Life, Love, and Just Desserts

by Daughter of Chaos

After expressing a certain fear to Videl, Gohan finds his world turned upside down by the love of his life and the little miracle called parenthood.

2. That's What Little Boys are Made of

~That's What Little Boy's are Made of~

Excited wasn't the word. It was really something that bordered more on fear. Not of prom. Of the plans she was developing for after prom. Prom was something for the preppy kids to enjoy and flaunt. While Satan Videl was notorious, and perhaps the best known face in Orange Star High, she had never been a prep. Unfortunately, prom was a necessary evil of the teenage romantic. And romance certainly had something to do with her post prom plans.

There were a few bugs in the plan yet. The young woman cast a glance down to her boyfriend, who was engaged against Sharpner in a pointless, thoughtless computer game. First and foremost was Gohan himself. He could be downright muley about some things. There was a certain, understandable reason that her plans could cause him to put down all fours and bray in her ear. Then again, there was also the off chance that he would not argue. That brought her back to worrying at square one.

Not, of course, that Satan Videl would ever worry about anything related to a boy. Even a little thing like sex would not, could not, bother her. Just because she was a virgin, had never seen some portions of the male anatomy in person before, and was kind of a small girl, that would in no way concern someone like her. Heh, Worry? Wrong girl.

Or… maybe not. It was a shame that bluffing herself could not be as easy as making others believe her. It was a very good thing that she was well practiced in keeping a cool exterior. Gohan was nieve, but he was not blind. She'd gone with him to the ophthalmologist just to be sure of that. All Videl had to do was keep her head until tomorrow night. No sweat.

"Woohooo, Orange Star to Videl, come in Videl!"

Videl jerked back as a hand was suddenly waving before her eyes. Those pink painted nails retreated back to their owner and Erasa laughed. "Geez, girl, where were you? With that kind of trip the least you could do is send me a post card or something!"

Videl didn't miss a beat. "I was thinking about tomorrow."

"OH, I know! Sharpy and I have all the trimmings for this. I think we'll get voted Prom King and Queen, we just have too! And even if we aren't, we'll be the best looking couple on prom court. Wow, I'm so excited! I don't get why you and Gohan didn't sign up to be in the voting though. You guys for sure would have won."

Raising an eyebrow at her bubbly friend, Videl questioned, "Erasa, how long have you known me? Do I look like the prom court variety? I don't think so. And you know how Gohan prefers to hide in his corner. You and Sharpner are by far a better couple for the running."

Erasa giggled. "Well, when you put it like that… Anyway, Noon tomorrow, I'm at your house and we're going to be the dress up queens."

Videl rubbed at the sore spot she could feel beginning just behind her eyes. "Yeah. And the boys will be by to pick us up at three."

"Yup… Oh, I can't wait to…" Erasa leaned conspiratorially towards her friend, "To see Sharpy in that pretty white Tux he picked up."

Videl snorted. "He's wearing a white tux? Are you kidding?"

Erasa jumped from her seat and clamped her hands over Videl's mouth. "Shsss, it's a secret! But, yes! And I bought him this adorable pink boutonnière. We're going to look so good!"

Rolling her eyes, Videl pointed to the hands still over her mouth. A secret, figures that Erasa blabbed it. Though, she did manage to wait until the day before prom before it came out. Erasa giggled again and pulled her hands away. By then she'd gotten the attention of both of the males of their little group though. "What the hell are you two doing? You made me loose a Tetris match to Brains here!"

"Nice try, Sharpner, you've been loosing to him since you to started that game."

"Eh, whatever, Videl. It's just a game anyway. You giving away all of Erasa's dirty little secrets over there? That'll take all of two minutes, tops."

Erasa proceeded to stick her tongue out at the blonde boy she called boyfriend. "Thanks, Sharpy. It's none of your business what we're talking about anyway!"

Glancing at the clock on his computer, Sharpner grinned and placed a finger 'thoughtfully' on his chin. "Well let me consider this. Hmm, Prom maybe?"

Erasa stood and took a threatening step toward Sharpner. "Why do you have to be such an… an ass about these things!"

"Umm, well," The bell sounded loudly through the room, "Sorry babe, gotta go!"

Erasa took off after the man as he ran through the door and out into the steadily filling halls. "Sharpner, you get back here! Sharpy, I swear, don't you run from me!"

Videl raised an eyebrow at the two retreating figures. They were absolutely crazy, both of them, but she wouldn't have traded either. It was actually kind of cute; dread the word as she might. Gohan chuckled before standing and offering her a hand up. Videl smiled and accepted. "I don't know, Vidy, is it safe to be out with them before Prom? They may just start a food fight…"

"We can only hope. At least that would liven the evening up."

