Chapter 18: Open your eyes
The vegetian sunshine adamantly beat down upon him, making him feel like it was pressuring him to make a decision; pressuring him like everybody else. Like his mother to be a scholar, like his father to be a fighter, like his brother to be his role model, like Vegeta to be a proper saiyajin warrior, like Bulma to be a hero, like Videl to be a better friend. And it was as if everybody was waiting something from him and he couldn't help but get all worked up about it. It was strange actually, because it had never bothered him in the past; but now—now it was like his eyes and ears were opening, like he was waking up to a whole new reality, feeling things—perceiving things in a different way than he used to do before.
He was alone, but it was better that way, because he had to figure this out on his own. That's why he was planning to meditate out here in the courtyard while there was still peace and quiet. Videl and the kids had headed off to the Academy early that morning but he was still not feeling well. He wasn't worried though, he knew that once he ate a meaningful something his strength would come back, but meanwhile, he had to make a decision.
Damned suns. Why did they have to pour down on him so directly? Or better yet, why did they have to be so annoyingly hot? He'd been trying to concentrate since half an hour ago, but it was of no use. Thank Kami the others weren't there. His mom was still out by the sedative Bulma gave her and his dad had gone back to training after he and Bulma saw him this morning. It was strange that he couldn't feel Vegeta's ki anywhere, though. Where could he be? Bulma might know, but she was probably slaving away in the tech bay. He had noticed she seemed to spend more time in there that she should. Then there was Videl. She seemed really happy last night when he woke up and it was obvious she hadn't slept much lately. She must have been really worried about him, but… even so, she didn't have to do all that. And that morning, what she had said—that he was the most important person in her life—surely she must have said that to make him feel better… That she cared about him… 'Now Gohan, don't go jumping to conclusions. Of course she cares about you, dolt! You're best friends', he thought.
But what did he want it to mean? Sure, it wouldn't be all bad if she felt something for him. I mean, she was a fighter like him and knew his life's story. Who could know him better than her? Now his mind went on auto mode, picturing a picnic in the park, walking down the school's corridor holding hands, kissing her… knowing at last what she so zealously hid under those clothes; her skin, her curves, her breasts, her…
Hold on a minute…
What??
Since when did he think about Videl like that? Going over his mental archive he was sure to say never. Of course he thought her attractive, but from there to think in these terms it was a whole lot of runs. But why now of all times? Was it that he missed her already? Though, now that he thought about it, he remembered imagining them as a married couple. He didn't find anything strange in that, but, Videl had told him once that he didn't think like other boys. How could he? He wasn't raised like other boys; of course he would be different!
He shook his head. His mind was going a mile a minute. What he needed to do right then was enjoy this little bit of freedom while it lasted and rest for a while, so he went back to his room and made a beeline to the bed. Then he noticed Videl didn't have time to change the bloody sheets for fresh ones. He briefly thought of changing them himself, but after deciding he didn't have enough energy to do so, he just slumped face down on her side of the bed and waited.
He didn't move in case it would chase away his sleep, but soon a cramp convinced him otherwise. He sighed deeply as he turned his head to the other side, in doing so being washed over by the girl's scent on the sheets and pillow. He froze. He never noticed Videl smelt that good. It was the same scent as always, the only difference was that now it was affecting him differently. It was strong, lingeringly sweet; definitely feminine in a peculiar way. He welcomed it and it engulfed him until it was all he could concentrate on, until it became part of the very air he breathed. And it warmed him, and caressed him and calmed him and at the same time roused him. His blood pumped in his veins and his hands tingled, his stomach fluttered and his gut stirred lower and lower each time in a delicious wave. Images of the girl invaded his hazy brain as sleep took over and everything that he saw after that was her.
~*~
She was such an idiot!! What on Earth—erh, Vegeta-sei—had possessed her to tell him that? What had gotten into her? Though now that she thought about it, wasn't it unusual that she harbored these feelings toward him? Well… it was the first time it happened so she couldn't call it for what it was.
But she wasn't lying when she said he was the most important person in her life! It was a whole new deal of importance, different to her father, who was the only other person who occupied a similar position in her heart… In her heart! Well, she also told him she cared about him, and that wasn't a lie either.
So exactly, how deeply did she feel about the boy?
