Here it is, my next chapter! TAAADAAAA!!!!! Sorry if you think it's been too long. My life has been rather hectic and if it weren't for the fact that I have a really blow-off algebra class, this chapter probably would not have happened for another week.
Be warned, this chapter contains a lot of fluff and cutesiness. And if anyone tells me the people were OOC, I DON'T CARE! THIS IS MY FIC AND I CAN MANIPULATE PEOPLE AS I PLEASE!!!!!
Pickles says hello. He's still lonely cause my dad forgot the screwdriver, again. Oh well.
Is anyone really interested in reading the interview between Sharpner and Yamcha? Cause I'll write it if you are.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ. Well, in the copyrighted since. I did win an E-bay auction of all the episodes and movies. It kicks ass! I did the math, and its like, 12 straight days of DBZ. I love e-bay.
I love all of you, my reviewers. If you would like to talk to me personally, my AOL screen name is Lizzydancer2002. I'm working on changing it, but if you want to, go ahead and IM me.
One more thing. This is the longest chapter I've ever written on my own. I can't guarantee that the following chapters will be this long. It's just that this chapter is kinda a pivotal point in the plot. You'll understand once you read it.
Ok, I lied. Just to clarify: Saiyaman never happened. Goten can fly. Goku is alive and well. Videl doesn't know about Saiyans. Then end. I promise, no more of these author's notes up top.
"……." Indicates talking
Italics indicate thoughts to self
::…..:: indicate bond
Chapter 6: Frying Pans and Thunderstorms
Gohan flew home a little slower than he normally would. Vegeta had been training hard and Gohan had had to use a lot of energy while sparring. And in vain too, because Erasa had seen them anyway. That was another reason he was tired. Bulma, though not particularly strong, had a temper equal to any Final Flash on how it made you feel once released. After she had left, Gohan could barely pick up his arms to keep sparring. He had quickly pulled out and gone home.
And I still have to deal with the Demonic Duo when I get home. Maybe Dad'll take them sparring if he hasn't already. Kami, I just want to take a nap…at least there isn't anything else I have to deal with tonight. Gohan thought to himself. Soon he saw his house in the distance, and his slightly blood caked face smiled. Home!
Goten and Trunks were out front when Gohan landed. They both turned and stared at how beat up Gohan looked. "Wow, big brother, were you attacked?" Goten asked.
"Don't be stupid, Goten. Could any normal humans do that to Gohan? Obviously, it was my dad. He says Gohan doesn't train enough and is becoming weak. Of course, since my dad is Prince of all Saiyans, he is naturally stronger, especially since you and your dad and brother are just third class fighters." Trunks said arrogantly.
This made Goten mad. "Your dad isn't stronger than my dad! Or Gohan!" Trunks just rolled his eyes.
"Yes he is! He's royalty!" Trunks argued back.
Goten, in a sudden fit of intelligence, yelled "His planet doesn't even exist anymore! He's not prince of anyone! And he's not stronger than Daddy or Brother!" At that, Goten launched himself at Trunks. The two fought for a while before turning Super Saiyan and flying off. I should probably go after them to make sure they don't hurt themselves too much…oh well. They can take care of themselves. Gohan watched the pair fly off and then walked slowly into the house.
Only to be hit by the Frying Pan of Doom. Normally, Gohan could just shake it off. But he was seriously tired and the pan knocked him to the floor. He just lied there and looked up at his mother, who had yet to notice the condition of her oldest son and was giving him her all.
"Son Gohan! Where have you been all day? You should have been home hours ago and finished your homework! I've had to deal with your brother and Trunks all day until your father came home and took them! Now we have company coming and I'll never have dinner ready in time….Gohan, what happened to you? Oh no, are you hurt? Was it Vegeta again? I'll send your father over there right now! Actually I'll go myself!" Chichi, in the grand tradition of mothers of going from furious to protective in 0.03 seconds, raised her frying pan above her head and started walking out the door. Gohan, deciding to save any hapless people wandering around Mt. Pauzu , got up and stopped her.
"Mom, I'm fine! I was just sparring with Vegeta and it got a little heavy. And I'll finish my homework before dinner. But who's coming over? Are Bulma and Vegeta coming?" Gohan asked.
Chichi, back to normal Chichi mode, started some more rice. "Oh, that girl you were talking about from school who has to interview your father, Videl I think. She called earlier and asked if she could come over tonight and talk to Goku, so I went ahead and invited her to dinner."
