My Life's Stranger Than Yours

An Unexpected Guest: The Chaotic Cat Cafe

Following a pair of ear-piercing shrieks, a trickle of blood fell from Gohan's nose as Shampoo covered her intimate areas with her hands. Time all but froze as the next sound to fill the room was a yell of "Gohan!? What the hell are you doing here!?"

Gohan very slowly turned his head until he was face to face with none other than Videl who looked a mixture of shocked and furious.

"I-uh…!-I-…." Gohan's scarlet face continually shifted from Shampoo to Videl as he attempted to come up with an intelligible answer.

"STOP LOOKING AT HER!"

"Eep! I'm sorry!" almost instinctively, Gohan tossed Shampoo into the air, causing her to shriek. Realizing what he'd just done, Gohan quickly prepared to catch Shampoo again, but Ranma quickly beat him to it, grabbing Shampoo in the air and covering her with her shirt.

"Oh Ranma! You save Shampoo from pervert guest!" Shampoo cooed while snuggling against a still female Ranma's neck.

Before either Akane or Ranma could respond, an irate Mousse sprang in out of seemingly nowhere and immediately bore down on the still flustered Gohan.

"How dare you lay your lecherous fingers on the woman who is to be my wife, you FIEND!?"

A pair of blades springing from the sleeves of his robe, Mousse swan dived towards Gohan slashing his weapons in a cross pattern. Still not understanding what was happening, Gohan did the only sensible thing and rolled away from Mousse's attack. With a determined growl, Mousse sprang back at Gohan, preparing to strike again, but was quickly disarmed when he dashed face first into a splash of cold water.

Gohan's previous fluster was replaced with confusion as the bespectacled boy who attacked him was subsequently replaced with a furiously quacking duck.

'What just happened?' Gohan's thoughts were interrupted by the raspy voice of an elderly woman.

"I think that's quite enough excitement for now," said Cologne who was holding a bucket. "Now, who may I ask are you?" she said turning to Gohan.

"I-agh!" The overwhelmed Saiyan was unable to respond as he felt a sharp pain in his ear.

"Excuse us Cologne, but I'D like to have a word with him first!" Videl demanded.

"Very well, but make it snappy," Cologne conceded.

Videl proceeded to drag Gohan by the ear into the back room, Cologne watching with a small chuckle. "She'll have to properly introduce us a little later. In the meantime, Shampoo, why don't you prepare some lunch for those two while Mousse and I prepare to open up."

Cologne exited the room with Duck-Mousse in hand while the trio of girls shot each other a set of intrigued looks. 'Subtly slipping over to the kitchen door and cracking it open, they peered inside, and spotted Videl with her arms crossed, eyes narrowed at Gohan who was rubbing his ear, while he wiped his nose with a napkin.

'Man, Gohan's about to get a thrashing, isn't he?' Ranma thought.

'Videl always spoke so highly of Gohan, but what does she do when he actually does something wrong?' Akane wondered.

Shampoo stayed silent and merely continued to glare at Gohan.

[With Gohan and Videl]

"Okay Gohan, now that we're alone, do you want to explain what you're doing here?" Videl demanded.

"Oh you know just…flying around." Gohan shakily chuckled.

"Oh really? Flying around? Then would you care to explain how your little casual flight led you to here which is like, two districts away from Satan City?" Videl added.

"I…was looking for a bite to eat?"

Videl placed a hand to her forehead and shook her head in disbelief. "Wow Gohan…I think your lying skills have actually gotten worse."

Gohan placed a hand behind his head and sighed. "You're probably right."

"Just admit it Gohan. You were spying on me, weren't you?"

"Spying on you?"

"Were you?"

"Ehh…maybe…?"

Videl's eyes narrowed.

"Yes…" Gohan admitted in defeat.

"Okay, now that we got that out of the way, WHY were you spying on me?"

"Well-I…"

"No, no, don't tell me. I already know. This is about the whole falling asleep in class thing, isn't it?" Videl snapped raising an eyebrow.

"Well…kind of," Gohan replied.

