Prelude to happily ever after
A/N: Hello! New story.
Series of drabbles on highlights of Gohan and Videl's relationship. Hope you will enjoy.
Chapter summary: After the events of Majin Buu, they are still things left undone.
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ! However, I do own any new OC in this story.
Chapter 1: Hearts' union
She had died.
And his heart also died with the news.
He had experienced loss before. His father, twice; his mentor and best friend, his friends from since he was barely four. He wasn't unexperienced in this domain. But her death hit him differently. It was like a part of him died with her. Like his heart stopped beating correctly, as if it had lost its trigger.
Telling someone that a loved one died also wasn't new to him. He was the one who told his mother his father died at the Cell Games. But this time, when the world champion asked him about the whereabouts of his daughter, he couldn't tell him. The words didn't come out of his mouth. He didn't want to accept it. And in this instant, he vowed to kill Majin Buu. He had to, no wanted to, avenge her death. It was a need, a necessity. This creature had killed a part of him, the reason why his heart was now beating, and he was not going to let this vile creature roam free. Not on his life.
But then, he died. And he felt horrible. A part of him was angry at himself because he got cocky. Another, because he couldn't save the Earth like his father trusted him to. But the biggest part hated itself because he couldn't avenge her. He wasn't able kill the reason why she had to experience death at a young age.
He then thought that his desire for vengeance was a matter of pride. He thought he wanted to avenge her pride. It made sense, she was a close friend and training partner; all their events together were somehow related to martial arts. He never thought it was anything more than this. He didn't know any better on the subject. All he knew was that she was very important to him but he didn't understand why.
Then, Bulma smacked him in the head. Knocked some sense into him. Told him he was as clueless as his father. That the girl had actual feelings for him. That she always believed in him; never thought he was dead. And this is when he understood what the weird feelings he experienced were. Why she was this important for him, to the point where he couldn't get her out of his head. He asked Bulma what he should do, and she simply answered "You take her out on a date." And Gohan started preparing for it.
After the events, they continued to train for a while. He taught her how to control her flying and Ki so she could protect herself more. He knew her character and he knew she wouldn't give up fighting and helping the police. The events that happened surely awoken her sense of justice even more. But his heart won't handle her getting hurt. He would snap if anything were to happen to her, so he saw it best that she could handle herself without his need to intervene. He didn't want her to think he didn't trust her, that he wanted to control her every move. Her independence was very important to her, and he wanted her to understand that he respected that. But at the same time, her wellbeing and protection were even more important.
And then one day, after finally deciding where he wanted to take her, he caught her after their training session, asked her to be ready the next day at around 5. And she accepted, happily, a big smile plastered on her face. She was hoping for something and he could feel it. And his heart raced in his chest at her excited grin.
He nervously found her at her place. And it was a good thing her father was out doing Dende knew what. He felt like the man didn't really like him and he was still thinking of ways to get his approval. Not that Mr. Satan feared him, or thought he wouldn't be able to protect her daughter. It was more by fear that danger seemed to follow him everywhere he went. Any parents would be afraid for their kids' wellbeing. He knew he would and he didn't blame the world champ for his reaction.
He shyly knocked on the door, the confidence he got after having his powers unlock dissipating. He was a mess and he knew it. But he was about to go out with the girl of his dreams. And when she appeared on the stairs leading to her hallway, he was surprised to say the least. She was so beautiful. Even more beautiful than usual. And he didn't even know it was possible. Wearing a light blue dress that reflected her eyes, she was the epitome of beauty. And he didn't even know how to compliment the goddess who was in front of him; but the stars shining in her eyes made him realize that she understood the words his tongue failed to provide.
He never thought he'd see her wear something like this. And she told him she wanted to try something new. Turns out after you die and get a second chance at life, you change your whole perspective on things.
And they happily flew towards the mountains before Gohan landed. It was a clearing with a magnificent crystal-clear waterfall. Several fruit trees forming a twenty-four-color palette, only to be mirrored by the flowers on the perfectly green grass. And they spotted a few animals that were shyly coming to eat, fearing at first the two figures that were usually considered hostile to the wild life.
