~All I Need For Christmas~
Gohan veered to his right as an idea struck him. He remained steady in the air, but his pace quickened. Soon enough, the Son house came into view, and Gohan landed softly next to the empty house. Light imprints were left in the snow as he walked to his window and opened it, stepping in.
His hand grazed the lamp's switch, and the room was illuminated with a dim light. Not wasting any time, Gohan walked to his desk, quickly pulling several items from the drawers. He sat down, and began to write.
* * *
The letter, as well as two other items were piled neatly in a small gift bag, wrapped comfortably with tissue paper. Gohan sped off in the direction of Casule Corp. once more, this time not intending to let anything distract him.
~Capsule Corp.~
Videl's hand was poised over the bowl of half-beaten cookie dough. Her eyes were glazed, and they pointed toward the ceiling, making it obvious that she was off in her own thoughts. Gently, Chichi pulled the bowl away from Videl, arousing her from her thoughts. "What? Oh, I'm sorry Chichi, I guess I haven't been a lot of help, huh?" she stated blushing. Her jaw was still sore every time she moved it, but that wasn't going to stop her from speaking. Nothing else had ever shut her up when she had something to say, not even when Spopovitch had broken her jaw, so she certainly wasn't gonna stop now.
"Oh, don't worry dear. I'm sure you have a lot on your mind," Chichi said, sitting down. "Penny for your thoughts, if you're willing to share them," Chichi said, smiling.
Videl smiled, but then frowned. "Well, some of the things I'm thinking are a bit disturbing, but maybe you could help me with something..." Videl's voice trailed off as she tried to figure out how to word it.
"You're having trust issues, huh?" Chichi said, smiling at the shocked look on Videl's face. "It's very natural, you have to understand. I have a feeling that the greatest of these trust issues concern Gohan, don't they?"
"W-Well... Yeah, but how did you know?" Videl questioned.
"There were tons of ways to tell, but that's not important. I can't tell you exactly how you feel about my son, although I have a hunch, but I can ask you two questions that if you answer from your heart, will tell you exactly what you feel," Chichi offered.
"Well, I suppose that's better than what I have right now, which is just a killer headache and one hell of an argument going on in my head," Videl said, laughing.
Chichi chuckled a moment and then spoke. "Alright Videl, I have to ask you, but first you must promise me that you'll think about them first. You won't be able to answer them truthfully if you don't. Alright, first, When was the time you felt absolutely the most terrified in your entire life? And second, When have you, or do you, feel the safest? That's it, so think about them for a little while," Chichi finished, smiling.
Videl wanted to answer right away, and tell Chichi that she was most scared when she was being beaten by Spopovitch, and that she felt safest when she was in bed, but the responses soon left her as she thought it over. As she began pondering the true response, a door in Capsule Corp. opened and then slammed shut again, causing the entire house to tremble and groan.
Gohan stepped inside the door of Capsule Corp., and stomped through the living room over to the kitchen, where he leaned in the doorway. A small smile finally graced his angered features. "Hey mom, Hey Videl..." he said, smiling at each in turn.
"Why hello Gohan. Next time you slam the door to the house, you'll be grounded," Chichi said calmly.
"Oh thanks mom, what a nice greeting. What would I be grounded from anyways? I have no social life," he said, eyeing Videl pointedly as he said that.
Videl's weight shifted as Gohan's gaze landed on her. She really wasn't ready to talk to him. Not yet. Too bad Gohan was plenty ready to talk to her.
"Videl, can I talk to you for a second?" (See, I told ya) Gohan asked.
Videl jumped but stood up slowly on her crutches and followed him out of the kitchen and part of the way down the hall. "Gohan I..." her voice trailed off and Gohan's picked up.
"Videl, I have to ask you something. I know that earlier this week, if someone asked you who you trusted most out of me or Sharpner, you would have said me. Now though, I want to know the answer to the same question. Who do trust more now? Me, or Sharpner?" Gohan asked.
Videl's heart leapt to her throat and she swallowed a bit as she thought it over. "Mpnr..." She mumbled.
Gohan didn't hear her answer. "What?" he questioned again.
"Sharpner, OKAY?! I care for you so much Gohan! You have every opportunity, and could easily hurt me the same way he did. When he did that, it hurt me mentally, but if you... If you did that, It would kill me! I can't trust you!" she yelled, limping back to the kitchen.
Gohan was stunned, although he had expected that response, or something like it. He stumbled almost drunkenly down the hall, not noticing when he dropped the bag he had been holding. Finally he made his way into his room, collapsing on his bed, and crying himself to sleep.
Videl slid down in the chair, running her hands through her hair. Tears slipped unnoticed down her cheeks, and she finally looked up to Chichi, who appeared to be just staring at her.
"Here, would you ike to put the dough on the cookie tray?" Chichi asked. Videl simply nodded.
Goten slipped away from where Bulma was yelling at Trunks for swearing, again. He decided that he could go play with his brother, so he began to follow Gohan's ki. Halfway down the hall he noticed something. A small gift bag. Curious, Goten went to investigate, and found that the tag was addressed to Videl from Gohan. Goten blinked, but as he thought over everything that had been happening today, he began to wonder if he should just give Videl the bag now. He didn't fully understand what was going on, but he knew that something bad had happened to Videl,and that she and Gohan weren't getting along. He decided that maybe whatever Gohan had gotten her might help get the two back together, and he decided to give it to Videl.
Videl felt someone pulling on her shirt, and she looked down to find Goten standing there. "What is it?" she asked.
"C'mere, I wanna give you something," he said, pulling Videl by the arm into a guest room. He gently pushed her into a chair.
"Goten, what is it you want?" she asked again. She watched in silence as he pulled a small gift bag from behind him.
"Gohan got you a present, but I think it dropped, 'cause I found it on the floor. You should open it now, I don't think you should wait until tommorrow," Goten said, pushing the bag into her hands.
"But Goten, you know that I should w-" Videl began, but she was cut off.
"Nyu-uh! Open it now! Please?" he added.
Videl sighed and opened the bag, reaching in and pulling out what felt like a letter. Her eyes moved over it as it opened.
