A couple nights ago I read a story on A03 that had a really cute interaction between Tien and little Marron. She calls him, 'Uncle Tien.' Seriously adorable. Which hatched a prompt in my mind of, 'What if Tien was the one who is called upon as a last resort babysitter'? And beings how I've got complete Writer's Block for Apple and S&S, I'm gonna write this series of one-shots. Hoping that it's super cute and funny.

This first one-shot is going to take place after Namek, but before Trunks makes his first appearance.

Tien sits at the table, about to eat some lunch before going back out and training against the waterfall. Goku becoming a Super Saiyan has brought thoughts of self-doubt in Tien's mind. How in the world will he be able to compete against that? A suddenly ringing brings the tall martial artist out of his thoughts. Looking around, he sees the telephone of his capsule house dancing on its holder. Wondering who could even have his number, he rises from his seat.

Grasping the receiver, Tien lifts it to his ear. "Hello? This is Tien Shinhan."

"Thank Kami! I do have the right number. Tien, this is Chichi." Comes the voice of the wife of his friend Goku. He hasn't spoken to her in a few months. When he was brought back to life with the Namekian Dragon Balls. Why on earth would she be calling him of all people? She and Goku pretty much keep to themselves.

"I'm so glad you're home. I'm sorry to be calling you so last minute, but could you come watch Gohan for a while? My father is ill and I don't want my little Gohan to get sick." Chichi asks. At least she is straight to the point.

"What about Krillin or Piccolo? Or Bulma?" He questions.

"Krillin is busy with his new lady friend, Bulma is busy with a new project for Capsule Corp. You know how she gets. And Piccolo said he needs time to sort some things out. Please, Tien? I don't trust Master Roshi or Yamcha with my little boy." The petite princess sounds desperate.

"Sure, Chichi. Let me finish eating and I'll head your way." Gohan's a good kid. He may look more like Chichi, but the kid has the same personality as his dad. Should be an easy time.

"Oh, thank you, Tien! I can make something for you. It'll take you just long enough to get here. I really appreciate this. I'm not sure how sick my father is, but it seems like it's pretty bad."

Tien considers her words, can hear the worry in her voice. "It's not a problem, Chichi. I'll see you in a little while." The tall man hangs the phone back into its cradle. Looking down at his torn training clothes, he walks swiftly to his bedroom to change clothes. 'Chiaotzu, I just got a call from Chichi to go keep an eye on Gohan. Ox King is sick and everyone else is busy. I'll be back later.' He sends mentally to his lifelong companion as he strips out of his dirty clothes and dons' clean ones.

After receiving the mental acknowledgement from his friend, the former champion jogs out the front door and launches into the air, heading southeast toward his friends' home in the mountains. He pushes himself harder against the wind. The woman sounded overwhelmed with worry for her father. Hopefully, it's not that serious, but the bald man decided that he'd stay with Gohan, no matter how long his mother is away.

In what seems like no time, Tien lands outside of the Son residence. The former conman takes the time to straighten his clothing out. As he walks to the door, the former champion wonders what he just got himself into. Yet, he's glad he can help his former rival and friend while he's still in space for some reason. When Tien gets to the door, he takes a deep breath and knocks on the door. Hearing the young boy shout to his mother that he's got the door, the tall man chuckles.

Gohan shouts from the inside, "Since I'm not supposed to answer the door before asking this… Who is it?"

Tien lets out a laugh at Gohan letting him know exactly what he's doing. "It's Tien Shinhan, Gohan. I'm here to watch you for the afternoon."

Giggling, "Ok, Tien." Sounds of the door being unlocked meets his ears. The small boy cracks open the door to peek out and makes sure Tien is who he said he was. Satisfied with seeing the warrior on the other side, Gohan swings the door open. "Hi, Tien! I'm happy to see you. What do you want to do after I get my studies done?" The boy asks excitedly, outside of the fight with Nappa and Vegeta, he hasn't spent a whole lot of time with the three-eyed man.

