Chapter 119: Memory lane
Today was looking really beautiful, till the sky turned dark. It didn't last long. My guess is that someone summoned the dragon. I wonder what for. I just ignored it. It's probably nothing big, and if it is, I know my boys could handle themselves. I hope everything is ok. I just went on with my day. I was in the middle of making lunch, and prepping for dinner and Goten after school snack, when I heard the front door open. I look back, but nobody was there. Probably just my imagination, but just in case, I stood alert. I just started cutting carrots, when I felt hands over my eyes. I tried elbowing the person, I hit nothing. I tried kicking, and turning around, but still nothing. I tried taking the hands away from my face, and that's when I felt that I knew who these hands belong to. I couldn't help smile, as I tried to feel my way back to the cutting board.
I went back to cutting, and happily humming. "So, does this mean I'm not eating lunch alone?" I didn't hear anything, but the hands did loosen their grip on my face. "Don't I get a kiss?" I felt a kiss on my right cheek. I couldn't help giggle at that. "I need my eyes to continue cooking. Unless, you're helping me." I then felt the hands leave my face, and it took a moment to readjust my eyes. I then tried to look back, but a certain head was on my shoulders. "I want another kiss. I miss you." That's when I felt those hands grab my breasts, and had kisses dropped on my neck.
"I miss you too, Chichi." I tried slapping his hands away, but he just wouldn't let go.
"Goku. I'm trying to cook. Please let go."
"No. You said you wanted a kiss, but I want more than a welcome home kiss." I couldn't help giggle at that. Well, until I felt a sneaky hand making its way into my pants. I try to tell him to stop; that I have to finish cooking. But those skilled fingers of his has already started working me up. "I really missed you. Just a little taste."
"Goku, stop it. Please."
He started whining. "So, mean. But fine. What's you making?" He took his hand out, and just hugged me. I told him stew, and asked why he was home, and how long. "There's a little tournament coming up in 5 days, between universes. Would you like to come watch? You'll be traveling in space, and get to watch me fight."
"That sounds lovely. But that doesn't answer why you're home. Also, what you mean by universes? And is there some type of prize involved? Who's fighting? And why space?"
"Me and Vegeta are going to train in the ROSAT till tournament day. I'll explain that one later, when Goten is home. Well, there's these wish orbs, kind of like planet size dragon balls. And the team who wins, the God of Destruction of that universe gets to make a wish. Our universe is 7, and we're fighting against universe 6. Which is like our sister universe. If I understood Whis correctly."
"Oh, interesting. So, are you two training starting tonight or tomorrow?" He said tomorrow. "Good. I want to hear all about what you been up to in your training. I really miss you."
"I miss you too. Does Goten have school that day?"
"He does, but I could take him out for the day."
I then was turned around, and came face to face with a concerned Goku. "Who are you, and what did you do to my Chichi?" I couldn't help but giggle.
"Goten does really well in school. One day wouldn't hurt. Compared to 5 years. Now, let me get back to cooking." He smiled, and turned me back around. "Oh, Goten said you'll take him to get a haircut when you came back, why? I already got him a new haircut."
"Chichi." He kissed my cheek. "But did he say he wanted a haircut? Or what haircut he wanted?"
…
As I flew home, from school, I couldn't hold in my excitement. Sometime in the morning, Trunks and me sensed that our dads were back on earth. But since we were in school, we couldn't rush to see them. Now that school was done for the day, I rushed home. I can't wait to see dad, and tell him what I been learning from mom. And even tell him about my training.
When I got home, I notice that the door was open. Mom hates that. So, I quickly sense where my parents were, and they were inside. But why was the door open? When I stepped inside, I could hear my parents arguing. I wonder why. "GOKU! NO!"
"Oh, come on! It's not fair!"
"What's not fair? She's not even one yet!"
"Who said it had to be now? It's when she's old enough and wants to. Not like I'm saying the moment she could walk I'll train her."
"Goku, stop it! You're not doing it, and that's final!"
"But Chichi. It's not fair! You was Goten first teacher. And Piccolo was Gohan's. Why can't I be Pan's? On top of that, it seems right I be her first teacher. After all, my grandpa was my first teacher."
"Goku, we're not getting into this right now!"
