I don't own Dragonball z or it's characters
Sorry for the delay, I know I told a couple of you that I would have this out last weekend, but life happens.
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Denotes a flashback
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Dreams
Chapter 3
Sliding down on her couch until she was lying flat, Videl used her feet to pull the blanket that was bunched at the end up until it was tucked under her slightly bent legs. She felt a momentary pang of guilt once again as she picked the journal up to continue reading. She studied the slightly textured surface of what she held as a few thoughts raced through her mind. What struck her was not that she was feeling guilty for reading it, she felt guilty because she no longer felt bad for what she was doing.
" I wonder what that says about me."
ChiChi said this would help me. And I guess it has in a way, I don't feel as lonely as I did yesterday. But that is only temporary and I know it. It's almost like he's right here with me when I'm reading this. I know as soon as I'm done I'll miss him just as bad as I ever did. Hopefully the part ChiChi said would help is farther on. If she thought just reminiscing about everything up until he left would help, she is very mistaken. Maybe I should skip ahead and work my way backward. No,...No, I have to admit I kind of like Reading it this way. I've already found out so much more about him. Things we never talked about. You hear all the time that the secret to any relationship is communication. I would have never thought we had a problem there. We used to talk all the time, about everything under the sun. Thinking back on it now I don't think we ever really had a serious conversation about the things that mattered. He said in his last entry that listening to me tell him about what happened with Buu was very intimate. I can see now what he means. I actually feel closer to him by reading this. I know that can't be good for me. He hurt me so bad, I should hate him, but I just can't. Maybe this is some elaborate plot by ChiChi to get us back together. No, that's not it. She seemed pretty adamant that wouldn't be happening. If this ends up making me feel worse when I get done I'm gonna kill ChiChi. No, she said it might bring me some peace. Might being the key word. She said it might actually make me feel worse.
"Enough of this introspective crap Videl, just get on with it. Hmmm, the next entry is for the next day." A huge grin broke out on her face as she recalled their first day back to school.
'Two entries in two days, I'm really on a roll I guess. A lot of things happened today so I felt I had to put it down. I wanted to get an early start this morning so I could talk to Videl about fighting crime without me. My mom had other ideas. Apparently she wasn't sure I heard her lecture last night about not being late for dinner, because I had to listen to the whole thing one more time, including the part she gave Videl. Then I had to listen to another about not being late to school. Which of course made me late to school. So I didn't get a chance to talk to Videl before class. Instead we just exchanged waves as I took my seat and the teacher continued to lecture me for ten minutes on the virtues of being on time. I couldn't help but notice that the smirk Videl was wearing when I first got there had changed into a tight-lipped struggle on her part to keep from laughing out loud. You would think I would at least get a little sympathy from her, after all I controlled myself pretty well the night before when mom was going at her. But nooo, I guess I owe Miss Satan one. A little while into class Erasa slid a note across the desk to me. I thought Sharpner and her wouldn't remember me being Saiyaman. That their memories would have been wiped out back to that point after the whole Buu thing. Guess I was wrong. I don't know why I was so surprised by what was in the note. After all she is a girl, and they undoubtedly have all learned how to do this in some female only class that they attend. The note said "Hey there Saiyaman how about we catch a movie together on friday." Blackmailed again. I really need to find out if blackmail is even against the law anymore. Judging by how often it gets used on me I would say not. What was I going to do? She had me. I scribbled hurriedly back down that we'll talk after class and passed it back. I thought one date wouldn't be too bad to preserve my secret. If it turned into more I would just have to come up with another plan. I couldn't concentrate the rest of that period as I pondered my new predicament. I really didn't want to go out with Erasa. Not that she wasn't a sweet enough girl or anything. But the fact is she doesn't compare to Videl. I kind of felt like I was betraying her. The more I thought about it the angrier I became over the whole situation. That's when it hit me. It wasn't my anger I was feeling. At least not entirely. Videl was very angry about something herself, and try as I might I couldn't seem to block it out. I had resolved by the end of that period that I would try and talk Erasa out of it. She is nice enough, surely I could get out of this without my secret becoming common knowledge. As it turned out my salvation came in the form of a blue eyed short haired beauty.
" I remember that." Videl thought. A huge grin splitting her features as she reminisced about the events Gohan was relating.