Gohan couldn't believe it. "V…Videl is coming over tonight?" he stammered. He would get to sit and look at those big blue eyes all through dinner? His eyes took on a slightly glazed look. Chichi, her maternal instincts picking up on this, got hearts in her eyes. "Gohan, should I expecting grandchildren any time soon?" she asked.
Gohan snapped out of his funk. "What?" then the question registered and he began to flail his arms around in that really funny way Gohan does. "No, of course not! She's just a friend!" Gohan turned and ran out of the kitchen. Grandkids, grandkids, grandkids! Chichi sang to herself and continued with dinner.
Gohan fled to the couch where he just laid and stared at the ceiling. Suddenly, Goku's head appeared in Gohan's line of vision. "Hi!" Goku exclaimed loudly. Gohan just groaned. "Gee Gohan, you don't look so good. Did you have a good spar with Vegeta? I sparred with Goten and Trunks today. Oh, your friend Videl is coming over tonight! She sounds really nice." Goku said.
"Yeah, I know. Mom told me and then started asking me about grandchildren. I just want to take a nap." Gohan replied.
"Why would your mother ask you about grandchildren?" Goku pondered. Then he took on a sly smile. "Unless you like this girl more than you let on?"
"DAD! Don't you start in on me too! She is just a friend!" Gohan said, feeling a blush rise on his cheeks. Goku just started to laugh and walked out of the room. He came back in the room a minute later with a senzu bean and threw it at Gohan. "Whatever you say, son. Eat that so you can look your best for Videl!" Goku continued to laugh as he walked to the kitchen.
I give up…
*~*~*~*~
Videl couldn't believe how far away Gohan lived. It took her almost two hours to get there in her jetcopter. But she did have to admit it was very beautiful around his house. She landed her copter and capsulized it. She straightened her shirt as she walked up to the door. Ok, Son Gohan, it's time for me to find out about you! Videl thought to herself, convinced not to let her guard down and get some answers.
However, her guard got partially melted when the door got answered. It was a little boy, probably around seven or so, and he was just adorable! He looked up at her and smiled. "Hi! You must be Videl! Gohan told me you were coming over to talk to Daddy!" Goten chirped.
Gohan showed up at that moment and looked down at his brother with a smile. "Hey, squirt, why don't you go help mom in the kitchen?" Goten nodded and scurried off to the kitchen to help his mother. Trunks had disappeared into the back of the house to "get some mental stimulation other than the third class baka's" which probably meant he was pouting because Goten beat him in a spar.
Videl looked at Gohan, surprised. "I didn't know you had a little brother! He's so young. I would've expected at least thirteen, not seven!" Videl exclaimed.
Gohan scratched his head in the familiar Son way. "Hehe, well, Goten was a bit of a surprise. Not that nobody wanted him! It had just been eleven years since me so my parents weren't expecting any more. He's really cute though. And he likes everyone. He's a lot like my dad in that way. Speaking of my dad, come meet him and my mother." Gohan headed off towards the kitchen, with Videl in his wake. Right before they entered, Gohan heard the familiar "bong" of a Saiyan-proof skillet hitting the head of a not-so-frying-pan-proof Saiyan (A/N: I just love Chichi with her frying pan!!!). Oh geez. I was hoping Mom and Dad could control themselves for one night! What's Videl gonna think when she finds out about the frying pan? Gohan thought to himself.
Sure enough, the two entered the kitchen to find Chichi standing triumphantly with her frying pan and Goku nursing a growing bump on his forehead. Videl leaned over and whispered, "Did your mother just hit your father with a frying pan?"
Gohan nodded. "Doesn't that hurt?" Videl whispered-exclaimed.
Gohan nodded again. Chichi, noticing a girl whispering in her son's ear, immediately got hearts in her eyes. Gohan noticed this however, and got the introductions started.
"Hey Dad, this is Videl, the girl who is going to interview you." Gohan said.
"Hey Videl!" Goku said, forgetting about his bump and plastering the famous Son grin on his face. "Nice to finally meet you. Gohan talks about you sometimes." Goku finished, shaking Videl's hand.
Videl was at a loss for words. Son Goku was one of the most famous people in the martial arts world and she was actually meeting him. And he wasn't getting all boasty about his accomplishments like her father would.
"And this is my mother, Son Chichi."
