Lone Survivor:
Disclaimer: Can't be arsed anymore. Just try and sue me! I have no money! Aaaahahahahahahaaaaa!! :P
A.N. 25/8/03-From now on, I'll be writing out my chapters before I type them like I did with the first two chapters. I re-read the last chapter and wished I never posted the shit. It lacked description, and only consisted of stupid dialogue. I've already written a chapter for later in the fic, so I know where it's going now. Let's just say, it'll probably be more than 15chapters. I brought the whole bond thing in early, maybe too early. But it's gonna help Gohan to deal with things a little better, as well as explain ooc situations with him. Then if I do write a lemon, it'll happen because it fits with the fic, not just as a pointless excuse to write one. What started out as a small experimental story is developing into something else, or so I hope. I might touch on the Buu saga, or I might create a new villain. What do you think? Oh, and what do you think Videl will do when you've read the end of the chapter? I'm just curious heheh. Anyway, I won't spoil the plot, just giving you all an insight into later chapters. So I'll shut up now before I babble anymore. ^_^
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Chapter 8: Hate's a very strong word to use!
Gohan slumped down onto his favourite sofa in the lounge, the only sofa in the lounge infact. It was a medium blue two seater, contrasting nicely with the lemon coloured walls, and it directly faced the TV. Anyway, Gohan had never had such a bad Monday before; every minute of the day seemed to get worse and worse. He picked up the remote with hands that still felt grimy, hoping to find solace in the form of the TV. Thanks to his 'favourite' little Saiyan, he'd been landed with the task of doing lunch duty, a punishment far worse than detention so long as he was concerned. You think doing petty chores are bad? Ha! Try clearing away the canteen after lunch, now THAT'S bad! No amount of soap could even begin to wash away the layer of grease and dirt that had accumulated on Gohan's hands. The bastards at his high school couldn't afford to supply the lunch duty people with gloves. Either that, or they couldn't be bothered to buy some, and didn't want to either. The last option seemed the most likely. Plus, he'd been late for his chemistry class, and the teacher just wouldn't accept 'lunch duty' as a reasonable excuse. So now, Gohan had to write an essay on the history of the periodic table, fun fun fun! He could still see it all now; the sickening remains of school lunches, the old curry stains on the tables and mould under the tables, the gum stuck to any and every piece of furniture, the idiots who'd thought it was funny to tip their lunch remains onto the table, adding custard, salt, pepper, anything to make Gohan feel like he was gonna puke.
'Assholes,' he mentally called them, glad that ChiChi couldn't read his mind. 'They wouldn't be so cocky if I tipped all that over their heads.' The thought brought an evil smirk to his face, which simply complimented the frown that he'd developed and sustained all day, even up to now.
Then, like a stray cat, 'she' walked into the room. He pretended to ignore her as she slumped onto the other side of the sofa, sitting as far away as she could get. Gohan simply fixed his eyes on the TV as he channel surfed, not even daring to glance at her for a second. When he was pissed with someone, he damn well stayed pissed. It was a trait he'd inherited from his mother he guessed. He always had been true to his emotions, and never went back on his words or betrayed his true feelings. If he was angry, he'd stay angry until he had a reason not to be. Right now, he didn't. They hadn't spoken a word since their little argument, and from the looks of things, neither of them were going to break the silence too soon. They hadn't even sat together in English literature class at the end of the day. Even Eraza and Sharpner noticed the tension between the two, and Eraza gladly kept Gohan company, while Sharpner sat in-between his two favourite ladies; Eraza and Videl.
Videl sighed quietly to herself as she folded her arms close to her body. She didn't care if Gohan heard her sigh, infact; she wanted him to know that she hated him, that she despised him, that he was driving her crazy! She inhaled a deep breath to try to calm herself down before she exploded with anger and verbally attacked him. If she couldn't win a physical fight, yet, then she'd damn well be victorious in a verbal fight! But right now, she wasn't ready to put her anger to the test. Sure, she was angry, but she needed the anger to build up until she was ready to explode. THEN, and only then, would she attack him with all her strength. The result would be worth the limit of her patience. He'd never order he round again, never cross her path, never even glance at her. She grinned to herself, 'this is all too easy.'
Gohan's ears pricked at the sound of a car pulling up outside and he sighed with relief, putting the remote down. 'Phew, they're finally home, thank Kame. Now I won't have to even think about Videl, I'll just spar with Goten, or play a game or something. ANYTHING to get my mind off today.' He rushed to the front door and opened it to see his dad stopping the family car, which Bulma had bought for Goku and ChiChi's anniversary. It was orange, like Goku's gi, and could fit up to 5 people into it, more if everyone squashed together in the back. Though, Goku hardly used it thanks to his instant translocation technique. However, ChiChi insisted on him driving her into the city so as not to attract any unwanted attention. That was all they needed. Gohan propped the door open with a doorstop and walked outside where Goten had ran to the car boot to unload the various shopping bags. Whenever ChiChi went shopping, she'd always practically buy the entire shop's stock, and Gohan was surprised that she'd fit it all in the small car. However, she did have four Saiyans to feed now, even though one certain Saiyan wasn't worthy of their kind hospitality in Gohan's books. But he put the thought aside, reminding himself that from now on, Videl didn't exist.
