Lone Survivor:
Disclaimer: I do not own dragonball Z. I am merely using the characters and the concept to write fanfictions. So please don't sue me!!
A.N. I'm deciding whether or not to include a lemon, not yet of course. Well the ratings 'R' anyway, so I'll see how the storyline goes from here. Things are heating up for Gohan though at the Brief's barbeque. Heheh I'll say no more. Laterz.
[..] = Bond talk.
Chapter 5: Is it me? Or is it hot out here?
Another day, another chaotic morning at the Sons house. The sun was rising through the orange clouds, and the setting would've been peaceful and pretty, had it not been for the T.V on high volume, ChiChi's loud and annoying voice on the phone to Bulma, Gohan's annoying silence, and Goku getting annoyed at Goten for stealing his breakfast. Videl sighed, 'red sky in the morning; shepherds warning. And I don't need to be told that twice.' She turned to Gohan, who had been avoiding eye contact as much as possible since 'the hug.' She didn't get him, one minute he was all, annoyingly nice, and the next minute, he was equally annoyingly quiet and shy. However, he was successfully blocking out everything else around him and was focused on the weather report, but Videl figured that he was in deep thought too.
"And today's temperatures will reach around the 90s, so don't forget that sun-block, and avoid the midday sun."
Videl scowled; she didn't understand how the weather lady was always cheerful, no matter what time of day it was, or what the weather was like. She reminded Videl of Eraza, and that meant that she hated the weather lady too. ChiChi finally put the phone down and entered the room with the largest smile on her face.
"Good news everyone!" Videl rested her forehead on her fist and closed her eyes. Good news from ChiChi always translated to bad news for her. "Bulma's having a barbeque, and we're all invited! Guess who else is invited?" The room remained silent; no-one could be bothered to guess never mind speak. "Well, she said the whole gang will be there! Isn't that exciting? We haven't seen Krillen and 18 in awhile, and Picollo's been distant too."
"Sounds like fun!" Goku seemed to have forgiven Goten, and the two were now sharing their food. Gohan stood up and stretched.
"Yeah, I guess it'll be nice to see everyone again." Videl remained quiet. She didn't want to meet everyone. But maybe now she could spar with Vegeta at long last.
"Well I can't wait," her sarcasm flew past ChiChi, who grinned.
"Well I'm glad to see that you're starting to socialise Videl, you can't stay all moody and grumpy like Vegeta forever. Lighten up a little." Videl glared at ChiChi for insulting her, but ChiChi brushed it aside. Gohan suppressed a laugh, knowing it would only aggravate Videl even more. "Now, let's all try to get ready by 12, and Videl, try to wear something suitable."
'That's the last straw, the bitch will pay.' She folded her arms and stood up, leaving the room and storming upstairs like a spoilt teenager. ChiChi merely watched and Gohan shrugged.
"What did I say?"
By 12.30am, the Son family and Videl arrived at the Brief's house thanks to Goku's instant translocation. Trunks saw them arrive from his bedroom window, which he flew out of to greet them. Videl spotted the purple haired kid flying towards them and smiled as Goten ran over to meet him. They hi- fived each other then ran off towards the garden where Videl could smell something cooking. 'That's one down,' she thought glancing at the Sons. 'Three to go.'
Bulma heard the doorbell ring from the kitchen and ran to open the front door wearing her blue bikini and white sarong. She smiled and hugged ChiChi, Goku, Gohan who blushed, and then Videl, who just stood there.
"Come on in you guys!" She beckoned them inside in between hugs. "Yamcha's already here, his new job as a chef is really handy in the kitchen, well, when he's not burning everything that is. How he actually got that job is a mystery to me." ChiChi and Bulma giggled, reminding Gohan of Wilma and Betty from 'The Flintstones.' They were still like two little girls who hadn't grown up at heart, and probably never would. "I see you're wearing the clothes I bought you Videl. I'm glad that trip paid off!" She then glanced at ChiChi, and sighed. "ChiChi, we'll just have to book a shopping trip this week." ChiChi smiled, not realising that Bulma was insulting her fashion taste.
"I'll have to check my diary Bulma," the two giggled again, and Goku slowly crept into the kitchen, bored of their conversation.
"You too Gohan! I just love taking men shopping; my best conquest to boot is Vegeta. I finally got him to try on a gorge tux the other day. Oh ChiChi, you should've seen it; I wish I had a camera! I bought it, but I doubt he'll wear it. Then again, I have my ways." Videl glanced at Gohan, forgetting he was even there, and he laughed nervously at Bulma's comments.
"Luckily for me, Goku just does what I tell him to. He's the perfect husband." ChiChi sighed and Videl raised her hand to get their attention.
"Excuse me, I think I'm gonna puke here." ChiChi frowned, but Bulma smiled.
"Now now Videl, I know you're secretly interested in our more mature conversation."
"Can I puke then?" Now ChiChi frowned at Gohan and rested her fists on her hips.
"Gohan! Don't be so rude!" Bulma giggled and looked at Videl, then Gohan, a devious smile on her face complete with evil eyes.
"Gohan, why don't you take Videl over to the garden? Take advantage of the pool while it's empty or something."
"Erm...ok." He walked ahead and Videl followed; ANYTHING to get her away from the wives from hell club. Bulma watched as they left and winked at ChiChi, who giggled.
"Plan A is now in process." ChiChi walked ahead to spy on her son and Videl, watching as he politely opened the patio doors for her and let her go through first.
"Looks like we won't be needing Plan B either Bulma."
