A/N:  I apologize profusely for taking so long to get this chapter posted.  I've gone back to school and trying to keep up with homework and writing is rather challenging.  I don't plan on letting this story die until I finish it completely, but just expect less frequent updates.  And one thing I'd like to address.  I've gotten several comments on the sexuality of this story.  I am portraying this as a loving relationship between two 18 year old teenagers.  At that age, there is a huge amount of sexuality inherent in a relationship.  If that bothers you, I apologize, but I think it is a completely accurate way to portray any older teenage, and therefore Gohan and Videl's, relationship.  Remember to sign up for the mailing list and I'll send out an e-mail whenever I can get updates posted.  Thanks again for all your support!!

*********

The days seemed to crawl by for Gohan, each taking longer than the one before it.  The true reality of going back to school was exceeded his worst nightmares.  He could hardly believe that people could make such a big deal about everything that had happened.  Yet, gradually, he could begin to discern a noticeable decrease in the public's interest in him and Videl.  It wasn't enough that they were hounded in school, but after their first appearance at the Dixie Chicken several weeks ago, the general public and the press seemed to magically appear every time they went out.  It was beginning to wear on his patience.

Gohan was extremely thankful that he had Videl by his side.  He didn't think he would have been able to handle the pressure without her.  She was always providing reassurance by wrapping her arm around his waist, holding his hand or giving him quick kisses when permitted.  Every time she did so, his resolve increased and he became more determined to stick it out, for her.  Even Sharpner and Erasa had been fairly understanding once they'd gotten over their initial shock.

Gohan had also begun training seriously again with his father, Piccolo and Vegeta.  When they sparred using just technique and being equal in power, Gohan consistently lost to all of them.  It was highly embarrassing to him and only served to make him work that much harder to regain the skills he'd lost during the 7 years since Cell.  Of the three, Goku was the most understanding, and Piccolo was, not surprisingly, the toughest.  However, Gohan was shocked at the treatment he was receiving from Vegeta.  Instead of constant disparaging comments, Vegeta actually offered encouragement, in his usual gruff way.  Gohan discovered that he was learning at a faster rate from his sessions with Vegeta than with Piccolo or his father.  That's not to say that he wasn't learning from Piccolo or his father, just that Vegeta's training method's provided the most immediate results.  So everyday after school he trained, sometimes late into the night, leaving him to face Videl's wrath when he arrived home.  However, they both knew it was an act.  Videl knew exactly where Gohan was at all times and knew what he was doing.  In the end, it usually ended up in the pair of them struggling with laughter as they tried to play the role of the domesticated couple.

As the weeks passed, Gohan felt that he was rapidly regaining the skills and knowledge that he'd lost and it was beginning to show.  Videl could tell a difference in his attitude, he was seemingly more confident, secure in his knowledge that he would once again be able to help defend the earth.  Late at night, while Gohan slept, Videl would often gaze at him, her mind racing.  She thought it was so unfair that Gohan had gone through so much in his life, so much pain and suffering.  Moreover, she knew with dreadful certainty that all that pain and suffering was far from over.  She wondered how in the world Gohan dealt with everything, not knowing that he drew strength simply from having her by his side.  He was the most incredible person she knew, and no one else was even aware of it.  Life was so unfair.  Sometimes she wished that Gohan was just a normal person, not half saiyan, but then she berated herself for such thoughts.  Gohan wouldn't be Gohan if he weren't part saiyan.  And, she thought as an afterthought, the Earth wouldn't even be here.  But if he weren't, then he wouldn't have such a huge burden on his shoulders, he wouldn't toss and turn at night while he relived all his horrible childhood memories.  Videl constantly just held him close, giving support.  When he'd wake up in the morning, they'd talk about it, trying to help him get passed everything.

"It happened again."

Gohan's eyes would always shift away cause he didn't enjoy talking about what he saw in his dreams.  However, he knew that Videl deserved to know.

