His Special Gift
Part Seven: Chi-Chi…Moving On?
The wedding was lovely, just how the bride and groom wanted it, simple yet elegant and surrounded with friends and family. Krillin and 18 married at sunset on Master Roshi's island. Bulma had the food catered at the reception that was held in Master Roshi's house.
At first, most of Krillin's friends weren't for the relationship, but after time they realized how right Krillin and 18 were for each other. They were amazed at how 18 got Krillin to grow his hair back. He looked like a whole new man with hair. Bulma even got Vegeta to attend the event. Of course, he had to make his snide comment here and there mumbled he was forced into it and promised food if he came.
"No, Goten. You already had one tonight," Chi-Chi told him.
Chi-Chi had fixed another plate for food for Goten and both were heading back to their seat when they passed the table the cake was on.
"Please, Momma? Please," Goten whimpered and got that sad look in his eyes the way his father got when he wanted something he couldn't get. Chi-Chi knew Goten had won.
"All right, but only one more," Chi-Chi said. She cut a piece of cake and handed it to Goten.
"Thank you, Momma!" Goten said cheerfully. He looked so much like his father she almost started to cry. The two sat down at their seat with Gohan. He was growing into a young man all right. At fourteen, he was nearly as tall as her and his voice was going through the stages of changing from a child into a man. Chi-Chi knew once he gets older, he was going to be as tall as his father.
"Dad would've liked this, wouldn't he, Mom?" Gohan asked.
"I think your father would've been more shocked than anything else," Chi-Chi commented as she helped Goten eat. "Imagine the look on his face to see Krillin and Android 18 marry. I can see his eyes bulging out and him screaming, 'Krillin and 18?!'." Chi-Chi laughed. "I think he would be shock to see Krillin with hair. I don't think your father ever saw Krillin with hair." 'Knowing Goku, he'd probably wonder how human and androids have sex.' She laughed at the thought of her husband asking her that. "Still, he would've been happy to see Krillin marry."
Gohan saw Krillin and 18 dancing to a song. Krillin was turning red in the face and 18 was smiling softly at him. He saw his Mom moving softly to the music. It looked as if she wanted to dance herself.
"You want to dance, Mom?" Gohan asked.
Chi-Chi looked at Gohan surprised. "What?" She had to hold back a laugh when he said 'dance'. His voice was still changing.
Gohan stood up and held his hand out to her. "A dance."
"You want to dance with your Mom?" Chi-Chi asked incredulously.
Gohan nodded nervously. "Yeah."
"Don't worry. I'll watch Goten for you," Yamcha said taking a seat besides Chi-Chi.
"Thanks for watching Goten, Yamcha. Come on, Gohan." Chi-Chi let Gohan lead her on the dance floor. Chi-Chi thought her son was very good. He was fast learner unlike his father. She smiled thinking about how she showed Goku how to dance. He was a little clumsy at first, stepping on her toes, stumbling and knocking them both on the floor, but he got it. "See? Those dance lessons I gave you help. Some girl is going to be lucky to have you as a dancing partner."
Gohan blushed. "Yeah."
"After this, we'll congratulate Krillin and 18 and leave."
Bulma watched Chi-Chi on the dance floor with Gohan. Four-year-old Trunks was beside her eating not caring what was going on. "Oh, I feel so sorry for Chi-Chi. I bet she wished Goku was dancing with her instead of Gohan."
Vegeta laughed, smirking arrogantly with his arms and legs crossed. "As if Kakarot could dance."
"Why don't you go ask Chi-Chi for a dance?"
"What?!" Vegeta yelled shocked. "Have you lost your mind? I'm not dancing with Kakarot's wife."
"Oh, come on, Vegeta. She looks lonely," Bulma said.
"No!" Vegeta argued.
"Baby," Bulma said and looked at Yamcha. He was sitting with Goten watching Chi-Chi and Gohan danced. "I'll ask Yamcha. He likes Chi-Chi anyway. I'm sure he'll be happy to do it."