Said man walks into the home and removes his boots. "Well, that depends how much you have left, Gohan. I'll be honest, I'm not very experienced with taking care of a kid. What would you like to do?" Tien relays as Chichi walks into the foyer of her home with a bag that looks much larger than a woman's purse to the taller man.

"I'm taking a few changes of clothes just in case I do need to stay a few days with my father. I fixed a plate for you for lunch, it's in the microwave. Dinner is in the crockpot, that'll be ready around 6:00. I'll call you once I know for sure how long I'll be with Daddy. If there is an emergency, Dad's and Bulma's number is on the fridge. Gohan needs to study for a few more hours, I usually take a snack into him about 2:15. Bath is right after supper. Bedtime is 8:00. Any questions?"

Tien absorbed the information that was flying at him. He knew better than to ask the boy's strict mother if they could spar later before supper. "Any allergies I need to know about?"

"No allergies. He's a lot like my Goku in that sense. He rarely gets sick. I need to go. Have fun and don't hesitate to call me if you have more questions." The matriarch of the Son family hurriedly put on her shoes and turns to Gohan. "You be good for Tien. I love you, sweetie." Before the boy could respond to his mother, she was gone.

The boy giggles and Tien shake his head. "Where are your textbooks, kiddo?" Might as well help the kid if he needs it.

"In my room. Can I bring them out to the table, and do it? I promise not to bug you too much. Mom gave me mostly review stuff." He rocks forward and back, wringing his little hands together. Tien smiles at the nervous demeanor the son of his former rival is displaying. This kid definitely does not have his father's bravery in new situations.

"Sure thing, Gohan. You won't bug me. What are you studying right now?" Tien asks thinking with the boy's tender age of 7, he'd hear simple math or learning to spell. Needless to say, he was not expecting the reply he got.

"Algebra, biology, and Japanese government." Gohan informs him with a disgusted look on his little face. The seasoned fighter's eyes widened in complete surprise. After getting over the initial shock of the courses he's studying, Tien notices with a chuckle the distaste on the boy.

"How much more do you have left of those topics? Maybe it can wait until after your bath tonight?" Gohan's whole face brightens with the suggestion.

"I have Algebra left, and that shouldn't take too long. I usually save my easier subjects for last. Can I really wait until later to do them? Mom usually doesn't give me much time to play. She says she doesn't want me to be a karate bum like dad. She wants me to be smart and normal like a human."

Tien kneels in front of the boy and rests one hand on his shoulder. "Gohan, you are a very bright boy, but your mother seems to forget that you aren't 100% human. You are also part Saiyan. It isn't your dad's fault that he got badly injured from a fall that cost him to lose so much of himself. I'm kinda surprised at your mother's chosen words, because if I remember correctly, your father's skills are what attracted her to him in the first place. At least that's what Bulma and Yamcha told me."

"Really?! How long have you known my dad? I've never heard about the adventures he had before him and mom got married. He's not allowed to tell me. What was my daddy like when he was younger?"

"Let me eat what your mom saved for me and I will tell you anything you want to know about your dad. He's the strongest person I've ever known and I'm incredibly grateful to have met him when I did. Sound like a plan?" The large man stood and let Gohan lead him to the kitchen to warm his lunch.

Leaning against the counter while the microwave is on, Tien crosses his arms and tilts his head up in thought. "I was about 19 when your dad stumbled into our camp wanting food. I was not a good person back then, so I attacked him. I thought I had killed him at the time…" Glancing at the smaller warrior, Tien sees the boy glaring at him. "But I only knocked him out. He was weak from hunger. You've seen how his power decreases on an empty stomach. The next night, he exposed the con I was working on local villages. Chiaotzu and I journeyed back to our martial arts school to finalize our preparations for the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament. During our match in the final round of the tournament, something inside me shifted. I felt rage against my master, realizing I was merely a pawn to my master. My resolve had been stolen from me. Your dad and I fought our match to complete exhaustion. Both of us were falling, he didn't know how to fly at the time and I didn't have the energy to hold myself up. The winner was decided by which one of us would hit the ground first. Goku slammed into a delivery truck and into the pavement seconds before I landed just on the other side of the street. I was declared the victor, but I didn't feel like I deserved the win."