@---
Dear Videl,
How've ya been? I haven't really talked to you much lately. How're you feeling? Stupid question, huh? I mean after... Never mind. Videl I.... Umm... Arrgh! It's even hard to write it in a letter! Listen, I know you're having a hard time trusting people right now, particularly me. I'm sorry that this happened to you, I'm sorry that I wasn't there to prevent it, and I'm sorry I can't just take all of your pain away. (Tears began to find their way to Videl's eyes.) Whether you'll accept it or not is up to you, but I have to get it out. I... Love... You... Wow! My hand even shook as I wrote it. (Videl was beginning to shake as sobs found their way out of her throat.) I know I never said it aloud, hell, I barely even wrote it, but you needed to know. I would never, Ever, EVER do anything to hurt you intentionally. Do you understand? I swear it. Of course, my promise probably means about as much as Sharpner's right now. Maybe even less... Videl you can always come to talk to me. I'll be there for you whether you feel the same way about me as I do for you or not. Well.... Ummm... I guess that's it. I... Love you...
@---
Love,
Gohan
Videl's entire face was soaked now, and she was still crying. Goten wasn't sure whether this was a good or bad sign, so he stayed silent. Videl, on the other hand was anything but silent. "Gohan, how..." her voice choked again, and she stopped. Her trembling hand found its way back into the bag again. She felt something soft, yet somehow scratchy at the same time. She pulled it out, and realized with another louder sob, that it was a day lily, pressed and preserved. There was a note on this as well.
@---
Dear Videl,
I've seen you looking at a pressed lily when I was studying at your house. It's always with that picture of you and your mother in the park, so I always assumed it was from her. I thought maybe it'd be nice to give you another pressed lily, so that now you'll have one from your mother, or whoever it's from, and from me. I just hope that the first one isn't from an old boyfriend! Love you... It's getting so much easier to write that.
@---
Love,
Gohan
Goten watched for her reaction as she found the flower and read the note that was attached, and he was rewarded with more tears. He really wasn't sure this was a good sign.
Videl leaned back in the chair. "Goten, I don't think I should look any-" she was interrupted again.
"No, No! There's still something left, I really think you should open it..." Goten said earnestly, hoping that the last gift would stop her from crying.
Videl sighed and reached into the bag, feeling something long and slender inside. She pulled out a long black box and, with tears dried but threatening to come again, opened it.
Inside was a bracelet. A tennis bracelet actually. It was pure gold, and had Sapphires and unpurified Opals alternating throughout it. The sapphires were a brilliant shade of blue, while the opals were, of course, black.
Hands shaking, as well as the rest of her body as she began weeping again, she placed the bracelet on her slim wrist. She tried to wipe away the tears running from her eyes, but of course, every time she succeeded, more tears formed in her eyes again. "Goten..." she said, with her voice thick and hoarse, "I'm gonna go find your brother..." She stood up on the crutches and limped toward Gohan's ki, carrying the small bag and its contents with her.
Goten shook his head, glad that he didn't have any girls that he liked. They seemed really confusing. "Where's Marron?" he wondered.
The door to Gohan's room slowly opened and Videl stepped in. She realized that he was asleep on a damp pillow, and when she saw the lines of salt on his face, she realized why his pillow was wet. She pulled a chair up next to him and fell back into it, already tired of the crutches. She leaned forward until her face was right next to his, and she could clearly see red of his eyes. "Gohan..." she whispered.
Gohan's eyes blinked open when he thought he heard someone calling him. Whatever it was, it sounded pretty. He grinned, but when he actually registered who it was, he sat up, stunned. "Videl!?" he yelped as she smiled at him. "Wha-What?! Did I miss something?" he asked.
Videl grinned. "Actually you dropped something, and then your brother found it. Guess what it was..." she said, grinning.
Gohan just blinked. 'What happened, just a half-hour ago she told me she could never trust me, and now... What could I have dropped? Wait a second?!' He looked wildly around and realized what was missing. "Umm... Maybe a bag addressed to you?" he asked.
Videl smirked, this could be fun. "Bag, what bag?" she asked, pretending that she had no idea what he was talking about.
"Wait, what else could it be? Great..." Gohan mumbled, talking more to himself than to her.
Videl laughed at the confused look on his face. "Oh, do you mean this bag?" she asked, pulling it out from underneath the chair.
"Yeah! I mean... Oh never mind. Did-Did you look inside?" he asked nervously.
Videl showed him her wrist. "I didn't actually want to. I was afraid of opening it. Unfortunately your little brother insisted. He's a lot smarter than people give him credit for being," Videl said, smiling. "But, I think I'm glad I did... Thank you, for this, but especially that little letter. And Gohan..." she said, as he winced at the mention of the letter, "I love you too..."
Gohan stared at her for a few minutes, stunned beyond intelligent speech. He suddenly grinned like a madman, and the grin was even a bit odd for him. "I-I... Wow... I love you. And I'm sorry, if you only knew how much."
Videl smiled and levitated out of the chair, floating down on the bed next to him. She giggled as he blushed, because it was only a twin size bed, and to keep from falling off, she was pushed up against him. His blush soon lost some of its fury, and she could feel him place his arms around her waist and pull her into his lap.
"Videl, is there anything you want to talk about? Maybe what happened..." he suggested.
Videl sucked in her breath and nodded. "Yes... But I don't think I can. I want to tell someone... I want to tell you... But I just don't think I can. I don't think I could relive it," she whispered.
"That's okay. Do you just want to talk? About anything? Do you think Erasa's having a good time in the Bahamas?" he asked, laughing a bit at the ridiculous question. Erasa wouldn't know how to not have fun in a place filled with men.
Videl found it humorous too. "Somehow I think she's probably having the time of her life."
They continued talking in this manner for several hours. Starting with little things, like the weather, and then moved their way up to slightly more personal things. Like the Cell games, which was a devastating time for Gohan, and also for Videl, but Gohan didn't know why it was just as terrible for her as for him, but he could sense it.
"Videl, I have to ask, but you don't need to answer. What's so special about the Lily at your house?" he asked.
Videl smiled almost sadly. "Why, you still thinking it's an old boyfriend?" she asked.
Gohan blushed. "Not really, but it could be ya know!"
