A/N: I want to send out a big thanks to snailgirl63@netscape.net for being the first and so far, only person to sign up for my mailing list. If you would like to join, review stating your desire or give me an e-mail. For all of you who are requesting that they go back to school, I'm sorry to say that this is not that chapter but that Gohan and Videl's return to school shall be next. Thanks again for all the amazing reviews I've been getting. Please continue to review and let me know how you think I'm doing!
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The next day, Thursday had started out fairly normal for everyone in the Son household. Goku was pleading for his life as he ran from the frying pan, Goten had woken up Videl and Gohan and come downstairs to join his father in his attempts to steal some food from the matriarch of the family before it was officially served. However, for Gohan and Videl, the day was anything but normal. The moment they had woken up and looked in each other's eyes, they knew exactly what today was. Today they were going to go over to Capsule Corp. and pick up their house. The one they would live in together. Just like any young couple, the thought was absolutely thrilling and it showed in their personas. They walked with an extra bounce in their steps, and seemed closer than usual. Which was hard to do, ever since they had become mates on their own private island after Buu had been defeated, Gohan and Videl were inseparable. There wasn't a person who knew the two who doubted just how in love they truly were.
"You want to help me with the dishes?" ChiChi's voice sounded surprised. Everyone had finished breakfast and Gohan and Goku were heading outside to train and Goten had begged and pleaded until ChiChi relented and allowed him to go over to Capsule Corp. to play with Trunks.
"Of course. I'm painfully aware that I can't cook hardly at all, but I can scrub a dish with the best of 'em." Videl did really want to help ChiChi. In Videl's mind, the older woman had started to take the place of her own mother who had passed away when Videl was just a young girl.
ChiChi glanced over at Videl, seemingly considering her offer. "Alright, I'd appreciate that. And I don't know why you think that you can't cook. You're going to be even better than me soon." The night that Videl had become mates with Gohan, she'd asked Gohan's mother to try and teach her how to cook so that when the young couple moved in together, she'd be able to cook for the love of her life.
"Besides," ChiChi continued, "Gohan has become a fairly gourmet chef on his own accord. After he and his father spent that year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he suddenly had a very intense desire to learn how to cook." ChiChi laughed with remembrance. "I guess the two of them were so bad at making a meal that Gohan didn't want to ever have to eat food that bad again."
Videl had known that Gohan was a fine chef himself and while that was a pleasant surprise, she'd wanted to be able to cook herself so that she could surprise Gohan with an amazing meal every once in a while as a treat. Videl knew that for a relationship to work, the little things the couple did for each other mattered almost as much as the big things.
'And Gohan definitely had plenty of big things to offer.' Videl thought as her body responded to her own innuendo. The feelings that he had been able to evoke from her own body were mind blowing. She'd never imagined that she'd be able to feel such pleasure and it seemed that her appetite was insatiable. She couldn't get enough of him.
ChiChi meanwhile, had been watch Videl as she washed the dishes from the morning meal and was liking with what she was seeing. Videl was very efficient, having sorted the dishes into stacks of plates and bowls with the cups and silverware separate. ChiChi was impressed, very impressed. Finally she started nodding to herself, as if agreeing with some quiet thought in her head.
"You know, I think you're going to make a fantastic wife and mother Videl."
Videl was so shocked, that she almost dropped a dish but managed to catch it at the last instant. She turned around to face the older women.
"You really think so?"
When ChiChi nodded her head again, Videl let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding in. The approval of the woman who had become more and more like a real mother to her was important. Since her own mother had died when she was still a young girl she'd lacked a female role model for quite some time. Hearing ChiChi's compliments helped to quiet some of Videl's doubts that she would make a good wife and mother. When Gohan had asked if she'd wanted to become his mate, she hadn't hesitated at all, but that didn't mean she didn't worry about being good enough for him. She loved him so deeply that she would do anything for him but there were some things that she simply didn't know how to do because she hadn't been taught. ChiChi's comment had touched her so deeply that Videl had to fight down tears. Putting down the dish she was holding, Videl gave ChiChi a huge hug.
"Thank you ChiChi, you have no idea how much that means to me."