It was really heating up, and Videl and Gohan secured their sun-beds near a tree. The garden was huge, and consisted of many flowers, hedges, several trees, a large '8' shaped swimming pool, a sauna shed, a ping pong table and a Jacuzzi. The grass was a healthy green colour, and the large patio section had a white iron table complete with 4 matching chairs and a sun umbrella.
Videl sat down on her sun-bed and relaxed, 'this is gonna be one boring day.' She decided on wearing the least amount possible; light grey shorts, a white vest top, and some flip-flops. But she could already tell that that wasn't going to keep her cool for long.
Gohan was already sweating. Ever since Videl arrived, he'd always wake up feeling hot and agitated. The tight white t-shirt he was wearing wasn't exactly doing its job in reflecting the sun, so she took it off, catching Videl's attention. He tried to ignore her stares, and sat down on his sun-bed, putting his black sunglasses on before lying down in the shade. He'd only closed his eyes for a few seconds, but then something jumped on is chest, winding him and forcing him to get up.
"GOTEN! What did you do that for?"
"We wanna play in the pool." Gohan sighed, 'why me?'
"So go play in the pool then." Trunks casually strolled over in his swim- shorts with his usual laid back expression.
"But it's boring with just the two of us. Can't you and Videl come play too?" Just the thought of seeing Videl in a swimsuit made Gohan panic.
"NO!" Goten began to sulk, pouting and using his puppy dog eyes.
"Why not?" Trunks put his hands behind his head and smirked Vegeta style.
"You always have been a spoil sport Gohan."
"Fine, grab a ball, and we'll play catch or something." He needed to cool of anyway, and get away from Videl's ice glares too. Goten turned to the other Saiyan, and sat on her lap, startling her.
"Are you coming too Videl? PLEEEEASE."
"No. I don't wanna get my clothes wet, and I don't have any spare with me."
"You mean you didn't bring a swimsuit? How lame. C'mon Goten." Trunks dragged Goten away, and ChiChi and Bulma appeared from the patio door carrying a tray of glasses filled with various coloured liquids. They set it down on a small table near the sun-beds, and sat down near Videl, still talking about shopping and their husbands. Videl frowned, that was all she needed, and she wished she had brought a spare change of clothes. The three of them watched as Gohan appeared from the house with a beach ball, and he dived in the pool followed by Goten and Trunks, who both bombed the water.
"Videl, how come you're not in the pool too?" Videl frowned and muttered her reply back to Bulma.
"I didn't bring any spare clothes." Bulma raised an eyebrow and ChiChi sniggered.
"Videl, you don't swim in clothes. You wear either a bikini or a swimming costume. Don't worry about it; you can borrow one of my old bikinis. Follow me." Videl reluctantly followed, and ChiChi grinned.
"Onto phase 2."
Bulma's room was huge Videl soon found, and she sat on the peach coloured bed as Bulma raided her large walk through closet.
"Hmmm, you may as well have this, it probably won't even fit me anymore. I haven't worn it since I was about your age, so it should fit you."
Videl stared at the yellow piece of material and raised an eyebrow.
"Erm, Bulma? This isn't exactly going to cover me, it's tiny!" To her, it looked like a mini bra and some equally mini underwear.
"Of course it will! Bikini's are only meant to cover essentials anyway, that's the point."
"Don't you have something a little more complete?" Bulma laughed, and Videl raised her eyebrows in confusion. Bulma only believed in bikinis.
"Oh you make me laugh Videl. I'll be downstairs." The door shut and Videl closed the curtains before she tried on the bikini. It was bright yellow, probably to enhance the golden tan which she didn't have. The upper part was just as flimsy as the bottom part, and all she could make out were triangles and string, a lot of string.
Gohan, Goten, and Trunks were all fooling around in the pool. A game of catch had turned into a violent game of 'get the ball.' Whoever had the ball became the victim to attacks from the 2 who didn't, as the aim of the game of course, was to 'get the ball.' Meanwhile, ChiChi and Bulma, talked under the shade, with the new addition of Vegeta, who pretended to sleep as he sunbathed, but was infact listening to the conversation, Yamcha, who was arguing with his now ex-girlfriend on his cell phone, and Goku, who happily munched on various appetizers. Videl finally once again appeared, and Bulma nudged ChiChi as she walked towards towards the pool.
"Yay! Videl found her swimsuit! C'mon Videl, we're playing the coolest game ever!"
"Shut up Goten, no girls allowed in my pool!"
The two boys began to fight, and Gohan cheerily turned round, about to say a casual 'Hey Videl.' However, his jaw dropped, his eyebrows rose, and he was left speechless with a blush on his face. Videl knew it had been a bad idea. Bulma and ChiChi, however, watched with satisfaction, and Vegeta glanced over at their newest subject of their conversation.
'Hmph, seems Kakarrot's brat is having a few problems. No doubt I'll have to have a word with him sooner or later, that baka father of his probably hasn't even told him abut the birds and the bees yet. Sometimes, I actually feel sorry for the kid. Nah.' He smirked and replaced his shades over his eyes, once again blocking out the world as he closed his eyes.
"I think the word you're looking for Gohan, is 'hi', or 'hey'." She rolled her eyes and Gohan looked away, already knowing that he'd once again made a fool of himself. Videl stepped into the pool, and smirked at Trunks, who stopped fighting with Goten to frown at her. "What was that about no girls in the pool? I think you need a new rule Trunks."
"Whatever. Let's play a new game."
"Crocodiles!!" Trunks slapped his forehead and Goten jumped up and down in the pool hyperactively.
"Explain."
"One person gets to be the crocodile, and they have to swim underwater, with their belly touching the floor. When, they get near enough to their victim, they can come up to the surface and tag them, making that person another crocodile, until we're all crocodiles!"
"Goten that's not how you play crocodiles. Your version sucks!"
