Chapter 11
Brought to you by Boboleta and Gue22
...
With a languid sigh, Videl closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, the aroma of fresh coffee tantalizing her nostrils with enticing promise. Gazing down at the spectacular gardens of Satan City's Palace of Justice, the dark-haired girl blew absently at the hot brew steaming from her cup. Heat permeated through the insulation of the brightly painted ceramic, spreading warmth through to her palms. A warmth delightfully reminiscent of a certain chest she'd woken up pressed against that morning.
Luminous blues, reds and yellows danced on her arms as the sun lit up the artful panels of the tower's magnificent stained glass windows. Not that she noticed them, or the marbled figures and painted masterpieces that many a tourist would pilgrim all the way to Satan City just to see. There was no room in her mind for such secondary sights, she was too busy recalling how the texture of that dark spiky hair had glided in her fingers, soft and feathery like the contents of her pillow. She was too busy swooning over how his big hands with their roughened knuckles had felt when he'd smoothed them across her face before his fingers threaded through the nest that was her morning hair.
And the memory of that low and husky "good-morning", framed under those sleepy heavy-lidded eyes… a shudder inched down her spine and she bit her lip. Just as well she'd still been lying down, no telling how she would have faired with a broken leg and weakened knees.
Ever so slowly, she brought the rim of her cup to her lips, eyes staring down the high rise window to the shrubbery and flowers of the gardens below. Vibrant and lush, they framed a colorful path to a large archaic fountain carved in the ethereal image of Lady Justice. As she watched the large stone-made basin jet and spurt water foaming shapes, her lips played along the mug's smooth finish while sipping leisurely at the creamy froth with an unconscious smile.
"Well, look at you," a familiar voice from the doorway appraised, dragging her out of her musings. At the sight of the tall woman with green twinkling eyes, Videl's face broke into a smile.
"You're late counselor," was her cheeky greeting to the Chief Crown Prosecutor.
"Then sue me," the tall woman laughed as she swayed in on black spool heels, clad in a dark pants-suit that hugged her curves rather admirably. "Might be fun to sit on the other side for a change." She dumped her crimson briefcase on the coffee table and circled round, bending a small distance to peck her on the cheek. "You look ravishing my dear," the woman said, taking in her appearance. "I have this insane urge to wolf-whistle right now." Green eyes twinkled as she flashed her a grin before sauntering back to the other side of the coffee table, taking a seat on the leathery couch.
Videl just shook her head, chest quaking in a small chuckle. She supposed she looked uncharastically "feminine" today - something she'd felt compelled to do as she'd dressed on this particular morning. Not for the stand, hell no. She'd been unable to not make an effort with her appearance because while she'd been busy getting ready, a certain dark haired heartthrob had been in Erasa's kitchen, lightly clanging pots and utensils in preparation for a "hearty" breakfast. So of course she'd made an extra effort.
She'd found herself pulling out one of Erasa's "never fail" dresses. Black and sheath, hugging her curves in a way she seldom allowed clothing to do. She'd then done up her hair in an actual hairstyle - a mature chignon that twisted above her head like the sultry curves of the figure eight and finished herself off with a polished coat of light makeup. Lore was a courtroom mistress, so of course she was adept at the art of exaggeration. "Ravishing" indeed.
Still, she'd take the compliment, just as greedily as she'd taken the unspoken one of that morning from dark eyes that had taken her in, practically inhaling her as they'd measured her up and down, reflecting her own image back to herself. The glittering black mirror of his gaze had said "you look beautiful" without saying a word and she'd beamed breathlessly as he'd leaned in, serving her a warm kiss before seating her to deliver a sizzling breakfast.
Uh… I wasn't sure what to make so I kinda made a bit of everything. I've tasted everything, so don't worry if some of the dishes look a little… messy. Heh heh… Yeah, right. Like the mess - or lack thereof - had stood a chance in heaven of capturing her attention while he'd stood there - undervest, boxers…
She shifted in her seat, willing the image away and the whole of her body to cool as she shook her head, directing her focus back to the taller woman. "It's been a while Lore, how are you?" she prompted.
A sigh. "Been better. An old friend from law school died in an accident yesterday, I'm still in shock."
"That's terrible."
"These things happen, but never mind about that," she waved her hand. "You look rather well though, mnn?"
"Very funny. Which part of this leg looks 'rather well'?"
Another dismissive wave. "Forget that absurdly colorful contraption. I was referring to the dreamy look I walked in on just now." A knowing smile. "So...who's he?"
"Who is who?" It would've been a pitiful covert attempt altogether, surely it'd never work against a courtroom attorney, of all people. Not with her cheeks flaming like they were.
Lore laughed, disengaging the snap of her briefcase. "The unfortunate young man responsible for that look on your face," she spoke as she pulled out all sorts of documents from crimson compartments, fanning them out across the table.
Videl squirmed in her seat. Just great; one night in his arms, a simple one where nothing "notable" had happened - according to Erasa's book, anyway - and she was already a dead giveaway for "smitten". God only knew how pathetic she'd look if something had happened…
"I feel sorry for the poor bastard," Lore went on to say as she whipped out a pen and crossed her legs. "As soon as the press gets wind of it..." She shook her head. "Poor guy, is he up to dealing with your father?"
"I-I..." Videl caught her startled reflection staring back at her from amused green eyes. "I don't know, I hope so," she inadvertently confessed. "It's just..."
"It's just what?"
"He doesn't really know who my father is." A scowl hardened her features with the implications her own words brought along, fingertips drumming uneasily around the curvature of the glazed ceramic enclosed in her hands.
Across from her, a perfectly shaped brow rose above the groomed eye. "Oh? Is he some visitor from outer space? How can he not know?"
A twitch worked at the corners of her mouth. "He's from Mt. Paozu."
"Where?" Lore almost squealed, as expected.
"Exactly!"
They laughed. "Well, you can't date him from beneath a rock forever, you know? Sooner or later, something's gonna give and then he'll figure it out."
A tiny little fist squeezed her insides as she stared blankly at the swirl of froth threatening a mini maelstrom in her cup. "On Saturday for sure," Videl quietly said. "He's taking me to a work function." She bit her lip. "A ball. No chance I'll get through the evening without being recognised." She scowled again, this time at her coffee, and abruptly set it down on the table. "So you see, I'm getting busted this Saturday, no matter what. I thought I was prepared for it but now..." Her whole frame deflated like if punctured while leaning back into her seat, letting out one single exhalation that was as long as it was unfortunate, given that it failed to take her worries right along.
