Chapter Nine

Save the Best For Last

The clock ticked the minutes, Erasa smiled comfortingly to her friend as she watched Videl make yet another circuit of the small living room. The girls were dressed in their skirts from Ms. Corwin's closets and Videl wore a light glittering lip gloss thanks to her blonde friend. They had been waiting for nearly thirty minutes and Videl was looking prepared to pull her hair out from the braid that flew like a whip with her movements if her date did not arrive soon. For her part the blonde was trying to keep her friend calm, occasionally reminding her that Gohan was coming from his home which was a good distance away. But Videl would not be comforted, as it was she was starting to grow worried about her first date being a bust.

"What if he changes his mind Erasa? What if he decides he doesn't want to go to the dance afterall??" she frowned and stopped in mid-step, "Or worse, what if dad got to him?? Would he go that far...Gohan's strong but I don't know if he's able to take my dad on..."

Erasa rose gracefully and took her friend by the shoulders, "Easy, take a deep breath," and Erasa put words to actions as she guided Videl through a deep, calming breath, "Now let's consider this okay? One, Gohan's not going to bail on you, he is, like, far too much of a sweetie for that. Two, I don't think that anyone could stop him from getting to you, even your dad. You saw how he was with Sharpner right?"

Videl nodded slowly and moved to hug her best friend, "Thanks Erasa...I don't know how I would have made it through this without you."

They held each other for a moment, each welcoming the love of one they held closer than a sister. The moment passed with the ringing of the bell and Erasa smiled gently, "There, I think your prince charming has arrived." She almost giggled as Videl all but leapt to the mirror to check that everything was in place. She knew it was foolish, Gohan wouldn't care what she looked like, but she wanted this to be perfect for him.

Erasa moved fluidly to the door and smiled as she found her prediction right. Gohan stood a bit nervously, his black button-down shirt open at the top and it met a pair of black slacks and his black dance shoes. She smiled a bit taking it in, the dark colors complimenting his fair complexion, and over it all was a long gray coat with a scarf that hung down his shoulders. The wind behind him carried the soft scent of cologne, and something else...wilder and free it was a scent she had been told simply was Gohan.

"It's good to see you again Gohan, come on in," she opened the door and he smiled that charming Son smile as he stepped inside carefully. When he did, the girl's emerald eyes spied a pair of roses, one red the other a soft pink. Once the door was closed he looked at his friend and held the pink one out to her as he met her eyes.

"I wanted you to know how much I appreciated everything you've done Erasa, you've been a truly wonderful friend to both Videl and myself. And if the day comes where I can return the favor, I pray you will not hesitate to come and ask," she took it and hugged him gently with a warm smile.

"Gohan, you're too much of a sweetie, you know that. And I will remember what you said, you and Videl are the most important people in the world to me." She stepped back, cradling the rose in her hands for a moment and nodded towards the living room where Videl had just stepped around the corner. She blushed a little as Gohan looked at her and his breath caught.

"Videl...you look...amazing," he walked to meet her and gently took her hands in his, "I only thought I knew what beauty was until I saw you."

Her blush deepened and she looked down with a smile, but only until he tilted her chin up and gently brushed the rose across her cheek. She took it carefully, not wishing to damage the flower in any way. Time stood still as she drank in his dark orbs, she felt her heart flying as he cupped her cheek tenderly. Erasa sighing blissfully caused them to remember that they were not alone and they both looked down sheepishly, but she only giggled.

"We'd best get going, you two are center stage this night," but they both stopped and looked at her causing her to scratch the back of her head in confusion, "What?"

"Don't you have a date coming Erasa?" Gohan spoke quietly, he hadn't considered that his blonde friend might not have anyone coming to take her. She looked away and spoke quickly.

"Like, it's alright, I mean I had someone but...well he decided to cancel..." but her voice faltered a bit and Videl had a moment of guilt as she moved and looked her friend in the eye.

"I am so sorry Erasa, all this time I've been worried about myself...I didn't even consider how you are and what's going on with you. You've been such a wonderful friend, and I've..."

But Erasa shook her head and smiled, "Don't. You didn't know, and I didn't want you to worry, this is your guys' night and I didn't want anything ruining it."