"I knew it," Videl sighed. "Look Gohan, I appreciate your concern, really I do, but I told you I could handle it."

"I know, I know, and it's not that I didn't trust you or anything it's just…"

"Just what?" Videl snapped.

"…you kind of have a habit of biting off more than you can chew…" Gohan slowly admitted.

"Name one time," Videl challenged.

"What about that hijacked bus that rolled off a cliff?" Gohan responded. Videl's face lit up a light red as Gohan continued. "Or that burning building where the water tower almost collapsed? Or…that time at the W-!"

"Okay, okay, you've made your point, you can stop now!" Videl cut him off. Though still less than pleased, Videl's expression notably softened and she let out a sigh.

"Videl, I'm sorry for not having more faith in you, but I just felt that under the circumstances, you might've needed my help…is all," Gohan apologized.

"Again, I do appreciate your concern, but that still doesn't give you the right to spy on me though!"

"But…didn't you used to spy on me when I first came to school?" Gohan reminded her.

"Uhhhh…" Videl's face flashed a bright red as she recalled the various times she had chased Gohan, both as Saiyaman and in his civvies, around the city.

"I…you uh…W-we-well…we weren't even together back then so…" Videl let out a defeated sigh. "Okay, you got me there, but my point still stands."

"Yeah I know…If anything, I guess this just makes us even," Gohan chuckled.

Videl couldn't help but grin herself. "Yeah, I guess."

Back in the doorway, the trio of spies all looked on in interest as Videl and Gohan ended their argument and seemed to be making up, judging by how they were giggling.

"It doesn't look like she's mad anymore," Ranma whispered.

"I'm glad things are looking okay for them," Akane added.

"Shampoo still think she be too easy on pervert guest."

"Sooo…does this mean I'm not in trouble?" Gohan asked.

"…Not completely," Videl answered, her tone darkening. "I can forgive the spying Gohan…" she said taking a step towards him. "But don't think I've forgotten about the 'other' thing."

Gohan instinctively retreated as Videl inched closer and closer, a silent fury etched into her features. The now red-faced Gohan proceeded to play dumbe. "Wha-what are you talking about Videl?..."

"Do you remember a girl with purple hair?"

The deepening of red on Gohan's face was all the answer Videl needed.

"Hmph, now pervert guest get what he deserve," Shampoo quietly cheered.

"Well said my love," commented Mousse.

"All in all, I think we're in for a pretty good show," added Cologne.

The three girls quickly whipped around to see the spectacled boy as the tiny elder landed promptly on Ranma's head. "Mousse? Cologne? When did you two get here?" asked Akane.

"Just now."

"Well, glad you're enjoying the little show," Ranma said through grit teeth. "But could ya do me a favor and GET OFFA ME!"

Ranma grabbed for Cologne, but the experienced Amazon hopped away from her hand and knocked her onto the floor.

Following the noise, a now startled Gohan and Videl turned towards the door to find a group of eavesdroppers.

"Ranma? Akane? Shampoo!?"

"Ohh…hey guys, what's up?" Ranma stammered.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you two had a few flies on the wall, or more accurately through the door," Cologne snickered.

"How long were you guys standing there?" asked Gohan.

"Well Mousse and I just got here. These three on the other hand…" Cologne answered.

The two went red as irritation (for Videl at least) and embarrassment quickly sound themselves spreading throughout the young couple.

"Well, regardless, if you two are finished, I'd like to get formally acquainted with our new guest here if that's no problem," requested Cologne.

Videl shot Gohan a knowing look that said, 'Don't think you're off the hook' before clearing her throat and proceeding to introduce the two. "Okay. Ranma and Akane already know who he is but, Cologne, Shampoo, this is my boyfriend Gohan. Gohan, this is Cologne, who's been training me for the past few days and her granddaughter Shampoo."

"Nihao," Cologne said through narrowed eyes.

Shrinking under Shampoo's gaze, Gohan hesitantly, but politely bowed as he greeted them. "Uhhh…it's nice to meet you."

"Well…he's certainly a well-mannered fellow, I'll give him that," Cologne said with a grin.

