Welcome. This is one of my very first tries at a romance, so please bear with it. I hope you'll enjoy it. ;
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own DB/Z/GT. I do, however, own Lavina and any other characters not from the show.
"Dearest, no one is forcing you to go through with this." The grandmotherly woman gazed compassionately at her young granddaughter, concern evident in her wise eyes.
"Yes, I know." The young woman replied, her musical voice soft and smooth. Her grandmother moved closer to her on the couch and enfolded her in a gentle hug. The girl savored the warmth and love of the embrace.
"Lavina, this should not be your burden to carry." Her grandmother spoke with quiet conviction. Lavina turned shining blue eyes to her grandmother.
"Nevertheless, it is my burden. This is what father would wish. I will go through with it." Her voice relayed a hint of determination. She sat up straighter, her heart fearful, but courageous. Now was not a time to be selfish. Her future was not the only one at stake.
Lavina's grandmother, Ina, sighed resignedly. Lavina was just like her father, prideful and stubborn. She had known for a long time that, because of Lavina's heritage, the situation might come to this. Yes, Lavina was given a choice, but that did not change what it was. An arranged marriage. Lavina would enter into a marriage with a man she had never met, and, until a month ago, never heard of.
Ina had known of the young man since he was born. Her son-in-law, Lavina's father, had wished that she keep track of all males born with Lavina's blood. Saiyan blood. It had been his wish, up until the day he died, that his daughter carry on her race. They were all but extinct, and as soon as Trey, Lavina's father, had learned that others still lived, he had contacted them. And, to his delight, there was another half-saiyan child, a male. Yes, this marriage had been dreamed of and planned long before either of the demi-saiyans had learned to read or write. Now the plans had been finalized, and all that was need was the consent of the two young saiyans. Lavina had just given hers. The young man, one Son Gohan, had agreed several days earlier.
"Grandmother, will you notify the Sons?" Ina was shaken out of her reverie by her granddaughter.
"Of course, dearest. Now, you must rest. Tomorrow, we plan."
Son Gohan gazed out the window at the bright blue sky, the fluffy white clouds, and the green foliage. Yes, it was a beautiful day. But he didn't see any of it. His mind was elsewhere, on the events of the past week.
He would be married this time next week. He was not sure whether he should be happy or frustrated, or something else entirely. He hadn't even met the woman, for crying out loud! The extent of the knowledge of his future wife lay neatly folded in his pocket. She had written a letter, introducing herself after his family and hers had agreed to consider an arranged marriage. Her name was Lavina Garrd, and she was half saiyan, as he was. That was the reason for the marriage. Her deceased father had wished to carry on the saiyan lineage, and, although neither would admit it, Gohan's father and the Saiyan no Ouji wished it too. His mother had been all too happy to comply, but in the end, the decision was left to the two young people. Neither of them had wanted a marriage, but the burden of an entire race was a heavy one, and both had inherited more than a little pride in their origins. So it was with reluctance that Gohan had agreed, as had Lavina. The wedding was scheduled in three days, on a Thursday.
Gohan would not have chosen differently now, but there was sadness in his heart. His life had taken a turn he wouldn't have foreseen in his wildest dreams. Would he be able to cope?
Videl glanced at Gohan a few desks to her right. He had been silent and brooding since Monday, a behavior very unlike him. They had come to be pretty good friends, and she was a little hurt that he wouldn't confide in her. When she inquired after him, he only brushed her away or changed the subject. Something was bothering him, that much was clear. What?
The bell rang, interrupting both Videl and Gohan's thoughts. Gohan stood up slowly, his mind still turning over the marriage at hand. It truly was out of his hands, and he wasn't sure how much he liked that.
Well, that's it for today. Hope you enjoyed. Please review.