"Does not!"
"Does too! Your such a baby."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Can it you two, you're giving me a headache." They quit at the sound of Gohan's parental voice, and Videl sighed.
"I'm bored, let's just play Goten's version."
"I'm the crocodile then!" Goten scrambled out of the water and lay down on the side. He then slid into the water; head first, and submerged underwater taking a deep breath as he did so. The pool became a frenzy of shouts and panic as Gohan, Videl, and Trunks had to keep an eye of Goten underwater and stay away from him. Trunks was the first to be tagged, and Gohan knew that was the worst thing that could happen.
"Hey Goten, let's become super Crocodiles!"
"YEAH!" Before Gohan could object, their hair turned golden and they became even faster swimmers as they swam underwater. Videl tried to get away as they approached her, but it was pointless. They were just too fast. She got cornered, and Goten and Trunks attacked from two sides.
"Ok ok! I give up!" They both tagged her, and Goten grinned.
"One more to go! C'mon! Let's get Gohan!"
"Oh great," Gohan kept to the sides so that he had an easy escape out of the pool. Goten and Trunks always took games too seriously, and someone always got hurt. Then, he'd have to take the blame. He didn't notice the three of them surround him, and each one of them submerged out of the water. Gohan then flew up into the air, and Goten started to yell. Videl, however, began to swim to the other side of the pool, knowing exactly where Gohan would land.
"HEY! NO FAIR GOHAN! CROCODILES CAN'T FLY! YOU'RE NOT 'SPOSED TO EITHER, IT'S A POOL GAME!" Gohan chuckled and landed in the other side of the pool.
"Well you three are too fast and this pool's too small. Besides, that was just to trick you."
"Looks like your plan failed. TAG!" The voice made Gohan jump, and Videl giggled at his panic-stricken face.
"Woo! Go Videl!" Trunks and Goten both shouted together, and Videl shrugged.
"Your technique lacked brains, I thought you were clever Gohan." He turned to face her, and folded his arms, drawing Videl's attention once again to his muscular and well toned body.
"Was I that obvious?"
"Yep. I read you once again just like a book." She swam back to the chibis, and Gohan frowned. 'Read me like a book?'
Bulma walked over to the pool and got their attention before they could play anymore games however.
"Hey guys, Krillen and 18 just arrived with Marron."
"Ex-cellent." Trunks said Mr.Burns style (think the Simpsons) and smirked, while Goten ducked his head underwater. Last time Marron came round, Trunks made her kiss Goten, and then teased him about cooties. Trunks hadn't let that rest since then. Gohan got out of the pool and glanced behind him to see Videl getting out too. 'Must stop looking at Videl, must stop looking at Videl.' His chanting didn't work however, and he caught himself staring at her again. 'Doh!' Bulma grinned as she caught Gohan staring and sat next to Vegeta, who mumbled something like: 'leave me alone woman,' and rolled over.
"Vegeta," she almost purred, and he tried to ignore her. "VEGETA!"
"What now woman?"
"Aren't you going to be polite and a nice husband for me like you promised?"
"I'm socialising aren't I? What more do you want?"
"Be a good host and come and say hi to Krillen with me."
"No, I hate that cue-ball head."
"That's my friend you're talking abut, and he's not a cue-ball head anymore. He grew hair, remember?" Vegeta chuckled as he remembered the pathetic hairstyle that Krillen had grown after beating Cell.
"Fine, former cue-ball head, who cares? I'm happy sitting here, alone." She began to toy with him, tapping her two fingers on his hot skinned shoulder.
"Come on Veggie honey, do it for me?" Her tone suddenly changed from soft to harsh. "Besides! You promised me that I could have control all day as long as I was all yours later! It's a full moon tonight, remember?"
"When? I never promised you anything!" She grinned as he sat up suddenly.
"Oh yes you did, last night, when I asked you if you loved me."
"Dammit!" He folded his arms and she smiled.
"Was that mumble a yes Vegeta?"
"Whatever."
Gohan blanked out as Krillen spoke to him and his dad. 'What's wrong with me today? Ever since this morning, I keep on looking at Videl! I'm going insane, I swear I am!' He glanced over at her again, and this time she caught him and narrowed her eyes. She'd borrowed a sarong from Bulma, and stood impatiently as Krillen and Goku chatted about the 'old days.'
"So Gohan, is this your new 'friend'?" Krillen winked and hinted at Videl, and Gohan smiled nervously.
"Erm yeah, Krillen this is Videl. Videl, this is Krillen."
"So you're the Saiyan everyone's talking about? Nice to finally meet Gohan's GIRL friend." Krillen began to snigger as Gohan frantically denied it.
"Krillen! She's not my girlfriend, we're just friends!"
"Sure, well, nice to meet ya Videl. Later Gohan." Krillen walked ahead with Goku, and 18 followed behind, holding Marron as she headed over to the wives club.
"Videl, I can explain!" She looked at him and narrowed her icy eyes again.
"Explain what? You're stupid friends foolish presumptions? Go ahead, but you don't need to Gohan, and you don't need to get worked up about it either." She walked back to the pool area, and Gohan sighed.
"I just can't win with her!" He was so hot it was agitating him, but no one else seemed to be bothered about the heat except for him. "I hope I'm not coming down with something, that's all I need!" He frowned, thanks to his Saiyan immune system; he never really caught even the worst of the flues. He had the strong urge to be near Videl all of a sudden, and found his feet walking over to her by the pool without him realising, until it was too late.
"Now what do you want?" Her cold tone didn't affect him for once, and Gohan sat down, copying her by putting his legs in the pool.
"Just thought I'd cool down a bit." She glanced at him without turning her head.
