Innocent Feelings

8

Cornered

That day, after class, a group of unhappy jocks from various sport clubs approached Gohan at his locker. The hallways were pretty much vacant of students by then, most of them having already left – which was precisely why the group had decided to act now in particular.

When Gohan closed his locker door, he wasn't startled by the sudden appearance of six… no, seven bulky guys; he'd long noticed them coming towards him. He did hope that they would continue past him and go on their way, but unluckily, it seemed that he was their destination. The tall boy quietly sighed to himself in resignation.

"Can I help you with something?" he asked politely, hoping to get out of whatever they wanted from him in a civil way.

"Come with us," one of them said gruffly, starting towards the staircase. He seemed to be the leader of some sort, because the other jocks stayed behind to make sure Gohan was following.

"Ah, well," he mumbled to himself. Guess I'm forced to teach them a lesson, Gohan thought tiredly.At least we're going somewhere out of sight.

They brought him to the rooftop. Well, he would be able to take off right after he was done with these guys, that wasn't so bad. Of course, he'd rather avoid this situation altogether…

"I'm guessing you didn't bring me up here for some chit-chat," he said, while they were cracking their knuckles.

"How could some wimp like you win over Videl? Our Videl?" the leader spat with contempt, sending him a dark look.

Gohan frowned. He wasn't sure whether Videl even knew these guys. What gave them the right to talk about her like they owned her? His fingers curled into fists, resisting the urge to attack them first.

"Videl's my girlfriend," he declared, with more confidence than they seemed to expect. It made them pause and share evil looks with each other, as if they were telepathically plotting the way they were going to crack his bones.

Well, they could always try. And fail, obviously.

"Don't fool yourself," jeered another bulky guy, smirking at him in superiority. "Videl's gonna get tired of you real quick, and her dad's gonna kick your sorry ass even quicker."

"We're just taking a head start," the leader finished, bumping his fist into his hand for emphasis.

Gohan stared at them blankly. Really? Was that really all they could come up with? For a threatening speech, he had to say it was pretty bad. Heck, even the criminals he usually took care of were better at this – and they weren't all that good, either.

"Any last prayer?" said one of them, preparing a punch. From his stance, Gohan could guess he was part of the boxing club.

He almost rolled his eyes when the guy grabbed him by the collar. The half-Saiyan decided to humor them; let them believe they could hurt him, if only for a brief moment. Besides, he might as well let them hurt themselves trying to hit him.

"HOLD IT!"

Everyone paused at the sudden voice; the boxer's fist was halfway to Gohan's face. The boy in question blinked, and blinked again, as the last person he would've expected roughly pushed the jock off of him.

"I can't believe you guys would gang up on him like that!" he said, looking quite pissed off.

"Stay out of this, Sharpner," growled the leader, scowling darkly at the long-haired teen.

"Try and make me, Iron," he shot back, standing in front of Gohan in a protective way.

… Wow. Gohan was having trouble believing the scene he was witnessing. Of all people, Sharpner had come to his rescue? The same Sharpner who only called him with nicknames such as Brains, Bookworm, Mountain Boy, and so on? Sure, Gohan didn't mind; he knew they weren't meant to be hurtful. And Sharpner was actually a good friend, yeah, but he just… He didn't expect this turn of events at all.

"You're gonna regret this, Sharpner," the boxer's voice boomed.

"Please," he scoffed in response, "Don't make me laugh, Rock. I can take all of you at once, and you guys know it. Need I remind you who's number one in the boxing club?"

They glowered at him menacingly, but they seemed to be aware that Sharpner was right, and finally decided to walk away.

"We're not finished with you!" another guy called out uselessly as they were leaving. "Gohan, and you too Sharpner – you guys are dead meat!"

"As if," called back Sharpner, rolling his eyes. "You'd better stay out of my sight, or I might talk about you all to Videl. And she's not gonna let you off easy like me."

Gohan was still blinking, watching the group scowl at them as they walked through the door to the staircase. Slowly but surely, it registered in his mind that Sharpner had saved him – well, saved him the trouble to dirty his hands, that is.

"Well, that was close," said the blond-haired boy, patting Gohan's shoulder. "You know, when guys come at you like that, you don't follow them. You run. Remember that for next time."

A grin quickly formed on Gohan's lips. "Thanks, Sharpner. I owe you one."

"Don't mention it, Brains," he said, waving him off. Somehow, the nickname made Gohan grin wider. "Videl wouldn't be happy if something happened to her precious boyfriend."

Gohan frowned guiltily, as something he hadn't thought of until now occurred to him. "You… you like her too… And I didn't even…"

"Meh, it's fine," said Sharpner in a bored tone, waving him off. "For whatever reason I can't comprehend, Videl chose you. She likes brains over brawn, go figures. I didn't stand much of a chance, did I?"

