A/N: I don't own DBZ. This story is AU…Characters are OOC. Warning, m/m coupling, also swearing the list goes on and on… If you don't like, don't read. Rated R.
"A Saiyanjin Lullaby"
Chapter 22
"Have you found it yet?" Bulma asked looking up from her steaming hot cup of coffee.
Gohan sighed as he sunk his tired self down on the chair opposite her in the kitchen. He felt exhausted and heavy. He has just spent the best part of the morning searching for Piccolo's picture, the one given to him for his birthday a little over a month ago. "No. But I'm not giving up. It's got to be around here somewhere."
Bulma got up and went over to pour him hot cup of coffee as well. She knew how frustrated and nervous he was feeling. It wasn't so much that Vegeta has gone and hidden the picture, but the fact that it was getting close to the time for the arrival of the baby. "For all you know he could have buried it in the desert."
"He better have not!" He shook his head as Bulma placed a welcoming steaming mug in front of him. "Thanks."
"You should take it easy."
"Don't you start. Between dad and Geta, I think I'll go mad." Gohan sighed staring longingly at his mug. Bulma smirked while lifting hers to her lips. "I'm just glad I have a few hours grace before they return." He said.
"They should be gone for the best part of the day." She said with her eyes glancing up at the clock. "Won't you go out?"
Gohan looked up at her wishful. It felt like years since he'd been out without his father or his lover trailing behind him. She giggled seeing the enthusiastic spark in the boy's eyes.
"Can I?"
She laughed. "You're not a child anymore, so you don't need my permission."
"I know, but it's just…Hell what if dad or Geta get wind of this?"
"Hey you'll be back before they can protest. Then let me deal with them."
"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
"Yes plenty of times. Now why don't you finish your coffee and go and take another shower. Then go and ring up a few of your friends, go shopping or whatever you guys do. It's Saturday after all, and you should be outside. It's beautiful out there."
"You don't have to tell me twice." Gohan said excitedly. Bulma laughed.
….
"Thanks Videl" Gohan said sitting across from her in her red sports car. She turned to him and smiled.
"Quit it! What are friends for if they can't help guy break out of his own home?" She laughed. Gohan chuckled.
"It almost feels like that. I sorta expect one of them to appear in front of me and give me lecture on leaving without them." He said thinking of his father or lover.
"That bad huh?" She asked glance his way.
"Oh you better believe it. I can't even get up for a pee without them following me into the bathroom." That set them both laughing.
"Okay okay it's that bad. Well anyhow the guys will be glad to see you."
"So, what's been happening?" He asked.
"Well as I said they are all over at Sharp's place trying to fix his grandmother's car. It's not pretty that's all I can say."
"Hehe I can believe that. I can't believe his gran would even let him near the car, let alone drive the thing."
"Well you know how she is. She's proud as punch and she can't say no when it comes to him. Not to mention she hasn't got the money to get it repaired herself."
"I know. When I was living there she wouldn't let me pay the rent."
"Yeah that sounds like her." Just then Videl turned into Sharpener's street. Both their eyes went to a trail of cars parked out the front of Sharpener gran's place. All the guys milled around a small white Toyota sedan. Trevor's black firebird was parked behind it, polished as only his car could be, his baby, second to Eraser. Videl parked her expensive car next to her boyfriend Ryan's beat up truck on the curb.
All the guys looked over their shoulder as Gohan and Videl got out of the car. Well Gohan tried. "Hey man, let me help ya." Ryan came springing over to him, his long legs closing the distance between them in just few short steps.
"Gee man you're big!" Trevor gushed as he ambled over to meet them.
Videl glared his way. "Shut up Trev, he doesn't need to hear that." He shrugged his shoulders as he pushed his hands deeper into his jean pockets like a little boy being scorned by his mother. Videl turned back to her boyfriend who was helping Gohan out of the car. "Don't listen to him."
"It's okay. I know I'm big." He said with a small smile.
"DAMN!!"
"Now what?!" Ryan called with a frown pinched across his face. He hurried back over to see Sharpener who had just emerged from under his grandmother's car. "What's up?"
"Nothing…" He whined rubbing his head. "Just hit my damn head. Man that smarts." He growled.
"Are you sure? I thought it was the thickest part about you." Videl snickered as Gohan and Trevor followed her over to the sedan.
Sharpener looked up sharply. "Shut up!" He hissed. Videl smirked. The blonde looked up and saw his friend Gohan approach and stood up. "Hey man, how things?" He smiled and quickly wiped his greasy hands on his faded jeans.
Their knuckles met then their hands slapped before pulling them away in their traditional greeting. "Good. What are you trying to do here dude?" Gohan laughed, pointing to the near vintage car. They all looked at the mess Sharpener had created trying to fix it.
"Oh the stupid transmission is leaking…"
"I thought you had fixed it?" Gohan queried.