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Videl couldn't quite keep the tight lipped smile off her face as she watched Gohan squirm under the lecture he was getting from the teacher for once again being late. The truth was she had barely made it on time herself. A few more seconds and she would have likely faced the same torment Gohan was now enduring. But that wasn't what was making her smile. The cause of that was the cute way his face screwed up, his forehead wrinkling as he looked up through half lidded eyes as he tried to will himself to be invisible. It was all she could do to not laugh out loud as he continued to slide slowly under the desk with a huge blush on his face.
A few minutes into class Videl noticed Erasa writing out a note. It was nice to know things were back to normal. No doubt that she was writing down a small description of what she had done over the weekend. It was her monday morning routine anytime they didn't have a chance to talk before class. After she folded the small note, Videl instinctively reached out to grab it. The note instead was passed to Gohan. Leaning forward to look past her blonde friend she watched as Gohan's black eyes widened a bit before his face settled into a slight grimace. A couple of minutes later he let out a heavy sigh before quickly writing something on the note and sliding it back to Erasa. To say she was curious would have been an understatement. Erasa never broke her routine without good reason. She watched the blonde read the note with that look of wonder she often wore. It became apparent after a few minutes that her friend wasn't going to let her know what was going on so she took it upon herself to find out. Tapping her pen on the desk a few times to gain Erasa's attention she nodded to the note in her hand. Erasa smiled at her before slipping the note over into her outstretched hand. The short haired girl read the note. Then read it again. Then one more time. Her anger seemed to grow every time she read it. So she read it again. Her best friend had just asked Gohan out, and he said yes. Well, truthfully he didn't say no. The rest of the class Videl kept her eyes plastered forward her temper brewing. When the bell for the next class rang she snatched Erasa up by her elbow and headed for the hallway. Not that she was more mad at her then Gohan, the blonde just happened to be closer.
"Videl, what's the matter? You're hurting my arm."
Ignoring the continued whining from the girl she was dragging behind her, she leaned into an exit door with her shoulder and pulled Erasa outside with her.
Holding the crumpled note up in her fist she scowled at the now frightened blonde.
"What the hell is this about Erasa. Where do you get off asking him out!"
"But Videl he's so cute and really nice. You're the one who told me I needed to go out with nicer guys. And I know he wouldn't treat me bad. Isn't that what you wanted me to look for in a boyfriend. Did you know he was Saiyaman? He's built like a god, did you notice him in his tights. He fills them out really well. I think he's even gotten a little bulkier since the last time I saw him. Those loose shirts of his can't even hide......"
Videl grabbed the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger as she lowered her head and let out a long sigh. She had tuned out her blonde friend as she continued to ramble on about the qualities of Gohan. She couldn't be mad at Erasa, Her friend didn't know how she felt about him. That spiky haired boy on the other hand was a different story. His ass is mine. First she needed to straighten her friend out. It was nice to know that Erasa had raised her standards as far as men were concerned. Videl had worried about some of the guys she had went out with. Most didn't really care about her. They were literally after one thing. Unfortunately, Erasa never seemed to catch on until it was too late.
Cutting off the babbling blonde in the middle of describing how courteous Gohan was Videl said, "Listen Erasa, I know Gohan is a great guy, but he's mine. That is we're kind of together. Sort of."
Her blonde friend suddenly had hearts form in front of her eyes. "I knew you liked him. When did it happen? How long have you two been going out? Why didn't you tell me Videl? You know I wouldn't have asked him out if I had known. I can't believe you actually have a boyfriend. Half the time I think you barely tolerate me and I'm the closest thing you have to any kind of friend. I'm a little confused though. If you two are together how come Gohan just didn't tell me no."
"Well, I guess were not officially going out. That is we haven't been out yet. Aghhh. Just leave him alone Erasa. As to why he didn't tell you no, I intend to find out right now."
No sooner had Videl flung open the door to reenter the school before she came face to face with the object of her search. "You! Out here." Her finger was pointed in a commanding way in the general direction of Erasa, looking back over her shoulder, " You can go Erasa, I'll talk to you later."
A very wide eyed Gohan was frozen in the door, "But Videl I really need to....."
"Now!" she stated, her glare leveled on the demi-saiyan frozen in the door way. Thinking better of delaying, the young man quickly scooted outside as Erasa rushed past him into the school.
"What the hell are you thinking Gohan? Did you think I would just sit by and watch you date anyone who came along? Where the hell do you get off? " Videl was waiving the note in front of his face as she watched the young man's eyes widen with each question she threw at him.