Gohan shook his head and gave her a gentle push toward the door. "You really don't have a high opinion on this."

She headed automatically to her own locker first, opening it and tossing all the books in. She wasn't bringing anything home this weekend. Pulling on the jacket she had conceded to wearing that morning (it had been flippin' cold that day) Videl closed the locker and finally turned back to her boyfriend. "Why should I? I don't have any school spirit to speak of, I can't dance, and I hate dresses with a passion."

The half Saiyan's arm slid about her waist and pulled her close. "Maybe because of the company? Videl, I will do everything I can to make sure that you have a good evening tomorrow. Maybe even an exciting one, for both of us!"

"I know you will, Gohan. Thank you." Videl turned slightly in his grasp and pulled his head down for a quick kiss.

Gohan blushed slightly and they continued to his locker before exiting to the roof. Videl mentally laughed at the irony of it. He would do everything he could to give her an exciting evening. If only he knew. On the terrace of Orange Star, Gohan bid her a farewell kiss before clicking the red button on his watch and taking off. Though, he turned, a short distance off and grinned. "I'll see you at three, my lovely lady." And then zoomed off, out of sight.

Videl smiled to herself. He was so goofy and she loved that in him. With a lighthearted laugh, Videl leaped off the roof with a whoop and flew off back to her own home.

____________________________________

"Oye, big brother, why are you tryin' ta choke yourself?"

The sound of a hand thawping the back of someone's head resounded through the room. "He's not trying to choke himself, stupid. It's called a tie. Dad says that women make guys wear em' so they've got built in leashes at formal thingies."

"Trunks, that's not it at all…"

Goten blinked, "Why does Videl need a leash for Gohan?"

"Guys," Gohan maneuvered the knot of the deep blue tie to the exact center of his front, "Ties are not leashes…"

"I don't know," the young purple haired sprite shrugged, "Maybe she doesn't think he's house trained yet."

The teen of the group shook his head. Goten and Trunks had been playing in the room as Gohan got himself prepared for the afternoon. The battle between the Great Saiyaman action figure and the Superman action figure had been forgotten as the boys found a new target of fascination, Gohan attempting to dress himself in formal attire. They now sat on the eldest's bed critiquing their own little private fashion show.

Half turning to his audience, Gohan tucked the light gray dress shirt into the black pants of the tux. "Trunks, a tie is not a leash. Women do not need to use them as a leash and I'm not wearing it just for the 'formal thingie'."

"But you are wearing the funny clothes for the formal thingie, big brother."

Trunks snickered. "No, he's wearing all that get up to impress Viiidddeeeeelllllll… He wants to get close to her and touch her and kiss her," the boy picked up the forgotten Saiyaman doll and began petting it's head, in a tone mocking Gohan he continued, "'Oh, Videeelllll, your so pretty I just want to kiss you and touch you aaallllll over!'" This was followed by the figure being tossed onto the bed and Trunks 'ravaging' it making exaggerated moaning noises.

Goten fell back on the bed laughing. For his part the older brother, yes Gohan counted both the boys as his siblings, snickered despite himself. "Give it up Trunks, your going to give poor Saiyaman there an identity crisis."

Squinching his nose up, Goten sat back up to glare at his friend. "Ewwww, Trunks! You kissed my Great Saiyaman! Now I gotta wash it before we can play again…"

Gohan laughed as he shrugged into the dress coat the completed his outfit. Raking a hand through his unruly hair, the teen turned to reach down to his night stand. Only… where were his glasses? Oh yeah. "I hope you two are done having Superman play Clark Kent with my glasses. At the moment Great Saiyaman's counterpart needs them more."

Goten nodded and hopped off the bed to run and grab his brother's glasses off of the floor. Returning to Gohan's side, he happily held out his cargo. "Here, big brother. You do look nice; I think Videl will like it."

The teen grinned down at his little brother. "Thanks Squirt!" He took the offered lenses, ruffled Goten's wild hair, and slid the glasses on his nose. "Uh, whoa!"

Trunks, who had also slid off of the bed, questioned, "Now what's the matter, Four eyes?"

Gohan took a moment to mock glare at his surrogate little brother. "That's Mr. Four Eyes to you. And I'm seeing spots before my eyes! In the shapes of little fingerprints, not that either of you would know how that happened."

The youngest dropped his eyes to the floor. "We're sorry, big brother."