"So guest is Flying Girl boyfriend…Shampoo remember she mention him when we fight before."

"Wait, you two fought? Who won?" asked Ranma.

"It was a draw on account of curses," Akane answered.

Seeing the confused look on Gohan's face, Akane quickly explained, "Oh yeah, in case you haven't figured it out yet, Mousse and Shampoo have the same kind of curse as Ranma, only with animals."

"Ohhh…"

"Man, I hate when that happens…" Ranma groaned. "Speaking of…" Ranma quickly darted to the sink to grab a glass of hot water as Cologne continued on.

"I must say, it's an honor to meet the son of the infamous Son Goku."

Gohan's eyes widened. "Wait…you know my father!?"

"Not personally, only through the grapevine. After all, he is the star pupil of the Turtle Hermit."

"You know Master Roshi too?"

"Again, only through reputation."

"Wow…if you know about Dad and the others, you must be a pretty talented martial artist yourself," complimented Gohan."

"Ohohoho, you flatterer," Cologne grinned. "Still, you shouldn't sell yourself short boy. Anyone who has Kame-Sennin under their belt has to be pretty impressive themselves."

"Well…" Gohan bashfully placed a hand behind his head at Cologne's words. His unease only grew once Cologne darted past Cologne and invaded Gohan's personal space, giving him a once-over.

"Hmmm…" The blushing Gohan could only sheepishly chuckle as Shampoo continued to inspect him.

"Find what you're looking for Shampoo?" Videl asked sardonically.

"Shampoo not see what make Rice Boy so special," she stated dryly.

"Excuse me?" Videl snapped.

"Shampoo admit, he not bad looking, but he not look very strong. The way Flying Girl describe him, Shampoo expectations were high."

"Well what were you expecting?" Videl hissed.

"I not know, but definitely not skinny pervert guest," Shampoo replied.

Ranma chuckled when Gohan's face became a scarlet hue due to a mix of shame and embarrassment at Shampoo's nickname. "P-pervert guest?"

Videl clenched her fist and rebutted "Hold on! I get that you're upset, and you have the right to be, but you do NOT get to talk about Gohan like that!"

"Videl, calm d-!" Gohan tried to ease his rapidly raging girlfriend, but to no avail as she cut him off and continued to retaliate.

"He's probably the least perverted boy out there! Hell, he barely even looks at me like that," her eye very faintly twitched at that statement and her expression briefly switched from blind rage to almost envy before landing back to anger. "If anything, isn't it more your fault for not being able to keep your clothes on?" Videl shot back.

Akane couldn't hold in her snickers as Shampoo's face flashed a brief tint of red. "Aiyaaa! Shampoo can no help that curse make her too small to wear clothes!"

"Uhhh Videl, I appreciate you trying to defend me, but I think you should take it easy now," Gohan placed a hand on her shoulder attempting to ease her back.

Her eyes narrowed, Shampoo quickly attached herself to Ranma's arm. "Well Shampoo bet he no match for Ranma. Even Mousse look like better martial artist." She declared.

"Oh Shampoo!" "Put your glasses on fool!"

While Mousse was getting beaten and berated by Cologne for his blind antics, Ranma interjected. "Whoa Shampoo. I mean you're not wrong when you say I could beat Gohan but saying Mousse could beat him is just a low blow. He's WAY stronger than that."

"Screw you Saotome!" Mousse yelled while flipping off a stool.

"Ranma, should you really be making claims like that considering what happened when we visited Gohan's house the other day?" Akane quietly reminded him.

Ranma's flinched as the memory of his fight with Goten resurfaced, and he remembered that if Goten was that strong, then it was very likely that Gohan was much stronger.

"Oh? What pray tell happened that day Akane Tendo?" asked an eavesdropping Mousse who finally had his glasses back on.

Before anyone could answer, Ranma quickly threw a glass of water onto Mousse and chucked him out of the back door as a trail of feathers floated down.

"Aiyaaa! Ranma, why you throw Mousse away! Shampoo need him to prove point!" the purple haired girl whined.

'I'm starting to see why Ukyo doesn't like her,' Videl thought. "Prove what? Gohan would've won anyway."

