Gohan sat at his desk, staring out the window hoping to calm his nerves. Though this was dashed once he spotted Piccolo sitting in the garden. Piccolo had stayed on the grounds overnight giving Gohan a near sleepless night in his excitement. Gohan blushed as he watched Piccolo. Delicate fingers gently adjusting a flower struggling its way out from under a bush. Surely he thought he wasn't seen with how he smiled, eyes soft and half lidded, leaning so relaxed with cheek rested on his knuckles.
Gohan's heart beat so loud and warm he thought he would melt. Please don't let this day move on from this moment. Gohan sighed as he forced himself to turn away and dress for the dinner. His mother had done up a new soft blue waistcoat and white shirt with frills on the cuffs. Even his shoes were new, shined to the point they almost looked like they were coated in glass and heels stacked a little higher than his usual pair.
He combed his hair a hundred strokes and, satisfied that his mother would have no complaints, headed downstairs. There were a few staff members Chichi had hired specifically for the night to help serve dinner and drinks for the guests. Gohan nodded and smiled kindly to each person that looked to him as he moved through the halls. He found his mother in one of the larger rooms, making sure every cushion was clean and soft. "Oh Gohan. You look so handsome."
"It's your work that makes it fit so well." Gohan smiled as he glanced at the waistcoat. The less Chichi had to scramble upset about, the better the night would good.
"Can you make sure Piccolo is ready? I know he's been avoiding me all morning." Chichi smirked. "And if you spot your father, tell him I gave the cook permission to weaponize every spoon and ladle upon him if he tries to steal more food."
"I will." Gohan chuckled. He swiftly made an exit to the garden, hopeful that maybe Piccolo hadn't moved since he last saw him. Gohan sighed when he found Piccolo standing in the middle of the garden path. "You knew I was coming."
"Of course. It was getting a bit late and I thought maybe you had forgotten I was here." Piccolo teased.
"I could never. You looked so comfortable out here I wanted to give you as much time as I could to let you enjoy it. You should smile like that more often." Gohan replied. He was a touch nervous to say such a thing but had no regrets when he saw Piccolo's expression twitch slightly at the call out. He could almost swear he saw purple tinge Piccolo's cheeks as an ear flicked at being caught.
Piccolo cleared his throat before speaking. "So… the outfit I need to wear…"
"If you're concerned about what's appropriate I can-" Gohan started.
"Chichi has shown me more than enough samples over the last couple days." Piccolo interrupted. "White with purple or purple with white?"
Gohan smiled as he caught on. "Are those my only choices?"
"I'm already doing a lot by wearing something new. I'm not experimenting with colors. Purple and white work well enough." Piccolo scowled slightly.
"I think you'd look fantastic in a dark blue. Maybe yellow." Gohan playfully pretended to consider it with a knuckle to his chin. After a quick chortle and eyebrow twitch from Piccolo, Gohan gave his answer "Although if it must be between the two, white with purple."
Piccolo hastily exerted a wave of energy, the fabric of his pants and shirt flowing as they shifted and changed. He was soon dressed in a long white tailcoat and matching pants. His vest a deep purple subtly embroidered with near matching colored threads in images of plants and small flowers. He even sported a simple cravat around his neck and neatly tucked into his shirt.
Gohan was stunned at the transformation, his eyes happily taking in the sight. Piccolo double checked his clothes before asking "Did I do too much?"
"No it's lovely actually." Gohan shook his head to regain his attention. "Thank you again for attending. I know it'll make tonight much more palatable."
"I heard Hercule and his daughter were coming too. She's a friend of yours as well isn't she? If we didn't have the twins to worry about, wouldn't she have been enough to tolerate the masses?" Piccolo asked.
"Well yes. I do enjoy her company." Gohan answered honestly but felt himself freeze, too embarrassed to say 'I prefer your company over literally everyone because I might be in love with you'. "My mother invites her to every event and to small lunches or teas, so I see her often. Your invitation was a welcome surprise."
"I'm glad you think so." Piccolo gave a small smile before making his way to the house with Gohan beside him. Shortly they were instructed to stand by the door to greet company as they arrived.
Pair by pair, guests began strolling in with spouses in arm. Gohan shook hands with every single person with practiced smiles and remarks. Piccolo stood far behind him, content in not being confronted by anyone just yet. He merely watched and after a while removed his arms from his chest and rested them behind his back, having now seen plenty of the guests do this themselves and noted it was much less defensive or unwelcoming as his usual stance was. He felt his uncertainty strengthen with each glance people would take of him before quickly turning away.
"You holding up alright?" Gohan whispered. "It does help if you don't just stand and glare."
"I don't know anything about banking or the intricacies of financial workings in the country. What would I even say?" Piccolo responded.
"It's a glorified business meeting. You own a shop. I'm sure there's plenty of similarities between a bank and a shop that you can talk about. Besides Vegeta's doing well on his own and he's more or less in the same boat as you." Gohan smiled as he gestured to the prince humbly chatting with a glass in hand. Gohan motioned for Piccolo to follow as he approached one of the many social clusters.
