Author's Note: Welcome back everyone! So. Slight change of plans this week. Last time, I said this was going to be the spicy chapter. Unfortunately, that's no longer true for a few reasons.
To start, I got too carried away with the party scenes. I wanted it to feel natural and organic that things played out the way they did but that took a lot more time to develop scenes and context than I expected. That and it was just fun to write! By the end of the party, though, I was already at 15 full pages and 9K plus words. And by the time I finished the rest of what would have been included at the end of the chapter, I was well over 30 pages. So I decided to split it up and expand on some of the party scenes to make this chapter a standalone telling of the King's New Year's party and save the spice for next week instead. I actually considered posting both Chapter XIX and Chapter XX this week and just make it a double feature, but there was a big reason I didn't do that.
That reason is I absolutely hate the way the love scenes are playing out right now. I have a lot of it written, considering I hit 30 pages in the initial drafting of this chapter, but upon reading through it again and trying to fix it up, I'm just completely unhappy with it. I wouldn't feel great about releasing my writing in that state and especially not when it's concerning something our two leads have been working up to for a long time now. But there wasn't nearly enough time to fix it to my liking and get it posted this week, so that's why I instead elected to flesh out the King's party and hold off on the rest until next time. This way, I can spend the weekend and next week actually crafting those more intimate scenes into the kind of quality I want them to be done with instead of rushing a half-assed mess out to you that will disappoint everyone, including myself.
All that said, this is still a pretty substantial chapter, though perhaps slightly shorter than the recent average. I promise it's not by much though and I'm very pleased with how the party itself turned out, so I hope you enjoy it even still! Now, with all that said, I hope you enjoy the new chapter and look forward to an even better Chapter XX next week after I've had time to make it the way I want it! Thank you for your patience, thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the party!
Chapter XIX – Just You and Me
The first thing Gohan was stricken by upon entering the main hall of the palace was just how magnificent the building really was. As he and Videl walked through the large double doors, his eyes fell upon extravagant, crystal chandeliers hanging from the enormous, vaulted ceiling, ornate statues of various famous world leaders that called the corners of the room their homes, and even a pair of polished stone fountains that sat towards the outer edges of the main floor.
A staircase larger than the hallways at Orange Star led up to a second story balcony that encircled the perimeter of the first floor, a place several guests already stood while they sipped drinks, chatting and observing the party. The high windows gave a beautiful view of the starlight above, making the room feel even more open if it were even possible. There were perhaps hundreds of tables, each decorated with a pristine white tablecloth and a colorful centerpiece of flowers and crystal vase. There were no seating assignments so many guests just made their home wherever they preferred. There were three grand buffet tables, two at the sides of the room, and one that sat opposite the grand staircase. Gohan grinned as he saw Buu already standing at one.
He finally noticed the music that was playing. The King had hired a string quartet that sat on a small stage just to the right of the stairs. The sounds of their instruments were fed throughout the room by several sets of speakers that broadcast them clearly. Gohan wasn't too familiar with this style of music, but it did sound nice. In all his musical ventures with Videl, he had never encountered this sound. At the very least, though, it seemed easy to dance to, if the amount of people already doing so at the room's center were any indication. As Gohan took in the sights and sounds around him, he couldn't help but feel as if he were a thousand miles from where he was most comfortable – a quiet life in the mountains.
"You okay, Love?" came Videl's gentle voice from next to him. She was gazing up at him with starry eyes, a smile played across her pink lips. He cleared his throat and blinked a few times before a smile spread across his face. Even if he weren't at his most relaxed here, just being with her was enough to make him feel welcome and calm.
"Yeah, I'm okay! Just…taking it all in. This place is unbelievable," he admitted, still trying to collect himself. Videl giggled and squeezed his arm just a bit tighter.
"It really is. I remember when I first saw it; I was absolutely blown away. Don't worry, though! It's fun once you settle in!"
"I'll follow your lead then," he agreed, laughing lightly. Leave it to Videl to calm his nerves so quickly.
They found Mr. Satan quite easily (all they had to do was search for Buu, after all) and approached him. He smiled widely before speaking, his loud, gruff voice much more subdued at the formal event. "Videl, Sweetpea, you look so beautiful!"
"Thanks Papa!"
"Buu think Videl and Gohan look good together!" The pink giant had turned briefly away from his plateful of food to compliment them. It was the first time he'd ever said something like that.
"Thank you Buu, how nice of you!" she sang, a radiant smile stealing her pink lips.
"I gotta say," Mr. Satan continued, "it's nice to have you here again! And it's great that you're here too, Gohan! Usually I just have to mingle with all the world leaders and Royals but having the two of you and Buu here makes things a lot more relaxed."
"I can see how that might be pretty overwhelming," Gohan admitted, "but I'm glad to be here too! This is really impressive."
"Isn't it? The King spares no expense for his end of year party! If you see him before I do, make sure to pass along my compliments!" Videl smiled and leaned against Gohan's arm.
"We will, Papa, don't worry. For now though, I think it's time to dance some!"
"You two get out there and have fun then! I'll be hanging around with Buu so just come find him if you need me."
With that, Videl pulled Gohan away towards the center of the room. She wanted to dance already? It wasn't as if Gohan wasn't prepared for it, but he had expected they'd relax a little longer before they got started. But, sure enough, Videl gestured to the group of people dancing and smiled at him.
"Sorry, I just kinda decided for us, didn't I? Do you mind if we dance a little before we eat? I love this kind of music." Gohan smiled warmly at her and nodded. He could never have turned her down to begin with but especially not when she looked at him with those dazzling eyes of hers.
"Yeah, let's try it! Hey, what would you call this kind of music anyway?" he asked her. She smiled a wistful smile and gestured to the stage.
"'Classical' is what people usually call it. It can be played by enormous orchestras too, but this is a bit more common for formal dance parties like this. There's so much history to it and it always sounds so warm and inviting to me."
"It sounds really special. You'll have to show me more sometime!"
"I'd love to!" Videl sang her happiness before seizing his arm yet again and pulling him out into the throng of dancers. She spun gracefully before landing in his arms, her smart hands resting against him. Slowly, he took her left hand and placed his own against her waist.
"See? You're a natural," she promised, just glowing with happiness. She looked so radiant and breathtaking. The combination of the special way she wore her hair, the hypnotic dress and gloves, and her usual perfect face was reducing Gohan's mental faculties by a huge margin.