"There's the whole pool, and you decided to 'cool down' next to me?" He laughed nervously, a habit that Videl was really starting to hate.
"Well I thought I'd keep you company for awhile too." There was an awkward silence as Gohan racked his brains for a topic to talk about. Yamcha and Krillen were starting up the barbeque fire, and the air was filled with cooking meat. Gohan's stomach rumbled, followed by Videls. "Hungry?"
"No shit Sherlock." He frowned this time instead of laughing.
"I was just trying to make conversation, there's no need to be all, well, cold!"
"So don't 'try' to make conversation. It's too hot to even talk, and I'd rather be training right now, then wasting my time out here in the heat."
"You can't train all day everyday you know."
"I can if I want." 'How dare he tell me what I can and can't do!" Gohan changed the conversation.
"First day at Orange Star tomorrow, you nervous?"
"No. Should I be? It's just another waste of time."
"You know what? You should try to get to know other people's culture's more and stop being so negative." Videl turned and glared at him.
'Where the hell did that come from? Usually he'd just laugh or something. What's with him today?'
"What's it to you?"
"Well, you came here to get to know the Saiyans a bit more, which is fair enough. But the only way you're going to do that is by being a little more open-minded about things." One of his legs 'accidentally' brushed against hers in the water for the third time during their conversation, and Videl jumped up. "What did I say now? You're always walking away from me."
"Well maybe if you stopped getting too close to me!" She walked away, and Gohan raised his eyebrows in confusion and shock. The spot on his back where his tail had once been was itching like crazy, adding further to his ever-increasing agitation.
"GOHAN! Come on over, the food's just about ready." Gohan stood up and walked over to the long table in the middle of the garden, where ChiChi was laying out tons of food with Goten and Trunk's help. Picollo had been the last to arrive finally, and joined in now and again with Goku and Krillen's conversation. Everyone apart from Yamcha, ChiChi, Goten, and Trunks were already sitting down engaging in their own conversations. Gohan frowned at the place names on the table, and didn't even need to guess where his was located, not like he was complaining. Videl looked up at him as he sat down, and shifted her chair over a little as his shoulder brushed against hers. She didn't like the way her body was reacting to his, and dealt with it by distancing herself in any way she could, and that included conversation. Thankfully, Gohan became engrossed in Goku's conversation, and didn't try to talk to her again.
"I think that was the hugest fish we ever caught!" Krillen chuckled and Gohan joined in.
"But that doesn't beat that time me and Krillen went treasure hunting for Marren." Krillen hid his face with his hands and Goku looked puzzled.
"I don't remember that."
"You were on Yardat that's why. Krillen wanted to propose to Marren, so we went searching for this so called 'mermaids pearl.' We didn't find it, but we did get into some trouble with the locals."
"Don't remind me Gohan. We spent hours down there trying to fight off these sharks. When we got back, Marren was flirting with Yamcha." Krillen sent a dagger glance at Yamcha, who was busy making more hotdogs. He'd never forgiven him for that day.
"Yeah well, you've got 18 now." Krillen smiled and 18 looked at 18, who had heard the whole conversation in-between Bulma's gossiping.
"You're right Goku, and I wouldn't swap her for the world." They exchanged loving glances, which made Gohan feel slightly jealous. Everyone in the Z gang seemed to be in love, except for him and well, Picollo, but that was a different issue since he was asexual. Gohan sighed and glanced at Videl, who was picking at her hotdog and looked bored. He looked away, 'there's no way I'm talking to her. I'll seem a little desperate or something.' Videl heard Gohan sigh and noticed him glance at her, then turn away from the corner of her eye.
'I must've upset him, of well, that's his problem, not mine. He should keep himself to himself.' Her tail swished behind her in frustration, catching Vegeta's attention. He was jealous that she still had a tail, and then a thought suddenly crossed his head.
'DAMMIT! I forgot it was a full moon tonight. Seems like I'll need to have a word with the other brat too.' Videl saw the Prince staring at her and her tail froze.
"Don't even think about looking at the moon tonight onna," she frowned at him.
"I don't intend to turn Ozauru Prince Vegeta."
"So keep it that way, or else you'll wake up without a tail." She shuddered at the thought, and he looked away, reaching for more food to pile onto his plate.
'What the hell is everyone's problem today?' Her tail begun to swish again, catching Gohan's eye.
'I wish she'd quit doing that with her tail!" He felt allured towards her, and had to suddenly look away before he did something he knew he'd later regret. Vegeta watched from the end of the table and showed no mercy to his hotdog as he devoured it within seconds.
'It seems I'll need to have words with the brat a little sooner. Or I could always wait for him to embarrass himself."
[Oh no you don't Vegeta.] Vegeta smacked his forehead with his palm.
'Dammit! I forgot to block my thoughts from the woman. I hate this bond!' This time he had managed to block his thoughts, but caught Bulma narrow her eyes at him. Now that she knew, he'd didn't have a choice in the matter.
After an agonisingly long barbeque, Gohan left the table as soon as he could, only to be followed by Vegeta. Gohan froze and turned round to see Vegeta standing there complete with scowl and folded arms.
"What do you want?" He was just as surprised as Vegeta from his attitude, and Vegeta did not look impressed.
"Well, I was GOING to offer you some advice which would've been helpful. But I guess you don't want or deserve it."
"I'm sorry Vegeta, I've been having these weird mood swings lately. It's just best if-"
"Shut up and follow me." Vegeta walked ahead into the training room, and Gohan hesitantly followed, knowing that he didn't really have a choice in the matter.
'Strange, Vegeta hardly ever talks to me unless he wants to spar. What could it be? Whatever it is, it can't be good..'