Gohan couldn't take the look. Fixing a smile on his face, the elder brother bent down and picked the younger up, giving him a brief but fierce hug. "Don't worry about it, Goten! That's why they invented glass cleaner. I have to head out in that direction anyway, the real fashion critics are out there waiting, in the form of our mothers."

The purple haired demi, who had been making faces at the display of brotherly affection, grimaced for real. "Oh yeah. Hey, Gohan? Maybe you should just leave out the window. Me and Goten won't say anything, but fly fast, our moms are good!"

"A little too good, Trunks. I'd have to come home sometime, and then I would get the lecture to top them all!"

"But I thought you were staying at that Sharp… Shap…. umm, the blonde guy's house tonight."

Gohan nodded, picking up the capsule he had packed with the necessities of the evening. "Yeah I am, Squirt. That's just one night though."

The youngest bit his lip, "Then I guess you should face Mom and Bulma now."

"I think your right." Straightening the jacket and tie one last time, Gohan headed towards the door. "And the sooner the better."

Exiting into the hall and toward the cheerful women's voices in the living room, Gohan noted that the two kids had decided to follow him. It was also noted before he got to the room that both Vegita and his father were inside and by the feel of Vegita's Ki at least, he was not pleased about it. With a deep breath, the teen stepped into the living room.

"Oh! My little Gohan looks so sophisticated!," a long sigh escaped Chi Chi's lips, "I'm going to have my grandbabies yet!"

Bulma laughed from her seated position on the Son couch. "Really, Chi Chi, can't you let him go to Prom first? Now come over her and turn around for me Gohan."

Nodding, Gohan stepped up to the center of the room and completed a full circle on his heel. The two women made a show of pampering and flattering the young man. Goku grinned at his son. Vegita tipped his nose up and snorted loudly. "Really, the things you human raised brats do to get laid. Just take the Satan spawn mate of yours and fuck her all ready, leave the monkey suit."

Gohan's anger tipped over the edge and his face flushed a nasty crimson. However, for all that he was mad; Bulma and the hormonal imbalance of pregnancy had him topped. The blue haired woman shoved herself from the couch and walked threateningly up to her lover. Her enlarged belly, nearly seven months in the making, pressed into Vegita's own abdomen as she leaned nose to nose with the man. "I don't EVER want to hear you say things like that about Gohan and his mate, er, GIRLFRIEND, Vegita! A relationship revolves around more than just SEX you arrogant bastard! Not that you would ever remember THAT, hmm?"

Abruptly Bulma stepped back. She laid a hand on her belly, a strange contortion of half pain sliding across her features. Vegita smirked. Bulma glared at him before turning a soft look down to her stomach. "I see that you're going to be a Daddy's girl. Taking sides all ready though won't hold you in good standing with me!"

Before the argument could be taken up again, Gohan stepped in. "Hey, you guys? I need to get going if I'm going to be on time."

Chi Chi stepped up to her eldest then, snatching the glasses from his nose and cleaning them on her dress before slipping them back on his face. She smiled then and began straightening any tiny wrinkles she found in his suit. "Do you have everything you need? Money, prom tickets? The stuff for tonight? And I'd better not hear anything about alcohol this time! Going out to your Prom… Oh! My sweet little Gohan is just growing up so fast! And don't forget to get pictures taken of you and Videl! Maybe I should go with you; I want to see how pretty she must look!"

Gohan, who had been quietly slipping in 'Yes Mom' where he could in the torrent, looked stricken at the last. Go with? She wouldn't… Apparently sensing his eldest's predicament, Goku silently slipped behind Chi Chi and wrapped his arms about her. "He'll be fine, Chi Chi! Won'cha, Gohan? No sweat. Now get outta here son, have fun!"

Gohan let out a heart felt sigh and smiled gratefully at his father. With a quick hug for Goten and a goodbye for the rest of the crew, Gohan was out the door and in the air. With a quick detour by the refrigerator, of course. Next stop, Satan Mansion.

___________________________________

"Can I look yet?"

"Absolutely not! I just got your make up done, Videl. I still need to figure out what to do with your hair. If only it were still long…"

Miss Satan rolled her eyes. "Erasa, I was just going to run a comb through it and call it good. The boys will be here in fifteen minutes!"

The blonde tsked, brushing down the puff of the bottom on her pink dress. "Videl, I'm serious! This is our one and only prom! Don't you want to look good for it? Actually," Erasa batted her lashes, lengthened by mascara, "Don't you want to look good for Gohan?"