Bulma started to get up but Vegeta grabbed her wrist and sat her back down beside him. "What do you mean Yamcha likes Kakarot's wife?"
"Not that you would care, but he has a crush on her. He's liked her for a long time now. Krillin and I noticed it at Chi-Chi's baby shower. Krillin doesn't think Yamcha should pursue her, but I think it will be okay. Goku's dead and he's not coming back. Why should Chi-Chi waste her life mourning him? She's still young. She should move on."
"No," Vegeta spoke firmly. "She's the wife of a Saiyan and therefore should remain loyal to him even in death. Once Saiyans take a mate, they take one for life."
"So you're saying that even though Chi-Chi lost her husband at a young age, she shouldn't date anyone else?"
"Exactly, and any other man, especially Yamcha since he was Kakarot's friend, should not pursue her. Any man of honor wouldn't." He smirked. "He's nothing compared to a Saiyan anyway. You know that from experience yourself."
Bulma caught the sexual innuendo he was referring to. She rolled her eyes and looked away. "You're a jerk."
"That's not what you called me last night."
"Oh, shut up, and don't talk that way in front of your son," Bulma argued.
"He's too young to understand. Besides, you do a lot worse with the clothes you wear in front of him," Vegeta shot back.
"That's it. I'm going," Bulma rose from her seat. She had enough of Vegeta for tonight. She walked to the floor and interrupted Chi-Chi and Gohan's dance. Bulma danced with Gohan and Chi-Chi returned to her seat. "Hey, kid, you're doing a great job dancing with your Mom and making her happy. I'm sure your Dad would be proud of you."
"Thanks."
"How's your Mom anyway?"
"She's fine."
Bulma held back her own laugh at Gohan's changing voice. "Don't you think it's time for her to start dating. It's been nearly four years since Goku died. Don't you think she's lonely for male companionship?"
Gohan flushed with embarrassment. He didn't want to think about his mother like that. He knew what she was talking about. He was fourteen going on fifteen. "Bulma…um, I don't think my Mom…well, she misses my Dad. I don't think she would want to date anyone."
"You're just a kid and this is your Mom. How would you know? I know she wouldn't admit it, especially to you, but I think your Mom is lonely. Just think about it. I think it will make your Mom happy to have a man in her life."
Gohan frowned. He wasn't sure if he could see his mother with anyone else but his Dad. He knew Goku's friends rarely saw it but his parents were affectionate, often playful and truly loved each other. He remembered seeing his Mom and Dad kissing a few times, hugging, and his father could always make his mom smile no matter how mad she was at him. Gohan couldn't imagine his mother with another man. It just didn't feel right.
****
"Mommy, can I have this?" Goten asked holding a box of heavily sugar cereal.
"No, Goten. That's not good for you." Chi-Chi told him. She had sent Gohan off to get some milk and juice while she and Goten continued to shop. "Goten, could you get Mommy something?"
"Sure!" he said eagerly.
Chi-Chi picked Goten up and sat him on her shoulder. "Try to reach that box right there. The red one."
Goten stretched his short arms but he couldn't reach it. "I can't reach it, Momma."
Chi-Chi sat Goten down in the seat of the shopping cart. "That's okay. I'll get Gohan to get it for me."
"No need. I got it for you," a man said reaching up to get the box. "You wanted this?"
Chi-Chi smiled grateful at the man as she took the box from him. "Yes, thank you."
"You look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere?"
Chi-Chi looked at the tall man. He had sandy brown hair and green eyes. He looked young around her age. Chi-Chi had the same feeling she had seen him somewhere.
"Well, you do look familiar, but I can't recall where I've seen you."
The man looked at Chi-Chi and noticed the bun in her hair. "You wouldn't happen to be Son Chi-Chi, would you?"
"Yes, I am, but I don't know you," Chi-Chi said still trying to figure who this man was.
"You probably don't remember me, but I'm the Sahashi's kid. My parents live a few miles from your home."
