing a few in the past but I didn't really like the way they turned out. Lately I've been obsessed with how adorable Gohan and Videl are and I wanted to try my hand at building their relationship into something real and believable post-Buu Saga, as opposed to only leading up to the confession and then doing what the anime did - that is to say, leaving it to your imagination! So I went to the other extreme and started at the confession instead (lol), but I think it leaves a lot of room for interesting character growth! Also, I'm an absolute sucker for fluffy, feel-good romance, especially with these two, so expect a lot of that from me. There will still be stakes and it won't all be mushy and sappy, but a lot of it will be. Parts of it won't be very PG either - fair warning - but I promise those scenes will be tastefully and respectfully handled (and won't come up all that often).

This chapter picks up immediately from the point Kid Buu is destroyed by Goku and I pretty much treated everything that happened in the anime up till this point as this story's exact canon, with some insignificant creative license in a few places (thoughts that some characters had, certain motivations, etc.). Aside from that, I'm kind of hoping this will become its own thing from here. I haven't watched all that much Super and I don't really care about the canon of it as it pertains to this story. After Chapter I, everything is just stuff I thought up myself, completely separate and removed from DBS. Now that doesn't mean I'll write things that fly in the face of the established characters or the universe of DBZ! But if something I say or write is directly contradicted by Super, then...oops...

I'm going to try to update this story weekly on Fridays. I want to have the consistency of an upload day so I don't lose track of the story and never finish it. I have a loose outline of how I want it to go too. But I've spent the better part of 5 days on this chapter to make it turn out the way I wanted so I figure giving myself at least a week is a good idea. I can't guarantee I'll always make that Friday upload date, but I can promise I'll try my best!

Of course, I have no ownership of Dragonball Z or any of the characters from the anime or manga, that honor belongs to Toriyama Akira-san. I do hope my imaginings of his characters will be enjoyable for someone to read though! So without further ado, please enjoy the story and leave a review if you feel like it! Thanks!


Chapter I – I Won't Waste Another Moment

Videl couldn't believe her ears. Mr. Satan's triumphant voice rang out through the minds of the world: Majin Buu was dead and gone. After the terror the pink monster had inflicted on the world, all the lives he'd stolen, the nightmare was finally over. But as her new acquaintances – all friends of Gohan's – celebrated Goku and Vegeta's victory, the young martial artist couldn't help but turn away as she fought down the blush creeping across her cheeks. Her father had a penchant for embarrassing her like no one else in the world could. And, in fact, he'd just embarrassed her in front of the entire world, which was just a mortifying new feeling for her. His boastful voice which was somehow being psychically broadcast to the entire world now took to grandstanding raucously after declaring victory. With each guttural laugh, Videl could only look further to the ground and clench her fists, hoping to be spared further humiliation.

"Papa…please stop…"

The cheering and celebrating continued behind her and her prayers were answered as, blessedly, her father's voice disappeared. Taking a centering breath and a long moment to settle herself again, she turned and watched the nearby celebrations that had broken out atop the Lookout. The enormous Ox King caught her eye immediately. The large man was dancing and celebrating with his daughter Chi-Chi, Gohan and Goten's mother. It was the first time Videl had seen her smile since Goku had brought news of Gohan's supposed death the day before.

After they'd all reappeared on the Lookout, Krillin had searched for their missing friends and had found Gohan, the boys, and even Piccolo. They were some distance from the Lookout, but they were alive and okay. Tapping her finger on her forearm, Videl chewed her lip. Why couldn't he just be here already? With her? She was anxious and impatient to see him again, but she took another full breath and stilled her fidgeting with stubborn force of will. He'd show up soon. He always did.

An easy smile spread across Videl's pink lips. Son Gohan: the biggest surprise she'd ever experienced in her life. From the day she met him, she knew he was hiding something. It was just a feeling she had…a feeling that aggravated her like an itch she couldn't scratch. But after discovering that he was, in fact, the Great Saiyaman and the Gold Fighter, her life had changed in the most indescribable way possible. Because Gohan had been hiding something. Something incredible and beyond most peoples' ability to comprehend.

Videl had seen into his world, a world she didn't even come close to fully understanding and appreciating. A world where rising into the sky to fly was as natural as the sun rise at dawn. A world where a gorgeous blonde android could give birth to an adorable little girl. A world where green aliens watched over the Earth, one even having the title of "Kami." A world where Gohan's dead father had returned to the land of the living with a conspicuous halo over his head, claiming to have come back for one day only to fight in the 25th Tenkaichi Budōkai.

Videl couldn't help but grin as Bulma Briefs cried her adoration for her husband Vegeta towards the heavens. The poor woman had been absolutely beside herself when Goku had delivered the news; it was good to see her happy and filled with love again.

Love…her eyes immediately dove towards the tiled flooring of the Lookout in an effort to hide her obvious blush from everyone else. This strange new world wasn't the only one Gohan had allowed her to glimpse into. No, since she'd taken to learning how to fly from him, she'd seen into another world entirely, one she had never bothered to look into, content with her previous life of crime fighting and date dodging. In this world, her thoughts were constantly being overtaken by the thought of him, the memory of him. His sonorous voice. His goofy grin. His patient eyes. His gentle demeanor. His caring words…his delicate touch…

Videl had realized it the moment Goku had uttered those horrible words yesterday. "Gohan is dead." Her heart had shattered in her chest and she had cried more than she'd ever believed possible. Her throat had burned and the lump ever-present in it had threatened to strangle her, but there weren't enough tears in the universe to make up for what she thought she'd lost. It was in that painful, never-ending moment she realized she loved him and would do absolutely anything to have him back.

Videl shook her head fiercely and bit back that all-too-familiar lump that was forming in her throat again. Gohan wasn't dead. He'd be back soon. Back on the Lookout. Back with his family. Back with her.