Gohan joined the two girls and looked at Videl, who smiled a bit and nodded at his silent question. He smiled and took Videl's hand, then took Erasa's, "Well, I know it's not the same Erasa, but I'd be honored to be the date of my best friend, and my girlfriend tonight. There's not a pair of finer women who I'd rather go dancing with than you two."

Videl smiled and winked to her friend as Erasa felt her smile grow and she slid her arm around Gohan's left, "Then I will accept going out with my two dearest friends." The two girls placed the roses on the table by the door, the red and pink crossed with the buds meeting together. A mirror of the two women's unshakeable bond. The three had decided to walk from Erasa's house to the school since it was only a couple of blocks and none of them had a car of their own. As they walked the three talked a bit about anything that came to mind, but soon they found themselves approaching the school.

A banner above the doors proclaimed the event, with a line of cars and limousines dropping party goers off and waiting in the parking lot. Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and even several Freshmen were in attendance. Even here though, the various cliques were formed, and circles of friends met together, with those who chose to be outside or were forced out by the people in those circles. Teachers roamed through the students as they approached the doors, Gohan gentlemanly opened the door for his dates. Inside they found several tables set up with refreshments, and a flyer for drawings later, a sign up list for song requests and, sure enough, a copy of the Gazette with the picture Erasa had taken covering the front page. Gohan stopped and read the headline with interest as Videl and Erasa grinned to each other.

"'Match Made In Heaven: The Princess of Satin City and the Thief of Hearts...'" he shook his head, "A bit cliche, but I like it."

"We'll get one on the way out, come on, there's Ms. Corwin," Videl guided them over to the door of the gym, fast music blaring as the bodies of the students melded together in their dancing. Balloons in various colors hung against paper streamers, and a large canvas covered the wooden basketball court to prevent damage from the dark shoes. A DJ was set up in the far end of the floor and students who were taking time out from dancing sat amongst the bleachers talking with friends happily. Lights set on stands across the room cast various colors in a melody as vibrant as the music across the dance floor. As they approached, their teacher smiled, wearing the same dress she had been wearing on their first day, the skirts moving as if they had a life of their own as she moved with the music, even subtly.

"Well, that was quite an article she wrote, and she was far too flattering, but I am glad that the world can know," indeed even as she spoke several girls, who were sharing punch at one of the tables were standing together and whispering as they pointed.

Videl hugged Gohan a bit closer, "Well, what better time than this right? Even if Sharpner is going to get an award tonight."

"Well, I just hope his head doesn't swell too much, the platform isn't very solid," they all laughed and she smiled to Gohan, "I know your dance card might be fairly full with these two ladies, but I hope you will save your teacher one dance before the night's over? If Videl and Erasa do not mind."

Gohan blushed, he wasn't used to so much attention, but before he could answer Videl giggled, "Of course, I'd love to see you dance Ms. Corwin, show us what you can do." But her grin faded as the last person she ever wanted to see tonight entered and caused a renewed murmuring through the students in the hall. Sharpner, with his father in tow, entered into the lobby wearing identical white suits. The three women each gave him stony stares and Gohan spoke to move inside before the blonde men could spy them.

"Well, if I am going to meet my dance card, I'd best get started, Ms. Corwin, we'll see you later alright?" she nodded and smiled to her star students as they vanished into the darkened room and the sea of students. Finding a place among the bleachers to store their coats he took Videl onto the floor as the first slow song began. Many inside halted their dances to watch the now famous couple, some astonished to find the rumors true, and many reconsidering their opinions of Son Gohan.

Seeing they had an audience, Gohan gently moved into the first position of a waltz, it was a harder dance for Videl due to the pace, but she didn't hesitate to follow him into the first steps. They circled in four step movements, him leading her with the confidence of love and her following with full trust. Their grace was only bettered by their happiness as he gently spun her, slowly in time with the song. And he ended with a flourish and a bow over her hand with her blushing and curtsying carefully.

Their audience began to applaud, many of the girls swooning a bit, and more than one began chattering to their dates about why couldn't they be so graceful. Videl hugged him and grinned, "Well the first one is out of the way, and just think, Ms. Corwin probably just got twenty new students for her classes from that."