Videl's smile faltered some as she seemed to be remembering something. "No, you were right. It was my mother..." her voice became choked some, and she leaned against Gohan. "Actually, she gave it to me just before she died... It was the day of the Call games, and my mother and I were watching my father's match on the TV. But as soon as he lost, he began telling everyone that it was just a mistake, and my mom turned the TV off. She was yelling about my father being a fake and an asshole. She had been sick with Leukemia for a while now, but that never hindered her voice any," Videl grinned a bit, and she could feel Gohan smiling at her.
"Anyways, she told me that she wanted us to go to the park, because if the world was going to be destroyed, or if we somehow escaped and she simply died of her disease, she wanted to die near the flowers. I helped her into her wheelchair, and I wheeled her to the park. She was too weak to drive, and I was to young, and she hated all the drivers.
"We made it to the park, although it was very difficult, because the entire earth was shaking with the force of the battle happening. I wheeled her through and deeper into the park, until we reached the field. Of course, no one was there, because they were all waiting for the verdict on the earth's future. I helped her lay down on the grass, and I laid next to her. I was scared though. I didn't want to die, and I didn't want any of my parents to die either. She must have known that I was scared because she hugged me to her and began humming the song she only used to sing when I was a baby and wouldn't go to sleep.
"The fighting stopped for a moment, and then picked up again, I think that's when you began fighting. It kind of seemed to stop again, but the earth was still shaking a bit. I-I think that's when Cell must've tried to-to self-destruct..." Videl could feel Gohan's grip around her tighten slightly more as his tears dripped onto her hair. "I'm sorry... Oddly enough, this is when my mom finished singing the song for the thirteenth or fourteenth song, and she pulled a lily from the ground and placed it in my hair. She looked at me and told me I-I w-was beautiful, a-and... and that she-she-she was p-proud of m-me. When she c-closed her eyes, I-I thought she w-w-was tired, a-and wanted t-to go h-home-home. But suddenly the earth stopped shaking entirely, and her grip loosened on me. S-S-She... She... D-Died h-holding m-me...." Videl suddenly broke down and sobbed into Gohan's chest, while he cried silently for a moment.
Suddenly, Gohan's voice filled Videl's ears. It was soft, and he was humming quietly. Soon he was singing softly, no longer only humming, and Videl was stunned at what she heard.
"there's a little bird
somebody sent
down to the earth
to live on the wind
blowing on the wind
and she sleeps on the wind
this little bird, somebody sent" Gohan sang softly.
Surprisingly, Videl began singing with him.
"light and fragile and feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through
she flies so high, up in the sky
way out of reach of human eyes"
"light and fragile and feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through
she flies so high, up in the sky
way out of reach of human eyes"
"light and fragile she's feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through"
Videl's voice broke and Gohan's continued.
"and the only time that she touches ground
is when that little bird
little bird
is when that little bird
little bird
is when that little bird
dies...." Gohan finished.
"G-Gohan... Where did you here that song?" Videl gasped.
"I think my mom used to sing it to me when I was real young. Then I sang it to Goten when he was a baby, and still do if he ever starts crying. Where'd you learn it?" he asked.
"M-My mom... That was t-the song s-she sang to me... Before she died..." Videl whispered, startling Gohan. She closed her eyes and leaned against his chest, no longer crying. Gohan was pretty sure she was asleep as the minutes passed, and he was about to lay down when she spoke up. "I was so scared... That's when I was the most scared in my entire life... It hurt so much..." she whispered, not pulling her face away from his chest.
*She came calling
One early morning
She showed her crown of thorns
She whispered softly
To tell a story
About how she had been wronged*
Gohan stared at her for a minute. "Videl, what are you talking about? Are you feeling alright?" he asked.
She didn't really answer his questions, instead she continued. "He had to have drugged me up with that damn needle, cause I fell unconscious, and when I woke up I could barely move," she said.
"Videl, are you talking about?..." his voice trailed off as she continued. He knew what she was talking about now, and he wasn't sure even he could handle it. He wasn't sure he'd be able to keep himself under control after listening to how she had suffered.
"Gohan, he touched me. I felt gross every time he even brushed against me. I tried to fight back, but even when I did make a hit, It was so weak that he wasn't affected at all. He cut me every time I tried to fight back, he punched me and kicked me. Then- then..." Her voice broke and Gohan rocked her from side to side. "He took my clothes off... And his own... Damnit! I hate him. He made me feel dirty. Like some worthless piece of shit.... And then he... It-it hurt... Too much, I tried to stop him but I couldn't... It hurt on the outside, the inside, emotionally... Every way... Oh god Gohan, I think I'm gonna be sick," she muttered, trying to stand up.
*As she lay lifeless
He stole her innocence
And this is how she carried on*
Gohan grabbed her around the waist and lead her to the bathroom. She knelt next to the toilet, while he sat on the edge of the tub staring at her. He could feel tears for her streaming down his own cheeks.
*Well I guess she closed her eyes
And just imagined everything's alright
But she could not hide her tears
'Cause they were sent to wash away those years
They were sent to wash away those years*
Eventually Videl leaned back again, realizing that she didn't need to throw up yet. "I thought I felt you coming, but I didn't register much, 'cause by then I was almost unconscious. Unfortunately, I somehow stayed conscious too long... He... And then... He kissed me. Why did I have to stay awake? Then he, well... How can I say it? Not only his tongue ended up in my mouth... By this time I was so far gone that I just collapsed. I think you were actually pretty close when that happened. You had to have arrived not long after... Oh God..." she whispered as she leaned over the toilet to throw up.
Gohan clenched his fist, trying to stop himself from leaving to go and finish Sharpner off. Instead he stood up and walked over to her, rubbing her back in a soothing motion. She was sobbing as she spewed into the toilet again.
*My anger's violent
But still I'm silent
When tragedy strikes at home*
Finally she stood up and hopped over to the sink, swallowing paper cup after paper cup of water. She looked up when Gohan pressed something into her hands, and she realized it was a disposable toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. She would have smiled, but she couldn't. She would have thanked him, but she couldn't do that either. So instead, she simply began brushing her teeth, while Gohan's hands rested around her stomach. After about the sixth or seventh time she had brushed her teeth, she began wailing and collapsed to the floor. When Gohan knelt down to her, she threw herself into his arms, soaking his shirt with her tears.