"And the second you are…I won't waste another moment. I'll tell you…"

"Tell who?"

Videl nearly jumped out of her own skin. Wheeling around so fast she felt a bit dizzy, her eyes fell onto the well-defined chest of the boy she thought she'd never see again. She was so stunned she couldn't even blush this time. Her sapphire eyes slowly traveled upwards and, at long last, found herself gazing at the face of Son Gohan. Her Gohan.

She half-expected his big, trademarked grin to greet her, as if nothing had even happened. But that wasn't true this time. In stark contrast to his usual happy-go-lucky self, the young warrior wore a warm, tender smile. And it was directed right at her, a silent reassurance that he was back.

She felt a thousand different feelings all clash within her at once, all eager to beat the others to the surface. Anger that he'd scared her so badly. Fear that he'd be taken away from her again. Elation that he was truly standing right in front of her. Embarrassment that he'd overheard her mumbling to herself. Nervousness as she remembered what she wanted to tell him. Hatred for Majin Buu and all the monsters that had stolen him from her. Love…for her Gohan.

"Videl? Are you okay?" his gentle voice prodded her, his eyes clouding with worry.

Her lip began to tremble and she felt her eyes sting. Try as she might to hold back her overwhelming emotions, she just couldn't manage to stay composed any longer. Tears welled in her eyes, immediately spilling over and streaming hotly down her face, her body shaking as she slowly reached out for Gohan.

He stepped forward quickly and wrapped his strong arms around her firmly. Videl practically threw herself against him and lost all control, hugging him back as tightly as she could manage and sobbing into his chest.

It was all just too much. The last two days had felt like years. She'd seen and experienced so many terrible things. She'd been told Gohan was dead, she'd been killed by Majin Buu, the Earth had been annihilated completely. And now, they were all just standing on the Lookout again like nothing had happened, like she hadn't lost the boy she loved more than once in the last thirty-six hours.

Gohan placed a large hand gently against the back of her head, running his fingers through her short hair with a delicate touch that soothed her aching heart. He leaned down and let his cheek rest atop her head, nuzzling her and speaking softly into her ear. "Easy Videl, easy. It's okay, I'm here. Just let it all out."

Videl clung to Gohan even more fiercely, as if he might disappear the second she let go, her tears unending again. She couldn't calm herself down anymore. It was like a dam had broken and all the terrible feelings she'd experienced were surging out now that she was wrapped safely in his arms.

She was faintly aware that all of his friends were a short distance away, but she couldn't collect herself enough to maintain appearances. Had she been able to see behind her, though, she would have seen the others smile gently and turn away, choosing instead to focus on the return of Trunks, Goten, and Piccolo to give them some privacy.

She continued to cry into Gohan's chest, hugging him as closely as she could, so tight she was scared she'd hurt him. She never cried like this. Videl, daughter of "World Savior" Mr. Satan, enforcer of justice across Satan City, the stubborn, immovable martial artist that grown men trembled before…was absolutely inconsolable.

A day ago, she thought she'd never see Gohan again. She had resigned herself to regret for wasting her chance to express her feelings, sadly accepted the heartbreak that he was gone forever. And yet, here he was, holding her and comforting her in a way she'd never experienced before. The boy who had changed her life. The boy she loved.

Desperate to regain some control over herself, she sniffed a few times and tried to cut off her tears. They just wouldn't stop coming though, no matter how much she struggled.

Gohan nuzzled her again and whispered to her. "I'll never let go. I'll never leave you again."

Videl completely fell apart. Her tears sprang forth with even more vigor as she gave into his comforting words. She was practically wailing against him, so overjoyed to have him back, so terrified to lose him, so overwhelmed by everything that had happened. Her throat was starting to feel raw. She took a gasping breath between the sobs that racked her body and managed to speak in a small, quivering voice.

"G-Gohan…I was so s-scared. I, I thought…I'd n-never see you again," she hiccuped at last. He only held her tighter, running his fingers through her hair.

"I was scared too, Videl, more than I ever have been. But it's okay now. Everything's okay. We're together and that's what matters. I'll never let anything happen to you again."

Gohan continued to hold her tight, never once shying away from her as she let out all her emotions. And after a few more minutes of Gohan's steady comfort, Videl finally managed to stop crying. She sniffed and wiped her eyes, refusing to let go of Gohan's Gi completely. If she let go, he might disappear again, so as long as she never released her grip on him, he couldn't ever be apart from her and she wouldn't lose him. It was the only possible choice she had at this point.

Gohan never once tried to pry her loose, instead only raising his head so she could move when she was ready. Even still, his large arms never let her go, never made her emerge from the safety and warmth of his embrace. Eventually, she managed to look up towards him again and couldn't help the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He was watching her, calmly, caringly, dark eyes unwavering and gentle smile unfaltering.

For the first time in what felt like months, Videl's lips gave way to a dazzling smile that lit up her eyes and made Gohan's smile grow wider. She sniffed once more and tried to blink the last of the water from her eyes. Seeing this, Gohan reached out and brushed the few final tears from her eyelashes with his finger, causing Videl's heart to leap at the sudden feeling of his skin against hers.

Without thinking, she reached up and placed her soft hands against his cheeks gently tracing the shape of his handsome face.

"Welcome back, Gohan."

"It's good to be back, Videl."

And without another word, Videl rose up onto her toes and kissed him. Gohan's eyes widened and he blushed fiercely, but his hands instinctively went to her back to hold her closer. If she really listened closely, she could hear the snickering of the group behind her, but she didn't care about that right now. Gohan was all that mattered.

His eyes fluttered closed as he gave into Videl's kiss, his lips caressing hers with a tenderness that made her heart dissolve into a puddle, yet somehow hammer in her chest at the same time. She wasn't alone anymore. She didn't have to go on without him. Her Gohan was back and she'd make sure she never again wasted a single moment they spent together.


