Hi! This chapter is going to be more on the funny side, with some bonding moments. BTW it's MariaRobotnk24. I know that some people are waiting for the final battle of Gohan vs. Goten, but I wanted to do something hilarious and heart felt. Trust me; it's worth the wait ;) Without further or do
Chapter 7: The Birthday
Gohan's P.O.V.
"Daddy!" Pan repeated 3 times, while jumping on me. I groaned.
"Hey Panny," I said groggily with one eye open.
"Come on!" She grabbed my hand and dragged me out of bed.
"Pan, can I get dressed first?"
"Huh…Oops okay!" She ran downstairs and I walked towards my dresser. I grabbed a shirt and pants and slipped them on. I opened the door to Trunks running for his life. What is his problem, then Vegeta ran by screaming "You little brat!" oh that's his problem. I laughed so hard I swear I started crying. I recollected myself and stood up. I made my way downstairs, only to find my dad being attacked by my daughter. I walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
"Already got it."
"AH! Oh sorry Videl."
"Here you go."
"Thank you, so what time did little miss wake up."
"Early."
"Well that's no surprise." We laughed.
"You seem to be in a good mood."
"Yeah, considering the fact a little girl jumped on my gut and screamed in my ear." I laughed again. Videl turned as the door opened, revealing a really ticked off Vegeta.
"Wow, what's your problem?"
"That little…" I was already laughing, I didn't notice it when he ran down the hallway, but now I do. Vegeta's black spiky hair was cut. All the tips were completely cut off.
"Shut up!" I stopped when Vegeta said that. Do not want him mad at me. I smiled at Videl, who followed me out the door.
"Please tell me you saw Vegeta's hair."
"What?"
"Dad, are you serious?"
"What?"
"You didn't see Vegeta's 'new' hairstyle?"
"No, why?"
"Trunks did something stupid but hilarious." Videl had to finish for me, I was laughing way too hard.
"Didn't I say shut up?" We all looked Vegeta's direction. It was like an explosion of laughter. I was on the floor I was laughing so hard. Everything calmed down after awhile, but Vegeta was still red with embarrassment and anger.
"So do you know what day it is?" Videl asked as she walked up to me.
"What?"
"Oh my…You forgot!"
"What did I forget?"
"Your daughter's birthday!"
"Oops…" I chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of my head.
"Hey, in my defense, I just went through Heck and back yesterday."
"I know…" She sighed and looked at me.
"You forgot too didn't you?" She nodded her head in the -yes- direction. I chuckled again. I put my hand on her shoulder, "Hey, you are looking at one of the fastest people in the world, I will figure it out."
"That's what I'm afraid of…"
"Why?"
"Well, with everything that's going on, I don't think it will be a safe idea for you to do it."
"Thank you for the total confidence. Let's just celebrate it here, if we are allowed to."
"I'm not sure if they will like that."
"You go talk to Bulma; I will take Pan with me to the store for her to pick out a toy or something." I winked at her. She smiled at me and pecked my lips. I pulled her closer for one moment; we did a normal couple kiss, and went on our way. Alright, now time for my 'mission'. I laughed internally as I made my way back in the house.
"Hey Pan." I called.
"Yes Daddy?"
"Do you want to go to the store with me?"
"What about mommy?"
"Nope, it's just you and me."
"Yay!" She jumped up and down.
"Go put on your shoes, and I will meet you back here." She nodded and ran off. I watched as Pan disappeared upstairs, and listened for her door to shut. I turned to my father smiling at me.
"What?"
"You seem very happy today, so…Why are you happy?"
"Does there have to be a reason?"
"Yes, considering what transpired yesterday."
"I guess it's the fact that no matter what happens, I will still have my family with me."
"You see!"
"I see what?"
"Now you understand why I am always happy and calm, it is because of you guys. I was never afraid because I knew if I couldn't do it, someone else could, and if I could, I knew what was waiting for me."
"I guess you're right. It just took a little maturing for me to find that out."
"Glad we had this talk, but you have a promise you need to keep, and a car door to fix."