Chi-Chi soon realized who he was. "Oh, I remember Mr. and Mrs. Sahashi. You're Hajiko, their son. It's been some years, hasn't it? I haven't seen you since Goku and I moved to Mount Paouz."
"Yeah, I was about eighteen at the time and going off to college and you two were newlyweds. Man, it's been--"
"Oh, please, don't mention the years," Chi-Chi interrupted. "It'll make me feel old."
"Aw, come on, you're still young and pretty. Besides, I'm your age, too. So, how's your husband?" Hajiko asked.
Chi-Chi frowned. She looked at Goten. She really didn't want to talk about it in front of her son. "He died almost four years ago," she whispered.
Hajiko understood seeing the child, she wanted to keep her voice low and not talk about it much. "Oh, I'm sorry. This is your son." He said looking over at Goten. "Hey, little guy," he said reaching out for Goten's hand to shake.
Goten gave him his hand and shook it. "Hi, I'm Goten!"
Hajiko laughed. "He's a cheerful one and friendly. Did your husband know about him?"
Chi-Chi shook her head. "No, I don't think so. He might have, but--" she left the rest of her words hang. She wanted to get off the subject of Goku's death. "So, what are you doing here? Last I heard, your parents said you were married living in South City. Your mother said you weren't fond of the country life and wanted the city."
"I still do. Live in South City I mean, but I got a divorce two years ago. It was amicable. I just came to see my Dad because he's been sick recently."
"Oh, I didn't know. Is he all right?" Chi-Chi asked concerned.
"He had a heart attack recently and I've been getting my Dad his medicine and helping Mom around the house."
"Oh," Chi-Chi covered a hand over her mouth stunned. "I didn't know. I haven't talk to your mother in a while. I've just been so busy with my children. How's your mother?"
"Strong as usual but grateful for my help."
"That's very kind of you to take time out of your busy schedule to help out on your parents," Chi-Chi told him.
"They are my parents. Speaking of them, I better go. My mom is waiting for the groceries. Since I'll be nearby, why don't I just come over and see you again? We could finish our talk."
"Sure. That would be nice."
Gohan walked to the aisle his mother and brother was on, holding the milk and juice and stopped when he saw his mother talking to another man. She seem to have known him or at least like him to by the way she was reacting. He was soon struck with what Bulma told him about his mother dating again. It just didn't feel right for his mother to date another man. The only person he could see with his mother was his father. He knew his mother yelled at his Dad sometimes but he knew deep down they truly loved each other.
Seven year old Gohan was in his room doing some last minute studying before going to bed. His Dad returned from Yardrat today. He went downstairs to get a little snack when he heard his parents talking in the living room. They were facing each other. Gohan knew his mother couldn't see him, but he saw the solemn look on her face.
"Sometimes I even wonder if you love me at all," Chi-Chi commented.
"Huh?"
"You've been gone for a whole year, Goku. I understand that you didn't know where you were going when you left Namek and crashed on Yardrat, but did you have to stay away for a year? I know you're a Saiyan so your wounds healed quicker. Why didn't you come home sooner? I get so lonely when you're not here. I felt like a widow and that you didn't want me because you were gone so long."
Goku gripped her shoulders, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry, but I had to go Chi-Chi. I had to stay away, but I came back as soon as I could."
"You had to save the world, the universe. You save the lives of billions of people and no one cares. No one cares about you or the fact that my husband is risking his life for them. Well, I do! I'm tired of you risking your life for everyone. I lost you once," her voice cracked as tears spilled from her eyes, "almost twice when you went up against Frieza and almost died escaping Namek. I can't go through this again. What if these Androids or that virus kills you? I don't know what I would do if I lost you."
Goku embraced Chi-Chi and let her cry on him. He rubbed her back soothingly. "Chi-Chi, I don't plan on dying again."
"Just because you don't plan doesn't mean it won't happen. Look how that visit to Master Roshi turned out." Chi-Chi cried even harder. "Why does this happen to us? To you?"