He grinned swinging her around and looking into her eyes, "Just as long as I continue to bring a smile to your face my dear one, I am content." Those words were enough to bring just such a smile to her lips as she leaned in and kissed his lips softly. He held her close as he returned that soft kiss with a gentle laugh against her lips. As they broke the kiss, Gohan realized their audience had not gone and both dancers blushed a bit, making a swift exit where they met with a giggling Erasa.

Across the room, Sharpner's father watched them with predatory eyes, his son and his 'date' nearby. She was there because Elliott refused to allow his son to be seen at a dance or any other public gathering without a date. The girl had come from a local escort service, and while she was a knockout as far as the looks department went, the pale red dress hugged her curves enticing the eye, her brains seemed to be lacking. A glance at his failure of a son caused the aristocrat to gnash his teeth in further frustration as all his plans were unraveling. His only consolation would be if his tormentors suffered as greatly as he had. Already his mind turned towards his plans, but nearby Sharpner sighed for what seemed the millionth time in an hour.

"Dad, can't we bail? We lost, it's over, why do I have to be here after that pathetic article that...wannabe reporter wrote?" They had already received more than one snickering comment and at least one threat of a beating. Videl was a very popular girl and people didn't take kindly to him upsetting her. Gohan had even been defended by a surprising number of the student body, it disgusted Sharpner...and secretly he felt a bit envious, not that he'd ever admit it aloud.

But his father shoved the head of his cane under his son's chin roughly forcing him on his toes to meet his father's gaze levelly, "You listen to me and you listen good. I've been humiliated, my son passed up for an insignificant! You will stay, and you will receive the award so that we may salvage something from this mess. Besides, we have never lost until we surrender, I still have at least one card left to play."

His hand went to the documents in his left pocket as Sharpner muttered, "Fine, but at least let me dance and enjoy what I can salvage, one of us still has to come to this school remember?"

Elliott considered showing the boy exactly what he thought of his son's opinion, but he decided to wait for now. He made his way around the main dance group and into the hallway. His son and the escort beginning to dance among the other students. For a time all was simply a normal dance, Gohan and his teacher shared a quickstep on the floor causing many students to re-evaluate their thoughts on a dance class. Ms. Corwin giggled as she danced, her feet moving in steps remembered as if they had been done yesterday. Gohan enjoyed the dance, his teacher proving to be a pleasant partner.

After their dance, Sharon was elicited for by at least a few female students for pointers on beginning to learn to dance. She was happy to share her advice with a twinkle in her eye and laughter in her heart. Her green skirts swirled as she moved from one excited girl to another. Finally though she had to step back and give a curtsy of regret as she smiled and bid the ladies farewell. The time had come where she was to present Sharpner's award, and though she was none too happy to fulfill her duties as the teacher, it was something she had to do.

Making her way to a small podium where a microphone had been placed near the DJ's booth, she awaited her introduction and stood slowly. Gohan and Videl, having just finished their dance, stood near the front of the on-looking students as their teacher began to speak her voice soft and musical even through the microphone, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I had the distinct pleasure to enroll some of my students from my Introduction to Dance Class into the Regional Dance Competition this year. And through many adverse and unusual circumstances, a pair of my students managed to win the competition. I am pleased to present, Sharpner and his partner Erasa."

As the spotlight shone on Sharpner, he was almost radiating arrogance, his stride more of a strut as he made his way through the crowd, his date on his arm. Her hair matched his for length, and the darker red was a contrast to the pale shade of her gown, once they reached Ms. Corwin, he released her arm and made his way forward alone. But as he approached he was met with a chorus of boos and unkind comments from the student body.

He frowned as he stood, uncertainty showing on his face and the mask of arrogance he had worn like a shield began to slip as he looked to his teacher covering the microphone with one hand, "What is going on?!"

She looked at him calmly, her eyes glittering, "People don't like you Sharpner, nothing I can do about that."

Erasa moved to join them at the pedestal, her green eyes shining with mirth and more than one catcall followed her as she stepped to the microphone first speaking slowly into it, "Thank you everyone, I admit I danced with Sharpner and while he wasn't my first choice we won the competition, but I didn't do it to win for Sharpner, and even for myself, I only danced because I had an awesome teacher and didn't, like, want to let her down. So Ms. Corwin, thank you for everything."