"Still, I'm sorry I—"

"I said it was fine, didn't I?" Sharpner cut him off. "We're good."

The spiky-haired teen let out a long sigh. He still felt guilty. To think he didn't even consider Sharpner's feelings when he asked Videl out, that the thought didn't even cross his mind, even though his friend had liked Videl for even longer than Gohan knew her… He felt awful.

"Stop making that face, orI'll punch you," Sharpner joked, bumping into his shoulder in a friendly manner. Gohan managed a smile. "Right. Now let's head out of here. I don't wanna stay in this place for longer than I have to."

"I'm still sorry though," mumbled Gohan, following him through the door. Well, so much for leaving from the roof. He'd have to find a secluded place to take off from once they were out of the school building, he figured.

Sharpner only rolled his eyes in response.

ooOoo

When Videl told Erasa that Gohan and her planned to go on a date next Sunday over the phone, she winced at the loud squeal and put the receiver away from her ringing ear. When she thought it was safe, Videl cautiously put it back. But then she blinked, surprised to hear the constant dial tone. Erasa had hung up? Had she been that excited that she accidentally hung up her phone?

Videl shrugged, figuring that Erasa would be calling her back any moment. However, minutes ticked by and her blonde friend still hadn't called back. Videl was getting slightly worried. Why wasn't Erasa calling her back? Was something holding her back? Or did she faint or something from the excitement? As ridiculous as it sounded, it wouldn't surprise her if that actually happened. Erasa did tend to overreact. A lot.

And she would be proving that point again in a moment.

The doorbell went off soon after, and Videl paused. Could it be…? Nah, it couldn't be Erasa, could it? Sure, the time it would take to come over from Erasa's place fitted, and yes, it wouldn't be that surprising after all but still. Would Erasa actually rush to see her just because Videl told her she would be going on a date this weekend?

Well, she got her answer quite soon. There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Videl couldn't help cracking a smile as she got up and went to open it.

She shouldn't be surprised. Erasa really did overreact.

She was sporting a cheerful grin as Videl let her inside. However, Erasa went straight to her closet and pushed the sliding doors wide open. Videl stood there, staring blankly at the back of Erasa's blond head. She seemed to be browsing through her clothes, looking deep in thought. Videl sighed.

"Erasa, I appreciate the thought, but I can choose my own outfit for the date," she said, walking over to her friend.

"I'm sorry Vi but I really doubt that," said Erasa, looking at her. "I mean, look at those dull outfits. You obviously need my fashion sense to turn these… ugh, why do you only have the same type of clothes? Don't you get bored wearing the same stuff over and over?"

Videl frowned, blushing slightly. "Well, I could be called off to fight crime at any moment. I can't afford to wear something that wouldn't be fit for fighting," she said, defending her wardrobe.

"That's where you're all wrong, Videl," said Erasa, turning back to the closet and browsing through the layers of perfectly put away clothing.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you don't have to look dull if you want to wear something comfortable. Ah, this might do," she added, pulling out a baggy, long sleeved dress shirt and a black belt.

Videl watched her hold the items doubtfully, and crossed her arms. "Even if I look dull, it doesn't seem to bother Gohan. He says he likes me the way I am. I don't need to change how I look to make him like me, and I don't plan to either."

"Well, of course he wouldn't see it. Gohan needs fashion lessons as much as you, maybe even more," said Erasa, throwing the shirt and the belt on the bed and turning back inside the closet. "And I never said you needed it to make him like you; he's obviously already all over you." Videl blushed while Erasa send her a smirk. "You need to look your best when you're with him to make him gape at you. Just picture his blushing face when he sees you all prettied up! Ah, I wish I could see it, too."

Videl looked down and bit her lower lip, a pinkish tint spreading across her cheeks. "I don't know Erasa…"

"What, would you rather go shopping with me and find you new outfits? 'Cause you know I'd love that," smirked Erasa, glancing her way. "Be happy I'm only looking at your own stuff. You know I could make you go with me."

Videl rolled her eyes, even though she knew, indeed, that Erasa would certainly be able to have it her way if she so decided. "Fine, do what you want."

Erasa grinned. "You won't regret it! Gohan's gonna be drooling at you the moment he sees you," she giggled, making Videl blush again.

Well, if the end result would allow her to tease Gohan some more, Videl figured it wasn't too bad. Besides, it was always better than being dragged to the mall and to every clothing stores for hours on end. She'd been there, done that, and wasn't planning to do it again anytime soon. Or ever, if she could help it.

ooOoo

Somehow he'd misunderstood. Gohan had thought that while his mom and Bulma would be going out together, he would be staying home babysitting Goten and Trunks.