"Gohan... I feel... I feel ashamed. What kind of person am I anyways? W-" she was cut off by Gohan's stern voice.
"Shut up. Stop it. You're beautiful, you're perfect. I don't ever want to hear you putting yourself down for what happened! It was not your fault, not a bit of it. Don't you DARE put yourself down for what that ass did to you, understood?" Gohan growled.
Videl wiped her eyes for a moment. "But G-"
"NEVER! Okay? Please? You didn't deserve any of this, and you didn't bring it on yourself, so don't put yourself down for it either. If you do, then Sharpner wins. Whether he's put in jail or not, he'd still win. Videl I love you, and I don't ever want to hear that come out of your mouth again," he was yelling at first, but eventually he was simply crying with her face in his shoulder.
*I know this decadence Is shared by millions
Remember you're not alone*
"Videl, just remember I love you. And no matter what happens, I always will," he whispered.
*For we have crossed many oceans
And we labor in between
In life there are many quotients
And I hope I find the mean*
Gohan reached down and wiped the tears from her eyes. Her eyeslids were red and swollen, drooping halfway over her sapphire eyes. "Hey, maybe I should bring you to your bed," he suggested.
She smiled just slightly, and then laid down in his arms. "No, I think I'll sleep with you," she said, glancing up just to watch him blush.
"Uh... Umm..." he began.
"Hmm? Please Gohan? I just feel safe with you, which is certainly a few steps up from earlier," she said, grinning evilly as his blush deepened in color.
"Umm... Yeah... Hold on," he finally said as he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down and pulled the blankets up over her, and then crawled in next to her. His hands found their way around her waist, and he hugged her close.
Just before they were asleep though, a pair of footsteps walked passed their room, and soon another set of footsteps had run their way back to the room. The door opened, and in came a short blonde girl. She ran over to Gohan and leapt on top of him.
"Wha?!" he yelped, sitting up. "Marron! What are you doing?" he asked, and Videl sat up as well, now curious.
"Gohan-san has to come and tell the story!" Marron squealed. "C'mon Gohan-san, you gotta! It's tr-tra-trad... We do it every year!" she yelped, continuing to leap on him.
Videl gained an evil smirk. "Gohan, what's this?" she asked, watching in amusement as his face changed to a brilliant color.
Marron answered before Gohan could even open his mouth. "Gohan-san always tells me and Goten and Trunks the story... I forget what it's called though..." she said grinning.
"The Night Before Christmas..." Gohan muttered.
Krillin walked in then, and when he saw who was in the bed, he was tempted to say something, but at Gohan's warning glare he stopped. "Marron, you have to come to bed, whether Gohan tells the story or not..." he said, grinning.
Marron pouted. "I won't!" she yelled.
Videl grinned and grabbed onto Gohan's arm. "You know Gohan, you'll probably get to bed a lot sooner if you just tell them the story. Besides," she said, smirking, "I want to hear the story too," she couldn't help but laugh at the look on Gohan's face.
He finally slumped, submitting to both her and Marron's will. He stood, with Marron on his shoulders and turned to Videl. His arms grasped her and he helped her to stand.
"It's so cute that you tell them a Christmas story," she laughed.
"You're evil, did you know that?" he asked, handing her the crutches as the group began the walk to the children's bedroom.
"Mmm?... You really think so? Yup, I'd have to agree with you," she said, leaning against him.
As they neared the room, Krillin said his good-night to his daughter and turned to leave once again. Gohan stepped in to find that both Goten and Trunks were still awaiting him, and even though Trunks tried to hide it, he always liked hearing the story.
Gohan set Marron on the bed as well, and each of the children leaned back, waiting for Gohan to begin. Gohan sat down on the edge of the bed, and actually pulled Videl into his lap. He grinned at each of their faces, enjoying the innocence behind the childish looks, even Trunks' face held a certain boyish excitement. "Alright, I guess I'll tell you guys this story, again. 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even the mouse..." Gohan's voice was smooth, instead of his normal high and nervous voice.
Videl felt herself almost drifting to sleep as he spoke, his voice changing some when it was required. But all too soon, she heard the familiar ending to the famous tale.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Gohan said, his voice quiet. He watched as Goten's eyes closed finally, and all three of them drifted off into a silent sleep. Gohan looked down to Videl, who was nearly asleep in his arms.
"Mmm... Gohan..." she murmured.
Gohan shook his head and stood up, carrying her and her crutches out of the room, because she certainly wasn't going to be getting up any time soon. He lead her to her own room and laid her down in the bed, pulling the covers up around her. As he turned to leave, something grasping his wrist stopped him. He whirled around to look at Videl, eyes half open, holding him back.
"Didn't I say I wanted to sleep with you?" she asked, her voice barely intelligible with the combination of her injured jaw as well as her tired body. "C'mon," she whispered, only barely grinning as he finally sighed and pulled himself under the blankets with her. His arms held her close to him, and as he gazed into her eyes he couldn't help but feel a pull toward them. He realized too late what he was doing, and his lips landed on hers. His eyes widened and he pulled back, blushing. But what she did next made him understand that maybe it wasn't a mistake to kiss her. She pulled his face toward hers gently, and kissed him. After a stunned moment, he finally kissed her back. After what felt like an eternity and an instant all at the same time, they finally pulled back. Videl lay quietly in his arms, and they both drifted off to a peaceful but short sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm... Done... Finally... Hand... Hurts...
I'm gonna make my author's notes short, so no shoutouts again, but this is almost the longest chapter I've ever written.
First, I have a couple disclaimers: (1) No, I don't 'This Little Bird', written by someone who I don't know, and resung by Jewel Kilcher and her mother. (2) No, I don't own 'Wash Away Those Years' by Creed. (3) I don't own 'The Nght Before Christmas' written by some guy to his kids... Don't know who though. (4) I already SAID I don't own DBZ or anything affiliated with it.
Next, I have a challenge. Can anyone take the following sentence, and tell me what's going to happen in the next chapter?: Gohan walked passed Vegeta, who was leaning against the doorway to the living room, and sat down on the couch.
Well? There'll be plushies for anyone who guesses correctly, (excluding my sister if she reviews). Hint: It happens to Vegeta.
Anyways, Bai bai!