Disclaimer: I do not own dragonball Z. I am merely using the characters and the concept to write fanfictions. So please don't sue me!!
A.N. I'm deciding whether or not to include a lemon, not yet of course. Well the ratings 'R' anyway, so I'll see how the storyline goes from here. Things are heating up for Gohan though at the Brief's barbeque. Heheh I'll say no more. Laterz.
[..] = Bond talk.
Chapter 5: Is it me? Or is it hot out here?
Another day, another chaotic morning at the Sons house. The sun was rising through the orange clouds, and the setting would've been peaceful and pretty, had it not been for the T.V on high volume, ChiChi's loud and annoying voice on the phone to Bulma, Gohan's annoying silence, and Goku getting annoyed at Goten for stealing his breakfast. Videl sighed, 'red sky in the morning; shepherds warning. And I don't need to be told that twice.' She turned to Gohan, who had been avoiding eye contact as much as possible since 'the hug.' She didn't get him, one minute he was all, annoyingly nice, and the next minute, he was equally annoyingly quiet and shy. However, he was successfully blocking out everything else around him and was focused on the weather report, but Videl figured that he was in deep thought too.
"And today's temperatures will reach around the 90s, so don't forget that sun-block, and avoid the midday sun."
Videl scowled; she didn't understand how the weather lady was always cheerful, no matter what time of day it was, or what the weather was like. She reminded Videl of Eraza, and that meant that she hated the weather lady too. ChiChi finally put the phone down and entered the room with the largest smile on her face.
"Good news everyone!" Videl rested her forehead on her fist and closed her eyes. Good news from ChiChi always translated to bad news for her. "Bulma's having a barbeque, and we're all invited! Guess who else is invited?" The room remained silent; no-one could be bothered to guess never mind speak. "Well, she said the whole gang will be there! Isn't that exciting? We haven't seen Krillen and 18 in awhile, and Picollo's been distant too."
"Sounds like fun!" Goku seemed to have forgiven Goten, and the two were now sharing their food. Gohan stood up and stretched.
"Yeah, I guess it'll be nice to see everyone again." Videl remained quiet. She didn't want to meet everyone. But maybe now she could spar with Vegeta at long last.
"Well I can't wait," her sarcasm flew past ChiChi, who grinned.
"Well I'm glad to see that you're starting to socialise Videl, you can't stay all moody and grumpy like Vegeta forever. Lighten up a little." Videl glared at ChiChi for insulting her, but ChiChi brushed it aside. Gohan suppressed a laugh, knowing it would only aggravate Videl even more. "Now, let's all try to get ready by 12, and Videl, try to wear something suitable."
'That's the last straw, the bitch will pay.' She folded her arms and stood up, leaving the room and storming upstairs like a spoilt teenager. ChiChi merely watched and Gohan shrugged.
"What did I say?"
By 12.30am, the Son family and Videl arrived at the Brief's house thanks to Goku's instant translocation. Trunks saw them arrive from his bedroom window, which he flew out of to greet them. Videl spotted the purple haired kid flying towards them and smiled as Goten ran over to meet him. They hi- fived each other then ran off towards the garden where Videl could smell something cooking. 'That's one down,' she thought glancing at the Sons. 'Three to go.'
Bulma heard the doorbell ring from the kitchen and ran to open the front door wearing her blue bikini and white sarong. She smiled and hugged ChiChi, Goku, Gohan who blushed, and then Videl, who just stood there.
"Come on in you guys!" She beckoned them inside in between hugs. "Yamcha's already here, his new job as a chef is really handy in the kitchen, well, when he's not burning everything that is. How he actually got that job is a mystery to me." ChiChi and Bulma giggled, reminding Gohan of Wilma and Betty from 'The Flintstones.' They were still like two little girls who hadn't grown up at heart, and probably never would. "I see you're wearing the clothes I bought you Videl. I'm glad that trip paid off!" She then glanced at ChiChi, and sighed. "ChiChi, we'll just have to book a shopping trip this week." ChiChi smiled, not realising that Bulma was insulting her fashion taste.
"I'll have to check my diary Bulma," the two giggled again, and Goku slowly crept into the kitchen, bored of their conversation.
"You too Gohan! I just love taking men shopping; my best conquest to boot is Vegeta. I finally got him to try on a gorge tux the other day. Oh ChiChi, you should've seen it; I wish I had a camera! I bought it, but I doubt he'll wear it. Then again, I have my ways." Videl glanced at Gohan, forgetting he was even there, and he laughed nervously at Bulma's comments.
"Luckily for me, Goku just does what I tell him to. He's the perfect husband." ChiChi sighed and Videl raised her hand to get their attention.
"Excuse me, I think I'm gonna puke here." ChiChi frowned, but Bulma smiled.
"Now now Videl, I know you're secretly interested in our more mature conversation."
"Can I puke then?" Now ChiChi frowned at Gohan and rested her fists on her hips.
"Gohan! Don't be so rude!" Bulma giggled and looked at Videl, then Gohan, a devious smile on her face complete with evil eyes.
"Gohan, why don't you take Videl over to the garden? Take advantage of the pool while it's empty or something."
"Erm...ok." He walked ahead and Videl followed; ANYTHING to get her away from the wives from hell club. Bulma watched as they left and winked at ChiChi, who giggled.
"Plan A is now in process." ChiChi walked ahead to spy on her son and Videl, watching as he politely opened the patio doors for her and let her go through first.
"Looks like we won't be needing Plan B either Bulma."
