Argh, sorry Wraith, didn't send this chapter to you first ^^;;;
Disclaimer: The usual; shaken, not stirred.
Last Revised : 6/17/03
Predator and Prey
Countdown : Day 2
He had felt her immediately after walking through the double main doors. Her ki was relaxed, not even hidden. His own ki was mostly at a constant nil but usually Videl would be able to pick it up. She didn't. Obviously she had been slacking.
It took all his willpower not to storm to her location and beat her to an inch of her life.
Sharpener had greeted and dragged him away to a quiet location where he explained the 'situation'. Gohan listened half-heartedly, his mind too occupied about a certain raven haired woman. After settling things, Sharpener forced him into a suit to which the shirt was a tad bit too tight so Gohan had to open a few of the buttons. 'Enjoy the dance' Sharpener had said. 'Find a girl' he said. Oh yeah. Gohan was definitely there to find a girl.
He was lounging at the darkest corner of the ball room when he felt her nearing. Then she waltzed in.
He had to remind himself to breath.
He blinked a few times, trying to get it in his brain that the ravishing lady was the same girl--no woman--he had beat up a month ago. She was always beautiful in a way to him, but this, this was--beyond. She did something, something that made her look so--female. So enticingly female.
Then a man stepped up and took her arm. Gohan had surprised himself when a growl erupted from him but visibly relaxed when Videl willingly pulled away.
After that he kept a close eye on her, smirking lightly whenever Videl seem to tense up when he stared too long. What do you know, her senses were still working. At least, half of it. It was clear she didn't know what she was sensing--he will have to beat that back into her.
He noted angrily that that young man who touched her earlier kept hovering around her. Videl would smile and nod politely whenever he approached her, but soon she would frown, making her unease known till the man got the hint. Gohan didn't know what he felt about that. Was he--'relieved' that she apparently showed no interest at the guy? Probably so. He knew for a fact he would enjoy ripping the arms off any man that dare touch his prey.
The blond woman, Sharpener's fiancee, announced a dance and it also seemed Videl got herself an alias. Delilah Natas, how fitting. Gohan was going to pass it but then quickly pushed himself off the wall when he saw Videl and the guy happily stroll onto the dance floor. Randomly grabbing a girl--who quite willingly followed him--Gohan made sure to keep out of Videl's sight.
The dance started. His keen eyes followed Videl as she laughed and smiled, spinning and waltzing around the room as if nothing was wrong with the world. A rush of rage had filled him. Was she this carefree the whole month while he had to painstakingly track her down? Had she been smiling and laughing the whole time he stressed himself out whether or not to give up?
Had she been happy and content while he suffered an emptiness he couldn't describe?
Reaching out an arm he caught her. Her scent and
warmth assailed his senses, sending a shiver through him. He showed none
of his reactions on the outside as he waltzed with her in his arms. She
was laughing; not even paying attention to whom she was dancing with. It
was a stroke of luck that the music ended while she was still in his embrace.
She hadn't noticed anything off and was about to
pull away. Away from him. His eyes narrowed as an irrational urge to hurt
her rose. An urge to show her his dominance. His power. His right over
her.
How dare she run from him?
How dare she?
He enjoyed the look of pain on her features. The look of dawning realization and fear was even sweeter. She finally noticed him. Her legs gave in and she had to clutch tightly on his coat to keep up, though it was unnecessary due to the death grip he had on her waist. Emotions flashed through her expressive eyes and he found himself wondering about them.
Fear. Yes, most of it was fear but yet he could see another emotion underlying beneath. He couldn't identify it. Comfort? Relief? Hope? He convinced himself he was seeing things.
Then she had finally locked her eyes on his.
Guilt.
His expression darkened as he greeted her coldly.
"Hello again, Videl."
Surprisingly, she managed to move her lips. Full, blood red lips.
"Hello again, Gohan."
His name on those lips. Yes, it's been too long.
Videl didn't know what to do--or what to think for that matter. Dimly she was aware that they were getting stares but then everything else seemed muted compared to the person gripping her. His cold gaze didn't waver and she found herself torn between looking away or not at the fear that he would be gone once she did.
Her emotions didn't make sense to her. The urge to get away, to kill him, to fight was there. But her mind was obviously somewhere else since she didn't act upon those urges.
One month.What the hell happened to her in that single month?
By now a crowd was gathering. She opened her mouth to say something but someone else beat her to it.
"Del!" Erasa came over and Gohan let her go--slightly. His arm was still clamped around her waist, pressing her to his hip. Videl, knowing it to be futile, made no attempt to pull away.
"E-Erasa!" her voice cracked slightly but she quickly got it under control. Erasa wasn't listening though, her eyes glued on Gohan.
"My, my, who is--"
"Delilah? Gohan? You two know each other?" came from Sharpener as he jogged up. Videl stared at him blankly. Sharpener knew Gohan?
Gohan cleared his throat, "Um, you could say that, right, Delilah?" his hand gave her hip a quick squeeze, prompting her to answer.
"Ah! Um, yes--you could--say that..." she glared up at him. Gohan just smiled smugly back. Then Clip chose that moment to show up. The first thing he did was lock eyes with Gohan.
"This is your friend, Delilah?" he asked flatly, his eyes flickering to the arm around her waist. Gohan surprised Videl by pulling her slightly closer.