"Why didn't you feel like you deserved it?" Gohan interrupts Tien's story.

"My guilty from my past crimes, dishonorably breaking Yamcha's leg, I'd never heard cheers of admiration aimed at me… I never had another's admiration before, other than Chiaotzu. I never knew how it felt to be on the right side of being a martial artist. Your father taught me that." Tien stops when he feels the small boy crawl up into his lap. The seasoned warrior looks down as Gohan looks up to him with tears in his little eyes. Gohan attempts to wrap his little arms around the big man's chest. Tien chuckles when the tips of Gohan's fingers barely reach his armpits. "Our rematch was much more fun, testing our skills after 3 years of training." The larger man wrapped his arms around the little boy in a hug. "You dad even stole my belt in the middle of our rematch."

Gohan looks up at Tien with a smile on his face and giggles. "Seriously? How did he do that?"

"Back then, your dad began wearing heavily weighted clothes. His undershirt, wristbands, and even his boots. I was so angry at the lengths that Goku had gone to become stronger, faster. I vowed to train after he swiftly knocked me out of the ring to train harder than ever. Then your uncle came and revealed that your dad wasn't human like we all thought." Tien stops feeling the young half-Saiyan tremble. "Hey, you're ok now, Gohan. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I promise." The bulky man wraps his hulking arms around the quivering child. "You've seen far too much in your young life. After Piccolo, I'm the strongest fighter on the planet. You're safe now."

"But… But… Daddy couldn't beat Raditz… Daddy got hurt really bad. If it hadn't been for him seeing my tail, he'd never had known I was Dad's son. Then he wouldn't have taken me…" Tien could feel the boy's tears through his shirt, and tightened his hold around his friend's traumatized son. It's easy for the tall man to forget the Gohan is so much gentler than his father, so much more sensitive.

The three-eyed warrior shushed the little boy. He wasn't sure if he should Gohan air out all of his fears from the last 2-3 years. Being thrust into 3 life or death battles all before he turned six. Maybe take him outside and explore, but before he could make any sort of suggestion, Gohan spilled forth everything he felt ever since Goku died. Tien felt like a fool. He had ignored Gohan in their fight against Nappa, all because he couldn't take the thought of losing Chiaotzu for good this time. Gohan had come to him and asked if he was ok after losing part of his forearm. With him being injured, he could have protected the little boy. Gohan had come to him for protection, reassurance of the situation. The little boy was scared. "Gohan, I'm sorry." The warrior whispers into the boy's ear.

Sniffling, Gohan leans away from Tien's chest. "Mr. Tien, why are you sorry?"

"I'm sorry I didn't realize what you needed when we were fight Nappa and Vegeta. You were scared and I was the closest adult to you. You needed reassurance and protection, and I completely ignored you, bud. I'm sorry for that, but all of us that grew up with your dad are so incredibly proud of you. You have your dad's determination and I'd be willing to bet that you'll be stronger than him someday."

The little boy's eyes dry as he perks up. "Do you really think so? I'm tired of being so weak."

"I really think so." Tien is interrupted by the phone ringing. He sets Gohan down and answers it. "Son Residence."

"Hi Tien, it's Chichi. Dad isn't as bad as I thought he would be, but I'd like to stay overnight to make sure he listens to the doctor and just in case something flairs up. Would you mind staying the night? I'll be home first thing in the morning." Chichi relays quickly.

"Sure, I've got him. I've been helping him with his studies. Gonna take him outside for some fresh air here soon. He's doing great, Chichi. No need to worry on this end. I'll stay over." Tien turns and winks at Gohan for his little white lie.

"Oh, thank you, Tien! You're a life saver. I'll see you in the morning." Chichi quickly hangs up the phone.

Tien chuckles and looks at Gohan. "Looks like you get me all night. Why don't you go finish your studies and then we'll go outside and I'll show you how to meditate to help you come to peace with your emotions. I've got much more practice with that concentration of focus than your dad or Piccolo. Sound good?"

"Sure, Tien… Ummm… Do you really think I'll be stronger than my dad?" Gohan asks shyly.