Goku continued to soothe Chi-Chi in his arms. "Chi-Chi, I'll do my best to come home safely. I didn't mean to stay away for a year. When I crashed on Yardrat, I was badly injured. It took me a few months to completely heal from my injuries and I had to train to get my body in fit condition. Plus I learn this technique that will help us in battle. I had to learn more about being a Super Saiyan. I had to get control of this new power and I had to do it alone.
"I'm sorry it took so long, but I was thinking of you and Gohan the whole time I was on Yardrat. I missed you guys a lot when I was away. I couldn't wait until I got out of the spaceship and came home. I missed you the most."
Chi-Chi sniffed and looked up at Goku. "You did?"
"Of course I did. I love you."
A wry grin crossed her face. "You just love my cooking."
"Well, yeah, I love that too," he laughed. "But that wasn't all. I really did miss you, Chi-Chi. I missed talking to you, our walks we used to take when we were first married." A playful grin crossed his handsome face. "I miss making love to you."
Making love? What was that? Gohan didn't know what his father was talking about.
Chi-Chi blushed. "I've missed that, too."
Goku slowly ran his hands up and down her arms, a wicked smile on his face. "You know, it's been a long time since we've done it."
"Too long," Chi-Chi breathed huskily.
"Don't you think we should make up for lost time?" Goku asked.
There was something odd about his father's voice that Gohan didn't understand. His Dad never talked that way before.
"Yeah," his mother breathed heavily before her lips were captured by Goku's.
'Gohan, go to bed now!' Goku ordered his son telepathically.
Gohan jumped. He didn't know his Dad knew he was watching them. Gohan hadn't heard his father used that tone with him since he turned Super Saiyan and his father ordered him to leave. He remembered how angry his father was and he didn't want that anger going towards him. Gohan quickly and quietly went back upstairs to his bedroom.
At the time, Gohan didn't know what his parents were doing or why his Dad wanted him to go to his room, but now a little older, a little wiser, he understood. And it was because of this, the way his parents were he just couldn't see his mother with any other man.
'Am I being selfish because I don't want my Mom to date? I want Mom to be happy, but I always thought she'd be happy with Dad. I don't want her dating anyone else.'
****
"Yeah, this model is a lot better than the old one. Thanks," Yamcha said checking out the latest Capsule Corp. model of sport car.
"You might be able to tempt a certain mother of two with that car," Bulma teased.
"Mother of two?" Yamcha asked pretending to not understand Bulma.
"Cut it out, Yamcha. I know you like Chi-Chi. I don't think it would be weird if you date her. Goku's dead and not coming back. If he wanted someone to make Chi-Chi happy again, I'm sure he wouldn't mind you doing that."
At that moment, Vegeta stood in the doorway. He sent a death glare to Yamcha and resume walking down the hall.
Yamcha looked to Bulma. "What's his problem?"
"He knows about your attraction to Chi-Chi and thinks you should back off because she's a Saiyan's wife and even in death, one shouldn't advance on a widow. I think it's silly because Goku wouldn't mind if you looked after his wife. You've changed a lot since we've dated. You're more decent, mature now, and ready to settle down."
Yamcha rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, you're the only one who feels that way. Krillin talked to me about a movie he saw. I know he was lying and was talking about me. Anyway, this guy fell in love with his best friend's wife. He secretly watched from a far as the woman he loved gave birth to his best friend's kids. His best friend died suddenly and so the guy looked after his friend's wife. He fell even more in love with her. A few more years passed and the two grew close. They never kissed or anything like that, but the guy thought his friend's wife loved him as much as he loved her so he told her how he felt."
Bulma looked intrigue. "Yeah. Go on."
"The wife told him that she could love no one but her husband. The guy was heartbroken and left never to return again. He couldn't continue to see her and know that she would never love anyone but her husband."