~Videl~ ~Z~
Gohan veered to his right as an idea struck him. He remained steady in the air, but his pace quickened. Soon enough, the Son house came into view, and Gohan landed softly next to the empty house. Light imprints were left in the snow as he walked to his window and opened it, stepping in.
His hand grazed the lamp's switch, and the room was illuminated with a dim light. Not wasting any time, Gohan walked to his desk, quickly pulling several items from the drawers. He sat down, and began to write.
* * *
The letter, as well as two other items were piled neatly in a small gift bag, wrapped comfortably with tissue paper. Gohan sped off in the direction of Casule Corp. once more, this time not intending to let anything distract him.
~Capsule Corp.~
Videl's hand was poised over the bowl of half-beaten cookie dough. Her eyes were glazed, and they pointed toward the ceiling, making it obvious that she was off in her own thoughts. Gently, Chichi pulled the bowl away from Videl, arousing her from her thoughts. "What? Oh, I'm sorry Chichi, I guess I haven't been a lot of help, huh?" she stated blushing. Her jaw was still sore every time she moved it, but that wasn't going to stop her from speaking. Nothing else had ever shut her up when she had something to say, not even when Spopovitch had broken her jaw, so she certainly wasn't gonna stop now.
"Oh, don't worry dear. I'm sure you have a lot on your mind," Chichi said, sitting down. "Penny for your thoughts, if you're willing to share them," Chichi said, smiling.
Videl smiled, but then frowned. "Well, some of the things I'm thinking are a bit disturbing, but maybe you could help me with something..." Videl's voice trailed off as she tried to figure out how to word it.
"You're having trust issues, huh?" Chichi said, smiling at the shocked look on Videl's face. "It's very natural, you have to understand. I have a feeling that the greatest of these trust issues concern Gohan, don't they?"
"W-Well... Yeah, but how did you know?" Videl questioned.
"There were tons of ways to tell, but that's not important. I can't tell you exactly how you feel about my son, although I have a hunch, but I can ask you two questions that if you answer from your heart, will tell you exactly what you feel," Chichi offered.
"Well, I suppose that's better than what I have right now, which is just a killer headache and one hell of an argument going on in my head," Videl said, laughing.
Chichi chuckled a moment and then spoke. "Alright Videl, I have to ask you, but first you must promise me that you'll think about them first. You won't be able to answer them truthfully if you don't. Alright, first, When was the time you felt absolutely the most terrified in your entire life? And second, When have you, or do you, feel the safest? That's it, so think about them for a little while," Chichi finished, smiling.
Videl wanted to answer right away, and tell Chichi that she was most scared when she was being beaten by Spopovitch, and that she felt safest when she was in bed, but the responses soon left her as she thought it over. As she began pondering the true response, a door in Capsule Corp. opened and then slammed shut again, causing the entire house to tremble and groan.
Gohan stepped inside the door of Capsule Corp., and stomped through the living room over to the kitchen, where he leaned in the doorway. A small smile finally graced his angered features. "Hey mom, Hey Videl..." he said, smiling at each in turn.
"Why hello Gohan. Next time you slam the door to the house, you'll be grounded," Chichi said calmly.
"Oh thanks mom, what a nice greeting. What would I be grounded from anyways? I have no social life," he said, eyeing Videl pointedly as he said that.
Videl's weight shifted as Gohan's gaze landed on her. She really wasn't ready to talk to him. Not yet. Too bad Gohan was plenty ready to talk to her.
"Videl, can I talk to you for a second?" (See, I told ya) Gohan asked.
Videl jumped but stood up slowly on her crutches and followed him out of the kitchen and part of the way down the hall. "Gohan I..." her voice trailed off and Gohan's picked up.
"Videl, I have to ask you something. I know that earlier this week, if someone asked you who you trusted most out of me or Sharpner, you would have said me. Now though, I want to know the answer to the same question. Who do trust more now? Me, or Sharpner?" Gohan asked.
Videl's heart leapt to her throat and she swallowed a bit as she thought it over. "Mpnr..." She mumbled.
Gohan didn't hear her answer. "What?" he questioned again.
"Sharpner, OKAY?! I care for you so much Gohan! You have every opportunity, and could easily hurt me the same way he did. When he did that, it hurt me mentally, but if you... If you did that, It would kill me! I can't trust you!" she yelled, limping back to the kitchen.
Gohan was stunned, although he had expected that response, or something like it. He stumbled almost drunkenly down the hall, not noticing when he dropped the bag he had been holding. Finally he made his way into his room, collapsing on his bed, and crying himself to sleep.
Videl slid down in the chair, running her hands through her hair. Tears slipped unnoticed down her cheeks, and she finally looked up to Chichi, who appeared to be just staring at her.
"Here, would you ike to put the dough on the cookie tray?" Chichi asked. Videl simply nodded.
Goten slipped away from where Bulma was yelling at Trunks for swearing, again. He decided that he could go play with his brother, so he began to follow Gohan's ki. Halfway down the hall he noticed something. A small gift bag. Curious, Goten went to investigate, and found that the tag was addressed to Videl from Gohan. Goten blinked, but as he thought over everything that had been happening today, he began to wonder if he should just give Videl the bag now. He didn't fully understand what was going on, but he knew that something bad had happened to Videl,and that she and Gohan weren't getting along. He decided that maybe whatever Gohan had gotten her might help get the two back together, and he decided to give it to Videl.
Videl felt someone pulling on her shirt, and she looked down to find Goten standing there. "What is it?" she asked.
"C'mere, I wanna give you something," he said, pulling Videl by the arm into a guest room. He gently pushed her into a chair.
"Goten, what is it you want?" she asked again. She watched in silence as he pulled a small gift bag from behind him.
"Gohan got you a present, but I think it dropped, 'cause I found it on the floor. You should open it now, I don't think you should wait until tommorrow," Goten said, pushing the bag into her hands.
"But Goten, you know that I should w-" Videl began, but she was cut off.
"Nyu-uh! Open it now! Please?" he added.
Videl sighed and opened the bag, reaching in and pulling out what felt like a letter. Her eyes moved over it as it opened.