The tall man walks over and lifts the boy to stand on the table so he could look at the boy eye to eye. "Gohan, I don't just think, I know you will be stronger than your dad. As brave and skilled as your dad is, you are so smart. You can think of strategy after strategy for every scenario. You care for everyone's well-being. You have literally unlimited potential, kiddo. I would wager someday that you will be able to out maneuver any of us by the time you hit high school."

"Tien, why do you fight?"

"Are you asking why I fight to protect the earth, or why I'm a martial artist?" Tien quirks an eyebrow at the boy in front of him.

Gohan looks down and thinks about Tien's counter question. "What's the difference?"

"Well, Gohan, martial arts aren't about just strength. Martial arts are more about personal growth. Bettering myself, keeping inner emotions strong and in control. Inner peace is what I strive for when I meditate. Protecting the world is more being strong enough to fight global bad guys from killing everyone. Being wise enough for the good of every living being; human, animal alike. Everyone and everything that calls Earth home. Does that make sense?" Tien looks at the boy, seeing the wheels turning in his head. Deciding to continue, "Your dad is the strongest person I've ever known, and he has a big heart to match, but sometimes, I really don't think he thinks about every possible scenario. I love your dad, he's one of my best friends, but, Gohan, with your mom pushing for you to studies… I think with you could be even better than your dad at protecting the world. I think all of us old guys would be able to rest easy if you ever took over for us."

Gohan is silent, digesting and processing all of what the tall martial artist told him. Tien chuckles as the boy physically tilts his head this way and that, weighing the pros and cons. The first child from this group of friends looks up at the man that he's only been around a few times in his young life. "But… But what if I don't want to protect the earth? I like doing martial arts, it makes me feel close to my daddy… Mr. Tien… I don't like hurting anyone. I don't want to hurt anyone."

"I know you don't want to hurt anyone, Gohan. You're a very good person. Do you know what a hypothetical situation is?" At the boy's nod, Tien continues. "Ok, let's say while on more wilderness training, you come across a couple strangers with a beast of an animal. You stumble into their camp and weakly ask for food. Instead of giving you food, the older one attacks you, trying to kill you. What do you do?"

"He's trying to kill me?" The young one questions.

"Yup. Much like Vegeta tried to kill your dad during their fight. No mercy, full attack." The veteran fighter confirms.

Gohan's eyes widen. "I'd try to defend myself."

"Good. Now because of your empty tummy and a well placed round-house kick, you slam into a tree, knocking it down on top of your passed out body. Are you with me still?" The boy nods. "They get away. A young girl from a nearby village finds you, treats your wounds, and feeds you. As luck would have it, you catch up to them the next day and find out they are running a scam with the beast, victimizing the local villages. You expose the con artist to the village, but they say you are the one who is friends with the beast, going so far as to throw a torch under the captured beast, burning its hide. Now, would you save the beast, even though you are not friends with it and know it was doing wrong, causing the village to believe that you are the one in league with the animal… Or do you fight the people who betrayed the creature?"

"I'd help the animal."

"So you'd let the criminals get away?" The three-eyed man couldn't help the smirk at how much Gohan would do exactly as his father did with they'd met over ten years ago now. This is how he's Goku's son, through and through.

"Yeah. Their scam is over after a betrayal like that and if they really are bad guys, they'll get what they deserve by someone down the line." Gohan looks up at his elder, certain and completely at peace with his decision of the situation provided.

"Believe it or not, Gohan, that is exactly why I know you could protect the world whenever a true threat were to come to be." At the boy's look of confusion, Tien explains further. "Kiddo, that situation really happened. That's how your dad met Chiaotzu and me. We were conducting that scam and your dad stopped us." Gohan's mouth dropped at the admission. "I was the one who attacked your father, and I'm the one who burned the creature's back."

"But… But… You're really nice! And gentle! And strong! My daddy trusts you!" Gohan jumps off the large lap. The boy turns sharp eyes to the man who was taking care of him and points a little index finger towards the large man's face. "My mother is trusting you with ME!"