"Young man, how are the studies treating you?" One of the men asked. "I'm sure the stress is beginning to get to you."
"It's just fine. I've been well taught my whole life so books do not frighten me." Gohan joked with a calm laugh.
"Who is your companion? I don't recall meeting him at any of the last few parties." A woman who stood beside the men asked.
"My dear friend, Piccolo. He's not in the bank business but here for support." Gohan happily answered.
"What business are you in?" The man then turned to Piccolo in genuine and kind curiosity.
"I run a coffee house here in town." Piccolo said.
Gohan smiled as the group began an honest interaction with Piccolo. Asking about roast types, where he imports from, any loans or benefactors. Gohan was relieved but a small hint of jealousy roused realizing Piccolo had an entire part of his life that Gohan didn't take part in. He wasn't a big fan of coffee. Piccolo never talked about it in detail with Gohan like he did now with these strangers. He swallowed the feeling and swiftly left to entertain another round of gentlemen.
After a short while, Piccolo finally heard the topic he knew was inevitable. "I'm sure you've had challenges with your shop being a namekian. Do you think Mr. Son will face the same challenges if he takes on his grandfather's attempts to make the banks alien inclusive?"
Piccolo paused a moment. He could only applaud the question's validity. It wasn't targeting him as some criminal or shady poisoner like other people had done. Just an honest business question. "He will, though I know he'll handle it very well. The best and right decisions often are the most difficult but… can grant the greatest reward."
"Well said. Reward is not without risk." A gentleman sipped from his glass.
Piccolo began to feel comfortable handling the rest of the conversation until dinner was served. The gentlemen tried to coax him in joining them but he politely declined and waited patiently in the room, sitting in a rather plush chair.
"Sorry we all left you kind of alone there." Goku spoke up in the silent room and sat down in a chair next to Piccolo. "At these gatherings we spend more time talking to guests than each other. You seemed to do very well though."
"I don't think my presence was unbearable to them." Piccolo joked. "I've never known you to miss out on a meal."
"I already ate just before. The etiquette Chichi prefers for parties never really took to me." Goku laughed. "Gohan's very good at it though. I'm proud of him."
"As you should be." Piccolo remarked and added another thought. "You did very well raising him."
"Despite my mistakes." Goku sighed but kept his smile.
"Everyone makes mistakes." Piccolo said.
"Hmmm." Goku agreed with a sigh. "Alright I think I've held back long as I can. Want to come with me to the kitchen? I'm sure the cook will sacrifice something for me."
"I'm fine here." Piccolo answered and Goku left him alone once again.
It wasn't long he had to wait before guests returned to the room. Many had made their leave soon after, some giving farewell to Piccolo as well as Gohan and he gleaned from some comments that he was the subject of a fair conversation or two in the dining room.
Gohan smiled brightly at Piccolo's participation. He was sure Piccolo didn't even hate the evening altogether. He finally made his way to greet Videl, a little guilty that he put other guests over her but she always understood. "How would you rate tonight's party?"
"I think this was your most entertaining. I never would have guessed Piccolo would attend." Videl smirked. "He dresses quite well though. A nice change from the all purple pants and shirt."
"I agree." Gohan chuckled. "Looks very nice in all white right?"
"Gohan!" Hercule eagerly joined the two with a wide grin.
"Mr. Satan, I hope the evening was well." Gohan smiled politely. Somehow the man had more energy than Goku and Gohan wasn't sure how to handle it for too long.
"It's been lovely, your mother knows how to arrange a fine meal and atmosphere. Now I might have overheard something about dressed 'in all white'?" Hercule asked.
"Well yes sir." Gohan answered. He felt it might have been a bit much to say he was talking about how Piccolo was dressed.
Hercule's face lit up in excitement. He waved to Videl and said "Wouldn't she look lovely in all white? An angel I'd say."
"Dad, this isn't-" Videl started, her face began to burn pink as she eagerly tried to stop him.
"My goodness, the wedding day will be beautiful don't you think?" Hercule asked Gohan.
"Why y-yes, I assume so-" Gohan tried to speak as bewilderment blurred his mind.
"It's going to be perfect! Leave it all to me!" Hercule declared as he grabbed Gohan's hand and shook it with such enthusiasm Gohan could barely stand. "Although I'm sure your family will want to help too, I will personally handle all the money."
"I'm sorry? Money for what?" Gohan looked back and forth between Hercule and Videl who now buried her face into her hands.
"Your mother told me everything. You don't need to be so shy about it. You're a bright and honest young man. I know Videl will be in a very good and happy home with you." Hercule explained.
"Y-you… what?!" Gohan felt his blood still as slowly the image came together. "I'm sorry b-but I think-"
"What's going on over here?" Goku asked as he joined the group.
"I was just giving your boy here my blessing to marry Videl." Hercule stated proudly.
"Marry? I hadn't heard of this. Gohan is this what you want?" Goku turned to Gohan who swayed slightly, taking small steps back as his face paled. "Gohan?"