"You mean Bulma hasn't fixed it yet!"
"Nope, she said that you punched it, you fix it." He laughed at me as I was glaring at him. Pan ran to me and was waiting patiently. I shook my head, losing all faith in my father's brain. Not that he has one.
"Alright, Panny, you ready?"
"Yup!"
"Bye guys, we should be back soon." I walked outside and put Pan in the car, the ride to Party City was a rather quiet one. I steered the car into an empty spot next to the building. I smiled as Pan jumped out of the car before I even turned off the ignition.
"Yay!" She jumped up and down. I grabbed her hand and led her to the doors; they slid open, letting the cool wind of the air conditioner run through hers and my hair. I grabbed a cart and started to push it, she wouldn't let go of the cart side, so I put her inside. Pan smiled at me, showing her pearly whites. I smiled and showed mine back. Why am I so happy? I mean, my brother went evil and I am perfectly calm? I wondered to myself, or at least I thought it was to myself. That would be my doing my boy. I heard a recognizable old man's voice in my head. Magisterial Kai! It's nice to hear your voice again, well kind of. I know what you mean. I wanted to give you a little happiness before your great battle, so all night last night I hacked your brain and found tons of good memories. I decided to fill your head with those thoughts instead of negative ones. Thank you, it is nice to know that you are still looking out for me, how is Draco? He misses you a lot, but he will get over it. I doubt that. Well I must go good luck Gohan. Thank you again, it was a pleasure talking to you. I smiled and turned to the toy aisle.
"Alright Pan, pick what you want."
"Do you really mean it?"
"Of course I do Pan, I want you to pick your birthday present," I emphasized the word 'you'. She beamed at me and jumped out of the cart. She walked up to the line of Barbie* dolls and picked a cowgirl one that came with a horse, a stable, and a cowboy. I smiled as she climbed back into the cart.
"Okay Pan, what kind of cake and ice cream do you want?"
"Chocolate ice cream and…Anything with sprinkles!" I laughed, and she joined in. I walked to the frozen foods aisle and grabbed 3 tubs of ice cream, considering my dad can eat a cow and a half by himself. Saiyins do have big appetites you know. I grabbed a Funfetti cake with Butter Cream frosting. Pan was so happy, she could barley contain her excitement. I grabbed some napkins, paper plates, and a thing of balloons. Pan picked out everything, I wanted her to have the best 5th birthday party ever. I walked to the cashier and started to put things on the conveyer belt.
"I am guessing it's this little cuties birthday," The female cashier with blonde hair and emerald green eyes guessed.
"Yes it is! I am turning 5 years old today!" Pan chimed.
"Well happy birthday…"
"Pan, her name is Pan," I said kindly.
"Well Pan, I am guessing this is your dad, am I right?" Pan nodded in the –yes- direction.
"That would be $39.99 please." I handed her two 20 dollar bills and thanked her.
"Oh sir, have I seen you somewhere?"
"I don't know, why do you ask?"
"That's it; you're Gohan Son, aren't you?"
"Yes that's me, how do you know my name?"
"We went to high school together remember? It's me, Erasa, with an 'E'!" I looked surprised then cheerful.
"Erasa, how are you?"
"Good, I am married now, with a baby on the way."
"Congrats."
"Thank you. How is Gomih?"
"…"
"Is something wrong?"
"She is missing, but I know she is happy where ever she's at."
"Oh no, I am so sorry, how about another question. How is Videl?"
"Good, she and I are married and obviously have a child, but I need to go, do not want anything melting." I waved goodbye to my old friend and walked out of the store. Wow she has changed a lot, and not just because of her bulging belly.
"Daddy, is Uncle Goten coming?" I stopped in my tracks, and then I looked down at her.