Gohan was still trying to recover from the kiss Videl had given him. He'd fought off a manic blush for the last several minutes after that display but at the same time could barely contain the goofy smile that threatened to spread across his face. Of course, it didn't help that the kids made fake gagging sounds whenever they looked at the two of them, or that Krillin and Bulma kept winking and smiling at him like giddy children on Christmas morning. Gohan found that he didn't really mind, though. He was well aware that he was head-over-heels for Videl and her kiss had made him happier than anything else he'd experienced in his lifetime so far.

After Videl reluctantly detached herself from the front of his clothing, he gave her a smile and promised he'd be right back as he started to approach his mom. He could only imagine what had gone through her head when his dad had told them all he was dead the day before. He felt very guilty about that. But one look at her face was all he needed to know that she didn't care about anything but the fact that her sons were back with her again, very much alive. Chi-Chi ran towards him and Gohan couldn't help but run to her too, lifting her up in a big hug and swinging her around once.

"Gohan!"

"Mom! I'm back!"

Chi-Chi hugged her oldest boy a bit longer before standing back and admiring him. "You look like you've changed some. You were training to stop Majin Buu, weren't you?" There was no accusation in her tone, only pure relief.

"Yeah, I was. When Dad came back to the Other World, he found me on the planet of the Kaioshin. After he told me what was happening, I spent a long time getting ready with the Elder Kaioshin. But by the time I made it back…it was too late. Buu had killed everyone I love. I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop him, Mom."

Chi-Chi pointed a finger sternly at her son. "You stop right there, mister. You did everything you could to protect us and then some. I don't want you feeling guilty about anything that happened, understand?" Gohan was a bit surprised by his mom's sudden, sharp change in tone, but, then again, this was his mom. He chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head, the spitting image of his father in that instant.

"Okay Mom, I'll try not to blame myself. I'm just so glad you and everyone else are okay now."

And indeed, they were. Gohan might've been too late at the time, but Majin Buu was dead and gone. His mom was alive and well. His little brother was too. And so was his Videl...

He fought down another blush as those words rang in his head over and over again. Hoping to distract himself so his mom didn't notice, he reached out with his ki to see where on Lookout she had ended up, but was surprised to sense her…right next to him?

Glancing to the right, he found Videl, pointedly standing by him, smiling at the reunion between mother and son. Gohan chuckled lightly. "You know Videl, I'm not going to disappear again."

"I can't take that chance," she said stubbornly, reaching out and grabbing the side of his Gi between her thumb and index finger. "Last time you said you'd be back, your dad told me you were dead a few hours later. The only way I can make sure nothing bad happens to you is to never leave your side again," she pouted, her cheeks even slightly puffing out. Gohan, unable to stop it this time, felt his face heat up as he took in the adorable sight. Videl was just the cutest girl he'd ever laid eyes on.

"Mommy! Do we have any food?" came Goten's loud voice from somewhere across the Lookout. The others were all chatting excitedly amongst themselves, but his brother's voice cut through all of the sounds around them effortlessly.

Chi-Chi laughed and gave the two a smile. "Some things never change, do they? I'm so happy you're okay Gohan," she said, kissing him on the cheek before drawing herself up again. "Now! Let me go take care of your little brother. Videl, I'll leave Gohan to you." And with a knowing look, his mother turned on her heel and went to her youngest, kneeling down and asking him what he'd like to eat for the victory celebration. Goten, of course, was ecstatic.

"Hey Gohan," came a quiet voice from his elbow. Of course, it was Videl, having never moved an inch from her spot right next to him.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"Can you come with me for a few minutes? Please?"

Her eyes were shimmering and hopeful, and Gohan found himself deeply under her spell in seconds. He could never possibly say no to her…not that he ever would have considered it, either. "Of course, Videl. Lead the way."

Videl took his hand and started to guide him slowly away from the group, towards the west side of the Lookout. Gohan couldn't help but focus on her soft skin as they walked. She was a battle-hardened martial artist, daughter of the World Champion, and yet her hands were soft and smooth, like silk. He wanted nothing more than to hold her perfect hand forever, lace his fingers between hers, repeat that magical kiss they'd shared…though, perhaps without an audience this time.

Videl came to a stop at last. She had led him around the side of the main building, out of sight of the others, away from their excited chatter. It was quiet here, serene even. And it was just the two of them. No one to interrupt. No one to overhear. No one to watch. Gohan gazed softly at Videl as she let go of his hand and turned to face him after a long breath and a moment of hesitation.

Her eyes were darting around quickly, her face several shades of pink darker than it usually was. Gohan couldn't help but think how cute she was…and how beautiful. It was by imagining her angelic face that he'd gotten through his greatest hardships the past few days. To see her again was like seeing a goddess descend from the heavens before his very eyes.

"Gohan…" she began hesitantly, snapping him out of his reverie.

He watched her, eyes patient, but burning with curiosity inside. What had she wanted to tell him so much that she'd asked him to come away from everyone else? A light breeze rustled the nearby trees and her hair fluttered in the wind, seeming to carry her hesitation away with it. In an instant, her eyes locked with his and she took a deep breath.

"I love you!"

There was no subtlety to her words. No room to misinterpret and no subtext at all. She had blurted it out loudly and certainly, her face burning red. Gohan felt his own face flush badly in turn as he took in her words and did his best not to look away. Videl had managed it, after all; her azure eyes were locked onto his still, her stubborn attitude refusing to allow her to break eye contact despite her obvious embarrassment. Gohan was glad she started speaking again as his brain had all but frozen at her words.