"Gohan, be a darling and take them into the kitchen please. Goten, can you help your brother unpack?" The little hybrid clone of Goku nodded and ran behind Gohan smiling his head off, carrying more bags than he could handle. ChiChi smiled and locked up the car while Goku lifted the last of the bags into his arms. She really was proud of her family, and wouldn't have traded any of her sons or her husband for the world. Though, they could be a pain in the ass sometimes, and she did shout a little too much at them. But she needed to keep them inline after all, and that was very hard work. ChiChi was a very organised woman, and she promised herself that she'd raise the perfect family, even if it killed her. She had to be doing something right though if her first-born was the top student at high school! 'My Gohan's going to go very far; I can already see it now. Top college acceptances, but of course, he'll only go to the very best college that we can find. I'm so proud of him.'
"ChiChi, are you coming in? It's getting cold." Her husband broke her thoughts, and he smiled at her with that same goofy smile that melted her heart every time. She walked towards him and he held the front door open for her as she closed the distance between them. Losing him to Cell had broken her heart a million times, but thankfully, he'd finally decided to return after training in the other world, thanks to the help of Shenron. However, he'd missed the birth of his second son, and he'd also missed seeing Gohan grow up. Sometimes, the Saiyan blood than ran through his veins really did make him very selfish, especially when it came to training. Goku smiled as he received a peck on his cheek, and he watched as ChiChi walked into the kitchen, carrying two shopping bags. The break that they'd had in their relationship made them both realise how much they loved each other, and now, he'd promised her that he'd never leave again.
"Hey squirt, you wanna play something while we wait for dinner?" Goten jumped up and down hyperactively as he took out the many tins from the bags.
"You mean it? So you don't have homework?" Gohan shook his head, smiling as Goten had to climb onto the counter to reach the high cupboards.
"Nothing for tomorrow."
"Yay! Trunks lent me this new video game! You've gotta play it, it's so cool!" Gohan smiled and packed more tins into the bottom cupboard. Trunks had bought Goten a gamecube for his birthday, and life at the Sons house just hadn't been the same since. It was like when Goku first discovered Television, or when Goku first drove ChiChi around in their brand new car. It was a luxury that the Sons never thought they'd have, but yet, they did thanks to Bulma's millions. It really did pay off to be best friends with a millionaire.
"Ok then, what's it called?"
"It's called 'Smash Brothers Melee' and it's awesome! It's a two player beat-em up Gohan, so prepare to get beaten." He stuck his tongue out and Gohan realised that just talking to his little brother had 'turned his frown upside down'.
"Ha! You won't be so happy when I kick your. hi mom! We're nearly done here." ChiChi placed the heavy bags on the table while Gohan quietly sighed with relief. He only just managed to avoid a slip-up, and he didn't want to be the cause of putting ChiChi in a bad mood, especially when she was in such a good mood for once.
"Thankyou you two, I've had a tiring day. Don't worry about the rest though, I'll finish up." Goten rushed upstairs, and Gohan was about to go, until his mom's voice suddenly stopped him. "By the way Gohan, how was school today?"
Bad question. The frown on Gohan's face reappeared as he remembered what a lousy day it had been. "Fine," he lied, but ChiChi didn't notice since his back was too her and she was too busy unpacking.
"Oh? And how did Videl do?"
"Fine. I only had two lessons with her though, so." His voice dragged off; he didn't want to tell his mom what a pain in the ass Videl had been. He'd rather of taken Trunks and Goten to school with him than have to baby-sit and deal with Videl.
"That's nice. It's nice to see you two getting along. Dinner will be ready in an hour."
The thought of food made Gohan's stomach do somersaults, and he retreated upstairs. 'Nice to see us 'getting along' well?' He repeated his mother's words to himself as he walked up the Goten's attic room, a heavy frown set of his face. 'If only she knew half the truth! I can't believe my mating instincts chose 'her' of all people! I'd rather die! Stupid moon! Stupid Saiyan blood! Stupid everything! ARGH!'
Videl turned to see he nemesis' father sit next to her on the couch and rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood to deal with morons, especially the King of them all.
"So, how was school today?" She kept her eyes fixed on the TV screen where the cheesiest movie was being shown; a ship hit an iceberg just after two people had finished making out in the back seat of a car. She mentally laughed to herself as the male lead was beaten up by some other guy, 'heheh, another moron. That reminds me, the king moron asked me something.'
"Oh, it was a killer." Goku's eyebrows twitched together; he was used to teenage slang words, but he'd never heard that one before.
"Erm does that mean it was good or bad?"
"Bad."
His frown remained, 'dammit! Bad could mean good, can't it? How do I get myself into these weird situations?'
"Bad meaning bad," she informed him, noticing the puzzled expression still on his face, and frowning herself as he smiled.
"It'll get better. I never went to school you see, but Gohan told me everyone's first day is bad."
"No, this isn't getting better. And neither is this movie, so I'm going to my room." She stood up and walked upstairs, leaving Goku to watch the movie that reduced him to tears every time he watched it, and this time was the 5th. Though, he could never seem to remember what it was called.
"ChiChi hun, that movie's on!"
"Which one?" He just about heard her voice from the kitchen, and scratched his head as he tried to summarise the plot.
"Erm, well, the one with the big ship that sinks and that terrible song at the end."
"Titanic?"
"That's the one!" He smiled and relaxed against the soft cushions on the sofa, fixing his eyes on the screen to watch the remainder of the movie. "I knew it was called that! No, NO! Don't go back! Stay in the boat!"
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"NO! PUNCH YOU IDIOT! C'MON! ARGH!"
