Of Two Hearts
Chapter 21: A Storm in Life
An evil plan had failed to keep two hearts apart. No amount of effort could destroy the powerful bond of love, even if that effort consisted of manipulation. Piccolo had learned this the hard way. He thought that, by eliminating Chi-Chi, Goku wouldn't have a distraction and would be at full power when they battled.
He couldn't have been more wrong, for it was Chi-Chi that was Goku's encouragement and strength.
And so, Piccolo's Dark Seed Invasion was a failed attempt, and all his victims recovered, including the Ox-King. Normally, he would've allowed Goku to marry Chi-Chi, but under Piccolo's influence, he thought otherwise. Now, the Ox-King had made his decree that his daughter be wed at last, truly happy, and wed at last.
Her love prevailed, and now that it has, so will her spirit. She now meets with the man who gave up everything to be with her.
***
Goku was looking around as he strolled peacefully in town. Everywhere around him, signs of spring and new life were evident, and a calm sense of happiness touched him. He continued to stroll, and his eyes cast downward at his hand, which was entwined with his lover's.
"Hey, Chi-Chi, you still haven't told me where you're taking me," Goku said for the third time since the walk began.
He felt Chi-Chi squeeze his hand gently. "Be patient," she said softly. "We're almost there."
Goku obeyed and only had to walk for a few more minutes before he and Chi-Chi came to a halt by the fishermen's pier stretching out over the sea. There was a cobblestone fence at the head of the pier, where Chi-Chi sat, while Goku leaned against it, looking out at the sea.
He heard seagulls calling, and the crash of the rolling waves against the pier's wooden poles. The smell of salt hung in the air as a breeze blew from the south.
Ships were sailing in from the south too, but Goku found himself paying no attention to these things.
He looked down at a gentle Chi-Chi, who thoughtfully gazed out at the sea. The breeze played with her hair and carelessly tossed the loose articles of her clothing about. The light gleaming on the waves' crests reflected onto her face, making her eyes shine. Suddenly, Goku thought, she looked pretty.
"Um, Chi-Chi?"
"Hm?"
Goku was silent for a minute, trying to forget his thoughts. How should he tell a girl she's pretty anyway? Ah, Goku figured Chi-Chi already knew how he felt about her. There was no need to say it, besides the fact Goku felt himself blushing a little, something he hardly ever did. He had a question for her though.
"Chi-Chi?"
Chi-Chi looked his way, concerned. Goku was speaking to her in a quiet, hesitant tone. That was rare, not to mention she could've sworn his cheeks were tinted pink. Ultimately, Chi-Chi thought Goku was cute when he was embarrassed. She leaned towards him. "Yes?" she asked.
"I'm confused, Chi-Chi. Your father said that I could try to see if I could marry you, and I noticed you were a little sad. You didn't seem to want to talk much, like you were always thinking or dreaming. What was that about?"
He looked up in thought before continuing, "When Vegeta was around, I remembered wanting to stop Vegeta from having you as a bride because I thought he would hurt you and that he really didn't like you very much. I don't normally feel jealous or anything, especially about something I don't know about, like marriage. What does all of this mean?"
Chi-Chi suddenly felt warm, not from blushing, but from the realization of these facts. Goku just admitted he was protective of her and although he may not fully realize it, he does have a romantic attraction to Chi-Chi. How special does one feel when she knows she's admired...
Chi-Chi scooted closer to Goku, enough to make him look at her, though they were not touching. "Vegeta's not important now," she said softly. "You are. Our focus now is the marriage. It's... how can I explain it? Well, put simply, when a man and woman love each other so much, they may decide they want to be together for the rest of their lives, and they have a ceremony to signify that."
"So that's a marriage?" Goku asked, scooting even closer.
"A part of it. The ceremony, vows, reception, and the time afterwards is just a wedding. A marriage is lifetime commitment that requires work, patience, and sacrifice-- all done in the name of love. I love you, Goku, and I'm ready to do this. But..."
Chi-Chi trailed off and her eyes fell from Goku's face to his hand lying casually beside hers. She took his hand in her own, and then stroked the back of his hand gently.
"The one thing I realize about this is that I may have been selfish. You don't even know what's happening, and no one's asked you how you felt. I just wanted to fulfill my childhood dream at any cost, but it's pointless if the one person I want to be with doesn't understand or desire me."
Goku didn't like Chi-Chi's melancholy tone, or the expression on her face. Why did she seem regretful? What was the matter? "What do you mean, Chi?"
