A/N: Well, I apologize for the long wait between chapters. I've been unable to use a computer for a while so I finally got a chance and here we are. Before you read, you should know that I am not a big ChiChi fan. She's much to obnoxious for my tastes. Therefore this chapter doesn't paint her in the brightest light but oh well. Now that all the necessary introductory 'stuff' has been written, I can now get on to the actual story. I know where I want to end up at the very end but its everything in between that I need to come up with. So please be patient and keep reviewing to let me know what you think!! Thanks!!
Disclaimer: I'm still broke.
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The scene inside the Son household was one of complete chaos. Almost immediately after Goku had used his instant transmission to transport Videl to where Gohan had stopped, the family had returned to their small home in the 439 Mountain Area. Goku, of course, had wasted no time beginning to complain that he would waste away if he didn't get something to eat soon. ChiChi didn't have it in her heart to scold Goku. Not after he'd been gone for 7 years and had just come back from the dead to save the universe once again. The thought that one of the Son's saving the universe was almost a daily occurrence had caused her to laugh, drawing strange looks from both Goku and Goten who were watching her intently as she quickly began to prepare some food.
"Now explain to me again Goku, why isn't Gohan here?" she asked as she began to set the rice on to steam.
"He and Videl are having 'the' talk."
"You, you mean, he's telling her... everything?"
A slight nod from Goku was all that was needed to send ChiChi into that land of maternal bliss. Thoughts of weddings and grandchildren flitted through her head instantly as she never stopped once to consider Gohan's thoughts on the matters. To her, the only important thing was that the Earth was safe, Gohan and Videl were going to get together and Gohan could finally settle down and become a scholar like she's always dreamed.
However, as time wore on, ChiChi quickly became annoyed at Gohan's prolonged absence.
"Why isn't he back yet? He should have been back a long time ago." She irritably announced to no one.
"ChiChi, we can't rush this type of thing. It's a huge step for the both of them and I think we just need to be patient." Goku still had Goten bouncing and crawling over him as if he were a jungle gym. Throughout his parents conversation, Goten remained blissfully ignorant. He was too happy to finally have his father back to concentrate on anything else.
"I don't care about all that Goku. Gohan needs to get back here so Videl and I can get started planning their wedding. Besides, the sooner they get back, the sooner they can start working on our grandchildren." An evil glint shimmered in ChiChi's eyes as she once again envisioned all the planning that she would be needed for.
Surprisingly enough, Goku remained as the voice of reason, trying to calm ChiChi back into the realm of reality.
"We don't even know how the talk is going. For all we know, Videl could have an extremely adverse reaction to everything Gohan tells her."
However, ChiChi wasn't about to be dissuaded from her position.
"What are you saying Goku!? Of course Gohan and Videl are going to fall in love and live happily ever after. She'll give me lots of grandchildren and Gohan will finally become the scholar I've always wanted him to be."
Goten had climbed off of his father and was rapidly shooting small ki blasts at the pieces of food that had begun to fly around the kitchen as a result of ChiChi rampage. This was a common occurrence that had happened all the time whenever ChiChi had gotten mad at Gohan for not studying. Goten had long ago realized that his mom would make him clean up the mess at a later date anyways so he figured he could just avoid the whole clean up process and have a little fun at the same time.
Meanwhile, Goku was in deep contemplation. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He knew that ChiChi was in one of her moods, one that had a high probability of him being struck with that damn frying pan if he stood up for Gohan. Yet on the other hand, he felt as if he owed Gohan. Deep inside, he knew that Gohan was no longer the little boy he'd left behind 7 years ago. He'd grown up into an amazing young man and Goku had missed it. He began to feel deep pangs of regret over his decision to remain in the Otherworld after the Cell Games and his resolve hardened, the frying pan be damned.
"ChiChi, I think its time that we let Gohan make his own decisions. He's not a little boy anymore." He said softly, still slightly afraid of the almost certain punishment that was sure to be headed his way.
However, instead of a frying pan, ChiChi fixed Goku with her own version of the Vegeta death glare.
"And how would you know that Goku?? You've been dead or missing for half of his life." ChiChi snapped and Goku felt the pangs of regret only get worse.
"You are absolutely right ChiChi. I've been a horrible father to Gohan and there isn't a day that goes by where I don't regret what has happened in the past. But I know that if we try to control him now, it will only push him away." Goku could feel tears stinging his eyes. What he'd said was true. There were times when he wished that he was just a normal human so that he and his children would never have been burdened with the huge weight of his Saiyan heritage.
