Once and Again Chapter 3
Dragonball is owned by Akira Toriyama. This story is a non profit avenue to share interest among the fans...
Where do We go From Here?
When Chichi turned her head, she saw Goku standing by the Cherry Blossom tree beaming. His smile is bright as the morning sun.
Chichi smiled in return at her best friend who is now her fiancé. Goku gently walked towards her and Mr. Ox King and curtsied. "A pleasant morning sir" he respectfully greeted the master of the house and then he turned to the lovely Chichi. "Hello Chi!"He took her hand and softly planted a kiss. This gesture from Goku startled the raven beauty that's why she politely pulled her hand away and averted her gaze. This demonstration of affection from Goku towards her is something she isn't prepared for.
Despite all that, Chichi couldn't bring herself to be upset at him; after all they've been best friends and practically grew up together. She knows in her heart that, there is no trace of malice on that hand kiss. Mr. Ox King delighted at the romantic gesture of Goku and happily said; "alright I'll leave the two of you alone to make some important phone calls. Goku remind Gohan that we are going to have a tea get together this afternoon at 3 o'clock." Yes sir I will." And then Goku rubbed a hand behind his head and asked; "Sir, May I asked to take Chichi with me to our vineyard? Our friends are going to be there too." The huge man delightfully gave his permission.
When the Ox King left, Chichi daintily inquired. "Goku this is quite a surprise, what made you decide a get together? Is our cook out at Bulma's not going to push through? Before Goku answered he motioned to Chichi to cling on his well toned arm as they walk towards the helicopter that will take them to the vineyard. "The cook out is going to push through at Bulma's but I want to have another engagement get together among our friends. We weren't able to mingle and chats with our friends during our party remember?" Chichi pondered for a moment and then kindly replied while rolling her eyes; "yeah your father and papa introduced us to their colleagues nonstop. Admittedly I was so tired after the party." Goku chucked and gently retorted yeah me too."
During their ride going to the Son's vineyard, Chichi cannot help but admire the scenery. It is indeed a sight to behold. The Son's have taken care of their huge hectares of vineyard from generation to generation. No wonder why their fathers are so protective of their wealth. But deep inside her heart, she sometimes wish that she isn't Chichi King the daughter of the meat and milk magnate of their whole region and Goku is not the son of Gohan Sr. the man who is famous for their vineyard and winery and apple trees farm. It would be great if they are not forced into getting engage like their peers.
Chichi got out of her reflective mood when she felt Goku's hand tenderly rubbed her right shoulder while he called her. She felt flustered but did her best not show it to Goku. She thought since the engagement party, her fiancé has been slightly more affectionate towards her."Chichi, why you became awfully quiet?" she turned and saw Goku's concerned look she sighed and then answered."Nothing I am just enjoying the scenery that's all." Goku pushed further since he is not convinced with her reply."You know you can always tell me what's on your mind. Nothing has changed. I am still the same Goku. The only difference now is, I am now your fiancé."
Before she can retort to what Goku said, the pilot informed them to put on their sit belt back on because they are about to land. When they were putting their sit belts back on, they felt a jolt and Chichi squeaked and accidentally embraced Goku. In that tense moment, the two of them gazed into each other's eyes and it is as if they belong to their own world. Then the engaged couple shared a hearty laughter as they gently pulled away from their embrace.