"That's so sad," Bulma commented. "That's not always the case. I still say you should go for it. Forget what anyone else thinks. If Chi-Chi is happy with you, then that's what matters, isn't it?"
Yamcha sighed. "I guess so. I haven't felt this way in a while towards a girl. I'll think about it."
Yamcha waved goodbye to Bulma and left. He saw Vegeta standing on the side of Capsule Corporation. He was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.
"Listen to baldy and stay away from Kakarot's wife."
"Huh?" Yamcha said turning around and seeing Vegeta talking to him.
"If you try anything with Kakarot's wife, I will not hesitate to knock some sense in you."
"And then you will have to deal with Bulma. She's not a Saiyan but her temper matches your fighting skill. Just stay out of my life." He argued and took off.
****
Yamcha entered his apartment and dropped his keys down. It was a fairly clean apartment for a bachelor. He thought of how nice it would be in a home with a wife who cleaned their home and cook him dinner and a few kids to call him Daddy and want to play with him. His mind drifted to Chi-Chi.
He always thought she was a pretty girl ever since he met her at the tournament, but he didn't have any feelings for her since he was with Bulma and she was Goku's fiancée at the time. He also thought she was loud and overbearing especially when it came to Gohan training instead of studying and often wondered how Goku could stay married to her. He knew Goku made a promise but Yamcha thought even Goku's patience could wear out.
That all changed the day Goku got sick from the heart virus. He remembered that day vividly. He flew down with Goku hanging over him. He saw Chi-Chi outside hanging the clothes on the line. When she saw him, she just knew something had happened to her husband. She rushed pass Yamcha to Goku asking what happened. He explained his heart virus attacked him. Chi-Chi immediately rushed them inside to a room and got his medication.
Yamcha watched as Chi-Chi gently gave Goku his medicine, blotted his forehead and face with a cold towel to cool down his fever, talking to him calmly when he had his bouts with the heart virus attacking him. He noticed how Goku would calm down under Chi-Chi's soothing voice. He saw how concerned Chi-Chi was over him, crying, begging Goku to get well.
When they were at Master Roshi's island he saw how much the two cared for each other even when Goku was sick and unconscious.
Yamcha headed upstairs to check on Goku. Gohan was outside studying like his mother wanted. Master Roshi was downstairs watching the news, Chiaotsu was cooking a snack for everyone and Trunks, Krillin and Tien were taking a nap. They were all exhausted with the bout with the Androids.
He saw the door partly open and peeked in. He found Chi-Chi sitting by the window with Goku's head in her lap. She was running her fingers through his hair gently. The fan was on, blowing on Goku to keep him cool.
"You're getting a lot stronger by the day, Goku. You're going to wake up soon, aren't you? I wish you would wake up today. I want to see you smile and your eyes get all excited. I want to see you happy. Gohan's here and he would love to see you wake up." Chi-Chi laughed seeing Goku smile. "Yeah, there's that smile. If only you could wake up."
Goku's left hand reached up into his hair and joined with Chi-Chi's hand that was rubbing his hair. He squeezed it. Chi-Chi leaned over and kissed Goku's hand that was joined with hers.
"I love you, Goku."
Goku's hand squeezed Chi-Chi's a little tighter. Chi-Chi pushed the bangs back from Goku's forehead and kissed the cool skin. "I know you love me, too." Chi-Chi smiled seeing Goku smiled again.
"I'll always love you and I'll always take care of you, Goku." She laughed a little. "Do you remember the time when you were training for the Androids? We were sitting up in bed talking and I mentioned how I like to have another child. You wanted another one, too."
Goku smiled again. "You and I agreed to have another child. Goku, you told me we'd get started after this thing with the Androids, but I'm worried it won't happen." Goku squeezed Chi-Chi's hand again. Chi-Chi smiled. "You think it will?" He squeezed her hand and Chi-Chi smiled. "Well, if you think so then I think so."