But then, why had he been dragged to the mall and was carrying so many shopping bags? Goten and Trunks each had a handful of them, too, both looking quite dejected as they followed after their mothers.

Gohan was still confused as to how he could have misunderstood. Had they said he would have to come with them or did they change their mind afterwards? More importantly, was he really needed to watch over the boys when Bulma and Chichi could very well keep an eye on them themselves? Not only did he very much dislike being dragging from store to store while carrying tons of bags, but if he'd known this was how he would be spending his Saturday, Gohan could have not come with his mom and Bulma, and instead he could've been on a date with Videl.

He could have been with Videl right now. They could've had their first date instead – well, their second try at it anyway. They could've been spending the whole day together, they could've had a wonderful time together. Yes, they made plans for tomorrow, and yes, he was just being childish now. But he hated shopping! There was no question what Gohan would rather do today. Besides, if he could have it his way, Gohan would spend all of his time with Videl.

The tall boy let out a dejected sigh, wishing he was with his girlfriend right now, instead of this hellish place called mall.

"Hey, Trunks," piped up Goten's voice. "Guess what? Gohan won an argument against Mom the other day."

This made Trunks pause. In fact, even Bulma and Chichi paused; the blue haired woman shot her dark haired friend a surprising look, seeking confirmation, and Chichi nodded with a shrug of her shoulders, as if to say, 'it happens'. Gohan frowned slightly. Was it that hard to believe that he stood up to his mother? It wouldn't be the first time he did, either. Yes, sure, it was a pretty seldom occurrence, but still!

"Really?" said Trunks, visibly doubtful.

"Yeah!" confirmed Goten excitedly. "She was telling him he couldn't have a girlflend but he convinced her he would still have good grades. Cool, huh?"

Trunks, Bulma and Chichi stared blankly at the proud-looking little boy, while Gohan was tempted to hide his face behind his hands in embarrassment. The shopping bags he was carrying were kind of in his way, though.

"It's 'girlfriend', Goten, not 'girlflend'," corrected Chichi.

"Oh, right!" said Goten, scratching the hair at the back of his head sheepishly. Then he tilted his head slightly. "What's a girlfriend anyway?"

"Wait, so Gohan has a girlfriend?" Bulma asked in disbelief. "For real?"

"But what's a girlfriend?" asked Goten once again. Trunks sighed, shaking his head at his best friend's cluelessness.

"Who's she? What's she like?" asked Bulma, turning curious eyes to the older boy, who wished the ground could swallow him. Right now would be good.

"But what's a girlfriend?" repeated Goten, frowning impatiently as no one seemed interested in explaining to him.

"What's her name?" Bulma went on, taking a few steps to Gohan.

"Now that I think about it, you didn't tell me anything about her, Gohan," added Chichi.

Goten sighed heavily, and Trunks patted his shoulder in comfort – he'd had to drop the numerous bags he'd been carrying to do so, and didn't seem to regret it at all.

"Don't worry Goten, you won't need to know that for a while," he said. "Girlfriends are gross anyways. They have cooties, too."

Goten made a disgusted face and shuddered. He didn't seem to mind not knowing what a girlfriend was anymore, thanks to Trunks.

Meanwhile, Chichi and Bulma were still asking Gohan all sorts of questions about his mysterious girlfriend, and he was slowly backing away, trying to think of a way to get out of this mess. He had no wish to talk to them about Videl; they'd just use the info to tease him about her. They always ended up teasing him, all the time. It seemed to be everyone's favorite hobby.

"Well? Aren't you going to answer, Gohan?" said Chichi impatiently. "What's she like? Does she have good grades?"

"Yeah, she does, actually," he finally answered, since the question seemed harmless. "She's pretty smart."

"Oh, that's good!" exclaimed Chichi happily, clapping her hands.

"Is she pretty?" countered Bulma; Gohan blushed, rubbing the back of his neck, and nodded his head.

"Y-Yeah," he said, staring intently at his shoes.

"What's her name?" she asked again, and Gohan sighed. Was he really going to have to answer all of their questions?

He decided to attempt something first, praying that it would be enough as a distraction.

"Oh, look, that store over there's on sale!" he exclaimed nervously, pointing his finger at a random direction.

Somehow, his distraction worked and both women turned in the direction he was pointing to. Gohan used the momentum to flee, not unlike the many times he'd escaped Videl as Saiyaman.

He sighed in relief, hiding in a corner, and smiled sheepishly as he watched Bulma and his mother turn their heads from side to side, obviously looking for him. His mother didn't look too happy, and Gohan cringed slightly, knowing he couldn't stay in hiding all the time. He would have to go join them eventually, unfortunately, and when that happened Gohan dreaded the earful he was sure to get. Well, hopefully they would forget to ask about Videl by the time he got back… In the meantime, he might as well find a nice spot to take a rest.