It was really heating up, and Videl and Gohan secured their sun-beds near a tree. The garden was huge, and consisted of many flowers, hedges, several trees, a large '8' shaped swimming pool, a sauna shed, a ping pong table and a Jacuzzi. The grass was a healthy green colour, and the large patio section had a white iron table complete with 4 matching chairs and a sun umbrella.
Videl sat down on her sun-bed and relaxed, 'this is gonna be one boring day.' She decided on wearing the least amount possible; light grey shorts, a white vest top, and some flip-flops. But she could already tell that that wasn't going to keep her cool for long.
Gohan was already sweating. Ever since Videl arrived, he'd always wake up feeling hot and agitated. The tight white t-shirt he was wearing wasn't exactly doing its job in reflecting the sun, so she took it off, catching Videl's attention. He tried to ignore her stares, and sat down on his sun-bed, putting his black sunglasses on before lying down in the shade. He'd only closed his eyes for a few seconds, but then something jumped on is chest, winding him and forcing him to get up.
"GOTEN! What did you do that for?"
"We wanna play in the pool." Gohan sighed, 'why me?'
"So go play in the pool then." Trunks casually strolled over in his swim- shorts with his usual laid back expression.
"But it's boring with just the two of us. Can't you and Videl come play too?" Just the thought of seeing Videl in a swimsuit made Gohan panic.
"NO!" Goten began to sulk, pouting and using his puppy dog eyes.
"Why not?" Trunks put his hands behind his head and smirked Vegeta style.
"You always have been a spoil sport Gohan."
"Fine, grab a ball, and we'll play catch or something." He needed to cool of anyway, and get away from Videl's ice glares too. Goten turned to the other Saiyan, and sat on her lap, startling her.
"Are you coming too Videl? PLEEEEASE."
"No. I don't wanna get my clothes wet, and I don't have any spare with me."
"You mean you didn't bring a swimsuit? How lame. C'mon Goten." Trunks dragged Goten away, and ChiChi and Bulma appeared from the patio door carrying a tray of glasses filled with various coloured liquids. They set it down on a small table near the sun-beds, and sat down near Videl, still talking about shopping and their husbands. Videl frowned, that was all she needed, and she wished she had brought a spare change of clothes. The three of them watched as Gohan appeared from the house with a beach ball, and he dived in the pool followed by Goten and Trunks, who both bombed the water.
"Videl, how come you're not in the pool too?" Videl frowned and muttered her reply back to Bulma.
"I didn't bring any spare clothes." Bulma raised an eyebrow and ChiChi sniggered.
"Videl, you don't swim in clothes. You wear either a bikini or a swimming costume. Don't worry about it; you can borrow one of my old bikinis. Follow me." Videl reluctantly followed, and ChiChi grinned.
"Onto phase 2."
Bulma's room was huge Videl soon found, and she sat on the peach coloured bed as Bulma raided her large walk through closet.
"Hmmm, you may as well have this, it probably won't even fit me anymore. I haven't worn it since I was about your age, so it should fit you."
Videl stared at the yellow piece of material and raised an eyebrow.
"Erm, Bulma? This isn't exactly going to cover me, it's tiny!" To her, it looked like a mini bra and some equally mini underwear.
"Of course it will! Bikini's are only meant to cover essentials anyway, that's the point."
"Don't you have something a little more complete?" Bulma laughed, and Videl raised her eyebrows in confusion. Bulma only believed in bikinis.
"Oh you make me laugh Videl. I'll be downstairs." The door shut and Videl closed the curtains before she tried on the bikini. It was bright yellow, probably to enhance the golden tan which she didn't have. The upper part was just as flimsy as the bottom part, and all she could make out were triangles and string, a lot of string.
Gohan, Goten, and Trunks were all fooling around in the pool. A game of catch had turned into a violent game of 'get the ball.' Whoever had the ball became the victim to attacks from the 2 who didn't, as the aim of the game of course, was to 'get the ball.' Meanwhile, ChiChi and Bulma, talked under the shade, with the new addition of Vegeta, who pretended to sleep as he sunbathed, but was infact listening to the conversation, Yamcha, who was arguing with his now ex-girlfriend on his cell phone, and Goku, who happily munched on various appetizers. Videl finally once again appeared, and Bulma nudged ChiChi as she walked towards towards the pool.
"Yay! Videl found her swimsuit! C'mon Videl, we're playing the coolest game ever!"
"Shut up Goten, no girls allowed in my pool!"
The two boys began to fight, and Gohan cheerily turned round, about to say a casual 'Hey Videl.' However, his jaw dropped, his eyebrows rose, and he was left speechless with a blush on his face. Videl knew it had been a bad idea. Bulma and ChiChi, however, watched with satisfaction, and Vegeta glanced over at their newest subject of their conversation.
'Hmph, seems Kakarrot's brat is having a few problems. No doubt I'll have to have a word with him sooner or later, that baka father of his probably hasn't even told him abut the birds and the bees yet. Sometimes, I actually feel sorry for the kid. Nah.' He smirked and replaced his shades over his eyes, once again blocking out the world as he closed his eyes.
"I think the word you're looking for Gohan, is 'hi', or 'hey'." She rolled her eyes and Gohan looked away, already knowing that he'd once again made a fool of himself. Videl stepped into the pool, and smirked at Trunks, who stopped fighting with Goten to frown at her. "What was that about no girls in the pool? I think you need a new rule Trunks."
"Whatever. Let's play a new game."
"Crocodiles!!" Trunks slapped his forehead and Goten jumped up and down in the pool hyperactively.
"Explain."
"One person gets to be the crocodile, and they have to swim underwater, with their belly touching the floor. When, they get near enough to their victim, they can come up to the surface and tag them, making that person another crocodile, until we're all crocodiles!"
"Goten that's not how you play crocodiles. Your version sucks!"