"Idiot. Don't look so glum." Lore shook her head at her. "He'll be beside himself with the knowledge that he struck gold. As long as your father doesn't challenge him to the ring, it should be fine, right?"
Videl laughed, about to elaborate on how disastrous that would be, given that her guy thought of himself as something of a Martial Artist, himself. Her phone stole her words before she could, though, blaring and demanding attention. "Oh! Hold on a sec." She reached for the vibrating object on the coffee table. "It's the chief. Sorry, gotta take this." She snapped it up and placed it against her ear. "Chief, I hope you have some good news for me."
"Protective Detail has been dispatched for everyone. Our eye is currently on two execs from Mercury Inc. we've noted some suspicious movements in their accounts, but this kind of investigation will take time and resources to unravel, Videl. Just sit tight and we should have this all wrapped up in a few weeks."
A few weeks? Her expression sunk and tightened into a deep frown that came from an even deeper place within her. Last night… she recalled it so vividly, every single detail: that desperate knock, rousing her in the middle of the night. Stress, grief… all things unforgivable, marring his handsome face. And the way he'd held her like an apparition – desperately, the rope holding a drowning man's life line.
Her chest tightened. Weeks of her Nimbz like that: a burdened shadow bred from the ugly spoils of an ongoing investigation? Never! Weeks of that were simply out of the question! She would make it better for him; she would ensure that his face remained as beautiful and carefree as it had that morning. "The WIA has the resources."
A heavy silence – on the line and in the room. Whatever paper shuffling or ballpen clicking Lore had been up to while working on her case files came to an abrupt halt at the mention of the WIA. Her ears were practically haemorrhaging from the onslaught of silence that seemed to stretch forever in its three way stream. She dared not lift her eyes to meet Lore's, but she could feel the other woman's stare burning right through her skin.
She fixed her gaze on the irregular strokes of paint outlining the giant mural before her, smoothing an inattentive palm down her dress. "Chief?"
"Um… Videl," the Chief began, clearing his throat. "I'm just the Chief of Police for Satan City." He spoke slowly, as if she didn't know all this already. "I wouldn't even know who to approach from the WIA. You know they're strictly National Security. I don't have any clout or tangible connections to-"
"I know," the young woman interrupted, also slowly. "My father on the other hand… does." She shifted in her seat then, a rogue finger scratching unnecessarily along her neck. Oh, she knew exactly what Lore thought of her now, but truth be told she didn't care a single bit. If she had to stoop into abusing her so called "influence" to make things right in Nimbz's life… then so be it.
"You can't be serious!" the Chief roared. "I hope you're not suggesting that I use the Champ's name to-"
"I'm not," she assured him swiftly. "I'm insisting. Throw it around as much as you need. I want this wrapped up nice and tight like only the likes of the WIA can. And I want all the stakeholders informed every step of the way. The discourtesy suffered by Mt. Frypan's forces under Blue and Gold will not happen again."
She continued to follow the haphazard strokes of the mural, as another chunk of silence fell over the air waves. The painting was rich in brown, yellow and orange strokes, fading and curving into all manner of forms; the shade would actually be great for the Phoenix costume base material, due next Saturday. Better snap a picture of it with her cellphone, as soon as she wrapped things up.
"Videl, if I may," injected the Chief, soberly. "I know it was hard for you, being out on that bridge that day, but… in all the time that we've known each other, you've never, ever-"
"I know." The young woman swallowed dry and anxiously brushed an invisible strand of hair behind her ear while dipping her head away from the Chief Crown Prosecutor's prying eyes. "I know, and you're right, but Chief..." She trapped her breath while trying to find some formal words she could use to convince him, both none of them felt right, somehow. The least she could do was make them truthful. "This is really, really important to me."
"Videl-"
"And now I really have to go," she rushed. "I'm testifying in the Oshwele case this morning. Gotta prepare."
"Wait, Videl-"
"I'm counting on you." She shut her eyes momentarily as she ended the call before he could guilt her into playing by the rules. That wouldn't help Gohan, and so it just wasn't an option. If her last name was the key to that gorgeous smile, she'd accept and embrace it, to whatever extents.
Lets just hope he'll feel the same way...
...
Gohan exited the elevator, "pinging" playfully alongside it when the vessel opened its doors, and continuing to hum to the cheerful tune as he strode away. A smile sprung at the familiar view; he just loved how the big, ample windows displayed the glorious early morning sunlight, scattered in rays of gold all across the otherwise dull and gray office space. That lonesome house plant, sitting in its terracotta vase so irrelevantly in his path was shining today, small droplets of water glistening its dark green pigmentation with rainbow colored jewels. How beautiful was nature? Even the artificially potted kind.
Arriving at his cubicle he sat down and nudged the carpeted floor to produce a couple of thoughtless spins around his swivel chair, taking notice of how the tiny area seemed bigger somehow. Not likely. Maybe just less constrictive.
He stopped the motion, firmly staring at the random thing that stood in his line of sight even if he couldn't really tell - or care - what it was. Maybe some unfortunate day when he'd no longer remember the heavenly dream that greeted him when he woke up this morning... maybe that day he'd pay attention to the rest of the world, again. A deep sigh.
A whole night with her... that was all it took to recast his judgement on so many things. The mere thought of having to return to his cold bed tonight would send his brain on overdrive, eventually, desperate for a believable excuse he could use to stay over again. The warm aura of her presence was still protecting him from such mundane worries, but it wouldn't last for long - he had the feeling that his Kata would be verging on addiction soon enough. Who could blame him, though?
Her weight on his chest as he woke up felt so right, that when she got up to get ready it was like losing a limb - even if the end result was absolutely stunning - and the way she looked up at him, lazy smile under puffy, sleepy eyes, coarse and unrefined like that... it was no less than perfect, a paradise that made everything else in his life worthwhile. He needed so much more of it.
A suggestive "So..." came from behind and it slowly got his attention. He looked back over his shoulder to meet Anre and his fellow interns, their smirks hinting amusement but he could only feel discomfort. "You seem well."
"Hum..."
"Yeah," Mosa added. "I'd say 'rested' but those bags under your eyes beg to differ." He was trying to play it cool, but Gohan could definitely see the intent behind his words. Could they know how he'd spent the night? Meaning, accompanied. Nothing... exciting happened but he still felt incredibly uncomfortable with it, however over the moon at the same time. Sleeping beside someone else was a rare occasion since Goten got older, but even if he'd done it with a girl before, Lime didn't actually count. He really liked Videl. He really, truly did. The more he got to know her, the more she felt... right. It was all so natural, when she was around. Why did it have to feel so awkward when she wasn't?