Shampoo crossed her arms and mildly conceded. "Maybe you right, but there no way he beat Ranma."

"Oh please, Ranma couldn't even beat Gohan's little brother. He wouldn't stand a chance against Gohan himself."

STAB!

As soon as the words left Videl's mouth, Ranma grasped at his chest and fiercely twitched letting out a pained yelp.

"Ranma, what Flying Girl talking about?" asked Shampoo.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Ignoring Shampoo's question, an anguished Ranma detached himself from her and made a swift exit from the Cat Café.

"Aiyaaaa! Ranma, why you run?" Shampoo called chasing after him.

Following Ranma's dramatic exit the rest of the crew were left dumbfounded. "What was that all about?" asked Gohan.

"Just Ranma's sad attempt to protect his ego," replied Akane.

"Remind me to ask you to elaborate on that Ms. Tendo," said Cologne. "Still, it's a shame Ranma flew the coop like that. I was starting to look forward to a match between him and Gohan over here.

"Well, sorry to disappoint you," Gohan meekly chuckled.

"What's done is done, but back to business, it's time to resume Videl's training," said Cologne.

Gohan perked up at Cologne's words. In all the crazy excitement, he'd almost forgotten why he had come in the first place. "That reminds me, if you don't mind my asking, what kind of training were you and Videl doing?"

Cologne sighed as she began her explanation. "To make a long story short, I'm teaching Videl a technique that could help her in her upcoming bout with Ryoga."

"What technique?" asked Gohan.

"It's called the 'Point of Impact," Cologne answered. "If you wish to know more, I'm sure she or Akane will be able to give you the more explicit details. The point is, before she can learn it, she needed to raise her Ki." Cologne paused, bringing out the choker. "Which is where this baby comes in."

Hopping over Videl, Cologne attached the choker to her neck and the weight of the uniform instantly fell over her, causing her to stumble over, but not to fall.

"Videl, are you okay!?" called the ever concerned Gohan, rushing to her side.

"I'm fine…" Videl strained, waving Gohan off.

"Ms. Cologne, what's happening?"

"No one wants to sit through my full explanation again, so I'll just say it's weight training to the extreme. You build your body to build your ki, and the higher your ki, the lighter the uniform that Videl's wearing feels."

"Weighted clothing? Huh, my dad used to do that too, my old teacher still does." Gohan noted.

"It's a simple method yes, but it's nonetheless effective. This uniform in particular is designed intently for raising a beginner's basic level of ki."

Gohan gave an impressed hum as Cologne removed the choker. In that moment however, Shampoo burst back into the room in a huff. "Great-Grandmother! We have many customers waiting in dining room!"

Sure enough, while the martial artists were having their conversation, the Cat Café was filling up with guests at an almost scheduled pace.

"Wait a sec, why're they coming in? I could've sworn I set the sign to closed!" Cologne exclaimed.

"Raaaanmaaaa…" Akane growled.

Cologne sighed. "Well whether he did or not, what's done is done." She then turned to Gohan. "I'm afraid we'll have to finish this discussion some other time. It's time for us to get to work."

"No worries. I can see that you're probably going to be busy for a while," Gohan chuckled.

"You know Gohan, why don't you get something to eat before you go. This is a restaurant after all," Videl said with an unreadable glimmer in her eyes.

"Is…that okay?"

"As long as you pay for it like any other customer, it doesn't matter to me," Cologne replied.

"You just let me cover the costs Cologne. Gohan, you just enjoy and order as much as you want," Videl said in a nearly forced sweet tone.

Gohan was visibly cautious of Videl's tone. She almost never acts or sounds this docile (not even in their most private moments…not that private ya pervs!) unless she's trying to send an unspoken message. His suspicions were confirmed with a small wink accompanied by a nerve easing smile.

"Well, if you say it's okay, then I guess I'll go for it."

"Great. Hey Akane, if you're interested, your food's on me too."

"Oh…sure, why not," Akane accepted.

"Well Shampoo, guess we'd better get started," Videl cheerfully proclaimed before heading back into the kitchen for some supplies.