"Does not!"
"Does too! Your such a baby."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Can it you two, you're giving me a headache." They quit at the sound of Gohan's parental voice, and Videl sighed.
"I'm bored, let's just play Goten's version."
"I'm the crocodile then!" Goten scrambled out of the water and lay down on the side. He then slid into the water; head first, and submerged underwater taking a deep breath as he did so. The pool became a frenzy of shouts and panic as Gohan, Videl, and Trunks had to keep an eye of Goten underwater and stay away from him. Trunks was the first to be tagged, and Gohan knew that was the worst thing that could happen.
"Hey Goten, let's become super Crocodiles!"
"YEAH!" Before Gohan could object, their hair turned golden and they became even faster swimmers as they swam underwater. Videl tried to get away as they approached her, but it was pointless. They were just too fast. She got cornered, and Goten and Trunks attacked from two sides.
"Ok ok! I give up!" They both tagged her, and Goten grinned.
"One more to go! C'mon! Let's get Gohan!"
"Oh great," Gohan kept to the sides so that he had an easy escape out of the pool. Goten and Trunks always took games too seriously, and someone always got hurt. Then, he'd have to take the blame. He didn't notice the three of them surround him, and each one of them submerged out of the water. Gohan then flew up into the air, and Goten started to yell. Videl, however, began to swim to the other side of the pool, knowing exactly where Gohan would land.
"HEY! NO FAIR GOHAN! CROCODILES CAN'T FLY! YOU'RE NOT 'SPOSED TO EITHER, IT'S A POOL GAME!" Gohan chuckled and landed in the other side of the pool.
"Well you three are too fast and this pool's too small. Besides, that was just to trick you."
"Looks like your plan failed. TAG!" The voice made Gohan jump, and Videl giggled at his panic-stricken face.
"Woo! Go Videl!" Trunks and Goten both shouted together, and Videl shrugged.
"Your technique lacked brains, I thought you were clever Gohan." He turned to face her, and folded his arms, drawing Videl's attention once again to his muscular and well toned body.
"Was I that obvious?"
"Yep. I read you once again just like a book." She swam back to the chibis, and Gohan frowned. 'Read me like a book?'
Bulma walked over to the pool and got their attention before they could play anymore games however.
"Hey guys, Krillen and 18 just arrived with Marron."
"Ex-cellent." Trunks said Mr.Burns style (think the Simpsons) and smirked, while Goten ducked his head underwater. Last time Marron came round, Trunks made her kiss Goten, and then teased him about cooties. Trunks hadn't let that rest since then. Gohan got out of the pool and glanced behind him to see Videl getting out too. 'Must stop looking at Videl, must stop looking at Videl.' His chanting didn't work however, and he caught himself staring at her again. 'Doh!' Bulma grinned as she caught Gohan staring and sat next to Vegeta, who mumbled something like: 'leave me alone woman,' and rolled over.
"Vegeta," she almost purred, and he tried to ignore her. "VEGETA!"
"What now woman?"
"Aren't you going to be polite and a nice husband for me like you promised?"
"I'm socialising aren't I? What more do you want?"
"Be a good host and come and say hi to Krillen with me."
"No, I hate that cue-ball head."
"That's my friend you're talking abut, and he's not a cue-ball head anymore. He grew hair, remember?" Vegeta chuckled as he remembered the pathetic hairstyle that Krillen had grown after beating Cell.
"Fine, former cue-ball head, who cares? I'm happy sitting here, alone." She began to toy with him, tapping her two fingers on his hot skinned shoulder.
"Come on Veggie honey, do it for me?" Her tone suddenly changed from soft to harsh. "Besides! You promised me that I could have control all day as long as I was all yours later! It's a full moon tonight, remember?"
"When? I never promised you anything!" She grinned as he sat up suddenly.
"Oh yes you did, last night, when I asked you if you loved me."
"Dammit!" He folded his arms and she smiled.
"Was that mumble a yes Vegeta?"
"Whatever."
Gohan blanked out as Krillen spoke to him and his dad. 'What's wrong with me today? Ever since this morning, I keep on looking at Videl! I'm going insane, I swear I am!' He glanced over at her again, and this time she caught him and narrowed her eyes. She'd borrowed a sarong from Bulma, and stood impatiently as Krillen and Goku chatted about the 'old days.'
"So Gohan, is this your new 'friend'?" Krillen winked and hinted at Videl, and Gohan smiled nervously.
"Erm yeah, Krillen this is Videl. Videl, this is Krillen."
"So you're the Saiyan everyone's talking about? Nice to finally meet Gohan's GIRL friend." Krillen began to snigger as Gohan frantically denied it.
"Krillen! She's not my girlfriend, we're just friends!"
"Sure, well, nice to meet ya Videl. Later Gohan." Krillen walked ahead with Goku, and 18 followed behind, holding Marron as she headed over to the wives club.
"Videl, I can explain!" She looked at him and narrowed her icy eyes again.
"Explain what? You're stupid friends foolish presumptions? Go ahead, but you don't need to Gohan, and you don't need to get worked up about it either." She walked back to the pool area, and Gohan sighed.
"I just can't win with her!" He was so hot it was agitating him, but no one else seemed to be bothered about the heat except for him. "I hope I'm not coming down with something, that's all I need!" He frowned, thanks to his Saiyan immune system; he never really caught even the worst of the flues. He had the strong urge to be near Videl all of a sudden, and found his feet walking over to her by the pool without him realising, until it was too late.
"Now what do you want?" Her cold tone didn't affect him for once, and Gohan sat down, copying her by putting his legs in the pool.
"Just thought I'd cool down a bit." She glanced at him without turning her head.