"You have no idea what you're talking about Goku. A mother always knows what's best."
A deep sigh came from Goku's lips as he finally admitted defeat. He could defeat some of the most powerful monsters in the universe without breaking a sweat, but his battles with wife seemed impossible at times.
"Okay ChiChi. I'm going to go outside and watch the sun set. It's been a while since I've been able to watch such a beautiful sight."
ChiChi just waved her hand in response, she was already heading back to the distant maternal fantasy land where she couldn't be bothered.
"Can I go with you daddy?" Goten asked as he continued to fire small ki blasts at the errant food scraps.
Goku, betraying his inner feelings, managed a smile.
"I don't think so Goten. It looks like you have a pretty important job right now. Just come and find me once the food is ready okay?"
"Alright daddy. Bye!" Goten remained his usual cheerful self, still completely unaware of the serious exchange that had just passed between his mother and father.
Goku took one last look over his shoulder at his wife as she hummed a happy tune while she prepared their meal. The food probably wouldn't be ready for at least an hour and a half, plenty of time for Goku to try and sort through his thoughts. He silently closed the door behind him and took to the air.
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Gohan and Videl flew silently over the earth at a blinding speed. Videl was still nestled deep into Gohan's chest, protected from the fierce wind by the ki barrier that Gohan had erected around them. Her mind still reeled from everything she'd learned in the past few hours. She'd had no problem with the fact that Gohan was part alien, the fact that he'd beaten Cell instead of her father. None of that bothered her. The only thing that gnawed at her mind was the images of Gohan's past. The blood, the terror and everything that went with it. She felt an enormous amount of respect for the man she was to spend the rest of her life with and a great deal of pity as well.
Thanks to their newly completed bond, Gohan could easily feel the turmoil coming deep from within Videl.
::What's wrong Videl?:: he asked, tapping into their bond. He was still slightly afraid that Videl might be having second thoughts about everything.
However, if Gohan could feel Videl's worry, Videl could just as easily feel his.
::Don't worry Gohan. I'm not having second thoughts or anything at all. I guess I still feel sorry that you've had to go through so much in your life.::
As Videl looked up at Gohan's face she could see him smiling down at her.
::Please don't pity me. If there's one thing I can't stand its pity. I think I've turned out alright." Gohan glanced down at Videl's deep blue eyes with a devious stare. "After all, I get to spend the rest of my life with the sexiest woman on Earth. Who, I might add, is currently nestled up against my chest as we fly towards our future together. Not a bad scenario at all if I do say so myself.::
Videl lightly punched Gohan's chest in protest but couldn't help as a smile crossed her lips as well as a faint blush.
::Well, I hardly think that I qualify as the sexiest woman on earth. But I thank you for the compliment none the less.::
::To me you are.::
Gohan said those words which such conviction and finality that Videl was immediately convinced he spoke the truth. Immediately, she reached up and placed a light kiss on Gohan's lips.
::Thank you.::
For a while longer, they flew in silence towards Gohan's house until Videl broke the silence.
::Are you worried about how your mom is going to react to what you have to say?::
Gohan couldn't help himself. He laughed out loud as he pictured his mom reacting to his news. After he finally got himself back under control, he answered the question.
::Only sorta. I mean she still is my mother, but there is now another more important woman in my life. And I care much more about what she thinks than my mother.::
::What are you going to tell her?:: Videl asked, her curiosity aroused.
::The truth. I'm not going to become a scholar. I figure I can finish out the last month of so of High School while I begin to train part time and then after we graduate, I will start training full time.::
::What about college? Don't you want to go?::
::Yeah, I do. But I need to recognize how much more important it is to be ready to defend the Earth when the time comes.::
::I understand.:: Videl hesitated to ask her next question and Gohan could easily feel her uneasiness. ::What's going to happen to us after we graduate? Do you expect me to move in with you so you can train?::
Gohan looked at her with genuine surprise. He never would have guessed that Videl would have even considered giving up her future just for him.