"Obviously not." Trevor snickered getting a glare from his tall blonde friend.
"Hey these hands weren't meant for this type of shit." Sharpener protested. "They're for making love with." That set everyone off laughing. "What can I say, I'm a chick magnet."
"In your dreams maybe." Videl said rolling her eyes.
"Where's Tina?" Gohan asked glancing around for his friend's girlfriend. Everyone sighed. "Did I say something wrong?" He asked raising a concerned brow.
"Well uh …we kinda broke up." Sharpener said not meeting his friend's eyes. Gohan frowned, but before he could ask Videl interrupted him.
"She dumped him. The bitch!" Videl spat.
Realisation sunk in. "Oh man I'm really sorry…" Then Gohan face paled with an alarming thought. "…she … she knows all about me…" The panic in his voice was evident as it trailed off.
"That's not the worst of it." Ryan growled. Gohan looked his way what could possible be worse? "The bitch is Matt's girl now."
Gohan's face quickly drained of any remaining colour. "Shhhhit…" He stumbled.
"Yeah are words exactly." Trevor said. Sharpener looked down at the ground again feeling guilty. Gohan's mind was racing when he heard his name being called from the porch.
"Is that you Gohan dear?" They all looked up to see Sharpener's grandmother standing there.
"Ah… hi gran." He said with a forced smile. In a daze he walked over to the frail old lady who was leaning heavily on her walking stick, smiling.
As Gohan got to a position where she could fully see him, "O-Oh my …" The lady covered her mouth with her aging hand when she saw how big he was. "Oh my dear… I heard about your little problem, but well I never…." She began. Gohan's mood automatic went on guard.
"What problem?" He raised a brow forgetting all about Matt and Tina for the moment.
The old lady face showed nothing but kindness and general concern. "Don't worry love. Sharpener told me..."
Gohan quickly glanced over his shoulder at his blonde friend who had just found the lint on his sleeve fascinating. Thinking the worst he turned back to the little old lady. "What exactly has he told you?" He tried to keep his emotions intact. Gohan watched as his friend's grandmother looked at him with some form of pity, making him feel uncomfortable.
"Sharpener told me that you had some trouble sticking to your diet…" She chuckled. "… You know getting stuck into too many cookies." She smiled sweetly at him. Gohan could feel his face burning. Her small frame came up to him and embraced him. "But I know he was lying as soon as I saw you."
Sharpener head snapped up. "Huh?"
Ignoring her grandson she leaned back and reached up and pinched Gohan's right cheek. "You're a good boy Gohan, and it doesn't matter to me that you have a bun in the oven. I suppose that's normal for an alien race like yours." Gohan eyes sprung wide and her smile broaden. "Now, if you'll excuse this old chook, she has places to go and gossip to listen too." Gohan stood there with his jaw hanging down near his knees. He watched as the elderly lady wander off down the cracked path leaving all five kids standing on the front lawn stunned, watching her go into a neighbouring house down the street. Ever so slowly Gohan's mind came back into gear and he turned to face Sharpener who eyes sprung up wide. Gohan eyes burned his way. "She knows I'm PREGNANT!"
Sharpener waved his hands in defence. "I…I didn't tell her, man. I SWEAR IT!"
"She knowwwws!"
"Honest man, I didn't tell her anything, nothing! She just too damn smart for her own good…"
"She… KNOWS!!" Gohan yelled taking a threatening step forward. He could feel his body shake with his temper rising.
"Calm down Gohan." Videl said.
Trevor tried to help. "Yeah man… Anyhow she seems to be cool with it…"
Gohan's head snapped around, his eyes were set alight with the anger that he felt swelling inside of him. "But… SHE KNOWS!"
"So we HEARD! Look dude just calm down. BREATHE. I don't want you go into labour on us." Ryan said this as Trevor backed away.
"H-He's not going to, is he?" Trevor asked paling fast. His legs wanted to bolt if he saw any sign of that happening.
Gohan's head snapped back towards him. "No dude. I'm NOT!" He snapped before turning back to his blonde friend. "You!" He snarled through gritted teeth. "You told Tina and NOW …and now your grandmother knows!" With his fist clenched at his side he took another step forward as Sharpener took a step back.
"Look I'm sorry man…" Sharpener looked so regretful. So much so that Gohan felt a twinge of guilt - or was it the baby? His eyes went wide.
"SHIT!" His arms sprung to his belly. "Arrg…" He cried. Videl, Ryan, Sharpener rushed up to him with Trevor taking a few more steps back.
"Is he…Is he you know…going…" Trevor asked nervously.
Gohan glared over at him as his friend helped him to the front step. "Here sit down. What's wrong?" Videl asked.
"Do you need anything dude?" Ryan asked.
Sharpener looked on concern. "Do you want me to ring Vegeta?"
Gohan shook his head no. "It's nothing…"
"Nothing man? You look like you were in pain." Ryan said.