"It's not what....." The startled saiyan started to say.
" I'm not done yet. I'm not some girl you can toy with Son Gohan. If you think I'm gonna play these games that everyone else around here does you are sorely mistaken. We're either together or we're not you got me."
She watched as the frightened expression on Gohan's face softened into a small tight lipped smile.
"Don't you break out that stupid grin on me Gohan. "
Which only forced said grin on to his face.
"Well, I'm waiting. What have you got to say for yourself Son Gohan." She crossed her arms over her chest ,a death grip still clutching the note.
" I can speak now?" Noticing the young woman's glower only deepen and being the intelligent man his mother raised him to be. Gohan decided that maybe that should be the last sarcastic comment until she calmed down a bit. "Look Videl, I don't want to go out with Erasa. But you've obviously read the note, so what do you think I should have done. I couldn't very well let her blow the secret identity of Saiyaman."
"What are you talking about Gohan. Why would Erasa give away who you were just because you didn't go out with her? And you better have a good reason for wearing that stupid grin when I'm this pissed at you." She couldn't help but smirk a bit as his grin turned a bit lopsided with her last statement.
Gesturing toward the slip of paper in her hand he said "The note, didn't you read it. She's blackmailing me for a date..... Isn't she." His grin was now more wry as he thought about the situation.
"My don't we think a lot of ourselves. Lets take a look at this shall we. First off, did the note say anything about her giving away your secret identity." Seeing Gohan about to respond she quickly over rode him. "No it didn't. Secondly, you should know Erasa well enough by now to know that she doesn't have a devious bone in her body, much less the capacity or nature to pull off a scheme like that. Finally, come on Gohan, this is high school, not some soap opera or something. Blackmail is something that happens to political officials or married guys. It's not driven by hormonal teens looking to take advantage of you." She had finished making her point by placing both fists on her hips. She watched as several different facial expressions crossed his face. Finally ending up on that silly grin again.
"You're right Videl. What was I thinking. Blackmail could never happen to me." She could swear she heard a slight laugh after he finished his statement.
"That still doesn't explain that grin Gohan. For someone who thought they were being blackmailed you seemed awfully chipper."
"Oh it's not the extortion that has me grinning. At least not directly. Your little fit of jealousy just let me know more about where we stand. I've been trying to come up with some way to bring it up. But I guess I was a little nervous about what you might have actually felt for me was different then what I felt for you. Now I know." His hand had moved to lightly rub the back of his head during his little speech.
" So are you saying what I think you are Gohan?" Her forehead was wrinkled slightly, looking up from her bowed head through slightly lidded eyes at the demi-saiyan. She was also unconsciously wringing the note in both hands in front of her.
"Well,...... I think I am anyway."
Reaching out, Videl lightly gripped his hand into her own. It was a small almost hesitant move on her part. An act that she wasn't sure would be accepted. But after she accomplished the task, it was like a knot had disappeared from where it had taken up residence in the pit of her stomach. That elusive smile that seemed to be appearing much more lately, brightened her face as she stared up at Gohan. "Good. With that out of the way we better get back to class. We are already going to be late."
Suiting words to action, she started to pull the now blushing man behind her back toward the door.
"So I guess you took care of my Erasa problem?" His voice was tinged with a slight twinge of hope, mixed with anxiety.
"Yep. And by the end of the day I'm sure Erasa will let the rest of the school population know that you are officially off limits."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
"Nope. It's quite obvious that you can't be trusted in these situations, as you just proved. So I'll take care of it from now on. With a little help from Erasa."
"Hmmph, I was going to handle it." She couldn't help but laugh lightly at the slightly petulant tone in his voice.
"And just for your information, I wasn't jealous."
"Of course you weren't, that was obviously a poor choice of words." Did she detect a little sarcasm there.
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It turns out that Erasa wasn't trying to blackmail me at all. And thanks to Videl's intervention I didn't have to embarrass myself by confronting her on it. Another good thing to come out of the whole potential disaster was that it cleared up the feelings me and Videl held for one another. I guess were a couple now. I have a hard time still comprehending that. I'm so lucky. I finally had a chance, during lunch, to talk with Videl about her crime fighting without me. It was kind of hard to drag it out of her about what had happened the night before. I couldn't very well come out and ask without telling her how I knew she had hurt herself. But I eventually pestered her enough to get the truth. It turns out that it had nothing to do with her police duties. After she had taken a shower, she was walking over to her closet with a towel wrapped around her head as she dried her hair. So her vision was a bit obscured. She never saw the table that jumped out into her path and assaulted her little toe. Severely bruising said appendage. I have it on very good authority that the table in question will not be molesting anyone else. Apparently it died of a severe beating several seconds later. Miss Satan found that the table wasn't worthy of facing our judicial system and took matters into her own hands, executing the table without so much as a trial. She's quite the vigilante when the situation calls for it. I couldn't help but laugh when I finally got the story out of her.
