Disclaimer: Dragonball Z® and all logos, character names, and distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of © 2003 BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION. I do not own any of these materials, characters, etc. I own my own characters, and this is my own fictional world in which I have respectively put Akira Toryiama's characters.

Thank You's: To first of all, Dbz Dealer, for...well...just everything. Being my friend and all that more importantly. Also to all of you reviewing...

A/N: I really haven't done much plotting or anything lately, so I'm kind of just going with the flow. I need to do a little more planning on the next chapter, because this is just off the top of my head. I think I'll make this chapter one of the more not-relevant-to-the–main-plot chapters. As in it's more of a humor filled one but doesn't have much, if any, real importance toward the story line or climax. But who knows...I might change my mind. Anyways, on with the fic.

A/N 2: Oh yeah, I noticed that I had a mix up in the last chap. Piccolo mentioned they better get to class, but I accidently said they went straight to the football field. So, uh, pretend they went to class first. ^.^;; Anyways, football try-outs were supposed to be AFTER classes...Anyways, moving on...

~*~

Piccolo heaved his bag off of his damp, sodden, padded shoulder, throwing in carelessly to the floor with a loud thump by the door in the entrance way, walking inside. He mumbled in agitation, walking slowly and hunched to the living room, where he then collapsed gratefully onto the couch, not caring if his muddy football uniform dirtied the exterior.

Soon his equally dirty comrades accompanied him, bags left carelessly somewhere on the floor. They were sore all over. Krillin gave a small groan of discomfort, lying his head back and looking up at the ceiling through tired, half-closed eyes. For a few moments, the room was filled with an almost peaceful silence. Then...

"I knew I should of trained more during the summer."

The others looked to Vegeta, who had just spoken, and nodded in simultaneous agreement. Goku shook his head slightly, as if in shame at himself, then stated, "I really was being lazy all summer...and ate a lot."

The others gave a few chuckles, nodding again. Piccolo then spoke, "Yeah, you always eat a lot. But you didn't even bother to really burn it off this time. I'm surprised you aren't fat." This brought more hearty laughter, which was not expressed by Goku, who was now giving a small pout.

"I'm not fat."

"I never said you were," Piccolo said exasperated, his eyes closed and a sweat drop trickling down his temple slowly. "I said I'm surprised you aren't."

"Well, we still did pretty good," Krillin changed the subject, "I mean, I bet that me and Piccolo'll make the team. We did a lot better then some of those guys out there..."

"True, but I don't really feel excited, for some reason." Piccolo said with a tired glance at the bald one.

Krillin chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his usually shining head, which was now smudged with mud, "I know what you mean. It was really tough, even with our, you know...powers."

"Well, even though we already are "above average" in that area," Piccolo intervened, "We better get our ass's into better shape, or else we're dead."

"I'm not sure if I'm not already dead right now..." Goku whimpered, lying back in his chair, aching all over and crunching his face into a pained pout.

"If you still can feel pain," Vegeta spat, rolling his eyes, "you are definitely still living, Kakarot."

Goku just continued to pout like a little kid who'd just been scolded.

Piccolo sighed. "I have a feeling that this is going to be a long season..."

~*~

"RUN YOU MAGGOTS!" Specks of spittle flew from his mouth as coach Titebutte yelled at his thundering football team, who ran once again around the track surrounding the football stadium. Panting and tired, they had certainly had enough of this, but Titebutte was far from finished with them.

After another few laps, he finally allowed them to stop. Upon this pause, they all rested their hands on their knees, leaning forward and panting heavily, trying to gain the breath they had lost.( The worst thing about running [to me] isn't the pain in your legs, it's how you can't breathe comfortably. ) After this short pause, their merciless coach forced drills upon them.

Another day of grueling practice, and finally, it was over. They went back to the fraternity, where they gratefully took a well-deserved nap. Thanks to this practice, as evil as it seemed, it gave Piccolo a distraction from having to think about Karina so much. Not that he was inconsiderate, but it was peaceful for him to not be able to think about it as much. He felt at times, to get rid of emotional pain, you had to release it with physical pain. And football practices were doing just that.

Now, it wasn't exactly a blessing, for it brought along with it's unconscious easing, stress. Double that stress with that of the homework load, and he had no time at all to think about Karina, as awful as it may seem. He was even so exhausted at night, that sleep actually came to him. He sometimes dreamt of her...