"I just keep seeing all these faces, staring at me.  Its like they are waiting for me to do something but I can't figure out what.  Then they all vanish in a huge explosion of ki and I hear Cell's taunting laugh.  But I can't do anything about it.  I can't move and Cell is coming at me.  I look around me and I see all the people I know and care about standing behind me.  I want to protect them, but I can't move.  Cell suddenly morphs into Buu and he goes right through me and then everyone disappears, leaving just you.  I have to watch as..." Gohan pauses as he tries to fight back his tears,  "... as Buu tortures you worse than that bastard Spopovich.  I want to protect you so bad, but when I finally am able to move, Buu knocks me aside like I'm an annoying little fly and then laughs at me.  Even when I try, I can't protect you Videl."

Videl hugged Gohan tightly to her chest.  The dreams where he couldn't protect her were the worst.  Videl was slightly surprised to discover that he was shaking slightly.  This dream must have really gotten to him.

"It's okay Gohan.  It's over now."

Gohan began to calm down under Videl's touch.  As usual, it had a calming effect on him.

"I know, it just felt so real.  I wanted to be able to protect you, but I... I couldn't."

"I'm not worried Gohan.  I trust you with my life.  If I'm in trouble, there is no one I'd rather have protecting me."

Gohan turned and looked solemnly into Videl's eyes.  "You mean that?"

Videl gave him a dazzling smile.  "With every fiber in my being.  Now come on, lets get ready for school."

As they got out of bed, Videl was glad that Gohan seemed to be feeling better.  Right after their whole ordeal with Buu, those nightmares had been a fairly common occurrence.  But now they were coming less frequently.  Videl took that as a sign of progress.  Sometimes, at school, someone would mention Cell, Buu or Spopovich and Videl could instantly see a distant look come into Gohan's eyes as he struggled with his emotions.  Every once in a while, all it took was a simple word like 'sacrifice' and Gohan's mind would be flooded with memories he didn't want to think about.  Whenever someone asked him about why he seemed distant, he always played it off, saying he was trying to remember if he'd done a certain chore.  Videl, however, always knew the truth.  She could read Gohan like an open book, even if they didn't share a bond.  And she was constantly amazed at how well he handled everything.  It only served to increase her already tremendous respect for him.

The day at school went normally in the sense that their peers hounded them both relentlessly.  At lunch, they managed to slip away and use Gohan's instant transmission to get home and cook lunch there.  It was a welcome break in the middle of the day, away from all the pressures they faced at school.  When the day was finally over, Gohan quickly took Videl home and then headed off to the lookout to talk with Dende and Piccolo.

As soon as he arrived, he discovered that both Dende and Piccolo were waiting for him.  Dende had a huge smile across his face, making Gohan slightly suspicious.

"I have a surprise for you Gohan.  I think you're going to enjoy it."

"I'm not too big on surprises these days Dende."  Gohan was quickly silenced by a disapproving glare from Piccolo.  "But let's go."

Without another word, Dende turned around and walked towards the depths of the lookout with Gohan and Piccolo following him.  Gohan had a good idea as to where Dende was leading him but kept his mouth shut.  He was happy that Dende seemed to be taking a direct route.  After they rounded another corner, Dende stopped at a door.

"Would you do the honors Gohan?"  Dende asked, gesturing towards the door.

::Videl?::  Gohan wanted to let Videl know what was going on so she wouldn't get worried if their link was broken.

Far down below, sitting down  trying to do homework, Videl was startled by Gohan's voice.  ::Yes Gohan?::

::I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to go into the new hyperbolic time chamber so I don't know if our bond will cut out for a while.::

::Alright, lets find out.::

Gohan simply nodded his head and turned the handle, opening the door.  Inside was a familiar sight.  Beyond a foyer was an endless white expanse.  Gohan stepped inside after the others and closed the door behind them.

::Can you still hear me?::  Gohan asked once the door was closed.

::Yep.  I can still keep tabs on ya.::

::I'll be sure to watch my actions.::  Gohan said with a laugh.

Videl responded with a laugh of her own.  ::I'll see you when you get back.::

::Bye.::  Gohan then turned his attention to Piccolo and Dende who were staring at him in anticipation.  He gave them a sheepish grin and a shrug of his shoulders.  "Sorry, I had to let Videl know what was going on.  I didn't want her to freak out if we couldn't still communicate when I crossed over into another dimension."