Let's see. She refused to part with him of her own accord; he was such a wonderful person. He was kind, gentle, smart, strong, and unique in his own way. He was a fighter, what she admired, and he was deep in his contemplations. He was so sweet and honest and so adorably naïve at times. She loved when he looked at her with those big black eyes of his, blinking in confusion like a small child. When he did that she had the urge to grin like mad and hug him to suffocation. And he was handsome… oh my, why hadn't she admitted that before!? But most of all, she loved what they had together, the closeness, the enjoyable companionship, the understanding, the sense of belonging, like she wouldn't mind spending the rest of her life with him and his family. Kami, she loved his family! She didn't remember having a family before; she only remembered bits and pieces of what it was like when her mother was still alive. But it was so long ago…
It was also curious the way they both seemed to project each other's feelings. When she was sad, he became sad, even if he tried to cheer her up; when he was happy (which was most of the time), that happiness would rub off on her; when one was angry, the other was tense; when one was suspicious, the other alert; when one was tired, the other lazy. Kami-sama how hadn't she noticed that!?
Was it—was it possible… that she…? But she'd never had before, so she didn't know… um, was it possible that she was falling in love with Gohan?? Videl gasped and her eyes flew open. She was just outside the arena, meditating while the others were taking their tail training. Upon entering, she wondered their reaction to seeing Gohan with a tail and she felt so proud of him.
Now wait wait wait wait wait!!
Oh Kami-sama! Was she? Falling for Gohan? Son Gohan? Gohan of the House of Bardock? Mountain boy? The Great Saiyaman? The Gold Fighter? The boy who beat Cell? Now her mind went blank. She didn't know. She honestly didn't know. But—would it be so bad if she did? Would it?? Or was she willing to spend the rest of her life hiding and locking everybody out of her heart? Well, Gohan was already in, so it was just a matter of time and her own willingness for it to develop into something bigger.
Looking back at everything they'd gone through together, she gazed out to the horizon. Would it be so bad? Would it be so different? Didn't she deserve at least one try at this supposedly wonderful thing that everybody went crazy about? Hn… and why was she starting to feel so giddy and excited? She started to crack her knuckles one by one. Was she really in for it? To go all out? And take the consequences? She breathed deeply.
The answer was yes.
This was a fight, a fight like any other, a fight against herself, against her fears and she was determined to win. So it was decided. She was willing to let it happen as she smiled. Come what may.
And then she realized how silent it had become since a while ago. She turned to look in the arena so fast she almost got whiplash and noticed it was empty. With a squawk, she jumped to her feet and ran to her next class ten minutes late, wishing that maybe they'd let her off the hook and overlook her punishment.
~*~
By the time lunch came along, a handful of new insecurities were starting to plague her. It was certain that Gohan had caught the eye of more than one since that fateful day, which meant that he would be getting a lot of attention. It was evident they would be seeking him out as soon as he came back—but what if he decided to indulge them? She didn't think it probable that they would let her tag along. What if he chose them? They were saiyajin, she was not. They were powerful, she was not. Damn it! She felt so useless… She had been trying so hard and she was still not strong enough. He said that didn't matter to him, but she knew that was not true. Whatever he said, she was somehow hindering him.
So self-absorbed was she as she ate her relatively minuscule portion of lunch that she didn't notice the presence that loomed over her, watching her, until they took the seat beside hers and commented:
"It is not wise to be distracted like that. Someone is bound to take advantage." She looked to her left and there he was, the thorn in her side since she had first set foot in Vest'har's premises: Asparu of the House of Chisha.
"Hnn…" She mumbled as she looked him up dully without taking her chopsticks out of her mouth. The young man stared at her as she finally and slowly chewed. Actually, he was curiously wondering why she used those sticks when she could just simply take the food with her hands.
"I have a lot on my mind. And I don't appreciate interruptions." Videl finally said as she shifted her attention back to her food. This brought a smirk to Asparu's face.
"Do not be so cutting… Why do you run? Are you scared of me?"
The girl bit down on the wooden utensils—hard. How she hated that question. Even more so than the constant 'Do you have a boyfriend yet?' from relatives, friends and acquaintances. It seemed as if conceit was a genetic flaw in the male species. She had lost count of the number of times she'd been asked that question, along with the beatings that immediately followed the query. It was implying that she was a sniveling weakling.
"If by afraid you mean do I fear you then I'm sorry to disappoint you. There's only so much that can scare Satan Videl and unfortunately, big strong saiyajin with oversized egos are not one of them. Though if by afraid you mean do I feel intimidation of some kind concerning a secret attraction towards you, then you are sadly mistaken." With that, she went back to attacking her food, pausing a second before adding, "I just don't like you."