Once, he was in a field of seemingly endless rippling green grass. It tingled, and whipped playfully at his legs as he walked on, looking around at the mystical expanse. It was like an ocean made of green threads, all brought to life in the wind, dancing in waves of soft movement. Then, he would turn around suddenly, his sensitive ears enhancing the sound of near-inaudible footsteps that were not his own.

His eyes would lift from the white flowing cloth that disappeared into the waving grasses, up the slender and finely curved body, glistening in the same flawless white cloth, to the beautiful smooth features of her visage. So perfect, so glowing, so happy. Her eyes glistened with emotion, her pink, healthy lips turned into a soft smile. Chartreuse strands of her hair whipped softly around her face and shoulders in the soft breeze, like the grass below her.

He would feel the warmest glow in the depth of his chest, spreading throughout his body in a joy that could not be expressed verbally. His hands gripped in silent eagerness, he walked slowly towards her, eyes taking in every feature of her beauty and all that she was, and that he knew her to be. He longed to hold her in his arms like he had once before, however he savored the walk to her, taking his time, though he felt like running to her and swinging her around.

If only he had. For when he had reached her after the slow walk, he would reach out to touch her. Her skin that looked so flawless, so smooth and soft to the touch, was suddenly gone as his hand was but an inch from touching it. All of her was gone. She was no where to be seen.

In frantic, dreading panic, he spun around, looking every which way his eyes could, as if maybe she had only moved behind him. This hope was in vain, and she was no where. She was gone. He would have so longed to hold her again...To feel her warmth in his arms...

If only he had followed his heart, if only he hadn't been resisting what he had felt the urge to do so strongly. Maybe then he would have reached her in time.

After such a dream as this, Piccolo would awake in a cold sweat, often sitting up straight in his bed, looking around wildly as he had in the dream. Then he would lie back, allowing himself to catch his breath, and convincing himself that it had not been real. It had seemed to real, though...As if he could smell her sweet, soft scent he was so close...

~*~

Vegeta sighed as he stared out the window. 'Damn math. Who needed it anyways?' He watched a bird fly to a tree limb, landing softly upon it, flapping it's small wings gracefully. 'Stupid bird.' Vegeta thought, with undeniable envy. He felt like blasting it, but the glass of the window was in the way, and also it might cause quite a scene in the middle of class. He glared at the bird, 'It's your lucky day.' The bird, of course, did not hear his thought, and gave a smart flick of it's tail, before spreading it's little wings and flying off freely once more.

Mumbling, the teenage saiyan rested his chin in his palms, his elbows propping his arms up on the desk before him. He groaned, as did the rest of the class, as the professor told them all to bring out their books, for they would be getting their homework assigned. He wrote down the assignment absentmindedly as it was given, but didn't have really any plans to do it. At least, not any time soon. He was not looking forward to football. Then again, he never was.

The professor allowed them to ask questions about yesterdays assignment. As soon as this was granted, the first hand that shot up into the air was none other then that of Son Goku, whom Vegeta had been shocked to see that this saiyan had been able to get into this class in the first place. He did get in the class, but hell, it didn't mean he was passing it. Vegeta watched in half-amusement as Goku gave the question, which the teacher began to work out on the board. Goku watched with a confused look about him, head tilted to one side curiously, one brow lifted in confusion, a small frustrated pout on his lips. The professor finished the problem, giving the solution, then asked Goku if he understood the process.

"Umm...Can you repeat that please?"

"Do you understand the process that I went through to come to the answer?" The professor repeated.

"No, I mean can you repeat the process?" Goku explained, rubbing the back of his head.

"Hmm...let's have another student help us out, shall we?" He erased the problem. "Who would like to set up the problem?"

No one replied, the whole class staying completely silent. "Come now, don't make me pick someone." The professor crossed his arms in annoyance, scowling about the room, which remained quiet despite the threat. They all, however, sank back in their chairs a bit reluctantly.

"Hm...Vegeta," said the professor decisively, "You've been attentive today, have you not?" The obvious trace of sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable.

Vegeta jumped a little in his chair, looking at the man in complete surprise. "Umm...could you repeat the question?" Vegeta, who was staring out the window when his name was called, asked.

"I said," the professor repeated, grim satisfaction that his insinuation of him not listening had been proved in his voice, "I have chosen you, since you are so aware of what's going on, to work out problem 56 in the board."

Vegeta blinked a little, then frowned slightly in a half scowl. He crossed his arms resentfully, "Do I have to?"