Sig couldn't contain a snicker as Anre continued. "Spit it out, man! How was it? Is she a screamer? Shit, I love it when they scream..."
"N-Nothing happened," Gohan urged, waving his hands defensively. "W-We just... slept together, honest." How could they've known? And why was he defending himself to them? Damn gentleman he turned out to be... dishing it out like gossip at the very first influence.
The guys froze and blanched. "Y-You... you actually... slept with Kirsty?"
Kirsty? Why would they... oh. They were in the same hotel. But even so, why the hell would he have slept with Kirsty? He'd told them he had a girlfr-... a girl he was seeing. They were staring, horrified; he had to save this, somehow. He could just imagine what Kirsty would do to him if she'd find out he'd admitted to having slept with her... supposedly.
With a stroke of genius, Gohan produced the fakest smirk he could muster. "Gotcha."
It took them a few seconds, in which his gut clenched with anticipation, but their faces came alive again, expression lines returning to show enthusiasm and relief. "Godammit, man. You scared the shit out of me!" Anre chuckled, a hand to his chest like he'd just dodged a heart attack.
"Well played, sir," Raku solemnly complemented, offering a fake salute.
"I almost pissed my pants," Sig confessed in a whisper, walking away, and it made the rest of the guys crack up in a fit. Gohan laughed too, but quietly and mostly due to the ripple effect. It came easy, though; he was happy today.
"Are you sure you can't come to Anre's party on Friday night?" Raku almost whined.
"I really can't," Gohan was quick to respond, making Videl's injury to be much worse than it actually was to ease his liar's guilt. Well, in his defense, it was that much worse; at least that's how it seemed in his eyes and felt in his heart.
"Oh, come on, bro! You're gonna miss the party of the year!" Anre insisted.
"I really can't," the young saiyan repeated a little softer, and felt that familiar nervous itch at the back of his neck. What an insistent bunch these guys turned out to be. Even if Videl was okay and up for it, he didn't really want to expose her to all the filth he'd had to endure from them, day in and day out. And of course, he didn't really want to share her attention with them, either.
Mosa jumped in. "Of course he can't! If I had a hot girlfriend stuck to a bed with a broken leg I'd be spending all my time with her, too." Gohan silently thanked his friend's support, since it'd be much more efficient than any excuse he'd be able to make up on the spot, but regretted it as soon as the guy smirked and spoke in that specific tone he loathed. "If you know what I mean."
"How do you know she's hot?" Sig asked, having returned with a cup of smoking hot coffee in his hand. God, that smelled amazing... would it be rude if he got up and fetched one for himself?
"Oh, she's hot alright," Mosa concluded with a smudgy grin, staring fiercely as if daring Gohan to prove him wrong. What could he say? He couldn't actually lie about that, now could he? Something burnt a path directly from a very intimate place to his cheeks, and his eyes automatically fled away from any kind of contact - the perfect recipe for the laughter that ensued.
"Well, at least you don't have to wrap your head around what to give her for Valentine's day," Anre stated, lazily checking his cell phone.
"What do you mean?" Raku questioned, chin resting against his folded arms on top of the cubicle's half-wall.
"There's only one thing you give to a hot girlfriend, in any occasion." He spoke matter-of-factly... too much so for Gohan's taste.
Raku shook his head. "Flowers? Jewelry?"
"Chocolates?" Sig chirped from behind.
"Lingerie, of course!" Anre beamed, inducing lethargic sighs and eye-rolls from the guys, probably because of how expectedly dirty his mind was. "It's a present for her and for you," he chuckled as if joking but Gohan could see the tint of mischievousness behind his words. Another Master Roshi in the making, he thought. God help us.
Although... he did need to get Videl something for Valentine's day, didn't he? Would that be presumptuous of him? He could just say it was a "thank you" for her help, being his date for his work function and all… no, too formal, he wouldn't want that either. Gah, he should just throw it all in the wind and man up; if she ended up confused by the gesture he could just... ask her. Right? To be his girlfriend? He snorted internally. That'd be the day... he'd get flushed just by thinking about what the definition meant, he could just imagine what stuttered nonsense would come out of his mouth if that particular situation presented itself. Either way, girlfriend or not, she was still special, and if nothing else, it was right of him to let her know that.
All of a sudden, the young saiyan caught on the distinctive chime of the elevator and was about to discard it as ordinary if the most unexpected sound wasn't promptly mashed up with it. Incredibly familiar and yet it was the first time he'd ever heard it. He slowly got up to wipe off the uncertainty and there it was: Kirsty. Laughing.
From the corner of his eye he barely acknowledged the other interns staring in awe when yet another familiar sound got through to him. "Hey, Gohan!" After refocusing, he concluded it came from Yamcha, a waving palm greeting him from the distance.
Gohan shook his head to clear the shock and started to walk towards the couple as they approached, completely expecting and actually thanking the human warrior for escorting Kirsty there and for apparently managing to keep her entertained - where did that come from?
"Hey," he greeted back sheepishly upon arrival, not really comfortable to let the familiarity with the man show through right in front of Kirsty - a co-worker and then some - but Yamcha obviously discarded it and bear-hugged him with the usual strong pat on the back. Gohan probably blushed but tried to play it cool. "I trust that the night went smooth?"
"Smooth as silk," his friend responded with a low tone and a sly smile, but it was the quick glance over to Kirsty that rushed all of the remaining blood over to the demi-saiyan's cheeks. He knew that tone, he knew that smile... did something happen? Did he want to know if it did? … Oh, dear God.
"Leigh! Son!" a voice called back from the elevator area, instantly catching the group's attention. Their boss and five uniformed men, one of whom undoubtedly in charge, standing out with a slightly more formal uniform and respective insignia.
"Sir," Kirsty offered along with her undivided attention.
"This is Sergeant Brooks of Blue city's police department and four of his men. They will make sure you two are safe until we sort this mess out," the crisp executive introduced.
There was silence after that and through the corner of his eye, Gohan saw the woman stealing a glance over to Yamcha. "Actually, Sir," she began, almost unnoticeably arching her back and tilting her chin up. "I've managed to arrange for personal security detail."
The young saiyan did a double-take, his confused gaze bouncing between Kirsty and Yamcha, both seemingly serious. Yamcha helping out was a blessing, of course; a giant weight off his shoulders, but it was supposed to be a one-night-only deal. Staring at his long-time friend, Gohan saw nothing but self-assurance, so... he assumed they'd discussed and agreed to this extension of his "services" the night before. But... why? The police was right there, offering a trained professional, paid and ready to assure that specific job.