Videl sighed. Damn Erasa for using him as her Achilles heel. Resigned to her fate, Videl squirmed a bit on the stool set up in her bathroom as Erasa began doing something to her hair. Both were fully decked out in dress and make up by then. Unfortunately, as Erasa worked before her, Videl got a full view of the other teen's bosom. The pink dress being very low cut in the front. In the back too, actually. Long only in the lower half where it flared like some exuberant flower. Erasa had her own face decked out in light, airy coloring. But it wasn't too much. If there was one thing Erasa knew how to do and do well, it was playing beauty parlor.

Videl smiled slightly, and closed her eyes to block out the bubbly blonde before her. Her own dress was, thank Kami, not puffy. The straight cut blue satin coming down to the tops of her low heeled strappy shoes. Honestly, it was lower in the front than anything Videl had ever touched before. And ah, straight cut as in no frills. Not as in it didn't hug her body close. And the slit up her left leg came a little higher than she was necessarily comfortable with. It was absolutely opaque, but it left very little to the imagination. She had even had to resort to a Kami-Damned pair of thong underwear to eliminate panty lines. Satan Videl despised thong underwear more than dresses.

Son Gohan had better very well appreciate what she was going through for him.

Erasa's grumbling about uncooperative, unruly hair finally quieted and she stepped back from her personal Barbie doll. "There! You can look now Videl. Your gonna nock poor Gohan for a loop! Oh," She squealed and clapped her hands together, "this is so exciting!"

Cautiously standing from the stool, Videl turned to get a good look at her self in the large vanity mirror above her personal sink. Shades of blue marked her eyelids, a tinge of blush on her cheeks, and a nice unobtrusive color rested on her lips. A small hair clip, with a blue flower on it trapped one of her more unruly locks of hair. It looked almost out of place, and yet… Despite herself, Videl liked the effect. "Wow, Erasa, you did a great job, thank you!"

The blonde giggled and began tugging her friend from the bathroom. "You're so welcome! But come on, we gotta show your Dad before he leaves!"

Videl sighed. She had promised that much to her father. She allowed Erasa to drag her down the stairs, noting that the other girl had picked up their purses on the way. Satan Hercule was going to be gone for a couple of days, business trip. Taking Buu with him. The house staff was dismissed for the evening and the course of the next day, as Videl was going to be at Erasa's house.

Hercule was actually waiting for his daughter at the bottom of the stairs. Buu was behind him, playing with Bee. Videl grinned to herself as she saw a smile tip her father's features. An honest smile for once. Stepping down in front of the man, Videl nodded. "Daddy."

Mr. Satan rested both of his large, somewhat hairy hands on his daughter's shoulders for a moment getting a good look at her, and then pulled Videl into a bear hug. "My little girl has gone and grown up with out me!" Pulling back again, he held Videl at arms length. "Daddy's little Sweat Pea is a woman. I wish I could be here when that scrawny boy shows up. Videl, sweetie, if that boy even considers showing up late, you call Daddy on his cell phone and I'll be back here in a heart beat to show that little runt some manners! The same goes to you Erasa, if that blonde twerp considers ditching, I'll beat him up too!"

The pink house guest tapped Hercule on the shoulder with his gloved hand. Turning from his daughter, he questioned, "What is it, Buu?"

An expression that Videl took as confusion was on Buu's face. "How you beat up Gohan boy when he stronger than you?"

"I, well, that boy would… and I'm her father!"

Videl shook her head. "Don't worry, Daddy. Gohan and Sharpner will be here. But you have to go, or you'll be late."

Hercule nodded. "All right then, Sweat Pea. You have fun, and don't let that boy talk you into anything! Come on Buu, we gotta go."

With that, he was out the door and climbing into the jet copter that had been waiting. Their limo wasn't there just yet. That was all right. Her father had insisted on the limo saying he would see his daughter going to prom any other way. Videl sighed. It was a good thing that Buu was around to keep her father entertained now. At least he was less prone to do stupid things 'for his little Sweat Pea' this way.

Erasa pulled her from her reverie. "Wow, your dad has a hard time growing you up, huh? That's all right; my Grandma always does that to me. She gave me a full body slipper sleeper suit last year. I mean, really! I hope the guys get here soon; I so can't wait to see them! Oh, here's your purse."

Videl grimaced as she took the offending thing. Purses were worse than thongs. "Erasa, I'm gonna ditch this thing."

The blonde rolled her eyes. "Videl, you need it to hold the retouch make up and your money! There isn't anyplace else you can put it!"

With a snort, Videl opened the thing and pulled out the lipstick Erasa had insisted she needed. This she dropped into Erasa's purse. Pulling out her money, Videl flung her own purse far across the room. "You can keep the lip stick, Erasa. I know Gohan will be here shortly with a set of perfectly useable pockets for the cash."