When they pulled apart, ChiChi gave Videl a knowing smile. She'd had the same fears when she'd married Goku, but Videl had her utmost confidence. Anyone who loved another as deeply as Gohan and Videl loved each other were bound to have a successful marriage and happy life together.
"Alright Videl, I think you've done more than enough. How bout you go find Gohan and Goku and see what they're up to?"
Videl wiped her eye to catch a drop of liquid that had threatened to fall and looked up at ChiChi. "Are you sure?"
"Yes of course. I like to be alone sometimes. It means there's no one around to be blowing up my house."
Videl had a wry look on her face as she listened to ChiChi. "I guess I'll have to try and get used to that huh?"
"I'm afraid so. Now off with you." ChiChi said as she practically shoved Videl out the door.
As Videl took off from the Son's front yard, she honed in on Gohan's ki. Since they were mates, it was exceedingly easy for her to track him down whenever she wanted. And while she was rapidly becoming very adept at recognizing different ki signatures, she just always found it easiest to track Gohan.
When she finally found them, they were standing in a field that they had used as a training ground often before Goku died fighting Cell. To Videl, it seemed an appropriate place to find them.
"Hey guys, what are you doing?" Videl asked as she landed.
Gohan quickly came over and gave her a kiss and a hug. "Dad's teaching me about the instant transmission technique."
"Oh really? Would you mind teaching me as well Goku?" Videl was eager to absorb as much knowledge as she could about ki techniques.
Goku looked thoughtful as he answered. "Well, we can try. It's an extremely advanced technique that took me a year to learn. However," he looked over at Gohan with a playful grin. "this ankle-biter has almost managed to master it in just the few days we've been practicing."
"Honestly Dad, I don't know why you still use that nickname, I'm almost as tall as you now."
"It's just more fun that way. Shall we get started?"
Both Gohan and Videl nodded their agreement and Goku began to explain the technique from the beginning for Videl. Although she tried her hardest, Videl was disappointed to discover that the technique was too advanced for her limited ki manipulation abilities and had to settle for an agreement from both Gohan and Goku that they would continue to train her once she was ready. Gohan however, had managed to perfect the technique by the time they'd finished in the late afternoon. His first successful trip was to Master Roshi's for the turtle hermit's sunglasses. It was only appropriate, they'd decided. That was what Goku had done when he'd first demonstrated the technique after returning from his long trip back from Namek.
Videl however, was in hysterics at the sight of Gohan in Roshi's sunglasses and made him promise to never wear them again. Instead, she said, she'd take him out to find a respectable pair.
Goku had watched the young couple in amazement as they flirted with each other. It was just such a far cry from the Gohan he remembered that he had to struggle to refrain from shaking his head and giving his thoughts away. The two were already so comfortable with each other it was hard to believe. It was times like these that made Goku wish he hadn't decided to stay dead for all those years. After Videl's laughter had died down, Goku spoke up again.
"So are you guys going to go pick up your house today?"
"Yep, we are due there in," Videl paused for a second as she looked at her watch, "an hour. Hey, I guess we can use instant transmission to get there now can't we Gohan?"
Gohan looked pleased as he answered. "Of course. This will make it really easy to get to school as well. Since I know exactly where it is, I can get us to the roof in an instant."
"Yeah! That means more time to sleep in the morning."
"You know, I was thinking the exact same thing."
As the two smiled at each other, Goku decided that it would be a good idea to leave them alone.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm going to head back to the house. ChiChi will kill me if I'm out for too much longer."
Gohan and Videl couldn't take each their eyes off of each other as Gohan answered.
"Alright Dad, we'll see you later."
Goku put two fingers to his forehead and disappeared, leaving Gohan and Videl alone in the meadow. Seeing his passion reflected in Videl's eyes, Gohan leaned down and gave Videl and deep, passionate kiss. As her arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace, she felt the warm flush run through her veins that she'd felt earlier that morning when she thought about the man in her arms. When they pulled apart, Gohan sniffed the air and looked at her with delight in his eyes and a smirk on his face. Videl simply rolled her eyes at him and pulled him into another kiss.
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The next morning, Gohan and Videl left Videl's house early and headed out towards the sight they'd selected for their new house. In one of Gohan's pockets was the capsule that contained the house they were going to live in for several years. As they flew through the air, they held each other's hand, trying to contain their excitement from bubbling up to the surface too fast. They could have used Gohan's instant transmission, but they'd agreed to fly to heighten the anticipation. After what seemed like ages, they finally spotted the small clearing by the river outside of Central City and landed.
