AN: It starts to get a touch spicy from here on so M rating will remain. Thank you again for your time ^.^
Goku and Hercule watched Gohan flee down a hallway. Goku sighed as he caught a glimpse of Piccolo swiftly following. He knew Gohan was well taken care of and he could settle the confusion at the source.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to panic the boy." Hercule apologized.
"I know you didn't mean to but-" Goku started.
"And just what are you three talking about?" Chichi asked as she approached, having just walked the last guest to the door and ending the party.
"I truly can't believe you." Videl huffed as she walked away.
"Did you know something about a wedding for Videl and Gohan?" Goku asked.
"What?!" Chichi flushed. "No, I hadn't heard of anything like this."
"Hercule said he was giving his blessing for them to marry." Goku explained.
"You did what?" Chichi snapped her attention to Hercule.
"You were talking about how he was infatuated with my daughter." Hercule said.
"I had said that I 'thought' it might have been Videl he was falling for and I told you because I had seen how she looked at him. I hoped you and I could work together to support them." Chichi clarified. "Gohan has only just started having these feelings or at least only just felt comfortable enough to openly talk about them. I'm not going to arrange any wedding so soon not even if he asked me to. You didn't tell Gohan did you?"
"Uh…" Hercule stepped slightly away from Chichi who glared at his reaction.
"Gohan bolted from us as I was trying to figure out what was happening. He seemed really upset but I'm sure Piccolo is talking to him now." Goku answered.
"Goodness." Chichi sighed. "Let him be for the night then. I'm going to go talk to Videl and clear things up with her before you somehow make things worse."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am." Hercule nodded fervently. After Chichi left he relaxed. "I really messed this up didn't I? I got so excited, I guess I just assumed and jumped the gun. There are only so many things left I can do for her now that she's older. House, food, clothes, those were all so easy. I was always worried about when she would find someone to marry and when Gohan came along it seemed like a perfect match. She's so independent now though, I forgot to pay enough attention it seems."
"Being a father gets harder as they get older. Learning that one myself lately." Goku grinned. "Gohan has become so smart, it's getting hard for me to remember what's left to teach him."
"I hope he won't hate me now, I did just drop a pretty large ball on him. Videl either." Hercule sighed.
"I'm sure they'll be fine after a while. Just refrain from any marriage suggestions for a while." Goku chuckled.
Chichi joined Videl whom was pacing in the doorway to another room, roughly twisting her fingers and muttering to herself.
"How are you honey?" Chichi asked softly.
"Oh." Videl snapped her attention to Chichi, surprise and embarrassment clear on her face. "I apologize for walking off like that."
"No apologies needed. Goku told me what your father said." Chichi shook her head. "Don't worry about any setup or plans. I came to see how you were."
"I-" Videl started before restructuring her words. "I knew my father was hoping for something between me and Gohan but to charge straight to a wedding? What was he thinking? I'm so embarrassed he said that to Gohan no less. Gohan must be thinking we're all arranging something behind his back and forcing him into a lifelong commitment. He clearly didn't want it either." Videl frowned and closed her eyes. Her fingers knotted tighter and nearly bent a few too far back.
Chichi gently placed her hands upon Videl's. "You should find a better stress vent than finger fiddling like that. It's not good for the joints. I find it's better to put the energy into something productive when I'm upset."
"I've heard of many suggestions but I'm not good at embroidery or baking or-" Videl sighed.
"Have you tried a physical activity or exercise?" Chichi asked.
"No." Videl looked a bit curious before quelling the feeling. "It's not very ladylike."
"Who ever said it needed to be?" Chichi smirked. "I've always had a feeling you're not a standard domestic woman and I don't think you should have to be. I wasn't for the longest time either. In my youth I trained in martial arts; though many of my handmaids begged for anything else."
"You did?" Videl asked.
"It's true." Chichi nodded. "The entire family trains in one form or another and as a friend to this family, no matter what happens, you are welcome to try it for yourself and see how it suits you."
"I would love to, thank you. If Gohan's alright with it of course." Videl declared an air of resolve fueling her. "He already has too much to worry about with the bank and… his history with Piccolo. I will not stand to create any tension or sense of expectation on him just to practice here."