"Getting into what?" I couldn't stop myself. Whatever this was sounded interesting. My parents just looked at me for a moment, before looking angry at each other. Dad called mom a meanie, before walking over to me. "What happened?" He said it was nothing for me to worry about. Then went on about asking how was my day. "It was ok. Me and Trunks were kind of upset we couldn't leave school to see you two. We even noticed that the sky turned black. Did you guys make a wish?" He told me how they couldn't really make the wish, and that there was a tournament coming up. "Oh cool. Wish I could take part."
He ruffled my hair. "Maybe another time." He then looked back at mom. "If, Chichi allows it." I then looked back at mom, and said please.
"Maybe. I'll think about it." I could help smile at that. Dad then reminded me about the whole haircut thing. I told him it was alright for now. That we could do that after the tournament. He asked if I was sure about that, and I was. I worked on my homework, and had my after-school snack. Once done, I wanted to show dad what I been working on. When we got outside, I was so excited. Since dad could sense ki better than mom, maybe he'll be able to point out better my mistakes. When I told him to sit down, close his eyes, and just sense me, he looked really confused at first. But then he had a big smile, as he did what I said.
After taking a deep breath, I started my kata, like I been practicing. It was also hard to contain my excitement over dad being here. But once I got into the rhythm, everything fell into place. Well, so I thought. When I was finished, dad was still sitting with his eyes closes, but something was off. I tried walking to him, and saying I was done. But he hasn't moved a muscle. "Dad?" The moment I tried to touch him, he moved behind me. I wasn't even able to follow him, and it was surprising.
"So, Chichi taught you that?" It took me a moment to blink, and then I nodded. "You did pretty good. Before you know it, you'll be better at it than me and your mom." I looked at him in amazement. And asked if he really mean it. "Yup. Funny thing is, your mom caught me off guard with that, when we were in the 23rd tournament." I asked him how. "Let's just say your old man wanted to know everything about your mom. I was too nervous to just talk to her. And since I learned about sensing ki, I thought I gave it a shot at sensing hers. Boy was I surprised how calm and controlled her ki was. Not even my friends knew how to fully control their ki. It was a complete shock to me. It kind of made me want to know your mom even more." The whole time, dad was blushing and smiling as he talked about mom. He looks so happy talking about mom. Reminds me about how happy mom looked when she told me stories about him.
"Dad? Could you tell me stories about you and mom?" He looked at me confused.
"Why? What stories could I possibly tell you?"
"Maybe stuff before you and mom got married. Or even before me and Gohan came along. Mom and Gohan always told stories of you. But dad." He ruffled my hair. "I want to hear how you saw mom."
"I don't know about that."
"Please."
"I—"
"Come on. A quick one. Dinner isn't ready yet."
"Ok. I'll tell you one of my favorites." I got so happy. He sat down, and set me on his lap.
…
It was the day after the party, and I had joined Chichi in her dance lessons. Well, more like watched. She wasn't going to be princess anymore, but she still took the lessons. Something about honoring a promise till her wedding day. It made me smile knowing she, too, kept all her promises. Another thing that we have in common. She's so wonderful. "Hey. Why are you smiling? What are you thinking about?"
My face started heating up with the realization I was daydreaming. About her, no less. As I saw her walk over to me, I couldn't help admire the way she's able to keep those books balanced on her head. I tried telling her it was nothing, but she didn't look like she believed me. Even when she's mad at me she looks wonderful. Especially with those flowers surrounding her. it felt like words were stuck in my throat, as she spoke to me. She asked again what I was thinking. "Nothing special. Why do you dance with books on your head?" Before she could answer, her teacher told us that she'll be right back, and for Chichi to continue practicing. Chichi then asked if I wanted to join her. "Sure." She then hands me a book, and it feels heavier than any book I know. "What type of book is this?" she started giggling and opened the book, to reveal that there were weights inside. "So, it's like my weighted clothes?" She nods.
I then stood up, and join her in the open floor. At first, I tried to follow her dance moments, but it felt weird. But seeing how she did it was just amazing to watch. I ended up suggesting to spar, and whoever drops the book first has to dance. I was happy she agreed. I was surprised how well she could fight with weights on her head. I had to do a lot of balance training, but not like this. For me, the goal was slightly different. Or maybe, not so much. I might have been stronger, but she was more graceful in her moves. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. My face started burning up, as I followed her movements closely. Without warning, she tripped me, which made me drop the book. Not fair! She started giggling, and reached out her hand for me. Instead, I pulled her down. "Hey!"