"Mrs. Son Videl, would you do the honors?" Gohan asked as he pulled the capsule out of his pocket.
Videl smiled as she listened to him. Even though they weren't technically married yet, she was rapidly becoming used to using his surname.
"I would be delighted." She answered, taking the small capsule, depressing the plunger on the small capsule and throwing it to the ground. In a cloud of smoke, their home suddenly appeared. When she saw it, Videl couldn't help but laugh. In spite of how amazing the house looked, it was backwards. All the windows that were supposed to be facing the river, were instead looking away from it. When she looked over at Gohan, she saw that he too was trying to stifle a laugh.
After they had regained control of themselves, Videl turned to Gohan.
"Well Mr. Super Saiyan, think you can fix it?"
Gohan had already started walking towards the house when Videl asked her question.
"This should be child's play, just watch." Gohan reached the side of the house, bent down and proceeded to pick it up with one finger.
"Oh you show-off." Videl tried her best to sound slightly irritated, but failed miserably.
Gohan smiled at her as he the turned the house around.
"Does this look like the right spot?"
Videl thought for a second and then replied. "Move it about 5 feet closer to the stream. That way it will be away from the trees."
Gohan nodded in agreement and moved the house, setting it down gently on the ground. When Videl looked at it again, she decided that the placement was perfect and wasn't shy about sharing her opinion.
"Fantastic Gohan! I can't believe our house is ready for us!" Videl's excitement finally bubbled over. Just by looking at her, Gohan could feel his excitement building as well. As Videl started walking towards the front door, Gohan stopped her.
"I know we're not technically married yet, but would you mind if I carried you through the door."
Videl looked up at Gohan with love in her eyes. "Yeah, I would like that."
Gohan reached down, picked her up in his arms and walked through the door heading towards the master bedroom, already fully furnished. There was no doubt in either of their minds as to the best way to initiate the new house.
However, as they were walking across the family room, they were rather shocked to see four people appear out of thin air. Suddenly, ChiChi, Goku, Bulma and Vegeta were all standing in the middle of their new house.
Goku looked sheepish, Vegeta had a smirk on his face and the two women both had hearts in their eyes. All of them knew what they had interrupted.
"Sorry Gohan, they kinda forced me." Goku said, indicating the two women.
::Yeah, right. Those two couldn't force one of the strongest people in the universe to do anything if he really didn't want to.:: Gohan grumbled.
Videl let out a big sigh before she responded. ::Well, I guess we'll just have to wait.::
By now Vegeta's smirk had grown even larger. "What's the matter, are you two disappointed you didn't get to f..."
"Vegeta!! Don't even think about finishing that sentence!" the blue haired scientist shouted, causing all the Saiyans to flinch. Vegeta looked slightly annoyed that she had cut off his banter towards the young couple in front of them, but remained silent. After so many threats towards his precious gravity room, and many nights sleeping on the couch, he'd learned to pick his battles wisely. If Bulma was raging mad at Vegeta one second, she didn't show it when she turned to address Gohan and Videl.
"I'm sorry that we barged in on you two, but I figured that instead of having a party at Capsule Corp. tomorrow, we could just have it here today and celebrate you guys moving in as well. We kinda had to get here before things got too hot and heavy." As Bulma spoke the last sentence, she gestured outside, trying to give the allusion that she was talking about the weather, but everyone present knew what she was referring to.
::How thoughtful of you.:: Gohan grumbled again. Videl felt much the same way but decided that it was her job to try and play peacekeeper.
::Gohan would you put me down now please?:: she was still resting in Gohan's arms and although she didn't really want to get down, she felt as though it would be more proper.
::Oh yeah, sorry.:: Gohan set Videl down carefully, as if she was a doll that would break. Videl had for a long time wondered how someone so powerful could be so gentle.
"Well, that sounds like a great idea. The only problem is that we don't have any food prepared." Videl hoped that not having any food prepared might dissuade Bulma from wanting to hold the party at their house, but she was not that lucky.