Chi-Chi let go of his hand and embraced herself, just as a timely breeze began to blow again. Leaves were tossed in the wind to the north, and Chi-Chi held up a hand to catch one. She held a browning leaf in her hand and twirled the stem, looking over it.
"I won't tie you down for my happiness. I don't want to make the same mistake Otousan did. He didn't want to let me go so I could marry you. But sometimes, if you love that person, letting go is the right thing to do," Chi-Chi started.
She sighed, and the leaf fluttered against her clenched fist, as if it were trying to escape.
"It'd be a mistake for you to make such a commitment without understanding, just for me. I've realized after all this time that marrying you would only please me. And a marriage means both partners are happy. So..."
She opened her hand, and the leaf spun away, dancing in the wind across the sky. At the same time she said, "I'm letting you go, Goku. You don't have to promise me a marriage anymore."
***
The Ox-King was in his bedchamber, thinking about his daughter's circumstance. He was concerned ever since the day he made a deal with Goku, saying he could try for Chi-Chi's hand. Chi-Chi had been melancholy ever since that day, but recently, she seemed to be more pensive. She was always in deep thought.
Ah, she must be nervous about Goku's testing, Ox-King thought. But wait until she sees the surprise I have for her if he passes.
Ox-King smiled as he retreated to the farthest cubicle in the back of his bedchamber. The farthest cubicle was the most private room in the castle, and the most treasured items were stored there. The Ox-King entered the cubicle and found a dusty dresser in the corner. He opened the dresser and smiled as he gently lifted white, draping items from the drawer. He unfolded the item to reveal the Ox-Queen's wedding garments. He had saved her kimono and attire out of memory, but now that Chi-Chi was twenty and it was possible for her to be married, it only made sense to give her the traditional garments.
Ox-King imagined how beautiful Chi-Chi would look in the kimono outfit, and he knew that if Goku made it, he would get his wish of seeing his daughter marry a good person. Ox-King touched the silky soft material of the kimono and remembered back to his own wedding.
He sighed, and then looked the kimono over. "Hmm, well it needs to be washed, ironed and treated with extreme delicacy. I'll have the female servants attend to this right away. I can't wait to see the look on Chi-Chi's face."
***
Goku couldn't believe his ears. Did Chi-Chi really mean what she said? No, she must be mistaken. And if she wasn't, Goku was determined to prove her wrong. He would make her see that her assumption wasn't true. It wasn't true at all.
"Chi-Chi," Goku said solemnly, his hand reaching for her face. His gentle hand descended from her cheek to her chin, and he tilted her face upwards so she would look at him. He stared straight at her sorrowful face, and felt at a loss of words. Two parts of Goku were battling with each other. His heart knew that Chi-Chi was wrong. She meant something dear to him. He was mad at himself for not having courage.
He could have so much courage on the battlefield, and he always knew what to do. But now, where was that same courage he needed to summon to tell the only woman in his life that he really liked her? He wanted to say it to her face.
Yet, his mind had a say in this too. Chi-Chi had brought up some interesting points. Goku didn't understand everything about love and marriage. He didn't love Chi-Chi, but right now, it felt like he really did...
Goku opened his mouth to speak, but instead of tender words, he froze as he felt something wet slide in between his fingers. He saw Chi-Chi hung her head, and her shoulders were trembling in the slightest fear of letting Goku go.
"You're crying," Goku said, softhearted. He lifted Chi-Chi's face again, but she tried to turn away. "I... I-I tried not to..." she trailed off, unable to speak anymore.
"Don't. I don't want you to cry."
"But... I was thinking about you. This is the right thing to do..."
Goku's hands stopped cupping Chi-Chi's face, and they grasped her shoulders firmly. He shook her gently. "Chi-Chi, listen to yourself! You're talking about how this won't work out for us, but you also said no one asked me how I felt. Let me tell you how I feel!"
Chi-Chi looked up at him, silenced, and her eyes grew wide at the look on Goku's face. She had never seen a more passionate face, and it seemed he was struggling too. Chi-Chi's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion as she awaited Goku to speak.
The only sound she could hear was her pounding heart. She was ready to hear whatever Goku had to say...
She felt Goku's hands leave her shoulders to wipe away the tears on her face. When they were no more, she felt Goku pull her towards him. Her head rested against his chest, and the sound of Goku's racing heart was apparent to her ears.