"Has your dad ever told you about his matches at the World Martial Arts Tournament, Gohan?" The boy drops his finger and shakes his head. "As much as I know hate to admit to it, I used to enjoy causing my opponents as much agony in a match as I could. The martial arts school I used to belong to expected ruthlessness. Zero mercy for anyone. I was the school's most skilled fighter. I was proud that I was favored by my master… Until I fought your dad in the tournament." At Gohan's big, dark eyes staring back at him, Tien gave the boy a smile. "Fighting your dad showed me the true way of a martial artist, Gohan. That strength like ours should be used for good of all. Protecting those who can't or don't know how to protect themselves. I will always fight beside your dad to protect the world, and you, if you do choose to help us all protect our home. You've got plenty of time to decide, Gohan. You are so smart, and I know your mom wants you to be a scholar. Just remember, kiddo, it's YOUR life. Your happiness can only truly be determined by you."

Gohan thinks about what the older man said. "So… when you met my daddy… Did he do everything that I chose to do?" Tien smiles and gives him a short nod. The boy goes silent trying not to beam at being told he is just like his personally known hero. The former champion can practically see the gears turning in the little boy's mind. He can see the scales tipping this way and that way. Gohan crawls back into Tien's lap and rests his little hands onto Tien's hulking shoulders. "I'm glad you took the chance to change, Mr. Tien. I like who you are now and I don't want to know how you were before you met my dad. Can I ask you something? I mean… I think you would be the type of person who would be honest, but nice about it…"

Tien smiles and nods, not wanting to distract the kid.

"Do you think I could do both? I really love to learn new things, but I do want to protect those who can't protect themselves. Can I do both?" The young half-Saiyan gets softer and softer by the end of his inquiries, tucking his chin to his chest.

The large man slowly exhales, before gently taking his friend's son's chin between his thumb and forefinger to slowly bring his head back up and locks eyes with the boy. "If anyone could find that perfect balance, between protecting the earth and schoolwork or a home life, that person would be you, Gohan. You can do anything in life that you really want to. I promise that all of us will support you." Tien glances at the clock. "Come on, we've got some time, I'll show you how to meditate for your betterment and then I'll start supper for us." He sets the boy down and leads him outside and a little way from the small dwelling to the stream.

Gohan sits down in the meditation pose taught to him by Piccolo, rigid and straight. The boy takes shallow breaths. "Open your eyes for me, Gohan." Tien gently instructs him. The youngest fighter in their group follows his elder's instructions. "Good. Slow your breathing and take them deeper. Feel your whole upper body expand, exhale slower and slower, relaxing your mind more and more." The master mirrors Gohan's position and demonstrates for the child. "Come, stand behind me and feel my shoulder muscles as I go deeper into my meditation."

The young Son stands and does what he is told. He closes his eyes and uses his other senses feeling Tien's energy even out, his muscles lose all tension. It clicked for Gohan. This is how meditating was supposed to feel like. No wonder he felt like he was doing it wrong. He takes his hands off of Tien's shoulders and returns to sitting across from him. Gohan closes his eyes and consciously slows his breathing, taking it deeper. "Like this?" He whispers to the elder.

"Exactly, now as you breath in, ask your sub consciousness the one question that you want to focus your thoughts on. Release the question to the powers around you as you relax your body." Tien whispers back. He smiles brightly as he feels Gohan's energy calm and even out. Who'd have thought that teaching would bring this kind of pride into his chest. It's a completely new feeling for the normally arrogantly proud man. He liked that feeling.

As Tien feels Gohan completely relax, he stands and goes into the residence to begin cooking the huge supper for the growing Saiyan. Pulling this pot and that pan out, he whips up a filling, balanced meal for the kid. Soon enough, their supper is ready. The tall warrior goes to retrieve Gohan, smiling when he sees the boy in the same position as when he left him. Tien smirks as he raises his energy in order to bring Gohan gently out of his trance.

Gohan blinks, looking around him and spying Tien a few feet away. The youngest leaps up with a cheer. "I did it! I finally did it right, Tien!" The elder chuckles as he strides to be under the boy in order to catch him. Gohan lands, sitting on Tien's wide shoulders.