Erasa sighed. "You'll never get this girl thing down like that, Videl. Wait, how shortly? Do you know where he is? How about Sharpy?"

The excitable teen was of course referring to her limited KI sensing abilities. Erasa didn't understand it pur say, but she did know that Videl could tell when her friends were coming. Videl closed her eyes and concentrated. Gohan was easy to pick out, for her at least. He had his power repressed as usual, but he was flying and he was near. That, and Gohan was her trainer, and the first Ki signal she had ever identified. Sharpner was another story. He wasn't particularly powerful. Long years of familiarity with the man was what gave her the edge.

"They're both just about here. Scratch that, they are here." The doorbell rang to confirm that and Videl smirked at her friend.

Erasa wasn't paying attention though as she bound to the front door of the house. Flinging it open revealed Sharpner with his hand up and ready to hit the doorbell again and Gohan standing a short distance behind him. Erasa giggled and threw herself at Sharpner. "Hi, Sharpy! You look so good! And you guys both got here at the same time! Wow, this is so…"

She was silenced by Sharpner's kiss. Videl silently blessed him by all the things bright and beautiful in the world. Erasa excited was Erasa the motor mouth. Impressively, the white on Sharpner was not so gaudy as she had guessed it would be. The blonde male was a fairly good looking man. Except that he knew he was too.

It was Gohan that floored her. He wore a black tux, a gray shirt peeking from beneath the jacket. And a deep blue tie that matched her dress. He looked damn good. In his hand was a small container, she recognized flowers inside. Apparently realizing that he should step into the house, Gohan moved slowly forward, his eyes never left her. Videl smirked; it looked like the poor boy was having a hard time swallowing.

Crossing the distance between them, Videl casually reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Gohan flushed an interesting color, but brought his arms around behind her back, pulling her closer. "You look… wonderful, Videl!"

Feeling a seductive grin cross her features Videl stood on tip toe to nuzzle her nose against his in a peculiar Eskimo kiss. "You don't look so bad yourself." Their lips met.

A bubbly giggle ruined the whole moment. "Hey you two! Don't you have to breathe?"

Videl blushed and pulled back, but not out of Gohan's arms. He looked as disappointed as she felt. Videl turned enough to shoot a vicious glare at the two blondes who turned away quickly. She smirked as they started getting frisky with each other, tempted to interrupt as they had. Gohan brought his free hand to her chin then, and turned her face back to him. As if he had read her mind, he shook his head. "Leave them, Vidy. They won't bother us for a few minutes."

He smiled and pulled further back from her, pulling the container between them. Opening the lid, he pulled out the corsage with in and set the plastic on the table near by. Taking Videl's left hand, he gently slid the elastic strap over her wrist, fastening the flowers to her arm. White roses with tiny blue flowers and green leaves were topped off with a silken blue ribbon. Videl smiled and managed a thank you before they locked lips again. Distracting habit, that.

Pulling back on her own this time, Gohan's arm still wrapped possessively about her waist, Videl found that Erasa had received a beautiful red and pink corsage. Erasa giggled again and ran off saying she would go get the boutonnières Videl also quietly handed her money to Gohan, to once again pocket. He accepted it and said nothing. Erasa returned, and each girl got to pin the flowers to their boyfriend's suits. Erasa's was, pink. Videl had gone along with the blue theme.

The limo arrived shortly afterward. It was an hour trip to the restaurant Erasa had decided on. That left them an hour and a half to eat before the trip back to make it to Prom on time.

Videl easily slid into the vehicle, Erasa struggled with the puffy pink of her chosen dress. The limo was of the variety that had a bench seat by the driver's area, a bench seat in the back, and a longer seat down the left side. The right side was dedicated to a TV and a mini drink bar. Videl maneuvered to the longest bench, opposite the TV. Her dad was the one who rented the bloody thing; she at least deserved the most space. Er, she and Gohan, of course.

Erasa took the back seat and the two guys sat beside their respective girlfriends. The chauffer quietly closed the door behind them and they were soon on they're way. Now, Erasa, Videl, and in recent years, Sharpner were from upper class families. They tended to take things like mansions, ever-last credit cards, and limos in stride. It was for that reason that it took Videl a moment to figure out why Gohan had such a funny look on his face. The demi-Saiyan had never been in a limousine before. The dark haired girl smiled and snuggled against him, earning a bright smile.