His breathing swayed her bangs as he spoke. "Over the past two years, I've learned new things about you and myself. I never thought I could feel this way about anyone, but I know that I prefer and like you over anyone else. I don't mind trying for you. I want to be with you too."
He held her tighter. "The way I feel is... I want to be your only love. I want to be yours forever if it means that no one will try to steal you away. I'll work hard at all the things you said, and I'll work hard at whatever your father tells me. If you think it won't work because I don't love you, then…you're wrong."
Chi-Chi carefully released herself from Goku's loving hold, and looked him in the eyes, hopeful. "Then… Will you try to love me?"
Goku smiled at her sweetly, and brought his head to hers until their foreheads touched. "I already have a long time ago. You meant something to me even two years ago. I've never felt this way about anyone. I never actually wanted to be with anyone forever until now. I've learned so many things already, and you showed me a different kind of love. I would like to give some of that same love back to you, and I'll do that by doing whatever the Ox-King has planned for me. Will you please wait for me? I promise I'll do well and come back to you."
"You promise?" Chi-Chi whispered.
"Yes," Goku said, looking at her honestly.
"All right. If you promise to come back, I promise to wait for you."
***
That afternoon, the Ox-King wanted to see Chi-Chi as soon as she came back from her outing with Goku. He waited for her in his bedchamber patiently. He wouldn't be surprised if he had to wait an additional few minutes. He knew his daughter wanted to spend some time with Goku before he began his testing. Finally, the Ox-King heard a knock at his door, and he placed his hands behind his back. "Come in!" he said.
The door opened, and Chi-Chi walked in, curious. "You called, Otousan?"
Ox-King smiled. "As a matter of fact, I did. Come over here." He beckoned her closer, as he watched Chi-Chi's wondering eyes look him over. Chi-Chi came close and stood next to the Ox-King.
"Close your eyes and hold out your hands," he said.
Chi-Chi raised an eyebrow at him. "What are you hiding?" Ox-King smiled and repeated the command. Chi-Chi just sighed and did as she was told. She felt the semi smoothness of paper in her palms as the Ox-King gave her something. "All right, you can look now."
Chi-Chi opened her eyes and looked down at a brown parcel in her hands. String was tied around it to keep the parcel from opening. Chi-Chi's face became curious as she observed the package. "What did you get me?" she asked, holding it up to the sunlight pouring through the window.
"Open it to see."
So Chi-Chi pulled at the string and unfolded the paper to reveal a stack of folded white materials. Curiosity was still present as Chi-Chi put the wrappings aside and unfolded the white materials. The items actually consisted of a silk kimono, the proper undergarments, the obi, and the cord and sash to be tied around the obi.
Chi-Chi stared down at it wonder.
"This is what your mother wore when she and I were married," Ox-King said. "I knew you'd fit into the clothes and also this." He took a bride's hood from behind his back and placed it on her head. He smiled. "You're going to look so beautiful in it."
Chi-Chi only stared at the wedding garments in her arms. She ran her hand over the silky material gently, taking into consideration that this was the very same thing her mother touched and wore.
"Okaasan," she murmured, looking over it again.
She held the garments close to her, and looked up at the Ox-King, touched. "I…I don't know what to say. Thank you…"
Ox-King merely smiled cheerfully. "Now was the right time to give it to you, just like when I gave you your mother's necklace when you turned eighteen. You're going to be so beautiful on your wedding day. I bet I'm not the only one who thinks so. Goku, hm?"
A light blush came to Chi-Chi's cheeks and she smiled, bringing the kimono to her face, running the cool, smooth material across her cheek. "I'll cherish this as long as I live."
She closed her eyes, her thoughts on her late mother. Finally, I've done what was asked of me, Okaasan. I learned my duties, grew up, and am now a woman ready to be married. And as I continue to live my life, I'll strive to be like you. I hope you're proud.
For a moment, Chi-Chi felt calm as she swore she felt her mother's presence around her.
This was interrupted suddenly as the Ox-King spoke. "Uh… I have something else to tell you." He continued only when Chi-Chi looked up at him. Ox-King sighed thoughtfully. "There's one story I didn't tell you. I know you remember the curse of the fire, but it didn't only affect us. The fire burned endlessly at other places until I figured out a way to put it out. The damages done in other towns were devastating and the survivors needed homes and jobs by the hundreds. I took them into this kingdom, sheltered, fed and employed them. The people were loyal to me and considered me their leader and king. I was truly the Ox-King once again, thus making you truly Princess Chi-Chi once again."