The man blinked at Vegeta's ignorance in surprise, then became angered and glared, pointing at the board as if it was Vegeta's destiny to go to it, "OF COURSE YOU DO!"

Giving a small scoff, Vegeta stood. He made his way to the board casually, snatching the shock from his professor rudely, "Fine."

He looked at the problem on the board, which the instructor had written out, and then began to work. He finished a while later, putting a circle around the solution with a confident whisk of the chalk. He turned to the man, crossing his arms, chalk still in hand. The professor looked over the problem, amazed. "That...That is correct."

"Heh," Vegeta gave a satisfied chuckle, returning to his seat. He put his hands behind his head, resuming staring out the window.

"Well," said the instructor with a slightly frustrated tone of voice, straightening his glasses, "very well done. Do you understand now, Mr. Son?"

There came no answer. Everyone turned, even Vegeta, to look upon Goku, wondering why he did not reply. Everyone blinked twice simultaneously.

Goku sat leaning forward, cheek pressed into his book, a small puddle of drool forming under his mouth, as he slept rather contently. The instructor became furious, gripping his fists and was about to explode when, thankfully, the bell rang.

There was a rush to get out of the door, and Goku, being awakened by the bell, joined Vegeta, slinging their bags over their shoulders. They walked out to leave the enraged teacher to himself. Goku did not know why he was mad, the dumb innocent little cutie. ( Lol ^.^; )

"The saying 'saved by the bell' really was true this time," Vegeta said to his comrade with a smirk, "You're lucky, or he would of been chewing your ass out."

Goku blinked in confusion, then looked rather disgusted, "Why would he chew on my butt?"

Vegeta stared in a mixture of awe and irritation at the innocent saiyan, contemplating how the hell he could be so stupid. He saw no signs of recognition on Goku's face, which he thought might have appeared after a few moments of working his brain. "I meant yelled at you," He said, sweat dropping, and resumed walking. (He had stopped to wonder at Goku's stupidity)

"Oh," Goku said, "Why didn't you say so?"

"Because," Vegeta rolled his eyes, "I forgot I had to put everything in exact words so you can understand. Phrases for you are dangerous."

Goku and Vegeta walked for a few moments in silence before Goku said, as if the last few exchanged of conversation had never taken place, "Why would he yell at me?"

"You fell asleep, idiot," Vegeta explained in a smart ass tone, "and it was right after you asked the problem to be explained."

"Oh yeah..." Goku rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin, "Well, I was tired and that class is boring."

"I know," Vegeta said with a small yawn, as they exited the building where all the mathematics classes took place, and walked onto the grassy campus, ignoring the sidewalks made to walk on. Goku followed.

"Can we get some lunch?" Goku asked hopefully.

"Yeah might as well. Although we already ate lunch..." Vegeta smirked some, then glanced at his wrist watch, "I have an hour until my next class anyways."

"Me too." Goku grinned.

"...We're in the same class."

"Oh yeah!" Goku said with genuine realization. Vegeta shook his head and continued on his way toward the frat. house.

~*~

"And then I said," Chi-chi took a small pause to dramatically glance about the room, "No way!"

"You go, Chi-Chi." Bulma grinned.

"That's the way to tell them." 18 nodded, arms crossed over her chest decisively.

"Uh..yeah, good job." Krillin said with a blink.

Piccolo snored on the couch unresponsively.

Bulma mumbled in a annoyance, glancing at the green man. "Well, isn't he polite."

Krillin grinned nervously as Chi-Chi shook her head shamefully and 18 smirked. He gave a little sigh and closed his eyes, wondering if he should tell them exactly why Piccolo was sleeping. It wasn't because Bulma's story was long and boring and drawling on, or anything; ( well that could of been a factor ) Piccolo hadn't gotten much if any sleep last night. The reason Krillin knew this was because it had to be true. Piccolo had been falling asleep in every class he had him in.

"Don't be mad at him," He said as Bulma stopped in her advance to strangle the sleeping namekian awake, "It's not his fault he didn't get much sleep."

Bulma and the other two looked at him. Bulma put her strangling hands down, looking a bit uncomfortable and hesitant, "Has he been...having bad dreams again?"

A few times before Piccolo had briefed them on his dreams on Karina. Krillin shrugged in truthful confusion, "I don't know, I just know he's been falling asleep all day."

Just then they heard the door open, and everyone fell silent. Goku and Vegeta entered the room to be greeted with unusual smiles. Vegeta raised a brow, giving the room a sweeping glance as if to find the source of their discomfort. "Are you guys...okay?"