Videl turned around ad her mouth dropped open even more. "You…you competed in the 23rd Tenkaichi Budoukai! You fought Goku in the finals! You are the sole reason women are allowed to compete in tournaments! You've been one of my heroes since I was a little girl!" Videl gasped. Then she turned on Gohan.
"Why didn't you tell me your mother was famous too? What else are you hiding?" Videl demanded, placing her hands on her hips.
Videl didn't know it, but she had forever endeared herself in Chichi's eyes. Not only had she known Chichi was a martial artist, but she could obviously control Gohan. Chichi decided that she would get Videl her very own frying pan for a wedding present.
::Goku, don't you think Videl is perfect for Gohan?::
::Perfect for what, Chichi?::
::Marriage, Goku! Videl is perfect for marriage to Gohan. Remember us getting married?::
::Oh yeah. Do you really think so? Gohan looks a little scared of her.::
There was silence in the bond for a moment. ::Don't you disagree with me, Son Goku! If I say they are perfect for each other, THEN THEY ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER!!!!!::
Goku cringed and took a step back from his wife. Sometimes she was a little scary (A/N: Like father, like son!). ::Sorry Chi. Whatever you say!::
:: Oh, we'll have the most precious grandchildren! I hope there's a girl…:: Chichi broke the connection and continued cooking dinner. Goku went back to watching Videl and his son interact.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you would know about my mother too! And there's nothing else, I promise!" (A/N: Not right now. She gets to learn later) Gohan defended himself, taking a step backwards.
Goten had been watching all the time. He thought it was funny the way Videl fussed at Gohan the same way his mother fussed at his father, but really didn't think much deeper than that. He was too hungry. Goten went over to his mother and pulled on her skirt.
"Mommy, when is dinner going to be ready?" he asked.
"In a minute. Why don't you and Trunks go get the outside table ready?" she replied.
"Oh boy! We get to eat outside! Woohoo! Trunks, come on, we get to eat outside!" Goten yelled to his friend, who appeared more quickly than seemed possible. The two scampered outside to set up the table.
"Here, Gohan, can you carry this?" Gohan took the bowl of rice from his mother.
"Goku, here." Goku got a tub (A/N: a bath sized tub) of fish soup. "Oh, and send in Goten and Trunks. I need them to carry some stuff too!" Chichi yelled at the retreating menfolk.
Goten got a few (30) loaves of bread while Trunks got a veritable garden of vegetables. Videl just watched this, astounded. Could they actually eat this much?
"Ok, Videl. Now we can take out our share." Chichi handed Videl a regular sized pot of soup and a loaf of bread. Chichi carried a bowl of rice and a bowl of vegetables.
"Why do we need our own shares?" Videl asked as the two headed outdoors.
Chichi rolled her eyes. "You've never seen these guys eat. We'd never get anything if we didn't keep out our own portions."
Videl's curiosity was plenty whetted now. Exactly how much could these guys eat, seriously. She soon found out..
"Wow, Chichi, this is really good!" Videl said, chewing slowly to savor the flavor (A/N: I'm a poet who didn't know it! **Looks around for cheers** I need more friends). She looked over at the Saiyans, who were doing their typical vacuum approach to food. Chichi followed her gaze.
"Thanks. And you get used to it." She said in reference to the guys.
"Do you even think they taste it?" Videl asked.
"I've been asking myself that same question for years and I've finally decided that no, they don't." Chichi replied with a small laugh.
Goku and the rest finally pushed their plates away. "That was really good, Chi!" he said appreciatively.
"Yeah, Mom, it was great!" Gohan remarked, rubbing his stomach.
"May Trunks and I be excused?" Goten asked. Chichi nodded and the two demi-Saiyans shot off into the woods.
"So Videl, when did you want to start this interview?" Goku asked.
"Whenever. I only have a few questions I need to ask you." Videl replied.
"Then go for it."
"Ok, first off, what's your full name?"
Goku thought about this one for a minute. "Goku Kakarott Son." He finally answered.
"Kakarott?" Videl asked.
"I was adopted when I was a baby. Kakarott is my birth name." Goku explained.
"Oh, ok. Well, then, do you have any family?" Videl asked, already knowing the answer.
"Well, besides the ones you already know, my father's name was Bardock and I had a brother named Radditz. But I only found out about them fourteen years ago so I don't know much about them. And my adoptive grandfather's name was Gohan. Oh, and I count my friend Vegeta as a relative, because he's the same as me." Goku said.