Chi-Chi nodded, remembering back to the day she and Goku first came to the kingdom. They had questioned why it appeared to be so different.
Ox-King continued, "However, things have been fine for the past years. The damaged lands are profitable once again. I remember your feelings considering your marriage and your desire to make your own decisions. You've always been independent like your mother. I've done my part on preparing the testing for Goku. Now it's your turn to explain to him what must come to him, and report back here when the sun touches the peaks of the West Mountains."
He looked at her sternly. "Do heed that though I gave you the wedding garments, it doesn't mean you'll wear them walking alongside Goku. Don't get your hopes up too high. Put the garments away and go on now."
Chi-Chi nodded subtly, bowed, and left.
***
It was mid afternoon when Chi-Chi stopped by Goku's chamber on the first floor of the palace. She walked towards the area, and she noticed the door was ajar. She saw Goku sitting on his futon, enjoying an armful of snacks from the Dining Hall. Chi-Chi cleared her throat gently, which made Goku look up. His eyebrows arched in surprise, and he quickly swallowed his food. "Chi-Chi! Come in, come in!"
Chi-Chi smiled a bit at his happiness, and came to sit next to him. Goku smiled cheerfully at her. "It's not very often you come around these parts. What's on your mind? Hey, you want something to eat?"
"Um, no," Chi-Chi answered, and brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. "I need to talk to you about something important."
"All right."
"Have you ever wondered why my father didn't just offer me as your reward for saving me from Chang?"
Goku smiled. "He wouldn't have to offer you. I would've chosen you anyway."
Chi-Chi turned her face away to hide her rosy cheeks before continuing. "I mean… Have you wondered why we haven't married yet?" Goku nodded. "He seemed nervous when I talked about you…"
Chi-Chi nodded. "Like all fathers, he's serious and values his daughter and anything pertaining to a man who wants her. He won't let just any man marry me, and that's why he holds the tests. If the man meets the requirements, passes and pleases my father, then he'll allow the marriage."
"And that's why I'm being tested; to be a good husband for you," Goku said.
"Yes," Chi-Chi said slowly. "But it's not as easy as that. Depending on what my father wants to test you on, it could be a variety of things that'll require every inch of you to work for days, weeks, maybe even months. One of the main reasons is to test endurance and if your love for me was genuine or not."
Goku seemed thoughtful. "That's a lot to take in, but I'm sure I can do it. I'll try with all my strength."
"I know you'll do your best, Goku, but I don't want you to think that everything is going to be perfect like sunshine. My father could still say no even if you do pass… He could punish you for not passing."
Goku frowned. "I can make it. I'm just wondering… You said the tests could expand over months. When can I see you during that time?"
Chi-Chi looked at him, shyly. "Well, you're permitted to see me on certain nights for a few minutes. You can't spend the night, but they'll still be sweet visits." Goku looked up at the ceiling in thought, a smile on his face. "Good. Hey, Chi-Chi, what happens if I do pass?"
"We'll get married of course, and that brings me to my second thought… Goku, do you think you'll like ruling a kingdom? It's not easy to be an emperor and, um…"
She trailed off, blushing profusely. Now wasn't the time to be talking about making an heir to the throne. "Um, I know you like being outdoors and going places, but you can't do that when you're the emperor. You'd be sacrificing a lot just to marry me…"
Goku shook his head at her, smiling. "It's all right, Chi-Chi. I've already made up my mind on this. I want to be with you. But I'm also wondering… Do you think you could tell me what exactly happens when I marry you?"
Chi-Chi blinked. He doesn't know? She thought. Um, all right… It's not a serious problem.
Hello! Her inner voice spoke. Of course he wouldn't know; he's never had to marry anyone before, let alone a princess! Just rehearse the ceremony with him. It'll be a lot to teach him, but you know it'll be a lot of fun!
Chi-Chi smiled slowly at Goku. "All right, Goku. I'll show you what to do. Come on."
***
"Like this, right?"
Goku walked from the door to the folded blankets by the glassless window at the farthest wall in the room. He sat on his knees next to Chi-Chi, who was watching him as he did what she told him.
"Yes," Chi-Chi said. "But walk slowly, and can you not look so nervous? You want people to think you know what you're doing."
"Sorry, Chi," Goku said, sighing and running a hand through his hair. "I've never done anything like this."
Chi-Chi smiled and kissed his cheek. "It's all right. You're so cute when you're nervous. Let's go on."
Goku blinked, and then looked at her. "Is that part of the ceremony?"
"What?"