"T-thanks, Angel," he managed at last. She pressed herself close to him and they began to sway with the music, wrapped up already in the whimsical sound of violin and cello as the string quartet serenaded them.
"It's a good thing we practiced the ballroom entrance so many times, huh?" she joked, her velvet voice giving way to the most mellifluous laughter. Gohan was reeling from taking it all in. The sensations around him were unlike anything he'd ever experienced. And at the center of it all was his Videl, in all her incomparable perfection.
"It really is," he agreed at last. "We're pretty used to moving like this now, aren't we?" Without even realizing, he raised her arm and spun her. She twirled effortlessly, her dress billowing around her knees before she settled against him once more. This time, Gohan almost felt himself blush at the press of her body against his. They had done a lot more than just stand physically close like this…why was she getting to him quite so much right now?
He quickly decided it really was the dress. No, the entire outfit, really. He had seen her in all sorts of different clothing since they'd started dating but even the swimsuit back at the beach hadn't affected him quite like this did. The elegance, the confidence, the subtle sexiness she exuded. That wasn't a word Gohan had ever really used with regards to Videl before, but it seemed uniquely appropriate tonight. Of course, he found her exceedingly attractive, but this was the first time she'd ever worn something like this around him.
The way her pale skin contrasted with the dark gloves on her arms. The way the silken sapphire hugged her hips and curves. The way that when he looked down and met her gaze he could see the impressive swell of her chest in his peripheral vision. It wasn't just the physical attraction that was affecting him, either. The way her jubilant hair framed her face. The way her eyes lit up each time he spun or dipped her. The way that infectious smile never once left her face. Videl was the picture of genuine happiness, the answer to every wish for joy he'd ever had.
They danced through a few songs more, Gohan finally managing to collect himself a bit better. By the time they decided to break for food, he was much more balanced…though she still took his breath away if he looked at her too carefully.
"That was so much fun," she sang, leaning into Gohan and threading her fingers between his. Even with her gloves on, he could still feel the warmth of her touch.
"It really was!" he agreed, much more relaxed than he had been before. She smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling.
"It seems like you're settling in a little! I'm so glad! I don't want you to have a bad time tonight." He shook his head and offered her a smile in return.
"I'm okay, promise! I was a little thrown off before; I'm sorry. But I really am excited to have a great night with you!" Videl lit up and squeezed his hand a bit tighter.
"Me too, Darling! Now, what do you say we grab some food before Buu eats it all?"
The buffet itself was exquisite. Clearly, the King had spared no expense in making sure his guests were treated to the highest caliber dishes he could procure. There were tons of options: chicken, beef, pork, sandwiches, salads, even personally prepared noodle-based dishes like udon and ramen. The few things Gohan let his eyes fall on seemed like more than even he could manage to eat…and yet Buu was back at the table again, filling up yet another plate.
"How's the food, Buu?" he asked as he and Videl stopped at the pink creature's side. He turned and gave a big grin.
"Food amazing! Buu excited to eat all night! Might not even be hungry by the end!"
"Just do us a favor and save some for us," Videl teased, smirking at him. Buu, who at one time didn't understand sarcasm in the slightest, actually smirked back.
"Videl better hurry and eat soon then! Buu finish table if not fast!" Gohan found himself laughing right alongside the two just seconds later.
He and Videl brought their plates piled generously with food to a nearby table where they unloaded the dishes at last. Gohan reached out and pulled Videl's chair for her. She giggled and kissed him on the cheek before sitting gracefully, smiling and singing about what a gentleman he was. Gohan felt himself blush a bit but sensed he had done well.
They started eating shortly thereafter. They had yet to really mingle with any of the other guests, not that either of them really had much reason to, but they were still glad that no one came over to join them at their private little table in the back. It was much more pleasant, just the two of them. They ate and chatted and laughed together just like always. Even in this foreign environment, Videl's presence comforted and calmed Gohan like nothing else in the world could. Which is why he was almost annoyed when someone came very pointedly to their table and spoke to them. Looking up to see who it was, however, left Gohan much more accepting of their sudden guest.
The King himself stood next to their table, his smartly pressed tuxedo contrasting a bit too heavily with the blue fur of his wolfish face. The large white moustache and rounded glasses made his features much softer, however, as did his relatively short stature. Still, he was the King of Earth and Gohan and Videl, almost at once, moved to stand and greet him.
"Oh, nonsense," he interrupted, waving them off. "Please, sit and continue eating, I didn't come over here to disturb your meals! I simply saw a familiar face and wished to greet you! Hello again, Miss Videl; I take it you've been well? Would you mind if I sat for a few minutes?"
Both of them were so taken by surprise at the King's presence that they followed instructions and remained seated, but both offered him to join them almost in unison. Chuckling to himself, the Beastman lowered himself into a chair close to them instead of across the table and relaxed into the cushions. Videl finally responded to his question once he was settled.
"It's great to see you again as well, Your Majesty. I've been very well, thank you! I should introduce you to my boyfriend and date for this evening, this is-"
"Well, I'll be!" he interrupted, a broad grin spreading across his face. "If it isn't Son Gohan!" Gohan felt his eyes widen in surprise.
"You know who I am?" he asked before he even realized it. The King just chuckled again.
"Of course I do! You're Son Goku's boy! I'd recognize those features anywhere! Besides," he glanced over his shoulder before leaning in very close to the two and lowering his voice to a whisper, "it would be quite rude of me to forget the young man who saved our lives from Cell all those years ago."
Gohan wasn't as surprised as Videl was. His father had told him that the King was one of the few people in the world who knew about the Z Warriors and what they had accomplished across the decades, even with regards to Cell. Videl, however, nearly let her jaw hit the floor at his words.
"Y-you know about that?" she managed softly, her eyes darting around nervously to make sure they hadn't been overheard. The King nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"I do indeed! Apologies Miss Videl; I shouldn't have let that one slip so suddenly on the off chance you weren't aware. I assumed since you were dating, though, that the two of you and Mark would have cleared the air about all that."
"…Mark?" Gohan repeated, stunned.
"Ah, perhaps I've stumbled my way into the real secret of the evening, hm?" The King broke into laughter as Videl, relaxing once more, giggled and turned towards him.
"That's Papa's real name. 'Mr. Satan' is the stage name he came up with just before the Cell Games when he became the World Champion. I thought he'd told you at some point so I never even thought to mention it! Sorry!" Gohan shook his head and smiled.
"It's okay! I guess I just never thought he'd have such a…normal name," he admitted, much to the amusement of the King.