As she stepped back there was a thunderous applause as student and teacher embraced in a hug. In fact the cheering was so loud that Sharpner had to wait a full five minutes before he could speak. Even then the booing continued as Videl looked at her friend and then whispered to Gohan before stepping away, "I'll be right back Gohan."

He arched a brow as she walked towards the DJ's booth nearby, but he said nothing and shrugged at Erasa's silent question. Sharpner's words all but ignored for the moment, he was saying about his effort and the fact that he felt it was a well-earned victory. But Videl smiled mischievously as she approached the young DJ. He was a student she knew from at least one class, Derrick was a student who had been a 'geek' when he had started at Orange Star High School and had been one of many prone to being bullied and beaten up by upperclassmen.

Videl put a stop to that one day, and while it was not unusual for such things from the daughter of Hercule, she went beyond that. She had invited him to sit with her and Erasa at lunch, walked with him home and soon enough considered him a friend. His geek days were over, as puberty had done wonders for him, but he had joined the ranks of admirers who would gladly do anything for her. Seeing her he smiled and set his headset aside to speak as he rolled his eyes at Sharpner's continued speech.

"Man this guy is really a loser isn't he?" she nodded and grinned a bit, Derrick would defend her in any way he could. He had helped as a member of the editing staff on the newspaper. Seeing the article had been one of the highlights of his journalistic career.

"Hey Derrick, a need a quick favor?" he grinned and nodded once, "Do you have a second mike? I think some things need to be cleared up."

He chuckled and connected a second microphone to the first, "Anything for you hun, especially if it shuts that moron up." She took the mike with a word of thanks and stepped towards the podium, as she approached Sharpner's words died off in mid-sentence and many in the crowd began to cheer, as much for the silencing of Sharpner as for their favorite celebrity. But soon enough she would give them a new reason to cheer.

"Sorry to interrupt Ms. Corwin, but I think there's something that should be pointed out," she walked up and rose to stand next to her teacher, her best friend and Sharpner and faced everyone, "The fact is that Sharpner was not your first choice as a dancer in the competition, and he wasn't supposed to dance with Erasa that night."

The crowd listened intently, much of this was not new to them after the article, but Videl continued without pause, "It was supposed to be Gohan dancing with me that night, but Sharpner and his father went out of their way to try and keep that from happening." Her voice was acid with accusation as she shot a glare at the two men she had mentioned before she looked to Gohan and her voice changed softly.

"But that didn't stop Gohan and I from finding each other, we are now happily together, but I think it's a bit unfair to everyone here. They didn't get to see us dance, and it's unfair to reward someone who we're not sure if he is the better dancer," her eyes gleamed as she stepped closer to Sharpner speaking intently, "So I think the only way to be fair, is to let the students decide as they see Sharpner and his partner dance off against Gohan and myself."

At that statement the students cheered loudly as one, Sharpner looked around in surprise but Ms. Corwin giggled a bit, "A splendid idea, since I have not seen the pair of you dance myself, so Sharpner? What do you think?"

"Erasa's her best friend, she won't give a fair contest..." he stuttered and looked at his father, desperately seeking anyway to avoid this but Videl shook her head, she had anticipated that.

"If you're as good a lead as you say you are, you should be able to win no matter who your partner is. But the truth is I think you're not as good as you claim to be. I think you're just afraid to admit, Gohan and I are better." He frowned and glared at Gohan, glared at Videl, even at Ms. Corwin as their audience was already cheering for Gohan and Videl, and there were several calls for him being afraid

Finally he spoke, a simple phrase, but one that brought a set of cheers as Sharpner realized that Videl had trapped him better than ever his father had trapped her, "You're on."

The audience parted like the red sea, as Videl took Gohan's hand and Erasa bade them good luck and went to Derrick to help with the songs. Sharpner muttered as he followed them to the center of the canvas covered floor. The bleachers were soon filled with anxious students, some still on the floor itself, but clear enough for everyone to see. Ms. Corwin leaned against the doorway and smiled as she watched the proceedings, she could almost see the energy between her stars as they talked about their dance.

