Chapter 22

"You gonna choke me again?" Bardock joked with a grin as Pan did up his tie, giving them both a sense of déjà vu.

Pan glared playfully as she finished up, "Don't test me. I'll do it."

"I have no doubt."

A week had passed since Kid Buuly's defeat. That was how long it took to get everyone of the world settled after they died a second time. The Z Fighters debated on whether they should get Shenron to erase their memories, but Hercule was there to ease the minds of the public, stating he saved the world by befriending Buu.

Bardock knew that once Hercule and Buu were introduced that they would hit it off nicely and boy was he right. They hadn't been separated since they met. It made him happy that his grandfather had a companion to turn to now that his daughter and grandkids were living their own lives.

After everything was said and done, Bulma decided to throw a party to celebrate the victory and no one dying. The entire scene reminded the twins of the party they went to in the past after Kid Buu was defeated, and that's where they found themselves now.

Bardock grinned slightly, straightening his tie, "Do I have to worry about a boyfriend this time?"

"Hmm, maybe," Pan stated airily as she left the room, her dress flowing behind her.

The statement sent her brother sputtering. "Wha-hey! Don't just say stuff like that and walk away!" He groaned disgruntledly and followed her out, sulking.

His mother's laughter reached his ears. "Pan, stop teasing your brother." Videl walked over and pecked his cheek. "You look handsome, Bardock."

"That's not what she was teasing me about," Bardock grumbled, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. He caught sight of his dad and grinned mischievously, "Hey, Pan, you wanna tell Dad what you told me?"

"Shut up, you jerk!"

Gohan was the one to laugh this time, "Okay, guys. Enough. I don't need you both ruining your party-wear before the party even starts." He gave Videl a quick kiss before ushering Pan over to the group. "Alright, let's go. Bardock, if you would do the honors."

"My pleasure," Bardock said, putting two fingers to his forehead. He grabbed his sister in a headlock just as they disappeared.

The moment they appeared in Capsule Corp., they were greeted enthusiastically by Krillin, Yamcha, and Goku. Bardock laughed with everyone as they all exchanged hugs and greetings. He perked up when he saw two familiar faces. He waved them over and gave hugs to Tekka and Gine.

"It's good to see you guys again," He said happily as he pulled away. "How have you guys been?"

Tekka whined, burrowing himself in his friend's arms, "Bored. I miss seeing you every day, B. Your family is so entertaining and you took that from me." He glanced over his shoulder and beamed, "Pan!"

Bardock rolled his eyes when Tekka scrambled over him to rush over to Pan to greet her with a tight hug. He smiled when he locked eyes with Gine, "How have you been doing?"

"Fine," Gine shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I did kinda miss your face."

"That's probably the nicest thing you've said to me," Bardock said jokingly. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded to the buffet. "Why don't we get something to eat? Then we can catch up."

Gine nodded, following him, "Lead the way."

Soon the party was underway. People were chattering as if they hadn't seen each other just last week. Then again, Tien and Chiaotzu were there and while they survived Buuly's attacks, they wanted to know the full story.

The teens had a good time talking to their friends. It felt nice being able to talk about school even if they hadn't shown up since before the tournament started. They decided to go back in the beginning of the next school week.

It wasn't long before everyone was dancing and drinking. Well, the adults were drinking while the kids and teens sipped their sodas. Everyone was entertained watching Roshi, Oolong, and Krillin dance. Yamcha soon joined in, but he was so drunk that he stumbled into one of the tables and knocked everything over, sending everyone into hysterics, mostly Vegeta.

Once everything mellowed out, Bardock made his way outside, rubbing his chest. Dende may have healed him but the ache was still there. He stared at his reflection in one of the many mirrors in Capsule Corp. His face looked a bit more rugged, thanks to the scar on his cheek, and older. He assumed it was because he was so tired.

I think it's because of me.

Bardock blinked, lowering his hands, "Oh, I forgot you were still there."

"I just got here."

The half Saiyan jumped at the new voice. He spun around with wide eyes before breathing a sigh when he locked eyes with Gine. "Oh, hey. Sorry, I didn't see you there."

"Who were you talking to?" She asked as she stood next to him.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, "Myself, sorry. Maybe my scar too."

Gine frowned in concern, "How are you, by the way? I don't think anyone ever really asked after everything."

Touched by her concern, he smiled softly, "I'm fine. Thank you for asking." He rubbed his chest again. "I guess it just feels weird. I'm not used to having a lot of thick scars on my body even though I fight a lot."

"What about your cheek?"

"It's good," He said, rubbing his hand over the scar. "I guess I'm gonna have to get used to joining the facial scar club."

Gine smirked, "Your dad's in it."

Bardock snorted, "So is Yamcha."

A beat of silence passed between the two. Gine exhaled, intertwining her fingers together and letting them hang in front of her, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for blaming you for Tekka getting beaten up. You didn't deserve that."

"You don't have to apologize for that," Bardock shrugged. "Don't ever apologize for standing up for a friend. It did hurt but I understood why you did it. So you don't have to say sorry because there's nothing you have to be sorry for."

"Still," Gine said softly, staring at her feet.

Seeing her guilty expression, he held his arms open with a soft smile, "Come here." Once she was in his arms, he held her tightly, placing his cheek on her head. "Thank you for looking after Tekka and my sister, and thank you for taking care of yourself. I don't think I would've survived if anything happened to you."

Gine clutched his shirt tightly, nuzzling her face into his shoulder. "I'm really glad you're alive too."

Tears seeped into Bardock's shirt and it was then he realized how much the Buuly ordeal hurt Gine. She lost her family during 17 and 18's rampage, and now she could've lost her friends because of Buuly. He was extremely glad he killed the stupid pink Saiyan now.

He slid one hand in Gine's hair, his arms still tight around her. "You don't have to worry about me, Gine. I won't ever leave you." He smiled at her reassuringly when they pulled away and wiped away her tears with his thumb, "I'm gonna stay right here for as long as you'll let me."

Gine hiccupped, more tears flowing out of her eyes. She threw herself back into his embrace and held on. Bardock embraced her back, closing his eyes and savoring the close contact.

The voice in his head went unheard.

I love you, Gine.