Chapter 38: Home Cooking

"Come on Gohan. I need to make sure you're 100% ok. Don't hold back." Good, I like the power behind that punch. "Very good. Now listen up. You be good to mommy, and don't give her any trouble."

"Yes, daddy. When we come back, can we go camping again?" I couldn't help but smile at that. Even though I felt slightly sad that we miss our yearly trip, I definitely look forward to our next.

"Ok, but mommy gets to come." He nodded at that, and gave me a big smile. With that he left the room with Ox King. Chichi waited till everyone left, before he approached me. She looked worried.

"You sure about this? We finally became a family again, and now he's leaving again." She then begins to cry. I hate when my Chichi cries. I wish I could hug her, and make all her pain go away.

"I don't like it either, but…" I really don't know what to say. What could I say to make it better? Then I remembered! What if Bulma's dad fixed MY ship, and when I'm heal, I can go get Gohan. "Hey." She looks at me. "Remember where I told you grandpa found me?" She nods. "Maybe the ship, I was sent in, is around there. Maybe Mr. Brief could fix it, and I could get Gohan after I'm healed." Her face lit up at that. You mean it! "Yeah! Then after that we can all stay home." My wife loves that idea. So much so, that she's dropping kisses on my face. Everywhere but where I want her lips to be. She then stops and is about to walk away. "Hey!" You're being a meanie butt! You better come back here! Or what? She's giggling. Oh, she's going to get it.

…

Oh, she's going to get it. No, I'm not. That was payback for that little comment the other day. Once I made it home, I noticed how independent my Gohan was behaving. He grew so much during that year. He didn't even need my help to get out of the car. "Gohan." He looks at me from the front door. "Before you even think about training, or going off, you have to do all your missed homework." He looked ready to argue back, but instead he held his head down and agreed. "If you finish more than half before dinner, you can have an hour before bath time." He lit up at that. Now he was bouncing around me, to hurry and open the door. The moment I did, he almost knocked me over, running to his room.

He really is like Goku, so silly. When they get permission to do something, they just lose the meaning of patience. Now to get a hand on dinner. I had already precut everything, so all that's left is the cooking. I wish Goku was here, that way everything would be absolutely perfect. I then automatically touch the bitemark. After finding out that he was an alien, I started wondering if this was the equant of a wedding ring. If that was the case, then this is even more special than I first thought. But there's nobody to ask these questions.

Once dinner was done cooking, I went in search of my baby. When I entered his room, I saw the most heart shattering scene. He was holding the blanket I made for him, and it looks like he had cried himself to sleep. My poor baby. Was he trying to be a big man at the hospital? Is that why he didn't cry. I couldn't hold it in anymore, either. I held me baby, close to my chest, as I began to sob. I sobbed for the fact my baby wasn't a baby anymore. I whaled for the fact I couldn't protect him. And I angrily cried that I couldn't turn back time, and stop this from happening. MY BABY BOY! MY FAMILY!

…

I'm finally home. After a year away, I'm finally home! Mom wants me to study, it makes me sad, but that's ok. When I entered my room, all thoughts of cheerly jumping on my bed left. There was something new in my room. I went to go pick it, and see what it was. It was a blanket, and it had hearts, and my name. Also, my favorite teddy bear had a blanket around him. Mom made these. She even when out to make one for teddy. Mommy is the best mommy every. Uh? There's something written on the heart. "Mommy, Daddy & Gohan forever & ever."

But it almost wasn't going to be a forever and ever. Daddy died, and I wasn't with mommy. I was dragged into a fight. I saw daddy's friends die. Daddy? Daddy almost died a second time. I lost daddy once, and I was going to lose him a second time. No! NO! NO! NO! What if I lost mommy too? NO! NO! NO! I won't let that happen! Daddy! I'm scared! Mommy! I'm so scared! Mr. Piccolo said I was strong; that he taught me everything he knows. But it doesn't feel that way. I'm only a kid! I'm not supposed to be fighting! Mommy was right! But I can't stop now! I have to do what I have to do! Once everything is done, I'll be mommy's good little man— No! I'll be mommy's good little boy. I have to be brave for both mommy and daddy. Even through I'm scared.

Uh? Why is mommy crying? I try to give her a hug. Mommy isn't allowed to cry. "Mom, are you ok?"

"I am, with you hugging me." She's smiling, but she still looks sad. "Come one now, dinner is ready." Oh no! I didn't do my homework. "I'll still give that hour. Only if you sleep in my bed tonight." I nod at mommy. I want to sleep in her bed tonight, anyway.