"I don't know, maybe." I lied; I didn't want to bring her into this. I walked to our car and put the groceries in the trunk. Pan jumped in the car as I closed my door and turned the ignition on. I then pulled out of the parking lot. It was silent, except for the occasional honk of car horns outside. I turned the radio on. The voice said "Still no suspects in the Satan University bombing…" I changed it, only to find every channel was talking about it. Ugh, go figure. I settled with my favorite channel 103.5, which plays country music. The Radio Lia Show is my favorite, but all she is talking about is the bombing that occurred the other day. I sighed, visibly tired of it, until…
"The school board is saying that they are allowing interviews with the staff and teachers, but more on that later. Now let's listen to Miranda Lambert's new single, 'Mama's Broken Heart'." I sat there, an interview, are they insane!
"Daddy, does this mean you will be on T.V?"
"I have no clue, but do not say anything to your mother or grandmother, okay?"
"Okay." We arrived at Capsule Corp. not more than 15 minutes after that little announcement. I went to the back of the car and started to grab groceries; Pan grabbed her toy and ran inside screaming, "Mommy look what I got!" I laughed and followed. I put the bags on the counter and turned around, only to find my father staring back at me.
"Ah!" I yelled out of shock. He laughed at me.
"Don't do that to me!" I yelled again.
"That was funny, so anyway, we heard the radio. Are you going to do the interview or not?"
"What, no!"
"Come on, it would be fun, and it will take 15 minutes at the least."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Please."
"No." I have no clue how long we did that, but dad finally got the hint and walked away with a pout. I chuckled and followed him outside. I saw Piccolo in deep thought; I got a devilish smile on my face. I snuck up behind him and yelled "Boo!"
"Ah!"
"Hiya Piccolo!"
"Darn it kid, you scared the crap out of me!"
"That was kind of the point."
"What do you want?"
"I didn't expect you to still be here."
"Well, with what happened yesterday it doesn't hurt for one to be more careful."
"Did you get that off of 'Lord of the Rings'?"
"What the heck is that?"
"A movie, the saying goes more like 'One does not simply just walk into Mordor'."
"You are just as idiotic as your father."
"No, I am an oval."
"Which means?"
"Eccentric, not circular, off center, or abnormal."
"You sound like Johnny-5."
"I know!"
"Okay then… You are hyper aren't you?"
"Maybe, maybe not."
"Ugh, it is bad when you get hyper." We laughed. I haven't talked with my old mentor like this in awhile. It was rare when anyone saw Piccolo like this. On the outside he is calm, but I knew that he was worried about me. We calmed down, and everything went quiet. I looked at him, his eyes were like daggers, they pierced through mine, reading mine. I couldn't help but look away, but he forced me to look at him.
"Gohan, if there is anything you need, come to me." I simply nodded because it sounded more like an order than a request.
Bulma's P.O.V.
I looked up from my desk as Videl popped up in the doorway.
"Hey Videl, what's up?"
"You're the genius, you tell me."
"Very funny Videl, what is it you need?"
"Well, if you aren't that busy I was hoping that we could celebrate Pan's 5th birthday party here."
"Of course."
"Phew, Gohan and I were afraid you wouldn't like it."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, Gohan felt like he was putting everyone in danger if we went somewhere else, but he also knew that you are a very busy woman and Vegeta hates him."
"Nah, Vegeta doesn't hate him, per say. It is more like a mutual disliking."
"True, so it is a yes?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, would you like to help me set up?"
"Sure Videl, I would love to help out." I hopped off my chair and followed her upstairs. Pan was playing with some new toys she got and Gohan was outside. The entire group of woman was inside, which made it way easier on me. I walked towards the counter and looked in the bags. I laughed, always perfect for daddy's little girl. I looked at Gohan, he looked happy, good stay like that, be happy for once in your life. I grabbed the Barbie* themed items and set them on the table in front of Chi-Chi, 18, Launch, and Videl.
"Um, Bulma, what are these?" 18 asked as she looked at me.
"Ladies, we have a party to do." They were all shocked, until Bulla, Marron, and Pan made an appearance. Pan was showing the two other little girls her new toys as well.
"Mama?" I turned to Bulla pulling at my jeans.
"Yes Bulla?"
"Can we take Pan's toys in my room and play?"