"No it was just the baby kicking."
"Shit if that all it was…" Ryan said with eye wide. Gohan glared up at him while rubbing his belly. "…I'd hate to be pregnant."
"Hun, I don't think you need to worry about that happening." Videl said rolling her eyes before returning her sights back to Gohan. With a wince he rubbed where the baby had kicked him.
"Oh yeah forgot." Ryan said slapping his forehead. "Sorry."
Videl just glanced back up at him from where she was kneeling, and shook her head before returned her attention back to Gohan. "How are you feeling? Any better?"
"Better. It just smarts that's all. Jr is a strong little devil." He half giggled thinking about his child. He could feel the lack of space as limbs shifted and moved inside him. It was wearing him down, but he was finding out he didn't mind all that much. He felt close to the baby. Their bond was growing and he was getting more and more protective over the child he was carrying, like a lioness to her cub.
"Maybe jr should try for the football team." Trevor chuckled from his safe distance away from Gohan. He was feeling more at ease now he knew he wasn't going to be witness to any kind of birth.
"You and Geta would get on famously. He thinks it going to be a boy too." Gohan said still rubbing where he was sure there must be a miniature imprint of a foot.
Videl smiled. "What do you think it's going to be?"
Gohan shook his head. "To be honest I don't know, but I'll never admit that to Geta, though I'm in deep shit if it's a boy. He's got a list, a mile long of things he wants to do to me and it keeps growing every day." He chuckled. "Some of it is kinda kinky too." He blushed a little as he said this getting the others to laugh.
"I think it's going to be girl. We need more girls around here and I think it would be real neat to see you guys with a girl. He's already got a son." Videl said with a grin.
"I don't think Geta sees it that way. I think in some way it would unsettle him if jr was a girl."
"Yeah, Hows that?" Videl asked.
"He knows what to expect with a boy, but a girl? Well, none of us have had any experience with a girl." He laughed. "Though Bulma would be over the moon if it was."
"Do you want a glass of water man?" Sharpener asked still worried about his friend.
"No I'm right. Though, I'm starting to get a tad hungry." Gohan said with the start of hunger pains - Saiyan size.
"I know. How about we all go and grab something to eat at the Mall?" Videl suggested.
"I can't. I've gotta go pick up Eraser in half an hour. She's over at her auntie's place, baby sitting again." Trevor explained not at all pleased about being away from his girl.
"Why aren't you with her then?" Videl asked.
"Her auntie made it clear that I wasn't welcome. She's just upset because last time we made out on the couch and the kid saw us, and ended up asking all sorts of questions." Trevor explained while nervously rubbing at the back of his neck. They all laughed.
"The kid might learn something." Ryan laughed.
"Yeah." Trevor said nodding his head in agreement with lopsided grin.
"So what do you guys say? Are we on?" Videl asked.
Ryan nodded. "Yeah, let's head off…"
"What about the car? I haven't fixed it yet." Sharpener frowned, pointing back to the mess of car parts and tools spread all around the yard.
"No surprises there." Videl said sarcastically.
"Hey! I resent that." Sharpener snapped.
"Look, clean up and we can all grab something to eat. Then get back here before it's too late for you to fix whatever you're trying to fix here." Videl said heading off towards her car. "Come on Gohan you get to sit up front."
"Hey, why him and not me?!" Ryan complained stopping her in her tracks. Videl turned and faced him with raised brow. Ryan sighed. "Forget I asked."
"Guys, I don't mind sitting in the back…" Gohan tried to explain as he struggled to get back up.
"Hey, don't argue with her. It can get ugly." Ryan said with a grin. He stretched his hand out to help his friend up. "…and it doesn't faze me. It's cool." Ryan turned back to Sharpener. "And don't worry man I'll help you with the car."
"Yeah, me too. I'll meet you guys back here in a few hours with Eraser." Trevor said as he pulled out his keys from his front pocket.
"Cool!"
"I'll catch you guys late K?" Trevor said as he walked over to his beloved car.
"Seeya man." Ryan said with Gohan and Sharpener standing beside him. They all waved as their friend fired his car up, and backed it down the short driveway and onto the street before skidding off.
"Man, I love that car." Ryan sighed as he looked over at his battered truck wishing he had the money to get something nice for himself.
Gohan knowingly smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "Yeah I know. Come on lets grab something to eat. I'm starving."
"Oh, yeah sorry. Let's go."
"Wait up. I'll be out in sec." Sharpener said.
They both nodded and headed off towards Videl's car while Sharpener turned around and bounced back up the few steps to get cleaned up.
….
They all sat around a booth at Macca's. shovelling down their chosen food. Videl looked on in disgust at the boys. "Gee, I feel like I'm watching some nature channel."
Taking another bite of his burger Ryan said, "We're growing boys. It's because we use up so much energy." Gohan and Sharpener nodded their agreement as they devoured their own burgers not missing a crumb.