A bead of sweat fell down the Amazon's faces as Videl strolled away. "Flying girl look extra happy today," stated Shampoo.

"Well, I guess having her fella here gave her a bit of extra motivation. Still, she has the right idea, let's get to work Shampoo." Cologne ordered.

Akane watched the workers disappear with a similarly confused expression. She had a gut feeling Videl was up to something, she just couldn't place it yet. Oh well, no sense in turning down a free lunch. Her spirits also heightened, Akane grabbed Gohan by the arm and pulled him away.

"C'mon, let's grab a table before they're all taken."

[A few minutes later]

The Cat Café staff was in high gear as Shampoo prepared order after order and quickly shoved a bulk of them off to Videl who proceeded to stroll around the restaurant as fast as her tied down body could carry her.

"Hey Videl?" Gohan called out.

"Sorry GOhan, but I'm kinda busy right now. I'll get to you two in a bit!" Videl quickly replied before strolling away.

"Is it always like this in here?" Gohan asked Akane.

"Sometimes, but it usually only gets this crazy whenever this place gets a cute new waitress," Akane crossed her arms.

"Cute new waitress…?" Gohan turned back to see Videl sluggishly, yet vigorously dash around the Cat Café lugging a large plate of food around, Now that he wasn't wracked with worry and small bits of guilt, Gohan was able to get a full body view of Videl in her uniform and if nothing else, the fancy Chinese style was a nice departure from her usual sporty attire. Plus, the ramen that Videl was serving up looked and smelled very appetizing.

"Uhh Gohan…I think you're staring," Akane commented.

With a fierce twitch, Gohan's face become a darker red as he turned back to Akane.

"N-n-no I wasn't!" Gohan defensively stammered.

"I'm prett sure you were staring at Videl pretty hard…" Akane added with a raised eyebrow.

"I…wasn't staring I was just…wondering what to order?"

'He really is a terrible liar,' thought Akane.

"Anyways…since we have a bit of time before Videl comes back, there's actually something I'm curious about," said Gohan.

"What is it?"

"Why'd Ranma take off like that?" asked Gohan.

Akane let out a sigh as she dismissively shook her head. "He's just all embarrassed because your brother beat him."

"Really?"

Akane nodded. "To be completely fair, I can't really blame him. I mean, sure Ranma is very egotistical, but who wouldn't be embarrassed losing to a little kid?"

"I guess."

"The thing is, he doesn't want it getting out because there are a lot of people around town who'd probably use that to try and get to him," she continued. 'I may be using it to keep him in line, but it's not like I'm blackmailing him or anything,' Akane mentally added.

"In that case, we should probably let Videl know," Gohan proclaimed.

"Let Videl know what?" Almost on cue, Videl appeared beside Gohan and Akane's table, an eyebrow raised.

"Videl, when'd you get here?" asked Gohan.

"Just now, and my question is, what are you supposed to let me know?"

Akane pulled Videl down and quickly whispered into her ear. A few seconds later, her expression perked up "Oh! Okay, I got it, though next time, let me know this stuff ahead of time okay?"

"Sure thing," Akane replied.

Clearing her throat, Videl then put on a genuine server's smile and said in an almost comically sweet voice, "Nihao, welcome to the Cat Café. May I take your order?"

Redness once again tinted Gohan's face as he was once again caught off guard by Videl's excessively sweet act. Unlike before though, he felt sincerity in her tone.

"Well, looks like someone's finally got the right motivation on the waitress side of this gig," Cologne interjected out of nowhere.

"Right…well then I guess I'll take two of these." Gohan pointed out a large order of ramen, rice and meat buns, causing Cologne's eyes to widen.

"Well, I see someone doesn't play around when it comes to cuisine."

'You don't know the half of it,' thought Akane.

"What about you Akane?"

"Guess I'll take the same, but only one and a smaller portion."

"Coming right up."

Videl then strolled off to the counter and delivered the order to Shampoo before heading back into the kitchen to grab some completed orders for other guests. Speaking of those other guests, many of the young male ones could only look on dumbfounded as to why this new guy who nobody recognized as a regular was getting the special treatment. The young female guests were just curious as to what the connection between the cute new guy and the new waitress was.