"Kissing," Goku answered. "When do we get to kiss?"
"Um," Chi-Chi said, blushing. "We don't. That's a long time from now."
Goku seemed disappointed. "This stinks."
"I know," Chi-Chi whispered. "Let's continue… See, we've knelt before the altar where the priest will do a ritual of purification. All he's going to do is wash our hands. Then he's going to talk a while and pray, burn incense, and give us our oaths and drinks."
"Oaths? Drinks? But what if I'm not thirsty? This is confusing," Goku said.
"You have to trust me on this, Goku. The oaths are on paper. They're promises we read aloud together to agree that we'll be together forever. The drinks are cups of sake, which we will use to perform San-San-Kudo. I'll show you that later. After we drink, he'll pronounce us as husband and wife."
"Then we can kiss, right?" Goku asked, hopeful.
The light blush returned to Chi-Chi's cheeks. "No… Then we dance at our reception."
"D-Dance?" Goku asked, doubtful.
"Yes," Chi-Chi said calmly. "We'll dance around a fire at the temple. The reception is for people to have fun, and us too. After that, then we can go home and start our new life together."
"And then we can kiss," Goku said.
"Y-Yes," Chi-Chi confirmed softly. "Then we can kiss. But right now, I think I have to teach you something else. Do you know how to dance, Goku?"
Goku shook his head regretfully, and Chi-Chi sighed affectionately at this excuse to get close. "I'll show you," she said to him as they stood up. They stood in front of each other and Chi-Chi tried to punch him with her right hand. Surprised, Goku sidestepped it, and did it again as Chi-Chi tried to punch him with her left hand. "Uh, Chi-Chi, what do you think you're doing?"
Chi-Chi gave him a determined glance before aiming a kick in between Goku's legs.
"Woah!" Goku exclaimed, jumping backwards. Ok, Chi-Chi had snapped, he guessed.
"What's the matter with you?" Goku said, stepping forward, still cautious. Chi-Chi still didn't speak as she tried to elbow him in the stomach. Goku spun around, and grabbed her hands firmly, as he still distanced himself slightly, in case she tried to kick his crotch again. This time, Chi-Chi smiled lovingly, and stepped towards him. She removed his hand from her wrist and guided his left arm to wrap around her waist. She released her right hand from Goku's grip and held it in an outstretched manner.
Then, slowly, she glanced at Goku nicely this time, and began to step to the left, which was Goku's first move. Goku was confused. "Are you angry at me or not, Chi-Chi? What did I do?"
Chi-Chi laughed softly and rested her head against his chest. "You're so funny, Goku. Don't you see you're dancing?"
"I'm not dancing, Chi-Chi. I'm confused."
Chi-Chi pulled away and tilted her head to the right. "Step right with me, then backwards, forwards, and spin around." Goku looked down at the floor as he slowly did what Chi-Chi told him. His face suddenly brightened.
"I see now! You used martial arts to teach me which way to go in dancing! That was really smart of you, Chi-Chi."
Chi-Chi just smiled. "This time, we'll go in the opposite direction, and try to look at me this time."
Goku frowned. "But what if I step on your toes or something? Why am I even holding you like this?"
Chi-Chi rested her head against his chest again. "What, you don't like it?" she teased.
"Um, I do," Goku said. "I just wasn't sure why this is happening."
"A lot of good things will happen if you just relax. Try again."
Goku frowned again. "But I keep missing my footing. These pants are too long. Maybe I should get dressed in something more comfortable."
Chi-Chi knew what he was thinking, and she pulled away from Goku. "Oh, no, you're not wearing your gi."
"Aw, why not, Chi?"
"I forbid you to wear that dirty thing. What if we do get married? Would you like to wear it on our wedding day?"
"Sure!" Goku said cheerfully. "It'll be fun. It doesn't matter to me what you wear."
"Goku!" Chi-Chi exclaimed, exasperated. "It matters to me! You have to wear something nice for a wedding. I'm wearing my mother's wedding garments. Don't you see that weddings come only once in a person's life? It has to be special."
"If you say so," Goku sighed.
Chi-Chi smiled. "Don't be so disappointed. I promise you can wear it later on. Who knows? Maybe I'll spar with you."
"All right!"
"Good. Now let's get back to the dancing. If we practice the ceremonial dance, we won't ever have to do it again."