"Yes. An old--friend," she shot Gohan a puzzled look at his action but found that he was still in a staring match with Clip.
"Oh really?" questioned Clip, an uncharacteristic frown on his face.
"Yes, known each other for years you might say," Gohan replied, his own features grim.
"I see. How nice. I'm Clip."
"Gohan."
They both didn't reach out a hand to shake and simply stared.
The tension was suffocating.
Sharpener loudly cleared his throat. "Okay, well, we can discuss more over dinner later. Now, why don't we just enjoy ourselves, how's that?"
Clip broke his staring contest with Gohan and look over at Videl. He held out a hand. "A dance, my lady?" Videl bit her lip. Gohan still kept his arms around her and she knew what he knew. She couldn't leave Gohan now even if she wanted to.
"Ah, I'm sorry Clip but I have some--catching up to do with Gohan," she replied apologetically. Clip frowned and stepped back. Gohan couldn't keep the smirk from his face and Clip gave him a dark look upon seeing it.
"I understand, see you later then Delilah." Clip then smoothly took Videl's hand and kissed it. Giving her a seductive smile, he left.
Videl would have blushed but she was too busy focused on Gohan. He tensed up when Clip reached for her hand then his ki rose alarmingly when Clip kissed it. She was confused; if she hadn't known better she would think Gohan was jealous. Well... he did seem to have this obsession with his 'prey', namely her. She could remember the times he fought off other hunters exclaiming that he was the only what allowed to kill her.
But then..... Clip wasn't out for her life.....
Okay, headache, no more thinking.
"Gohan?" she inquired, gaining his attention. He
immediately relaxed and then proceeded to lead her out into the deserted
hallway. Once they were alone, Videl faced him. They both wondered why
they didn't step away from each other further then they should have.
"You're alive," was the first thing that came out
when she opened her mouth. Gohan gave her a weary smile.
"You don't seem too surprised."
"I...." Videl looked out the window into the moonlit garden, "... I guess I had this feeling you were."
Gohan had nothing to say to this. She turned back to him. "How--? I mean, not even a scar..."
"Your guess?"
"I can only think up--well--Senzu beans. But they're ridiculously rare and--"
"I have my contacts."
Videl gave him a silent "Oh." Then they both fell silent, waiting for the other to pick up the conversation once more. Was he expecting her to apologize? She snorted mentally. She'd sooner go up to Frieza and beg him to let her be his personal slave. Eww. She would have done better without the image.
"Hiding here, Videl?"
"I'm not hi--" he gave her a look, "Well? What good it did me, you're here. How did you find me?" she frowned deeply. Shouldn't she be seriously freaked out that they were having a decent conversation after one month of separation?
"It was by chance I'm happy to inform you. Sharpener's an old friend."
"Erasa's my best friend. I'm her Maid of Honor."
"I see. Congratulations, I guess."
"You're a guest?"
"... Not quite. Funny you should mention it."
"Why?"
"You don't know?"
"What?"
"Really. How interesting."
"What is it, Gohan?"
"He didn't tell anyone, but still you should have known."
"I'm going to punch you if you don't tell me what the hell you're talking about."
"You didn't notice anything at all?"
Videl gave him a half-hearted punch in the chest.
Gohan playfully staggered back and clutched the area she hit him.
"The pain. The pain. I can't answer you now, the
pain is clouding my senses," he deadpanned.
"Gohan! Be serious would you!" She tried to glare but ended up ruining the effect when her lips curved up. Gohan straightened up and grinned. Neither wanted the comfortable atmosphere created to disappear--yet. No matter how odd and out of place it seemed.
"I'm here as a body guard. Added security."
"What? What for?"
Gohan frowned at her. "Sharpener got reports that suspicious figures were sighted around the premises. He has a few enemies, he fears they might have sent someone to ruin his wedding or kill him."
"I--that's why he was so edgy... How come he didn't tell us?"
"He didn't want to worry his fiancee. Frankly I'm surprised you didn't notice anything."
Videl looked away in thought. Could it be because of her slacking off? Oh man, Gohan mustn't know she hadn't been training. He'll be so pissed and she'll definitely suffer from it. "I don't go out much. No one knows who I am save for Erasa. I never sensed any hostile ki though..." Gohan seemed to want to say something but he just nodded instead.
They both stood there in silence, wondering what the other was thinking about. Gohan's rage was still present but he pushed it back for now. She would get what's coming to her later. "Had fun in hiding?" he broke the silence. She turned her head up to him, locking her gaze with his. He was angry, she could see the suppressed fury underneath his dark orbs. What should she say?
I missed you, Gohan.
Yeah, right.
"Not really--gave me time to think."
"I see."
"Life is boring without you."
"Oh?"
"Felt like I lost a piece of me without you there, oh enemy of mine."
"Glad to know you felt the same."
They both broke off their gazes simultaneously. This was getting to be unfamiliar territory and they both were apprehensive about it. Silently, Gohan placed his hand on the small of her back, Videl jumped at his touch but settled down, accepting it. Just before they entered the bright ball room Gohan broke the silence.
"Don't think that not wanting to ruin my friend's wedding means I given up on your life. Especially after the stunt you pulled last month. I would advise you to keep your guard up; you never know when you just might happen to fall and break your neck."
Videl paled as Gohan pushed her through as if never opened his mouth in the first place.