@---
Dear Videl,
How've ya been? I haven't really talked to you much lately. How're you feeling? Stupid question, huh? I mean after... Never mind. Videl I.... Umm... Arrgh! It's even hard to write it in a letter! Listen, I know you're having a hard time trusting people right now, particularly me. I'm sorry that this happened to you, I'm sorry that I wasn't there to prevent it, and I'm sorry I can't just take all of your pain away. (Tears began to find their way to Videl's eyes.) Whether you'll accept it or not is up to you, but I have to get it out. I... Love... You... Wow! My hand even shook as I wrote it. (Videl was beginning to shake as sobs found their way out of her throat.) I know I never said it aloud, hell, I barely even wrote it, but you needed to know. I would never, Ever, EVER do anything to hurt you intentionally. Do you understand? I swear it. Of course, my promise probably means about as much as Sharpner's right now. Maybe even less... Videl you can always come to talk to me. I'll be there for you whether you feel the same way about me as I do for you or not. Well.... Ummm... I guess that's it. I... Love you...
@---
Love,
Gohan
Videl's entire face was soaked now, and she was still crying. Goten wasn't sure whether this was a good or bad sign, so he stayed silent. Videl, on the other hand was anything but silent. "Gohan, how..." her voice choked again, and she stopped. Her trembling hand found its way back into the bag again. She felt something soft, yet somehow scratchy at the same time. She pulled it out, and realized with another louder sob, that it was a day lily, pressed and preserved. There was a note on this as well.
@---
Dear Videl,
I've seen you looking at a pressed lily when I was studying at your house. It's always with that picture of you and your mother in the park, so I always assumed it was from her. I thought maybe it'd be nice to give you another pressed lily, so that now you'll have one from your mother, or whoever it's from, and from me. I just hope that the first one isn't from an old boyfriend! Love you... It's getting so much easier to write that.
@---
Love,
Gohan
Goten watched for her reaction as she found the flower and read the note that was attached, and he was rewarded with more tears. He really wasn't sure this was a good sign.
Videl leaned back in the chair. "Goten, I don't think I should look any-" she was interrupted again.
"No, No! There's still something left, I really think you should open it..." Goten said earnestly, hoping that the last gift would stop her from crying.
Videl sighed and reached into the bag, feeling something long and slender inside. She pulled out a long black box and, with tears dried but threatening to come again, opened it.
Inside was a bracelet. A tennis bracelet actually. It was pure gold, and had Sapphires and unpurified Opals alternating throughout it. The sapphires were a brilliant shade of blue, while the opals were, of course, black.
Hands shaking, as well as the rest of her body as she began weeping again, she placed the bracelet on her slim wrist. She tried to wipe away the tears running from her eyes, but of course, every time she succeeded, more tears formed in her eyes again. "Goten..." she said, with her voice thick and hoarse, "I'm gonna go find your brother..." She stood up on the crutches and limped toward Gohan's ki, carrying the small bag and its contents with her.
Goten shook his head, glad that he didn't have any girls that he liked. They seemed really confusing. "Where's Marron?" he wondered.
The door to Gohan's room slowly opened and Videl stepped in. She realized that he was asleep on a damp pillow, and when she saw the lines of salt on his face, she realized why his pillow was wet. She pulled a chair up next to him and fell back into it, already tired of the crutches. She leaned forward until her face was right next to his, and she could clearly see red of his eyes. "Gohan..." she whispered.
Gohan's eyes blinked open when he thought he heard someone calling him. Whatever it was, it sounded pretty. He grinned, but when he actually registered who it was, he sat up, stunned. "Videl!?" he yelped as she smiled at him. "Wha-What?! Did I miss something?" he asked.
Videl grinned. "Actually you dropped something, and then your brother found it. Guess what it was..." she said, grinning.
Gohan just blinked. 'What happened, just a half-hour ago she told me she could never trust me, and now... What could I have dropped? Wait a second?!' He looked wildly around and realized what was missing. "Umm... Maybe a bag addressed to you?" he asked.
Videl smirked, this could be fun. "Bag, what bag?" she asked, pretending that she had no idea what he was talking about.
"Wait, what else could it be? Great..." Gohan mumbled, talking more to himself than to her.
Videl laughed at the confused look on his face. "Oh, do you mean this bag?" she asked, pulling it out from underneath the chair.
"Yeah! I mean... Oh never mind. Did-Did you look inside?" he asked nervously.
Videl showed him her wrist. "I didn't actually want to. I was afraid of opening it. Unfortunately your little brother insisted. He's a lot smarter than people give him credit for being," Videl said, smiling. "But, I think I'm glad I did... Thank you, for this, but especially that little letter. And Gohan..." she said, as he winced at the mention of the letter, "I love you too..."
Gohan stared at her for a few minutes, stunned beyond intelligent speech. He suddenly grinned like a madman, and the grin was even a bit odd for him. "I-I... Wow... I love you. And I'm sorry, if you only knew how much."
Videl smiled and levitated out of the chair, floating down on the bed next to him. She giggled as he blushed, because it was only a twin size bed, and to keep from falling off, she was pushed up against him. His blush soon lost some of its fury, and she could feel him place his arms around her waist and pull her into his lap.
"Videl, is there anything you want to talk about? Maybe what happened..." he suggested.
Videl sucked in her breath and nodded. "Yes... But I don't think I can. I want to tell someone... I want to tell you... But I just don't think I can. I don't think I could relive it," she whispered.
"That's okay. Do you just want to talk? About anything? Do you think Erasa's having a good time in the Bahamas?" he asked, laughing a bit at the ridiculous question. Erasa wouldn't know how to not have fun in a place filled with men.
Videl found it humorous too. "Somehow I think she's probably having the time of her life."
They continued talking in this manner for several hours. Starting with little things, like the weather, and then moved their way up to slightly more personal things. Like the Cell games, which was a devastating time for Gohan, and also for Videl, but Gohan didn't know why it was just as terrible for her as for him, but he could sense it.
"Videl, I have to ask, but you don't need to answer. What's so special about the Lily at your house?" he asked.
Videl smiled almost sadly. "Why, you still thinking it's an old boyfriend?" she asked.
Gohan blushed. "Not really, but it could be ya know!"