The silence of the space was not to last though. "Oh! I still can't believe it! Prom! And this restaurant that we're going to, it's supposed to have some of the most fantastic food. I think I'm going to go for swordfish if they have it. I just love swordfish!"

Thankfully, Sharpner felt obliged to offer the distraction of the hour for Erasa. "So, what movies did your dad get with this rig, Videl?"

The blonde girl's eyes lit up. "Oh! Look for a romance, look for a romance! This is the perfect night for a good movie like that!"

Videl rolled her eyes at the bubbly teen. Leaning forward to get into the movie area beneath the television (which was a tad more difficult than normal with a muscular arm firmly coiled about her waist) she quickly browsed through the DVD titles before pulling one out and popping it quickly into the DVD player. Pleased with herself, Videl made herself comfortable again against Gohan's shoulder. As comfortable as one could be with thong underwear, an under wire strapless bra, and shoes with heels.

It was a few moments into the DVD before Erasa wailed, "Ahhh, Videl… Tomb Raider?!"

The group was taken to a fancy little hibachi restaurant called Flutee's. The food had been delicious and the chef had kept his audience captivated. The only tiny problem being when he had gone to flip a piece of popcorn shrimp into Erasa's mouth. The chef had missed; the shrimp had slid right down the poor girl's front. Videl was impressed that Sharpner could pick himself up off the floor after the slap he got from Erasa for trying to 'help her get that'. The trip back to prom was for all purposes, uneventful.

And then they were there, standing before the gaudily decorated main doors of Orange Star High. Videl, the girl who never showed her nerves, was ready to panic. Prom. Oh gods above. Gohan gently squeezed her hand, encouraging the young woman. Stealing herself for what was to come; Videl drew herself to full height… and proceeded to trip on the first step into the school. Damn heels.

Straightening herself, and doing a wonderful job of ignoring Sharpner's cheeky grin at her expense, Videl allowed Gohan to guide her the rest of the way into the school. They were amongst a hoard of prom goers that were just arriving, all of the Orange Star students decked out in their formal best. Videl shot an envious glare at one of her fellow girls who wore a pair of sturdy black leather boots with her dress. One of the well known Goth's of the school. She would kill for boots at the moment.

Their tickets were taken at a set of hastily set up tables before the gym and the bustling teenagers were herded into the dark area with in. The decorations were lavish. The theme for the year was 'Under the Sea'. Blue plastic over the few lights, some of which moved, made for a nice watery effect. The decorators had gone to great pains to add the appropriate props to the surroundings, including starfish stickers on the floor and angel fish hanging at various heights from the ceiling.

The DJ was set up at one wall of the gym, soft music currently sounded through the area. A few couples danced in the middle of the gym, but most of the student body sat at the tables set up on the opposite side of the room. They would only come out after Prom had entered full swing.

Erasa squealed with delight as she entered the area, grabbing Sharpner and hurrying him off to one of her other groups of friends. The girl was a social butterfly by her very nature. As for Videl, well, she was ready to leave as they entered the doors. Especially when the herd of hero worshipping peers came flying at her and Gohan. Videl took an involuntary step closer to her boyfriend as the group surrounded them, mostly made up of girls and a few drooling guys. Several voices began talking at once, raving on her dress, or make up, or Gohan's tux, and on gee, what a cute couple they were!

Gohan looked a bit confused and a bit flustered, but the congenial guy that he was, he smiled and thanked each of his peers for their compliments. After realizing that Videl was silently seething while glued to his arm, the half Saiyan began thanking people on her behalf as well. The young woman ground her teeth together, wondering at which would come first here:

A. She became violently ill and happened to toss her chicken dinner all over all their pretty little dresses.

B. Her ears would start to bleed and she would have to excuse herself and survive the rest of the evening with cotton stuffed in her lobes.

C. The little hangers-on would finally understand her death glare for what it was, and leave!

It so happened, perhaps their benefit, that C happened first. Videl sighed as the group moved away and released her white knuckled grip on Gohan's arm. Her alternative to not beating them all senseless. The demi-Saiyan offered her a tiny grin and shook the feeling back into his arm. Videl noted, a bit sheepishly and a bit smugly, that she had been cutting off the blood flow to his now white hand. She grinned back at him.

Turning back to the gathering student populace in the designated prom area, Videl glared at the lot of them before looking hopefully back at the doors. "I think we should go now. To get our pictures taken, I mean."

"Are you also hoping that we take the long way there and back, Vidy?"

"Yes."

Gohan smiled and draped his arm about her again, rubbing his thumb across the smooth silk over her hip. "We just have to be back in time for the Grand March. I'm hoping Sharpner and Erasa do make Prom King and Queen. I'd like to see that."