"When I heard you were dead…I felt my heart shatter into a million little pieces. I knew I loved you right then. I cried so much after your dad told us that. I thought…I thought about all the things I'd never be able to share with you. Lunch dates and romantic dinners, going to amusement parks and aquariums, going hiking, clinging to your arm at school events, lying under the stars and holding hands. I had never realized I wanted all those things…that's not true. I knew I wanted them. With you. I just hadn't admitted it to myself."

Gohan was reeling. Every word she said made him weak in the knees and a bit short of breath. He'd never experienced this before. The only thing that had ever made his knees weak was intense training or fighting. This was an entirely new feeling and he loved every second of it.

"So now I'm admitting it to myself and you," she continued determinedly. "When you overheard me talking to myself earlier, I was saying 'I won't waste another moment. I'll tell you.' So this is me doing just that.

"The only thing I've thought about since you left was if I'd see you again. The only thing I wished for was that you'd come back to me. There was so much I didn't understand, but I just knew I needed you. I wanted to hold your hand. I wanted to hug you, kiss you, show you every feeling I had for you. I wanted to say every sweet word I've ever thought about you. I wanted you to know that I love you. I didn't care about anything else. I just…wanted my Gohan back."

Videl's eyes glistened as she finished. Her voice had broken very slightly at the end but a tiny smile had formed on her lips too. Gohan was overwhelmed by her affection. He had long since given up on controlling the terrible blush that colored his cheeks. He hadn't fully believed that she would ever say anything like this to him. He had certainly hoped she would feel the same way for him as he did for her, but this? This was heaven. Videl, the girl of his dreams, the woman he had wanted to come back to…she loved him. And, after finally collecting himself, the biggest smile spread across his face.


Videl watched Gohan anxiously as his mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. Had she been too direct? Too aggressive? Was he reeling because of what she'd said or was he looking for a way to let her down easily? In an instant, a huge, goofy smile spread across those very soft lips of his. Videl couldn't help but light up, seeing the object of her affections so ecstatic.

"Um…wow Videl, I can't quite put into words how happy that makes me," he managed at long last, his voice gentle. Videl eyed him a bit nervously still. Did that mean he felt the same?

"When I was…almost killed by Buu," Gohan began, looking dejectedly down at the ground. Without a moment's hesitation, Videl stepped closer to him and took his hand in hers, squeezing it comfortingly. The young man smiled somberly and looked back up, meeting her eyes and shaking off the bad memories.

"The only thing that kept me going was thinking about you," he revealed quietly. Videl felt her cheeks catch fire again and looked away. The shy smile that remained on her face told Gohan she was happy though.

"The whole time I was gone, you were all I could think about. When I woke up with Piccolo and the boys a few hours ago, you were the first one I felt for. I could sense you here at the Lookout and I wanted to come right away. But I couldn't jeopardize my dad's Spirit Bomb by expending energy I could be giving to him. Do you have any idea how hard it was to stand still and raise my arm up like that, knowing I could be using that energy to see you again?"

Gohan wore a sheepish smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his head, that endearing, adorable way he did that made Videl melt. She gazed softly up at him, her cheeks still burning. "I think I have a very good idea, yeah," she assured him, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb. She felt his hand give hers a gentle squeeze and swore her heart rate almost doubled.

"I think I flew here faster than I've ever flown anywhere else in my entire life. Piccolo was getting fed up with me," he admitted, laughing gently. His onyx eyes met hers, her heart somersaulting in her chest like she'd never felt. "I wanted to see you so badly though, to know you were okay. I just needed to be with you again Videl. Because…I love you too."

Videl felt the world come to a screaming halt, as if time had frozen around her. Her heart raced and stopped all at once. She wanted to laugh and cry, smile and shout, jump up and down excitedly and blast off into the sky. She was embarrassed and elated. So many conflicting emotions surged through her body at once that she was surprised she didn't collapse. But the strongest feeling of all, the one that usurped any other, was her need to be closer to him.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tight, looking up at his handsome face. Gohan drew her into his strong embrace again, meeting her gaze. "I knew I loved you when I carried you to the hospital at the Tournament yesterday. I was probably in love with you before that, but that's when I knew for sure. I promised myself as I flew away with Kibito that I'd tell you once I got back. And every battle I fought after that, every step forward, every breath I took was to bring me back…to my Videl."

Her face was hotter than it had ever been before. She was probably beet-red but hearing the words 'my Videl' from Gohan made her happier than she'd ever felt in her entire life. Nothing compared to the pure joy that had spread through her right at that moment, warming her to her very core. After the hell they'd been through since the Tournament started, they were here, together. They'd made it out of the nightmare and into each other's arms.

"Videl…uh…c-can I…kiss you again?" His bashful voice was barely a whisper and Videl shivered as his words reached her ears. She didn't trust her own voice at this point, so she simply nodded, rising up onto her toes again. Her eyes closed slowly as she saw his handsome face lowering towards her.

And finally, in one electric moment, Gohan's lips pressed to hers again. Where their earlier kiss had been gentle and sweet, this one was filled with passion and longing. Every feeling of desire for the other, every moment they'd dreamed of being reunited, were being poured into it. Videl's legs nearly gave out as Gohan kissed her deeply. It was like lightning was surging through her, racing down her spine, causing her toes to curl and her grip on his clothing to tighten. Soon, though, they both had to come up for air, red-faced and panting.

They were silent for a few moments, both feeling slightly awkward. Videl wore an unusually timid smile and a silly grin spread lopsidedly across Gohan's face. She moved beside him and wrapped herself around his arm, leaning against him closely and delighting at the way he nervously tensed up. The next moment, though, he leaned over and kissed the top of her head, and her knees nearly buckled under her. He really was perfect, her Gohan.

"So…are we dating now?" Gohan asked quietly, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. Videl looked up and raised her eyebrow.

"I would certainly hope so. We can't both say I love you and kiss like that and then go on with our lives apart, can we?" Her tone was playfully aggressive but her eyes sparkled and the smile never left her face.