Yamcha knew they had a special connection, but Goku was gone now. Chi-Chi was alone. Surely, she would be lonely. He saw how she cared for Goku and kind of hope Chi-Chi would feel the same way towards him someday. He would take things slow with her. Chi-Chi seem like that type of woman if you forget the fact at how quickly she and Goku got married.
Yamcha felt he could be that man to replace the void in Chi-Chi's heart that Goku left in her. He could make her happy. Her sons would have a role model to look up to with him. He wasn't the same man he was when he was with Bulma. He saw her grow up after him. She had a child and eventually married his father. She was moving on and Yamcha felt it was time for him--to marry, to have a family of his own. Gohan was growing into a fine young man and Goten was so adorable. They wouldn't mind having him as a step-dad.
****
Gohan was outside with Goten. Gohan lug a tree over his shoulder and Goten was walking beside him. The youngest Son looked up at his older brother with amazement.
"Wow, Gohan. I want to be strong like you."
Gohan laughed. "You will, Goten. Don't worry." Gohan sat the large tree down in the back of the house. "Stand back, Goten, and watch this."
Goten did as he was told and watched as Gohan chopped the tree into many pieces of firewood with his hand. The little boy was very impressed at what his big brother could do. He ran to Gohan when he was through.
"Wowee! That was cool! I wanna do that!"
"You will, Goten. I'll show you when you get older," he screeched out the last word in a high pitched voice.
Goten giggled. "Your voice is funny, Gohan."
Gohan just smiled. He didn't think his younger brother would understand his changing voice was all due to puberty. "I can be kind of funny. Let's go inside. I bet Mom has lunch for us." He took his little brother's hand and walked around the front of the house. There, they saw a car parked near the family car.
"Looks like we have company, Goten." They walked passed the window and Gohan saw Hajiko talking with his mother at the table. He turned away and frowned. He didn't like this.
"What's wrong, Gohan?" Goten asked.
Gohan frown seeing this man talk to his mother. Was his mother really going to start dating? What if she dates again and forget about his father? How could she after all his parents been through?
"Do you think Daddy will get his license today, Mom?"
Gohan was sitting at the table waiting for his Mom to finish dinner. His father was going to come home soon from driving school. This was his fifth time. He had gotten a lot better than the first time he went, especially since Piccolo wasn't with him. He could actually concentrate instead of goofing off and he almost got his license the last time if he hadn't crashed into a car while making an illegal U-turn when he saw an ice cream truck passed by.
Chi-Chi sighed. "I don't know. If your father doesn't get it this time, I'm just gonna give up and keep walking my tired, aching feet to the store while you two train."
Gohan frowned. He didn't like it when his mother was sad. He wanted her to be happy and she would be extremely happy if his Dad got his driver's license. That way she could have his father drive her to the store whenever she needed. His Dad just had to pull through this time.
The door opened and Goku walked in. There was something different about the way he looked when he entered the house. When he entered the house after his driving lesson, he looked worried like a little boy in trouble with his mother because he knew he failed the test and Chi-Chi would get mad. He was very quiet like he wanted to sneak in and avoid his wife. This time it was different. His father walked in the same way, but there was something different in his eyes. It was like he knew something that no one else did.
"Hi, Chi-Chi," Goku said sadly. He saw Gohan, looking at him oddly. Goku put a finger to his mouth and winked at his son.
"Hello, Goku. How was driving school?" She asked with her back to him. She was taking out a large ham out of the oven and setting it on the counter.
"It was…fine," He looked as if he was going to burst with what he knew.
"Let me guess--you failed the test again," Chi-Chi said annoyed.
Goku grinned. "Would a guy who failed the test have this?" He pulled out a card and waved it in front of Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi read the card and took it out of Goku's hand. It was a picture of him, his address, height, weight, hair and eye color. It was his driver's license! Chi-Chi turned around and jumped into Goku's arms.
"Oh, Goku you did it! You got your driver's license! Oh, I'm so proud of you!" She showered Goku with kisses all over his face.