When they landed, the young couple is escorted by one of the Son family's loyal servant Anin to the beautifully built villa located at the far end of the vineyard. Gohan have that constructed so that he and Goku have a place to stay when they need to stay longer to oversee the harvest and wine making. As soon as they arrived, their friends are already there, waiting for them. Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, Chaotzu, Upa, Bulma and Launch. They exchanged pleasantries and sat down to start their brunch. Before they started feasting on the delectable course of Egg Benedict Casserole, fresh baked bagel topped with cream cheese, beef flakes waffle sandwich, French toast newly picked grapes and apples and apple and grape juice on the table, Krillin proposed a toast for Goku and Chichi. "Goku, I've known you since we were kids and I believe you have Chichi's best interest at heart. I know you will be happy together. To Goku and Chichi!"They lifted their juice glasses with glee. And then after Krillin Bulma came next. She delivered a heartfelt quote."An engagement is not just about wearing an exquisite ring and planning a grand wedding. It is sharing love, hopes and dreams. The two of you has gone a long way. We wish you all the best. To Goku and Chichi!" All of them cheered except for Chichi who is so overwhelmed with what's going on around her. She hastily stood up from her sit and ran out. Everyone was stunned at her reaction. Goku stood up and apologized to their friends and said. "Am sorry about that guys. I don't know what has gotten into her; I need to check on her. But please do stay and enjoy the rest of the brunch. We'll be back." Yamcha politely remarked, "Goku I think you should talk about what is bothering her and resolve it now. Don't wait until later." Goku half smiled and nodded and then he followed Chichi.
Chichi was crying when Goku saw her standing under the grape vine. He gently put his hands on her shoulders and rested his chin on her head and asked."Chi, is there something bothering you? Please tell me." Chichi turned to look at him and then she bend her head down and softly said; "Goku, I am sorry if spoiled our engagement brunch with our friends. I know you are trying your best to make me happy and believe me, you do make me happy." Goku is silent and listening to her intently. With that Chichi continued to speak. "Goku I am scared. I don't know if I can put up with our commitment." I want to fulfill my dreams in going to Paris to pursue my course in Culinary Arts and get to write my own recipe books. And I think," before she could finish her sentence, Goku cuts her off. There is edginess in his voice that means he is upset."Our engagement gets in the way of your dreams." He finished for her. He sighed deeply and shook his head and began to speak. This time he is angry."Chi do you think I don't have my own dreams too?" "You know for a fact that I was going steady with Missa for 2 years and we were both happy. We have plans of becoming a sports journalist after college." "There was a time when I also wished that our engagement will not push through but we belong in a world where the magic of love is a luxury we cannot afford. So please give me a break will you?! He spat bitterly. After hearing what Goku said, Chichi turned around her back facing him and she sobbed. Goku cannot bear to see his best friend and fiancé crying; he held her tight and she buried her face to his chest. He said "I am sorry; I didn't mean to snap at you. I am also scared Chi. I don't know where do we go from here." Let's take it one step at a time okay? I believe we can make this work." Nothing's change between us, we are still best friends." Chichi looked at Goku's imploring eyes; she saw tenderness and warmth. She reached out Goku's hand and gently squeezed it while she said,"alright Goku as long as were together in this."
Meanwhile inside the villa:
"I wonder what's taking them so long?" Krillin asked worried. "It seems like Chichi is distressed with their engagement." Yamcha remarked as he munches the grapes on his plate. Bulma cuts in after taking a sip of apple juice. "Who wouldn't be distressed? Her engagement with Goku is more of a business arrangement rather than being in love." "Well we don't know the future; they may not be in love now, though it doesn't mean they won't be someday." Launch buts in, "I wonder why Chichi is taking it hard now when she is marrying Goku not a loser." Chaotzu politely countered "Perhaps she loves him but she is not in love with him and same as with Goku."Upa cautiously refuted what Chaotzu said."I think they are just afraid to let go of what they truly feel towards each other." Everyone agreed.
Just right after the group finished their exchanges, the newly engaged couple rejoined them. Chichi then started to speak. " I am sorry for running out on you in the middle of the toast. I truly appreciate it. I just got so overwhelmed; I hope you understand that this isn't easy for me and Goku." Bulma and Launch stood up and gave Chichi a hug. "Okay now we can continue with our Brunch!" Goku said enthusiastically and then they heard a loud growl and everyone roared in laughter.
A/N: Yes I know Chichi is a bit out of character here because, originally she was the one who was eager to marry Goku. But I like to present a different character of Goku and Chichi here. And as you can see, I am more focused on the characters in the original Dragonball series. I hope you have fun in reading this story. I would appreciate a feedback please.