"There was absolutely nothing funny about that, it hurt ."
I knew it was making her mad, but I just couldn't help myself. I spent the rest of the day up until gym class trying to get her to talk to me again. It didn't help that I couldn't keep a straight face as I was trying to apologize. My mood did take a downturn during gym. It seems that now I am Sharpner's new best friend. I guess putting up with him is a small price to pay as long as he keeps his mouth shut about the whole saiyaman thing. I think he bases his self worth on who he hangs out with, not who he is. I seem to be very high on his chart right now. It's really not to bad. He can actually be alright when he's not trying to impress someone. The real problem happened during our baseball game. Videl still wasn't talking to me, heck, she didn't even pick me for her team. I could tell through our link that she wasn't nearly as mad as she pretended, so it didn't bother me as much as it could have. What did bother me was the conversation two of my classmates were having as we sat in the dugout awaiting our turn at bat. It turns out that I'm not the only one who liked Videl's new look in hairstyles. It started out innocent enough with them talking about how good she looked. I couldn't agree more. At first I didn't understand the slang they were using, some of the terms were just so misleading. "I'd love to take that cherry", "I bet she'd be a wild lay" and a bunch of others I don't get. But the more they talked, the more obvious it became about what they were talking about. Now I I think I need to emphasize the point that at no time would I of actually caused them physical harm. No matter what Videl and mom might think. I was in complete control the entire time. My vision may have been a little red. And some of the events that occurred are kind of a blur. But I never reached the point where I lost control. I snatched both of them up by their throats with the intention of pressing them up against the fence and correcting them on the proper respect I felt Videl deserved. The chain link fence wasn't substantial enough to support them with the force I exerted. I vaguely remember hearing it snap. So I guess I ended up walking them the 20 yards or so over to the wall of the school to begin my lecture. The brick proved to be much more stable as I pressed them both against it, their feet still hovering a foot off the ground.. Unfortunately, before I could properly chastise them, the woman they had been talking about nearly ruptured my ear drums as she was screaming at me to let them go and pulling on my arm. I dropped both of them in a heap, gasping for breath, with a vague warning about not hearing them say anything like that again. That's when I turned to Videl, ready to take the storm of words I knew were inevitable. She was really mad now. And there was absolutely no way I could explain to her what had happened without telling her what I had over heard. And there was no way I could repeat that. Luckily, the gym teacher arrived before she got started and promptly sent me to change and then to see the principal. I have an hour of detention every day this week after school. It could have been worse I suppose. Fighting in school is cause for automatic suspension. Since I didn't actually throw a punch, They didn't consider it a fight. So I was able to take advantage of that loophole. It was actually during this time that I realized how lucky I was. I had detention. I, Son Gohan, was living a normal life. This is what happened in the average teen's life. I was still ready to fight if need be to defend this planet yet I could also have a life of my own. I could do it all. It seems like my whole life I've struggled to be normal. To do normal things. And now it's finally happening, now I'm finally experiencing what every one else takes for granted. For the first time I actually think I can have that life and still balance the obligation that comes with my strength. I can have it all, and be not only what I want to be, but still not feel guilty by betraying the responsibility my power has brought me. Up until now, it was always either one or the other. I was studying and playing like anyone else, or training and fighting to protect everyone else. I never had an in between. I never dared to dream of there ever being a time when I could do both. I just didn't think it was possible. Until now. Gosh, I'm so happy right now, so full of excitement. It's like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. A weight that I had become so accustomed to, that I no longer knew I carried. After my detention ended I decided to just go home. I had debated for a while, a very short while, on the merits of stopping by Videl's house and getting my but chewing out of the way. Logic dictated that it would be better to wait and see her tomorrow, after she had a chance to cool down a bit. Besides I still needed to work out exactly what I would tell her about the incident. I just know that if I repeated what they said about her, my head would explode from the blood rushing to my face. Besides dealing with one irate woman a day would just about be all I could handle. I spent the flight home trying to figure out how I was going to tell mom. I came to the decision that I would just not say anything about what had occurred. If I managed things right, she would never know about what happened. I would just need to get Videl to go along with my plan. Surely she would see the benefit of me not having to deal with my mom on such a serious topic. I get 20 minute lectures when I'm late for dinner. This rant would surely leave my ear drums raw and bleeding. Not to mention it would likely continue for the rest of my natural life. My whole plan depended on me being able to convince Videl that silence would truly be golden in this case. All my plans went out the window as I touched down outside my home.