'Why was she so nice to him?'

'Do they know each other?'

'Think they're dating?'

Absentmindedly, Gohan once again turned his eyes to Videl's retreating form. Between the fairly enticing uniform and the waitress act, it was getting continually more difficult for Gohan to tear his gaze away.

"Couldn't resist the sight of your lady in our uniform eh?" snickered Cologne. Akane couldn't help but giggle as Gohan's face became cherry red at Cologne's provocation.

Attempting to stop the two women laughing at him, Gohan decided to suddenly switch the topic over at his and Akane's table. "So…Videl's training is waiting in weighted clothes?"

"In a nutshell yes," Cologne answered. "It may be menial, but whatever works works."

"No kidding. Compared to how she was when she started this thing, it looks like things are actually progressing rather well," commented Akane.

"That's something of an understatement Ms. Tendo. Despite that small roadblock yesterday, she's actually improving quicker than I initially anticipated." Said Cologne.

"No surprise here," Gohan interjected. "She was able to master flying in only a week and a half, and she was able to get off the ground on her first day." Gohan recalled.

"That is impressive," Cologne admitted.

Before the three could continue, the object of their discussion suddenly reappeared, with food in hand.

"Wow, that was quick," Gohan noted.

"Fast food, am I right?" Videl winked.

Cologne's eyes lightly narrowed. "I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that."

Placing the food before her two customers, Videl let out a pleasant, "Enjoy," Before excusing herself back to the kitchen.

"Guess I'll leave you two alone for the time being, and again enjoy." Cologne said before dismissing herself.

"Well, you heard them Gohan, dig in!"

"Alright!"

The two both took a single bite of their dishes and Akane halted as she watched Gohan's eyes light up like flash.

'So THIS is what Videl was after!' Akane finally realized.

In the next instance, Gohan's consumption quickly sped up. In less than two minutes later, Gohan's bowl was emptied while Akane's was still mostly full.

"That was really good!" Gohan complimented.

When Gohan started on his second bowl, again almost on cue, Videl appeared before their table with her waitress face on. "Are you enjoyed your meal?"

"Yeah, I am." Gohan enthusiastically replied.

"Can I get you anything else?"

"How about five more of these please?"

"Only five? Wow Gohan, you must not be all that hungry," Videl said dropping the waitress act.

"Well, I have to save some room for dinner, right?" he chuckled.

"Fair enough," Videl grinned. "I'll get right on it."

"Oh wait, I also wanna try out the dumplings so five orders of those too and three orders of subuta (sweet and sour pork).

"Coming right up!" Videl said pleasantly. Retreating back to the kitchen, a mischievous grin found itself plastered on Videl's face as she handed the order over to Shampoo.

"Aiyaaaaaaaa!" she shrieked.

"Well, it looks like you've got quite a bit of work to do, don't you?" Videl taunted.

Shampoo shot Videl a light glare as she exited the kitchen with another set of orders in hand. "Shampoo no let Flying Girl make fool of Shampoo!"

Cracking her knuckles, Shampoo swiftly got to work preparing Gohan's order.

[Several minutes later]

Videl returned to the kitchen to see Shampoo panting before a large plate that was stacked to the brim with large bowls and containers for the more 'finger food' dishes.

Quickly fixing her composure, Shampoo crossed her arms before giving Videl a smug look accompanied by an, "Order up Flying Girl."

To the Amazon's surprise, Videl looked not the least bit worried with the oversized serving. Even under the still restricting weight of the uniform, Videl proceeded with confidence as she lifted the large server's plate with both arms and proceeded to make her way out of the kitchen at a slower than normal, but still brisk pace.

Before she stepped through the door however, Videl turned back and winked to her coworker. "Thanks for the assistance Shampoo."

The purple haired Amazon could only look on in confusion as Videl went off to deliver the food.