"It is quite easy to forget that 'Mr. Satan' isn't his real name for how often he's referred to by that moniker, isn't it? I've known Mark for a long time though; it would be strange if I didn't refer to him by name in front of his own daughter!"
"Have you seen Papa tonight yet?" Videl asked. Gohan noticed the tone and formality with which she spoke changed pretty significantly when she addressed him. He should probably follow her lead as well.
"I haven't just yet," he admitted, shaking his head. "Though I spy that new student of his wandering back and forth from the buffet tables so I can just follow him to catch your father a bit later. I just wanted to come over and say hello before you got swept away in the festivities again! I hope the night is to your liking so far?" Videl smiled brightly.
"It's amazing, Your Majesty. I haven't been able to attend in years now but your New Year's party is even more impressive than I remember it being before."
"Oh, stop, you flatter me entirely too much! I could do none of this without my staff's aid! And besides, I'm sure my party is mostly heightened in your eyes thanks to Master Gohan being here, no?" Videl blushed lightly and smiled to herself, an adorable little display of bashfulness. The King laughed and waved his paws before himself.
"Do forgive my light teasing, Miss Videl; I simply couldn't resist! I'll refrain from fun at your expense for the remainder of the evening, you have my word. Though, I must say, the two of you make for such an enviable couple. I wouldn't be surprised if many of the other guests are already jealous of the two of you." Videl was a bit too embarrassed to say anything so Gohan took it upon himself to respond instead.
"That's very kind of you to say, Your Majesty; thank you very much. But I'm sure everyone here tonight is more enamored by the event than by us."
"How very gracious of you to say! I don't know Goku quite as well as I know Mark, but I must admit…your sense of grace seems to far exceed his own!" Gohan was so caught off guard by the joke that he broke down into laughter all at once, the King amusedly joining in. The ruler spoke again before Gohan could fully recover.
"I do apologize for taking a cheap shot at your father while he isn't here to defend himself. Goku is a man on which we have long relied; I could never fault him for the neighborly character he presents." Gohan shook his head and offered a smile.
"Honestly, I'm sure he'd agree with you if he were here! But you have my word I won't repeat it to him at home." The King laughed again.
"I am in your debt then! So, the rumors are true then? He has returned to life again, has he?"
"He has. It's only been about eight months but it feels like he never really left to begin with."
"What a wonderful thing it must be for your family to be reunited after so many years."
"It really is."
The King continued chatting with Gohan and Videl for the next several minutes before finally rising to his feet once more and smiling warmly to them. "Well, forgive me, but I mustn't lose myself in one place for too long. With a guest list the size I invited, I'll be lucky to have any downtime at all tonight. Please, enjoy the party!"
"We will! Thank you for inviting us, Your Majesty!" Videl replied, rising to her feet and offering a polite bow. Gohan mirrored her actions and did the same. The King laughed once more.
"And they say young people today have no respect. The two of you have treated me more kindly than the Lords and Ladies in attendance tonight. Now! I don't wish to intrude on your experience any longer. So please, enjoy yourselves and I look forward to seeing you both again before the end of the evening!" And with that, he disappeared through the crowd nearby and vanished from sight.
"I have to say," Gohan began as they sat back down, "I didn't expect the King himself to just appear at our table!" Videl grinned at him.
"Right? He has a habit of doing that, just wandering through the party and surprising people. I think he has fun with it," she whispered, laughing lightly.
It wasn't quite the way he had expected to meet the King for the first time, but Gohan had to admit, he was quite a pleasant person. The bigger shock of the night was that Mr. Satan's real name was Mark…but that was a conversation for another time. For now, his evening with Videl was at the forefront of his mind and he was excited to see what the rest of the party had to offer.
Videl waited near the table for Gohan to return. Dinner was long finished and, after sitting and talking for a bit longer, the two had decided to dance again. At her mentioning that she was thirsty, however, Gohan offered to go grab the pair some drinks first and disappeared from her side into the room. She could have gone with him but a part of her thought it was quite romantic that he had offered to do it by himself. It was like something out of a movie.
The entire night had been like something out of a movie, honestly. Her heart had nearly stopped in her chest when her eyes had first fallen on Gohan in his tuxedo. She knew he didn't like close-fitting outfits but wow did he look amazing in them. The sharp collar of his white shirt was already foreign enough but combining that with the jet-black jacket and the slick sapphire vest and Videl just couldn't get the image of him out of her head.
He looked impossibly handsome in that tuxedo, even more so than she'd ever seen. It was amazing to her how putting more clothing on him made him more attractive and, yet, here she was, practically salivating over how well those pants fit him. The way she could feel his muscles rippling even beneath his jacket when she held his arm. She had hidden it well, but the first time his warm fingers rested against the skin of her shoulders she had almost collapsed. The reason she'd frozen so obviously when the King had teased her about Gohan wasn't so much because of his comment; she was used to those from Sharpner and Erasa by now. It was mostly because of the rush of longing she felt when he reminded her of the experiences she'd already had at his party and the anticipation she felt at having even more.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone approaching and hoped it was Gohan. He had been gone too long and she didn't want to be separated from him anymore. Turning in anticipation, her excitement evaporated as her eyes fell on someone unfamiliar. He was a young man, perhaps her age, perhaps a year or two older. He was well-dressed, unsurprisingly, an emerald green tuxedo vest offsetting the rest of his black and white attire. He had sandy blond hair, swept messily to one side, and wore a graceful smile.
"Excuse me, I'm sorry to intrude," he began, offering a small bow. Videl did the same before meeting his gaze again, curious what he might want. He continued quickly. "My name is Nikko; I am the Lord-to-be of the North Valley Kingdom. Perhaps you know of my father, Lord Kita?" Videl nodded.
"Yes, I've heard of Lord Kita and the North Valley Kingdom. It's nice to meet you. I'm Videl, daughter of World Savior Mr. Satan." Nikko laughed lightly.
"Oh, you needn't worry, of course I know who you are! Your reputation precedes you!" Videl fought the urge to grimace. She hated this kind of small talk. It was part of the reason she had stopped coming to these parties in the first place.
"Ah, well my apologies then for not recognizing you. Can I help you with something?" The sooner she figured out what he needed, the sooner she could send him away politely.
"In fact, you just might be able to. You see, my date from back home had to cancel at the last minute; she came down with a cold and we couldn't risk getting the King or his important guests sick, you know. So I am, unfortunately, here alone this evening." He offered his hand to Videl and put on his best smile. "Which is why I wanted to ask you if you might be willing to dance with me, just once or twice!"