Gohan threw his control pad onto the floor as Goten won his 10th round. 'I don't get it! How come I'm top in the class at school, but I can't beat my little bro at computer games? That just doesn't add up.'
"I win again Gohan! Hey! Why don't we get Videl to play?"
"NO!" Goten suddenly frowned and put his pad down, his face confused.
"But why not?"
"Because."
"Cos what?" Gohan sighed, this was gonna take awhile.
"Cos I said so."
"Why?"
"BECAUSE!"
"Because what?" Argh! It was like a vicious never ending circle!
"BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE HER! I HATE HER!"
"But why?"
"ARGH!" Gohan threw his hands up into the air and fell backwards onto his back, only to be pursued even more by his curious little brother, who climbed onto his stomach and happily sat there.
"But Gohan, you said never to say that you hated someone. That it was a bad and nasty word to use."
"Well I'm older, and I know how to use it. Besides, I have my reasons."
"Why? What did she do?"
Even though Goten would never understand, Gohan explained anyway, he needed to get it off his chest, even if it was only a slight description.
"She annoyed the hell out of me at school today. She was rude to the teachers, and she got me in trouble, more than once. Now, I'm not talking to her, and she's not talking to me. Besides, she's arrogant and selfish, and she takes advantage of my kindness too much. Therefore, I hate her."
"But Vegeta's like that, and Trunks doesn't hate him." Gohan sighed and rolled his eyes, 'why do I always get stuck explaining things to Goten?' He knew the answer though, in his father's absence, Gohan had been like a father to Goten, and he still was kind of. Goku was more like the brother, but when Gohan wasn't there, he took the father role.
"That's different Goten, Vegeta is Trunk's father. But Videl and I aren't related, I wouldn't even say that we were friends, not anymore anyway." Goten sighed; he really liked Videl, she was like a sister. He didn't want his brother to hate her; he liked it when everyone got along, just like one big happy family. He began to sniff, his eyes becoming slightly watery.
"But..but." Oh boy, along came the water works, and when Goten cried, he cried a river. "But I like Videl! I don't want you to..to..to hate her!!"
"C'mon Goten! Stop crying!" Gohan got up and crossed his legs so that he could put Goten onto his lap. He hated the fact that his harsh words had been the cause of Goten's tears, and Gohan wondered if he had been a little over the top in saying that he hated Videl, especially infront of his brother who obviously liked her.
"But.I..I CAN'T! You said you didn't like Videl anymore! YOU SAID YOU HATED HER!"
"Well I didn't mean it Goten! I wasn't thinking okay? I don't hate her, we're just, well, not getting along right now." Gohan had to calm his brother down before the whole house heard his shouts and cries, even Videl, and that wouldn't be good.
"You, you really mean that?" The tears began to subside in an instant, but Goten continued to sniff.
"Yeah, of course I do. We'll be talking again in no time!"
"Promise?
Oh Kame, how Gohan hated it when Goten did that! He could never break a promise after all, thanks to the goodness in his heart that he'd developed through his parents style of parenting. He sighed and Goten grinned adorably, so how could he refuse? Besides, he probably would talk to Videl sooner or later, but he wanted her to apologise first, and he knew that would take a while.
"Sure, I promise."
"Yay!" Goten jumped off Gohan's lap and before Gohan knew it, he was running downstairs.
"WAIT! GOTEN! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" But Gohan knew exactly where he was going, and fell backwards onto the floor again. This was all he needed; his little brother butting in and fixings, well, trying to fix problems that Gohan wanted to deal with himself.
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Videl finally decided to unpack the clothes that Bulma had bought her, well, now very creased clothes, not like she cared. She'd thrown them all onto her bed and was now doing the tedious task of hanging them all up in the wardrobe. She had nothing else to do after all, and at least it was keeping her mind off her nemesis, the thorn in her foot. She was kneeling down, putting her shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe. However, as she turned around to pick up the matching sneaker to the red pair, her heart jumped into her mouth in shock and she placed a hand at her heart, letting the shoe land with a 'thud' to the floor.
"GOTEN! Ugh! For crying out loud, don't sneak up on me like that!" The little kid giggled and walked over to her, his arms behind his head and an innocent expression on his face.
"Sorry Videl! Whatcha doin?" He peeked into the wardrobe and then glanced at all the clothes on the bed, a shocked expression on his face. "HUH! You're not leaving are you? No! You can't leave!" Videl rolled her eyes and slumped her shoulders. 'Yeah, I wish!'
"Of course not, I'm putting the stupid clothes Bulma bought me away."
"Oh." There was a brief silence as Videl picked up the red sneaker that she'd dropped in her shock, and placed it next to the matching one. "Need any help?"
"No. Go play with your stupid brother."
"I already am though." Videl's ears pricked at the sound of heavy footsteps, and before she had time to put two and two together, Gohan appeared at the doorway.
"Well, well, speak of the devil. Would you mind not playing 'hide and seek' in my room? I'm busy if you didn't notice." Gohan frowned and Goten kept looking back and forth between his brother and the guest.
"C'mon Goten, the ice queen doesn't want us here."
Videl narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips together lightly. 'Oh! So he wants a fight huh?'
"On second thought Goten, 'you' can stay. I need some help afterall."
"Yay!" Gohan watched in horror as his little brother switched to the enemy's side.
"But Goten, I thought we were playing Smash Bros melee?"
"Oh yeah, sorry Videl." Goten returned to the side of his brother, and Videl's frown deepened as Gohan smirked smugly.