"Ewww, Ryan I don't want to see it."
"Sorry." He said in a muffled voice, his mouth was full of food and it was spitting everywhere. He swallowed hard and licked lips catching every last bit. "Anyway… Gohan had more than me. So why don't you pick on him?"
Gohan looked up with frown as he continued to try and fit as much of the burger as possible into his mouth. "Humph." He grunted not liking being picked on.
Videl sighed, leaned closer to her boyfriend and whispered. "Because he's feeding for two and you're not, idiot." Gohan nodded with grin he was pleased. He would have poked out his tongue if his mouth wasn't so full so he did the next best thing and gave him the bird. Videl smirked and turned back to her boyfriend. "Anyhow, what did your uncle say? Is it on?"
Gohan and Sharpener head lifted up and looked at them both. Ryan chewed faster and swallowed hard again. "Yeah he said it's cool."
"What's cool?" Sharpener asked.
Videl grinned. "We're all going to spend a weekend up at Ryan's uncle's cabin."
"Watchya mean?" Gohan said with mouth full of food.
"I mean WE as in, Ryan, me, Sharpener, Trevor, Eraser and YOU are going to take a trip up into those there mountains." She said with her best hillbilly drawl.
"Yeah?" Sharpener asked with raised brow. It the first he'd heard of it.
"Hang on…" Gohan interrupted. "…me? I don't know about this…."
"Come on Gohan you need to get out. You need to have some fun and what better way than to be with your friends?" Videl pushed.
Gohan shook his head and looked at her. "You seem to forget I had to sneak out of the house just to get here."
"Come on Gohan it will be fun man." Ryan implored.
"Yeah come on dude." Sharpener pleaded.
"I can't. Geta won't let me for starters." He sighed.
"Come on man. You're 18. Grow some balls." Ryan said. Gohan glared at him. "Sorry dude. Forget I said that. Look it would be cool. My uncle has a real nice cabin about two hours drive from here. There's a river up there we can go fishing, and he's got a boat and everything man. It would be really cool if you could come with us."
Gohan pushed his tray away suddenly losing his appetite. He wanted to go. It sounded like lots of fun and, hell he needed to keep his mind off the birth. "I don't know with the baby and all…"
"Hey what can go wrong, huh? You still a month away right, before the baby is due? And if anything we will all be there with ya. Come on Gohan come with us. It will be a ball." Videl pushed.
"Yeah come on Gohan…" That echoed in his head on the way back to Sharpener's place, sitting next to him in the back seat staring out the window and not really looking at anything in particular. How am I going to ask Geta? Maybe I could say I'm going to spend some time at Bulma's parents place or something, or I could say I'm staying at Dende's for a while. Yeah, that that might work…gee who am I kidding.
"Hey man, whatya think?" Sharpener asked nudging him in the arm to get his attention. Gohan sighed and looked over at him.
"I was just trying to think on a way I could get Geta to let me go with you guys."
"I hope you do man. It would be real great, fishing and stuff. This will be my first camp out. Well sorta." Sharpener said excitedly.
A small smile crossed Gohan's lips as he turned back to look out the window. His smile slipped from his face and his eyes lost some of their shine. He whispered, "I've never been anywhere without something going wrong…"
The rest of the day was spent trying to help Sharpener fix his gran's car. All the guys were working over time before they lost the sun light. Gohan and the girls watched on. Videl offered to help but the boys said no. She would growl and sit back down impatiently. She was close to ringing someone to come out who could fix it for them. She and Ryan had plans that night and she didn't want them spoiled.
Eraser was telling Gohan all about her little cousin and how cute he was. They ignored Videl's constant tapping of nails on the wooden railing while she watched the boys with disapproving eyes. When Eraser and Gohan got to the part about the weekend away, Videl ears picked up.
"So you're going?" Eraser asked being her usual cheery self.
"I don't know. I would like to."
"Come on Gohan. Like I said it will be fun." Videl said sitting down next to him.
It was like that for most of the afternoon with them begging him to come. In the end, after the boys had managed to fix the car, they all sat around sipping sodas. Everyone was now pushing Gohan to come along. This was making him even more withdrawn. He couldn't see how he could go without having a fight with Geta, and that something he wanted to avoid.
Later that afternoon, he climbed out of Ryan's truck and another discussion about going to the camp. "I don't know man. I'll see what I can do, k?"
"Well I hope you can. It wouldn't feel right if you weren't there. You're part of the group dude, even if you're not at school anymore. Don't forget that." With that, Gohan shut the door and Ryan waved him goodbye before driving down the street.
"I want to go…" He sighed before gathering up his energy and turning around to face CC gates when he jumped out of skin. "SHIT!" He held on to his heart as it tried to leap out. "Goten?"