"I sure couldn't."

"Me neither."

"Good, after all, it'd make me the happiest guy in the world if you'd be my girlfriend."

Videl sputtered as a deep, rose-red blush blossomed on her cheeks yet again. She bit her lip and all but covered her face with her hands, squeaking in delight, unable to contain herself. Gohan had to steady himself before he lost his balance. She was so impossibly adorable that he couldn't focus on anything else but her…apparently not even standing properly.

"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting that," she managed softly, finally lowering her hands hesitantly. What was going on? She was never this timid, this shy. 'I am so hopelessly in love with him.'

"It's alright, I'm sorry I caught you off guard," he offered sheepishly, managing to calm himself some, though his heart was still racing from her display.

"No, it's okay! I liked the sound of it a lot. It just might take me some time to be comfortable calling you…my boyfriend."

Her voice had shrunk to barely above a whisper, but Gohan had heard her clear as day. Videl could barely manage to steal a glance upwards and saw his face on fire too. At least she wasn't the only one embarrassing easily. Then, it seemed as if something had occurred to Gohan. He looked pensive for a moment before he broke out into loud laughter. Videl just gazed up at him, wondering what he'd thought of.

When he finally collected himself, he grinned down at her. "Do I still have to beat your dad in a fight to be your boyfriend?"

Videl smirked, a confident, brazen look she hadn't worn in a few days capturing her face. "Gohan, I'll fight Papa before I'll live another moment without you." There was fire in her gaze as she said that. Gohan couldn't help but grin even wider.

From across the Lookout, suddenly there came shouts and cheers. Hurrying back around the corner together, Videl's eyes fell on the heroes of Earth, returned from their battle with Majin Buu: Son Goku and Vegeta. She watched as Gohan's eyes widened and he smiled that big smile she adored so much.

"Come on Videl, let's go see everyone!"

"Yeah, let's go!"

Gohan reached out and slipped his hand into hers before taking off at a light jog, Videl right next to him. How many times had she thought she'd never see him again since they'd left the Tournament yesterday? But he was back. He was hers. And Videl had never been happier in all her life.


Gohan was still reeling from the news: his dad was alive again! And Vegeta was too! They could all go home together and be a real family again, just like seven years ago. His mom and Bulma had broken down in tears of joy at the revelations, his parents embracing warmly. Even Vegeta hadn't shied away from Bulma as she hugged him hard and cried. It was a beautiful reunion that made his heart soar.

He had particularly enjoyed seeing Mr. Satan run across the Lookout and hug Videl. It was really such a sweet moment and, though he knew her dad embarrassed her, he also knew Videl loved him more than she could express. Everything was perfect again.

Gohan thought he heard barking from somewhere nearby. That was strange. There weren't any dogs up here with Dende that he knew of. Then, a small pup dashed around the corner of the main building and flew towards Mr. Satan, who knelt and held out his arms calling for it - Bee. The young Saiyan vaguely remembered seeing the little guy out in the wastelands where he had fought Buu. It was great that Bee had survived. A gentle smile spread over his face as he stepped close to Videl again. She looked up at him and latched onto his arm, intertwining her fingers with his.

Something strange happened next though. The pup started leading Mr. Satan back towards the east side of the building, where he'd just come from. Was there something back there? As if his question had been uttered aloud, someone stepped around the corner, following the dog's insistent barking. Or rather something. A large pink creature wearing white pants and a cape wandered around the corner casually. Videl screamed from next to him as her eyes fell on the monster. It was Majin Buu.

Several more screams erupted around the Lookout, but Gohan was already preparing himself for battle. In one fluid motion, he stepped in front of Videl, lowering himself and preparing to destroy the beast once and for all. "Stay behind me Videl! I won't let him hurt you this time!" From the corner of his eye, he saw Goten and Trunks snap into battle stances as well.

He was one moment from blasting off towards Buu when Mr. Satan ran in front of the pink nightmare, as if he were trying to stop them. "Wait!" He was waving his hands and his eyes were panicked. What in the world was going on?

It was then that Goku stepped forward and laughed. "Hang on guys, it's okay! He's with us!" Everyone on the Lookout exchanged shocked glances with each other. Gohan didn't rush forward but he didn't relax either. One wrong move and he'd put that monster in the dirt where it belonged.

Trunks looked hesitantly at Vegeta, unsure if he should believe that or not. Vegeta simply grunted and shook his head, rolling his eyes. Everyone saw this and finally the three half-Saiyans relaxed. If Vegeta wasn't leading the charge to kill Buu, it must really be as Goku said.

Videl grabbed onto Gohan again and leaned around his arm, studying Buu and her father closely, curious what on earth had happened during the last battle. As Goku offered a quick explanation that Buu was good now and they had nothing to be afraid of, Mr. Satan excitedly began to lead the pink monster and the dog back towards Gohan and Videl.

"Papa, you keep that thing away from me!" she shouted, fire in her eyes and anger in her voice. Mr. Satan looked surprised and a bit hurt.

Everyone else on the Lookout was calmer about the situation now but nobody could really blame her for reacting that way. Buu had been a terror just the day before, a monster who had annihilated the entire planet. That Goku and Vegeta were both so cavalier about Buu's presence now certainly meant something, but why would Videl think so? She had never experienced Goku's penchant for offering redemption where others would never think to.

Mr. Satan motioned for Buu and the pup to stop where they were and hurried to Videl and Gohan. "Sweetpea, he's not dangerous anymore, I promise! He helped us out right up until the very end and almost died doing it!"

Videl shook her head stubbornly, stepping out from behind Gohan and pointing fiercely at the creature. "He's a monster Papa! He nearly killed my Gohan! He did kill Vegeta! I don't understand how you think that thing can be good!"

Buu tilted his head curiously and spoke at long last with his disconcertingly childish voice. "You no like Buu?"