"A bodyguard?"
"Exactly, Sir. A professional from a reputable company," she continued, cherry-picking the words in that way that she had mastered. He just hoped no one would ask for Yamcha's official credentials...
And then it started to make a little more sense, as the wheels grinded and turned in his head. Kirsty must've thought that evading one measly bodyguard would be easier than a couple of trained police officers. Could that be it? If he was being honest with himself, Gohan would want nothing more than the very same: to be left alone... with Videl. He smiled.
"How about you, Son?" he heard someone ask and his name smacked him right off his thoughts. Everyone was looking at him.
"I, hum..." His right hand was wanting to creep up to the back of his neck but he fought it as a sign of uneasiness. "The same, sir," he responded and his insides boiled to a panic for not thinking it through before producing the words.
"Where's your bodyguard, then?"
"I've dismissed him until the end of the day," he made up, too fast and carelessly for comfort, hurrying to get all of his ducks in a row and make sense of his lie. His dad... yeah, that'd work.
A shy glance at Yamcha both reassured and annoyed him, via the man's inconspicuous smile, surely amused by how he'd caught the "chaste" little Gohan lying. He could just imagine the mockery...
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Sergeant," Kirsty quickly injected, offering the man her hand to shake. He did. "But I'm sure you'd have much more significant purposes on which to utilize your men's skills. Rest assured that we're being taken care of."
The old officer seemed to think about it, checking their boss's opinion - a shrug - before speaking his mind. "Well, then." He cleared his throat. "As long as someone's doing it, there's no point in spending tax payers' money to keep you two safe. I just have to make a couple of phone calls but it shouldn't be a problem."
It was a dismissive opinion, Gohan thought as the men exchanged empty pleasantries, but hey, at least he got rid of that particular nuisance. Now if only he could get the rest of the mess sorted out…
…
The mattress screeched in resentment, but it actually felt amazing just letting herself drop back into it, no regard or care for anything else but the numbness in her head. Her bruised leg was actually throbbing inside its colorful blue casing so she'd take all the help that gravity would oh-so-gracefully provide.
Videl exhaled slowly along with the air-puffed pillow that bolstered her fall, wanting to undergo the usual scrutiny over the daily events but her brain had officially shut down for the time being. Thinking was just too exhausting, right now. It was probably for the best, though, since she'd do nothing else but worry about the whole Golden Bridge situation, counting the minutes until they'd have it sorted out.
Peace would come, tranquility would return. She just had to relax and wind down for a bit.
It came really easily, in fact - no more than a few minutes - and she knew exactly why. The pillow under her head, so comfortable and soft, had gained an extra attribute last night: his amazing, natural scent, a calming aroma since it brought his presence right along with it.
A substantial amount of hours had passed, however, since they parted ways at insane-o'clock in the morning, so it was but a quiet whisper now.
Should she call him? ... Yeah, because "needy" was definitely the new "sexy". He'd promised to call later that evening so, she just had to man up and wait. How excruciating...
Instinctively, she rolled around to her tummy and nuzzled the crisp white fabric, taking in all of the faint remainders with the deepest, fullest breath she could muster. Gohan had his work, his family, his life; who knew when she'd be able to reproduce this morning, again? Maybe in her dreams, tonight, though she'd probably have to make some… creative adjustments.
Most definitely…
"What the hell are you doing?"
Widened eyes shot to the doorway at the sound of Erasa's voice, embarrassing her more than surprising, since the underlying teasing left no room for mistake: she'd been caught in the act. "I…"
Thin blonde brows arched steeply in anticipation but Videl quickly surmised that there was no going around it. Erasa was a bubbly blonde but certainly not dumb; she'd be fast as lightning to put two and two together after the phone conversation they'd had, earlier that day. The one where she'd slipped - somewhat on purpose, given the unfamiliar feminine pride - that Gohan had actually spent the night. If regret could kill ya… She sighed, defeated.
"Videl, baby, honey-bun, sweetie… are you inhaling Cloud Guy's pillow?"
"No! … Yes," she sighed again although it turned into a grunt midway, a shroud of hopelessness sinking her head back down into the pillow but this time to hide the probable blush and the painfully inevitable feelings. Yes, she was. Inhaling a damn pillow…
The bed waved under her not long after and she peeked across her black tresses to meet the other's inquiring baby blues, devoid of further playfulness over endearment, now. Their eyes had a silent conversation for a while, two best friends chatting in a bed, reminiscent of girly sleepovers, back when they still had those. Videl knew exactly what the young woman was telling her but her usual self refused to blindly believe it. It didn't take too long, though, and the blonde ultimately won. Yes, it was true.
She was starting to more than "like" this Cloud Guy...
…
You know you're having a good day when the world smells nicer.
Ever since he was a little boy, Gohan knew how his sense of smell was probably his most skilled one. He'd always know when dinner was ready - long before he'd get called back inside - when the yumminess that filled the outskirts of his home through the chimney would start to transform: bitter and pungent acids of raw produce and meat into the sweeter tones of his mother's magic. And now, flying over the ample forest near his grandpa's place, all the amazing scents of nature were signing off on a feeling that stuck with him throughout the work hours. The pine trees and the cool eucalyptuses; the dirt, emanating in that dry heat so particular to hot Summer days like this one; the chlorophyll green of the assorted grass patches... It smelled of childhood; the perfect end to a an awesome day.
Not only had he managed to ditch the nuisance that'd be that damn protective detail, his phone hadn't stopped ringing and buzzing all day, too. It started with the Inspector's update on the detained arsonist: apparently some "city slick hot-shots" dragged his "sorry ass" away to somewhere undisclosed for some serious SERE-type interrogation - whatever that was. After that, all sorts of messages and phone calls kept him fully informed and up to date with the investigation's every step and breakthrough. How cool was that?
At first, he kinda thought it'd been a mistake, like his name and contact information had somehow made the top of the list on who should be kept on a real-time-basis report. And the VIP one, with all the respective civilities and polished words. But then, the new data just kept coming: names uncovered, clues, leads, actual irrefutable evidence. The last interaction had let him know of the impending "communications blackout", a safety procedure whenever a major operation would take to the field. No one specified what exactly was going to happen but he didn't really want to push his luck by asking about it; everybody had already been so helpful.
Mechanically, he touched down at his usual spot on the main balcony, lazily greeting the old gardener that was tending to the plants there. Now, if he could just get himself into that pool... "Hey, Gohan!"