"But Goten," the little kid looked back to meet Videl's pleading eyes. "I really need your help."
"Aww ok, sorry Gohan. Besides, I'm tired of winning." Gohan scowled and folded his arms as he once again lost. Oh well, desperate times called for desperate measures.
"But Goten, I borrowed Wind Waker off Sharpner! Don't you wanna play it?" Goten's eyes became as huge as saucers and he ran back to Gohan.
"No way!! Not even Trunks got that yet! WOWIE! You're the best Gohan!"
Videl frowned; there it was again, that damn sexy smirk! 'Ugh! No! He's not sexy! Stop thinking that! I am NOT attracted to Gohan AT ALL!'
"Don't listen to him Goten, he's lying just so you stay with him and not me!"
"How the hell do you know?"
"Because I do!"
"You don't know shit!"
"Shut the fuck up!" Goten moved into the centre of the room and looked at the two teenagers as they continued to argue.
"ARGH! Stop it!" They both shut up as Goten's voice overcame both of theirs. "I'll just go play by myself if you're gonna be like that!" He stormed up to his room, and Gohan leaned against the doorframe cockily, annoying the hell out of Videl as he began to clap his hands together mockingly.
"Congratulations Videl, you've once again managed to upset someone. What, is it your goal to just do that to everyone you meet? Goten's just a kid for crying out loud!" With a quick and fluid movement she was standing on her feet, her fists clenched tightly together. "Ha! What are you gonna do? Fight me again? I thought you knew by now that you couldn't win? Guess not. I thought you were smart enough to realise that I'm stronger than you, and I always will be."
Gohan didn't know where his sudden need to argue was coming from. He guessed he'd inherited his wit and arguing skill from ChiChi. But he'd never argued with anyone like this in his life! He never thought he was capable of being so nasty and harsh to anyone! Had his voice deepened slightly and lost it's usual tone too? Or was that just his imagination?
Videl's lips trembled as she tried to stand her ground. However, she was feeling the weirdest sensation over come her. Even though she wanted to fight back, she just couldn't think of anything clever and wittier to say! He'd attacked her full on and headed straight for her weakness, and for the first time, she didn't have a comeback! Her eyes began to sting, and the more she blinked, the more they hurt and the more her vision blurred.
"Just..JUST GET OUT!"
He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "Is that the best you can do? Get out? C'mon, you've stood you're ground for longer than THAT before!"
"I mean it Gohan! GET OUT!! I didn't ask you to come in here!" Something warm slid down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away with the back of her hand. Though, it was unnoticed by Gohan, who's expression slightly softened.
"Videl, are you.? Oh Kame, I didn't mean to-"
"Just leave dammit! I dunno what the hell you're suggesting!"
There it was again! Another tear from her other eye, and then, yet another! She furiously wiped each one away as they escaped from her eyes, and looked up to see Gohan walking towards her, his eyebrows concerned and his lips slightly parted. No longer where his eyes as cold as hers had been. No, they were now had that warmness in them that they usually possessed. Videl tried to keep her eyes away from him and felt her throat tighten up, 'what the hell is wrong with me!?' She had to look up however, as she felt a warm hand rest heavily on her shoulder, and saw Gohan standing infront of her. Their eyes connected for a brief second, and then she quickly looked away, frantically tried to wipe away the evidence of her upset and deeply emotional state, but it was too late, he'd spotted the very first tear as it escaped from her blue, emotional eyes.
"Videl I,..I'm sorry, I'm so, so, sorry!" His voice slightly broke as he spoke, and it was back to its normal tone, which always had a caring lilt to it. His simply words opened up the floodgate however, and the tears just began to pour down her face. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop them, and her shoulders trembled as she tried to control herself.
"Oh Kame! Please don't cry! I didn't mean to... I was angry; I..I didn't know what I was saying!" He squeezed her shoulder even more as he struggled to voice his feelings, stuttering over his words. Videl, however, couldn't even bring herself to speak, and kept her eyes tightly shut as more warm liquid poured out of her eyes and down her cheeks. She cried before of course, but only secretly when she was younger, and never this much! Gohan couldn't take it anymore, and suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, her body moulding against his own as she briefly relaxed against him. However, he'd only held her there for a few seconds before she suddenly pushed him away, savagely trying to wipe away the never ending supply of tears.
"NO! JUST...just go away Gohan! I..."
She couldn't finish her sentence, and Gohan reluctantly left, muttering once again that he was sorry and closing the door behind him. Videl fell onto her bed, not caring about squashing her clothes. She hugged her pillow, snuggling up to it and taking deep, shaky breaths. It was over, doomed; he'd seen her at her weakest state, and now, he had the advantage. She cursed herself for breaking down infront of him. For WANTING him to hug her, and then enjoying the feeling of warmth that engulfed her as he finally did. "I didn't want you to see me like this!" She finished her own sentence to herself and sighed. 'What will he think of me now? Now that he knows I'm weak? I'll be the laughing stock! The Saiyan who cried over a few pathetic words! But, everything he said, it was all so true.' She glanced at the window, pondering over whether to leave or not. 'I can't face him again, but if I leave, I'll be a coward! My pride will be even more dented, but he'll dent it even more if I stay here!" She frowned as she constantly contradicted herself and moved towards the window, pushing it open and letting the cold breeze hit her, lifting up her hair and chilling her face where the tears had wet it. To go, or not to go? That, was the question.
'I know now what I have to do.'