She was surprised when a large man stopped next to her and spoke slowly, "What's this?" As she looked at him she explained what was about to happen and she was startled to see a copy of the Gazette in his large hand. Everyone would probably have been swarming around the man if they weren't so focused on the center floor and the four dancers. He nodded at the end and she smiled gently.

"I am glad you are able to be here sir, I think you'll begin to see why this is so important to her," the man nodded slowly as he stayed to the side as Videl and Gohan listened to Erasa explain how this would go.

"You each get a dance, and we'll let the students decide who's really deserving of the best dancer title, Sharpner and his partner will get the choice to dance first or second."

Sharpner didn't hesitate to claim the first dance, and to be expected he went into his Paso Doble' with his partner. She was surprisingly better than Videl had anticipated, Elliott stroking his chin as he watched them confirmed that he had anticipated something like this. But as they danced, the woman flowing around Sharpner like a matador's cape, Videl saw him being too forceful and leading too strongly again. She said nothing as the woman came far too close for the steps and it was all they could do to keep their feet. Still they managed to finish with a plausible dance, though far from great and the audience could tell when they finished. The girl was on her knee and Sharpner's arm was raised above his head.

As they moved out of the center Videl met Gohan's eyes, his hands warm in hers and she took a calming deep breath, "You ready?" Her voice was soft and she felt his arms as they moved to hold her gently as he nodded once.

"Always with you," he smiled and waited for the first beats of their song the song began slow, as the crowd watched as he slowly drew her to him, her back against his chest her head resting near his shoulder and her right hand reached behind him to lace through his hair at the nape of his neck, his right hand resting against the flat of her stomach squeezing her left gently. A few whistles as he moved a little with her and her hand moved down as he spun her away and back as the song sped up a little. She spun back and her right hand went to his shoulder, his left on her hip as he held her their steps mirroring each other in rhythm of the song and she smiled her eyes never leaving his.

He spun her again and he spun through it, this time as she came close he slowly dipped her and she fell back without hesitation. Every movement was without thought, and the audience faded from her mind, Sharpner was forgotten. For these moments there was nothing but the two of them as she rose from the dip and they stepped in a fast step circle, her body flowing with her skirts away from him and back again, never beyond reach and always ready to return.

As she returned to him smoothly spinning an extra half-spin, she rested against his chest again feeling his warmth embrace her as she inhaled that wild scent. This time there was no mint, just the smell that was Gohan which was stronger even than the small doses of cologne. They stepped along slowly, forward towards one set of bleachers before he leaned back a bit and then spun her away and she stopped several paces away as he faced her she smiled and moved forward again and he lifted her and caught her with one arm hooked behind her knee, the other cupping her shoulders and her braid swept just above the floor before he set her down and she spun away one more time being drawn back to the man she loved.

Their eyes locked as the song began to slow to the final steps and he stepped back to lower her in a dip and she could feel his breath against the hollow of her throat and the exposed skin of her cleavage before he drew her up again spinning her around to have her back to his chest where they had started. As the last note ended the audience broke into a deafening mix of applause, cheers, whistles and a random cry from a guy. But Videl turned feeling her face heat, her heart beating wildly as she pressed a hand to Gohan's chest feeling an equal beat against her hand and she met his gaze.

His eyes glittered with excitement, and even his face had a few marks of perspiration glittered on his forehead. He drew her other hand to his lips softly before grinning softly and stepping back holding her arm up and stepped back as the audience continued to cheer and she blushed softly as she slowly moved in a circle to look at the crowd. With the spotlight on her she could only see a few people, but the ones she could see were all standing. With a smile she stopped and curtsied slowly before one set of bleachers, then the other causing the crowd to cheer louder.

After a few minutes she drew Gohan back to the spotlight and there was a renewed cheer, and a surprising number of women in the audience voiced their approval. He followed his girlfriend's lead by bowing to the two bleachers and then gave that signature grin as he swept Videl into a spinning hug which caused another round of cheering. Finally Ms. Corwin and Erasa moved to the center of the floor as Gohan and Videl composed themselves still smiling. Sharpner and his partner approached but it was all a foregone conclusion, all that remained were the formalities.

