Chi-Chi followed her training partner in silence. They didn't stray too far from the majority of the group, though no one was really paying attention to anyone else. Kakarot stopped walking and turned to face her.

"So now we train," he shrugged putting his defenses up. Chi-Chi followed suit, though she went through the motions half-heartedly. Her mind was far from training.

"Who do you think Frieza will send?" she asked, lowering her limbs. She knew she should be trying to concentrate, but her mind was flying in too many different directions. Kakarot merely shrugged.

"I'm not very familiar with the members of Frieza's troops," he admitted, "but I'm sure it will be someone far stronger than Verspa."At his response, Chi-Chi did her best to mask her concern. She was worried about her friends. And her father. And Gohan. Her father and Gohan were on their way to join their small group. They were bringing Yamcha. He had refused to stay behind at Capsule Corp and heal from his tournament wounds and obviously her father and Gohan were sick of trying to keep him cooped up. If Frieza sent a soldier stronger than Verspa, none of them would last long. Chi-Chi didn't mask her concern very well. She could feel the lines of worry spreading across her face. Kakarot took a few steps toward her and gently placed his arm around her.

"Don't worry," he whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you." He drew her in close. Chi-Chi buried her face in his chest, attempting to calm herself.

"It's not me I'm worried about," she confessed, shakily. She took a deep breath.

"Don't worry," he repeated firmly, "I won't let anything happen to any of you." Chi-Chi looked up at him, studying his face. She knew she didn't deserve his kindness. Kakarot was constantly doing things for her that she didn't understand. She was filled with conflicting emotions. She hated him for always being so willing to help her, yet she loved him for it.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked slowly.

"Doing what?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Being so kind. Offering to help me. I've been nothing but rude to you," Chi-Chi looked down at her feet.

"You offered to help me," he reminded her. "You were the first to offer your assistance, even if you didn't trust us." Kakarot was holding her at arm's length. Chi-Chi looked up from her feet into his face. His usually innocent and carefree eyes held a serious determination as he studied her face.

"For that, I am indebted to you forever."

"But the Dragonballs didn't even work," Chi-Chi said, shaking her head. "We just dragged you around for nothing." She averted her eyes once more. Kakarot was adamant, but she knew the truth. She hadn't helped any.

"You couldn't have known the wish wouldn't work," Kakarot reassured her. "And you stopped Verspa from becoming immortal." Chi-Chi bit her lip.

"I just- I don't deserve-" she fumbled. Kakarot took her face in his hands. Once more, she raised her eyes to meet his.

"-Chi-Chi," he said, softly interrupting her, "You've done more for my people than you will ever know. You deserve a little help in return. I promise nothing is going to happen to any of you. Not under my watch."

Chi-Chi stared into his face for a moment longer, still struggling with her conflicting emotions. She didn't really even know what was happening inside her anymore. It was as though she was an innocent bystander, looking on as her heart waged war with itself. The stubborn, headstrong part of herself hated her for falling in love with the Saiyan. The docile, obedient part of herself was asking why she couldn't submit to her feelings. The rational and logical part of herself was scratching its head, wondering what in Kami's name was going on.

She continued to stare into Kakarot's eyes. They seemed to be the only thing around her that remained constant. They were calm and endless. As she looked on, Chi-Chi's defenses dropped, and she succumbed at last. She crushed her lips to his. Kakarot's body went rigid and he let out a small gasp of surprise. When the initial shock of Chi-Chi's action had passed, she felt him relax once more. He returned her kiss, gently. Chi-Chi felt a shock ripple through her core. She grinned girlishly as they broke apart.

"Maybe we should start training now?" she asked after a moment, still grinning widely. Kakarot returned her smile in his own boyish and mischievous way. Upon seeing Kakarot's smile light up his face, all of Chi-Chi's doubts and fears melted away. In their place was a sense of hope. She had never been this optimistic in her life. Chi-Chi realized that she finally trusted this Saiyan. She trusted him with all her heart.

"Maybe," came Kakarot's reply.