They both could clearly hear several snorts around them, which reminded them they were among a hoard of cubs and young saiyajin in the dining hall. Actually, they were laughing at the first class' attempt to corner the ningen with his controlled and debonair manner. Many had tried and failed, if not for the girl's wit then for the half-breed that seemed like her shadow.
"And why, pray you tell, do I not appeal to you? Was it something I said or did? If so, I am willing to correct it." Asparu argued in a supposedly sincere way.
Videl put down her chopsticks on top of the still unfinished bowl. This was her chance to set things straight with this guy. So she sat back in her chair, lacing her fingers over her stomach and let out a lungful of air before turning to look at Asparu in the eye.
"I don't trust you. Since the first time I saw you, you inspired my distrust. And my favor… must be earned. No exceptions." She held the saiyajin's gaze with an intense glare of her own. Then he nodded once, as if he had come to a decision after long pondering.
"Then I shall earn it." He said softly without removing his gaze from hers.
Videl honestly didn't think he would be able to pull it off, but he didn't know that. And she wasn't about to tell him either. She decided to let him realize it on his own, maybe that would strip him of at least a bit of his arrogance. The jerk. So she shrugged and reached for her food again.
"Suit yourself."
~*~
"So how did it go?" Gohan asked without pausing in his kata. She only shrugged and dropped her towel on the floor next to his, before taking stance by his side and imitating his movements.
"As usual?" He tried to coax some information from the reluctant female but rather he was trying to rush away the traitorous thoughts that just now were trying to make reappearance. Watching her from the corner of his eye he could see that something was troubling her. There was an odd expression on her face; an expression he had seen before.
"Doushita no*?"
"Betsuni*. I was wondering if you feel well enough to go to class tomorrow."
"Ohhhhh! Videl missed me!" He taunted in an annoying voice.
"Don't flatter yourself. Avocco sensei was asking about you and the youngest kids demand an explanation of why the Legendary didn't go back to Vest'har." Gohan abruptly stopped his movements and turned to her.
"You mean they want me back? You mean they're not mad at me?"
"Doesn't look that way." She shrugged, "They seemed to be ensnared with your power more than anything. Rejoice my friend. You're famous." The boy smiled, but his smile faded quickly as he noticed the lack of enthusiasm in the girl's demeanor.
"You don't like that." He commented in realization.
"It's not that I don't like it, I think you deserve to be treated with respect. It's just… Never mind." She sighed turning around to leave.
"Iia, oshiete*. I want to know." Gohan halted her and held her by her shoulders. She looked at him, with regret but also with resignation. She knew she had to tell him, even if her pride was getting in the way.
"I feel that once they start giving you attention, I'll be left back and you won't have time for me anymore."
"C'mon! Don't be silly! I'll always have time for you. Nothing's gonna change that." He reassured her as he threw an arm over her shoulder and brought her in for an awkward hug.
"Ack! Ano baka*! You're all sweaty! Hanase yo*!" She protested as she tried to push him away.
"Aww! Videl-chan can't stand a little sweat?" He teased as he kept his hold on her and thwarted her quick attempts to get away.
"Shut up! And what are you doing in here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be recovering? I'll tell Chichi-san if you don't leave me alone!" Gohan let go and put an innocently clueless look on his face, finger on chin as his eyes looked up as if thinking hard. Videl felt the involuntary grin spread on her face, she just couldn't help it.
"Hmmm… Ah, right… I'm sick. So I can't be working out. My mom would chew me out like a monster if she found out." His tone made her laugh a little. "Don't tell her, Vidy. Pweeze!" Now the puppy eyes added a new element to his cuteness. She couldn't take it anymore.
"Okay! Okay! That's enough! Just stop it." She laughed some more. "Did you eat?" He nodded with a goofy face. "Did you get some more sleep?" Again. "Did you brush your teeth?" Gohan was going to nod again but then reverted back to the same clueless expression from before.
"Ah, well you see…" She didn't let him go on, just punched him on his arm and picked up the kata where they left off. Gohan followed suit.
That was nice, she thought. Just a lighthearted moment of peace. She vaguely wondered what had brought Gohan's playful mood. Maybe he was feeling better. Maybe he had finally stopped worrying about being accepted. Well, either way it didn't matter. She was glad he was feeling comfortable. Once again, she was reminded of her decision of that morning. It was unnerving her. She wondered if Gohan would look at her like that, through the eyes of a man in love… His eyes had always been gentle and warm, so just imagining that look sent her stomach fluttering. Ii Kami!! What was wrong with her!? She had practically just decided to let it be and she was already feeling like a schoolgirl with her first crush! Well, technically she was still a schoolgirl, and it WAS her first crush… Oh, man! How was she going to go through this without actually making a fool out of herself!?