Piccolo raised an eyebrow as Dende asked a question.

"So you know where we are?"

Gohan nodded his head.  "The huge white expanse was a pretty big clue.  It looks amazing Dende.  How did you manage to do it so quickly?"

Gohan started walking out towards the endless void and gave a half smile as he felt the slight pull of an increase in gravity once he stepped off the platform.

"Well,"  Dende's voice poorly concealed his excitement.  He was obviously proud of his accomplishment.  "There is a certain room in the lookout that contains the spirits of all the past guardians of Earth.  It took a while, but I eventually convinced the creator of the original Hyperbolic Time Chamber to help me make a new one.  It was surprisingly easy."

"Fantastic."

"I made it complete with the specifications you requested.  As you can see, there are now more than two people allowed in the room at one time, there is no limit on amount of time you can spend in here, and you will never age as long as you are in here.  And of course, time is passing at the rate of one day outside for every year in here."

"Perfect Dende.  You finished this much fast than I thought was possible.  How are the dragonballs coming?"

"Right on schedule.  It's been about three weeks since you asked me to create some new ones so we still have about 80 days til they are finished.  However, I'm hoping the peace will last until then."  Now Dende's voice was filled with laughter.

Gohan tried his best to look serious.  "I sure hope you're right.  Now I think this room needs to be broken in.  How bout it Piccolo?  Up for a spar?"

Piccolo, who up to this point had been standing silently listening to Dende and Gohan speak, shook his head.  "I'm more curious to see if you can really combine your mystic and super saiyan powers like you claim." He replied in his usual gruff tone.

"Well, to do that, we'd have to go really far out.  I wouldn't want to risk accidentally damaging this structure if I couldn't control my power sufficiently.  That means that someone would have to stay behind so we could find our way back."

Dende put up a hand to interrupt Gohan.  "Actually, if you look really carefully, you'll see that I've upgraded this foyer.  That device over there" he said pointing towards a tall cylindrical tube, "is what I like to call a 'ki base.'  It has a distinct ki signature that you should be able to sense from anywhere in this dimension and thus, be able to find your way back here."

"Brilliant!!"  Gohan nodded his head approvingly.  "So then, shall we?" he asked as he lifted off into the air and began to fly off into the white expanse with Dende and Piccolo following him.

*********

"Alright, you guys ready to see what I can do?"  Gohan asked once they had stopped flying.

Both Dende and Piccolo nodded and braced themselves in preparation.

Gohan's fists clenched together until they were tight balls.  His face took on a look of intense concentration and he focused on bringing out his powers.

"First I'll power up using my mystic powers." He managed to say through clenched teeth.

By now, a light wind had picked up that originated from Gohan as he powered up.  Suddenly, it became a huge gust as Gohan tapped almost completely into his Mystic Powers.  Piccolo was beginning to struggle to remain upright.  Dende had lost his footing and was grabbing onto Piccolo's cape as tightly as he could.  Both Dende and Piccolo were shocked.  Gohan was already more powerful than Goku when he was a super saiyan 3.  They couldn't wait to see how powerful he'd become when he combined his two abilities.

The wind died down as Gohan brought his powers under control.  The confident warrior look had returned to his eyes as he gazed towards the two Nameks.

"Now its time."

Gohan once again concentrated and the wind around him increased so dramatically that Piccolo was beginning to slid back and lose his footing.  He could hardly believe the energy that was radiating from Gohan.  It was enormous.  He watched Gohan carefully, curious to see what this new transformation would look like.  As expected, it looked like a combination between his mystic power-up and when he was a super saiyan.  His eyes were taking on the familiar turquoise color, but his eyebrows stayed the same.  His hair was where the most noticeable change was taking place.  Instead of being all black or all blond, it instead looked highlighted, black with blond streaks.  His muscles still remained fairly normal size.  They weren't the huge muscles Piccolo remembered from Goku's super saiyan 3 form.  The aura around him was had turned back to the glowing yellow consistent with his super saiyan form.  But his power.  It was mind boggling, far above Goku and Piccolo would guess that it was even higher then Buu when he had absorbed both Gohan, Gotenks and himself.  But Gohan wasn't done yet.