Of course. That's what these pretentious Royals always wanted. A dance. A dinner. A date. A matchmaking. A betrothment. It never changed. That was the real reason she had stopped attending the King's parties once she started high school. In the past, it was difficult to turn down some of the more insistent suitors and scouts she'd unfortunately gained the attention of. Tonight, however, she had an easy out to these awkward situations.
"I'm sorry, but I'll have to pass. I'm here with my boyfriend and we're about to dance ourselves. He's just gone to get us some drinks at the moment." She resisted the urge to grin. It was nice to have a polite way to tell Nikko to get lost without actually having to say it. It wasn't going to be quite that easy, though.
"Ah, it seems the stars might have aligned once more, then. While he's gone, might I steal you away for just a single dance? I'll have you back before he misses you." Videl tried her best to keep a calm face but she could feel the corner of her eye start to twitch as she subtly balled her hand into a fist.
"No, I'm afraid not," she replied more bluntly than before. "I'll be right here waiting for him when he gets back." She thought she saw a quick look of annoyance cross his face. That was plenty ironic.
"You won't regret it," he promised, trying his best to entice her still. "I've been told that I'm an exceptional dancer!"
"I'm sure you are," she offered, hoping he'd get the point and just go away. "But I don't want to dance with anyone by my date."
"That seems such a shame, though! There are so many guests here tonight! You could meet so many interesting people!"
"I'm happy to meet everyone," she assured him. "But I don't need to dance with someone to meet them properly. Of course, I'm sure you'd agree." She thought she heard him click his tongue but it was hard to tell over the music and dull roar of the party.
About that time, a large figure appeared at Videl's side and she turned to find Gohan with two drinks in his hands. "Welcome back, Love," she said, perhaps a bit too loudly, before pecking him on the cheek. He smiled sheepishly before offering her the drink in his left hand.
"Glad to be back; it's a nightmare over there!" His eyes finally fell on Nikko. "Oh, I didn't realize you were chatting with someone. It's nice to meet you. I'm Son Gohan," he offered to the blond. Nikko seized the opportunity and shifted gears all at once.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, Son Gohan. And how unusual to have a family name in this day and age. Are you from someplace far away?" Gohan nodded thoughtfully.
"I suppose so. I live on Mt. Paozu in the East District." Nikko's eyes widened.
"That is a relatively remote location! No wonder the customs there are a bit different. Forgive me, though. I've failed to introduce myself. My name is Nikko, the Lord-to-be of the North Valley Kingdom," he finished, extending his hand in greeting. Gohan shook it easily, Videl trying to hide the annoyance she felt that this person still insisted on intruding into their evening together. Maybe he'd go away now.
"Gohan," he began. Of course not. That would be too easy. "I was just speaking with Videl here about the fact that I have no date for the evening." Gohan made a face somewhere between pity and confusion.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. There are so many people though, I'm sure someone would be more than happy to dance with you!" She couldn't help but smile at Gohan's pure innocence. Nikko nodded.
"I should hope so! However, I was actually wondering if Videl might be interested in a quick dance with me." She felt her eyes narrow immediately. Was this stuck-up little brat really telling her Gohan this? Before anyone could respond though, Nikko continued.
"But she told me she only wants to dance with you. So I was hoping you might be able to help me out instead." Gohan's face was clearly more confused than anything else now.
"Um…I don't see why not?"
"Wonderful! Just tell Videl it's okay if she dances with me! That way we'll all be happy!"
Videl felt herself bristle and her temper flare. Who the hell did he think he was? Tell her to dance with him? Gohan spoke from beside her though before she could get too lost to her frustration.
"I, uh, think you have the wrong idea here, Nikko. I don't 'tell' Videl to do anything. She can do whatever she does or doesn't want to. Besides," he said, smiling down at her, "I don't want to dance with anyone but her either and it makes me happy that she feels the same way!" The fluttering sensation that caused Videl's heart to soar almost made her anger evaporate completely.
"Ah, forgive me," Nikko said, though Videl got the impression he wasn't done just yet. As it turned out, she was right. "Perhaps I haven't been quite insistent enough. As the heir to the North Valley Kingdom, it would be an honor to dance with the daughter of the World Savior. And I'll be damned before some hick from the countryside is going to spoil my evening."
Gohan's eyes widened in surprise, though he didn't look angry or even annoyed. Videl, however, was just about done with Nikko. She rounded on him with fire in her eyes. "How dare you speak to Gohan that way!" she spat, glowering at him. Gohan just reached out and put a warm hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down. She didn't want to cause a scene but she was just about at the end of her, frankly, saint-like patience.
Nikko simply offered a defeated smile. "I'm simply reminding him of his place, Videl, as it seems I have to do with you as well. This has wasted more than enough of my time already." He met Gohan's eyes again and looked expectantly at him. "Well? I'm waiting. Command your woman to dance with me."
Videl felt the last bit of deference she had snap and she moved to take a furious step forward but Gohan caught her arm gently. She turned quickly back towards him and saw his eyes, uncharacteristically hard, boring into Nikko's as he spoke in a low voice. "Look, you can call me whatever names you want; I don't really care. But don't you talk about Videl like she's property or something. If this is how you do things out in the North Valley Kingdom, we'll take care that we never visit."
Videl suppressed the giant grin that wanted to take over her face as she watched the Lord-to-be's eyes widen and his face twitch in rage. "You arrogant…I'll have you both know that I am the King's godson! And he won't stand for this disrespect!"
"Funny," Videl began, gazing up at Gohan pointedly, "we were just chatting with the King a little while ago and he was so supportive of us! Somehow I don't think he'll have a problem that I didn't want to dance with you, especially since I'm here…you know…with my partner."
"How classless to act so high and mighty," Nikko spat, glaring at the two now. Videl laughed, a forced and aggravated sound.
"That's a good joke. Us? High and mighty? Can you even hear over the sound of your own entitlement?"
"How dare you…"
"Let me put this in very clear terms so your warped, arrogant little mind can understand: get the hell out of my face. And Gohan's too. Neither of us want to see you for the rest of the night. Or ever again, really." She was done with this charade. Formalities be damned.
Nikko was red-faced now and quaking with anger. "You…you'll regret speaking to a future Lord that way!"
"Oh. cry me a river," Videl spat, rolling her eyes. "But do it way over there so I don't have to see your face while you do."