"Yes, but if Pan comes down you need to tell me okay?"
"Okay, thanks mommy!" She ran and told the other two, and the trio ran upstairs.
"Oh, how I love parties!"
"Launch, do you even know whose party it is?"
"Um…No."
"It is Pan's." I pinched the bridge of my nose. Launch is a perky, violet haired pain. When she sneezes, she turns into a blonde assassin. No one better bring flowers. I sighed. 18 stood up and smiled. The others followed.
"So, operation party is a go?"
"Yes it is." I replied to 18's official statement.
"Okay, I am going to need one of the guys on the barbeque, two women in the kitchen, and three women in the party room." I ordered.
"What about the other guys, and who is doing what?" Chi-Chi asked.
"Well, you and Launch are in the kitchen, 18, Videl, and I are in the party room, and the guys will do there thing." I laughed. I walked outside and all the guys were talking about sports, racing, and what not. Boys will be boys.
"Guys!" they all ceased their conversations and looked my way.
"What do you want woman?" Vegeta asked annoyed.
"We need to get this party started!"
"Really, what is it for this time?" I looked towards Piccolo.
"Your former student's daughter!" I exclaimed matter-of-factly.
"Calm down Bulma. What is it you need us to do?" Gohan asked kindly.
"Well, I need some of you to start the BBQ and the rest helping me with streamers and such."
"It doesn't need to be a big thing."
"Gohan, it is your daughter, I would like her to have a normal life since you never did." He flinched, I obviously struck a nerve. I shouldn't have said that. I covered my mouth; He has been through so much. Gosh I am an idiot! I really need to watch what I say near this kid.
"It's okay, it is kind of true." Gohan chuckled nervously and did the normal Son scratch.
"Okay, so who is going to be our personal BBQ Pit Master?"
"I guess I will, considering no one else here can cook." Yamcha stepped forward.
"Excuse me?" I replied offensively.
"I mean, not you, just the guys!" He waved his hands in front of his chest defensively.
"Humph…The rest of you go downstairs and I will be down in a minute." I saw Goku about to oppose.
"Now!" They scurried away. I rolled my eyes and went in the kitchen. Launch and Chi were already starting. I nodded in approval.
I walked downstairs and saw Vegeta yelling at Gohan.
"This is your fault; you should've just left that Raphael guy alone!"
"What did you think, that I brought him here on purpose?!"
"It sure seems that way."
"What in the world! What is going on here?!" Gohan and Vegeta were in a staring contest. I caught Gohan's eyes starting to water. I raised my eyebrow.
"Why are you letting this brat come here and disrupt my peace and quiet?!" Vegeta turned his fiery gaze to me.
"One, it is not just YOUR peace, Two, they are ALWAYS allowed here, and Three, don't you EVER talk to me or Gohan like that! That kid has gone through crap you can't even imagine!" I stared into Vegeta's chocolate brown eyes, waiting retaliation, but there was none.
"That's what I thought." I stuck my nose in the air and left him there.
"Gohan, it is not your fault." Goku was trying was trying to cheer him up.
"What ever, I am going to get some fresh air." Gohan turned and walked out of the room. I looked at the fuming Videl.
"WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Videl screamed at Vegeta. He was quiet, and then Slap! I looked at the side of Vegeta's head and saw a red handprint. I chuckled, but Videl was still steaming with anger.
"Well, that escalated quickly." I looked towards Krillin. Goku was still looking in the direction Gohan left, with clenched fists. Vegeta, you are an idiot!
Other than that little problem, everything went as planned. We got done decorating, cooking, and wrapping everything. There still was no sign of Gohan. I went upstairs, nothing.
Vegeta's P.O.V.
"Kakarrot, I thought you said your brat was up here!"
"Last time I checked he was."
"Well, he isn't."
"I think you were too harsh on him Vegeta. Gohan is trying, I mean put yourself in his shoes for once." I looked down at the man I despised for years. For once, I agreed with him.
"So, what if I was?"