Bulma broke out into a huge smile and reached for her capsule container. Pulling out a capsule she spoke. "That's okay. I came prepared. I have here the feast of ChiChi's finest cooking that we were going to eat tomorrow. All I have to do is set it up outside."
"Wow, you sure thought of everything." Videl was now sure they had done all this on purpose. Gohan had decided that a long time ago.
"Alright Goku, you can go get everyone now. Why don't you help him Gohan? I hear that you know the technique now as well." ChiChi said. Gohan, however, was not going to be baited into helping.
"I would but I'm still rather tired from practicing so much yesterday."
Goku, who had disappeared when ChiChi had told him to gather everyone, suddenly returned, dropped of Krillin and 18, then rapidly left again. Gohan, Videl, ChiChi and Bulma all stopped conversing when they heard someone else speak.
"good time Goku..." Krillin said rapidly. He'd been trying to tell Goku that it was not a good time to take him and 18 away and a quick look at the two easily revealed why. Krillin's shirt was missing, as was 18's and she was wearing a rather lacy, sexy bra. Vegeta burst out laughing as Krillin turned bright red. Even 18 had a slight blush develop in her cheeks. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Videl was surprised that the android would even consider wearing something like that.
Finally, 18 found her voice. "Damn that Goku. I hate it when he does that. Can we get a little help here?"
Vegeta started to laugh even louder as Videl realized what 18 had said.
"You mean this has happened more than once?!" Videl asked incredulously.
"Yes. Now can we please get some clothes?" 18 said in her monotone voice. If it was possible, Krillin blushed an even deeper red.
"Honey, can we please not talk about that?"
Suddenly Gohan's voice spoke up in Videl's mind. ::Seems like no one is getting laid today.::
Videl had to work really hard to stifle a laugh. ::You sound deprived Gohan.::
If it were possible, Videl could have sworn Gohan's voice sounded like it was smirking.
::I am. I guess you'll just have to make up for it.::
::Fine, but only if you get them some clothes.::
::Not a problem.::
Gohan stepped forward, grabbed both 18 and Krillin and disappeared just as Goku returned with Roshi and Marron.
"That was interesting." Bulma commented to ChiChi.
"What was interesting?" Goku asked as he stopped long enough to hear Bulma's comment.
Suddenly, both Bulma and ChiChi became sheepish and Bulma had to elbow ChiChi to get her to respond.
"You kinda brought 18 and Krillin here at a bad time. They were half dressed."
Goku thought for a few seconds before he realized exactly what she meant. "Oh so I did the same thing to them as we did to Gohan and Videl?"
Vegeta started laughing again.
"I knew it!!" Videl shouted.
"Goku that was supposed to be a secret!" ChiChi said in a hushed whisper.
"Oh yeah. Uh, sorry Videl." Goku looked embarrassed.
Videl crossed her arms over her chest and gave her best impression of Vegeta's 'humph.' "Well, there isn't much I can do about it. Just don't let Gohan hear."
"Where is Gohan anyways?" Goku asked, looking around for his eldest son.
"He took Krillin and 18 back to get some clothes. Might I suggest that you go get the rest of the people before he gets back?"
"That's not a bad idea. I'll be back later." Goku put two fingers to his forehead and disappeared for the third time.
After a few more moments, Gohan, Krillin and 18 reappeared and ChiChi suddenly realized something.
"You used instant transmission Gohan! You should be helping your father."
Gohan's smirk almost rivaled Vegeta's as he looked at his mother. "That's alright, I heard through Videl that you guys came here on purpose. Besides, I'm feeling lazy at the moment." He said as he sat down on a couch, pulling Videl with him.
"Honestly Videl, I don't know how you put up with him." Bulma stated in mock exasperation. The rest of the people quickly picked up on the joke. Vegeta was a million times worse than Gohan could ever be.
It wasn't long before Goku had retrieved everyone who was going to be at the party at Capsule Corp the next day. Trunks, Goten. Tien, Dende, Piccolo, Mr. Satan, Buu, the Ox-King, Yamcha, Oolong and Puar had all arrived in addition to the people that had been there earlier. Bulma had set up the food outside and was herding everyone towards the tables so that people could eat before the Saiyans tore into the feast.