[Shortly later]

The patrons of the Cat Café looked in absolute awe as the guy who was getting all the TLC from the cute new waitress proceeded to wolf down a meal that could very easily belong to a small family. Thankfully, Gohan was mannered enough to keep himself and his surroundings clean while eating so thankfully, none of the onlookers seemed to be disgusted at least. Even Cologne, who was used to seeing big appetites with the likes of Ranma, his father and Ryoga couldn't help but stare wide-eyed as Gohan devoured his ramen like a starving dog.

Unable to watch Gohan anymore, Cologne turned her attention to Videl who was off to the side panting. The flow of the restaurant had slowed to a crawl once all the attention was on Gohan, so Videl had a rare opportunity to catch her breath, and after that massive order she had to deliver, she needed it.

Cologne couldn't help but chuckle. "So she used that boyfriend of hers to earn a point in her little 'scuffle' with Shampoo, and amp up her own training regimen at the same time. I'll admit it, with the proper training, she could really pass for an Amazon."

Turning her attention back to Gohan, Cologne's expression darkened. 'However, if we run out of ingredients because of that boy, don't think that I won't hesitate to give you a piece of my mind!' she mentally declared.

[Shortly later]

Gohan had finished eating with an extra satisfied look on his face. Once the 'show' that Gohan was putting on had ended, the rest of the patrons returned to their own meals, some of them hungrier than ever while others seemed to have lost their appetites.

"Well, how was it?" asked Videl.

"It was really great!" Gohan replied.

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Cologne chimed in hopping onto the table. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave now. I'm sorry but if you decide to order anything else, I'm afraid we'll run out of ingredients."

"Oh don't worry. I'm saving up room for dinner at home," Gohan stated.

Cologne froze wide-eyed with shock at Gohan's statement before dismissively shaking her head and sighing, "And here I thought Son-in-Law was insatiable."

Cologne mounted her staff prepared to hop away, before she left however, she turned back to the three teenagers. "I have to say, meeting you has been something of an experience Son Gohan. I only hope that sometime soon, I'll be able to see what an heir to the Kame-Style can do in battle."

"Well…" Gohan awkwardly placed a hand behind his head. "I can't make any promises, but I can say I'll probably come back here at least…unless Videl objects."

"It's fine by me, but don't think you're fully off the hook, Gohan," Videl sternly replied.

"Yes ma'am."

"Well, if we're all done talking now, Videl. Time to get back to work," Cologne ordered before pogoing away.

"Well, I guess that's that," Videl sighed. "I'll be done later tonight so we can finish talking then then," Videl replied. "And again, don't worry about the bill, it's on me."

"If you say so." Gohan replied. "But what do I do until you're finished?"

"You know Gohan, if you want to stick around town until Videl's done here, why don't you stay at our place for a little bit," Akane suggested.

Gohan was slightly taken aback by the invitation and was a little hesitant to accept, until Videl spoke up.

"Hmm…sounds okay to me," Videl agreed.

With a mental sigh of relief, Gohan responded, "Well, if you two are sure, then I guess I accept."

"Then I guess it's settled," Videl nodded. "Keep an eye on him for me Akane."

"Will do."

"Hehe, am I a pet now?" Gohan chuckled.

Videl playfully rolled her eyes just as the two got up from the table.

"See you guys tonight." Videl called.

"Okay, and thanks again," Gohan responded. With that, Gohan and Akane left the Cat Café while more customers began to stroll in.

Meanwhile, on a nearby rooftop not far from the Cat Café, a certain bespectacled water-fowl narrowed its eyes at the half-saiyan. With an enraged 'Quack!', Duck-Mousse brandished a set of kunai knives from his feathers before laughing (honking) maniacally into the afternoon sky.

(A/N: Not much to say here other than this chapter was a headache to write. While I haven't lost interest in this story, my motivation to write has been low lately. Maybe it's because I've been playing Persona 5 on the side (started WAY before Joker got released in Smash), maybe it's something else, but I'm finally back. So Gohan's trip to Nerima begins with awkward introductions (and a narrow crisis aversion) at the Cat Café. Next time, he'll get acquainted with more of Ranma's regulars as he meets the Tendo/Saotome family and a certain male Amazon is out for payback)