Disclaimer: Can't be arsed anymore. Just try and sue me! I have no money! Aaaahahahahahahaaaaa!! :P
A.N. 25/8/03-From now on, I'll be writing out my chapters before I type them like I did with the first two chapters. I re-read the last chapter and wished I never posted the shit. It lacked description, and only consisted of stupid dialogue. I've already written a chapter for later in the fic, so I know where it's going now. Let's just say, it'll probably be more than 15chapters. I brought the whole bond thing in early, maybe too early. But it's gonna help Gohan to deal with things a little better, as well as explain ooc situations with him. Then if I do write a lemon, it'll happen because it fits with the fic, not just as a pointless excuse to write one. What started out as a small experimental story is developing into something else, or so I hope. I might touch on the Buu saga, or I might create a new villain. What do you think? Oh, and what do you think Videl will do when you've read the end of the chapter? I'm just curious heheh. Anyway, I won't spoil the plot, just giving you all an insight into later chapters. So I'll shut up now before I babble anymore. ^_^
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Chapter 8: Hate's a very strong word to use!
Gohan slumped down onto his favourite sofa in the lounge, the only sofa in the lounge infact. It was a medium blue two seater, contrasting nicely with the lemon coloured walls, and it directly faced the TV. Anyway, Gohan had never had such a bad Monday before; every minute of the day seemed to get worse and worse. He picked up the remote with hands that still felt grimy, hoping to find solace in the form of the TV. Thanks to his 'favourite' little Saiyan, he'd been landed with the task of doing lunch duty, a punishment far worse than detention so long as he was concerned. You think doing petty chores are bad? Ha! Try clearing away the canteen after lunch, now THAT'S bad! No amount of soap could even begin to wash away the layer of grease and dirt that had accumulated on Gohan's hands. The bastards at his high school couldn't afford to supply the lunch duty people with gloves. Either that, or they couldn't be bothered to buy some, and didn't want to either. The last option seemed the most likely. Plus, he'd been late for his chemistry class, and the teacher just wouldn't accept 'lunch duty' as a reasonable excuse. So now, Gohan had to write an essay on the history of the periodic table, fun fun fun! He could still see it all now; the sickening remains of school lunches, the old curry stains on the tables and mould under the tables, the gum stuck to any and every piece of furniture, the idiots who'd thought it was funny to tip their lunch remains onto the table, adding custard, salt, pepper, anything to make Gohan feel like he was gonna puke.
'Assholes,' he mentally called them, glad that ChiChi couldn't read his mind. 'They wouldn't be so cocky if I tipped all that over their heads.' The thought brought an evil smirk to his face, which simply complimented the frown that he'd developed and sustained all day, even up to now.
Then, like a stray cat, 'she' walked into the room. He pretended to ignore her as she slumped onto the other side of the sofa, sitting as far away as she could get. Gohan simply fixed his eyes on the TV as he channel surfed, not even daring to glance at her for a second. When he was pissed with someone, he damn well stayed pissed. It was a trait he'd inherited from his mother he guessed. He always had been true to his emotions, and never went back on his words or betrayed his true feelings. If he was angry, he'd stay angry until he had a reason not to be. Right now, he didn't. They hadn't spoken a word since their little argument, and from the looks of things, neither of them were going to break the silence too soon. They hadn't even sat together in English literature class at the end of the day. Even Eraza and Sharpner noticed the tension between the two, and Eraza gladly kept Gohan company, while Sharpner sat in-between his two favourite ladies; Eraza and Videl.
Videl sighed quietly to herself as she folded her arms close to her body. She didn't care if Gohan heard her sigh, infact; she wanted him to know that she hated him, that she despised him, that he was driving her crazy! She inhaled a deep breath to try to calm herself down before she exploded with anger and verbally attacked him. If she couldn't win a physical fight, yet, then she'd damn well be victorious in a verbal fight! But right now, she wasn't ready to put her anger to the test. Sure, she was angry, but she needed the anger to build up until she was ready to explode. THEN, and only then, would she attack him with all her strength. The result would be worth the limit of her patience. He'd never order he round again, never cross her path, never even glance at her. She grinned to herself, 'this is all too easy.'
Gohan's ears pricked at the sound of a car pulling up outside and he sighed with relief, putting the remote down. 'Phew, they're finally home, thank Kame. Now I won't have to even think about Videl, I'll just spar with Goten, or play a game or something. ANYTHING to get my mind off today.' He rushed to the front door and opened it to see his dad stopping the family car, which Bulma had bought for Goku and ChiChi's anniversary. It was orange, like Goku's gi, and could fit up to 5 people into it, more if everyone squashed together in the back. Though, Goku hardly used it thanks to his instant translocation technique. However, ChiChi insisted on him driving her into the city so as not to attract any unwanted attention. That was all they needed. Gohan propped the door open with a doorstop and walked outside where Goten had ran to the car boot to unload the various shopping bags. Whenever ChiChi went shopping, she'd always practically buy the entire shop's stock, and Gohan was surprised that she'd fit it all in the small car. However, she did have four Saiyans to feed now, even though one certain Saiyan wasn't worthy of their kind hospitality in Gohan's books. But he put the thought aside, reminding himself that from now on, Videl didn't exist.