Nikko sputtered several times before turning angrily and storming off, shoving through members of the crowd nearby. Videl took a calming breath and turned towards Gohan again. He wore a look of bewilderment on his face but his eyes betrayed a sense of annoyance, too.
"You okay, Sweetheart?" she asked softly. Gohan just blinked a few times before smiling down at her.
"Yeah, just confused mostly. Are you okay?" She waved a hand dismissively towards the direction Nikko had gone off in.
"I'm fine. Annoyed he wasted five minutes I could have been spending with you, but that's all."
"What was that guy's problem anyway?"
"Jealousy, probably. And entitlement. People like him are why I stopped coming to these things. They see me and just want to own me as a connection to the World Savior or something stupid like that…and that Nikko guy was probably jealous that you get to be here with me while he's alone and angry since he obviously views you as beneath him."
"I'm sorry you've had to deal with things like that. I think the strangest part of all that was him telling me to…'command' you? Is that really how he views you?"
"It's probably how he views all women, honestly. I don't know anything about the culture of the North Valley Kingdom, but if his father is anything like he is, then I'd bet women don't have much of a voice or say in things there…" Gohan grimaced.
"Let's actually never go there."
"Agreed."
After recovering a bit and enjoying their drinks, though, the young couple was ready to resume their night together and Videl led Gohan back out onto the dance floor. The string quartet had taken a brief intermission earlier and was now back in full force, their playing superb and their timing impeccable. She didn't consider herself very good at ballroom dancing but being with Gohan and moving to such graceful music made it almost effortless, especially compared to the dance-off they'd survived at Capsule Corp. back in November.
She lost track of time as they danced. It could have been two songs or ten. They all melded together in a blur of wonder and joy. Gohan holding her so close and caringly was enough to reduce her to a puddle but somehow she kept herself together. Her mind kept screeching to a halt entirely, though, each time his lightly calloused fingers brushed over the skin of her upper arms and shoulders. Blessedly, her feet knew how to keep moving in time with the music even when she otherwise froze.
After a long while of, quite honestly, one of the most perfect evenings Videl had ever experienced, the string quartet announced they would be taking another break after one last song. It was a relatively up-tempo piece and Videl was immediately engrossed in the depth and energy of their dance. The way the music commanded them to move was filled with intensity and purpose, a similar feeling to when they fought side by side together. Perfectly in sync. Matching in every way, even the rhythm of their breathing.
Until something crashed into Gohan's back and caused them to stumble. He held her tight though and recovered quickly, guarding her from colliding with anyone else around them. "You okay?" he whispered in her ear, oblivious to the goosebumps that sprang to life down her arms in response.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Are you?"
"Yeah, someone just bumped into me, that's all."
"Sorry about that," came an all too familiar voice. Glancing around Gohan's arm, Videl was extremely annoyed to find Nikko and a blonde woman who had, sadly, agreed to dance with him. Rather than let him get to her, Videl waved him off.
"No problem, we're fine! Just be careful!" she called out with a fake smile. She was surprised she'd even managed a smile this time. "Forget him, let's keep dancing," she whispered into Gohan's ear. He smiled widely and they resumed their close hold on one another before slipping back into the rhythm of the music.
Everything proceeded naturally and perfectly until, about a minute later, Videl felt her stomach lurch without warning. Gohan had lifted her off the ground high enough for that familiar sensation of the floor abandoning her to wash over her. She gasped and clung to him before he jumped from the ground, turning gracefully and landing once more. Several members of the crowd nearby gasped and applauded, some even cheering softly. He set her back down and leaned in close, his mouth grazing her ear.
"Sorry about that 'Del. That Nikko guy tried to trip us. He stuck his leg out behind you so I jumped it." Videl was both annoyed with the constant harassment and impressed by how elegantly Gohan had avoided the situation. Her anger was the stronger emotion this time, though.
"Oh, really? How about a little payback?"
"Just don't get yourself hurt, okay?" She grinned up at him.
"Come on, I'm not that frail! Especially not anymore!" He chuckled lightly.
"You're right! I'll follow your lead then."
Videl locked on to where Nikko and his partner were and made sure she was at least aware of what he was doing this time. It didn't take long for him to try it again, scowling over at the couple and timing his twirl of the blonde so he could stick his leg out and trip them again. This time, Videl threw a subtle kick forward, her shoe colliding hard with his shin. It wasn't even close to the strongest kick she could muster, but she heard a muffled cry and he withdrew his leg quickly. Satisfied, she returned her attention to Gohan.
Thirty seconds later, the final song before intermission concluded. The dancers applauded the string quartet and began to clear the floor for now, several other guests commending she and Gohan for their grace and technique as they passed. Preparing to return to their own table, Videl latched onto Gohan's arm again, smiling brightly.
"I'm having such a wonderful night with you, Gohan," she told him. He blushed a bit and leaned down, kissing the top of her head.
"Me too! I never thought I'd actually enjoy dancing like this but I'm having an absolutely amazing time with you out there!"
"Hey!" came a loud voice, clearly demanding their attention. Videl and Gohan looked over their shoulders but didn't fully turn, unsurprised to find Nikko yet again. He had already discarded his dance partner, evidently, as she was nowhere to be found.
"Oh, hey again. Did you come to apologize for bumping us earlier? Don't worry, we're both fine!" Videl called out, waving and grinning. He opened and closed his mouth for several moments before finding his voice again.
"N-no! You kicked me during the dance, didn't you?" Videl feigned ignorance.
"Not on purpose, no! Though now that you mention, I did feel my foot hit something during one of those last turns. Sorry if it was you! Maybe we were too close again. I dunno, were you trying to trip us a second time?" she shot at him at last, her voice lowering as she glowered towards him.
Nikko blanched and sputtered. Videl decided to rub it in one last time before they left, just for good measure. "It's a good thing my Gohan's so quick on his feet, otherwise you might've managed it with the first try! But you got us a lot of compliments on our dancing because of that, so thank you!"
At Videl's insistence, they turned and started walking towards their table again. But, of course, it wouldn't be that simple. "How…how dare you make a fool out of me!" Nikko roared, earning the confused gazes of several nearby guests. Videl just kept pulling Gohan's arm, not wanting to waste any more time on him.
"You…you…you stuck up…stop ignoring me! You and that arrogant hick! No stuck-up little shrew and her brainless bumpkin are going to treat me this way!" She wasn't sure why he was directing his anger at Gohan too…perhaps jealousy. She just kept leading him along, intent to ignore the blustering behind them. He was making a fool out of himself and she was more than happy to ignore him and let the situation resolve itself.