His wish vanished with his father's voice; that tone came with strings attached if he knew the man properly. "Hey, Dad."
"I'm gonna go hunt for a treasure!" he beamed.
Gohan chuckled at the boyish intonation. "You are?" What kind of "treasure" would it be this time around: the slimy, gross kind, or the fury and cute one?
"Yep. Wanna come?"
The younger Son considered it for a moment, staring into his father's engaging eyes. How long had it been, since the two of them went "treasure hunting"? Ages, that's how long. Maybe it was this day's influence on him, but he found himself saying, "Sure. Why not?"
"Awesome!" his father exclaimed, with a strong pat on the back. "Let's go!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he was taking off, probably wanting a race to whichever area he chose to scavenge today. With a chuckle and a shake of the head, Gohan shot up in pursuit, ditching his messenger bag with a thud on the floor. Something made him loop around as he soared but he eventually caught up.
"So," the son started. "What kind of 'treasure' are we aiming for today?"
That face was definitely not what he was expecting back; it was a simple enough question. "Whad'ya mean?"
"Hum..." Did he not heard the man right? He did say "treasure". "What exactly are we doing?"
"I told you. Treasure hunting. We're gonna go hunt a treasure."
Okay, but..."Where?"
"In the ocean, next to Master Roshi's place. There's a place there with all sorts of jewels. A few little ones will be enough, I think, but I once saw one the size of Krillin's head! It was shining a little brighter, though," he chuckled enthusiastically.
The ocean? After the initial disappointment, the young saiyan embraced the idea fully and grinning. Even better than the pool! The water around the tiny island was normally so delightfully warm... Yes. That'd do.
"And, actually…" his father spoke again, however the reluctance was unusual, an undetermined tone that didn't suit him. "I think I'm gonna need your help afterwards, too, Son."
Why all the uncertainty, Gohan wondered and his eyebrows sunk a tad in compliance. He'd never deny his father of any help and the man had never hesitated to ask him for it - or anyone for that matter; Goku Son's straightforwardness was world renowned. "Sure, Dad. What's up?"
He was staring towards the horizon but Gohan could see the weight in his heart through the faint worry lines that tarnished his expression. He seemed… sad. Had he ever seen his father sad?
"Well," the older man started. "The new house is nearly finished, and-"
"So soon?" Gohan injected out of sheer surprise, widened eyes that quickly pressed shut the very next second for feeling like crap - he'd completely forgotten about it. His father was the one that pulverized their small residence, but he wouldn't have had to resort to that last alternative if it wasn't for him and his... situation. He wanted to have been there, helping in any way that he could to bring their home back from the ashes, but the importance of the matter had simply got lost in the foggy mess that was the rest of his life.
"Yeah," his father continued, regardless. "With Krillin's help and those guys that your grandpa sent over, it got done in a jiffy. All that's left is some little stuff and… well… the rest."
"What rest?"
Goku shrugged. "Kitchen stuff, bedroom stuff… but mainly Goten stuff. That's why I need your help."
It didn't take the half-saiyan all that long to know what the other meant. As every other teenager, Goten had "stuff", and this particular one had a pretty impressive collection: comic books, clothes, games, movies… For an instant it actually made him feel old; those things were crucial necessities in his brother's existence, in a way that an actual adult would deem irrelevant and slightly immature. The youngest Son hadn't crossed the threshold, yet; the one that made attributes like "value" and "significance" shift from possessions to people and moments, perceivable worth to intrinsic one. Maybe he grew up faster that his little brother - he never did have "stuff" - but it didn't bother him the slightest. He'd gladly give up on his childhood all over again if it meant that his brother could have a better one, a peaceful one. One with "stuff". That sadness was evident now, as his intentions synched with his father's: they had to get Goten's "stuff" back.
His heart didn't need further proof of love from his father; the joy was indescribable when he saw it directed at his little brother, now, after all those years apart. It made him smile. "Don't worry, Dad," he said, flying a little closer to place a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get all his things back. And some new ones to account for the trouble."
The older man grinned and it brought him the inherent reassurance. "Awesome! He'll be thrilled, I just know it."
They both chuckled as the land below started to transform into sand and then into water, lighter blue to a deeper, darker tone as far as the eye could see. Not long after it was all that surrounded them; Master Roshi's place wasn't too far ahead.
"Oh, hey!" the older Son broke the silence again. "There's another thing I wanted to ask you but you can't tell your mother about it."
It spelled "trouble" in Gohan's mind, whenever the disclaimer regarding his mother came first and foremost. Nevertheless, the list of father-son secrets and covert operations became an extensive one, over the years, and he was actually kinda proud of most of them. Actually, he was mostly proud that they never got caught. And relieved.
Goku continued. "Do you know where I could find someone that can make me a perfume?"
Gohan did a double-take but there was nothing in the innocence that was normally his father to make him unsure of the words he'd just produced. Did he heard him right? "You want… you want to buy a perfume, is that it?"
"Well, sure, I want to buy it, but not just any perfume. I wanted a special one," he specified. "Your mom's."
It didn't suffice to clear the confusion. "But… Mom doesn't wear perfume. She always said how you didn't like it."
His dad smiled, really softly and serene, looking straight ahead again. "I like it. I love her natural scent much better, though."
Gohan blinked, not sure if he should blush or smile dearly at the beautiful words. All and all, he must've been frowning a bit because his father continued.
"She had this little glass bottle, and every night she'd stare at it for a very long time," he explained. "Afterwards, she'd open it up and sniff it, just before she came to bed."
It was the first time he'd ever heard of this, and the curiosity would be enough to keep the young saiyan hooked on his father's every word, but it was the way he was saying them that was lulling his spirit to somewhere warm and soothing. Like a story was being told… Gohan knew of love - for his father, for his mother and brother, for his friends. Only recently did something in him change to recognize this other type, as well.
"She'd do it ever since we got married. I'm pretty sure she doesn't know that I noticed, but I did." Gohan wouldn't doubt it, knowing better his not-so-oblivious father. "I think it was her mother's, and... I have to get her a new one. Somehow."
Gohan just stared with something he would surely classify as a stupid smile but he couldn't help it. These kinds of things were feeling less and less odd, nowadays, and the awkwardness was being gradually substituted with longing and wishfulness. His parents relationship had always been rock-solid in his eyes, whoever might deem it unhealthy or one-sided or any other inaccurate adjective that ignorant bystanders would throw around. It was an adult relationship, two people that simply fit together and needed nothing else but a touch or a gesture or a word to know what their hearts would never doubt. He'd fight to have this for himself, but right now, he just felt blessed to have been born into it.