::Not a chance in the world my love. I never wanted you to give up your future just for us. I guess I just figured that we could get a small house close to whatever college you decide on. By then I'm sure that I will have learned my dad's instant transmission so I can use that to leave in the mornings to train with him and then be back again before you get home from classes.::
::Sounds like you have this all figured out.::
::Nothing is ever set in stone Videl. That was just one of the things I thought we could do. When we have the time, I fully intend for us to sit down and work these things out together. I'm not the type of person who has to be the decision maker in a relationship. I prefer joint decisions.::
Videl smiled and her spirits soared. She'd seen too many relationships where the man had tried to dominate the wife. She mentally kicked herself for even considering that Gohan could possibly be like that.
"Alright, we're here. I suggest you get prepared for my crazy mother." Gohan spoke out loud as he touched down softly on the ground a short distance away from his house.
"As long as I'm with you, I'm not worried." Videl gazed up into Gohan's obsidian eyes. Her trust in him was absolute. If he'd asked her to follow him into a sea of molten lava, she wouldn't hesitate to dive in first.
As they walked towards the house, Gohan could begin to feel his father rapidly approaching and abruptly stopped. Videl was still unable to sense ki and was curious as to why they'd stopped. Her curiosity quickly disappeared as Gohan sensed what she was going to ask and answered before she has the chance.
"My father is coming."
The instant the sentence was out of his mouth, Goku showed up in front of the young couple.
"Hey you guys, how'd everything go?"
"I'd have to say pretty well." Videl answered as she tightened her grip around Gohan's arm and inched closer to him. The tiny movement was all Goku needed as he spied the fresh scar forming on Videl's neck. That together, with a slight change in their ki's pointed to a startling conclusion. His vision shifted towards Gohan and his eyes raised in question.
The only answer Gohan had for him was a slight nod of head in confirmation.
"Congratulations you two. I'm extremely happy for you." Goku said with the utmost sincerity.
"Thank you." They both replied in unison.
Then for the first time since Gohan had arrived back home, Goku got a good look at him. The Gohan he'd known in the past seemed light years away. In front of him stood a confident, powerful and determined 'warrior.' Gone was the childlike innocence that once defined his being.
"So its finally time." Goku stated. Leaving the rest unsaid. It was unnecessary, the two people standing in front of him knew exactly what he was talking about.
Gohan answered him again with a silent nod.
Goku couldn't fight down the smile that slowly moved across his lips.
"Your mother is going to freak. She won't be too happy when she finds out."
A smile found its way across Gohan's face as well.
"Yeah I know."
"When are you going to start?"
"I'll train part time until I graduate high school in about a month and a half. Then, when I'm done with school, I'll being training in earnest."
"Sounds like a plan. Are you going to tell her now?"
"I figured now was as good a time as any."
"Alright. Videl you might want to stay here for this. ChiChi can get pretty ugly when she's mad."
Now it was Videl's turn to smile.
"I appreciate your concern Goku, but there is no way I'd abandon Gohan at a time like this."
Goku shrugged his shoulders in defeat.
"Oh well, can't say I didn't try. Gohan would you at least send Goten out here before you tell her? I have a feeling that he probably shouldn't be around for this."
"Yeah, not a problem."
With that, Gohan and Videl walked hand in hand towards the Son household. The instant they entered, Gohan quickly found Goten still shooting small ki blasts, even though the frequency had decreased greatly from earlier.
"Hey squirt. Are you keeping the walls clean?"
Goten answered with a laugh.
"Yep. Mommy is in one of her moods again."
"I can tell. Why don't you go outside and find Dad? He sent me in here to tell you that he wants to play now."
Goten's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?! Awesome! Alright you guys, I'll see you later."
Only after Goten had bounded through the house and slammed the door did ChiChi finally turn around and notice the two teenagers. Immediately she stomped over to where they stood in a huge huff.
"And just where do you think you two have been?" She demanded.
Gohan ignored her question and instead began his plan to tell her his decision to stop studying and instead become a warrior.
"Mom, I've got something I need to tell you."
However, ChiChi wasn't listening to anything Gohan had said. She had spied to identical scars on their necks and immediately began squealing, causing both Gohan and Videl to cover their ears.
"You're bonded!!!" ChiChi said in a high squeaky voice. "This is wonderful! Now I've got a wedding to plan."
Before she could indulge herself deeper into her fantasies, Gohan roughly shook her by the shoulders and brought her back to reality.
"Mom, I need to tell you something."
ChiChi looked at him annoyed.
"It had better be important. I was already picturing the wedding."