"This was really nice of you to host the party here Gohan. I thought we were going to have it tomorrow at Capsule Corp." Tien said as he talked to the young demi-saiyan. Tien was a little bit surprised at how sullen Gohan was acting but couldn't think of any reason for it so he didn't ask.
Instead of Gohan answering, Videl spoke up before Gohan could begin complaining. She didn't blame him though, she would have liked to be doing the same thing.
"It's our pleasure. We just figured that since there was going to be a party tomorrow anyways, we should have it here as a house warming party."
Gohan looked around at all the guests. Videl was still involved in a conversation with Tien. Buu, Vegeta and his father were all still eating, nothing out of the ordinary. The women were all congregated and having an animated discussion. That sight worried Gohan a bit. Whenever Bulma, ChiChi and 18 got into a deep conversation, it usually spelled trouble for someone. Gohan just hoped it wouldn't be him. He could sense that Goten and Trunks were off in the woods playing. Mr. Satan was talking with Dende. Krillin had Marron and was with Yamcha, Puar and Oolong looking over an old photo album that someone had brought. Piccolo was meditating over by the river. Just like him, Gohan thought. All in all, it seemed like a rather normal party and Gohan began to relax.
Videl could feel the lessening of tension in Gohan and turned to give him one of her killer smiles. Gohan's spirits always soared whenever she looked at him like that and he smiled in anticipation of what was likely to come later that night. Unfortunately, he was rudely interrupted from his pleasant thoughts when he heard his father and Vegeta beginning to argue over the last drumstick. That always led to a spar. However, this time they hadn't counted on Buu being in their midst. While Goku and Vegeta were yelling at each other, Buu snuck in and stole the drumstick and flew off quickly. With an understanding nod, both Goku and Vegeta rapidly took off after him. It was one thing for Saiyans to fight over food with each other, but to have an outsider steal it from them was inexcusable.
Gohan and Videl watched them leave, slightly relieved that Goku and Vegeta's argument hadn't damaged some part of their new house. That was always a likely possibility whenever they argued over food. Gohan did get a little nervous, however, when he saw that Goku and Vegeta had begun firing ki blasts at Buu, trying to knock him out of the sky so they could retrieve the drumstick. But at least they were flying away from the house.
When Gohan stopped to think about it, he found the whole situation rather ridiculous. A single drumstick was not that important.
Unfortunately, Gohan was so deep in thought that he didn't notice that the trio in the air had turned back towards the house and that an errant blast was coming straight for the new house. Out of pure instinct, he dropped into a defensive stance when he heard an explosion, but then a split second later, he realized where he was and what had blown up. A huge section of wall was missing from the living room.
All the frustrations Gohan had been feeling finally reached a boiling point as he turned to greet the three offenders. Everyone else at the party was staring in his direction and even Piccolo had quickly made his way towards the house.
"My God! Can't you guys at least wait one day before you blow up our house!!" Gohan shouted at Buu, Vegeta and his father.
"You know, I'd really appreciate it if you didn't use my name in vain Gohan." Dende said, trying to use humor to diffuse the situation.
"Now is really not the time Dende." Gohan growled and Dende quickly hid behind Piccolo. He had no desire to face the brunt of Gohan's wrath and was confident that Gohan didn't have it in him to attack Piccolo. Besides, Gohan's anger was currently directed at Buu, Vegeta and Goku.
Judging by the look on Gohan's face, Buu made a surprisingly decent decision.
"Buu think it be good time to run."
Both Vegeta and Goku agreed, powering up to Super Saiyan and flying off towards Buu as they tried to put as much distance between themselves and the enraged Gohan as possible. Unfortunately for them, they had two things going against them, Gohan's Mystic abilities and his newfound knowledge of the instant transmission technique.
Powering up only slightly in his Mystic state, Gohan was still several times more powerful than either Vegeta or Goku in their regular Super Saiyan forms. Using instant transmission, Gohan rapidly appeared in front of them and used ki rings to bind their hands and legs together. Then Gohan quickly took them back to his house and used more ki rings to attach them to trees so that they wouldn't be able to get away. Next came Buu. He could only think of one suitable punishment.
When he caught up to the pink blob, he held his hand out and gathered ki.
"Now, I hope you'll have no hard feelings Buu, but since you did have a part in this, I'm going to blow you up." Gohan then released the giant ball of ki, effectively blowing Buu into a million pieces. A stunning recreation of Vegeta's sacrifice a few days earlier without the loss of life. Then Gohan rejoined the party with a smile on his face. He was feeling much better.