She told herself not to worry, that that would never happen with Gohan. But then, he was always so naïve. Would he notice? She looked at him from the corner of her eye. He followed the sequence with diligence, focused the eyes of a natural born warrior… But would that warrior notice her? Would that warrior look at her with eyes of something other than friendship? Was she worthy of that warrior? Those nagging thoughts from before came back to bite her. He hadn't answered her before, when she asked if he would go back to Vest'har. But he didn't need to. The smile on his face was enough for her to realize his desire for recognition. She didn't blame him. She would do the same were she in his place. Gohan's eyes turned to her and he stopped. Only then did she realize she had been standing motionless for a while now.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" She tried to keep that pathetic hint of hope off of her face and voice, but she knew she failed miserably. Gohan looked at her for an instant. She didn't know what was going through his mind at the moment. Then his eyes softened and he approached her with a little smile drawn on his lips; he grabbed onto her pigtails, pulling her gently forward to the warmth of his body until their foreheads touched.
"Mochiron desu*. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
~*~
This was it. This was the moment of truth. It wasn't that he didn't trust Videl, not at all; but he couldn't help but feel his stomach doing flip flops as he stood before the entrance. And it wouldn't be wrong to say his feet felt ingrained to the floor akin to a tree just about to be cut off. He wondered what they would say. On one hand, you had the traditionalists, those who looked down on him for being born a third class, being a hybrid and being too ningen for their tastes. And on the other hand, you had those Videl had talked about, the ones who worshipped strength more than anything and it was the only thing that could win their respect. Oh man! Those he wanted to find!
Okay, time to face the music. Gohan breathed in deeply and marched in at last, going through the gates and joining the lot in the yard. The sudden silence hit him like an oversized kamehameha, but not more than the countless pairs of eyes that fell on him. He had the urge to turn around and flee, but then remembered these people hated insecurity and foolishness. Thus, Gohan walked on, back straight, shoulders squared, stride measured and head high, meeting stare with stare and holding them; watching impassively as a small nod was directed his way. This was their way of showing their respect. It was done mildly, as pride and lineage allowed nothing else. Gohan vaguely wondered if they minded the boys he'd beaten up, if they would resent it. Though it didn't take him long to catch up with the idea that this was not Chikyuu and they were not scandalized, that he had somehow proven himself and he couldn't help but like that. Suddenly, a green something with a black top jumped up from among more green somethings with black tops.
"Niichan, you came!"
"Hai. How's it been Ten-chan?" Gohan smiled at the little boy clinging to his neck.
"Fine, but I was really worried bout niichan not coming cuz it was boring cuz nobody cool was around cuz my niichan's the bestest niichan in the whoooole world!" The boy drawled on impossibly in a single breath, grinning brightly up at his older brother. Gohan laughed at the kid's antics and put him down once again to see Trunks and Videl approach.
"Nice entrance there, Gohan. Liked the whole terminator-ish cut to it." The former commented with the family smirk upon his lips.
"Thank you, Trunks… I think" Videl smiled and shrugged and they started to make their way to the building.
"Sugoi, niichan! I'm so glad that you got your tail back!" The youngest Son exclaimed excitedly upon catching sight of the brown limb. "It looks so cool! It's shiny and the fur's long and soft and the color's different from mine. And why's my tail look so messy next to yours?" Goten pouted holding the tip of his little tail up for his brother to see.
"Uhh, dunno. I guess cause you're a kid. But don't worry about it." Gohan said burying his hand in the kid's mop of black hair as they walked down the halls.
"Well, I'm a kid and my tail's always groomed." Trunks interjected in a high and haughty way that you couldn't tell if it came from his mother or father.
"That's because your father would kill you if you neglect it. Why don't you teach Goten how to groom his own then?"
"I've tried. Believe me, I've tried. But it's impossible." A dramatic sigh and a shake of the head.
"Then try harder, Your Majesty." Gohan finished as they got to the turn in which they separated. With twin ruffles to black spikes and lavender silk, they went their separate ways.
"You're too quiet." Gohan commented seriously as they walked side by side through the deserted hallways.
"Well, the conversation seemed cute. What did you expect?"
"You left early this morning. Didn't even catch you for breakfast."