In an instant, however, Videl felt Gohan's arm vanish from hers. She spun in time to see him block a punch from Nikko with an open palm. He didn't do anything else, not even seize his assailant's hand. The Lord-to-be's eyes widened though and he withdrew quickly. Videl had had enough though and her self-control disappeared entirely, her eyes alighting with rage.
Jumping into the air, she kicked him forcefully, though not with anything near her full strength. Nikko cried out and flew a few feet back, crashing to the floor unceremoniously and lifting himself onto his elbows seconds later, his eyes wide with shock. She stepped forward and glowered down at the young man before her.
"I've had enough of you, you idiot! How dare you take a swing at him while his back was turned!? How dare you call him names and treat him like he's lesser than you!? Do you have any idea who this is? Gohan's been responsible for saving your worthless life more times than you'll ever know!"
A bewildered Gohan reached out and touched her shoulder gently. "It's okay 'Del, really."
"Like hell it is!" she answered, though she hoped he knew her anger wasn't directed at him. Rounding on Nikko again, she pointed at him, fire shooting from her eyes. "People like you are insufferable! You're entitled, you're selfish, you're arrogant. You think everyone in the world exists just to serve you. Like your dance partner. Where'd she go, huh? Did you throw her away already? Maybe you can get away with acting like that at home but the rest of the world doesn't work like that!"
Nikko looked like he was about to retort when another man appeared, this one notably older. "Father!" he called out, his eyes glinting triumphantly. The older man simply looked between the three before settling on she and Gohan.
"What seems to be happening here?" his low voice was steady. Perhaps he'd be more worldly than his son was.
"Father! They attacked me and started berating me! All I wanted was to dance with the World Savior's daughter! But she refused again and again!" Videl rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. It was her fault they were the center of everyone's attention now but the circumstances that had led to it were just so stupid.
"Would it have really been that difficult to dance with my son one time?" the man, apparently Lord Kita, asked. Videl was in disbelief. It had taken her a while to realize that Nikko was as dumb as he was. His father had set a new record, though.
"Yes, it would have. I don't owe him anything and I have no intention of dancing with anyone but my partner." The older man just ignored what she said.
"You know, in my Kingdom it's a sign of respect when a Royal wishes to dance with you. You should be more gracious." Videl felt herself about to come unglued but Gohan took her hand, speaking up at last.
"I'm sure there are a lot of customs in your country we don't understand, but here in the larger parts of the world women aren't property. So regardless of what may or may not be a show of respect where you're from, here it's an abject sign of rudeness and entitlement. So was that last comment of yours."
The man's eyes widened a bit and Videl felt her heart flip and flutter. She knew Gohan had no trouble defending her but it always made her feel lighter than air when he did. It was almost enough to chase away her livid anger. Lord Kita was recovering at last but before he could respond a familiar voice cut through the murmuring.
"What seems to be going on here?" The King himself had arrived to check on the commotion. Videl grimaced. If she had realized the fallout that would come from her kicking Nikko, she probably would have thought a lot harder about it…or at least kicked him through the wall for good measure…
"Your Majesty," Lord Kita greeted, bowing. Nikko, however, gazed up at the King.
"My godfather! Thank goodness you've come!"
"Nikko. What happened to land you like that?" he asked, tilting his head. He pointed to Videl.
"She kicked me!" The King followed his godson's finger and began laughing.
"That seems unlikely; the two of them are so kind! Why, just earlier I had the most enjoyable chat with them!" Videl wanted to put a stop to this, though. It felt like when two young siblings got into a fight and then tried to lie their way out of it by finger pointing. She took a deep breath before sighing and doing what she knew would end the situation.
"No, he's right, Your Majesty," she admitted, meeting the King's gaze. His eyes widened a bit but Videl continued before she could be interrupted. "He tried to sucker punch Gohan and I let my anger get the better of him. I kicked him right after that and then yelled at him."
The King turned his gaze on Nikko. "Is this true? Why would you try to attack Master Gohan?" Immediately, the younger man shook his head.
"O-of course not, Your Majesty! That's not true at all!" Videl thought about interjecting but she didn't want to come off badly. The King had been very kind to them earlier; she trusted he would hear the entire story before making snap judgments. In that case, the truth would come out eventually.
"Your Majesty," Lord Kita began, "it seems to me that whether or not my son started something is of little significance when compared to the retaliation. As you can see with your own eyes, he is injured and those two are completely fine."
"Exactly!" Nikko agreed. Videl rolled her eyes but just waited for the King to respond.
"So you mean to argue, Lord Kita, that it matters not if Nikko instigated something? Only that his targets were finally fed up enough to retaliate?" The older man grimaced for a moment before recovering.
"I simply think the impetus for the situation is insignificant, My Liege. Someone resorting to violence during your carefully planned party is disrespectful to you. I think that's a call for immediate removal from the venue, regardless of what led to it."
Videl felt her heart sink. Why had she kicked him? She had just been so upset that he had attack Gohan like that. She didn't care about being asked to leave for her own sake. But Gohan had been having so much fun…
"I'll ask once more before I decide on anything, then: Nikko, did you try to attack Master Gohan?" The man in question hesitated a few moments more before simply shaking his head.
"And there you have it," Lord Kita reaffirmed.
"And the two of you have nothing more to add?" the King asked, looking towards she and Gohan once more. She reluctantly shook her head.
"No. It's for the best if we just put everything behind us. I get the sense that many of the Royals here will find our presence insulting as a result of all this. Perhaps it's best if we do just leave."
"Nonsense!" the King called out at once. Everyone gazed at him in surprise, including the crowd that had gathered nearby. He offered Videl and Gohan a warm smile. "I appreciate your delicacy and respect for my station, but you cannot hide the truth from me!" He turned and stared at Nikko again, who was finally rising to his feet once more.
"I've had security watching the party all night and I know exactly what has transpired here. I was simply offering you the chance to own up to your unprovoked actions. You did try to throw a punch at Son Gohan, but, like the martial arts master he is, he blocked you. That was when Miss Videl retaliated. It was never for her own sake, despite your constant harassment of them during their dance, but for the sake of someone she cares for. And really, who can fault someone for defending a loved one when attacked so brazenly?"
"Y-your Majesty," Lord Kita began but the King turned on him next.
"And as for you, Kita. Your disrespect towards my personal guests in the aftermath of this situation was deplorable. Master Gohan is correct: your customs and beliefs in the North Valley are not observed outside of it. To speak to Miss Videl the way you did was both arrogant and extremely rude. I expect you'll make your amends to her later."