"Gohan, be a darling and take them into the kitchen please. Goten, can you help your brother unpack?" The little hybrid clone of Goku nodded and ran behind Gohan smiling his head off, carrying more bags than he could handle. ChiChi smiled and locked up the car while Goku lifted the last of the bags into his arms. She really was proud of her family, and wouldn't have traded any of her sons or her husband for the world. Though, they could be a pain in the ass sometimes, and she did shout a little too much at them. But she needed to keep them inline after all, and that was very hard work. ChiChi was a very organised woman, and she promised herself that she'd raise the perfect family, even if it killed her. She had to be doing something right though if her first-born was the top student at high school! 'My Gohan's going to go very far; I can already see it now. Top college acceptances, but of course, he'll only go to the very best college that we can find. I'm so proud of him.'
"ChiChi, are you coming in? It's getting cold." Her husband broke her thoughts, and he smiled at her with that same goofy smile that melted her heart every time. She walked towards him and he held the front door open for her as she closed the distance between them. Losing him to Cell had broken her heart a million times, but thankfully, he'd finally decided to return after training in the other world, thanks to the help of Shenron. However, he'd missed the birth of his second son, and he'd also missed seeing Gohan grow up. Sometimes, the Saiyan blood than ran through his veins really did make him very selfish, especially when it came to training. Goku smiled as he received a peck on his cheek, and he watched as ChiChi walked into the kitchen, carrying two shopping bags. The break that they'd had in their relationship made them both realise how much they loved each other, and now, he'd promised her that he'd never leave again.
"Hey squirt, you wanna play something while we wait for dinner?" Goten jumped up and down hyperactively as he took out the many tins from the bags.
"You mean it? So you don't have homework?" Gohan shook his head, smiling as Goten had to climb onto the counter to reach the high cupboards.
"Nothing for tomorrow."
"Yay! Trunks lent me this new video game! You've gotta play it, it's so cool!" Gohan smiled and packed more tins into the bottom cupboard. Trunks had bought Goten a gamecube for his birthday, and life at the Sons house just hadn't been the same since. It was like when Goku first discovered Television, or when Goku first drove ChiChi around in their brand new car. It was a luxury that the Sons never thought they'd have, but yet, they did thanks to Bulma's millions. It really did pay off to be best friends with a millionaire.
"Ok then, what's it called?"
"It's called 'Smash Brothers Melee' and it's awesome! It's a two player beat-em up Gohan, so prepare to get beaten." He stuck his tongue out and Gohan realised that just talking to his little brother had 'turned his frown upside down'.
"Ha! You won't be so happy when I kick your. hi mom! We're nearly done here." ChiChi placed the heavy bags on the table while Gohan quietly sighed with relief. He only just managed to avoid a slip-up, and he didn't want to be the cause of putting ChiChi in a bad mood, especially when she was in such a good mood for once.
"Thankyou you two, I've had a tiring day. Don't worry about the rest though, I'll finish up." Goten rushed upstairs, and Gohan was about to go, until his mom's voice suddenly stopped him. "By the way Gohan, how was school today?"
Bad question. The frown on Gohan's face reappeared as he remembered what a lousy day it had been. "Fine," he lied, but ChiChi didn't notice since his back was too her and she was too busy unpacking.
"Oh? And how did Videl do?"
"Fine. I only had two lessons with her though, so." His voice dragged off; he didn't want to tell his mom what a pain in the ass Videl had been. He'd rather of taken Trunks and Goten to school with him than have to baby-sit and deal with Videl.
"That's nice. It's nice to see you two getting along. Dinner will be ready in an hour."
The thought of food made Gohan's stomach do somersaults, and he retreated upstairs. 'Nice to see us 'getting along' well?' He repeated his mother's words to himself as he walked up the Goten's attic room, a heavy frown set of his face. 'If only she knew half the truth! I can't believe my mating instincts chose 'her' of all people! I'd rather die! Stupid moon! Stupid Saiyan blood! Stupid everything! ARGH!'
Videl turned to see he nemesis' father sit next to her on the couch and rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood to deal with morons, especially the King of them all.
"So, how was school today?" She kept her eyes fixed on the TV screen where the cheesiest movie was being shown; a ship hit an iceberg just after two people had finished making out in the back seat of a car. She mentally laughed to herself as the male lead was beaten up by some other guy, 'heheh, another moron. That reminds me, the king moron asked me something.'
"Oh, it was a killer." Goku's eyebrows twitched together; he was used to teenage slang words, but he'd never heard that one before.
"Erm does that mean it was good or bad?"
"Bad."
His frown remained, 'dammit! Bad could mean good, can't it? How do I get myself into these weird situations?'
"Bad meaning bad," she informed him, noticing the puzzled expression still on his face, and frowning herself as he smiled.
"It'll get better. I never went to school you see, but Gohan told me everyone's first day is bad."
"No, this isn't getting better. And neither is this movie, so I'm going to my room." She stood up and walked upstairs, leaving Goku to watch the movie that reduced him to tears every time he watched it, and this time was the 5th. Though, he could never seem to remember what it was called.
"ChiChi hun, that movie's on!"
"Which one?" He just about heard her voice from the kitchen, and scratched his head as he tried to summarise the plot.
"Erm, well, the one with the big ship that sinks and that terrible song at the end."
"Titanic?"
"That's the one!" He smiled and relaxed against the soft cushions on the sofa, fixing his eyes on the screen to watch the remainder of the movie. "I knew it was called that! No, NO! Don't go back! Stay in the boat!"
------------------------
"NO! PUNCH YOU IDIOT! C'MON! ARGH!"