"I… had to talk to Bulma-san about something." She lied in an absent tone. Then quickly added, "Don't ask me about what cause I won't tell."
"How come?" He frowned finally turning to look at her.
"Girl's stuff." She couldn't believe how fast she was coming up with the answers herself. Gohan grunted, satisfied with the reply. But he didn't wait long before pressing once again.
"You're different today. What's wrong?"
"Nothing… Do I really seem different?" She looked at him with a curious frown and he nodded seriously. "Well, don't mind it. I'll probably be back to normal soon. Hurry, I want to see Avocco sensei's face when he notices your tail." And then she ran down the hall and went in the arena.
Gohan wasn't fooled. He knew something was up with her, but he was okay if she didn't want to tell him. He would give her space. They had stopped keeping secrets from each other for some time now, but if she felt she had to keep this from him, then he supposed she must have her reasons. The Son boy followed after her into the arena.
Sensei Avocco was very pleased to see him back and was even more pleased at seeing the half-breed's new "acquisition". Free Combat was a breeze even with the extra attention Gohan was receiving. And just as Videl had thought, their classmates flocked him so he would pair up with them and fight. She knew it. But she could also see the shy and happy smile that spread over his face. She stepped back until her back hit the side wall and she sighed deeply, sliding down to sit there and watch from the sidelines, hugging her legs loosely to her chest. She never thought she would be reduced to do this someday, but she guessed there was always a first time for everything.
Videl watched the matches unfold before her. There was a troubling twinge in her chest since nobody seemed to acknowledge her presence. And Gohan seemed too busy at the moment. She sighed again.
"You are not going lazy on me now, are you?" Avocco's baritone voice come down to her. She looked up at the saiyajin to find the neutral face. She liked him. Despite his rough exterior and his strict manner he had won her admiration. He had seen fire in her and had done what no other of his brethren had bothered to do: believe in her potential to be better.
"Everyone's paired up already." She replied looking back at the half breed. The saiyajin followed her line of sight and crossed his arms as his eyes slit.
"He's very good."
"I know." She smiled a little.
"It's about time they saw that."
"Yes. He deserves the attention. Look at him—look at his face. He's in his element. He's been waiting so long for this. All that he wishes is to belong." She spoke quietly as she brought her forearms over her knees and placed her chin on them. Avocco grunted softly.
"But you know—hypocrisy is lurking beast of shiny colors." Videl looked at him with a frown at the statement. She understood what he was saying but
couldn't catch on to the reason why he did so.
"What do you mean?"
"People tend to fall to the allure of their fantasies, when the smart thing to do is to keep your feet on the ground. It would be foolish to trade high-road for a mud path." Videl smiled. So he was trying to cheer her up in his own… peculiar way. He had grown fond of both Gohan and her, but she supposed she would never hear him say so.
Avocco might be right though. After all, he knew these saiyajin youngsters better. That sudden interest couldn't be all too sincere and she just hoped Gohan would keep his eyes open for that.
"Are you saying I am the high-road?" She asked quietly as she stood and looked at his profile with a smile.
"Hmph." The saiyajin didn't look at her, but she could see the uneasiness at her teasing inquiry. She knew he was not going to say it, but it's the thought what counts, ne?
~*~
It was a good day.
The suns were shining. The city was bustling. The palace was quiet… Sigh. It was a good day indeed.
Landing at the entrance, they made their way through the hall until they reached Checkpoint. Following through all the protocol, they made their way to their first class: North Quadrant Astrography. He had gone back to class just the day before, but the welcoming he received was more than enough to cheer him up. His excitement couldn't be contained as his tail kept wriggling helplessly and freely behind him.
The door slid open to let them in and they immediately took their seats among the saiyajins. Murmurings broke through, bringing the rosy tint to his cheeks and nose at their attention. He was proud, happy and satisfied.
Listening to the sensei's lecture, enthralled as he was in learning more about this world, his mind began to drift to the future, to the past, to other dimensions, his imagination working into amazing sights. Gohan's happiness and attentive state caused his tail to whip the air behind his chair, hitting the metallic legs with recurring frequency. The young saiyajins around him commented, discreetly, about this matter which for them had a tremendous significance. Some understood the reason of his carelessness, but chose to remain silent on behalf of their sensei. Others were annoyed and distracted, deciding to take matters into their own hands to teach the demi-saiyajin a lesson. They waited for the teacher to engage in an extensive explanation of a star chart and located themselves behind the Son boy. Videl noticed this right away, the determined and suspicious looks sending her alarms blaring. Her defensive instinct became so sensitive after the incident that her ki spiked, immediately alerting Gohan. He sensed the people behind him and stood by, waiting. His tail immediately changed its rhythm, but that didn't seem to faze the saiyajins one bit.