"I can search online," he finally said, his voice raspy for being caught in his thoughts. "But, would you remember how it smelled like?"
Goku smiled again. "I'd never forget it."
The younger saiyan smiled back.
Not long after, they touched down at Master Roshi's, and not long after that, disrobed and equipped with goggles, they were free-diving into the ocean depths. Nothing his father had described could have prepare him for the beauty of this place, an underwater gem in itself that shone brightly against the shy rays of sunlight from above.
It was a treasure, all right, or maybe treasures, by the looks of it. A hidden rainbow of mismatched stones - both lapidated and rough - that stood lost in time with some forgotten ship, probably.
For a minute he overthought things, wondering how all those riches got there, who would be their rightful owner - if anyone - and if this was considered stealing or just plain fishing, but after a while all was lost but the sentiment.
He swam around more or less aimlessly, as his dad took charge of what had brought them there - he wouldn't really need his help, anyway - picking just a couple of the smallest and prettiest gems that took his interest, until he saw that other one.
One single jewel that shone louder than all the others, however less immaculate; blue and bright as the eyes that tormented him for being nowhere near. It was amazing and perfect, a mere pebble for everything she deserved but he immediately decided that it'd speak for his heart on the upcoming Valentine's day. If reason hadn't trampled the thought, that is. How would a mere intern have the means to gift her such a precious stone? How could he explain how he'd came across it? How he'd paid for it? The truth would bring too many questions and holes to keep covered up, so he discarded the idea. Videl never really wore jewelry, anyway.
But… it kept staring back at him. The exact shade, the same tone… a replica if there could ever be one; he couldn't just leave it behind.
He slipped it into his pocket with the other three or four he'd gathered and glanced over to his father: pockets full and ready to go. Quickly, they swam upwards and resurfaced with a soft gasp and full intake of needed air. It didn't take Goku too long to cheer at their accomplishment. "Woo hoo! How awesome was that?"
"I have to say… it was pretty damn awesome," Gohan admitted with a matching grin and his dad chuckled in accordance.
"I was able to bring more than I was expecting. Do you wanna keep some? You could save them for rent."
"Nah, I'm good," Gohan responded casually. "I wanna pay for it myself." It would slaughter most of his skimpy paycheck, but if he was gonna go through with this, if Videl's guy would be able to produce something he could actually afford, then his mind was more than made up: he'd do it right, on his own.
"Fair enough," the older man grinned, starting to swim away, lazily and on his back towards the small island in the distance, while admiring a small deep crimson gem against the clear sky above. "Maybe I'll take your mom out for a nice dinner sometime, then. She's been mentioning it since before you were born."
He ended the sentence with a chuckle but the young saiyan couldn't erase a frown as he swam after, unbelieving with a hint of terror. "You… you never took her out to dinner? Ever?"
"Well, no. She cooks so amazingly, why would I ever do that?"
Silence. "... You better make it a fancy one."
…
Beautiful, every single one of them. Four dark blues, five yellows - although one of which was a little more amber than the rest - three greens and that amazing deep red dazzler, the one her fingertips chose to tease around absentmindedly, right now.
Memories buried long ago by life itself filled up the sterile family room with a warmth that its stony walls and vast square footage could never achieve on their own. A quiet sigh was the only outwards manifestation of Chi-Chi's musings, though, as she knelt on the expensive rug instead of the prior hunched over sitting position on the sofa. Her eyes wandered lost on the colored specks, scattered all across the wide sandalwood coffee table while a propped up palm supported her head and her daydreaming, as once again the red one won her over.
It was a tall order, avoiding to number the years since they'd found that cave, deep underwater and a few miles off the tiny Kame House. It was a "spur of the moment" thing, too, a much needed getaway after the exhausting stampede that preceded their wedding day. She stuck with "too many" but felt like it was just yesterday. So much had changed since then… Some movement caught her attention, after a while. Goku had just sat on the couch behind her.
"That one's not for sale," he said with that soft smile that she adored ever since she'd first laid eyes on it.
"Oh?" she questioned after a moment, following his gaze to realize he was talking about the crimson gem.
"That one's for you. It's that color you like, isn't it? Not too dark, not too light?"
It sure is, she told him with her eyes and the curve of her lips. She'd never understand exactly what kind of information he'd store in that perfect little head of his; sometimes it seemed like none, but every now and then he managed to prove her wonderfully wrong. His smile deepened.
"It reminded me of you," he added.
Slowly, Chi-Chi got up to take a seat next to him, the closest she could for the added intimacy. She needed it here more than at home since these walls became icy reminders of how she'd been groomed to avoid it with any man, even a husband. It wasn't ladylike - or, more accurately, princess-like - but their life together had long since smacked the royalty out of her. Luckily - his scent and his touch were well-worth a thousand kingdoms. His arm circled her really tightly.
"I love it," she declared very softly, eyeing the red gem one last time before preferring the two black ones that were gazing back. "Thank you."
There was no doubt in her mind that he hadn't done it for the brownie-points and it made the gesture that much more precious. No one would label her husband as "romantic" - certainly not himself - but she knew better. As with so many other things, this facet of the "real" Goku was hers and hers alone, a treasure she valued much deeper than the priceless stone in her hand.
"Do you remember when we first found that place?" she asked with nostalgia, looking down at the scattered jewels again. For all intents and purposes, it was their "honeymoon", an afternoon spent at the thin strip of sand that circled the Kame House. Looking back, she recalled with shame how she'd all but pouted when he'd taken her there, expecting some sort of over-the-top gesture she knew deep down he'd never be able to give her. All and all, she did ask for a beach and quickly surmised that it was probably the only one he actually knew, at the time. The feeling vanished not long after, anyway, lost in that smile again - the exact same as this one, right here, warming her up twenty-something years later.
"I remember your skimpy little bikini," he responded with a suggestive grin.
Her scandalized lips parted. "It wasn't that skimpy!" And, more importantly: he actually remembered the thing? For real? She would never doubt it nowadays, but her current husband was much, much different than his former, oblivious self. It would ring truer if he'd remember what delicacies were served for their reception dinner.
"You should ask Master Roshi about it, then," he smirked in a dare. "See if he remembers it."
"I'll pass." It was the first and last time, showing that amount of skin around the old pervert. Even now, modestly covered with her usual ensembles, there was no escaping the geezer's harassment, the last thing she needed was to make it worse by reminding the man of how perfectly toned her eighteen-year-old body used to be.