After everyone got over their shock, Bulma was the one who spoke up first.
"Well, I guess this would be a good time to give you my house warming present." She walked up to Videl and handed her another small capsule. "The capsule contains the same type of repair bots that I've used in my house for years. They'll be able to fix the house in no time."
"Thanks Bulma, that's very thoughtful and gracious of you. I'll get them started at once."
As Videl engaged the bots, several others came up and present the pair with presents. After everyone was finished exchanging gifts, Buu made his reentrance laughing.
"Big boom tickle Buu. Can you do again?" Gohan visibly blanched. He knew the attack wouldn't kill Buu, but he'd hoped that it had at least hurt a bit.
::I really hope our kids don't turn out like him.:: Gohan said to Videl through their bond.
::I don't think we'll have to worry about that.::
Gohan gave Videl a bright smile and a quick kiss. They'd had some discussions about future children and he honestly couldn't wait to have a child with the woman he loved. However, they'd both decided that it would be better to wait for a while yet. At least until Videl was out of college.
'Oh well. More time for us to be alone.' Gohan thought. Videl had been listening to his thoughts and spoke up through their bond.
::I definitely agree.:: and gave him another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate. They were interrupted by Vegeta clearing his throat, trying to catch his attention so Gohan could release both him and Goku. The look Gohan sent him quickly silenced him and he resigned himself to take his torture like a man. Being tied to a tree wasn't too bad, but unfortunately the chibis had decided it would be fun to play around with Goku and Vegeta while they were immobile and unable to fight back.
The youngsters had found some nail polish and were currently painting Vegeta's toes a bright pink. Vegeta was highly annoyed when he saw that several camera flashes were going off to capture the moment. The only person who was able to free them was Gohan and he was having too much fun watching the scene before him. Everyone was laughing.
Finally Vegeta became too fed up. "Gohan, if you know what's good for you you'll untie me right now."
"Why would I want to do that Vegeta? You look really good with pink toenails." Gohan said innocently.
"Don't make me hurt you boy." Vegeta was trying his best to be intimidating but it only brought fresh rounds of laughter. A Prince with pink toenails, tied to a tree and growling at Gohan was too much.
"Okay, okay Vegeta. I think your punishment is over." Gohan said as he released both Vegeta and his father from their restraints.
The rest of the party went off without a hitch and Gohan and Videl were thankful when the last person filed out the door to head home. Finally, the couple sat down on a couch in the family room. The bots had finished making repairs to the house a short while ago and were already back in their capsule.
"That was an interesting party." Videl said as she rested her head in Gohan's lap.
She felt Gohan let out a dry laugh. "Welcome to my world."
"Kinda crazy huh?" she asked as Gohan ran his fingers through her hair.
"I think 'kinda' would be a vast understatement."
"Too true."
For a while they were quiet, simply enjoying each other's company and the closeness of their two bodies. Eventually, Videl spoke up again.
"Gohan, when I was watching you chase after Buu, Vegeta and your father, I thought of something. Is it still possible for you to turn into a Super Saiyan now that you have your Mystic power-up?"
As Videl looked up at Gohan's handsome face, she could see his brow furl in thought and his eyes stare off into a distant place. Finally he answered.
"I'm not sure, I haven't really thought about it. But no one ever said I couldn't. I guess I'll have to meditate and see if I can find a way."
"I would like that. You looked truly irresistible with blond hair." Videl began to run her fingers over his hard abs. She was always awed at how amazingly defined Gohan's muscles were and how they never failed to jump under her gentle touch.
"Well, would black hair be acceptable for the time being?"
"It would be more than adequate." Videl said as she leaned up to give Gohan a kiss.
::Shall we pick up where we left off earlier today?:: Gohan asked suggestively as his hands began to trace over Videl's fine curves.
::Most definitely.:: Videl answered as she felt herself being picked up. Gohan headed towards the master bedroom without hesitation.
::Thank goodness we don't have school tomorrow.:: he said.
::I couldn't agree more.:: Videl's tongue found his and they no longer needed words.
***Please Be Kind and Review! Thanks!!!***