"I wouldn't worry about Gohan. I'm sure he was just shocked to hear it out of nowhere. I'm going to talk to him after he's had some time away from all of us and straighten everything out." Chichi affirmed. "I never intended for any wedding talk nor any courting arrangements. We can all forget what was said."
Videl seemed to force a smile. She nodded "Alright."
Gohan easily made his way through the now empty house, escaping to his room. He freed himself from all outer clothes, even daring to tear off his linen shirt. The remnants of anxiety boiled in his blood making his skin swelter. He sat on the edge of his bed, head cradled in his hands, as his mind processed the day.
For the most part he could admit it was a great day. It wasn't until later in the night when he lost control. Gohan couldn't brave the idea of facing Videl or Chichi at the time but what burned most in his head was the last moments with Piccolo. What could he mean by immoral?! He has never once been close to immoral with me! He rubbed his face as if to compress his thoughts. Though some would argue the act of taking a four year old into combat is immoral but SINCE then I can think of nothing. What possible want could be worse than the temptations I've been- oh no...
"Don't give more of you to me. I'm already selfish enough." Piccolo's words echoed with the image of his face, weakened and beaten by something inside. The sensation of Piccolo wrapped around him returned making his body tingle. He's already selfish of me? Certainly he doesn't mean… that kind of immoral, sinful, craving?
Gohan dropped into the blankets and smothered himself into the pillow. His hands desperate to grip something other than his searing skin. Did he think I was offering myself to him like that?! Just imagining that he wants me in any way to the point he made that face… it feels good. I want to give in to him and that warm sensation his touch gives me.
I wonder if he really did try to push me off when I woke in his lap. Gohan's nerves buzzed as he pictured how he had climbed over strong thighs, Piccolo's obvious blush; only barely nudging Gohan away unable to really keep him off. Imagining Piccolo possibly allowing it and secretly enjoying the contact, fingers tugging on the fabric of Piccolo's shirt, inflamed a new heat in Gohan. A new desire scorched down his spine until it landed at the base of him, causing his hips to softly push into the bed. What's become of me? Imagining him like this… I need to tell him. At this rate I'm afraid I'll lose myself in front of him before he understands what I'm feeling.
Gohan indulged in his new personal favorite memories of Piccolo. Writhing in his sheets with what little control he had and gaining very little sleep for another night.
The morning sun slowly crept through the room, drifting over the tossed linens and whatever skin wasn't tucked under the blankets, waking the young man. Gohan let out a tired sigh, proud he had succeeded in not succumbing to any urges but also distressed and agitated without the release. He feared any regrets for if he did and knew facing Piccolo would have become impossible.
A growl from his gut reminded him of the very small portioned dinner he had the night before. It was the only thing motivating him to dress and make his way through the house to the kitchen. Just before descending the stairs though, he was surprised to see everyone gathered at the door. Vegeta, Goku, and Piccolo all stood in their gi or armor in Vegeta's case. Gohan almost froze at the sight of it's resemblance to the one he wore years ago but it was changed enough not to trigger too many memories and he was sure he had Bulma to thank for that. He did tense when his mother stepped out from behind Goku, tightening his blue sash.
It was when Piccolo turned up to Gohan that he forced himself to continue and reach the end of the stairs. He prayed he didn't smell of sweat and lust, an aroma he knew still coated his room. He stepped up to Piccolo and asked "Where are you all going? Did something happen?"
"Still no sign of the twins, and no attacks or damage yet, but Bulma gave us some info of people who used to work for the Red Ribbon Army, an old organization your father brought to ruins. Everyone's splitting into groups and scouting a few locations to narrow out possibilities." Piccolo answered. He stood tall and firm.
Gohan could sense something was a bit off with him though and he knew it was from last nights conversation. He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I hope it's a safe search then. If you do get some time after I was hoping you could train me? At least enough to get me into some semblance of shape."
Piccolo didn't say anything but his eyes sharpened, almost like he was trying to dissect Gohan's request. Gohan gave a small smile and spoke next with his mind. "I promise I won't put you through an inquisition. It can be just training if you want, but if you are fine to talk there is something I want to tell you."
Piccolo scanned the room quickly before answering, ensuring that the others weren't paying them mind and sure enough Vegeta was reprimanding Goku for some small trifle. "You're sure you'll be comfortable with just me?"