It was a nice place to sit and calm down. Relax and forget about the rest of the world for a while.
They both laid in the shadows of a tree near the water, looking at the clouds passing in the sky. She turned to face him, her head sitting in her palm and she asked "Why are we here?"
He turned his face, his hands still behind his head and he answered "I thought it might do you good to get out. No training or anything. Just to breathe a little. You've been through a lot and I know seeing Buu every day in your house isn't easy. So, I figured you could enjoy a little peace away from him for a while."
She smiled at him and a peaceful silence reigned. He was right, she needed an outing. As much as she trusted her father and Gohan, no one could blame her if she didn't fully accept Majin Buu's presence. He was the whole reason they had to experience all this fear. An out from the bubble gum alien was perfect. And the place Gohan chose was very peaceful. Just what she needed.
Gohan had no idea what a date was or what to say in this situation. He barely knew he had to get something to eat. But the look of serenity on Videl's face made all his troubles go away. She didn't care for grand gesture, she only cared to be with him. He could read this on her face.
After a few minutes of peaceful silence, she looked at the sky, a small blush forming on her face, and she said "I never believed you were dead." He turned to face her, only to see her still looking at the sky, and she continued "When they all thought Buu killed you. I didn't believe them. Something in me told me to have faith. To keep believing. That you were still alive. And I was right."
He had a small smile plastered on his face as he asked "What made you think that?"
She simply replied "I felt it in my heart." And they both blushed.
He was not expecting this but he never felt happier at her declaration.
It was his time to look at her and he spoke "I couldn't muster the courage to tell your dad you died. The words didn't come out."
She looked at him, surprised by his words, and she asked "Why? I mean, it's not like it was only me. The whole planet was killed because of Buu's last attack."
He nodded, looking at the sky "I know. And to tell you the truth, I was the one who told my mother when my dad died at the Cell Games. It wasn't new to me. But, yours, I couldn't. I felt like I had to tell someone that a part of me died and I couldn't. I didn't know why I felt like that but, it was the case. It may be because we are close friends, I don't know."
She had a big smile on her face.
She knew what he meant, even if he didn't say it clearly. And she was over the moon. Because what he felt was what she felt.
Her heart was the indicator that he was still alive, that his heart was still beating somewhere. And his heart died when hers stopped. They were like interconnected in the most beautiful of ways.
She knew he wasn't good at this stuff, but she understood him. She knows the way he thinks, what he likes and dislikes, and how he feels. In a way, she felt connected to him in a way she didn't understand, at first. But then, she did. And she never felt herself more alive than the moment she understood. The moment she let out her frustration and cried when she saw him again. When she started punching him repeatedly, to make sure he was really standing next to her. This was when her heart became alive; because it died with him, and she knew it.
After a few moments of reflection, he sat, legs crossed, and he looked at her in the eyes "I never had an easy life." She sat in front of him when she heard him talk and she smiled, encouraging him to continue "I didn't have what you could call an easy childhood. Cell was just the tip of the iceberg. You already learned so much, and I want to tell you the rest, if you don't mind." She nodded and he shyly continued "I don't know why I feel like I can't keep these secrets from you. It's wrong. Like I'm lying to you. I feel at ease when I'm with you and I sometimes forget all the difficulties I passed through." He blushed, turning a very dark shade of red before he continued "I guess you gave me a new purpose in life. You gave it a new meaning. I always fought to protect my loved ones and the Earth but now, I feel like it will be more personal. You believed in me, trusted me, waited for me. And for that, I'll always be grateful."
She smiled, her face almost hurting, and she gently held his hand.
The tension was electric.
And she looked at him in the eyes "I'll be more than happy to lend you an ear whenever you wanna talk. Because you also changed my perspective on life. You made understand how trivial things matter. How to enjoy the little moments. That there'll always be more than what meets the eyes. And for that, I'll always be grateful."
He smiled at her. His heart felt so light he was afraid it could fly on its own if it wasn't well trapped inside her chest.
They didn't need to say anything else. They both understood. Even the bold and brutally honest Videl was reduced to the same level as the shy and reserved Gohan; short on words. Because, in this very moment, nothing could express their feelings. They were too big to be contained within any word present in the dictionary.