"Hi Gohan. Whatya doing? Who was that?" Gohan looked at his little brother looking up at him with all the curiosity of a child. Gohan had been so caught up in his own thoughts he didn't know he hadbeen standing there the whole time. He took a few steps towards him standing on the other side of the gates.
"Um that was Ryan, you rememberer him from the party."
"Oh, I rememberer, but why were you with him? Why did you sneak off? Don't you like Veggie anymore are you going to dump him…"
"Hey hey… What's all this about?" Gohan asked with a half smile as he punched in the code to open the gates.
"I don't know I just thought because you sneaked off…" Goten put his hands behind his back and looked down at his boots as he kicked at the pebbles feeling unsure and little insecure.
The gates slide open as Gohan approached his little brother. "Who said that I had snuck off?"
"Um… I just over heard some stuff… "Goten said. Gohan felt a sense of dread.
"Um, how long have you been home?"
"Not long. Mummy sent me out here to wait for you."
"Where's Geta and dad?"
"They're inside they don't look too happy."
"I bet they don't." Gohan was working on an excuse as to why he left without letting them know. At the same time he was a little peeved that he should have too.
Goten could see something was bothering his brother. "What's wrong? Are you breaking up with Veggie?" He asked in a quiet voice.
Gohan head snapped back to his little brother. "No… no of course not…" Then a fear hit him. "Why? Have you heard anything? Did Geta say something? "
Goten shook his head a little confused. "Um no…" Gohan visibly relaxed.
"Okay then. Now you run off and let me go inside and face the music. It's not going to be pretty."
"Gohan?"
"Yeah?"
"You promised me you won't ever leave me like mum and dad did?"
"Hey, what's brought this on?" Gohan asked with a lopsided grin.
"It's just Trunks was saying that you're going to die." Goten sniffled. His fears and insecurity was swelling inside of him.
"What?!" Gohan couldn't believe his ears. Where did Goten get this idea from? He wrapped his arms around him tightly. Goten buried his face into his brother grey hooded jacket.
"He said …that the baby …was going too… exploded …as it… as it tries …." All this was said in betweens sobs "… tries to rip your inside…out…" Gohan swallowed. He felt a little light head and squeamish as the colour drained from his face. He pulled away and held up his hand to stop his brother from continuing with his graphic deception.
"E-enough. I get the general picture…th-thanks I think…" He said unsteadily, closing his eyes for a second as the world seemed to swim around him.
Goten looked concern up at his brother. "Gohan you don't look so good. Do you want me to get daddy?" Goten asked while sniffling and whipping away his tears.
Gohan could hear ringing in his ears and the faint echo of his brother's voice as if it was coming from some kind of tunnel. "Uh no… I'm fine I just need to…to sit down." Goten helped him towards the door. All of a sudden Gohan felt weak at the knees nearly causing Goten to topple over until the chibi powered up a little to help with extra weight.
He was just about to open the front door when Goku came out. "What's up…Goten?" He looked at his younger son supporting his eldest brother. "…Gohan? What happened?"
He grabbed a hold of his elder son, taking the weight from Goten. Goten explained briefly what happened outside as Goku moved his son to the couch. Vegeta came out of the kitchen with a frown. "Boy?"
Gohan was holding his head with his eyes closed wishing the world would just stop spinning. He could vaguely hear a voice off in the distance. He just wanted to lie down, which he tried to do. Then he felt his shoes being taken off and someone slipping a cushion under his head. He didn't feel too well and the vision of Goten words came into play, a groan left his lips with the wave of nausea he felt come over him. He hoped he wasn't going to bring his lunch up; not here in front of anyone. Another groan as he clutched his stomach he felt himself burning up.
"What's wrong with him daddy is he dieing?" Goten asked concerned. Vegeta's head snapped up with an unreadable expression set in his eyes before it was fully covered up and set in stone. He turned back to his love.
"No of course not squirt." Goku said ruffling his young son's thick black hair reassuring his youngest boy.
"He needs a wet cloth. He'll be fine he's just a little tired." Vegeta said as he knelt down beside his partner brushing away the locks that were falling over the boy's closed eyes. "Shh everything will be fine, Koi." He whispered for his partners ears alone.
A soft moan left Gohan lips as he squirmed under his lover touch it felt so nice his cool hand wiping away the heat. He wished Vegeta could take away all the uneasiness he was feeling. Bulma pulled Goten aside to talk to him. Goku just came back from the bathroom near Bulma's office and handed Vegeta the wash cloth. He quickly placed it over the boy's forehead receiving quiet moan of apprecition from Gohan. Young Trunks came bouncing down the steps. "Hey what's happened?" He asked confused seeing everyone crowded around one of the couches in the living room.
Bulma motioned both kids to follow her into the kitchen. "I want to know what you said Goten." Goten eyes lowed in guilt.
"Why do I have to come then?" Trunks grumbled.
"Because I'm sure whatever it is you had something to do with it." She said as they disappeared from the living room.