He was still carrying the many, many shopping bags around his forearms as he strolled about lazily. It wasn't like they were heavy – hardly anything felt heavy for him, really – but it was quite troublesome not to be able to move his arms much.

The teen stopped to look at a men's store front, watching the clothes displayed. Jeans, untucked shirts, torn jeans, hiphuggers, t-shirts, hooded sweats… Every single clothing item he saw told him the way he dressed was totally outdated. Should he find something nice for his date with Videl tomorrow? Sure, Videl wasn't really one to pay attention to fashion, but it'd be nice to look good for her.

With that thought in mind Gohan walked into the store.

"Hello, how may I hel – oh! Gohan, it's you!"

The clerk behind the counter was none other than Erasa, wearing a t-shirt with the logo of the store. She rushed to his side with a big grin across her face.

"Hi!" she greeted cheerfully, making Gohan chuckle a little nervously.

"Hi, Erasa. I didn't know you had a job here," he said, feeling like a deer caught in the headlights, meeting her here. Surely she must have figured why he'd walked into this particular store, hadn't she?

"Oh, you know, the pay's nice. And I get to meet good looking guys every now and then," she added with a wink.

Gohan blushed slightly, but the bag he was carrying prevented him from scratching the itch at the back of his head. Erasa seemed to notice his issue.

"Hey, let me help you with that," she said, motioning to the bags around his wrists. "You can leave them behind the counter while you look around the store, how about that?"

His face lit up. "Thanks, Erasa! Those things are really troublesome."

He followed after her and dropped the bags behind the counter. "They look heavy, too," she commented.

"Ah, um, I guess?" he replied uneasily. He cleared his throat. "So, can you help me find clothes? You know, Videl and I are going on a date tomorrow and I'd like to look nice for her…"

The biggest grin he'd ever seen lit up Erasa's face, and she clapped her hands happily. "That's the spirit, Gohan! I wish Videl were as thoughtful as you; she'd never go shopping with me willingly, can you believe that? Anyways, let's get to work!"

An hour later, Gohan was starting to regret asking for Erasa's help. He could really see why Videl wouldn't want to go shopping with her; the girl was a real tornado! She'd thrown at him more clothes to try on than he ever owned, and she didn't look even close to be done with him. How much longer will he have to go through this? OK, yes, he had to admit that Erasa had an unmistakably good fashion sense and that most of what she gave him to try on looked quite nice on him. But this was a nightmare. The pile of clothes she was recommending only kept getting higher, and he was tired and hungry. He also needed to hurry and go back to join his family, Bulma and Trunks soon, or he was really going to get it. The more he put it off, the louder Chichi's yelling would get, and he valued his hearing a lot thank you very much. He needed to get out of this place, and fast.

Erasa threw another outfit over the changing room's door, and Gohan sighed. Was he ever going to go out of this small, box-like room? The way things looked, luck wasn't on his side today.

He sighed heavily, obediently pulling the pair of jeans and the white t-shirt and trying them on. He then opened the door and walked out to show himself to Erasa, who smirked approvingly.

"Are we done yet, Erasa? I kinda need to join my family, you know…" he said tiredly.

"You look awesome, Gohan," she said cheerfully, apparently not hearing what he'd said. She walked closer to him and watched his toned arms with an odd glint in her gaze. "You should wear this for your date tomorrow. Videl's gonna be drooling at your muscles."

He blushed. "Isn't the shirt a little too tight though?"

"No, it's perfect," she replied, grinning widely. "You look really hot like that."

His face burned up, and Gohan looked shyly at the sneakers he was wearing. "So are we done now?"

"I think we are," Erasa chirped. She looked quite proud of herself. "You taking the other outfits I approved, right? Let's take everything to the cash register."

Sometime later, Gohan was back in his own clothes and carrying even more shopping bags around his forearms. He had no trouble locating where the others were, Goten and Trunks' ki being quite easy to single out, but he took his time strolling over to them.

He cracked a smile then, pretty glad, in the end, to have found himself some nice outfits for future dates with Videl. It may have been a painful and tiring process, but Videl was worth all of it and more. He seriously couldn't wait for tomorrow.

Humming to himself, he joined his mother, Bulma and the boys shortly after. But even as Chichi screeched at him very, very loudly, Gohan was having trouble looking serious and apologetic, as the corners of his lips kept twitching upwards, itching for a smile.

He wished time could go faster so that he could already be meeting up with Videl for their date. Man, he really had it bad for that girl, huh?

January 6, 2021