"I remember wondering how in the world those scrawny pieces of fabric managed to keep those huge things covered up," Goku continued, playfully pointing at her breasts.
Not even back then would she ever consider them small, but after two pregnancies - two saiyan pregnancies, mind you - she definitely needed much larger pieces of fabric, now, that's for sure.
"That's what you wondered, back then?" she asked, truly surprised, and continued when he nodded. "You'd never even stare at the 'things'!"
"You never caught me, that doesn't mean I didn't stare," Goku grinned.
"Oh. Is that so?" she sought, amused. He could've been a little more obvious about it, then. It would've saved her the doubts if he actually liked what he saw, that first week or so. Together, patiently, they found out that he did like it, although he himself didn't really know it at the time. It was a gradual process, exploring each other, but how incredibly delicious…
"Yeah, but I think Master Roshi got the most out of it, that day."
"True," Chi-Chi giggled. "You were so naive."
"It was the first damn bikini I ever saw outside of Master's magazines, okay? How would I know what to make of those 'balloons' on your chest?" Goku chuckled and she giggled again at the word, sure that it was exactly what he called them in his head, way back then.
"Well," she allured, deepening the natural arch of her back that would tell him just as much as the low and husky tone of her words. "What do you make of them now?" It ignited a fire, just thinking about those days… not the very first ones, but all the others from there on out. Things went so much smoother - and a lot rougher, on some glorious nights - after she'd taught him a thing or two.
It was the flick of a switch: his eyelids went lazy and his lips hinted that faint smirk that she loved as he responded in the very same tone, beelining straight for his favorite spot between her neck and shoulder. "Oh, now I have all sorts of techniques to make use of them."
Her eyes didn't resist a sluggish blink and her teeth, a nibble at her lower lip. Not even on day one, was there ever a need for flashes and bangs. Her husband had always been set and ready for any kind of "fooling around" she'd tempt him with - innocent and otherwise - so she was more than prepared to stop his adventurous fingers, moments after they got frisky and raced under her shirt.
"Honey…" she whispered for his restraint, but her own voice worked against her with the way it came out as consent. If he was ever good at anything, her husband was definitely good at this: making her forget every single thing about the world other than the sparks between them. The way he masterfully teased the crease beneath her breast would forever remind her how he'd charted and studied every inch of her body over the years, because would it be any other more private place she'd be doing her part and moaning in his ear like she knew drove him crazy.
It was incredibly tough, but she fought and eventually succeeded at grabbing his giant, manly hand and sliding it down again, as slowly as possible so she could at least enjoy the ride. "Gohan's right there," she forced herself to remind.
Goku didn't press it, simply holding her close and hugging her as she got comfortable against his chest. He'd always respected her need for discretion - after one or two reminders, of course, back in the day, but in his defense she was always horny too, at that age. Needless to say, there would be no escaping later tonight, and if the electricity in the air was any indication, they'd be getting up late tomorrow morning, too. She smiled to herself. Was it stupid that she felt so girly at this stage in her life?
They heard Gohan chuckle to his cell phone just outside, leaning against the open threshold that led to the balcony now, instead of the previous pacing around. It must've been that girl, again; the only one that made him smile in that particular way.
She was one of those women, now: the ones with fully-grown, adult sons. Where in the world did all that time go? Probably back to the same place as her flawless skin and perky balloons.
"They grow up so fast," she let out a deep breath. How cliché, but it was the absolute truth.
Goku kissed her hair, knowing all too well how her children were a sensitive matter, not to mention when it'd come down to letting them venture off into the world by themselves. It was happening for both her boys but it was much more palpable with their eldest. A man, not a child and definitely not a baby anymore. Her husband's voice came in a low whisper that would hide his own wistfulness from anybody else, but never from her. "Gohan's been 'grown up' for a very long time, now."
So true… she was so painfully aware of that. After all their little miracle went through, it was a relief to stand back and admire how everything had actually turned out just fine. Her baby was all "dad", now: a couple of inches taller than Goku and with slightly less untamable spikes of hair but that was about it, when it came to physical resemblance. Officially, she was proud of his academic achievements and upcoming career over anything else, though she knew her heart spoke differently: there was nothing that made her prouder than the fact that he took after his father - albeit a little less oblivious to the ways of the world at his age. A gentle spirit, all wrapped-up in a wonderful human being. Or should she say "earthling"?
"I miss my baby boy," she confessed, but it was certainly a mother's ailment other than hers alone. Unavoidable yet not dismissible, either.
There was silence after that, as her eyes got anchored on her son. He'd better make up his mind and introduce the young woman, already. Lime was a sweetheart, but truth be told she was a little too "loose" for her taste. Although, all things considered, she guessed that not everybody was lucky enough to kiss, marry and have sex with only one single individual over the course of their entire lives. Neither the girl nor Gohan had ever shown that kind of interest in each other, anyway. "Well…" she half-heard Goku say after a while. "Maybe it's time to make another one, then."
Lost in her own shenanigans, it took her a second or two for his words to sink in, but they voided everything else when it finally happened. Slowly, she moved to look him in the eyes since it was the only way she could assess his intentions and she knew it. He was smiling but… not playfully; it was his "I'm being serious" face.
Another baby? She wasn't completely overdue, biologically speaking, but… "I'm… too old for that, honey."
He frowned and scolded. "What do you mean 'too old'? You're as young and beautiful as the day we got married."
Again, she was certain he didn't just said that - one of the perks of living with a brutally honest individual. It made her smile and unable to resist touching his gravity-defying hair, so amazing and unreal as the man who sported it. Her man. One that should belong to the world but chose to put up with her, instead. Hopefully he knew how much that meant to her… "After all these years, you still manage to genuinely blow me away."
There was that smile again, the playful one with a pinch of mischievousness - her favourite. "I'm just a bucket full of surprises," he flirted before lunging at her and forcing her body down onto the soft cushions. She didn't mean to shriek like a schoolgirl but he always managed that feat when he got crazy and childish like this, throwing a pretend growl into the mix while he mock-ravaged her with tickles and little nips on the neck.
She'd never get old with this fountain of youth by her side, that's for sure; capable of transforming her at will from joyful little girl to sexy and confident woman with a simple rearrangement of his gifted lips and stunning gaze. Between her giggles she urged him to stop but he disobeyed, of course, knowing all too well that she didn't really mean it.
"Ahem…"
Refocusing on her surroundings and the figure of her eldest son, Chi-Chi sat up straight, brushing dry a couple of tears on her flushed hot cheek. Poor Gohan. She knew how much it embarrassed him to death, these things.