Bulma shook her head, "We're fine."

Goku sat next to Chi-Chi on the couch and Vegeta took a seat in an arm chair. Goku sighed slightly, "Damn, I hate college."

Everyone blinked in surprise. They all turned to Goku, looking at him in disbelief, their eyes wide. Surely the innocent Goku hadn't just swore! But, he had. And it wasn't that bad of a word, but still, for him to say it...It was shocking.

"Sorry," Goku blushed in shame as Chi-Chi stared at him in horror, mouth agape, "but I do..." Goku pouted a bit looking at the ground, as if ready to cry.

Piccolo, who still lied upon one of the couches couch unnoticed, opened one eye, looking at Goku. He sighed and closed both eyes, sitting up. This sudden movement caused everyone's eyes to dart to him, and he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands hanging loosely between the gap of his legs.

"I hate it too..." Piccolo said, staring at the floor, eyes open half way, "I hate all my classes, my teachers, most of my classmates...I hate everything."

Everyone continued to look at him in a solemn silence, then their gazes shifted elsewhere in discomfort. Vegeta leaned back, crossing his arms over his crest, closing his eyes.

"You aren't the only one's." He huffed, then mumbled incoherently under his breath.

"Come on guys..." Bulma looked around at them, not getting any kind of response from them at all, continued, "It's not that bad..."

Piccolo's eyes shot open as he looked to the female harshly, "It's plenty bad enough."

Bulma wasn't giving up that easily, even though she kind of shrunk under his not-so-friendly gaze, "All you guys do is be pessimistic and mope around! Look at the bright side of things for once!!"

Piccolo looked at her in disbelief, mouth slightly open, "Bright side of things? WHAT BRIGHT SIDE!?" As he rose his voice, he also rose from his chair, fists gripped and growling at the now cowering blue-haired girl.

Vegeta was suddenly out of his chair and in front of Bulma protectively, glaring at Piccolo. Bulma peeked over his shoulder timidly at the angry green one.

Piccolo sat down heavily, and this caused Vegeta to untense and turn to Bulma. He led her to the chair and let her sit, standing up himself, arms crossed.

18 gave a sigh of frustration and stood up, looking round at them all. "You guys need to have some fun in your lives! All this work and no play is making you all bastards!"

Krillin watched his blonde girlfriend with a small hint of blush across his cheeks, and where his nose would be. Goku looked at 18 timidly, as if he couldn't imagine doing anything fun right now, but not daring to say it. Vegeta looked at 18, but stayed quiet. Piccolo didn't respond at all.

"I have an idea." 18 said, with a small smirk, putting her hands on her hips. "We all have class soon, right?"

Everyone gave a small nod, spare Piccolo, who stayed quiet still. 18 walked in a small circle slowly, looking down as if in thought, hands still on her hips. "Well," she said finally, "screw class. Let's skip today." Everyone kind of blinked, even Piccolo, who now looked to her.

"But then we have football..." said after a small moment of silence.

"Screw it! Take a break for once." 18 said simply.

"Wait a minute," Vegeta growled and stood a bit taller, arms crossed more firmly, "We can't just skip class and practice. We'll get in major trouble without an excuse."

18 gave a small shrug, "Call in sick."

"Oh yeah, like that will work." Piccolo snorted and rolled his eyes, standing up, "Coach tight ass said that if we call in sick and don't show up for practice he'll make us run so much next practice that we will really be sick."

18 stood up to Piccolo, having t look up at him because of his height, but not showing any fear, "Fine, we'll think of something else."

Vegeta closed his eyes, one eyebrow twitching, "Like what?"

Everyone was quiet for a few minutes...Then...

"I have an idea." Chi-Chi suddenly spoke up, causing everyone to turn their heads to her. She looked like she was fighting with herself to reveal this idea or not, blushing a little and scowling as she looked at the ground.

"Well?" Vegeta lifted a brow, looking at her, "Spit it out then!"

Chi-Chi gave a small sigh. 'I can't believe I'm making up an excuse to skip class,' she thought, but looked around at them all, opening her mouth to reveal her plot.

~*~

That's it for now folks. One reason I've been so slow to update is lack of reviews. I hardly have any ambition to write if I don't even know if anyone is reading it, or for that matter liking it, so please tell me what you think in a review if you want more frequent updates... Have a good day/night (Whenever you are reading this.)