At a certain instant, one tried to grab it, being successfully disappointed when it moved out of their reach easily. Another tried a grab too, only to get the same result; and so with some others, going so far as to attack all at the same time.
Finally, an energy blast caught the next hand that tried to reach Gohan's new priceless possession. All students looked up at the sensei, a balding male of strict demeanor and a jawbone so hard set it seemed about to crack. His thick and curiously disheveled eyebrows resembled those of a wicked madman from old horror movies and his large jumpy eyes managed an unnerving look that couldn't be held for long.
The silence was broken by the man, as he put down what he'd been holding in his hand to approach the clique. Gohan saw him walk closer with a sense of relief, satisfied that the saiyajin had caught them red-handed. He would have smiled at their well deserved plight, if it hadn't been for the sensei's loony look. What came as a shock was when the man stopped in front of him and told him to stand up.
"I said stand up!" He repeated when his command wasn't immediately obeyed. Gohan did as told, still puzzled by this development.
"Tell me, do you consider yourself a child?" The man asked in a spiteful tone. But then again, he always sounded spiteful, even when giving coordinates.
"No, se-"
"How old are you?" The man asked without even letting him finish.
"Seventeen."
"Then why, pray you tell, do you not bear your tail the proper way?" He went on interrupting Gohan again and showing with both hands his own tail tightly wrapped around his waist.
"Because it's uncomfortable?" The half-breed answered slowly. Gohan flinched as he noticed the sensei's jaw tense even further; it would break any second now.
"What fucking kind of saiyajin are you to complain about such a thing! Give me your tail." The man commanded in a hiss. The boy had no other choice but to do as told.
Thanks to Videl, he had been alert enough to keep the others from getting a hold of his tail. He guessed they thought he was showing it off after growing it back and it was bothering them. He was also aware of how increasingly sensitive a newly grown tail was, so he would do anything to protect it, even curl it around his waist like all the others, but due to that same sensitivity it was fairly difficult for him to keep the appendage in its place without getting awful cramps.
Gohan's tail was then trapped in the sensei's powerful hand, which kept increasing the pressure by the second until white spots started dancing before his eyes. All his muscles tensed, his brain couldn't seem to engage in thought processes and his spine seemed to be bleeding off its sensitivity. But through all the pain, he didn't cry out. The sensei's assault diminished, allowing Gohan's muscles to relax accordingly and to regain some sense to at least hold on to the chair's back. Then, the unexpected happened. Gohan's eyes found the sensei's and as if that had been a signal, the man's hand began a slow, torturous movement of enticing stimulus, powerful enough to earn a gasp from the boy as his grip on the chair made itself so strong that he dented it.
The older saiyajin stopped his ministrations but still held to the limb as the flustered teen fell to his knees, his legs unable to support his body. When his mind cleared enough of the strangely new sensations, he looked up to the sensei with glazed eyes and a slight pant, to see the saiyajin let go of the tail and stand straight, hands to his back.
"Let this be a lesson to you. That through public humiliation may you learn to always follow the rules without asking why, as they all have a motive behind them." He finished calmly.
"H-hai sensei." Gohan croaked hoarsely.
"Sit." The demi-saiyajin struggled to his feet on wobbly legs and took his seat, later burying his face in his hands, as if that would protect him from the looks of his fellow classmates.
"And you…" the sensei snapped at the group behind him, taking a small pad from his front pocket and pressing some buttons before returning it to its place. "Avocco-san and Biito-san will be waiting for your dishonorable asses after your last class in the arena. May this be a lesson to you, too. Never attempt such a lowly action as to attack another saiyajin's tail outside of battle."
And with that, he went back to the front of the class.
~*~
Dejectedly, Gohan opened the wooden doors to the Palace's library. He was pretty familiar with it already after all those long hours of tutoring. He crossed the threshold to find Cole leaning over the table with a huge scroll-like thing spread on top of it. From his vantage point it looked like a star chart and that only proved his suspicions as two soldiers from the King's Guard were consulting the scholar. They were speaking in hushed tones, maybe even a dialect that Gohan's chip couldn't translate, but he didn't care. He could wait. He wanted answers and he was going to get them.