"I was only looking out for you. That was the least I could do."
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Videl was currently flying over the 439 mountain range on her way to the Son home. School had ended a while ago, and she had decided that it might be a good idea to fly there and do a little damage control before Gohan got home. When ChiChi found out her baby had been fighting in school without knowing the reason why to dampen her temper, she would be at a positive boil by the time Gohan got home. School policy stated that a parent must be notified whenever an infraction occurred resulting in detention. By now she would have already been stewing with the knowledge for maybe a half hour. If she waited that extra hour for her son to get home, it could be a display of temper equal to a volcano erupting. Not that Videl was looking forward to trying to curb Mrs. Son's rage herself. But it was kind of because of her that it had happened. Not that it was her fault by any stretch of the imagination. That didn't change the fact that she felt a little guilty about it. After Gohan had been sent to see the principle she had wasted little time cornering the two boys he had been carrying by the neck. Both claimed to have no idea why he had attacked them. Even her most menacing glare didn't produce an explanation from the duo. That is until Sharpner walked up to the little group and explained in great detail why Gohan had been carrying the two around like a couple of rag dolls. Her face had literally turned beat red. First from embarrassment, then a little deeper red from shame, finally settling into a deep crimson with rage. By the time Sharpner had finished his rather graphic repetition of what he overheard, Videl was ready to punch the two herself. Luckily for them they had managed an escape while she was listening to Sharpner.
Her emotions were still jumping from what had happened. It was one thing to know that Gohan was this incredible fighter, with the strength to not only destroy cell, but the courage to stand up to something like Buu. A creature which had scared her to death. It was quite another to try and merge that knowledge with the sweet, considerate, and kind of shy guy that she knew and cared about so much. It was like they had existed as two separate people to her until the moment she saw him snatch up those two assholes and almost pop their heads off. When we fought crime together his smile was almost always present. There was nothing of that sweet innocent guy in who she saw on the baseball field. His face was a stern mask completely lacking in any emotion. She had to admit to herself that it kind of scared her a bit. She certainly hadn't been afraid of him, but that void look that seemed so natural on him. The happy go lucky guy she knew, showed her a completely new side of himself, or at least one she hadn't seen before. Those emotions seemed to flutter away as another came upon her. A warm, slightly quivering tingle in her chest as she thought about him defending her to a couple of idiots. That emotionless guy she saw, was ready to tear someone to pieces over something they had said. For her. Not that she needed defending. But to know that there was some one out there willing to stand up for her over such a small thing. It might be silly, maybe even a little girly but she had to admit that she liked it. She also had to make sure it didn't happen again. This protective side of his might be nice, it certainly felt good, but he needs to understand she didn't need him to protect her. She might not be able to destroy planets, but she certainly could defend herself against a couple of juvenile remarks. What's more, she could do it without having to face possible assault charges. A few well placed words and a tough glare would have been more than enough to handle those two.
Landing with such speed, she had to take a few quick steps to break her momentum. Leaving her just a few feet from the front door of the Son home. Videl took a few seconds to not only straighten her slightly disheveled clothes but also compose her thoughts for before talking with ChiChi.
"Pssst." The short haired young woman looked around briefly for the source of the strange sound before walking up to the door.
"Pssst." She paused in raising her hand toward the door, again looking for the origin of the noise. She finally spotted a small hand trying to get her attention from a bush just on the edge of the clearing.
"Goten?"
"Shhhhhh." Both hands were now waiving at her as his pale face appeared from behind the shrub.
Videl began walking over to the bush that the little guy had once again disappeared behind, a small smile playing on her lips at his actions. No telling what Goten had up his sleeves. Preparing to jump back from a trap the little guy might have planned she slowly peered over the leaves obstructing her view. Only to be intercepted by his hands and pulled quickly onto the leaf covered ground beside the little terror.