"Hey, Son," Goku greeted while slouching back into the seat, not a single bit unsettled, as always. "What's up?"
"I… hum…" the young man hesitated and showed off that precious involuntary signal that told her so much about every one of her three boys: a hand behind the neck. He was blushing a significantly darker shade of red too, which was uncalled for, in her eyes. They weren't doing anything that explicit… "I'm gonna go. I have to…"
Oh! So that was it, he was gonna meet that girl again. Peeking over to her husband, his lips twitched in the exact same manner as hers before speaking up. "You have to go meet your lady friend, right?" Goku inquired and she had to press her mouth shut to keep any further laughter contained, remembering how incredibly awkward they'd made him the other night, popping in almost unannounced.
The boy just chuckled really sheepishly.
"Are you going to spend the night?" his mother asked point-blank and forced a stare that'd mean business if it wasn't completely fabricated. Goku snickered quietly to her side.
"Y-Yeah…" her son answered, quickly turning around and waving his leave. "I'll see you guys tomorrow, okay?"
"Not so fast, young man," Chi-Chi was fast to stop him, putting up that motherly frown she'd mastered over the years. Gohan visibly gulped. "You can't just go over there empty-handed! That's rude! I taught you better than that, mister!"
"I… I'm sorry?"
"That's better. You have, at least, to bring your own condoms. It's the polite thing to do."
His eyes popped out and his mouth opened up to a perfectly shaped "O". She could almost imagine his brain exploding in his head, poor thing. Goku covered his mouth with a closed-up fist, but she could hear him tittering behind it, and that was the ultimate icing on the cake: he was the one who usually made her laugh, not the other way around.
"Goku, would you be a dear and go get him some of ours? My baby can't just go around having unprotected sex, now can he?" He was whimpering behind that fist, now. They weren't gonna make it if he kept that up, damn him!
"Mom! Stop it!" Gohan screeched in desperation but sighed right after, correctly assuming that she was just messing with him. He waved again as he walked to the door but stopped for one final question, a dejected tone to him. "Do you guys even use condoms?"
Goku was on the verge of losing it, right now, and Chi-Chi actually had to bite her lips again, but they both managed a "no" with the nervous quiver of their heads. Gohan sighed one last time and left, leaving behind the closed door a couple of kids laughing their hearts out.
There was no way she would've done this in the past, the mere thought of her baby boy being old enough to actually be having sex would've sent her on overdrive - and subsequent cleaning frenzy - but not anymore. Not since she got dragged into this stage of her relationship with her husband. After so long, she was finally getting her honeymoon...
Before she knew what was happening, Goku had swiped her over to his lap, one leg on each side around his waist, before effortlessly standing up. A yelp escaped her and she hurried to grab on to his neck for support she wouldn't need, of course, so strong and muscular as he was… "Come on," he declared with that sexy smile again, while walking somewhere. "Let's go make us a baby."
A couple more whole-hearted chuckles on her part. "I'm on the pill, Goku."
He shrugged his shoulder dismissively. "Meh, I've worked tougher miracles before."
So true, my love. She laughed and kissed him passionately. So very true.
…
"We now go live to Shari Tommens. Shari?"
"Thank you, Phil. I'm just outside Blue city's 12th precinct Police Department, where the alleged culprits of the Golden Bridge case were taken into custody not too long ago. The arrest was a joint effort of Gold and Blue city's forces, after a massive raid operation that took place earlier today. A press conference has been scheduled in a few hours to reveal all the details-"
Gohan wasn't really sure of what to think, right now; "miracle" came to mind but as magical as it seemed, this whole ordeal didn't resolve itself that spontaneously. The right trigger had just been lacking the whole time.
The next sip of his black coffee tasted a little sweeter and the weight on his shoulders, the tiniest bit lighter. It was still so surreal that his brain hadn't fully acknowledged the permission to relax. Completely, that is - his new waking up regimen was doing the trick just fine.
This time around Videl's head didn't rest on his chest but he was definitely fine with the change, since the sweet scent of her beautiful hair was just as amazing. That and the spooning, of course - his new favorite thing in the whole of existence. Just the perfect amount of contact to feel all warm and fuzzy but still adequately positioned so she wouldn't notice him pressing up against her... down there. How in the world did guys managed the role of the "big spoon" without it being awkward upon waking up? Maybe he should google it...
"Good morning," he heard from behind and it made him freeze; meaning he tensed and lost the ability to move, since he was actually boiling inside. It wasn't the mellow tune of Videl's voice...
"Oh, God, that smells amazing," Erasa stated in an exhale, serving herself a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
He would say something, he'd produce some random chit-chat since he was in the blonde's home - it was only polite - but his body only registered the overheating and his brain the fact that he was in his teddy bear boxer shorts and a sleeveless tee that suddenly felt so incredibly tight and revealing. She never crossed his mind, damn her; he completely forgot to wonder if she was home or not. He was staring. Stop staring!
"G-Good morning," he heard himself say and promptly pressed his eyelids shut in chagrin for the slip - too much lag for that specific cue. Refocusing, he noticed how Erasa was leaning against the kitchen counter now, cup to her mouth to hide the smirk that her cheeks and eyes were giving away. Her blue orbs did a once over, up to down and back up again, so very slowly. He gulped. Was she just gonna stand there?
Apparently not, since she started walking away. He was prepared to sigh in relief - and embarrassment - but she beat him to it, speaking once more as she left. "Nice teddies."
Of course, she'd notice that...
"Mr. Satan, thank you so much for granting us this interview. What can you tell us about these arrests?" the news reporter asked on the small television, and the name immediately caught his awareness. What was he doing there, anyway? The guy had nothing to do with anything!
"Well, Cherry, I worked long and hard to bring these criminals to justice, and now the police's gonna interrogate their sorry butts to make sure that what happened to that Gold bridge-"
"Golden," Gohan corrected. "'Long and hard', my ass. Doesn't even know the proper name..."
"What are we grunting about, so early in the morning?"
That voice... that was the right one. It sprouted a smile that turned into a soft grin when he felt her arms snake lazily around his waist and her cheek pressing against his back. He sighed and turned around in her embrace, returning it willingly. "I can't even remember, anymore."
It was her turn to smile and chuckle adorably, and that sealed the deal right then and there. Would he ever be able to resist the urge to kiss her when she smiled like that? Probably not... what a bummer.
Might as well make the most of it.
…
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Author's Notes:
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