"That was quite a performance, first let's see how many thought Sharpner and...umm...his partner, sorry hun but I never got your name, Sharpner and his partner?" there was very little sound, mainly boos and unkind words. The blonde's brows furrowed further as he looked at the other couple. Before Erasa could finish the word Videl, a third round of thunderous applause and cheering broke out. It lasted a good five minutes this time and elicited another bow and curtsy from the couple as Erasa smiled and hugged her friends gently.

"I, like, think we have totally chosen a winner...as the mistress of ceremonies it's my pleasure to announce the king and queen of the dance floor..." but she was interrupted by Sharpner snatching the microphone from the blonde's hands. Erasa gave an indignant sniff but he ignored her as he spoke with heated words towards Videl and Gohan.

"You think this changes anything?!" his voice was tight with anger as he spoke again, "I won that contest, the fact is tonight was just a bad night! But remember this Gohan! You are never more than a wannabe, and tomorrow you'll be forgotten. I won't be insulted or humiliated any further by the likes of you two!"

Videl tensed as she looked at him, all the pain that he had caused, all the anguish she had felt boiled in her. He and his father had caused her hurt she doubted would ever be equaled with their scheming and now he was soiling her perfect night. She didn't hear what he was saying, and didn't feel her feet move and she didn't feel the blow. All she knew was that one minute she was next to her boyfriend and the next she was standing over a prone Sharpner with stream of blood from the nose he was cupping in pain. She felt the breath go out of her then, as she looked down feeling the emotions that had spurred her drain her for a moment.

But without a word she felt Gohan and Erasa near her and she drew from their presence, the crowd was silent as they absorbed what had happened in a single instant. The next moment found Elliott moving like a freight train towards them angrily. His vantage point had been blocked but he had seen Sharpner go down and he moved towards Gohan angrily. Not realizing that the microphone in Sharpner's hand was still on he frowned and begin speaking towards Gohan who met his eyes levelly as he realized who this man was.

"How dare you raise a hand towards my son! I'll see you spend the rest of your life in jail for this outrage! All my hard work is ruined thanks to you two!" Videl moved as if to defend her boyfriend but he gently squeezed her hand and shook his head letting the man rant as he bent over his prone son who was trying to catch his breath.

"And you! I practically gift wrapped Videl for you and you still couldn't succeed! I have never seen such a worthless, pathetic son in all my life as you!" As he watched this, Gohan felt sympathy for the first time for the blonde boy, so much of what he was seemed to stem from Elliott's mistreatment. Where Gohan's father had been kind, caring and always positive, Sharpner had been given a cold, uncaring man for a father.

"Why don't you back off?" Gohan faced the man who turned in surprise to face him, "After all, you can't blame him for the fact that we just beat your plans!"

The ploy worked as Gohan became the center of his attention once more and he moved within a hair's breath of the student. Their eyes flashed as he spoke angrily, "Enjoy tonight, by morning you and your mother, and your brother will be in jail with that miserable home of yours burned to the ground. As for Videl, once her father hears of this, she'll be so far from you that you won't remember that she exists! I will take away any happiness you ever hoped for!" A chorus of boos followed this statement from the watching crowd.

He was all but waving the contract for the girl's academy in his face and Gohan was seriously considering breaking the older man in half, but that thought slid away as he realized they were no longer alone in their face-off with Elliott. The room had become silent during the confrontation, indeed no one seemed to have moved during the exchange. Erasa and Sharon had stood together watching in silence, while Sharpner's father and Gohan squared off. Videl was surprised when a heavy hand she had known from the moment of birth came to rest on her shoulder. Before another word could be spoken by Elliott, and perhaps thankfully so since another word might have been his last, there was a strong bellow that froze everyone and silenced even those in the hall who were beginning to talk without knowing what was transpiring inside.

"ENOUGH!" Hercule moved towards the center and there were hushed whispers by the students who watched with interest as the World Champion stepped into the spotlight wearing a white dress shirt that hugged his muscular frame and black slacks that were wide around the knot of corded muscle that were his legs.