"That's stage one.  I'm going to take it up a notch."

Suddenly, the wind increased so severely that Piccolo was swept off his feet, tumbling back and taking Dende with him.  Around Gohan, little bolts of lighting seemed to emanate from his body and his hair seemed to grow more rigid.  His power was becoming so huge that Piccolo was beginning to wonder if there was ever any end to it.  Maybe Goku had been right all those years ago.  Maybe Gohan really did have a power hidden within him that was truly unfathomable to anyone else.  After Piccolo regained his footing, he stared at Gohan in wonder and awe.  He seemed to be concentrating intensely, just to keep his power under control.  The wind had died down so that Piccolo could barely walk closer to where Gohan.  Dende was still clutching his cape.

"So what do you think?"  Gohan managed to say through gritted teeth.  It was obvious that he was putting most of his concentration into keeping his outrageous power at a level where Piccolo could approach him.

"I don't know what to say Gohan.  I've never felt anything like this before.  Your power is enormous."

"It's a little hard to keep under control though."

"Yeah I can tell.  Why don't you power down to a regular super saiyan, but remain in you mystic form and try to keep your power under control.  It'll be a little easier to start training your ki in that form."

Gohan didn't say anything, but just powered down to a more acceptable level.  He was surprised at how easy it was to keep his power down so that people could be around him.  Well, strong people right now like Piccolo.  But it wasn't the type of Earth destabilizing force that he'd originally feared.  He now knew that he would be able to control it to the point where it could be useful in battle.  And if he could control this form, than all it was going to take was some extra training to keep his Super Mystic Saiyan 2 form under control.  Super Mystic Saiyan.  He liked the sound of that.

When he had powered down, Dende had been able to stand on the ground without being flung away.  He was now standing next to Piccolo, staring at Gohan in awe.

"My God Gohan.  I can't believe it.  Your power is far beyond anything I thought possible."

A smirk formed across Gohan's lips.  "I thought we weren't supposed to use your name in vain Dende."

Dende pouted back at Gohan.  "I am the God of this planet and therefore I can do whatever I want.  It's just you insignificant peons that must bow to my wishes."

Gohan burst out laughing.  When he finally got it under control, he managed a short retort.  "Hypocrite."

Now it was Dende's turn to smirk.  "Perks of the job my friend."

Gohan and Piccolo rolled their eyes.

"Gohan," Piccolo started, trying to change the subject, "how is it, think you'll be able to keep your power under control?"

"Yep," Gohan said with a nod.  "It's actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I'd like to stay in here for a couple of hours to try and get used to it a little better.  It still feels kinda weird and I know that a few hours won't make it perfectly natural but it'd be a start.  Besides, I can't stay in here too long or Videl will have a fit."

"Need I remind you Gohan, that 6 hours in here is equivalent to 1 minute on the outside."  Piccolo was looking at Gohan with an amused expression.

Once again, Gohan looked sheepish.  "Oh yeah, I kinda forgot."

"Speaking of Videl, how are things going between you two?"  Piccolo was the one person Gohan felt comfortable talking to about such things.  Perhaps it was because Piccolo was the only person who would listen to him without judgment, but whatever the reason, Piccolo had grown to become Gohan's closest confidant besides Videl.  Piccolo knew almost as well as Videl did the troubles Gohan was having dealing with the aftermath of Buu.

Dende took a moment to speak up.  "I'm sorry to do this to you guys, but I need to get back outside and start being responsible."  Both Piccolo and Gohan nodded at him as he stepped through the door leading back to the halls of the lookout.

"Really well, Piccolo.  She's so amazing I still can't believe she chose me.  It seemingly defies all logic."

"There's no accounting for taste."  Gohan looked at Piccolo surprised.  Had he just made a joke?  "Anyways, I still find irony in the fact that her father is the person who took credit for your defeat of Cell."