An hour. All it took was an hour to lose whatever feelings she felt about him in the last month.
It's like the how one would return from the dentist's office thinking 'well, that wasn't too bad' but when you're actually in the chair again with the drill in your mouth you wish the dentist would drill into your head and end your suffering. Being with Gohan was like that.
Without him around she felt off, incomplete, whatever. But now, that he's there with her again, she suddenly remembered why she was running away from him in the first place. He wasn't acting particularly annoying or aggressive or anything, but it's just that once he's there Videl felt herself falling into old habits. His ki, as usual, was at nil, but like old times she could sense him when she's not preoccupied and couldn't help but eye him warily whenever he's near. After all, in the past he made it a hobby to lash out at her when she's least expecting it.
Dinner was starting in a few minutes and suddenly both Gohan and Videl shot away from each other then simultaneously grabbed Sharperner's and Erasa's arm before dragging their respective friends away. Unknown to both of them, they were thinking and doing along the same lines.
"Erasa, there's something you need to know about Gohan. He knows who I am," Videl whispered hastily in Erasa' ear.
"What?? I knows you're the princess?!"
"NO!! That I'm General Videl! Wanted!"
"Oh! But how-"
"That's not important now, just be careful we don't let anything slip, okay? If any prying questions are to arise we'll have to answer so vaguely that the one asking would wonder if he asked the question he intended to. Got that?"
"Sure! I'll try!!
While on the other side of the room...
"Listen up, Sharpener. Vi--er, Delilah knows who I am," Gohan whispered slowly in Sharpener's ear.
"WHAT? She knows that you're--"
"Hunter. She only knows I'm a hunter, I would like it to be kept that way."
"I see, how did she know??"
"That's not important now, just be careful we don't let anything slip, okay? If any prying questions are to arise we'll have to answer so vaguely that the one asking would wonder if she asked the question she intended to. Got that?"
Sharpener nodded furiously.
Both sides grouped up again with wide grins
etched on their faces. Sharpener and Erasa had the grins a bit more forced
on though. Suddenly, before the group could do anything, Clip came swooping
in and dragged Videl out of the room. Videl, being too surprised at the
act and the strength that Clip possessed, did little to prevent it.
"What was that about?" Sharpener murmured as his
best man and his fiancee's maid of honor disappeared.
"No idea.... You said that Clip had this thing for Vi--Delilah, right?" That was close, it was pretty hard keeping her name a secret!
"Yep, but I wonder if she feels the same..."
"I don't think so--hm? Where's your friend?"
"Gohan? Go--hey, where did he go?"
Clip eventually released her in the dark hallway
where she had been with Gohan not so long ago. Videl rubbed her upper arm
absently; either Clip was stronger than she thought or she was getting
too soft for her own good. And what was with him? Clip was always like
a gentleman, even in his advances. However, the look he's sporting then
was something far from gentlemanly.
"Clip? Is everything all right?" she asked, her
brows furrowed in concern at the deep frown on the man before her.
"I don't know, Delilah. Who's that 'friend' of yours?" Clip asked in a curt manner unbecoming of him.
"Gohan? He's--Clip, you can't possibly be jealous of Gohan, can you?" Videl said teasingly, trying to ease the tension. Obviously it worked as Clip turned a bit red and averted his eyes shyly. Videl wanted to laugh at the suggestion that she and GOHAN had a relationship besides the whole 'I'll kill you' predicament. But then, that'll just add to his confusion and Videl feared she might not stop laughing.
"You already know the answer to that right?" Clip whispered as he turned his eyes back to her. Videl smiled lightly.
"Clip... You absolutely have nothing to worry about. I'm flattered that you're jealous and all but--you know that I see you only as a good friend."
"I can always hope, right?"
"Clip--please, you're a good friend. You've the first man that's been so nice to me--that's not engaged--and I like it to stay that way..."
"Delilah...."
"We've been through this, I'm so sorry but just can't see you more than just a friend..."
Clip reached forward and took both her hands in his. Videl let him, used to him touching her but somehow still not comfortable about it.
"Delilah--please, listen to me. I don't know if I'll even see you again after the wedding, and frankly I can't bear that thought..."
"Clip..."
"Hush... I know that you still see me as a friend but one can hope that'll change with time, right?"
Videl could only stare at him, what was he getting at?
"If you don't have plans--I would like you to come with me back of my hometown."
Videl's jaw dropped. "Wh-what?"
"There's plenty of jobs that'll suit your talents. I heard you like martial arts, right? Well, Cypress would be more complete with a dojo. How does Delilah's Dojo sound?"
"That sounds great Clip, but, I, really I can't--"
Clip sighed loudly, cutting off her words, "You've got plans?"
Videl wondered briefly on what lie to use but she eventually settled for a vague, "Yes."
"May I know what?"
"No." She looked away, only to have Clip tilt her chin back to face him.
"Then, is it too much I ask for a friendly kiss?
Like the day before, Clip once again closed the gap between them to capture Videl's lips in a kiss. Unlike before, Videl was distracted by Gohan's appearance that night and was a bit out of it. And so she was unprepared when he dipped his head in before she could punch, kick, or blast him away. All she had time to do was clamp her eyes shut and tense up as she 'eep'-ed before her lips were pressed shut.