"How's he the same as you." Videl asked, curious.
This stumped Goku for a while. He knew he couldn't tell Videl all about the Saiyans and everything, but he also had to answer her question.
"Well, he was adopted too. And he also is a martial artist." Goku answered, glad he could think of something that wasn't too far from the truth.
"Oh. What do you think you have contributed to the community?" Videl asked.
"Gosh, I really don't know. A long time ago I was famous as a martial artist and people really liked me. But recently, I'm not too sure if I've done anything important. I guess that my martial arts skills would count, because people just really liked to see them. I've always like to make people happy and if watching me spar does that, then I guess that's what I've contributed to the community." Goku said with his Goku smile.
Videl was touched. Unlike her father, who would have gone on about how wonderful he is and what amazing skills he has and how he should be rewarded with constant praise, Goku gave a simple answer that was completely unselfish. He did what he did because it pleased other people. It wasn't anything for show or self-gratification. It was purely for the sake of other human beings.
"Wow, Mr. Son. That's really great." Videl said, not really knowing what to say.
"Call me Goku. Are their anymore questions?" Goku asked cheerily.
"Uh, no. I guess I'll be going now." Videl said, standing up from her chair. At that exact moment Goten came running back to the table and jumped on her legs.
"Don't go yet, Videl! I wanted to stay and train with us!" Goten begged, looking up at Videl with puppy eyes (A/N: awwwwwwwwww).
"Isn't it kinda late for training?" Videl asked, glancing at her watch. It was almost 8 o'clock.
"Oh, we usually train for about an hour after dinner if Mom let's us." Gohan said, jumping into the conversation. All four pairs of Saiyan eyes, plus one human pair, turned and looked at Chichi.
"Oh, all right. But only if you help me clear the table first." Chichi proclaimed with the air of royalty giving away a grand gift. The table had never been cleared faster. Then the five of them, Goku, Gohan, Goten, Trunks, and Videl headed out to a clearing.
"Now, since you already know the basics, I won't have you spar with the boys. Gohan, why don't you go ahead and spar with Videl and I'll take the two others?" Goku said, all serious now. Gohan nodded.
"Now, Gohan, I don't want to go easy on me just because I'm a girl!" Videl called to her opponent with a smile.
"Why would I go easy on you Videl? You'd probably beat me up more seriously for that than just regular sparring!" Gohan called back, enjoying the banter. Videl just smiled more broadly and then launched herself at him. The two sparred strongly, circling around each. Gohan was surprised at how strong she was for a human with no special training. He could tell she had a lot of potential.
Videl was surprised at how strong Gohan was and how fast he moved for a man his size. It was like hitting a brick wall. Well, yeah, you knew that Videl. Remember the day in English when you crashed into each other? Videl thought to herself as she blocked another punch from Gohan.
The group continued to spar for forty-five minutes, not even noticing the storm clouds brewing above. Gohan hit Videl lightly (for him) on the shoulder; she went flying across the clearing. Gohan ran after her.
"Videl, are you alright?" he asked worriedly. She was just lying there, not moving with her eyes shut. Suddenly her eyes popped open and, with the speed of some sort of fast moving object, she grabbed Gohan by the scuff of his gi and flipped him over, straddling his waist (A/N: Sneaky, sneaky Videl!).
"Hah! I win!" She crowed victoriously. The two laughed for a minute. But then they caught each other's eyes, and the laughter died away. They just stayed how they were, looking at each other (A/N: I have a fetish with eyes. Have you noticed?). Gohan started to move his hand to her cheek when a giant clap of thunder sounded from above, followed by a few drops of warm rain. Videl screamed and fell over, looking up at the sky fearfully. She had never admit it too anyone, but she was deathly afraid of storms. Nor had she ever told anyone why she was so scared of them….
Gohan noticed that Videl seemed scared. He looked around and saw his father, Goten and Trunks still sparring. They were unfazed by the rain. But then he looked back at Videl. She was had stood up, but her body was as tense as a spring.
"Hey, guys, I think it's about to rain. We should head in." Gohan called above the wind. The others turned and looked at him.
"But it's not a big storm, Gohan. It'll be fine." Goku argued. He was having fun and didn't want to stop.
Gohan looked at Videl. She looked ready to break. "Yeah, but Mom'll be mad if you keep Goten out in the rain."
"I guess. Ok, let's head in."