Goku groaned lightly as he felt Chi-Chi place his hands in their correct positions. She patted his arm. "It won't be as bad if you relax. Just let your body do what it's supposed to do. Besides, dancing is fun and I like doing it with you." Goku said nothing as he continued to dance with Chi-Chi, slowly, and then he practiced dancing for a fast song. They alternated rhythms of songs and it was during their fifth routine that Goku spoke.
He looked Chi-Chi in the eyes, and Chi-Chi could tell he was determined. She could tell he was thinking he wasn't a good dancer, but he was trying his best. Goku meant to look at Chi-Chi stubbornly, but his eyes shone with innocence.
"I still think kissing is the best part of all," he said.
***
The moon was shining brightly in the sky that night. The distant, twinkling stars scattered across the sky, their brightness penetrating through sailing clouds. Goku was leaning against the wall, his head resting by the window. He had pulled the wooden shutters apart to watch the night sky. He was thinking about what happened earlier today.
He really hoped he knew he could do the things Chi-Chi had taught him well. He didn't know why she rehearsed the wedding customs with him. The marriage wasn't even official.
It seemed Chi-Chi had faith nonetheless….
And what if they got married? What would happen after everyone said their goodbyes at the reception? Goku had not thought about that. He just wanted to do this if it were confirmed that Chi-Chi would be his.
How could he keep her happy for all these years eternity held?
A determined look crossed his face as he clenched his fist. He would certainly try. He was going to try hard at winning her hand. He was going to try and perform the wedding correctly. He was going to try to be a good husband.
With that resolved, Goku stretched his arms and decided he would put on something comfier for bed. He exchanged his work pants for sleeping trousers and took off his vest and cotton shirt. He went to his door to close it, but his eyes caught sight of a moving figure in the dark. This wasn't good. It was late. Who would be up at this hour? Goku peeked his head out of his room a little farther in investigation.
The figure was ascending a flight of stairs, and the footsteps were light, thus making the person a woman or child. Only when paths of moonlight shone from the tallest windows did one momentarily see the figure. And Goku was surprised.
"Chi-Chi!" he whispered.
The girl froze in her tracks, her grip tightening on the glass of water she held. Someone whispered her name. It seemed familiar…
Chi-Chi descended the stairs slowly and curiously looked around the corner, where the silhouette of Goku could be detected amidst the dark. Only when she neared him did she shyly retreat.
"Hey, what are you doing up so late?" Goku asked.
"Getting a glass of water. I-I was going to go back to bed," Chi-Chi answered, hanging her head. "What are YOU doing up so late?"
Goku shrugged. "I was going to sleep too, but I'm not tired…. Hm?"
He noticed she had turned around, and he raised an eyebrow. "Is something the matter?"
"We really shouldn't be talking to each other," she answered quickly.
Goku smiled. "What? Are you afraid of getting caught?"
"Um, no…. Uh, look at yourself."
Goku looked down at himself. He was only confused as he tried to find out what made Chi-Chi so shy. "I don't understand what's wrong."
Chi-Chi was glad she had her back facing Goku, so he wouldn't see the evident rush of blood to her cheeks. "Y-You're wearing nothing but trousers. I'm also in my night attire. Um, it's immodest for us to see each other like this."
Truth be told, Chi-Chi wished that one second she had seen Goku bare-chested would have been two or three seconds long… The sight of it alone was like a magnet, but giving in now would be the worst thing to do.
In addition, Chi-Chi herself wasn't exactly presentable. She wasn't sure if Goku battled the same feelings she did when he saw her. She was dressed discreetly, but the things she wore were still her pajamas…
She blushed deeper at an agonizing thought. Goku hadn't said a word. Was he looking at her? Was he coming closer? She knew Goku was naïve, but he was still a man, turned on by visual things…
Goku had been looking at Chi-Chi, but in a curious way. "Oh… all right then. Sorry. I didn't know it bothered you to see me like this, but you know, you've seen me without a shirt on before. Remember when you sneaked out to take care of me in the apothecary's place?"
"…Yes."
"And it was nighttime too," Goku added. "But I suppose I understand… All right, I'll let you go back to sleep now. Goodnight, Chi-Chi."
"Goodnight. Get some rest now. You have a long day ahead of you."
Chi-Chi held her serene composure until she was out of Goku's sights. As she ascended the stairs once again, she sighed to herself with relief. At least no one witnessed what just happened.
That was a good thing. If either one of them had been caught, it would have been goodnight forever.
Even an embarrassing incident such as this only reminded Chi-Chi that soon, she would really have Goku alone and there would be no regrets….
To be continued…
Chapter Twenty-Two: Working for Otousan