Her mind was screaming that her first kiss was with someone she didn't love before thinking a split second later that kissing Clip felt like kissing his cheek. Opening her eyes, she found the her lips were pressed to the back of a hand. Following the hand up to its owner, she found herself staring at a calm looking Gohan.
Gohan kept his right hand clamped (a bit tighter than necessary) on Clip's face from behind the tall man's shoulder. "I don't think she answered your request yet." Clip blinked in confusion once before twisting out from Gohan's grasp. Videl just stood there in minor shock. Did this mean she got herself indebted to Gohan again?
"You..." Clip growled, finding himself lost at words that wouldn't lower Videl's impression on him any more. Giving Videl once last apologetic look, Clip spun around and left without another word. Both the fighters found themselves graced by the familiar awkward silence and Videl was once again the one who spoke first.
"I didn't need your help," she muttered, "I could have handled him."
Gohan snorted loudly, "Obviously you could have," sarcasm dripping heavily from every word.
"I would have if you hadn't butted in!"
"You expect me to believe that? Seeing how you suddenly turned all girlishly weak in his arms?"
"Girlishly weak?! What the hell--augh! What are you saying!?" Videl snapped at him, trying to keep herself from pulling out her hair in frustration.
"Breaking out from a weak hold like that is nothing even for Sharpener's fiancee," Gohan explained curtly, a frown forming on his face.
"I was surprised!"
"Oh? Or is it because you're just playing hard to--"
"No!" her reply came before he even finished his sentence, "I mean--why do you care anyway?!"
Gohan seemed to think about it before lowering his voice considerably, "Do you think you would like the answer?"
Videl flinched as she moved to push him out of the way but found him unyielding. She silently glared at him before sidestepping him and entering the ballroom, aware of him following close behind.
The group sat at the head of the long table as the
other guests settled down in their respective seats. Sharpener sat at the
end, his left side flanked by Erasa and Clip who faced Gohan and Videl
across from them. Videl had waited to see where Gohan was going to sit
so she could avoid him but found her attempt to waste as Sharpener appointed
the seating arrangements. Folding her napkin on her lap Videl suddenly
remembered something nagging her the whole night. She snapped her head
to Gohan and whispered hastily in his ear.
"Don't you dare eat like you usually do, I went
through hell planning out this dinner to accommodate the guests and I would
like to see them actually be able to eat some of it before you finish
it all."
Gohan grinned. "I see you haven't been completely informed of the details," he countered cryptically before turning his attention to Sharpener. Videl glared at the back of his head, willing it to explode. Sadly, it didn't.
What did he mean by that?
"So where did you two meet?"
Friendly chatter began immediately as the group ate slowly, savoring the various culinary dishes Videl had planned out for the night. To Videl's curiosity, extra food had been prepared without her knowledge for Gohan. By process of elimination, she deduced that it had been Sharpener's request. Which lead to the conclusion that Sharpener knew Gohan well enough to be familiar with his eating habits. How peculiar....
"Um..." started Videl, briefly locking gazes with Gohan, not really sure on what to answer. Deciding she would just be honest to an extent she opened her mouth and answered, not knowing Gohan was thinking the same.
"In the country." Videl replied.
"At Oak." Gohan replied--at the exact same time Videl spoke. They slightly glared at each other before blurting out, "In the country at Oak."
Erasa "Ohhh"-ed at their rather odd answer before continuing on with her questions, absently cutting her meat loaf, "So how did you two meet?" More importantly, why didn't Videl ever tell her about this guy? He's GORGEOUS! She'll have to strangle Videl if Gohan turned out to be a former boyfriend or something. It didn't once occur to her that Gohan might be the hunter Videl so frequently complained about. After all, hunters were supposed to kill wanted people on the spot. Right?
He tried to kill me. "He kicked me," Videl answered, still pissed off with Gohan from threathening her earlier. A collective gasp echoed from those that were listening. Gohan resisted the urge to kick her now.
"While sparring," he corrected, slightly frowning at the petite woman beside him. "We met under the circumstances and she likes martial arts as do I and we sparred." He gave Videl a look, daring her to contradict him. She just coolly returned the gaze.
Erasa, being Erasa, suddenly had this interest in the odd couple. Wouldn't it be fun pairing them up? This was just like those love/hate romance stories! Ooh! And what better time to tease Videl! This could seriously make up for all those years she didn't get to embarrass her best friend as a teen. "I see! So you two were pretty close then!" Videl honestly believed that Erasa forgot she was on the run the last 3 years and would had very little chance to get 'pretty close' with anyone but hunters and royal soldiers. She was about to answer when Gohan cut her off, obviously wanting to piss her off more.
"You could say that. I admit I benefited a lot from the--relationship." Gohan got the reaction he wanted as Sharpener, Erasa and Clip--especially Clip--stopped all movement and raised their eyebrows.
Videl felt her jaw drop but quickly recovered, her anger rising faster than Shenlong from the Dragonballs. If that's the game you want to play..... "Wish I could say the same about our--relationship," she sighed, mimicking his suggestive tone. Gohan swallowed a mouthful of meat before sending a arrogant smirk at her. Saiyans don't back down from a challenge--especially one concerning his manhood.
"Why Del, I remember clearly on how you tend to agree with me. A lot. And loudly."
Sharpener and Erasa found the conversation (if not the expressions on the speakers' faces) highly amusing (or disturbing, depending on how you see it). Clip silently seethed.