"Vegeta, Gohan was only trying to forget, but he can't do that if you won't help him. Little do you know, Gohan actually looks up to you?"
"Really?" I asked amused.
"Yes, believe it or not, I don't care. But don't forget it." With that, Kakkarot left. I sighed. Putting me through a guilt trip, that is your plan? Well, it worked. I closed my eyes and searched for his ki. Found you. I took off in the air, and there he was. Gohan was on the roof eyes closed while standing in the wind. I watched as his hair blew and the moisture on his cheeks glistened. This kid has grown on me.
"Hey brat."
"What now Vegeta?" He masked his pain with annoyance, but I could tell that I hit a soft spot.
"You going to come down?"
"No."
"Listen Gohan, I…"
"Save it, everything you said was true."
"No it wasn't."
"Since when do you care?!" He turned sharply and glared at me. That was when I saw it, all those years of battles, death, pain, and torture caught up with him. I actually felt bad for him. I raised my eyebrow.
"You came here to destroy, and granted you stopped, but you still hate everything in sight! I am doing my best and you are not helping me! I lost my brother! I just can't do this!" He broke down in tears. I was caught off guard. I blinked a couple times, still not knowing what to do.
"You are right, Gohan. Except for one thing, I don't hate you, or anything else for that matter. Well…Except for Kakkarot. You are not alone, we are going to get your annoying brother back, trust me, I don't even want him like this. Right now, you have a little girl waiting for you to go down there, so go." He looked up at me. My voice was full of authority, but also sincerity. He nodded and wiped his tears away, leaving a confident young man, actually, a confident young Saiyin. Gohan smiled at me.
"I guess that is an apology."
"What do you mean 'you guess'?"
"It was an apology." I smirked. He jumped off the roof and disappeared inside. I followed.
"How did you do it?" I turned to the Namek looking at me.
"Encouragement." He nodded. I walked inside, next thing I know I am a jungle gym. AGAIN! Bulla was screaming 'Daddy!' while Pan was screaming 'Thank you!'
"Bulla, get off of your father right now!" My blue eyed wife ordered. Pan and Bulla jumped off me and ran towards the kitchen. I walked back to the others and sat on a chair. I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes. If anyone knows about what I did goodbye ruthless reputation.
Gohan's P.O.V.
I walked towards Pan, and she sprang out of her seat and flew into my arms. I pulled her into a hug. That was when a song played on the radio. I smiled and looked at her.
"Do you know this song?"
"Huh…No."
"Yes you do…"
"What?"
"Cause' I will dance with Cinderella while she is here in my arms…" I sang and spun my Panny around.
"Cinderella?"
"Yes, by…"
"Steven…"
"Steven Curtis Chapman."
"Oh Yeah!" I danced with my Cinderella. I listened to the lyrics:
She spins and she sways to what ever song plays,
Without a care in the world,
And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my,
Shoulders,
It's been a long day and there's still work to do,
She's pullin' at me sayin' dad I need you,
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited,
And I need to practice my dancin',
Oh please, Daddy please
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause' I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause' all too soon the clock would strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I improve of her dress
She says dad the prom is still one week away
But I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy please
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause' I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause' all too soon the clock would strike midnight
And she'll be gone
And she will be gone
Well she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowin' and tellin' all they have planned
She says dad the weddings still six months away
But I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy please
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause' I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause' all too soon the clock would strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Mine and Pan's song. I smiled as I danced with my little princess. She was laughing as I held her on my hip, her hands entwined with mine. I swayed back and forth. I looked over to Videl, she was crying. I set Pan down and walked towards my wife, she flung her body into mine. She cried on my shoulder, and I had no idea why.
"Videl, it is okay, I am okay."
"I know, but…" She sighed.
"Gohan, what is going to happen, I mean, with your brother, truthfully." Everything around me went quiet. My face went serious.
"Videl, I don't know if I can win, but I am going to try no matter what."
"What happens if you can't win?!"
"Then I know people who can."
"But…"
"Videl, I promise."
"Okay."
Clap, clap, clap! I turned, oh no.