Videl's smile faltered some as she seemed to be remembering something. "No, you were right. It was my mother..." her voice became choked some, and she leaned against Gohan. "Actually, she gave it to me just before she died... It was the day of the Call games, and my mother and I were watching my father's match on the TV. But as soon as he lost, he began telling everyone that it was just a mistake, and my mom turned the TV off. She was yelling about my father being a fake and an asshole. She had been sick with Leukemia for a while now, but that never hindered her voice any," Videl grinned a bit, and she could feel Gohan smiling at her.
"Anyways, she told me that she wanted us to go to the park, because if the world was going to be destroyed, or if we somehow escaped and she simply died of her disease, she wanted to die near the flowers. I helped her into her wheelchair, and I wheeled her to the park. She was too weak to drive, and I was to young, and she hated all the drivers.
"We made it to the park, although it was very difficult, because the entire earth was shaking with the force of the battle happening. I wheeled her through and deeper into the park, until we reached the field. Of course, no one was there, because they were all waiting for the verdict on the earth's future. I helped her lay down on the grass, and I laid next to her. I was scared though. I didn't want to die, and I didn't want any of my parents to die either. She must have known that I was scared because she hugged me to her and began humming the song she only used to sing when I was a baby and wouldn't go to sleep.
"The fighting stopped for a moment, and then picked up again, I think that's when you began fighting. It kind of seemed to stop again, but the earth was still shaking a bit. I-I think that's when Cell must've tried to-to self-destruct..." Videl could feel Gohan's grip around her tighten slightly more as his tears dripped onto her hair. "I'm sorry... Oddly enough, this is when my mom finished singing the song for the thirteenth or fourteenth song, and she pulled a lily from the ground and placed it in my hair. She looked at me and told me I-I w-was beautiful, a-and... and that she-she-she was p-proud of m-me. When she c-closed her eyes, I-I thought she w-w-was tired, a-and wanted t-to go h-home-home. But suddenly the earth stopped shaking entirely, and her grip loosened on me. S-S-She... She... D-Died h-holding m-me...." Videl suddenly broke down and sobbed into Gohan's chest, while he cried silently for a moment.
Suddenly, Gohan's voice filled Videl's ears. It was soft, and he was humming quietly. Soon he was singing softly, no longer only humming, and Videl was stunned at what she heard.
"there's a little bird
somebody sent
down to the earth
to live on the wind
blowing on the wind
and she sleeps on the wind
this little bird, somebody sent" Gohan sang softly.
Surprisingly, Videl began singing with him.
"light and fragile and feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through
she flies so high, up in the sky
way out of reach of human eyes"
"light and fragile and feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through
she flies so high, up in the sky
way out of reach of human eyes"
"light and fragile she's feathered skyloon
thin and graceful
the sun shining through"
Videl's voice broke and Gohan's continued.
"and the only time that she touches ground
is when that little bird
little bird
is when that little bird
little bird
is when that little bird
dies...." Gohan finished.
"G-Gohan... Where did you here that song?" Videl gasped.
"I think my mom used to sing it to me when I was real young. Then I sang it to Goten when he was a baby, and still do if he ever starts crying. Where'd you learn it?" he asked.
"M-My mom... That was t-the song s-she sang to me... Before she died..." Videl whispered, startling Gohan. She closed her eyes and leaned against his chest, no longer crying. Gohan was pretty sure she was asleep as the minutes passed, and he was about to lay down when she spoke up. "I was so scared... That's when I was the most scared in my entire life... It hurt so much..." she whispered, not pulling her face away from his chest.
*She came calling
One early morning
She showed her crown of thorns
She whispered softly
To tell a story
About how she had been wronged*
Gohan stared at her for a minute. "Videl, what are you talking about? Are you feeling alright?" he asked.
She didn't really answer his questions, instead she continued. "He had to have drugged me up with that damn needle, cause I fell unconscious, and when I woke up I could barely move," she said.
"Videl, are you talking about?..." his voice trailed off as she continued. He knew what she was talking about now, and he wasn't sure even he could handle it. He wasn't sure he'd be able to keep himself under control after listening to how she had suffered.
"Gohan, he touched me. I felt gross every time he even brushed against me. I tried to fight back, but even when I did make a hit, It was so weak that he wasn't affected at all. He cut me every time I tried to fight back, he punched me and kicked me. Then- then..." Her voice broke and Gohan rocked her from side to side. "He took my clothes off... And his own... Damnit! I hate him. He made me feel dirty. Like some worthless piece of shit.... And then he... It-it hurt... Too much, I tried to stop him but I couldn't... It hurt on the outside, the inside, emotionally... Every way... Oh god Gohan, I think I'm gonna be sick," she muttered, trying to stand up.
*As she lay lifeless
He stole her innocence
And this is how she carried on*
Gohan grabbed her around the waist and lead her to the bathroom. She knelt next to the toilet, while he sat on the edge of the tub staring at her. He could feel tears for her streaming down his own cheeks.
*Well I guess she closed her eyes
And just imagined everything's alright
But she could not hide her tears
'Cause they were sent to wash away those years
They were sent to wash away those years*
Eventually Videl leaned back again, realizing that she didn't need to throw up yet. "I thought I felt you coming, but I didn't register much, 'cause by then I was almost unconscious. Unfortunately, I somehow stayed conscious too long... He... And then... He kissed me. Why did I have to stay awake? Then he, well... How can I say it? Not only his tongue ended up in my mouth... By this time I was so far gone that I just collapsed. I think you were actually pretty close when that happened. You had to have arrived not long after... Oh God..." she whispered as she leaned over the toilet to throw up.
Gohan clenched his fist, trying to stop himself from leaving to go and finish Sharpner off. Instead he stood up and walked over to her, rubbing her back in a soothing motion. She was sobbing as she spewed into the toilet again.
*My anger's violent
But still I'm silent
When tragedy strikes at home*
Finally she stood up and hopped over to the sink, swallowing paper cup after paper cup of water. She looked up when Gohan pressed something into her hands, and she realized it was a disposable toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. She would have smiled, but she couldn't. She would have thanked him, but she couldn't do that either. So instead, she simply began brushing her teeth, while Gohan's hands rested around her stomach. After about the sixth or seventh time she had brushed her teeth, she began wailing and collapsed to the floor. When Gohan knelt down to her, she threw herself into his arms, soaking his shirt with her tears.