"Piccolo," Gohan whined.  "We've been over this before.  I told you I don't care about that.  Videl is all that matters to me, not credit for some victory where I was too stupid to listen to good advice and my father got killed for it."

Now Piccolo growled.  "Gohan, we been over that many times.  It's not your fault."

"Yeah, yeah, I know.  I'm sorry.  It's just a habit."

"Back to Videl.  Have you two set a date for the wedding?"

Gohan shook his head.  "No, we haven't had a chance to talk about that yet.  Everything has been so busy with school and all."

"Now, granted being an asexual Namek doesn't exactly give me a great understanding of the human," Gohan gave him a disapproving look, "or saiyan mating process, but one piece of knowledge that Kami gave me when we fused is that 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'  I think it would be a good idea to talk to her about it before she reaches that level."

Gohan looked at his mentor in amusement.  "That surprisingly makes sense Piccolo.  Since I can feel Videl's emotions, I know she's not at that point yet, but you're right.  I don't think I should wait any longer."  A wry grin appeared on his face.  "Besides, I didn't know you were so eager to start your best man duties."  Gohan had to struggle to contain his laughter, Piccolo's shocked expression was priceless.

"What duties?"

Gohan feigned surprise.  "You mean you didn't know?  You have to throw a bachelor party for me and make a speech at the wedding."

"Oh hell no.  I never agreed to that."  Piccolo was backing away slowly, while Gohan was advancing slowly with a smile on his face.

"Come on Piccolo.  It'd really mean a lot to me."

Piccolo growled again.  "Damn it kid, sometimes I really wish I could still throw you through a mountain just to get you to shut up."

"Ah, you don't really mean that Piccolo."

"Sometimes I do.  But fine, I will see what I can do."

"Thanks Piccolo."  Gohan knew that the large green Namek had a soft spot for him that existed for no one else.  Even Goten and Trunks weren't as close to Piccolo as Gohan was.

"Yeah, yeah.  Now get started doing some simple exercises that will help you control power."  Now Piccolo was back into his mentor roll.

Gohan nodded his head.  He knew that it was now time to be serious.

**********

Several hours later, Piccolo and Gohan emerged from the time chamber to see Dende walking down the hall.  After all, only a minute had passed on the outside.  When they caught up him, Piccolo went one way to head up to the surface to meditate, while Gohan started a conversation with Dende.  When it was over, Gohan make for the surface himself to head back home.  On his way, he passed Piccolo.

"Remember what we talked about."  Gohan nodded his head in response, leapt into the air and sped off for home.

When he arrived, he found Videl sitting at the kitchen table, her homework spread out, and deep in thought.  She looked up quickly to acknowledge his presence.

"Hey Gohan."

Gohan didn't answer but instead walked around the table, coming up behind Videl and wrapping his arms around hers, then closing the book that she had open on the table.  Videl looked up at him slightly annoyed.

"Gohan what are you doing?"  Gohan turned her around so she was facing him and then finally answered.

"We need to talk."

Now Videl was confused.  Gohan was acting kind of serious and Videl didn't know why.

"Okay, is something wrong?"

She was relieved when a smile broke out a cross his face.  "Nope.  I just figured it was about time to discuss when we wanted our wedding to be.  Hopefully you are still planning on marrying me."

"Of course I am silly.  You just had me worried when you were acting all serious."

"In that case I apologize.  Shall we go to the family room?"

"Sure."  Gohan grabbed Videl's hand to help her up and then led her to their comfortable leather sofa.  When they sat down, they both let out a sigh of satisfaction as they sank down into the cushions.  The piece of furniture was one of their favorites in the house.

"So, where's all this talk about our wedding coming from?"

Gohan shrugged.  "Surprisingly enough, Piccolo.  He said and I quote 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' so he suggested that we talk about it."

Videl instantly broke out laughing.  "I can't believe that Piccolo would even know that phrase."

"Yeah, I was a little shocked as well.  But I figured that since we haven't talked about it yet, now was as good a time as any."

"Well, you should know that I hardly feel 'scorned' Gohan."

"I know.  But we haven't discussed it yet."