Gohan threw his control pad onto the floor as Goten won his 10th round. 'I don't get it! How come I'm top in the class at school, but I can't beat my little bro at computer games? That just doesn't add up.'
"I win again Gohan! Hey! Why don't we get Videl to play?"
"NO!" Goten suddenly frowned and put his pad down, his face confused.
"But why not?"
"Because."
"Cos what?" Gohan sighed, this was gonna take awhile.
"Cos I said so."
"Why?"
"BECAUSE!"
"Because what?" Argh! It was like a vicious never ending circle!
"BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE HER! I HATE HER!"
"But why?"
"ARGH!" Gohan threw his hands up into the air and fell backwards onto his back, only to be pursued even more by his curious little brother, who climbed onto his stomach and happily sat there.
"But Gohan, you said never to say that you hated someone. That it was a bad and nasty word to use."
"Well I'm older, and I know how to use it. Besides, I have my reasons."
"Why? What did she do?"
Even though Goten would never understand, Gohan explained anyway, he needed to get it off his chest, even if it was only a slight description.
"She annoyed the hell out of me at school today. She was rude to the teachers, and she got me in trouble, more than once. Now, I'm not talking to her, and she's not talking to me. Besides, she's arrogant and selfish, and she takes advantage of my kindness too much. Therefore, I hate her."
"But Vegeta's like that, and Trunks doesn't hate him." Gohan sighed and rolled his eyes, 'why do I always get stuck explaining things to Goten?' He knew the answer though, in his father's absence, Gohan had been like a father to Goten, and he still was kind of. Goku was more like the brother, but when Gohan wasn't there, he took the father role.
"That's different Goten, Vegeta is Trunk's father. But Videl and I aren't related, I wouldn't even say that we were friends, not anymore anyway." Goten sighed; he really liked Videl, she was like a sister. He didn't want his brother to hate her; he liked it when everyone got along, just like one big happy family. He began to sniff, his eyes becoming slightly watery.
"But..but." Oh boy, along came the water works, and when Goten cried, he cried a river. "But I like Videl! I don't want you to..to..to hate her!!"
"C'mon Goten! Stop crying!" Gohan got up and crossed his legs so that he could put Goten onto his lap. He hated the fact that his harsh words had been the cause of Goten's tears, and Gohan wondered if he had been a little over the top in saying that he hated Videl, especially infront of his brother who obviously liked her.
"But.I..I CAN'T! You said you didn't like Videl anymore! YOU SAID YOU HATED HER!"
"Well I didn't mean it Goten! I wasn't thinking okay? I don't hate her, we're just, well, not getting along right now." Gohan had to calm his brother down before the whole house heard his shouts and cries, even Videl, and that wouldn't be good.
"You, you really mean that?" The tears began to subside in an instant, but Goten continued to sniff.
"Yeah, of course I do. We'll be talking again in no time!"
"Promise?
Oh Kame, how Gohan hated it when Goten did that! He could never break a promise after all, thanks to the goodness in his heart that he'd developed through his parents style of parenting. He sighed and Goten grinned adorably, so how could he refuse? Besides, he probably would talk to Videl sooner or later, but he wanted her to apologise first, and he knew that would take a while.
"Sure, I promise."
"Yay!" Goten jumped off Gohan's lap and before Gohan knew it, he was running downstairs.
"WAIT! GOTEN! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" But Gohan knew exactly where he was going, and fell backwards onto the floor again. This was all he needed; his little brother butting in and fixings, well, trying to fix problems that Gohan wanted to deal with himself.
-----------------------------------
Videl finally decided to unpack the clothes that Bulma had bought her, well, now very creased clothes, not like she cared. She'd thrown them all onto her bed and was now doing the tedious task of hanging them all up in the wardrobe. She had nothing else to do after all, and at least it was keeping her mind off her nemesis, the thorn in her foot. She was kneeling down, putting her shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe. However, as she turned around to pick up the matching sneaker to the red pair, her heart jumped into her mouth in shock and she placed a hand at her heart, letting the shoe land with a 'thud' to the floor.
"GOTEN! Ugh! For crying out loud, don't sneak up on me like that!" The little kid giggled and walked over to her, his arms behind his head and an innocent expression on his face.
"Sorry Videl! Whatcha doin?" He peeked into the wardrobe and then glanced at all the clothes on the bed, a shocked expression on his face. "HUH! You're not leaving are you? No! You can't leave!" Videl rolled her eyes and slumped her shoulders. 'Yeah, I wish!'
"Of course not, I'm putting the stupid clothes Bulma bought me away."
"Oh." There was a brief silence as Videl picked up the red sneaker that she'd dropped in her shock, and placed it next to the matching one. "Need any help?"
"No. Go play with your stupid brother."
"I already am though." Videl's ears pricked at the sound of heavy footsteps, and before she had time to put two and two together, Gohan appeared at the doorway.
"Well, well, speak of the devil. Would you mind not playing 'hide and seek' in my room? I'm busy if you didn't notice." Gohan frowned and Goten kept looking back and forth between his brother and the guest.
"C'mon Goten, the ice queen doesn't want us here."
Videl narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips together lightly. 'Oh! So he wants a fight huh?'
"On second thought Goten, 'you' can stay. I need some help afterall."
"Yay!" Gohan watched in horror as his little brother switched to the enemy's side.
"But Goten, I thought we were playing Smash Bros melee?"
"Oh yeah, sorry Videl." Goten returned to the side of his brother, and Videl's frown deepened as Gohan smirked smugly.