Goku raised Chi-Chi higher in his arms so that she was looking down at him with her arms around his neck and he was looking up at her happy like she was. "Yeah, I couldn't believe it too! My driving teacher was very relieved I finally passed!"
"I bet he was," Chi-Chi laughed. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so happy."
"Gohan? Gohan?" Goten called tugging on Gohan's pants leg trying to get his big brother attention.
Gohan snapped out of the memory and looked down at his little brother. "What's wrong, Gohan?"
Gohan forced a smile. "Nothing, Goten. Just thinking. Let's play by the river. Mom doesn't have lunch ready yet."
"'Kay!"
Gohan put his little brother on his back and they flew off. Yamcha saw Gohan and Goten fly away. In his hand were flowers. He knew Chi-Chi was a traditional and old fashioned woman so he was going to go about it her way. He started to say something to them but thought it was best that he talked to Chi-Chi alone. Today he was going to tell Chi-Chi how he felt for her and offer an invitation to dinner.
He landed and saw another car next to the Son's family car. He wondered who the other guest was. He looked in and saw Chi-Chi talking to a man. With the window cracked open, he listened in on the conversation.
"Wow. Goten looks a lot like his father," Hajiko commented as he saw a picture of Goku on the wall.
Chi-Chi and Hajiko had been talking for nearly an hour now about their families over a cup of coffee. He was pleasant company and it's been a while she talked to an adult about her kids.
"Yeah, he acts like him, too. He like Goku's twin," Chi-Chi said drinking her coffee. "He would've been so proud to see him." She looked out the window. Goten and Gohan should be back from chopping wood now. How are your parents?"
"Dad's doing a lot better, but he still needs his rest. With Dad doing a lot better, I'll be going home soon." He paused before saying what he wanted to. "This may seem out of the blue, but how about I call you?"
"What do you mean?" Chi-Chi asked.
"Well, I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner sometime."
Yamcha blinked. Someone was after Chi-Chi, too? Just who was this guy? He would be better for Chi-Chi than this guy ever would. He continued to listen in on what Chi-Chi would say.
Chi-Chi was surprised. "You mean as in a date?"
"Yes."
Chi-Chi shook her head. "I'm sorry, but no. You're a nice man, Hajiko, but the only man for me would be Goku. I never felt love with anyone but him. He was the only man to make me truly happy and I just couldn't be with anyone but him. I love him too much. I'll always love Goku. It make look like I'm lonely and a part of me is, but another part of me is happy. I'll always be happy with my children." She sighed. "There was a point in my life where I thought I couldn't go on without Goku and then I discovered I was pregnant with Goten and when I see Goten I see my Goku and I feel his love around me. There's no other man for me but him."
Hajiko nodded in understanding. "I see. He was truly special wasn't he?"
"Yes, he was."
"Well, this is uncomfortable," Hajiko said rising from his seat. "I wish you the best, Chi-Chi. I'll see my parents a little bit before going back to South City."
Chi-Chi smiled. "Thank you for understanding."
Yamcha just stood outside feeling like a fool. He kept himself hidden when Hajiko got in his car and left. He looked at the flowers in his hand.
'What was I thinking? This is Goku's wife, my friend. What am I doing? What kind of man am I? I've been wrong. Chi-Chi wouldn't want me. She would want, Goku. She will continue mourning his death until she die.'
"Krillin and even Vegeta were right. I was wrong to have these feelings for Chi-Chi. Goku's saved my life so many times and I betray him by lusting after his wife and he wasn't even dead for a year. I have no honor for this. What kind of friend am I?"
"Yamcha, hi!"
Yamcha looked up to see Gohan with Goten on his back flying to him. Yamcha saw Goten's eyes and saw Goku. Guilt filled Yamcha at what he wanted to do. When he saw Goku's youngest son, the cheerful smile, the bright eyes, the happy laugh, all he could see was Goku looking back at him wondering how he could stab him in the back.
'Goku would hate me for this.' Yamcha thought.