"Okay, okay.  I'm guessing you're hoping that I've already decided everything so you won't have to."

Gohan nodded sheepishly.  "Yeah sorta."

"You're only partially in luck.  After all my daddy did to you and your friends, he is going to be paying for a rather elaborate, rather expensive wedding."  Videl had an evil glint in her eyes.  Gohan could read her thoughts, the visions dancing around in her mind and was surprised at what he was seeing.  This seemed like a dream wedding.

"You can't be serious."

"Oh I am.  My dad has the money.  All you need to do is help me pick out the date."

"I can do that.  It didn't look like it will be a big wedding though."

"Nope.  I want a smaller affair.  The decorations and everything is what's going to cost so much."

"Good.  No offense or anything, but I might disappear if all of Satan City shows up at our wedding."

"I don't blame you."  Videl said in all seriousness.  "I'd leave with you."  Then she smirked.  "Maybe then we could elope in America.  You know, where is that place, in Vegas?"

Now it was Gohan turn to smile.  "That would be quite an experience but I'd rather get married with our family around."

"So would I, which is why daddy is going to be paying for extensive security and we'll make sure that this doesn't get leaked to the press."

"You seem to have thought of everything."

"All except a date."  They both laughed as they sat in each other's arms.

"Okay," Gohan spoke up after a few moments.  "I definitely think it should be after we get out of school."

"Agreed."

"School gets out May 5th so how bout the 15th?  Think your dad can get everything ready that fast?"

Videl sat quietly for a moment, contemplating the date.  "Ten days after we graduate from school in about 3 weeks?  Yeah that sounds good.  So that's it, we're going to get married on May 15th?"

"Yep."

"Oh my God."  Videl's hands flew to her mouth.  "I can't believe it Gohan.  I'm going to be married to you."

"I'm hoping that's still a good thing."

"Of course it is.  I've never wanted anything more in my entire life."  Videl lifted her head up and gave Gohan a passionate kiss.  When they broke apart, Gohan responded.

"Good, me too."

"So," Videl said giving him a sly look, "where are we going for our honeymoon?"

Gohan gave her a smirk back.  "That's for me to know and you to find out.  But by the way, just to clear any confusion, I think you should know that Piccolo has already said he was planning to throw me a bachelor party so it's only fair that you should have a bachelorette party."

"Piccolo said he was throwing you a bachelor party?"  Videl stared at Gohan in disbelief.  She wasn't quite sure if Gohan was telling the truth.

Gohan gave a shrug, carefully controlling his emotions.  "He is my best man."

Videl's brow furled.  "Okay...  if you say so."

"So shall we go tell your dad?  I seem to remember that we told him he'd be the first to know when we decided on a date."  Gohan started to get up, but Videl grabbed his shirt, pulling him back down.  She kissed him passionately and slipped her hands under his shirt.

::I can think of something else I'd rather do at the moment.::

**********

Alfred appeared at the door of the Satan mansion almost immediately after Videl had knocked on the door.

"Hello Miss Videl.  So good to see you again.  You come by far too infrequently."  The elderly family butler said.

"I'm sorry Alfred.  I'm just having way too much fun with Gohan here." She said gesturing to the young demi-saiyan standing next to her.

"Not too much fun I hope."  Alfred said giving both of them a stern look.  Gohan was slightly intimidated but Videl knew better and started laughing.

"Don't you get started too Alfred.  We're not planning on having children for a long time yet."

"I'm glad to hear that.  Now come on in," he said gesturing past the door.  "I'll alert Mr. Hercule to your presence."

"Thanks Alfred."  Both she and Gohan stood in a huge foyer, holding hands as Alfred disappeared down a long hallway in search of her father.  "Can you tell where Buu is Gohan.  I'm too lazy to look right now."

Gohan concentrated for a second.  Even after Videl had moved out, they had frequently come back to visit, despite Alfred's protestations to the contrary, and he was knew the layout of the house fairly well.