"Goten! What the heck did you do that for." Rolling onto her back then sitting back on her heels she planted fists on hips as her scowl made it's customary appearance.
"Shhhhh. You don't want to go in there Videl." Her scowl wasn't having the usual effect she was accustomed to as the small sayian peered through a break in the shrub at the house. Totally ignoring the irate woman beside him.
"Why, what's the matter Goten? You didn't booby trap the house did you. I hope not for Gohan's sake. Your mom's going to be mad enough as it is."
"Uhn Uh. I didn't do anything. I was just playing with my saiyaman doll when mom got a phone call. She turned all kinds of colors and started hollering at the phone before she slammed it back down. Then she started crying and talking to no one about what a bad mother she was. That's when she spotted me and grabbed me by the ear and started shaking. It was awfully scary Videl. One second she was cryin' the next she was yellin' at me, daddy and Gohan. And there not even here. It went on for an awfully long time. She finally hugged me and made me promise not to let my gen...gen...generetic heritage rule my head like Gohan's has. When she let me go I escaped out here to warn daddy and Gohan. Every now and then you can still here her scream." He was rubbing a rather red ear as he finished his tale in little more than whisper.
Videl didn't want to laugh at him but she couldn't quite suppress all of it. This had to be one of the most ironic things she had ever heard. This little guy was brave enough to face Buu by himself, but was a shuddering mess when his mom went on a rampage. Not that she couldn't understand his feelings concerning ChiChi. That woman could be kind of intimidating. And she was going to have to talk to her about what had set her off. Suddenly, this bush looked very inviting and her laughter was gone.
"Videl, can I ask you something?"
"Sure you can Goten. What is it?"
"How do I keep my generetic heritage from ruling my head?"
"I think you mean genetic, and basically it means don't get in trouble and make your mom mad like Gohan has."
"What'd he do?"
"He got in a little fight with two guys at school."
That finally grabbed his attention long enough to look with wide eyes at Videl. "He killed two guys."
She couldn't help but giggle a little at the serious expression on Goten's Face "No he didn't kill them, he just "
"Did he cave their faces in when he punched them."
"No Goten, all that..."
"Did he blow them up with a Masenko."
"Listen, he didn't kill them, he didn't punch them and he didn't blow them up. All he did was grab them."
"That's no fair Videl. Mom made me promise something she knew I couldn't keep. How am I gonna spar with trunks if I can't even grab him. I could probably keep from caving his head in, and blowing him up but not even grabbing him is impossible. I'm doomed Videl. Mom's gonna be mad at me like she is with Gohan."
"Don't worry Goten, I'm sure your mom didn't mean that you couldn't spar with Trunks when she made you promise that. Just give her a little time to cool down. I'm about to go talk with her now. Why don't you wait here for Gohan."
"You're gonna go in there. I don't think thats such a good idea. Why don't we both wait here for Gohan, then we can go live at your house for a few weeks until mom cools down."
She didn't even try and hold back her laughs now. "Sorry Goten, I think your mom might come looking for you and that would only make her more mad. Don't worry, I'll go talk to her and see what I can do."
The grave look on his face as he slowly nodded made her laugh that much more. Once again reaching the front door she hesitated for only a second before lightly knocking. Videl could here some muffled words quickly approaching the door right before it was flung open, bouncing off the wall with an audible thud.
"Where is he." The pitch of ChiChi's voice was almost a growl.
The younger woman involuntarily swallowed to try and find her voice before speaking to ChiChi. The older woman's eyes were darting around the countryside for her son, before landing back on Videl. "Well Videl, where is he? Hiding isn't going to help you Son Gohan! You better get in here right now!"
"He uh, is still at school ChiChi."