"Son, how are you feeling?" Goku asked looking over Vegeta's shoulder at his son pale face. Gohan eyes flickered open. His sights adjusted to the last of the afternoon sun rays as they shone through the large wide windows opposite him.
"I'm fine. I just got a little headache." He whispered.
"You want me to take you upstairs koi?" Vegeta asked turning the cloth over and replacing it over his forehead.
"No. I'll be fine. I'll just close my eyes for little bit."
"Okay. I'll stay here with ya."
"I'd better go and see what the boys have been up too." Goku said as he walked back towards the kitchen. Gohan just nodded and closed his eyes pushing a side the images he didn't want to think about. In the distance he could faintly hear Bulma voice rising in the kitchen. He mildly felt sorry for whoever she was yelling at before he slowly drifted into an uneasy sleep.
…
His dream was disturbing. He dreamt he was up high facing over a cliff edge being slowly pushed towards the ledge. He was clutching his belly pleading for someone to help him… but no one could hear him. Panic began to grip paralysing his whole being as he was pushed closer still to the ledge. He felt the ground beneath him start to crumble away under his weight. There was nowhere to go but down. Fear raged inside of him how was he going to save his unborn baby?
Why wasn't anyone there to hear his prayers? "Oh pleeeease, please GETA help me! ANYONE… Dende, Piccolo, DAD help ME!" As he cried out for someone he felt his feet beginning to slip. Tears streamed down his pale cheeks this was the end. He was going to die here and no one will ever know the truth. He could here the twisted laughter of his captives from behind him it was cruel and full of hate. He looked through the mist of tears over his shoulder to see Matt's face. "What's up pretty boy? Scared?"
He had no warning as he was roughly shoved off the ledge. He's cry went unanswered as he plummeted down, faster, faster, and faster still. The ground was rushing up to meet him. He could hear himself screaming… Screaming for his lover, his partner, but no one heard him. No one came only the inevitable end was to meet him…
Gohan sprung up, a thin layer of sweat covered him. His breathing was coming in heavy pants, his eyes were wide and open. His heart was pounding against his ribs cage as if trying to get out. He looked around. He blinked and blinked again until it registered with him that he was safe in the living room. It was just a dream, a bad dream. Vegeta pushed away from the wall his sharp eyes looking at his partner alarmed. "Koi?"
Gohan glanced his way still trying to calm himself down. "It's Okay, It's Okay just a bad dream nothing else. I'm fine, really I am." He seemed to be reassuring himself more than his partner. Vegeta noticed this too. It must have really shaken the boy up.
"What did you dream about boy?" The prince asked. He was worried. What could get the boy so worried that could cause him to have nightmare?
Gohan eyes were large his liquid pools were glazed as if reliving the images. He shook his head. "Nothing. It was nothing. I can't remember."
Vegeta mentally sighed. He wasn't going to push the boy even though he really would love to know. But considering he didn't want the boy any more upset than he already was, Vegeta gave the thought away for now. "Shh…it's okay you don't have to tell me." He moved up on the couch and put his arm around the boy. "It's okay now." Gohan visibly melted into his strong arms, burying himself into the safety of his lover's embrace.
"Never leave me." He whispered.
Vegeta arms tightened around him. "Never koi. Never."
…
That evening, both Vegeta and Gohan were nicely curled up in the comfort of the large couch. The prince was spooning his young love, cuddling him from behind and watching TV with everyone else in the room. Vegeta's arm was resting comfortable over Gohan's mound. He had just feed some of his ki to the young one. Gohan's eyes were lowered with the remnants of the warmth and the caring sensation that surrounded him. No one commented on what just happened. It was comfortable and natural now seeing the two relax like that. Every now and then though the others would quietly glance there way. Finally Goten couldn't resist any more and got up and crawled over to his big brother and placed his small hand on Gohan large belly. Gohan eyes flickered open and a smile curled on his lips. Vegeta watched cautiously, not really liking his bonding time been interrupted. But Gohan has already made it clear that if the boys wanted to be part of this he will encourage them. He wanted a close knit family and he wanted the baby to feel loved with in the family circle.
Trunks looked over his shoulder and saw what his young friend was doing. "Can I do that too?" Bulma glanced up from the book she was reading while been cuddled up next to Goku on the opposite couch. She smiled at her son and looked over at her ex. Vegeta rolled his eyes and grumbled. "If you have too."
A smile sprung onto his face as he scrambled over to them. He quickly placed his hand next to his friend. Both boys could fell the baby moving their smile broadened "Wow she BIG!" Trunks gushed.
"She?" Vegeta raised brow at Bulma who brought the book up to cover her smile. Gohan couldn't help but giggle as his eyes meet with Bulma across from him. She winked.
She put the book down on her lap. "Come on Vegeta. The chances are 50/50 for either sex."