"It seems like he and Bee are in the theater.  No doubt watching Mickey Mouse cartoons."  Several times when they'd come over they'd discovered that Hercule was complaining to Buu that his watching Mickey Mouse movies was taking away his time to study martial arts techniques.  Videl had mentioned casually to Gohan that her father meant that Buu was taking time away from Hercule watching footage of himself.  Buu, however, was indifferent, no matter what threats Hercule made.  He loved Mickey Mouse and nothing was going to make him move.

"Good, that means they won't be bothering us."

They only had to wait a few more moments until Alfred and Hercule appeared.

"Videl, this is quite a surprise.  What brings you and Gohan out here?"  Hercule's voice was back to its former booming pitch.

"Hi Daddy.  Would you mind if we sat down, we have something important to tell you."

"Of course, sweetheart.  Alfred, would you mind getting us some drinks?"

"What can I get for you sir?"

"I think waters all around Alfred."  Videl answered for him.  Hercule nodded his head in agreement.

"We'll be in the living room." Hercule said as Alfred turned and headed back towards the kitchen.  Hercule, meanwhile, began to lead Videl and Gohan towards his living room.  When they all sat down, he addressed them.

"So what is so important that you've come all the way out here?"

Videl and Gohan glanced at each other, smiled and grabbed each other's hand.

"We've set a date for our wedding." Videl answered him.

Hercule's face broke into a huge smile.  He had almost immediately approved of Gohan when he and Videl had told him they were mates.  Over the past few weeks, he'd grown increasingly fond of the boy he'd discovered was part alien and he was incredibly proud to have him marrying his daughter.  Hearing them say that they'd set a date for their wedding meant that he would have to hand his daughter over to this fine young man, however, he had no doubts that Gohan would be able to take care of her and protect her.  Most likely, he thought, better than he himself could.

"That's fantastic sweet-pea.  When is the big day?"

"We've decided on May 15th."

Hercule looked thoughtful for a minute while he tried to calculate that time in terms of weeks.  "So a little over a month away.  That's kinda short notice."

Videl gave her father a daughter's patented princess look and Hercule immediately melted.  "I know daddy, but I also know that you can pull everything together in time."

Once Hercule had seen his daughter's face, he knew that he would spare no expense on this wedding.  Which was a good thing cause it would cost him an arm and a leg.  However, he wanted to play the typical father of the bride and at least pretend to be concerned over the cost.  Sighing he asked his question.

"How much is this going to cost me?"

Videl had to fight a smile that threatened to rise to her face.  "Not too much daddy, it's going to be a simple wedding."

Hercule didn't believe that for a second.

**********

Later, after Hercule had almost had a stroke when he realized how much Videl's wedding was going to cost him, and Videl and Gohan had returned home, they sat around their kitchen, table discussing the events of the day.

"You know, I think your dad took the news pretty well.  You sure stuck it to him."

"Well, he had it coming.  He has a lot to atone for in my eyes."

"He gave me you.  That's plenty of atonement in my opinion."  Gohan said, giving Videl a kiss.

"I'm glad you're satisfied, but I'm not.  So I'll continue until I am."

Gohan laughed and looked Videl in the eyes.  "Far be it from me to stand in your way.  But I just want to make sure you aren't doing this on my account."

Videl shook her head.  "No this is just between him and me.  I don't appreciate being lied to for 7 years.  You just come as a bonus."

"Okay.  I feel kinda useless though, you have everything under control."

"Don't worry about it Gohan.  As the groom your job is to show up and make sure you say the right name."  Videl said with laughter in her eyes.

"I think I can handle that."  Gohan said laughing.

"May 15th, I don't think I can wait that long."  Videl said as she wrapped her arms around her fiancĂ©.

"Just remember, we have to get through Prom, Graduation and then it will be time for our wedding."

"Ugh... don't remind me.  That means I have to find two dresses."  Videl tried to look disgusted.  In reality she had already picked out her Prom dress when she had gone shopping with Erasa while Gohan was training.  But she wasn't about to let Gohan know.  She wanted it to be a surprise for the evening.

"Oh come on Videl.  It can't be that bad."

"And how would you know?  You're a guy.  You don't have to wear them."

"I know, but..."