The older woman glared at Videl for a moment as if to determine whether she was telling the truth before giving a slight nod "Hmmpf, If that boy knows what's good for him he better stay there. I didn't raise him to be some common hooligan. Imagine brawling in school. Where did he pick up such manners, certainly not here I'll tell you. I raised that boy to be a proper young gentleman. And what do I get for my efforts, A phone call from some sniveling self important ass of a principal telling me that my son started an altercation in school. I'll tell you where he got it, from all those supposed friends of my husband. Always fighting and sparring never once thinking of what kind of impression they were leaving on my baby. Oh I'm such a failure as a mother, if I had only given him better guidance as he grew up this wouldn't be happening. But no, I simply didn't have the time to spend on him being a single mother and all. I did the best I could, I know I taught him the difference between right and wrong, it's those damn saiyan instincts of his that caused this. Always looking for a fight, thinking everything can be settled with your fists. I knew I should have beat those out of him when he was younger, it's going to be twice as hard now, but it's my duty as his mother to make sure he sees the error of his ways. If only he had a better role model growing up. Him and his father always out sparring or fighting to save the world, I guess it's a good thing he's not a total delinquent. If only..." Videl glanced out of the side of her eyes at the small bush concealing Goten, wondering if it wasn't too late to take the little fella up on his offer to make a run for her house. The facial and body expressions of the woman in front of her changed almost from second to second. One moment tears were streaming down her face as she cried her frustrations to the sky, the next her fists were balled, face flushed with anger, as she talked of the punishment she was going to dish out to her oldest son. Videl tuned out ChiChi's rambling as she pondered her options. As she saw it she could let the older woman continue to vent her anger and wait for her to calm down to a more rational state. Judging by her current state that wasn't going to happen any time soon. Option two, try and talk the irate woman down, much like she would a person standing on the ledge of a building threatening to jump. Since ChiChi didn't appear to be slacking off in her tirade, in fact she seemed to be getting more wound up, she reluctantly decided on option two. Besides, if she had to listen to this much longer, she was going to have one hell of a headache. Now she just had to figure out how to get a few words in without facing the wrath of ChiChi. Finally realizing that the older woman was eventually going to have to take a breath, she walked up to her and grabbed her by the elbow, gently steering her toward the kitchen. All the while nodding her head in understanding and speaking gentle words of agreement. Sitting Mrs. Son at the table, Videl went to a cabinet and grabbed a glass, filling it with some water. ChiChi's tirade still hadn't slacked off by the time Videl sat next to her. Drawing one of her hands over and putting the glass of water in it, Videl simply waited for the inevitable sip.
It actually happened quicker than Videl had expected, but she was ready when the glass touched the older woman's lips. "Listen ChiChi, I know you're mad, and you have every right to be. What Gohan did was totally inappropriate. But it wasn't completely unjustified. If you'll just give me a chance to explain I'm sure you'll feel much better about what happened. Not that Gohan should totally be let off the hook. He should never of lost control like that." Videl new from her police training that ChiChi was the type of person that you couldn't let restart on her tirade. The longer she was left to just listen the more her emotions would calm and reason would again begin to take hold. Luckily for Videl she had learned from the master, Erasa, how to take a one sentence statement and turn it in to a 20 minute narrative. Not to mention if she didn't get through what she had to say about why Gohan got in his fight, without an interuption, she was sure her embarrassment would keep her from finishing the story." I know I haven't even known him for a year, but for him to lose control like that is just so not Gohan. I mean even when we are fighting crooks, Gohan is always so in control, usually giving the criminals a chance to surrender, heck, most times he gives them a chance to give up as he's beating the hell out of them. He just had a little provocation in this case and snapped a little. You and I both know it's just not like him. He was in the dugout when he overheard a couple of guys talking about.....a girl. I guess they got a little graphic about what they wanted to do with her, and have her do to them. Not that she ever would you understand. She's not like that at all. Just the thought of doing that with those asses is enough to make her sick. I'm sure she would of handled it herself if she knew what they were saying. In fact I'm sure she wouldn't have been as light on them as Gohan was if she had overheard it. I guess it was a bit much for Gohan to handle though, he just kind of lost it for a second......ChiChi.......ChiChi are you listening to me?" The older woman had a glazed expression as she stared off into nothing.
"Are you alright ChiChi?" Videl waived her hand briefly in front of her eyes.
"I'm so happy! I knew he cared for you. Defending your reputation to a couple of ruffians. I'm glad he didn't kill them, but I at least hope he broke a few bones so that they remember the proper respect to show a young woman next time. I wonder if it's too early to pick out names for my grandchildren? The first will have to be a girl, there is way too much testosterone around here. Another female to thin it out a bit would do very nicely. Maybe we should name her after..."
"CHICHI! I mean ChiChi, um,, what makes you think it was me?" Ughh, she was just looking for a way to stop her from that particular rant, but the diversion had it's own problems. This is what you get when you speak before you think.
One dark eyebrow raised in a superior arch as her gaze bore into the bright blue eyes of the smaller woman. "Tsk, Tsk , Tsk Do you honestly think I don't know my own son Videl. Words alone would never make him lose control like that, unless they were about some one he cares about."