"Be that as it may," Kita replied, though he kept his head lowered, "allowing guests who have assaulted someone to remain in your party risks dishonor coming to your reputation, My Liege. I am afraid the die has already been cast." The King scowled but looked as if he couldn't find a way to argue against the man.
"We completely understand, Your Majesty," Gohan's voice called out suddenly. Videl glanced towards him in surprise but just found an easy smile on his face. "I think Videl is right – our presence here will probably just serve to anger a lot of guests at this point and neither of us want to be responsible for ruining the party you spent so much time and effort on. Please, allow us to make a graceful exit and spare you the burden of deciding yourself."
Videl was amazed yet again by her boyfriend but decided then and there that he was absolutely right. She turned back to the King and nodded. "I agree. Rather than put you in a difficult position, we would prefer to take responsibility like this." The King offered a warm, if sad, smile.
"Never have I met two young people with more honor. You could learn a lot from watching them, Nikko," he chided, earning a grimace from the young man in question. "Very well. Master Gohan, Miss Videl, I shall honor your request. But not without a stipulation of my own. Nikko, too, shall be removed from the party for the reminder of the night."
"What!?" the voice of his godson rang out.
"Y-your Majesty, this is quite unorthodox," came Lord Kita's surprised voice. The King shook his head.
"My own godson is the reason two of my most respected guests now feel obligated to leave this party early. And, as you have so eloquently put it, Lord Kita, I do not have strong grounds to object on. So, if my new friends are going to take responsibility by their own hands and leave the party for my sake, then Nikko will return to his room for the remainder of the night for forcing them to take such an action."
"B-but, My Liege-"
"Silence, Kita. I will hear no argument on this matter. You have been my friend for decades but I cannot abide the entitlement on display here tonight. Nikko shall be removed. By choice or by force, if necessary." The King began to walk towards Videl and Gohan.
"W-where are you going, Your Majesty?" Nikko called out. He glanced over his shoulder and offered a smile.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to escort my young friends personally back to their suite. It's the least I can do after all the trouble they've been given tonight! Consider it my way of making amends in light of an honorary member of my own family bothering them so…"
Gohan was still recovering from the speed with which everything had happened but he was glad the awkward situation was over. As the King lead them amiably towards the hall's entrance, Mr. Satan caught up with them, wide-eyed and confused.
"W-what's going on here? Your Majesty, what in the world happened?
After Videl quickly explained the events, her father wore a conflicted look, one tinged with frustration.
"As much as I enjoy these gatherings of your, Your Majesty, I don't love the idea of staying while my own daughter and her boyfriend have to leave…maybe I should just go with them." The King's eyes widened and he looked a bit nervous at the thought. Videl shook her head quickly though.
"Come on, Papa. You can't embarrass the King like that! All those reporters outside would say such nasty things if the World Savior left the party early and didn't attend the luncheon tomorrow."
"W-well…I suppose you're right. But I feel guilty staying if you have to leave…"
"Don't feel bad, Papa. Besides, the King didn't ask us to leave; we offered to. It'll just make things easier in the end. We're not Royals or World Leaders so it's easier not to miss us."
"I assure you," the King interjected, "I will miss the company of both of you for the remainder of this gathering. I have some choice words for my friends from the North Valley…" Videl looked at her father again and waited expectantly for his response. Finally, he sighed and nodded.
"You're right, Sweetpea. I shouldn't be selfish about this. Are you sure you're all right with things going the way they are though?" She grinned and nodded.
"Yep, I'm totally fine. I have Gohan with me after all! Besides…I really shouldn't have kicked him…" Gohan squeezed her shoulder warmly again and she smiled up at him, guilt clearly present on her face.
"Now, now, no need to keep beating yourself up for defending Master Gohan," the King offered. "I don't take it as disrespectful so you shouldn't dwell on it any longer. But," he continued, turning towards Mr. Satan. "You'll really stay, Mark? Even with everything that's happened?"
"Yeah, I'll stay. Especially if Videl here is telling me I should. She's right, after all."
The King offered a polite bow to both he and Videl. "Your consideration of me is something I am tremendously grateful for, Miss Videl. And I apologize again that things have played out as they have. Mark. I appreciate your willingness to keep up appearances with me. I promise to make this kindness up to you and your daughter, as well as Master Gohan, as soon as I possibly can."
And with that, the King himself escorted Gohan and Videl back to their suite, chatting all the way down the exceedingly long hallways. "I just can't believe my own godson would be that disrespectful to the two of you. I apologize profusely once more on behalf of myself and him."
"It's okay, Your Majesty," Gohan assured him. "At this point, we're just glad to make sure your reputation doesn't suffer because of any of this."
"I owe the two of you an enormous debt of gratitude! And I promise I'll be working on the issues that have cropped up among those closest to me. Royals or not, basic kindness and decency is never something that should be ignored." Videl spoke up at last.
"I do want to apologize again for kicking your godson like that. I really shouldn't have retaliated in anger…" The King chuckled lightly.
"My dear girl, you are far too hard on yourself! While I wouldn't necessarily advise doing it again in the future, it probably did him some good to be humbled like that!" Videl's eyes widened as the King spoke. "That sentiment of entitlement really has taken deep root lately, especially among the younger Lords and Ladies. I'd have tried to stamp it out earlier but I've just been so busy for the last several months with…well…perhaps I'm getting older than I realized. I can't quite seem to recall what I've been dealing with these last few months!"
Gohan shared an amused look with Videl before glancing away just as quickly so as not to draw any attention to it. Soon, they finished their trek through the enormous palace and arrived at the familiar suite entrance.
"I would ask," the King started, "that the two of you please refrain from answering any questions the reporters have. I know it's an undesirable position to be in, but the less information gets out, the easier it'll be on all of us. I'd hate for the two of you to be involved in any tabloid stories, much less the image of the Royals I'm expected to maintain…"
"I actually have an idea," Gohan proposed. The King waited and watched with anticipation. "What if Videl and I just flew from our balcony and avoided the reporters altogether? That way, they wouldn't even know that we'd left and you wouldn't have to field any questions about it tomorrow since they showed up after the party started."
"My good man, you are, without a doubt, one of the kindest and most considerate people I've ever had the pleasure to know! I would appreciate that immensely!" Gohan blushed a bit at the excessive compliment but managed a goofy little grin too, one that Videl was particularly amused by.