"You cheated."
"How?"
"By being memorizing." Now her face was red, and she told me to shut up.
…
"Wow dad. Mom sounded really amazing to have you not focus." I couldn't help smile at that.
"Yes, she was, and still is."
"But I still won fair and square. Plus, seeing you dance was funny." That's when we looked up, and noticed that Chichi was standing next to us. "Dinner is ready." Goten ran ahead of us. But before Chichi made it to the door, I grabbed her around the waist. "What's the matter?" I dropped a quick kissed to her neck, and told her that I love her. "Love you too, Goku." With that we entered our home. Dinner was amazing like always. We even had family bath time, which was super fun seeing them smile. Once me and Chichi got into bed I couldn't help snuggle super close to her. "What's the matter, Goku?" Nothing. Just want to hug you. "But?" Oh, come on. I miss you. I want to cuddle and smoother myself in your scent. "Goku?"
"Chichi. I'm going to be in the ROSAT with Vegeta for what would be like 4, maybe 5, years. I want to enjoy my wife, in the simplest way possible."
"Oh, really? So, no?" She held my face between her breast.
"No. I rather that be my prize for when the tournament is over."
"Awe. I feel special now. Night, Goku." She didn't let me go, but I'm not complaining. Good night, Chichi.
…
When I woke up, the next morning, I was happy to see my Goku still sleeping. He must have been really exhausted for a long while. I wouldn't mind staying in bed till he woke up. But that was too short lived, as he started mumbling as he started to wake up. I couldn't help pet his head. "Mm." I know how much he loves that, when he's waking up, and falling asleep. It took so long for us to changed who woke up first. Goku used to wake up so early, and he would wait till I woke up, before doing anything. Then, when I finally starting waking before him, it took forever to get out of his grip. Looking down at his current peaceful face, reminds me when I finally woke before him.
…
I finally did it! I woke before Goku! When I stared at Goku, I was expected to see a peaceful face, but it was nowhere close. He looked troubled. Is this his true face? He's always smiling around me, but sometimes I wonder if he's hiding something. We only been married for maybe 2 weeks, and somehow it felt he still didn't fully trust me. I could easily accept that. But the way he looks right now upsets me. I couldn't help myself, and pet his head. It's ok, Goku. I'll wait for as long it takes for you to actually trust me. I can't blame you. I'm still iffy around you, too.
As I continued petting his head, he started mumbling in his sleep. So cute. He mumbles. When I took my hand away, he had a frown. Uh? I pet him again, and he smiled. "Mm." Oh my. So cute. He likes being pet. Super cute. I tried pulling my hand away, and that's when he wake up. Well, more like his eyes shot open, before he blinked a few times. Does he have trouble sleeping? When he finally looked at me, he had a big smile. "Good morning, Chichi." Uh? I've seen him smile all the time, but this one seems sad. I told him good morning, and that I should go make breakfast. Before I left the bed, I pet his head. That's when I saw a sweet smile cross his lips. I like that one.
The day went by peacefully, but my mind was still on how Goku looked when waking up. I wonder. That night, as we got ready for bed, he went to snuggle me, but I stopped him. He looked sad, till I snuggled his head to the top of my breasts. He seems confused, and asked what was I doing. I just started petting his head, and humming. It took a while, but he started to relax, and even hugged my waist closer. Before I knew it, he had fell asleep. And the face he made was priceless. He looked so relaxed and at peace. From then on, he couldn't fall asleep unless I did that again.
…
When Goku finally woke up, he kissed me and said good morning. "Did you sleep ok?"
"I always do, when I'm with you." I couldn't help smile at that, as my face got hot. "It's hard to fall asleep when I'm away from you."
"Is that why you took that photo of me?" He started giggling, before he gave me another kiss. "I'll call you down, when breakfast is ready. Want pancakes today?"
"Yeah. And maybe some eggs, if it's not too much."
"With bacon, and fresh orange juice?"
"You know me too well." He gave me another kissed before laying back down. As I got out of bed, I felt him spank my butt. Hey! I looked back at him, and he was smiling. "Mine." My face just started burning up, and I rushed to get ready for the day. As we ate breakfast, there was a knock at the door. I just shouted that they could come in, and it was Vegeta. What a surprise. He usually is like Bulma, and wakes right in.