Goku smirked and gently pushed Bulma to the side so he could get up too. "Can I?" He asked. Vegeta eyes narrowed watching the tall Saiyan approach them. If he still had his tail it would be whipping the couch by now with annoyance.
"Sure dad." Gohan shifted a little so his father could place his hand on his belly. Vegeta grumbled something under his breath as he moved his hand over the boy's chest in protective stance. Gohan felt a small kick from the baby. He noticed jr was doing that more and more now days as if complaining of the lack of room it had to contend with. He winced and a small moan left his lip. "That hurts."
Goku eyes widened. "Wow, squirt has got a powerful kick there." That comment got him extra points with Vegeta as the cold glare was replaced with one of his smug smirks.
Gohan nodded his agreement while rubbing his tummy. "I'll say."
"Of course he's strong. He's an elite." Vegeta said with his pride puffed up for all to see.
"Am I'm an elite too dad?" Trunks asked from his kneeling place next to the couch.
"Of course you are. If you're born with royal blood, it goes without saying."
"What about me Veggie? Am I?" Goten asked, hopeful.
"Yes you're an elite too Goten. Since Geta is my mate and you're part of our family." Gohan leaned his head back to look at Vegeta. "Isn't that right Geta?"
"Yeah." Was the small reply.
Goten jumped up in the air excitedly. "Wow I'm elite too. I'm an eliiiite…" Then Goten stopped and turned to his brother. "Um what does elite mean?"
Everyone laughed excepted Vegeta who groaned and Trunks who shook his head in embarrassment. Bulma got off from the couch. "Come on time for bed you two. Kiss and say your G'nights."
"Night." Both boys said as they went around kissing everyone before scurrying off to bed. It was a race up the stairs.
"I'm going to win!" Trunks yelled.
"No fair! You had a head start." Goten pouted.
"I know…" Came the laugh from up the top of the stairs.
Bulma shook her head and went up after them to make sure they both brushed their teeth. Goku excused himself and went to help her put the boys to bed. Goku stood up. "Well I'll get ready then." He said as walked to the stairs.
"I'll be there in second." Vegeta said after him.
Gohan squirmed around to face him with his head titled back. "Where are you going?" He asked surprised that his partner was going anywhere this late in the evening without telling him.
"The baka and I are going to the club for a few hours." He said as he reached down and pecked the boy on his nose as he shifted to get off the couch. Gohan jaw opened to say something when his body dropped further onto the couch as his partner now standing. "Don't look at me like that." Vegeta said.
"You never said anything about the club, and you and dad are going out tonight alone? You never told me this."
"Well if you had been home when I got back…" He said with a bit of edge to it. His eyes drilled in the fact that he still hadn't forgotten Gohan's little escape ordeal. "…Plus you being so busy fainting when I saw you." He added. Gohan's jaw snapped shut and his eyes narrowed. "And you can stop that. It's time for your bed." He said turning around and walking over to the stairs with Gohan glaring daggers into his back as he disappeared up the stairs.
"I'm not a KID!!" He growled.
"BED!" Came Vegeta's order.
Gohan's jaw tightened and his fist clenched. "I'm eighteen!"
…
That night Gohan's anger was swelling inside of him as he sat back in the dark stewing over Vegeta's behaviour towards him. He sat back up against the pillows twisting the sheet tighter in his hands recalling his partner's words. His father and Vegeta had been gone for more than five hours. It was late. He looked over at the red glow of the clock confirming how late it really was. "He still treats me like a kid! I'm eighteen for kami sakes. Bastard!!" He growled. The sheet in his hands tightened. "He thinks he can boss me around. Well I'll show him." He reached over to the side table in the dark and turned on the light. His eyes adjusted to the soft light, picked up the phone and dialled. He let the phone ring and ring. Until finally someone on the other end picked it up. "Finally."
"Yeah…" came the groggy voice on the other end sounding still asleep.
"Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"Did I wake you?"
"Yeah…Um who the shit is this?"
"Gohan."
" …"
"Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
"Uh dude, you're not in labour or anything are you? Because I don't think I'm the right person to call…"
"No no Nothing like that."
"Phew! So what's up dude? You do realise its after one?"
Gohan voice went cold for second. "Yeah I know what time it is. I just had to ring ya… Look about the camp count me in."
"Yeah, you're really in? Cool! That's great. Well thanks for ringing… Night…."
Gohan could hear a faint familiar voice not too far away from the phone. "Hang on a sec! Did I just hear Videl in the background?"
"Uh …er…" Came the hesitant reply.
"Its okay dude. I'll let you go. Catchya later. But use my cell if you want to contact me. K?"
"Yeah um sure dude?"
"Its just I'm going be staying at friends place for little bit. Seeya later… bye." With that Gohan rolled off the bed and went straight over to his closet and pulled out a suitcase. He dumped it on the bed with a determined bounce. With a sigh he rubbed his over sized belly, turned around and went to the dresser and started to pull out a pile of clothes. "I'll teach you." He tossed his clothes angrily at the suitcase stuffing them in.