He then cleared his throat, knowing very well that the next subject was going to be touchy. He then looked into her eyes, unable to hide this news from her anymore, and he tried to smile "There is something else you should know. Why I have all these different abilities. My golden warrior form, appetite, raw powers. But I'm afraid you'd see me differently after this and I don't wanna ruin what we have."
She then smiled and held his hand "At this point, I can believe everything."
He nodded, taking courage in her smile, and he spoke "I'm actually half-alien. My dad is an alien from an old warrior race called the Saiyans."
She blinked at first, registering what she heard, before she chuckled "That was the thing you were afraid to tell me? I thought it was something bigger. I don't care if you're an alien Gohan. It makes you even more amazing."
He blushed a little and started telling her about his ancestors, and she patiently listened.
For him to open up on his own was a proof of how much he trusted her. And she was fascinated by his world. It kept on becoming even more amazing. She noticed that the surreal was possible and that everything you read in myth were actually true at some point. And she was one of the lucky people who actually knew the truth on how the world works. And it was thanks to Gohan, and for that, she'll forever be grateful.
When he finished counting his tale, she nodded at him, smiling when he exhaled a breath he didn't know he held. It felt good to get it out of his chest. He trusted her enough to keep his privacy and to accept him for who he was, no judgments at all. He really found someone amazing, that was for sure.
She then got up and held his hand, inviting him on a walk. A peaceful silence was reigning, and only the sound of the birds chirping and animals promenading in the forest could be heard. They continued to walk hand in hand until they reached a clearing deeper into the forest.
Gohan instantly recognized it and he looked at her, a quizzical look only clueless Gohan would show "Why are we here?"
She smiled, reminiscing a little, and she answered "Because that's the place it all begun. It's the place my life changed forever. Where I discovered an amazing new world, and how much of an amazing person my shy and reserved classmate actually was. This is where my perspective on things changed, where I stopped fighting the truth."
He smiled at her, looking at the place, the memories of her flying lessons flooding in his mind. He then said "I feel the same way."
She faced him, a blush forming on her face, before she continued "To tell you the truth, it's also the place my heart came alive."
She could see a big grin in his face before he said "Me too. It's where my heart found its missing piece." And he intertwined their fingers together, tightening the grip.
He saw her eyes sparkle, and he loved that sight. It was so pure, so wholesome, so perfect. So simple. Her eyes sparkled with life and excitement, and it was beautiful. She was beautiful. The most beautiful being he'd ever seen. And he was so lucky to have found her.
He continued to look at her before his mouth talked without his command "Can I kiss you?" It might have been his newly found confidence, or that she was the most gorgeous thing he'd ever laid his eyes on. But he didn't mind that the words slipped out. It was something he craved.
He wanted to be with her, to tease her, to hear about her day. To know more her likes and dislikes. To always smell her intoxicating scent, see the sparkle in her eyes. To comfort her if she was feeling down, and rejoice with her at the good news. He wanted to know her better because he knew she would become more amazing with each passing day.
And he saw her eyes widen, not anticipating his question, before they sparkled more and she shyly nodded, reducing the distance between them and she answered in a whisper "You can."
And they closed the small gap between them.
And it was like fireworks exploded.
They both understood everything in the kiss they shared. Their first one of many more. The unresolved feelings, the shared message their hearts were sending. The sentiments no words could describe. It was so pure, so simple and perfect. Nothing could ruin this moment.
When they parted, she looked into his eyes and said "I should've listened to my heart moons ago. You're the best thing that happened to me in a long time."
He gently nodded "For me too." He then looked into her eyes "I know one thing for sure. Right here and now, I will never feel this way for anyone other than you." And he caressed her cheek with his hand.
She had a tear in her eye at his declaration and he held his hand with hers, the other one setting on his broad shoulder "Me too Gohan."
His heart skipped a beat at her confession. And he couldn't but kiss her again. The sweet cherry flavor of her lips mixed with her natural vanilla scent; it was something he will get accustomed to.
Because it was something he knows will crave for, at least, the next sixty years.