…

My son is home. My Chichi has Gohan back. Sad that I can't join them. At least, Chichi left flowers. Seeing my Chichi again feels so wonderful. Hearing her voice, smelling her scent. I wonder what she cooked for dinner today. Gohan is so lucky, cause this hospital food taste horrible. Is it me, or were my friends cold to Chichi? They seemed almost scared to be in the same room with her. I really need to find out why. Oh, speak your wish and it shall be granted. "Hey you guys."

"Is Chichi around?" Perfect.

"Why you ask?"

"She's one scary lady. How do you even put up with her?" "Yeah, Goku. She doesn't even want to let Gohan come with me and Krillin to Namek. I don't see what's the big deal. He is your son after all." "Yeah. And she sure makes him study so much." They started laughing among themselves.

"She just worries a lot. And Gohan is very smart. She just wants to keep him challenge." It's very simple.

"Yeah right. If she worries so much, why didn't she worry about you? You're her husband, and badly hurt. Some wife." Bulma doesn't know what she's talking about.

"If so, may I ask something?"

"Sure bro. Ask a way."

"So, what happened during the year I was dead?"

Bulma went on about fixing Raditz scooter. How she got everyone together, to train under Kami. And this nonsense about new clothes. Plus, how mad she is that I, nor Chichi, invited anyone to MY wedding. Not Chichi's fault; that was my choice alone. Krillin went on and on about his training Kami and the guys. Master Roshi… I don't even want to think about that. But I did notice not one of them mention anything about Gohan or Chichi. That leaves me to wonder, how did Chichi find out I was dead? Did anyone even try to stop Piccolo? Did anyone even cared to save my son? I was getting very annoyed of not knowing.

"So, who told Chichi?"

"Told Chichi, what?" And they call my stupid.

"Who told Chichi that I died?" I notice how they all looked at each other, not one stepping forward to speak. I'm getting very impatient. "Can someone speak up already!"

"I told her. And that you let Piccolo train Gohan." What is Master Roshi saying? Did he really tell Chichi I let Piccolo take Gohan? No wonder Chichi is mad. That's when I notice that Krillin was shaking and backing away. I told everyone to get out, except for Krillin.

"Tell me what happened, and don't lie to me." He told me how Piccolo just took Gohan; that he was too scared to fight back. He told me how everyone argued on who was going to tell Chichi, but no one stood up. Nobody even answered the phone when she was calling. How she went to them the next day, looking for me and Gohan. How she was choking Master Roshi, so he could tell her what happened. How she threaten Krillin to keep a watch on Gohan. And if he was in danger, to bring Gohan to her. My poor Chichi. "Krillin." He looked at me, with shame in his eyes. "I'm going to need the biggest favor." He nodded. "Please keep Gohan save for me. After all, he's still a kid."

"I'll try my best Goku! I won't fail you."

"Good. Now get out." He looked stunned, but he did leave, slowly. Bulma was the only one who came back in. "What do you want?" I was in no mood to speak to anyone.

"Look, Goku." She placed a hand on the edge of my bed. I don't like this. "As a long-time friend, I'll do this one favor. I'll pay your medical bills. And I'll make sure all your records are top secret. I just want your permission to keep those records."

"Why?"

"Who wouldn't want to study alien DNA. Just think of it as your payment." I agreed. But when she left, I felt slightly uncomfortable. Bulma does what she wants anyway, so why did she tell me this? Something really bugs me about that. Well, tomorrow Chichi and Gohan are going to come visit me. Maybe I'll get lucky and get to kiss Chichi's lips. I wonder if she's asleep yet. Chichi? Goku? I'm giving Gohan a bath. So, don't say anything funny. I just wanted to say I love you, and that I want to hear, what you did during the year. You'll find out tomorrow. Oh, and Gohan has been practicing. Practicing what? Hi, daddy! Hi, Gohan. Now you two get plenty of sleep. Can't wait to see you both, tomorrow. With the thought of that I finally fell asleep.

…

Dad sounded so proud of me. I too, want to know what mom did during the year. Mom's packaging a bag of food. Dad going to be so surprised! And it looks like some of it is dad's favorites. I'm also glad mom said I could visit Krillin too. Now what book do I want to pack? I finished both math textbooks, history, basic science. Oh! I know which one.

Once we got to the hospital, mom had asked a nurse if she could get a wheelchair. Saying something about going to the roof for fresh air. We were so happy to know that we could do that. Once on the roof, mom found us a spot with lots of space. "So, Goku. Gohan has something to show you." Mom looks so proud saying that.