"Consider it our parting gift and apology for this evening," Videl agreed, bowing lightly. The King returned her bow, much deeper.
"Oh, nonsense. The two of you are bailing me out of a mess you didn't even have a say in. I'll accept your kindness once again and I promise I will make it up to you in spades when next we meet!"
"We'll just be happy to come back for another party someday!" Videl promised.
"That can and will be arranged for, certainly!"
Saying their goodbyes at last, the King returned to his party and Gohan and Videl returned to the suite. The excitement and adrenaline of the last several minutes had drained a good deal of energy from both of them and they wearily agreed it was time to change and brave the cold together. Parting and heading back to their individual rooms, Gohan began to change from his formal attire back into the warm winter outfit he'd worn to the Satan Mansion earlier. He had to admit, he was a bit disappointed that he wouldn't get to see Videl wear that breathtaking dress anymore tonight, but at least they'd grabbed a few pictures during the party. He quickly packed up the remainder of his things and popped them into capsules before returning to the main room, where he found Videl waiting for him. The smile she had worn earlier was all but gone now, a melancholy look shadowing her usually vibrant face as she sat on the couch waiting for him.
"I'm sorry I ruined our first party…" she murmured, gazing anywhere but at him. Gohan just shook his head, sitting down next to her and squeezing her hand gently.
"It wasn't your fault at all, Angel. Nikko tried to ruin our first party, not you. Besides, I think it's a great story! And that kick of yours was really satisfying to see!" She finally let her eyes meet his.
"…really?"
"Really! I'm not disappointed or upset at all, I promise! We can fly home and laugh about this together the whole way." At last, Videl managed a tiny smile before squeezing his hand back.
"Thank you. Still…sorry I put that awkward spotlight on us, too."
"Well, that I could've done without," he joked, earning a demure giggle from Videl. It seemed she would be just fine after a little longer. Though Gohan didn't mind taking it upon himself to cheer her up.
"What do you say we get out of here? I've made a big enough fool of myself for one night, I think," she grimaced, rising to her feet. Gohan stood and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
"If you made a fool of yourself, then so did I. Did you hear what I said to that Lord Kita?" Videl laughed at last and met his gaze, her eyes starting to sparkle with amusement once more.
"I did! And it was amazing, what are you talking about you made a fool of yourself? You did not!" Gohan grinned sheepishly.
"It just felt like I probably shouldn't have talked to someone important so…flippantly?" Videl just scoffed.
"Well you're the one who actually saved the world, so those jerks don't ever have the right to look down on you! Not my Gohan!"
They laughed together a bit longer, Gohan quite happy that Videl's good mood was returning at last. Finally, making sure they had all their possessions, they walked out onto the balcony, the frigid air wrapping around them, causing them to huddle closer together. It was one of the times Gohan was quite glad their ki shields would keep them warm all the way back, something he often took for granted.
At last, they took off together, hand in hand, making sure to take a wide arc around the palace so the reporters wouldn't see them. This way there wouldn't be any bad publicity about the King and his New Year's party. Not the most perfect ending to the night, but at least it had ended better than he'd been expecting for a while there.
"It's still only 10:30," Videl called out once they were far enough away that they wouldn't be heard. "We can still celebrate the new year, just you and me!" Gohan smiled at her and nodded.
"I'd love to! Party or not, I'm still the luckiest guy in the world that I get to see my wonderful girlfriend tonight and again tomorrow to celebrate!"
"You know…" she began, hesitating for a few long seconds, "maybe you could see her overnight too…" Gohan felt his cheeks heat up but considered her for a moment.
"I guess that's true, huh? My family isn't expecting me back till tomorrow night still. Is it…okay with you if I stay over?" He couldn't fully make out her face in the dark but he was sure she was blushing from the way she clung to his hand.
"I…I'd really like that, yeah. Waking up next to you would be the perfect way to start the year."
"Then…I'd be happy to stay with you tonight, Angel. We haven't had the chance to do that for months now." There was a longer-than-average silence and, just as he was becoming curious, Videl spoke softly. Timidly, almost.
"Um…I actually was thinking about something else too…"
"What's that?"
"Uh…you know what, I'll tell you when we get home." Gohan was quite curious now what was on her mind but decided not to push her too hard. She was clearly a bit skittish about whatever it was.
"Okay Love, that's perfectly fine! We'll be there in about fifteen more minutes anyway I think."
Gohan's estimate was pretty spot-on, it turned out. They soared through the darkness that enveloped the uninhabited areas between Central and Satan Cities, their hands never slipping from the others. And finally, the young couple touched down on the familiar porch, the Satan Mansion looking uncharacteristically dark with everyone out for once.
Unlocking the door, Videl flipped on the foyer light and led him inside, closing up behind them. Starting to remove his new scarf, Gohan took in the all-consuming silence of the large home. There was no television blaring over jovial laughter. No puppy barking for attention. No gruff voice or raucous chortling. Just the two of them.
"It's weird being the only ones here, huh?" Gohan mused.
"Yeah, it kind of is. But…not bad, either…"
"No, you're right! It's just a little different from what I'm used to."
"R-right…"
"Hey, are you okay? You seem a bit nervous," he said, turning back towards her. Videl's cheeks were burning scarlet, her ears and neck the same shade. Gohan was very curious what it was that had taken hold of her mind. She was staring deliberately at the ground but finally managed to answer in a soft whisper.
"Um…remember when I said I'd tell you something when we got home?"
"Yeah? Is everything okay?" He was starting to get a little worried about her.
"Everything's fine, I promise…I'm just gonna be really embarrassed when I say this…but…that's okay." He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I promise you can tell me anything."
"Um…it's not really that I have a confession or anything. I actually…have a question for you," she admitted at last. Gohan waited patiently while she collected herself and, at last, she brought her eyes up to his. Her face was still beet-red but after she took a slow, steadying breath (and one more for good measure) she spoke, her velvet voice almost getting lost even in the silence enveloping them.
"I…um…I'd like to…really spend the night with you. Like…go all the way…spend the night. But only if you're comfortable with that! Um…is that…okay with you?"
Gohan felt his mind come to a screeching halt and his own face heat up significantly. No wonder she'd been so embarrassed all the way home if that's what she'd been thinking about. Now he was every bit as embarrassed as she was. She wanted to…go all the way…? With him? Was he ready for that tonight…? If he were being really honest with himself about it…
"Uh…y-yeah. I'm…very okay with that."
"Then…why don't we…head upstairs together? Just you and me."
1/20/2023