"What makes you think I wasn't just humoring you?"
"Trust me, I would know more about this than you. Seeing how I have more experience in--relationships."
"I bet those relationships weren't very good judging on your--performance in ours."
Sharpener nearly inhaled the white wine he was drinking into his lungs. Good 'ol childhood friend the dorky Son Gohan grew up to eventually have a heated conversation at a dinner table about his 'activities'? Or lack of it? Sharpener would have laughed and spit in the face of anyone who suggested such a thing even a mere hour ago.
"Why, I must at least be performing well enough to have you asking for encores."
"It was entertaining listening to you beg. You always used to call me your 'Little Dominatrix'."
"You always had this fetish with leather I recall. You enjoyed it more than I did."
Erasa would have noticed her eyeballs drying but didn't due to her shock. Her best friend--like th-this!? What's worse was that Erasa couldn't tell if the two were joking or not.
"I would say that, I do admit satisfaction seeing you on your knees."
"Then you could imagine my satisfaction when you're on yours."
Clip spit out the broccoli he was chewing on. The conversation was getting to the point of too much information. He honestly wanted to stop them but found his voice out of commission in a condition similar to Sharpener and Erasa.
"I--you--uh...." Damn it, she could not think up a snappy comeback to that....
"You should consider yourself lucky with our relationship, as not many would seeing how many scars mar your body."
Unknowingly, she played right into his trap, "Why you--!! More than half of those scars were caused by YOU!!" Gohan smirked triumphantly as Videl realized that what she had said was more damaging to her than him. Not to mention they both knew it to be true. Videl would have started banging her head on the table if it wasn't for the plate full of food occupying impact space.
"She always liked it rough," Gohan said to the shocked faces of Sharpener, Clip and Erasa. Adding to the effect he leaned sideways and calmly nipped her ear lobe. "I think we talked enough about our relationship, Del. We should just finish our dinner," he whispered before returning his attention to the delicacies before him.
Videl would have made a flattering wax statue. In fact, she was a wax statute seeing how she wasn't even breathing. After a few seconds of suspended animation she finally snapped out of her shock. Gohan fleetingly wondered if it was a good idea doing the last nipping gesture for Videl's ki was rising dangerously, almost to the point that it was starting to become visible to the human eye. He effortlessly spiked his ki twice, she got the message/threat and immediately powered down. It would be devastating to her if she were to pick a fight after a month of slacking off.
Grumbling incoherently even to his Saiyan hearing she ignored the still shock faces of their friends and continued eating. Erasa was the first to recover. Torn between insanely happy for her friend or insanely angry that she wasn't informed of the matter, Erasa found the words slip out of her mouth.
"I can't believe it! I would have never believed the tomboy would EVER become--become THIS!!" Erasa exclaimed, slapping her hands on her cheeks. "I can still remember when we were kids you sworn off men FOREVER!!"
"Erasa...." Videl slowly warned. Talking about their past was dangerous ground, however Erasa seem to forget all about that too.
"Gee, forever seems a bit harsh eh, Delilah?" Sharpener snickered. If Videl had looked at Gohan, she would find him failing miserably at trying to contain a painfully large grin.
"And then you kept hitting the boys who came near you!"
"I did not!!" Videl retorted, her face burning up. She fleetingly wondered what would happen if she said 'Erasaaaaa, you're embarrassing me in front of my arch nemesis!'
"Yes you did! Remember that kid--uh--Chow Mein! When we were four he came along trying to ask for directions and you decked him in the nose!!"
"I DON'T RECALL DOING THAT." Videl deadpanned. Gohan almost snorted his carrots up into his nose. He could imagine Videl's childhood perfectly.
"You should! You broke it!!!" Erasa was on a roll now; apparently Videl was also caught up in her embarrassment and anger.
"What about you, Erasa!! Remember P-p--Pasta! Remember that guy Pasta when we're eleven!? You weren't so smooth with guys then either!!"
"You wouldn't...." Erasa said slowly in horror. Videl smirked evilly. Sharpener, who was enjoying the banter, cut in.
"Tell us, Delilah. I would want to know what my fiancee was like when she was--having guy troubles." Erasa shot Sharpener a glare but Sharpener didn't see it as he was focused on Videl in anticipation.
"You see, Erasa had this HUGE crush on Pasta Itali, a guy three years older than us..."
"Del!!!"
"He was cool and composed, a literal gentleman. Well, one day Erasa and I were heading to the gardens to eat..."
"Nooo!! Shut up!!" Erasa actually flung a radish at Videl, who absently dodged it without losing a beat in her story.
"Erasa was wearing a new dress and had her hair done differently. Everyone was turning their heads at the sight of her, you could say she was at the peak of her confidence..."
"DEEEEEELLL....." A carrot and two celery sticks flew. Videl dodged and Gohan caught them behind her. He ate the carrot and celery sticks for Gohan wasn't one to waste food.
"Then--haha--we spotted Pasta under a tree and Erasa approached him with all her shining confidence..."
"STOP IT!!!"
"Erasa flirted with him and was happy to see that Pasta seemed pretty animated around her that day. In fact when she turned around to look him shyly over her shoulder--hahahaha--he seemed, well, for lack of a better word, highly amused..."