"It is important."
Suddenly a thought, popped into ChiChi's head and she squealed once again, this time in anguish.
"Oh no! Don't tell me you two already eloped."
Gohan rolled his eyes at his mother with a one track mind and shook her again to grab her attention.
"No mother. We didn't already elope. However, when the time comes, Videl and I will be perfectly capable of planning our own wedding."
With a nonchalant wave of her hand, ChiChi quickly dismissed the idea as lunacy.
"Nonsense, a mother knows best."
"I don't feel like arguing with you over that right now mother. Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?"
ChiChi was slightly shocked by the harsh glare that Gohan currently had directed towards her. Her sweet, little innocent Gohan never acted like this.
"Of course I do. Please go ahead dear."
"I've decided to start training full time and follow in fathers footsteps to become a warrior."
ChiChi stood there in complete shock for almost 10 full seconds before she recovered enough to form a complete sentence.
"Nonsense. How will you go to college and become a scholar?"
"I'm not." There it was. Sweet and simple. He was going to defy his mother's wishes and go against her will. However, ChiChi still refused to believe what she was hearing.
"But being a scholar was your dream. How can you just turn your back on it?"
"It never was my dream mother. That was your dream for me."
"I forbid it, I will not allow you to ruin your life by becoming a warrior like your father."
"You can't tell me what to do anymore mother. I can make my own decisions."
"How can you say that?! You're still a teenager. How could you possibly know what you want?" ChiChi was close to hysterics now, but Gohan refused to give in.
"Did you enjoy being dead mother?" The words from Gohan's mouth were cold and calculating. It was as if was laying the ground for a trap that was waiting to be sprung.
The question caught ChiChi by surprise and she hesitated for a few moments before responding.
"Of course not. What kind of question is that?"
"I could have prevented that mom, if I had kept training. No one should have died. Don't you see, I can't let that happen again. I won't let everyone down again."
ChiChi could finally see the steely resolve that she had never before seen in Gohan. Slowly the realization dawned that she would never be able to persuade him to change his mind.
"Will you at least try and study?" she asked meekly.
"I promise that I will graduate from High School. Then after that, I will consider studying in my free time when I feel like it."
ChiChi had one last card to play before she caved completely.
"What about her?" she asked as she pointed towards Videl, who, up to this point, had remained silent and by Gohan's side in a show of support.
"Videl will always come first. I won't make the same mistakes Dad did. I will approach training as a job that requires constant upkeep yet my schedule will be flexible in order to coordinate with Videl."
Videl sent Gohan reassuring thoughts through their bond and once again tightened her grip on his arm, grateful for his little speech.
ChiChi had finally decided that her battle was useless. Gohan would never change his mind. Part of her stubbornness had been passed on to him.
Defeated, she threw her arms up in the air in exasperation.
"Fine, I can't stop you. Although I have to say that I highly disapprove. And I will respect your wishes to plan your own wedding. I don't want you two to hate me. Just promise me one thing."
Gohan was cautious to agree straight out and instead settled on a hedging tactic.
"That depends..."
"I sure would like to have at least one grandchild before I pass away."
Videl and Gohan looked into each other's eyes and laughed.
"We'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it, but I think you can rest assured that grandkids are in your future."
With that piece of news, ChiChi's mood brightened considerably and a smile appeared.
"Good. Now if you would be so kind as to fetch your father and brother, the food is ready."
"Okay, I'll be back in a sec." Gohan said as he bent down to give Videl a quick kiss and then dashed out the door, returning only seconds later with both his father and brother in tow.
Goten quickly looked up at Videl and asked innocently.
"Your ki feels kinda funny. Are you and Gohan mates?"
Videl could feel a blush rising to heat her cheeks as she answered the young chibi.
"Yes, you could say that."
"So does that mean you're going to be my new sister?" Goten continued, oblivious to the stares he was receiving.
Videl let out a little laugh.
"Well, only if you'll take me."
Goten put his hands on his hips and his face scrunched up in concentration as he appeared to be studying Videl intently. Finally he spoke.
"Yeah, you look qualified. You're hired." Goten stuck out his hand as if to seal the deal with a handshake.
The whole room burst out in laughter as Videl shook Goten's hand, 'officially' becoming part of the Son family.
Finally, everyone sat around the table, ready to devour a gourmet meal.
*Please be kind and review! Thanks!!*