"Want some pancakes before you two go?" He just sat down. Guess that was a yes. I quickly made a huge stack, and handed it to him. "Hope you like blueberry." He just grunted, before digging in. His usual angry expression lighten up a bit, as he ate the pancaked. It was always nice to see how my cooking affected people. It made Piccolo go from drinking just water to asking for seconds. It was Goku's absolute favorite. That's something coming from someone who loves to eat. And my cooking made an angry Vegeta look less angry.
Once breakfast was done, I was about to start on the dishes, when Goten had started them. I was going to say something, but I'll let it go. Vegeta was waiting by the door, for Goku, and I couldn't help ask. "You think they'll be enough food in that food for the both of you?" He just shrug his shoulders. I figured as much. I quickly went in search of my secret stash of protein bars. "Here." He just looked at the bag in my hand. "This is yours. I'll give Goku his own." He took the bag, and nod his head. Since the whole thing after Cell, we were on more friendlier terms.
Once Goku came down, I gave him his bag. And told him he could only eat his. With that I saw the boys go off, and I went to check on Goten. He was watching me the whole time. Guess I have to find another place to hide my stash. It's hard to have anything food related around them. Thankfully there's one place they'll never look, and that made me happy. Soon, Goten asked if we could train today, and if Trunks could join us. I saw no reason why not. With that, I made a quick call to Bulma, and Trunks was over within the hour. The rest of the day was pretty fun.
…
When me and Vegeta got to the look out, we were greeted by Mr. Popo and Dende. Mr. Popo asked how long we were staying in the room, and he was surprised. "Oh my. Just give me some time. I'll need to stock up some more." With that he went to the room. As we waited, we just stood around till he came back. "It's all ready. Is that the only clothes you going in with?"
"Yup." He looked at Dende, before looking back at us. He asked if we were serious. "No. We came prepared." We both pulled out a capsule. With that, Mr. Popo took us to the room. Once inside, I asked Vegeta how he wanted to start this. We picked which bed we wanted, and how we would spend out time here. From there, we did a warm up spar, before really getting into our training.
For the first year, it felt like torture watching him go through the same routine over and over. He was like clockwork. It was annoying that he barely changed it up. At least I tried to do rotate my training around. Well, before lunch anyway. After lunch, was when we trained together. We usually went his way. Oh, if I even suggest something, it was quickly turned down. At least, when it was time to sleep, we were on good terms. But during that time, I couldn't help think about my time in this room with Gohan. My little boy.
…
"Dad, what is this place? It's so weird." We only been in this room a week, and Gohan still was amazed. The first week was just to get him used to the room, and he seem to adjusted better than I did. "Dad?" I looked down at him. "After everything is over, can we come in here again?" Uh? That caught me off guard. I asked him what for. He was fidgeting with his fingers as he spoke. "It would be nice to spend more time with you." I just ruffled his hair, and tried giving him the biggest smile I could.
"When this is over, you won't need this room to spend time with me."
"But dad." What? "I would have to go to school after everything is over. We won't be able to spend days together. Not saying we have to be here a full day. It would be nice to at least spend a few hours, at least."
"But that's not how this room works. But we'll spend all your free days together." He looked happy at that, and finally laid down. As I watched him fall asleep, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. The possibility that everything would be fine afterward sounds like a dream. I really hope everything turns out ok. I would like to see my little boy continue growing. I would even like to be there for his sibling. I rub his check one more time, before I went to my own bed to sleep.
…
During the second year, Vegeta finally changed up his routine. It took some convincing, but he finally changed up. Before long, he was doing my routine. And when I switched up, he did so too. Before long, we were training at the same pace. We almost became a mirror of each other. And when we sparred it was tricky for either of us to get the upper hand. We soon had to figure out how we were going to solve this problem. "How about we try to come up with a new technique? And fighting style. Then try to perfect it." He seem to disagree at first. Saying how his fighting style and techniques were already perfect. "Fine. How about we learn each other moves?" He also seem iffy about that.
"Why would I change my fighting style? And why should I try to copy your fighting style?"