"Gohan... I feel... I feel ashamed. What kind of person am I anyways? W-" she was cut off by Gohan's stern voice.
"Shut up. Stop it. You're beautiful, you're perfect. I don't ever want to hear you putting yourself down for what happened! It was not your fault, not a bit of it. Don't you DARE put yourself down for what that ass did to you, understood?" Gohan growled.
Videl wiped her eyes for a moment. "But G-"
"NEVER! Okay? Please? You didn't deserve any of this, and you didn't bring it on yourself, so don't put yourself down for it either. If you do, then Sharpner wins. Whether he's put in jail or not, he'd still win. Videl I love you, and I don't ever want to hear that come out of your mouth again," he was yelling at first, but eventually he was simply crying with her face in his shoulder.
*I know this decadence Is shared by millions
Remember you're not alone*
"Videl, just remember I love you. And no matter what happens, I always will," he whispered.
*For we have crossed many oceans
And we labor in between
In life there are many quotients
And I hope I find the mean*
Gohan reached down and wiped the tears from her eyes. Her eyeslids were red and swollen, drooping halfway over her sapphire eyes. "Hey, maybe I should bring you to your bed," he suggested.
She smiled just slightly, and then laid down in his arms. "No, I think I'll sleep with you," she said, glancing up just to watch him blush.
"Uh... Umm..." he began.
"Hmm? Please Gohan? I just feel safe with you, which is certainly a few steps up from earlier," she said, grinning evilly as his blush deepened in color.
"Umm... Yeah... Hold on," he finally said as he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down and pulled the blankets up over her, and then crawled in next to her. His hands found their way around her waist, and he hugged her close.
Just before they were asleep though, a pair of footsteps walked passed their room, and soon another set of footsteps had run their way back to the room. The door opened, and in came a short blonde girl. She ran over to Gohan and leapt on top of him.
"Wha?!" he yelped, sitting up. "Marron! What are you doing?" he asked, and Videl sat up as well, now curious.
"Gohan-san has to come and tell the story!" Marron squealed. "C'mon Gohan-san, you gotta! It's tr-tra-trad... We do it every year!" she yelped, continuing to leap on him.
Videl gained an evil smirk. "Gohan, what's this?" she asked, watching in amusement as his face changed to a brilliant color.
Marron answered before Gohan could even open his mouth. "Gohan-san always tells me and Goten and Trunks the story... I forget what it's called though..." she said grinning.
"The Night Before Christmas..." Gohan muttered.
Krillin walked in then, and when he saw who was in the bed, he was tempted to say something, but at Gohan's warning glare he stopped. "Marron, you have to come to bed, whether Gohan tells the story or not..." he said, grinning.
Marron pouted. "I won't!" she yelled.
Videl grinned and grabbed onto Gohan's arm. "You know Gohan, you'll probably get to bed a lot sooner if you just tell them the story. Besides," she said, smirking, "I want to hear the story too," she couldn't help but laugh at the look on Gohan's face.
He finally slumped, submitting to both her and Marron's will. He stood, with Marron on his shoulders and turned to Videl. His arms grasped her and he helped her to stand.
"It's so cute that you tell them a Christmas story," she laughed.
"You're evil, did you know that?" he asked, handing her the crutches as the group began the walk to the children's bedroom.
"Mmm?... You really think so? Yup, I'd have to agree with you," she said, leaning against him.
As they neared the room, Krillin said his good-night to his daughter and turned to leave once again. Gohan stepped in to find that both Goten and Trunks were still awaiting him, and even though Trunks tried to hide it, he always liked hearing the story.
Gohan set Marron on the bed as well, and each of the children leaned back, waiting for Gohan to begin. Gohan sat down on the edge of the bed, and actually pulled Videl into his lap. He grinned at each of their faces, enjoying the innocence behind the childish looks, even Trunks' face held a certain boyish excitement. "Alright, I guess I'll tell you guys this story, again. 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even the mouse..." Gohan's voice was smooth, instead of his normal high and nervous voice.
Videl felt herself almost drifting to sleep as he spoke, his voice changing some when it was required. But all too soon, she heard the familiar ending to the famous tale.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Gohan said, his voice quiet. He watched as Goten's eyes closed finally, and all three of them drifted off into a silent sleep. Gohan looked down to Videl, who was nearly asleep in his arms.
"Mmm... Gohan..." she murmured.
Gohan shook his head and stood up, carrying her and her crutches out of the room, because she certainly wasn't going to be getting up any time soon. He lead her to her own room and laid her down in the bed, pulling the covers up around her. As he turned to leave, something grasping his wrist stopped him. He whirled around to look at Videl, eyes half open, holding him back.
"Didn't I say I wanted to sleep with you?" she asked, her voice barely intelligible with the combination of her injured jaw as well as her tired body. "C'mon," she whispered, only barely grinning as he finally sighed and pulled himself under the blankets with her. His arms held her close to him, and as he gazed into her eyes he couldn't help but feel a pull toward them. He realized too late what he was doing, and his lips landed on hers. His eyes widened and he pulled back, blushing. But what she did next made him understand that maybe it wasn't a mistake to kiss her. She pulled his face toward hers gently, and kissed him. After a stunned moment, he finally kissed her back. After what felt like an eternity and an instant all at the same time, they finally pulled back. Videl lay quietly in his arms, and they both drifted off to a peaceful but short sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm... Done... Finally... Hand... Hurts...
I'm gonna make my author's notes short, so no shoutouts again, but this is almost the longest chapter I've ever written.
First, I have a couple disclaimers: (1) No, I don't 'This Little Bird', written by someone who I don't know, and resung by Jewel Kilcher and her mother. (2) No, I don't own 'Wash Away Those Years' by Creed. (3) I don't own 'The Nght Before Christmas' written by some guy to his kids... Don't know who though. (4) I already SAID I don't own DBZ or anything affiliated with it.
Next, I have a challenge. Can anyone take the following sentence, and tell me what's going to happen in the next chapter?: Gohan walked passed Vegeta, who was leaning against the doorway to the living room, and sat down on the couch.
Well? There'll be plushies for anyone who guesses correctly, (excluding my sister if she reviews). Hint: It happens to Vegeta.
Anyways, Bai bai!
~Videl~ ~Z~