"Really? Lets see!" Dad sounds so excited. I started to feel a little nervous now. I hope dad likes it. I been working very hard. I went to the middle of the clearly, and got into stance. "Wait!" I was surprised, but I kept my stance. "Right leg a little more out. I said out, not back. Shoulders down. Ben knees a little more. Too much. Ok. Ready. And. Start." This actually feels more relaxed and stable. Why didn't Mr. Piccolo tell me this. Anyway, I started to go into the motions. I started to realize with the adjustments my form seem to go more fluent. Once I stopped, I looked over to dad. He looked so proud of me. "That was very good Gohan. Did you learned that all on your own or Piccolo taught you?" Mom looked mad the moment Mr. Piccolo name was mentioned.

"No, daddy. I taught it to myself. I remembered the book mommy showed me, and how you did it when you were home." Dad looks unbelievably proud.

"Come here and give daddy a hug." I tried to be as gentle as possible. "I'm so proud of my little man! You did a great job!" Even mommy was praising me. It almost felt like how it was before. Mommy, daddy, and me so happy, and telling me I did a good job. I'm so glad I showed dad.

…

I was so surprised when the nurse came in with a chair, with wheels. They said something about fresh air, and that got me excited. I was able to sit more and even walk a little, but they still made me stay in this damn bed. Now me, Chichi, and Gohan were on the roof, spending time together. Gohan showed me his kata that he was practicing. There were some flaw in his stance, and I tried to correct as much as possible. Also flaws in his whole movement, but sadly I couldn't show him how. Either way, I'm so proud of my Gohan. He's so talented and smart. Maybe I could ask Krillin to do a few corrections, while they on their trip. Disappointed it won't be me, but I want him to be as ready as possible.

Then Chichi surprised me with her home cooking. I just knew I smelt something yummy coming from her, but she always smells yummy. She was feeding me, as Gohan read his book. He then would tell me what's he's reading, and it was about space. "Trying to get ready for your trip as much as possible, I see." We all laughed.

Then we listened to what Chichi did all year. How she cried all night before she found out about my death. How she threaten Krillin, and trained and tried to find Gohan. Also, how strong she was in keeping hope that we will all be happy, once everything was done. My Chichi is truly perfect, and the real strong one among us. Gohan hugged his mommy, and even cried. "Come her hon." The best I can, I placed her on my lap and gave her a hug. Now my Chichi was crying. "It's ok. We're here now. And when Gohan comes back home, we really will be together forever and ever." I kissed her forehead. Gohan then got on Chichi's lap, and hugged us both. He began to cry too.

NO! My family isn't allowed to cry! I tried to hold back my own tears, and hug them tighter. My baby boy! My wife! My family wasn't supposed to be hurt! They only should be happy! Without realizing it, tears did find their way down my face. I only realize I was crying when both, Gohan and Chichi, wiped the tears away. My job is to protect and make them happy, yet it feels like I failed them. No more!

…

Daddy's crying! Oh no! Daddy never cries!

My job is to protect and make them happy, yet it feels like I failed them.

"No daddy! You didn't fail! You did everything you could! And that's all we can ever ask for! You're the perfect daddy!"

…

Goku! My Goku. This really did a number on you as well. My tough guy finally letting it out. My job is to protect and make them happy, yet it feels like I failed them. That's not true Goku!

"No daddy! You didn't fail! You did everything you could! And that's all we can ever ask for! You're the perfect daddy!"

"Exactly Goku! Now come on tough guy. Show us the smile that says everything is going to be ok!" He tried to.

"I really don't deserve you two. But I promise I'll do everything I can and more to keep both of you safe and happy!" He then gave us his starry smile. Me and Gohan gave it back to him. We then enjoyed basking in each other's company.

"Hey!" Goku had covered Gohan eyes, and was giving me that look. I couldn't deny him this. I grabbed his face, and gave him the biggest heart-warming kiss, I could muster. We then just sat on the roof for a bit longer, till Gohan asked if he could visit Krillin on his own. I was going to tell him to wait for me, but Goku insisted he take nimbus. Once he left, Goku didn't let go of me.

"Goku."

"No. I want more kisses. I wanna kiss your boo boos away."

"Goku, let go of me." As I tried to get away, he was able to land a lick on my neck. That felt good. It's been so long. Then a thought occurred. Since we were on the roof, and Gohan wasn't around. "How badly you want to kiss my boo boos away?"

"If you couldn't tell by now, then use your hand." He was smirking. My hand started rubbing down his muscular chest, and when I reached my goal, I was very surprised how hard he was. I gently grabbed him. "Ah. Please. I miss you." He started kissing my neck. The roof is very opened, but I also miss him.

"Let's find a shadier spot first." He was happy with that.