"It's good to change this up. Plus, you could always change it to fit your style. It was just a suggestion." He gave me a look, before saying fine. "Should I go first? Or do you want to go first?" That was our goal for the third year. We had to learn each other's style and techniques. When doing so it opened our eyes at how flaw we were. It made us tried harder to fix those flaws, and it ended up with us getting better at them. Even learning each other technique was fun. Learning galick gun was pretty fun. Before long, we were not only able to do our techniques quicker, but also less effort and more powerful.
Now we were reaching the fourth year, and that was the most awkward year ever. During the first year we had a pattern. Slowly during the second year that pattern went away. During the third we forgot what break and sleep was. We even forgot what food way. Now on the fourth year, we decided to actually take a break. This is when we finally took note of a few physical changes. When did Vegeta had facial hair? Why does my face itch? When I went to scratch is when I felt hair on my face. In a panic I grabbed Vegeta shoulders and asked what was going on. "What?" I pointed to my face. "Oh. Yeah. Sayians do grow facial hair after years of intense battles. We kind of did what would take years of training, in less time." I still didn't feel any better about this. "Also, Nappa said, a sayian could even will hair growth. But always asked why his hair didn't grow back. He said sayian natural hair doesn't grow, everything else does."
"So, you're telling me, we could willing grow our hair on our faces?" He nodded. "What about our tails? Can we willing grow those back?"
"Hey! Didn't you say yours was permanently removed? And what about your eldest?"
I let his shoulders go, and just sat. I felt really bummed out. "Yeah. And we asked Kami to permanently removes he's too. But what about yours?" He sat down.
"I guess it was just not needed, still I became much stronger. Well, that's my theory."
"What if we could grow back our tails? Wouldn't that be something? Maybe even make us stronger."
"Kakarot, shut up. We should probably study for that written test. Sorry, but I doubt your abilities when it comes to that. so, let's take half the year to work on that."
"I'm not sure if I should feel insulted."
"Why? I have yet seen if you're even able to even comprehend a complex situation. So, forgive me if I'm skeptical of your ability to do anything outside of fighting." It took me a moment to understand what he just said. But when I did, I felt hurt.
"Did you just call me stupid, in a very wordy way?" He looked taken aback. "I'm just slow, but I'm that stupid." I actually felt really mad about that. Ever since I met Bulma, everyone been calling me stupid. It's not my fault I didn't know things, that everyone else knew. Not my fault I didn't grow up like them.
"Fine, Kakarot. Prove me wrong." He then pulled out a capsule I didn't know he had. After he released it, there was a table with a few books on it. And even pencils. He then handed me a sheet. "If you could do all this by yourself, I'll stop calling you an idiot for the rest of our time here." Deal. As I tried to get through the first page, I couldn't help think of that time Gohan had me study with him. He was so upset that he had to do another page.
…
"But mommy! You said one more page and then I could play with daddy. I did one more page. Why do I gotta do another? Daddy." I couldn't help pick up Gohan from his chair.
"You did say one more page." Chichi also looked upset.
"He got half the page wrong. If he could get the next page all right, then he could play." Gohan started to tear up, and held me tighter.
"But I don't wanna."
"Gohan!"
"Daddy."
"Gohan, listen to mommy."
"But I don't wanna. Daddy." I really don't like it when he gives me the crying pouty face. It always make me say yes to him. But I also didn't want to get in trouble with Chichi. She's doing her 'I mean it' pose, and that's hard to get through. I can't believe this. I don't want a sad Gohan, or a mad Chichi. This is so hard. What should I do? What can I do? "Daddy, could you help me?" Crap! Anything but that. I looked to Chichi, and she had a smile. She then said how that was a good idea. Not good. Then Gohan looked super happy, while cheering how I get to help him today.
I'm doomed. As I tried to help, it ended up him teaching me. For once I felt super embarrassed about my lack of schooling. But to see Gohan smile, when I got something right was just as rewarding as Chichi's smile.
…
I think Vegeta was getting mad at how long I was taking to answering everything. He even tried helping. "No! I got this." It was at the end of the day when I finally finished. I then gave it to him. As he checked my work, I was feeling really nervous. I really hope I got the answers right. Before long, he handed the sheet back to me.
"So, you're not a complete idiot. But you right about being slow. Let's work on that." That actually made me happy. So, for most of the year he helped me answer questions faster. Then the rest we ended up putting in extra training. It'll it was finally time to leave the room.