Elliott seemed particularly surprised by the presence of his employer, but an evil smile spread across his face as he all but ran to speak first, "Mr. Satan, I am so glad you have arrived in time, my son was accosted by this man who kidnaped your daughter! I was just about to contact the authorities, but I think you'll be more than able to address this...and I've found the solution necessary to eliminate this problem entirely." And with that he held the contract to Hercule who looked it over calmly, and most unnerving to Videl, without a word spoken.

Elliott was smugly looking at the two as his son was just now recovering enough to stand up and Hercule looked to his daughter and spoke slowly, but the room could hear him clearly as he spoke, "I've heard all I need to hear..." he frowned a bit as he continued slowly, "And I've learned more from reading as well...about deceptions, misery and it made me take a long look at what was really going on around me."

The large man gently drew his daughter to stand before him and looked into her eyes, his face unreadable, but she saw...for the first time in what seemed like an eternity...the warm love that he had held for her when she was a little girl, "Gohan said something to me the other day...that I should start considering your happiness and not mine...and after watching you two dance, I can see that is where your happiness lies."

He looked at Gohan for a long moment, "I owe you an apology, and my gratitude for your wisdom...and I won't say it's going to be easy for me to accept you and give my blessings, but I will do what I can to give you a chance and try."

Gohan nodded slowly with a slight smile as Videl hugged her dad. Elliott stared disbelieving at them, "This is absurd! Are you going to just forget all that's happened?!"

Gently releasing his daughter from their hug he turned to face Elliott and his eyes were anything but friendly, "No Elliott, I would never let what's happened go unattended to." Elliott nodded in satisfaction, but it was short lived as Hercule continued, "If the things I read in this article are even remotely true you and your son have a lot of explaining to do! You've manipulated me, threatened my daughter, lied to us, and above all you hurt the only person I care for in this world."

As he listed the man's offenses, the World Champion had stepped forward and Elliott had felt himself retreat at each step, until he fell to the floor and Hercule leaned down and met his eyes lifting him a foot off the ground by the lapels of his suit, "Mark my words Elliott, you are fired! And if you or your miserable son ever come near my daughter again I'll use you as my next sparring partner!"

He shoved the man away with a disdainful sniff and Elliott scrambled to his feet and the two aristocrats all but ran from the gymnasium, all dignity forgotten in their haste. The audience cheered as Gohan and Videl followed Hercule out of the gym to a hallway. The dance was returning to the regular affair and the three stood facing each other.

"You remind me so much of your mother...she danced and loved it too," This was surprising to Videl, he rarely spoke about her mother anymore and the revelation explained a lot, "I am sorry Videl, I forgot that as your father the most important thing was to make you smile...somehow I lost sight of that," the older man actually looked ashamed and she shook her head hugging her father warmly, feeling as much love for him as she ever had before.

"Dad...it's alright..." she smiled and kissed his cheek as he returned her hug and showed the suspicious sign of tears filling his eyes. He held her a moment longer then moved to place her hand in Gohan's and nodded wiping his eyes.

"You enjoy tonight together, tomorrow I would like you, your brother and your mother to come over to our house for dinner...it would be nice to meet on better terms than before." He chuckled gruffly and Gohan laughed with a nod. As the large man rounded a corner he looked at Videl who was also showing a mistiness in her eyes.

"I thought I said I wouldn't let you cry..." he brushed her eyes and she grinned and nodded.

"Well, happy tears are the exception I think," she kissed him softly and looked towards the gym with a smile, "Hard to believe isn't it...that everything we had to face to get here?"

He shook his head, "But the greatest challenge is the one that waits for us...life is never going to be easy," and he glanced at her giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "But if we meet it together, with our friends and family, well, we might just be able to make it."

She smiled and rested her head against his shoulder with a nod, "I'll gladly face it with you Gohan, together..." that word rang between them, echoing with promises that all lovers have made since the beginning of time. Tomorrow may be forever away, but they knew that tomorrow they would still have each other, and that took the fears away, as they awaited the next dance to come to them. Their hearts ready with the steps and the faith that their partner would be there for them.

Videl closed her eyes and smiled softly as she thought, 'Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow is a wish...and this moment...this is happiness.'