"I'm… I'm sorry." Gohan dashed out of the nearest doorway. His breathing strained as he stepped into the nearest empty room. Focus… breathe… He sunk to his knees, his body shaking. His vision began to narrow, slowly turning dark until it was smothered entirely. Gohan feared what it meant and tried to gasp but froze when he felt something constrict around his chest. Oh no!
"Calm." A deep voice whispered next to his ear. Then a hand pressed into his ribs with firm care. "Your heart is beating too fast. Slow it down."
Gohan instantly processed that the voice was Piccolo's. His head was on Gohan's shoulder with a hand covering Gohan's eyes. Now aware of a warmth behind him, Piccolo's chest pressed against his back, thighs braced on either side of his own. That warm honey sensation returned and Gohan wanted badly to melt into it. Slowly he let out a ragged breath as he leaned into Piccolo; his tail that had been tucked into his jacket, slipping aside to allow perfect contact. He trembled as he cautiously set his hands on Piccolo's legs, gripping only just as if to say 'I'm here. I'm alert'.
Piccolo whispered again "Good. Don't think… empty your head of everything."
That's impossible. Gohan thought to himself.
"If ideas or images pop up don't pursue them, let them wither away." Piccolo continued. "Like waves, let them pass."
Gohan tried to do as he was told. Not holding onto thoughts of the marriage Hercule expected, the tension in his body, slowly he let them fizzle. The images and feelings withering just as Piccolo said.
They held there, waiting what felt like hours. As Gohan's breathing began to feel more normal, he dared to process the moment he had fled. I just ran. What am I going to do? What am I going to tell them?! Did she really plan this?! But she knows that I have feelings for- was she lying?!
Gohan gripped Piccolo's hand over his chest and pulled away the one from his eyes as tears rolled down. His voice was weak as he said "I apologize… for doing this again and again."
Piccolo grunted. "What do you need to be ok? Whatever it is, I'll do it."
Gohan felt himself nearly breaking into a deeper cry, his voice turning into more of a heave as he answered. "I think- just this. Just you."
Piccolo said nothing and held Gohan tighter. Gohan hated that he was breaking down in front of Piccolo but also so very grateful that he was with him. He already felt weak when he couldn't defend himself from the attack; but to also suffer so many triggers and over stimulation in one week, he was useless.
When Gohan released a long sigh, Piccolo spoke. "Do you feel better?"
Gohan nodded. "I'm only embarrassed now."
"Of running out of the room?" Piccolo asked softly.
"Of running, of another panic attack, of needing to rely on you so much. I feel like I'm using you to make up for my weakness." Gohan explained.
"I don't believe you're capable of using anyone, least of all me." Piccolo tried to give a small smile. "And you're not weak."
"I owe you so much again and I-" Gohan started.
"You owe me nothing." Piccolo firmed his hold around Gohan. "I do all of this because you're important to me. It's equivalent to all the care you show for me."
"But I-" Gohan almost choked on his words. He pulled Piccolo's arms from him and turned to speak face to face. He wanted Piccolo to see the sincerity in him as he said "I want to do more than show care. I want to give you anything you want, give you everything. I want you to be selfish of me."
Piccolo's eyes widened in concern. "Gohan you shouldn't just offer that to someone. It's not healthy to offer yourself so completely like this. You could be taken advantage of."
"I don't offer it lightly, or to just anyone. Only to you." Gohan whispered.
Piccolo somehow sunk and seemed smaller to Gohan than he ever thought was possible. "Don't give more of you to me. I'm already selfish enough."
"What do you mean?" Gohan asked. His heart began to race at such an emotional response.
"I…" Piccolo paused, his moment of vulnerability and openness quickly collapsing back into himself. He looked into Gohan's eyes, the expression stirring something in him; something he had no proper definition for. He straightened and leaned away. "I do plenty of what I want already."
"Do you?" Gohan knew Piccolo was just trying to force an end to the topic, to hide whatever reaction and feeling he had just lost control of for the sliver of a moment. He wanted to see it again, see where it led to; discover every emotion Piccolo could bear to him. "No hesitation? You give to yourself even when you said you don't feel deserving?"
Piccolo took a bracing breath. Instinct raced through him to lie, to hide anything deemed a weakness by the habits and voice in his head, but he swore to himself to do anything for Gohan. Again he was at conflict between what he logically thought was proper, the exceptions he promised for Gohan, and the whispering of a craving he kept trying and failing to eliminate. He stood and faced the door of the room. "Yes, I give myself some allowance every now and then when the moment is already there. Despite believing that I shouldn't."
Gohan leapt to his feet as he saw Piccolo turning the door handle. He gripped the back of Piccolo's coat, causing both to hesitate. "If it's already there sometimes, the thing you want… what is it?"
Piccolo gripped the handle a bit harder. Gohan listened for any attempt to answer but Piccolo seemed unlikely to speak. "Why won't you tell me?"
"Because I can't be sure it isn't immoral." Piccolo's husky reply was forced out. He quickly opened the door and left.
Immoral? Gohan tried to follow him but before even stepping out his eyes spotted Chichi and Videl talking. His muscles acted on their own and shut the door tight again; his nerves tensed as a shiver ran through him. Frustrated at his reaction, he punched the jamb. "Damn."