"Hi, Yamcha," Gohan said cheerfully as he landed. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I just came to visit." Yamcha said. 'How would Gohan react if he knew how I felt about his mother?'
"Who are the flowers for?" Gohan asked sitting Goten back on the ground.
"Oh, this?" Yamcha looking at the dozen stem roses in his hands. "I, uh, have a date," he lied. "I was on my way, but I thought I stop by here first."
Gohan looked around. "Looks like that guy isn't here. I think he wanted to date my Mom."
"He did?" Yamcha feign surprise. "How do you feel about that?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't like it Yamcha. It would feel like someone taking over my Dad's place and I know my Mom. I don't think she would be happy with anyone but my Dad." Gohan cleared his voice. "This voice changing is annoying."
"You're right, buddy. Goku was the only man for your Mom. Tell her I said hi. I'm going to go on my date."
"Sure, Yamcha. Come by anytime."
"Bye, Yamcha!" Goten waved.
A pain of guilt crossed his face as he waved goodbye to Goten, thinking about what he had almost done. He was going to throw the flowers away and forget about Chi-Chi. She wasn't his. She never was his. She always belong to Goku. He didn't have a chance with her. The problem was that Yamcha refused to see the signs and accept it until now.
Gohan and Goten entered the house. "Hi, Mom. We're back."
Chi-Chi turned to her sons as she put out the food for lunch. "You two took your time. You missed a guest."
"No, we didn't, Momma," Goten said. "We saw him but Gohan said we should leave you alone."
Chi-Chi looked surprised. "Why did you do that?"
"I…" he rubbed the back of his nervously. "I thought you might like him."
"Like him?" Chi-Chi shook her head. "No. Never. Strange you should say that. He wanted to take me to dinner."
"Are you gonna go to dinner, Momma?" Goten asked innocently.
Chi-Chi leaned over and rubbed Goten's hair. "No, sweetie. I won't be going to dinner with anyone but you two. Now why don't you and your brother wash your hands for lunch."
"Okay, Momma! Come on, Gohan," Goten said pulling his brother's hand. Gohan followed his brother to the bathroom to clean their hands. He smiled. He was happy. With what his mother said, he knew that his mother would never love anyone but his father. No one would take Goku's place as Gohan and Goten's father and Chi-Chi's wife.
To Be Continued
Part Eight: Learning About Daddy
Trinity: Yeah, I like those stories too because I always wondered what happened. My favorite time gap is the one before DBZ starts where Goku and Chi-Chi learn love and their new life as a married couple and this period, because it was changing period for everyone--Chi-Chi mourned Goku's death and understood his need for fighting and wasn't hard on Goten to study like Gohan, Krillin and 18 marrying and having a child and Bulma and Vegeta falling in love with each other.
Digi Fan: Thanks.
Kari073: I was thinking the same thing about Vegeta. I think Vegeta was watchful over them in his own way and that was because Gohan and Goten are Saiyans and Chi-Chi was a wife of a Saiyan and their race is nothing but a handful now. The next chapter would be focused on Goten learning about his Daddy and his start in training.
GOGI: Thanks.
GD: ::high fives GD:: Krillin is the funny one. I know when the situation is grim, I'm going to get a laugh from him. Goten is just so adorable.
CB: Thanks for the compliment. Have fun on your vacation too! You know if your Dad takes a nap, you can sneak on then. Hee. Hee.
Brios201: Thanks! Yeah, I truly think Goten helped Chi-Chi get over her anger about fighting and made her lighting up a bit.
Gogirl: The story will end when Goku comes back for his one day visit. If it weren't for the Uub thing, I think DBZ should've ended with "He's Always Late".
Lady Athena: Yamcha took it hard and finally opened his eyes and realized he could never have Chi-Chi. She belongs to Goku. I'll try not to be long next time. Thanks for the review.
Moon Girl: I think Goten was adorable in this chapter and he'll be even cuter in the next one. I just want to hug that little boy. He's so adorable!