…
"So you're saying that they are both worried that I'll leave them?" Goku asked downing another drink. He looked across at Vegeta who rolled his eyes and was on the verge of reaching over the table and throttling him.
"What have I been saying for the last few hours you baka?!"
"Well why didn't they come to me?"
"Because they are afraid that it would have the opposite affect, and you feel pushed and leave anyway."
Goku sighed and leaned back into his chair with knees bent spread wide with both his hands resting loosely on his thighs. He was going over everything that Vegeta had told him for the last few hours. He had no idea his family was this worried about him leaving. It also scared him how much responsibility it put on him. He felt a little restricted and trapped. It was the same uncomfortable feeling he got if he stayed in one place to long. He glanced over at Vegeta wearily. He knew that he was waiting for a confirmation that he will not leave them, something he didn't think he could promise. "Look I need time to think…"
"What is there to think? You are romantically involved with the women and both your sons need you. You're a Baka if you throw all that away."
"Vegeta…"
"No! I have lost everything. Everything, that was important to me, my world, my race, my family and here you sit and you choose to throw it all WAY! You are a baka if you do, and don't give me any bullshit about the need to improve yourself to achieve the next highest level. I'm the only person that really understands you, more than you would like. I have the same calling. I have the same needs, but I refuse to let it destroy what I have, my loved ones, my family, my HOME!"
Goku looked away. He was getting angry. His head turned back to the only one of his kind left. "Don't tell me how to think! Or what the right choices ARE! You are not Chichi!!" He spat as he sprung up and prepared to storm out. But before he could go Vegeta grabbed his arm. Goku's head snapped back, his eyes alight burning his warning. He pulled his arm free from the strong hold before things could escalate into war zone between them. They heard laughter thinking it was related to them. Their heads snapped to the direction of the noise. They were both surprised to see Yamcha slumped over the bar with two big burly guys shaking there heads. "You crack me up dude. Saiyans, alien races…" Both the full blooded warriors turned to each other both raised their brows their conflict forgotten for the moment.
"Yeah yeah. It's true and I'm sooo in love with one of them. We kissed. Kami what a kiss…."
Vegeta and Goku strolled up behind the three undetected. They glanced at each other with an unanswered question on their lips. Vegeta eyes narrowed as they both turned around and stood quietly behind them. Standing tall they listened. One of the big guys nudged Yamcha in the arm. "A kiss huh? So what's this chick's name?"
"Gohan…" Yamcha slurred. He didn't even see it coming. The impact of the powerful punch was so fierce he was vaguely aware of flying through the solid door at an alarming speed, completely destroying a door as he did. Timber splintered everywhere in the cool of the night. Numb from all the alcohol, he landed violently in the parking lot on one of the many parked cars with a crashing metal THUD. A loud grunt left his lips as the air was forced from his lungs. His buried body roll off onto the hard pitching with a YELP! In that blinding moment he felt someone grabbed him by the collar. In his haze he could hear something that sent a chill over him as the sound of a murderous roar came towards him. The next thing he knew he was been lifted not so gently up high and familiar voice say.
"You bloody idiot Yamcha!!"
…
Gohan put his bag down on the single bed. He looked around at the spacious room - so empty and so lonely looking. He mental sighed. He was emotionally and physically tired. He looked up and smiled warmly up at his friend who helped him to sit down. "Thanks. Thanks heaps for doing this for me. You're the best. I won't ever forget this."
His friend gave a quick nod cleverly covering up his concern. "Rest now." He went to leave when Gohan called after him. His out stretched hand grabbing his friend's wrist preventing him from leaving.
"I really mean it. Thanks again Piccolo."
"It's alright kid you need your rest. Try and get some sleep." Gohan nodded and released his grip. The green warrior stepped away and through the door and proceeded to close it behind him. "This could get interesting." He stepped away. "Dende I think we could safely say we will be receiving visitors some time soon."
Piccolo raised a brow at Dende. He could swear the kid had turned an unnatural shade of green.
TBC…
A/N: a little bit of a cliff hanger, hehehe. You hate me? I can respect that. Grins. Well things are gearing into place now. So much is happening….
I appreciate all of your reviews you are giving me heaps of ideas as I write each chapter. I changed my mind about Yamcha. I like the idea of two strong Saiyans behind someone unaware as they mouth off or say something stupid. Hehehe… cruel huh? Now what's going to happen to him??? I have a few ideas…
Well the next chapter will be go go go…and then some… I'm sure Vegeta will have a lot to say. The coming camping trip will be interesting??? Oh and we will have to work on baby names real soon too… something I suck at, especially trying to work out a Saiyan name… (food??) Hehehe I do know I like names that can be shortened into pet names. Well I'll catch you guys later. K? Thanks again all of you.