"There's the whole pool, and you decided to 'cool down' next to me?" He laughed nervously, a habit that Videl was really starting to hate.
"Well I thought I'd keep you company for awhile too." There was an awkward silence as Gohan racked his brains for a topic to talk about. Yamcha and Krillen were starting up the barbeque fire, and the air was filled with cooking meat. Gohan's stomach rumbled, followed by Videls. "Hungry?"
"No shit Sherlock." He frowned this time instead of laughing.
"I was just trying to make conversation, there's no need to be all, well, cold!"
"So don't 'try' to make conversation. It's too hot to even talk, and I'd rather be training right now, then wasting my time out here in the heat."
"You can't train all day everyday you know."
"I can if I want." 'How dare he tell me what I can and can't do!" Gohan changed the conversation.
"First day at Orange Star tomorrow, you nervous?"
"No. Should I be? It's just another waste of time."
"You know what? You should try to get to know other people's culture's more and stop being so negative." Videl turned and glared at him.
'Where the hell did that come from? Usually he'd just laugh or something. What's with him today?'
"What's it to you?"
"Well, you came here to get to know the Saiyans a bit more, which is fair enough. But the only way you're going to do that is by being a little more open-minded about things." One of his legs 'accidentally' brushed against hers in the water for the third time during their conversation, and Videl jumped up. "What did I say now? You're always walking away from me."
"Well maybe if you stopped getting too close to me!" She walked away, and Gohan raised his eyebrows in confusion and shock. The spot on his back where his tail had once been was itching like crazy, adding further to his ever-increasing agitation.
"GOHAN! Come on over, the food's just about ready." Gohan stood up and walked over to the long table in the middle of the garden, where ChiChi was laying out tons of food with Goten and Trunk's help. Picollo had been the last to arrive finally, and joined in now and again with Goku and Krillen's conversation. Everyone apart from Yamcha, ChiChi, Goten, and Trunks were already sitting down engaging in their own conversations. Gohan frowned at the place names on the table, and didn't even need to guess where his was located, not like he was complaining. Videl looked up at him as he sat down, and shifted her chair over a little as his shoulder brushed against hers. She didn't like the way her body was reacting to his, and dealt with it by distancing herself in any way she could, and that included conversation. Thankfully, Gohan became engrossed in Goku's conversation, and didn't try to talk to her again.
"I think that was the hugest fish we ever caught!" Krillen chuckled and Gohan joined in.
"But that doesn't beat that time me and Krillen went treasure hunting for Marren." Krillen hid his face with his hands and Goku looked puzzled.
"I don't remember that."
"You were on Yardat that's why. Krillen wanted to propose to Marren, so we went searching for this so called 'mermaids pearl.' We didn't find it, but we did get into some trouble with the locals."
"Don't remind me Gohan. We spent hours down there trying to fight off these sharks. When we got back, Marren was flirting with Yamcha." Krillen sent a dagger glance at Yamcha, who was busy making more hotdogs. He'd never forgiven him for that day.
"Yeah well, you've got 18 now." Krillen smiled and 18 looked at 18, who had heard the whole conversation in-between Bulma's gossiping.
"You're right Goku, and I wouldn't swap her for the world." They exchanged loving glances, which made Gohan feel slightly jealous. Everyone in the Z gang seemed to be in love, except for him and well, Picollo, but that was a different issue since he was asexual. Gohan sighed and glanced at Videl, who was picking at her hotdog and looked bored. He looked away, 'there's no way I'm talking to her. I'll seem a little desperate or something.' Videl heard Gohan sigh and noticed him glance at her, then turn away from the corner of her eye.
'I must've upset him, of well, that's his problem, not mine. He should keep himself to himself.' Her tail swished behind her in frustration, catching Vegeta's attention. He was jealous that she still had a tail, and then a thought suddenly crossed his head.
'DAMMIT! I forgot it was a full moon tonight. Seems like I'll need to have a word with the other brat too.' Videl saw the Prince staring at her and her tail froze.
"Don't even think about looking at the moon tonight onna," she frowned at him.
"I don't intend to turn Ozauru Prince Vegeta."
"So keep it that way, or else you'll wake up without a tail." She shuddered at the thought, and he looked away, reaching for more food to pile onto his plate.
'What the hell is everyone's problem today?' Her tail begun to swish again, catching Gohan's eye.
'I wish she'd quit doing that with her tail!" He felt allured towards her, and had to suddenly look away before he did something he knew he'd later regret. Vegeta watched from the end of the table and showed no mercy to his hotdog as he devoured it within seconds.
'It seems I'll need to have words with the brat a little sooner. Or I could always wait for him to embarrass himself."
[Oh no you don't Vegeta.] Vegeta smacked his forehead with his palm.
'Dammit! I forgot to block my thoughts from the woman. I hate this bond!' This time he had managed to block his thoughts, but caught Bulma narrow her eyes at him. Now that she knew, he'd didn't have a choice in the matter.
After an agonisingly long barbeque, Gohan left the table as soon as he could, only to be followed by Vegeta. Gohan froze and turned round to see Vegeta standing there complete with scowl and folded arms.
"What do you want?" He was just as surprised as Vegeta from his attitude, and Vegeta did not look impressed.
"Well, I was GOING to offer you some advice which would've been helpful. But I guess you don't want or deserve it."
"I'm sorry Vegeta, I've been having these weird mood swings lately. It's just best if-"
"Shut up and follow me." Vegeta walked ahead into the training room, and Gohan hesitantly followed, knowing that he didn't really have a choice in the matter.
'Strange, Vegeta hardly ever talks to me unless he wants to spar. What could it be? Whatever it is, it can't be good..'