~*~*~*~
Once back at the house, everyone took a shower. Videl had an extra capsule of clothes with her, which was a good thing. Chichi made them all hot chocolate as they watched the storm. It had gotten much worse. The wind was now howling and the lightning was almost constant. Videl was more relaxed now that she was in out of the rain, but Gohan could tell she still wasn't completely comfortable. I wonder why she is so afraid of storms… He thought to himself.
"Videl, you can't fly home in this." Chichi proclaimed at ten o'clock. She had already adopted this girl as one of the family and would not let her out into a dangerous situation. "You will stay here tonight. You'll sleep in Gohan's room and he can sleep out on the couch."
Videl couldn't argue. She didn't want to go out in this weather. "Thank you Chichi. I'm pretty tired. I think I'll head to bed now."
"That sounds good. I think we all should go to bed." Goku said with a mighty yawn. The two chibi's hurried off to brush their teeth and go to bed, with a bossy Chichi following them to make sure they actually did. Gohan showed Videl to his room and grabbed an extra blanket for himself.
"You aren't mad because you have to sleep on the couch are you?" Videl asked Gohan before he left.
Gohan smiled. "Of course not. I would rather sleep on the couch than have you get hurt in the storm. Good night!" With that, Gohan headed to the couch.
And now, I'm all alone in the storm. Again… Videl thought to herself.
~*~*~*~
Gohan was awakened at around three in the morning by another huge clap of thunder. Being the Saiyan that he was, he decided to get a snack. On the way to the kitchen, he heard small sobs coming from one of the bedrooms. Funny, I thought Goten had gotten over his fear of storms… Gohan thought to himself, walking down the hall. He stopped short when he realized the crying was coming from his room. Where Videl was currently staying.
He pressed his ear up to the door. Right then there was another huge thunder and he could hear Videl cry a little harder. Knocking softly, he entered. He was confused by what he saw. Videl was lying on the far side of his bed, curled in the fetal position, crying her eyes out. Gohan walked over to her and gently touched her shoulder. "Hey Videl, what's wrong?"
Videl let out a small shriek at the contact, but calmed when she saw it was just Gohan. "Sorry, did I wake you up? It's just that…I don't like storms…they scare me…" There was another peal of thunder, and Videl whimpered. Gohan was surprised to see her like this. Usually she was so tough, so strong.
"Hey, do you want to talk about it?" Gohan asked gently. Obviously something had happened to Videl during a storm and she was traumatized by it. He sat down near her.
She continued to lie there. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want." Gohan said and waited. After a few minutes, he decided she had gone back to sleep and stood to leave.
"Please don't leave yet." He heard softly behind him. He turned around and saw her eyes, those big beautiful eyes (A/N: There are the eyes again!), pleading for him not to leave.
"Ok, I'll stay." He walked back to the bed. She was silent for a minute or so before she started talking.
"It happened when I was twelve, right after the Cell games. My mother and I were driving to a party my father was speaking at. While we were driving, a storm came up quickly. I remember a giant clap of thunder and being blinded by lightning before my mother had time to pull over to wait the storm out. My mom was also blinded and crashed head on into a street light. We stayed like that for hours before some one found us. Or more precisely, found me. My mother…" Videl was overtaken by sobs and Gohan took her into her arms like he used to with Goten "…my mother didn't die on impact. She was still alive for about an hour. Gohan, I had to listen to my mother groan as she laid dieing. Her last words were "I love you Videl. I always will." Then she was gone. And I was alone. In the rain. Ever since then I've hated storms, because of that!" She broke down again, crying on Gohan's strong chest. He just wrapped his arms around her and was there, not knowing what else to do. God, what a horrible thing to endure. Granted, I've lost my father before, but he could always be wished back to life. Videl didn't have that option…Gohan thought to himself, looking at the sobbing girl in his arms.
Once she began calming down and falling back asleep, Gohan gently laid her back down on the bed and began to leave. But before he could stand up, Videl said sleepily "Stay with me. At least until I fall asleep." So Gohan laid down beside her, his strong arms still encircling her (A/N: arms…muscles..*drool*). He buried his face in her hair and smiled at her smell. Kami, she smells good.. With that thought, Gohan slipped into slumber.
Hehe, what will happen the next morning? And I'll hurry up and get to the fun part: Take your buddy to school day! Expect it sometime in the next chapters! Please review! Reading reviews makes me feel all warm and tingly on the inside!!!!