Erasa was whimpering with her face in her hands while Videl struggled to keep a straight face in order to finish the story.
"It was then I finally noticed something...." Videl broke off for a moment to let out a few suppressed guffaws, "it turned out that somehow..."
"...shutupshutupshutupshutup...."
"ERASA HAD THE BACK OF HER DRESS TUCKED INTO HER PANTIES ALL DAY LONG!!!"
Even Gohan burst out into laughter as Erasa wailed, her face as red as his father's Kaio-ken aura.
"That's why--HAHAHAHAHAHA--everyone was so--hahahaha--in-interested in her!! You should have seen the HORROR on her face!" Videl squeaked out between her laughter. It felt so good laughing with--er, at Erasa after such a long time...
"What about that time when we're 13? Remember that day after the martial art contest, Del?"
All laughter from Videl died immediately at Erasa's calm tone. Erasa smirked a smirk as evil, if not more, than the one Videl sported earlier.
"I remember clearly after the match you suddenly disappeared into the bathroom and didn't come out..."
"Erasa. Stop. Now." Videl growled. As expected, Erasa ignored her.
"I went to find her and it turns out she locked herself in one of the stalls..."
"........" Videl was contemplating the pros and cons of firing a ki blast at Erasa, or maybe at the fire alarm, or maybe blow up the whole mansion, who knows she might get rid of Gohan too in the process......
"I asked why she locked herself in and she started SNIFFLING!!"
"Please.... Erasa....." begging doesn't help does it?
"I was worried as heck and them she came out, all pale and shaking..."
"You'll regret this Erasa...." threatening doesn't appear to be effective either.
"I asked 'what's wrong?' and she said that she was dying..." Erasa snickered, a sound out of character for the blond.
"Gohan--kill me now..." Videl whispered into her hands.
"Not until I hear what Erasa has to say," Gohan replied smugly.
"Videl started stuttering that maybe one of the blows she got in the martial arts contest did internal damage--hihihihi--because she was 'bleeding' from a place that shouldn't be bleeding... Hihihihi..."
A collective "Ohhhh!" sounded from the males as they eyed the miserable Videl. Videl didn't dare look up, which was a good thing because Gohan, Sharpener and Clip were all grinning like mad.
"She kept--AHAHAHA!!" Erasa tried again, "She kept choking and shaking, telling me to find a doctor!!! I still can't believe you didn't know you were having your first period, Del!!"
"Shut up Erasa!! I was really scared that time!!" Videl finally shot back at Erasa, her face aflame.
"Who told you to skip all those health classes?"
"I was training!! And you never told me what I missed!! It's your fault!!"
"You never asked!!"
"I shouldn't had to!!"
"Then there was that time when we were twelve; you dressed up like a guy so you could sneak into the soldiers barracks to 'borrow' the weapons!"
"Ack! I returned them you know!!"
"After you almost broke the blades off from the swords and dulled the axes enough to make them seem like hammers!!"
"How about that time when we were nine you ran smack into a pillar after staring too long at a guy!?"
"Why you--!!"
The verbal spar was interrupted by loud laughter from the men. To Videl's exasperation Gohan was laughing the loudest after Sharpener. Erasa blushed heavily and smacked her fiancee who was almost rolling around in his chair.
"That was, that was," Sharpener snickered before continuing, "That was just hilarious. Hey, what about the teen years? I bet there's more memories then!"
It was like Sharpener turned a light switch as both the young women stiffened. The men eyed Videl and Erasa in confusion. The two women had their eyes locked on each other as if they were trapped in a trance; as if they were re-living a memory only they could see. Slowly they broke the contact and the men couldn't help but wonder what meaning was held behind the sudden melancholy looks.
"I--um--moved away." was all Videl said before continuing her dinner. Erasa did the same.
Clip, who had been silent save for the joining in on the laughter sudden spoke up, "Say... Erasa used to live in the Satan Palace right? Doesn't that mean Delilah lives there too? Knowing how close you two seem to be." The question caught both the women off guard. Even the vigilant Videl didn't notice the way Clip's eyes shone with something hidden underneath. Gohan noticed Clip's look though and narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Ah yes, my father was one of the chairmen in Satan. He was reassigned when I was fourteen so I moved away long with him."
"Yes, Videl moved away to another country, we've kept in touch and only recently have we met again," Erasa added.
"Videl?" came Sharpener's puzzled voice. Erasa paled instantly and shot her head towards Videl who suddenly laughed.
"Erasaaa!! I told you never to call me that again!! Not only do I hate that nickname it also confuses me with the Satan General!!"
"Nickname?" Sharpener asked again. Clip kept his silence and Gohan wondered briefly why Clip wasn't surprised by Erasa's slip.
"Vicious Delilah--Videl. Erasa gave me that nickname after I punched out too many guys, right Erasa?" Videl turned to Erasa who nodded furiously. Okay, that went well.
"Speaking of the general, I heard she was a girl about your age Delilah, with black hair and blue eyes like yours too."
Videl snapped her head to Clip, suddenly aware of the peculiar smile on his face. What--no.... It couldn't--could it?
"Yes, I heard the same too," Videl answered in a monotone voice. Clip gave her a smirk before resuming his dinner. Videl shot Erasa a worried glance and the two fell silent save for the clinking of silverware. Sharpener, clueless to what happened gave Gohan a puzzled look. Gohan shrugged and spared a glance at Videl who seemed lost in thought.