"But Goten," the little kid looked back to meet Videl's pleading eyes. "I really need your help."
"Aww ok, sorry Gohan. Besides, I'm tired of winning." Gohan scowled and folded his arms as he once again lost. Oh well, desperate times called for desperate measures.
"But Goten, I borrowed Wind Waker off Sharpner! Don't you wanna play it?" Goten's eyes became as huge as saucers and he ran back to Gohan.
"No way!! Not even Trunks got that yet! WOWIE! You're the best Gohan!"
Videl frowned; there it was again, that damn sexy smirk! 'Ugh! No! He's not sexy! Stop thinking that! I am NOT attracted to Gohan AT ALL!'
"Don't listen to him Goten, he's lying just so you stay with him and not me!"
"How the hell do you know?"
"Because I do!"
"You don't know shit!"
"Shut the fuck up!" Goten moved into the centre of the room and looked at the two teenagers as they continued to argue.
"ARGH! Stop it!" They both shut up as Goten's voice overcame both of theirs. "I'll just go play by myself if you're gonna be like that!" He stormed up to his room, and Gohan leaned against the doorframe cockily, annoying the hell out of Videl as he began to clap his hands together mockingly.
"Congratulations Videl, you've once again managed to upset someone. What, is it your goal to just do that to everyone you meet? Goten's just a kid for crying out loud!" With a quick and fluid movement she was standing on her feet, her fists clenched tightly together. "Ha! What are you gonna do? Fight me again? I thought you knew by now that you couldn't win? Guess not. I thought you were smart enough to realise that I'm stronger than you, and I always will be."
Gohan didn't know where his sudden need to argue was coming from. He guessed he'd inherited his wit and arguing skill from ChiChi. But he'd never argued with anyone like this in his life! He never thought he was capable of being so nasty and harsh to anyone! Had his voice deepened slightly and lost it's usual tone too? Or was that just his imagination?
Videl's lips trembled as she tried to stand her ground. However, she was feeling the weirdest sensation over come her. Even though she wanted to fight back, she just couldn't think of anything clever and wittier to say! He'd attacked her full on and headed straight for her weakness, and for the first time, she didn't have a comeback! Her eyes began to sting, and the more she blinked, the more they hurt and the more her vision blurred.
"Just..JUST GET OUT!"
He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "Is that the best you can do? Get out? C'mon, you've stood you're ground for longer than THAT before!"
"I mean it Gohan! GET OUT!! I didn't ask you to come in here!" Something warm slid down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away with the back of her hand. Though, it was unnoticed by Gohan, who's expression slightly softened.
"Videl, are you.? Oh Kame, I didn't mean to-"
"Just leave dammit! I dunno what the hell you're suggesting!"
There it was again! Another tear from her other eye, and then, yet another! She furiously wiped each one away as they escaped from her eyes, and looked up to see Gohan walking towards her, his eyebrows concerned and his lips slightly parted. No longer where his eyes as cold as hers had been. No, they were now had that warmness in them that they usually possessed. Videl tried to keep her eyes away from him and felt her throat tighten up, 'what the hell is wrong with me!?' She had to look up however, as she felt a warm hand rest heavily on her shoulder, and saw Gohan standing infront of her. Their eyes connected for a brief second, and then she quickly looked away, frantically tried to wipe away the evidence of her upset and deeply emotional state, but it was too late, he'd spotted the very first tear as it escaped from her blue, emotional eyes.
"Videl I,..I'm sorry, I'm so, so, sorry!" His voice slightly broke as he spoke, and it was back to its normal tone, which always had a caring lilt to it. His simply words opened up the floodgate however, and the tears just began to pour down her face. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop them, and her shoulders trembled as she tried to control herself.
"Oh Kame! Please don't cry! I didn't mean to... I was angry; I..I didn't know what I was saying!" He squeezed her shoulder even more as he struggled to voice his feelings, stuttering over his words. Videl, however, couldn't even bring herself to speak, and kept her eyes tightly shut as more warm liquid poured out of her eyes and down her cheeks. She cried before of course, but only secretly when she was younger, and never this much! Gohan couldn't take it anymore, and suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, her body moulding against his own as she briefly relaxed against him. However, he'd only held her there for a few seconds before she suddenly pushed him away, savagely trying to wipe away the never ending supply of tears.
"NO! JUST...just go away Gohan! I..."
She couldn't finish her sentence, and Gohan reluctantly left, muttering once again that he was sorry and closing the door behind him. Videl fell onto her bed, not caring about squashing her clothes. She hugged her pillow, snuggling up to it and taking deep, shaky breaths. It was over, doomed; he'd seen her at her weakest state, and now, he had the advantage. She cursed herself for breaking down infront of him. For WANTING him to hug her, and then enjoying the feeling of warmth that engulfed her as he finally did. "I didn't want you to see me like this!" She finished her own sentence to herself and sighed. 'What will he think of me now? Now that he knows I'm weak? I'll be the laughing stock! The Saiyan who cried over a few pathetic words! But, everything he said, it was all so true.' She glanced at the window, pondering over whether to leave or not. 'I can't face him again, but if I leave, I'll be a coward! My pride will be even more dented, but he'll dent it even more if I stay here!" She frowned as she constantly contradicted herself and moved towards the window, pushing it open and letting the cold breeze hit her, lifting up her hair and chilling her face where the tears had wet it. To go, or not to go? That, was the question.
'I know now what I have to do.'