Videl interrupted him.  "I have an idea, you can try on one my dresses and if you still think it's not that bad, then you can say all you want."

"Fine," Gohan retorted.  "Lead the way."

Videl grabbed his hand and led him upstairs to her closet.  She pulled out a sexy dress that she had worn a couple times on the few dates that she and Gohan had managed to go on.

"Here, try this on," she said as she thrust the dress into his arms.  Gohan immediately began to strip to his boxers and pulled the dress over his head.  Since he was about 10 inches taller than Videl, the dress was extremely short and Videl had to try hard to keep from laughing.

"It's not so bad.  This one's just really short on me." Gohan said as he started to take it off.  Videl quickly stopped him.

"Oh no, you're not done.  Its time for make-up."

"WHAT?!" Gohan practically shrieked.  "You didn't say anything about make-up."

"Please Gohan?" Videl pleaded.  She knew that, like her father, Gohan would always melt whenever she looked at him this way.

Gohan let out a deep sigh and ultimately decided to agree, just like Videl knew he would.

"Fine."

"Thank you Gohan!"  Videl grabbed his hand and started to walk towards the bathroom.  "Now sit here while I get everything ready."  She gestured towards her vanity and Gohan sat down.  She then rummaged through all her drawers, getting just about every piece of make-up she could find.  During a regular day, she hardly ever wore make-up, but she had a fair amount stashed for when she and Gohan went out on dates.  Piling everything on the counter, she had to laugh as she watched Gohan's eyes grow bigger and bigger.

"You're really going all out aren't you?"  he asked a little frightened.

"I figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I'd better get it right.  Now close your eyes til I'm done."

Gohan pouted but his eyes fell closed.  Once they had shut, Videl let out a huge smile, this was rather fun.  She immediately got to work applying make up to Gohan's face.  As she was working, Gohan began to partially understand why girls disliked dressing up.  The dress itself wasn't so bad, but he didn't enjoy the poking and brushing that putting on make-up required.  But like a well trained spouse, he sat still until Videl was finished.  Finally she told him he could open his eyes.  When he did, Videl had already started to laugh.

"Well," she managed to choke out between fits of laughter.  "I think we should be glad your parents never had a daughter."

Gohan was also highly amused by his appearance.  Who would have thought that one of the strongest beings in the universe would be wearing a dress that barely covered the top of his legs complete with full make-up.  The things a guy does for love.

"I'll have you know." He said, his tone serious.  "That I happen to think I look dead sexy."

That only made Videl laugh even harder.  The way Gohan looked was priceless.  It took several minutes before she could control herself.  When she did, Gohan was rather frightened of the devious glint in her eye.

"Now its picture time."  She said with a huge smirk.

"Excuse me?!"  Gohan obviously thought he'd been through enough for one night.

"Okay, we can sit here and discuss this for a while or you can just give in now and get it over with.  Either way you know I'm going to be taking a picture.  So which is it?"

Gohan huffed and puffed for a few seconds.  Videl was hitting below the belt.  He knew that if they discussed it he would eventually give in, so why not just get it over with, quick and painless?

"This is so unfair."

"I know." Videl chirped.  "But you know you love me."

"I'm beginning to wonder if I made an error of judgment."

"Oh shut up and pose."  Videl had gotten her camera out and snapped a picture as Gohan was attempting to give a seductive pose to the camera.  It just made the whole situation even more comical.  Unfortunately, for Videl, as soon as the flash went off and the picture was taken, Gohan appeared in front of her, without make-up and once again wearing his own clothes.

"Gohan," she whined, "I wasn't finished yet."

"Too bad," he said giving her a kiss.  "You got your picture."

"Okay fine.  But there is one thing left to do tonight."

"I don't want to know."  Gohan held his head in his hand and shook it in denial.

"Its homework time.  That's not too bad."

"After all this, now you want help with homework?"  Gohan asked in disbelief.

"Of course.  It says in my little black book that you must help me whenever I ask for it."  A huge smile crossed Videl's face as she grabbed Gohan's hand and led him back to the kitchen.  She laughed when she heard his comeback.

"When am I going to get a copy of this book?"

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