Videl smiled. "Me too."

The photographer was set up in the Choir room. Most couples came later for their photos, so Videl and her love were in and done in a short time, the prints to be sent with in the following week. Reentering the gym, Gohan silently lead Videl over to the tables on the far side. Another soft song was playing. The candle on the table flickered in the little breeze that swirled. Gohan picked that moment to gently grasp her left hand between both of his and lean forward for a kiss. A mere brushing of lips compared to some of the things they'd done, but breath taking in this setting.

Pulling back, though not far as their chairs were positioned right next to each other, the demi-Saiyan cupped her cheek and sought out her eyes. " You really do look beautiful Videl. I had tried to imagine just how you would look before coming to your house today. My imagination could not prepare me for the real you though."

Videl blushed. Gohan was not a guy she would call a smooth talker, or one that could weave poetry to sooth the ears. Gohan was could do something better. He told the truth as he saw it, which ended up being the best and most meaningful compliments that she had ever been given. "Thank you, Gohan. I'm glad that you like the… effect."

"I love it, Vidy! Just the same though, I'll be happy tomorrow when you're back in your usual clothing. This girl thing is refreshing, but I prefer my Videl the way I know she's comfortable being."

The young woman grinned. That made two of them. The quiet song finished and a loud, typically teenage song replaced it. Gohan flinched and closed his eyes for a long moment. When he reopened them, Videl noticed the hint of pain that lingered. That Saiyan hearing had to of been a bitch in places like this. The two sat at the back table enjoying each other's company for a time before being interrupted by Erasa and Sharpner.

They insisted that the other couple had to come out for a dance. Videl knew she paled slightly, and she couldn't really help it. She'd admitted to Gohan that she didn't know how to dance, but no one else knew it. "Come on, you two! Look, I'm not asking you to go out and do the Macarena with us, just one slow dance! A little romantic time on the dance floor… Please?"

Videl wanted to refuse, but Gohan pulled her to her feet and told the blonde duet to lead the way. The dark haired girl grasped the demi-Saiyan's suit coat and hissed, "What are you doing?"

"Don't worry, Videl. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."

"You know how to dance?"

"Nothing fancy… but Mum has always said I have an ear for rhythm. Besides, there is no one judging us on our dancing skills here."

And so, Videl allowed her boyfriend to lead her onto the dance floor. Facing her there, Gohan placed his hands about her waist, quietly directing her to put her arms about his neck. From there he pulled her close and began shifting his body back and fourth in a fashion that could have been described better as a shuffle than a dance. A quick glance about showed her that this was exactly what all the other couples were doing. Videl snorted softly. She'd panicked herself about this? Oye.

The young woman relaxed and laid her head against Gohan's broad chest. This wasn't so bad. And something about the slow and stead rhythm that the boy was leading her through was strangely intoxicating. She wasn't sure if she wanted to fall into a land of dreams at the moment or pounce on her boyfriend and strip him right there in the middle of the gym. A smirk tugged at the corners of Videl's mouth. The ladder sounded far more interesting, if unfeasible considering their current surroundings. She didn't think the teachers would go for it at all.

All too soon the song finished, followed by something upbeat and out of her skill range. And so the first half of prom passed. Up until the Grand March. Just a fancy title for something quite stupid to Videl. All the couple lined up in the locker rooms and entered the gym individually while a student announcer called off the names. As it came to their turn and the words 'Satan Videl, escorted by Son Gohan!' echoed around the gym, the couple steeped out into a round of applause and cat calls. Gohan silently handed her the white rose the March edict called for and they walked the course of the gym over to the peers who had been called before them.

The names of the Prom court were called last. Each of those five couples stood and looked hopefully toward the announcer, who held the card in his hand who determined who would rule. Over Prom, in any case. The students all took a collective breath as the announcer began. "And this year's Prom Queen is… Rubba Erasa! Which we all know means, our King is Pencil Sharpner! Congratulations!"

A great cheer erupted through the student body. Sharpner and Erasa were between them part of a good many social circles with very few enemies. It wasn't a surprise that they won. The, ehem, 'Royal Couple' was crowned and Erasa given a lovely bouquet of flowers as they made a special walk around the gym before the whole thing was over. Gohan and Videl waited patiently behind the group that had surrounded the newly anointed couple until it dispersed. Videl smiled at her long time friends before walking up and wrapping Erasa in a hug. It was out of character for her, but Erasa had been so looking forward to this. "Congratulations guys. I you do deserve it!"