Not really thinking about it, Gohan then scooped up a pile of avocado salad on Videl's dish and transferred it to his own. Videl merely paused her eating until he finished moving it all and acted as if it never happened. They both were aware of the curious looks coming from Sharpener and Erasa so they answered absently to the silent inquiry.
"She hates avocado salad."
"He doesn't waste food."
Erasa seriously was going to have a long talk with Videl about this Gohan person. Not only did it seem like they both had a sexual relationship but not even Erasa knew Videl hated avocado salad. A part of her was miffed that Videl didn't inform her of her apparent boyfriend. Then suddenly something clicked in Erasa's mind. Wasn't Videl on the run for the last 3 years? And she did say that this Gohan knew who she was. Wow, does that mean Videl actually found time to form a relationship? Are they even still together? And again, why the hell didn't Videl tell her about it?!
About a few minutes later another oddity presented itself to the group--it seemed that Gohan had an inhuman appetite. Dish after dish was consumed and he still didn't seem to reach any point of stopping. Erasa and Clip found it hard not to stare, but after four large servings of fried rice and six steaks along with two pasta combinations, one couldn't help but wonder.
"You sure have a healthy appetite, Gohan..." Erasa mumbled, her eyes wide. Sharpener chuckled at his fiancee's confusion.
"Of course he does! He's a Sa--" Gohan kicked Sharpener swiftly in the shin, "--stupid greedy bastard."
"Can't argue with that..." Videl snickered lowly, too distracted to notice the slip up by Sharpener. Gohan gave Sharpener a glare to which was returned by a sheepish shrug. Afterwards, dinner eventually ended and Videl quickly excused herself from the table--Clip quickly followed. Gohan lingered a few moments at the table before excusing himself too. Sharpener and Erasa glanced at each other, wondering what the heck was going on between the three.
Going as quickly as her heeled sandals could let her, Videl entered the west wing where her room was. She didn't really understand what she was planning to do but she now longed for the sanctuary of her warm bed.
Clip knew.
Yes, of course he knew. If not, he wouldn't have deliberately asked those questions. And the look in his eyes.... Videl feared she might not even be there for Erasa tomorrow. Oh no, why now? Just one more day--she didn't know what Clip might do with the information or how long he knew...
The click-clack of her heels echoed in the empty marble hall as she reached out a gloved hand to open her door handle. Her attempt was foiled by the heavy hand that clasped her shoulder and spun her around. Immediately she lashed out, sending a chop to where his neck would be. With surprising agility and skill, Clip ducked under the attack and locked her arms behind her before she could complete the spin. Her eyes narrowed in anger as she stood her ground, not bothering to struggle even though Clip had her pushed up against the wall. She would keep her strength a secret until she really needed it.
"What do you know?" she asked in a low whisper, glaring into Clip's dark orbs. Clip smiled at her.
"I know your secret."
Videl was tempted to ask, "Which one?" but kept silent, prompting him to continue.
"It didn't take me long to recognize you, General Videl. And may I add you look much better than in the wanted posters..." Clip swept his eyes downwards suggestively, Videl fought the urge to gut him bare handed.
"You do know that I can kill you easily..." Videl proved her point by detaching his grip by simply unlocking her hands. To her slight worry it took more effort than it should have. Clip released her wrists but didn't step back.
"That wouldn't be good for the wedding now would it? I heard Erasa still has an unstable streak from her past so--wouldn't it be devastating to have her wedding canceled because her Maid of Honor murdered the best man? Oh--and how it would look to Sharpener's family. Erasa has enough hard time as it is to gain their approval--did I tell you I'm a close friend of Sharpener's family also?"
Videl would have killed him on the spot for using Erasa's happiness against her if it wasn't for the reason that Clip made a good point. She clenched her teeth as her fists gripped her dress tightly. Clip gave her a smug look, knowing that she couldn't do anything without harming her friend.
"What do you want, you bastard?" Videl growled, already knowing what he wanted. After all if he wasn't turning her in then....
Clip fingered a lock of her soft hair as he gazed deeply into her furious eyes, "You."
"You can't have me." Videl replied immediately, her voice cold and deadly.
"Oh? You can't do anything to me and all I need to do is give the signal and this whole wedding goes bye-bye."
Videl's eyes widened, "What?"
"I took the trouble to hire some hunters. They're always nearby and at my word they'll come and get you. It was hard finding the price of their patience but I'm sure it'll be worth it."
"Bastard... Those people Sharpener was worried about--you--how could you..."
"Sharpie is a good friend, his money even more friendly. You think I would really associate myself truly with a dumb jock like him? Now, I'm tired of this chit-chat, wouldn't it be better if we're doing other things?" Clip again pushed her up against the wall and this time succeeded in kissing her. His kiss was sickening and it took all her restraint not to blast him into ashes. She unclenched her teeth slightly, prepared as Clip moved in to deepen the kiss.
A few moments later he pulled back as blood dribbled down his chin. Videl spat the small chunk of his lip at his feet before pushing him away roughly. Clip wiped the blood off with his sleeved and laughed.
"I expected as much. Never have I met such a feisty one like you," he said in a husky voice, obviously enjoying the look of disgust on Videl's face. Videl's mind raced; she wasn't about to give up her body to a creep like him, but she would do anything to keep Erasa happy. To her relief Clip backed off and strolled over to his room.