"No!"

"Videl, pumpkin, please just try to calm down for a minute, I'll explain every-" but Mr. Satan stopped suddenly as her words finally registered in his head. "Wait a minute! What do you mean 'your Gohan?' This little pipsqueak isn't allowed to date you! Nobody who can't beat me is!" He cast a suspicious glare up at the Saiyan, chewing his lip in aggravation.

Gohan could appreciate the irony that Mr. Satan had looked up at him to say that, but also felt an all-too-familiar blush as he once again became the center of attention. Videl, on the other hand, was far too focused on the problem at hand, her steadfast anger pushing everything else to the side.

"Papa, this is not the time for that! The fact that Majin Buu is standing behind you while you defend him is much more important right now! Where's he going to go? Everyone on Earth knows he killed them! If he so much as steps outside, everyone will panic!"

"About that," came Goku's casual voice from across the crowd. Videl's gaze softened as she looked towards Earth's mightiest warrior. "We'd actually been talking about that a bit. We were thinking of using the Dragonballs to remove everyone's memories of Buu when we can call Shenron again in a few months. That way, he can start a new life."

Gohan was having a bit of a hard time understanding why his father was so adamantly going to bat for Buu. Though, this wasn't the first time he'd done it. He'd spared Vegeta and look how far he'd come. Then again, he'd also tried to spare Frieza…

"Okay, I understand that part. But where does he go in the meantime?" Videl asked, calmer now that she was addressing Goku instead of her father.

"Mr. Satan said he'd stay with you guys!"


Videl felt her mind go blank. Buu? Stay with them? As in, inside her house? Under the same roof? She wheeled around on her father and shot him a withering glare, one that caused the World Champion to jump and cower backwards. "You didn't."

Mr. Satan stammered a few times before he found the right words. "W-well, Sweetpea, Buu is a, he's a friend now, and I didn't want there to be panic. Yeah! And, uh, and I kind of took responsibility for him when we were on that other planet before and, well, you see, I…yeah, I did."

Videl eyed the pink creature with disgust. It was bad enough that he was still alive to begin with, but her father was actually suggesting that she live with him? Maybe he'd taken a particularly severe blow to the head during that final battle.

"Papa. I do not want to share our home with that monster."

"But Videl, sweetie, he's a really important friend. I just want to give him a second chance."

"Buu sorry about before," came that same grating high-pitched voice. Videl watched him incredulously as Gohan kept himself ready to defend her if it came down to it. But Buu didn't move an inch.

"Buu do bad things before because Buu told too. Buu hurt people and Buu sorry. Me no want to hurt anymore. So Buu never kill again. Unless Buu protect Mr. Satan."

"So that makes what you did before okay?" Videl's voice was dripping and her hair danced fiercely in the wind. Buu simply tilted his head curiously, as if he didn't understand.

"You know Videl," came the calm voice of Goku as we walked across the Lookout towards the young martial artist, "sometimes people deserve second chances. Just because he did some really bad things yesterday doesn't mean he can't change for the better tomorrow."

Videl eyed Goku in shock as Gohan sighed and shook his head lightly, giving his father a knowing smile. Her eyes went between Buu, Goku, Gohan, and her dad for a few moments before she spoke again, this time with less fire in her voice.

"But…he almost killed Gohan…"

"Vegeta almost killed me once."

"What?" Videl's eyes widened in shock.

"It's true! He was my sworn enemy once. My friends and I had to fight him and a lot of them died during that battle. But Vegeta and I fought each other to a standstill. Krillin could have finished him off, but I decided to let him go. And look at him now! He's one of the team!"

"Shut up Kakarot, I am not one of your tag-team cheerleaders!" Vegeta spat across the crowd.

"See?" Goku shot a grin at Vegeta and everyone laughed as the man fumed indignantly.

Goku turned back to Videl and met her eyes. "If Vegeta hadn't grown to be one of us, we wouldn't have been able to win today. It was his plan that ultimately killed the evil Buu. What if someday this Buu helps us in a way we can't even begin to imagine right now? I've always been the type to give someone a second chance. And I don't think that instinct is wrong now either."

Gohan reached out and placed a hand on Videl's shoulder. "I've seen it a few times now, Videl. I'll be honest; I don't really like the idea of Majin Buu being under the same roof as you are either. But I went toe-to-toe with his stronger self and picked him to pieces before he absorbed the boys. I'm much stronger than him as he is now."

Gohan stepped forward and faced Videl, looking certainly into her eyes. "You have my word that if he ever does anything bad, I'll be there to protect you this time. And I'll destroy him long before he ever has the chance to hurt you." Videl blushed as she took in his words but nodded all the same.

"You hear me?" Gohan called out across the Lookout, turning a steely gaze on the monster. Buu only tilted his head again. "If you hurt her, I'll destroy you. Got that?"

Buu smiled widely. "Buu never hurt daughter of Mr. Satan! Buu no hurt no more." Gohan nodded curtly and turned back to the girl in question.

"Is that good enough for you Videl?"

She considered everyone for a moment. Nobody else was having quite the same extreme reaction she was, so maybe it really would be okay. Videl nodded at long last.

"Fine. But," she turned towards her father and stared him directly in the eyes. "I don't want him near me just yet. I'm not ready for that right now. So just keep him in his own part of the house for a while." Her tone brooked no argument and Mr. Satan simply nodded in a hurry.

"Well, now that that's settled! I'm starving!" Goku shouted, earning a few laughs and groans from around the Lookout, diffusing the last of the tension in the air. He had been gone for seven years and nothing about him had changed.

Videl still looked upset, but not nearly as much as she had five minutes before. She approached Gohan and clung tightly to his arm again, watching her father talk happily to Majin Buu and the dog he now held. Had she overreacted after all?