"Of course." Gohan tried to say something lighthearted and convey confidence but he knew just what he was setting himself up for. His confession and Piccolo's sentencing. Confirming if they did indeed have similar secrets or if Gohan was going to be facing shame worthy of death.
"Alright." Piccolo replied verbally.
"Enough! The weights in your gi are not important. We're wasting time." Vegeta declared as he strode out the door and took to the air.
Goku grinned as he waved to Gohan. "Take care of your mother for me."
"I will." Gohan nodded. He watched Piccolo and Goku follow Vegeta before chancing a glance at Chichi.
"Would you like something to eat?" Chichi asked with a gentle smile.
"Y-yes… please." Gohan forced his answer trying to remain a normal composure. They walked silently through the halls and he almost felt some hope she wasn't going to bring up the night before. He waited at the counter as Chichi dug out plenty of options for breakfast.
"Are you feeling better this morning?" Chichi asked, setting up the stove to cook and shattering Gohan's chance to feel calm.
"Not enough. I don't know what exactly you had said to Mr. Satan but…" Gohan took a deep breath and decided to dive straight into the stressful topic. He clenched his hands trying to control his nerves. "I don't want to marry Videl. I-I can't believe you said that to him."
Chichi instantly halted at the sight of Gohan. She could see his shudders and on the brink of tears. In an instant she was at his side and pulling him into a hug. She spoke softly "Gohan, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I ever made you feel that but I never meant for any wedding."
"You didn't?" Gohan weakly asked, his voice cracking.
"No. Hercule is an excitable fool and things just cascaded out of control... but it was from something I said." Chichi admitted with a sadness in her tone. "I was excited to see you find love and be so happy for something. I wanted to support you so much with something that you chose, not the bank inheritance or the trauma and triggers. I'm a fool though as well."
Gohan held his breath a moment. He had never heard his mother say such a thing about herself. He pulled away and looked to her eyes. Her honest guilt painfully apparent.
"I shouldn't have made a guess like that and in such gossip fashion to others instead of talking to you." Chichi said. "It was never Videl was it?"
Gohan slowly let out a sigh as a single tear escaped him. "No. I don't love Videl in that way."
"I would be wrong when it matters most." Chichi forced a weak laugh before her frown returned. "I want you to know I will not force you to do anything or to marry anyone you do not wish to. I know plenty of young men your age are looking to settle down or secure a more stable life with a spouse but you're lucky enough to be guaranteed status and wealth. It is a choice you have full freedom to. I don't want to take that especially after I'm already putting so much on you.
I'm sorry I let it get this way. I understand if you still don't want to tell me who it is, but I will support you with whomever. What's most important is that you're happy. I'm swearing off all meddling interventions no matter the intention."
"Thank you." Gohan hugged Chichi tight, pouring his forgiveness into the embrace. She sighed happily and once they parted, she continued cooking.
"So on that note, have you even told this person?" Chichi inquired.
Gohan blushed. "Not yet no. I did make plans to do so next chance I have but I'm worried about the response."
"Still? You're smart and fair hearted. There's nothing to dislike about you." Chichi said.
"Well I know I'm not without charm." Gohan chuckled. "There are other challenges I'll have to face though."
"If I can offer any advice, without knowing just what issues are present, it's to be patient. Don't get excited about pouring out your own heart. Listen to what they feel and talk about how you feel. Love is more or less a compromise between enjoying each other's successes and accepting each other's faults." Chichi said.
"I think my first challenge is getting them to talk about their feelings." Gohan sighed.
"Patience can do wonders for that as well. Speaking of talking, you should do so with Videl." Chichi served a plate with a large omelet. "Poor dear is worried you're going to assume she had part in her father's declaration and hate her forever, but something she said to me last night confirms she didn't. She mentioned that you were so focused on the bank and everything with Piccolo and your memories. She was firm that she would never add onto all of that. I don't think she even realized you had feelings for someone."
Gohan forced down his first bite. "A lot of talking to do… I already intended to talk to her. I would never have really suspected her for something like this. Don't think she really likes the idea of being someone's housewife let alone to corner a friend like that. She even seemed to try to stop Mr. Satan."
"I wouldn't count out being someone's wife though one day. It's impossible to know what people truly wish for even with what little we reveal of ourselves." Chichi said.
"That's true." Gohan sighed as he took another bite. He considered Piccolo's possible true wish. I want to know… I want to satisfy his wish.