"You have until midnight to decide, my dear. Come to my room when you made your decision." And with that Clip closed the door behind him.
Videl slumped to the ground, her fingers brushing her trembling lips. Clenching her eyes shut she let out a muffled scream into her hands.
Why can't anything go smoothly?
Why can't her past stop haunting her and threatening those she cared for?
Should she tell Sharpener? Would he believe her over Clip? She was a wanted, a fugitive and Clip was his 'best friend' and apparent close friend of Erasa's too. Erasa would definitely stand up for her... But--the risk was too high. And then the hunters Clip hired--why couldn't she sense them? Should she get rid of them first? It's eleven already, one hour isn't enough time to get rid of Dende-knows how many hunters...
"Damn it, damn it, damn it," she cursed, "Hunters--I need to get rid of the hunters--in an hour? Not likely--should I tell Sharpener? No, yes--the risks... Damn it--can't I do anything??" Videl banged her head back on the wall feeling the helplessness overcome her.
"It's not like you to give up so easily."
Her blue eyes shot open to find Gohan crouching less than a feet in front of her. Hope blossomed in her chest for a second before it shriveled away. She could ask him to get rid of the hunters--but then her pride wouldn't let her.
"How much have you heard?" she was aware of the frustrated quality in her voice and cared less if she started crying again in front of him.
"Enough." Gohan actually seen and heard the whole thing from the moment Clip grabbed her. The two were too preoccupied to notice him right down the hall. Videl obviously so as she didn't even realize his ki rising since Clip's first touch.
"I see...." Videl looked away, not really in the mood to interact with anyone. Gohan would have none of this as he turned her face back to him.
"What are you going to do about it?"
"What is there to do? Even if I get rid of the hunters in time Clip would find another way to back me into a corner. He might hire more hunters, he might announce my identity, he might--ah crap. Even if Sharpener would believe me and decide I keep my secret like Erasa--it would still ruin the wedding if he lost his best man..." Videl sighed heavily. Here she was, complaining to Gohan of all people. Then again, who else was there?
"Tell him."
"What?"
"Tell Sharpener everything."
"He won't believe me--it'll ruin the wedding--what--"
"Worry about the wedding later. Sharpener will believe you, trust me."
Videl gave him a weary smile, "Trust you? Never thought I'd hear that coming from you, Gohan."
"Never thought we'd be together at our friends' wedding too, right?"
"Good point."
Gohan rose while pulling Videl up by her arms along with him till they were both on their feet. Videl looked him in the eye for a few moments before frowning slightly.
"Why are you helping me, Gohan?" She didn't plan on asking the question out loud and instantly regretted it when Gohan's eyes darkened. Then she definitely wasn't prepared when Gohan pulled her close and dipped his head to the crook of her neck not unlike their first meeting three years ago. Videl froze, de ja vu washing over her petrified form.
"I told you before, Videl..." Gohan huskily whispered in her ear, "you are mine. Don't you dare think I would stand by and let anyone else have what's mine, and mine alone." With that said, Gohan let her go. But not before nuzzling and inhaling her scent with gentleness Videl never thought him to be capable of. Then, in an almost perfect rerun of the past, he was gone; disappearing into his room a mere two doors down from hers.
She shivered from the sudden lost of his warmth.
Videl Satan paced furiously in her room.
She had already changed back into a pair of jeans and a loose T-shirt and was now pondering just how to tell Sharpener and Erasa. Go straight at it?
Clip is a bastard. He hates you Sharpener. Oh and he's threatening me with Erasa's happiness to get me into bed.
Hm, how about...
Clip is threatening me with promise of ruining your wedding and revealing my secret identity--which is the fugitive General Videl--so he could have his way with me.
Or...
Sharpener can I kill, Clip? I know he's your best friend and best man and all but trust me, it's for the best.
"Aarrghh, this is impossible!!" Videl flung herself on the large bed, effectively muffling her outburst. Tell Sharpener, Gohan said. When? How?? Suddenly Videl perked up, hearing two footsteps pass her room. Sharpener and Erasa were back! Now what would she do? It's either now or never--she had already wasted an hour pacing in her room...
With a grunt, Videl pushed herself up and walked over to her door, deciding she would just improvise later. Before she could get her hand around the handle the door swung open, nearly smacking her in the face if it wasn't for the years of fighting reflexes. Glaring at the culprit, who turned out to be Gohan, she stepped out.
"What do you want?" she snapped, remembering clearly his stunt earlier. Gohan merely motioned for her to follow him and lead her to Sharpener and Erasa's room. Upon entering she nearly backpedaled back into the hallway.
Clip was standing there, a sour look on his face as Sharpener and Erasa sat at the coffee table, confusion on theirs.
"I think we all need to have a chat." Gohan said flatly before locking the door behind him.
Downstairs, the grandfather clock chimed twelve times.
Ann's notes : Seems clear enough that Sharpener knows a whole lot about Gohan's past, even that he's a Saiyan. Slip ups galore from both Sharpener and Erasa later on would nicely add to the tension between Gohan and Videl so far. Again, thanks for the wonderful reviews and keep reading!! Next chapter's rating will go up into R. Like I said before, there will be NO lemons, lime is as far as I will go.