"I bet you feel the same way I did when I found out my dad let Vegeta go way back then," Gohan said softly. "Frustrated, confused, angry…scared." Videl simply nodded from his side.

"It'll be okay though. We'll spend most of our time at school and fighting crime anyway and if you ever just don't want to be at home with him, you can always come over!" She glanced up at Gohan and found a comforting smile on his face, one that immediately made her feel lighter.

"I'll take you up on that. Buu or not, we have a lot of lost time to make up for, you and me." As she looked into the eyes of the boy she loved, her hard gaze softened completely, the radiant sparkle Gohan had lost himself in before surging back to life.

"We sure do!" Gohan shared a moment of gentle laughter with Videl before lowering his voice and looking deliberately into her eyes. "And Videl, I was serious before. If Buu does anything at all to hurt you, he'll be gone before he even knows what happened. I meant it earlier when I said I'll never let anything happen to you again, no matter what."

"I know Gohan. That makes me feel better about this than anything else. I trust you, completely." Making sure her father was still distracted with Buu, Videl gave Gohan a quick kiss. "More of that later, when it's just you and me," she whispered, winking playfully at him.

Gohan couldn't ward off the blush that crept up his face so he just grinned and hugged her tighter.

"This really is a new beginning, huh?" he mused aloud. Videl smiled and thought about it.

Gohan had his father back, against all odds. Goten would know what it was like growing up with their dad actually at home and Chi-Chi would have her husband back. Vegeta had received a new lease on life. Even Majin Buu was being granted a second chance, though she wasn't thrilled about that. All that aside, though, Videl was most excited to see where her future with Gohan led her. They had both fought so hard to get here and at long last, they could be together. It really did feel like everything was starting over in the best way possible.

"It really is, Gohan."


Everyone had left the Lookout at last, heading to their respective homes. At his mother's strong behest, Gohan had offered to lead Videl and Mr. Satan home. Though Videl could have easily mapped it with the onboard GPS in her helicopter, she wasn't just about to turn down more time with Gohan. In fact, she had hatched a scheme immediately.

Playing on Buu's innocent curiosity, she threw the capsule containing said helicopter onto the ground, hoping he'd be interested enough in the machine to want to ride in it. And indeed he was. He seemed to think it was an amusement park ride. So it was decided that Mr. Satan would fly Buu and the friendly little pup, Bee, home in the helicopter and Gohan and Videl would fly alongside them, a wonderful reward for a devilishly clever plan.

All in all, the flight was relaxing and pleasant. Gohan took in the sights and sounds of the green hills and populated cities, a refreshing sight after spending so long fighting Buu in the ruined wasteland that was the Earth just that morning. It didn't hurt that Videl held his hand sweetly all the way to her home.

Finally, the Satan Mansion came into view on the horizon and they descended, touching down on the large lawn that led to the front door. Videl watched curiously as her father motioned for Buu to stay in the helicopter for a moment and exited, approaching the new couple.

"Um, Gohan? I know you probably want to get home what with your dad back and all, but I was hoping I could talk to you for just a minute before you go." Videl was a little surprised. His voice was so calm and almost somber. She had expected hostility at least.

"Of course, Mr. Satan. I'd be happy to." Videl smiled gently. Gohan's good nature almost made him shine more than the golden sunset already did. It was one of the many reasons she loved him.

"Videl, you're a part of this too," he added, smiling slightly at her confusion. Taking a long, deep breath, Mr. Satan looked straight up at Gohan and met his eyes unflinchingly.

"I say and do a lot of stuff I'm not always proud of. And especially when it comes to Videl, I tend to speak first and think later. This morning…I blamed you for not protecting her when I found out she was gone. I owe you an apology Gohan. That big red guy on the other planet explained to me what you went through trying to save us all. I don't have half the courage or strength you do…"

Videl was stunned. She could absolutely believe he had blamed Gohan, even though that frustrated her. No, she was stunned because she'd never heard her father apologize to anyone except her before.

Gohan, of course, just smiled softly and shook his head. "I think you do, Mr. Satan. You stayed behind on the World of the Kaioshin and helped fight the evil Buu. If you hadn't been there, the people of Earth wouldn't have given my father enough energy to destroy Buu once and for all. I heard you even saved Vegeta right at the end there. That's not the first time you've done something to help us out in a life-or-death situation either."

"Uh, well, I guess that's true…" he mumbled, turning away in embarrassment from Gohan's knowing look. "But either way. Buu got to Videl because I failed to keep to him calm. You were getting stronger to protect her. I failed her, not you." His voice was soft, the regret of failure weighing heavily on his heart, not as a fighter, but as a father.

"Papa, that's not true," Videl said suddenly. Mr. Satan looked at his daughter in amazement. "Even that evil Buu gave us time to prepare the boys to fight him because I was your daughter. Your influence was stronger than you think. Besides, I'm here now and I'm okay. That's thanks to both of you."

"Videl…"

There was a pause for several moments before Mr. Satan cleared his throat deliberately. "Well Gohan! I think I can safely say after seeing you fight Buu today that you're at least a little stronger than I am! And since Videl can only date someone who can beat me, then I guess that means I can't tell her no if she wants to date you!"

Loud laughter echoing off the ornate porch, Mr. Satan continued blustering for just a moment more while Videl looked away in embarrassment. Gohan just watched with a sheepish grin, not sure if he should laugh or not. Finally, Mr. Satan stopped and looked seriously at the two.

"Listen. In all honestly, I can see how much you love each other. It's written all over your faces," he conceded, earning blushes from both Gohan and Videl. He turned to Gohan again. "I've only heard about how rough your first fight with Buu was, but even if you are stronger than him now, to say you'd still fight him again to protect my daughter? That's enough for me to know how serious you are."

"I'd protect her with my life, Mr. Satan." Videl practically melted at his words but did her best not to show it too much while her father was being sincere. She was afraid she'd ruin their good fortune.