Gohan nodded as he shook hands with Sharpner and gave Erasa a quick hug as well. "I was hoping all along that you guys would earn the titles! Congratulations!"

Erasa giggled. "Thanks you guys! So, anyway, Videl… You sticking around for post prom tonight or…"

"Actually, I think Gohan and I are going to get out of here right now. You two can go and win at all of their cheap games."

Gohan blinked at her. "We're leaving now?"

Sharpner smirked. "You better believe I'm going to win. Plan on bringing home a few door prizes as well." He winked at Erasa then. "Anyway, I figure you two are going to enjoy yourselves enough with out post prom. I'd hate to ruin that. So… See ya on Monday!"

Videl grinned as well, a tiny blush also creeping across her features. Sharpner wasn't as blind as Gohan. "Yeah, uh, Monday. 'Night guys."

Gohan blinked again but managed a goodbye as Videl dragged him out through the doors and out of the school. Videl had one of his hands caught in hers and was walking him steadily back towards her home. The limo had only been rented to get to prom. How to get back was their problem. Gohan rubbed a moment at his ear with his free hand. "Well anyway, I won't go deaf out here. What were you guys talking about, though? Why are we leaving so early?"

"We're going to go back to my house."

"Oh." Gohan was silent for a moment. "Umm, am I supposed to meet Sharpner there or go to his house later?"

Videl just about landed face first in the side walk with that one. As it was, she felt a large sweat drop rolling down her cheek. Good Kami, how nieve could a guy be? Any other male on the face of the Earth would have caught her meaning, if not by the words, than by the seductive tone of voice. What in heaven's name was wrong with this guy? Videl took a deep steadying breath. "Neither Gohan. You're spending the night at my house now; we changed the plans a bit."

"Oh." Silence again, face creased in thought. "But… there isn't anyone at your house right now."

Slapping her forehead, Videl pulled herself and her boyfriend to a halt and turned to face him. The street light above illuminated them, but there was no one else out on the sidewalk. Videl knew why, she could all ready feel the Goosebumps prickling her flesh. "That's sort of the point Gohan."

The demi-Saiyan blinked at her again. "Is it? Why?"

Videl felt the blush splash through her features. "I, well… you see," she began to wonder if heart heart was even pumping any blood to her feet anymore, she thought it must all be in her face. "Umm, for well… this."

And she pressed herself against him, locking lips with his. He responded to the kiss, and her close presence, but confusion clearly shown in Gohan's eyes. He pulled back first. "Not that I'm complaining, mind, but… I still don't understand…"

The young woman sighed and leaned against him for a moment. Gohan wrapped his arms tightly around her keeping her close. "Your cold, Vidy. How about I fly us to your house, you explain on the way."

Videl nodded. Sure, she could fly on her own, but the girl in her loved being in his arms. He swooped her off of her feet, and those damned heels and took off into the night sky. The Ki that burned around them warmed her skin. She decided to try a new tact. "You see, Gohan, there is this mystique about Prom considering young lovers. It's considered a good night to… take the next step in a relationship." Looking Gohan in the eye, Videl tightened her grip on his neck. "I'm ready and willing to no longer be a virgin, if I can give myself to you."

"Oh…." Now he was blushing too. But, Gohan did not change course or argue her.

As Satan Videl found herself in her own room, alleviated of all of the Prom dress, and locked in the arms and lips of her equally disheveled boyfriend, she pushed on in her plans. Tonight she faced one of her biggest fears and put into motion something she knew would change her life. Videl could handle that, as long as Son Gohan was there to face the fear and the world with her.

Author's Note:

Yes, actually, I did fall off the face of the planet. Come to find out, that Atlas guy is actually much nicer than they make him out to be, looks good to. It's a shame he's so dedicated to his job and all…

Seriously, I am very sorry for taking so long with this. What can I say? Writers block is writers block no matter who the afflicted person is. I have to admit, you guys were a big help for me though. I don't think I've ever had so many supportive reviews for a story before, and I've certainly never gotten so many wonderful personal e-mails from anyone before. I feel loved. Better yet, I feel that my writing is loved. Thank you all very much.

*Nods at Thanos6* You are absolutely right. To all concerned, Gohan does not have a problem with impotence in this story and I am at fault for miss-wording that. I really should go back and fix it.

As for the rest of you, thank you again for all f the support! Look at this; I've even managed a long chapter for you! You deserve it though. *Winks* Keep up the good work!

Ah, and to anyone who is wondering. No, I did not take down the 'Things You Can't Quite See Happening' fic. You can go ahead and thank our 'gracious' host for that. *Grumbles* Any who….