"I knew you could do it, kid. Come on. Chow time. Then your bath, finish your school work, and bed." The taller hurries into the house to feed the half-Saiyan. When he gets to the door, he grabs Gohan and flips him to the ground. Before releasing the child, Tien takes the moment to tickle and actually play with him. He never knew how much his heart could warm at hearing the purity of a child's laughter. The boy gets away from him and sits at the table.

"Thanks for the grub." They say in unison and dig in.

Gohan leads Tien to the bathroom and the elder looks at the boy. "Your turn to teach me something, kiddo. I've never bathed a child before."

Gohan turns the spigots and adjusts to the temperature to his preference before plugging the drain. "Mom usually doesn't let me put bubbles in my bath, but Daddy always insisted. He has the bottle stashed in the vent. Can… Can you get it out? May I please have bubbles in my bath?" Tien glances up and spies the air vent above the mirror and smirks. Goku has always been playful. Providing bubbles for his son didn't surprise Tien in the slightest. Going against his wife, well, now that surprised him. Goku is a people pleaser, but clearly Gohan comes first for the only father of the group of friends.

The tall man reaches up and feels with his fingers that the screws are just tight enough to fool the eye, but loose enough to not need a screwdriver. Pulling the bottle from the wall, he smirks as he turns to the child. "Lots or a little?"

"LOTS!" Gohan shouts. The large man throws his head back and laughs. Gohan reaches under the sink and pulls out his 'bath toys.' Tien wrinkles his nose at what appears to be waterproofed school supplies. Is there a time of day when Chichi wasn't shoving textbooks down the kid's throat? A sigh of disappointed disgust escapes the boy's nose.

"Hey, Gohan, your dad didn't have a stash of bath toys, did he?" Tien asks as he helps the boy undress. He'd heard enough from the news that he'll have to stay in the room with Gohan while he bathed. The former champ wants to see what really brings joy to this little boy, who he suspected is more like his father than his mother wished. Something told Tien that that was the reason why she makes him study so much.

"Yeah, but I don't know where he keeps it. He told me that he keeps it close to his Grandpa Gohan, the one place where Mom's not allowed to go." Tien nods and hums, thinking that this was a very different side to his old friend.

"Is there a room in the house that you're not allowed to go, Gohan?"

"Not in the house, but I'm not allowed to into Daddy's hut." Tien nods. He remembers Bulma had said that the hut outside the family home was the only building out here when she found the ten-year-old Goku all those years ago.

"Stay out of the tub until I come back. I think I know where the toys are." Tien leaves the room, the house, and walks the short path to the hut. He makes a harmless ball of energy to light the small room, finding a box of bath toys, a box of outside toys, and inside toys. The man smirks as he hauls the bath toys onto his shoulders, hurrying back with his prize.

Bath went off without an issue, Gohan asking Tien to tell him stories about his dad. After, the elder leaves Gohan alone to finish his studies for his mother. While the boy did that, Tien washed the dishes and put them away. As he washed, he couldn't stop thinking about his day with his first rival's boy. There is a new sensation curling around his heart. There has never been a child who has meant so much to this group of friends. Tien vowed right then, even though this boy is more than likely destined to be stronger than him, he would die protecting this boy. If Gohan did decide that he doesn't want to protect the earth in the future, then he'd do his best.

Tien is brought out of his thoughts by a yawn. He turns and sees Gohan standing in the doorway, rubbing his eye with a tiny fist, still yawning. Tien dries his hands and picks him up. The boy instantly wraps his arms and legs around the large man. Walking out of the kitchen, Tien flips the lights off as he passes the switches and settles into the rocking recliner. As soon as he sits, he understood why the only parents in the group had this chair. Very comfortable, relaxing, and it made it easy to hold the exhausted child.

"Tien?"

"Hmm…?"

"You're the best babysitter." Tien smiles down as small snores drift to his ears.

So, depending on if I get any reviews for this one, I'll continue. I could write a chapter for each of the kids, but I am going to hold continuing for the reviews. Thanks!