"I know you would…I guess what I'm saying is…if Videl is happy being with you…then you have my blessing and I'd be honored if you'd stay by her side." Mr. Satan had struggled to say those words out loud, but he wore a real smile after he finished.

Videl's eyes were wide with shock but Gohan only smiled warmly and extended his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Satan. I'll be lucky to be by her side as long as she wants me to be." The gruff man took Gohan's hand and shook it heartily, giving him a smile that landed somewhere between acceptance and respect.

"Then you'd better get real used to having me around, because I want you next to me for a long, long time Gohan." Videl blushed a bit as she said those words, but smiled confidently at him as well. Mr. Satan couldn't suppress his own smile at seeing his daughter so happy, retracting his hand and closing his eyes for a moment.

"Thank you Papa," she added, smiling at the World Champion. He gazed upon her glowing face for a moment before hugging her tightly and stepping back.

"Of course, pumpkin. I get it; you're growing up. I may not always like that, but the fact is that I can't treat you like a little kid forever. I just want you to be happy, Videl. And if Gohan here is the man who makes you happiest, then that should be enough for me." She watched her father with a mixture of awe and respect. He really did care so much about her.

Before Videl could get too comfortable though, Mr. Satan eyed Gohan one more time, this time in a much more accusatory way.

"But if you ever hurt my Videl, you'll have me to answer to! So you better take care of her!"

Gohan nodded. "You have my word I'll never hurt her."

"Good…I'll trust you on that one, Gohan."

An easy silence fell between them for a moment and Videl took Gohan's hand in hers again. She was pleasantly surprised to see that her father had actually meant what he'd said. His eyes didn't pop out of his head and he didn't start yelling about no one being worthy of her. He just smiled at them…though, if she looked closely enough, she thought she saw just the tiniest hint of a grimace in his eyes.

"Well, I should probably get Buu inside before he decides to start tasting the seat cushions. I have a lot of explaining to do to our staff inside too. I'll make sure he's set up on a wing far away from yours okay Sweetpea?"

"Thanks Papa, I'll be inside soon."

"Oh Buu! Come on, let's get inside, I've got snacks for you!"

The big pink blob opened the door of the helicopter with a surprising amount of delicacy and lifted Bee up into his large, gloved hands. Every move was so gentle it was hard to believe that this same creature had been hell-bent on destroying everyone just days ago. Maybe Goku and her father were right. Maybe all he needed was a chance to be good, to start fresh.

"They really are quite a sight together," Videl managed at last as she watched the unlikely trio enter the mansion. Her tone wasn't exactly fond, but it wasn't nearly as aggressive as it had been on the Lookout. All the same, Gohan wanted to check in on her once more before he had to go.

"Are you gonna be okay? Being in the same house?"

"Of course, I'm not worried at all. If anything happens, my hero will be here to protect me. I know it," she sang, looking into his eyes happily.

Gohan blushed but smiled at her. "I'll protect you for the rest of our lives, Videl."

Videl felt the familiar heat rush to her cheeks again but didn't bother trying to hide it anymore. What did it matter if he saw her blush? They were both inexperienced with love and romance, but they were figuring it out together. Odds were good he'd see her blush plenty more before too long.

As the sun began to sink behind the horizon at its glacial pace, Videl reluctantly decided it was time to give her boyfriend – 'Wow, that feels amazing to call him!' – a gentle push towards his newly-reunited family.

"You should get home Gohan. Your dad is back after all! Go enjoy your time with your family, I'll be here waiting for you."

"When can I see you again?" The longing in his voice left her whole body feeling warm and fuzzy, like she was wrapped in a snug blanket. 'Don't leave. Just stay here with me.' She shook the selfish thought off…though she didn't deny it was what she wanted, either.

"Well, I doubt we have school tomorrow after everything that happened and the next day is our day off…so how about then? You take tomorrow and enjoy being with your family and I'll settle in here with Papa and…Buu. And then we can see each other Sunday?"

Gohan smiled and pulled her in close to him. "That sounds perfect. Why don't I come pick you up in the morning and we can decide what to do?"

"I would love that." Videl reached up and placed her hands against his cheeks again, gazing longingly at the boy she cared so much about.

"10:00am?"

"10:00am."

Without another word, Videl floated gently off the ground until she was eye level with Gohan and placed a delicate kiss on his lips. His arms pulled her in tight and he kissed her back, that same desire and longing she'd felt on the Lookout washing over her again. Videl was glad he had his arms around her; the second he kissed her back she forgot everything about manipulating her ki and almost fell right back to the ground.

They kissed for a short while longer before pulling back, both of their faces tinged red. Gohan eased her feet to the ground again and placed his hand gently against her cheek. A shiver of delight ran down her spine and she nuzzled his hand.

"I'll see you on Sunday, Videl."

"Be careful going home. I love you so much, Gohan." She delighted at the smile that stole his face when he heard those words.

"I love you too, Videl. I'll be careful, I promise. And I'll call and let you know I got home okay."

Wearing a smile just as wide, Videl watched as Gohan rose into the sky, giving her one last wave before blasting off towards the horizon. She stared after him until he was nothing more than a speck on the skyline, grinning like a fool as she replayed the day's events in her head.

He loves me!' she thought giddily to herself, allowing a content sigh to escape her lips. They were still tingling from his electrifying kiss. She had it so bad for him.

After basking in the wonderful feelings for a few moments more, she suddenly heard a smashing sound from somewhere inside the mansion, shaking her from her daze.

"Buu! You gotta be careful with that, that's my favorite chair!"

Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Videl decided to go help her father with Buu. She still wasn't thrilled to have him at home with her, but maybe things would turn out okay. And if they didn't…well, she wasn't worried. After all, if things got bad again, her Gohan would be there to save her.


9/9/2022