Gohan immediately flopped on the cushioned couch tiredly and slung an arm over his eyes as he waited for the officers to leave. It took a couple of minutes but they finally gathered the ridiculously huge paper and after rolling it tightly up, walked out of the room leaving the two men alone.
"When did I say you could sit?" Cole's voice reached him from close by, making him uncover his eyes to find the saiyajin standing in front of him holding some books.
"You didn't." Gohan answered dryly. "I have questions."
"Do not they all? Well then, that is what I am here for: answering questions. Proceed."
"First, I assume you heard about what happened at Vest'har?"
"Yes indeed. Another Legendary made his appearance."
"And you know what happened to those guys?"
"They issued a challenge and they were defeated." Cole answered at the same time he nodded, like he was answering a test.
Gohan stared for an instant at the saiyajin, who was pacing calmly before him. That was it? No 'you beat them to a bloody pulp' or 'your punishment is waiting patiently'? Just a calm, circumstantial comment and nothing else. Well, he wasn't about to complain.
"And I was so angry I could have killed them if Vegeta-san hadn't come get me then." The saiyajin just nodded once again. "Hello? I said I could have killed them… Don't you have anything to say about that? Don't you have some moral rule against harmful behavior around here?"
"Not at all. They issued a challenge and were defeated. They knew what they were getting into. Or did they?" Every time Gohan heard him talk like that he thought the man couldn't get more cynical, but Cole always managed to prove him wrong.
"As for Vegeta Oujisama, I know you faced off." Gohan nodded.
"Well, I was in such a shape that I couldn't bring myself back to the palace. Besides injured, I felt sick, and I have no idea why. Then I'm put in a regen tank and my wounds heal, but my health's dangling due to a chemical incompatibility that finished prostrating me for 42 hours and when I wake up I find my tail has grown back. Then, as I recover, I notice more changes happening and when I go back to the academy I start to notice a whole lot of stuff that wasn't there before." Gohan's speech had gradually picked up speed until he finally had to stop for air. He looked like he would continue but Cole took the chance to talk.
"Maybe it is not that they were not there before, but rather you had not noticed. You must get used to it. Your eyes have opened; now you must learn to see." The infuriating smirk was back in place as he finished the little word rodeo. Gohan hated it when the saiyajin began to hold information from him and decided to play with his words. A scowl settled on his young face.
"I said I want answers, not riddles." Cole opened his arms to his sides slightly as a gesture to go ahead.
"Ask away."
"My tail's been very sensitive, even more than when I had it as a kid. I have to be really careful where I put it so I don't sit on it… and I have a problem. I get cramps when I keep it around my waist for too long." He blushed at this.
"It is natural to experience increased sensitivity after the regeneration. You said it is more sensitive than before, but that is not true. Your tail is just as sensitive as it used to be…" the boy opened his mouth to refute that thesis before being stopped by Cole's hand being raised. "But then, you are also experiencing some changes." AHHHH!! THERE WAS THAT DAMNED SMIRK AGAIN!!
"Elaborate." Gohan all but commanded between grinding teeth.
"Thick like a Kumera log…" The older male mumbled as he shook his head. "Boy, if I have to tell you everything, you will not ever learn. You are very clever. Use that." And then he stood next to the desk, arms akimbo, while looking at Gohan.
Gohan looked him back.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Very well." Cole sighed defeated. "I suppose you came to me to ask me about your thinning tolerance level to certain things, about your restlessness, about your lack of sleep and about crazy thoughts appearing out of the blue without any need to actually be there…" Gohan nodded, perplexed. "If you still do not grasp where I am going with that… then you are stupid." Now this was said in the dullest of tones.
"Yes I know now. But what about my tail? What can I do about it?"
"You will have to train it, even outside of appointed class. Build resistance, strengthen it, and keep it under control, because at these times it can become traitorous."
"Hai, senpai. I already learned my lesson." This seemed to bring some thoughts into the saiyajin's mind that made him frown. Then, he looked Gohan in the eye and sat facing him on the couch.
"I think I am leaving out something important, though I am for the specific reason that it is very basic knowledge for us. Although, somehow I feel you are not aware of this."
"Well, what is it?"
"You have to be very careful with your tail boy. As it is the source of our power it is also our greatest weakness. Since it tends to react quite instinctively in certain situations it is considered the epitome of sexuality. Its use or in some cases, misuse can have very serious and implicit sexual connotations. Were you aware of this?"
"No, senpai. Not at all."
"Hence, be very careful how you use that limb." The boy nodded earnestly and pressed one more time.