Videl was sure by now that the blush on her face had taken up permanent residence, especially since the revelations from earlier today. She briefly wondered if she could pass it off as a permanent sunburn.
"I swear at the rate you two are going I'll be dead from old age before you even go on a date. Maybe you two should just skip that entirely. Goku and I didn't need all that flippery. Yes, that might be best. We could just set the date for the wedding and shove you two in front of the priest. I feel sure I can convince your father to go along with it. Of course we would have to wait until after you both finish school. But we could announce the engagement now. Hmmm, I can see several upsides to this. If nothing else it should break down this ungodly wall of bashfulness you both have. I can understand that in Gohan, he has never been around a young lady his own age so it is only natural I suppose. You on the other hand don't strike me as the type to simply sit back and wait for something you want. I suppose we have that in common. So tell me Videl. What are you waiting for? Hmmm."
Videl couldn't help it. Her laughter just pored out. The way ChiChi had said it was so serious, she could almost picture Mrs. Son dragging Gohan to the church by his ear. Lecturing him on grandchildren the whole way. It was several minutes before she was again able to get her humor under control. Instead of an irate mother she was confronted with a huge smile and chuckle from ChiChi. Videl had to wipe a few tears from the corner of her eyes before she returned the smile.
"I suppose it is a little extreme.(sigh) You kids are just so trying. It's so obvious you like each other. You've known each other for months now, what's the hold up."
She had to clear her throat before answering, "Give us some time ChiChi. We're not going anywhere. Now do you mind telling me if your going to go hard on Gohan."
The huge grin that crept onto ChiChi's face made Videl very nervous. "I'll make you a deal dear. You want me to go easy on him. I want you two on a date this weekend. I think that maybe we can come to an agreement."
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Goten plowed into me from behind and immediately pushed me toward a small bush, then over it and flat on my stomach. Turns out mom was on the rampage. And after his description of events I knew exactly why. I must admit I gave serious thought to his suggestion that we hide out until things blew over. Once he told me Videl was inside, and that he had heard her scream mom's name earlier, I knew I had to go in. She actually seemed to be in a good mood from what I sensed from her. That just didn't fit the situation so I decided that caution was the best approach. I Steeled myself as I opened the front door, peering in cautiously for any sign of a struggle. That's when I heard quiet laughter coming from the kitchen. I decided to float over to do some reconnaissance and asses the situation. Poking my head around the corner I saw the last thing I expected. Mom and Videl sitting at the table sipping tea and looking at a photo album. I was so shocked I lost concentration for a sec. As my feet thumped on the hardwood floor two sets of eyes shot toward me. That's when things got back to normal. Kind of. I got the scolding I had been expecting, just not from who I was expecting it from. If there were ever any doubt as to the voracity of Videl's temper, it was on full display now. And directed at me. Mom simply stood behind her smirking, adding only a comment here or there if she felt Videl had not emphasized a point to her satisfaction. Now I think it very important for me to re-emphasize the point that I was in complete control of the situation at the baseball field the entire time. It was a very methodical and well thought out approach I used to emphasize the point I was trying to make. If Videl had simply given me a few more seconds she would have seen that my intention was not to injure, but to insure my point was taken. I simply never got far enough along to begin my lecture with them. Mom eventually left me alone with Videl as she went to start dinner. The young woman in front of me wore down not long after, and just glared at me. It didn't have the desired effect that it usually has, because I could sense she wasn't mad anymore. At least not as mad as she was after she was sure her point had been made. This link with her has really come in handy. A few minutes into her glare and my continued apologies I was in for one more shock. I was informed by Miss Satan that we were going out on Friday night. I wasn't asked mind you. Told. And I couldn't be happier. Like I said in the beginning a lot went on for my first day back in school. I wouldn't trade the memory of today for anything in the world. I still have a lot to think over and sort out in my head, but for once it's all good. I could get used to this. I guess it's about time I went to bed. I've had these strange dreams the past few nights. It's not like any dream I've had before, always the same and just so different. I'm kind of eager to see if it comes again tonight. Oh well, until next time. Good night Videl.
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I've gotten a lot of e-mails about when I'm going to let everyone know why and when Gohan and Videl broke up. I had planned to drag out the sappy stuff a bit longer, but if you think it's dragging a bit and want me to get on with the plot, let me know. I won't guarantee that I'll shorten things up. But I'll take it into consideration.