"To be honest… what I really want to know is how long all this coming of Age deal is going to take." He asked gravely, like a man presenting the death of another to the family. A pointed stare was sent his way and the saiyajin answered in a clipped tone…
~*~
Gohan walked through the corridors absentmindedly, his eyes glued to the floor as if it was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen in his whole life. Had he had pockets his hands would have been shoved deep within them and had the hall been soil he would be kicking stones as he strolled by. He had been like this since a couple of days ago—brooding. He couldn't help it, but at least he tried to be his normal self before his parents and even before Videl. He knew she didn't like it when there were secrets between them and he knew she would want to know what was happening to him, but… not this. He didn't want her to know this. It was unnerving him greatly and he didn't know what to do anymore but go along with it. What Cole had told him—it had opened a black hole in the pit of his stomach. It was not that the world was coming to an end, or that there suddenly was this powerful enemy they had to fight. It was even worse. It was the sole fact that he knew the saiyajin's words were as right as that Chikyuu was rounded.
Gohan could very well remember all the out-of-character-ness he had fallen victim of in these last couple of days. The over-protectiveness over Videl, you say? Or maybe the return of peeping-tom-Gohan in the shower room? Or maybe the phantom drool that "appeared out of nowhere" during Free Combat and Tail Training? No! Maybe it was the almost automatic reaction of his damned head to turn when some attractive girl past him by! Geez… And now those were attracting attention… Or maybe it was him that was attracting the attention? He had noticed the looks he had been earning lately—intense female stares and harsh [hostile?] male glares. He couldn't help but shudder in—was that right? Elation? He shook his head and sighed deeply. It was like a huge weight was being tossed on his shoulders. And he didn't want it! He just didn't! His tail hit the back of his leg angrily. Oh, shit! He quickly wrapped it around his waist as he looked around him for any sign of the Astrography sensei. He didn't want a repeat of last time. Damn, that was humiliating! He treated him like—like… Growl. Well, at least the demonic tail was in place now. That is, until it decided to cramp up and he had to let it flop again. He needed to ask someone about this. Someone he knew and was comfortable talking about this with. Hnn… Where was Vegeta anyway? It had been days since he saw him; actually, he hadn't seen him since their showdown back in that forest. Ha! He was probably running from him. Smug. Yeah right. He'd been the one bedridden for two days. Feh.
His eyes came down to the floor again. Damn, those squares were so cool! Yeah, he just had to convince himself of that and get his head out—OUT—of that Kami-damned swamp once and for all. Oh, here came Videl looking like she'd been searching for him. Hn. Maybe she had. After all, it wasn't like he'd told her where he would be after the shower… and he didn't feel like eating. He stopped at the cross hall as she ran up to him saying something about Avocco-san swapping classes with Bitto-san. Great. Like he wanted to see Bitto-san's face right now. Then she latched on to his wrist and pulled him along, blissfully unaware of everything that was running through the boy's head. Namely those last words that had been exchanged in Cole's study those days ago…
"… what I really want to know is how long all this coming of Age deal is going to take." A pointed stare was sent his way and the saiyajin answered in a clipped tone:
"… Until your body gets what it wants."
Doushita no? = something wrong?
Betsuni = nothing, (not) particularly, not really
Mochiron desu = of course (can also be mochiron by itself)
Iia = No (male version)
Oshiete = tell me, do tell
Ano baka = you idiot ^_^
Hanase yo = let me go (not polite), the correct form for a lady would be "hanashite kudasai" but I guess Videl doesn't fall into that category.
Ossu minna-san! I know I really have no excuse for my tardiness, I know, but I am so so so so sorry! You have no idea how sorry I am! It's been what? 5 months? Nee, actually I was suffering from a serious case of writers block… and a lot of work… and… engaging in a new project fic with Sage of Angst -_-; Okay, I admit it! Happy now? Hmph.
Okay, I hope you liked this chappie. All Gohan/Videl for you!! It's where everything picks up speed. And 19 will be coming out shortly. Don't worry! I'm not going to take another eternity. And next chapter is gonna be so GOOD! With lotsa Gohan and Cauli and… Oops! Too much info ^_~
Oh, and no shout outs today. It's too much trouble (or maybe I'm just lazy :-P). Anyway, THANKS SO MUCH all of you who reviewed and emailed to get me off my butt and work, especially you The GirlieGyarados and PsYChO both who HAVE BEEN READING ALL ALONG AND HAVEN'T REVIEWED!!! -_-#
Koko ni heshite
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