Disclaimer: I, Goku's Daughter, do not own Dragonball/Z/GT.
Edit: January 6, 2007: After someone kindly told me why they hate Lime so much, I've decided to take her out and replace her with some other, random, original character. The kiss is still there but I did some more editing and re-edited it, and hopefully it will please some of the G/V fans.
Edit2: May 26, 2007: Another round of changes. No kiss. If you liked it the other way before, then pretend it was still there, it doesn't really matter. Yes, I'm tired of making these changes.
Special thanks to my beta-reader Rupee and that anonymous reviewer who told me to change this line that didn't make sense.
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Sinful
Written by the somewhat infamous Goku's Daughter
Chapter Twelve: Impeccable
1 not capable of sinning or liable to sin
2 free from fault or blame FLAWLESS spoke impeccable French
- Merriam-Webster OnLine
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Vegeta pulled on his bow tie, ripping it from his neck. Annoyed, he tossed it into a trashcan and returned to the long table of food. The aroma of the delicious catered items flared into his nostrils. Unknowingly, he walked to his table, which was considerably bigger compared to the others. Goku was sitting there with a dazed look in his face.
"Do you smell that Vegeta?" he asked, sounding much like a child.
Vegeta took a deep breath out. "Yeah Kakarott." He paused from devising ways to get the food and wondered why Goku was sitting at his table. "What are you doing here Kakarott?"
Goku smiled and at that moment, Chichi returned with two glasses of punch. "Bulma invited us," he paused, his smile sharpening into a smirk. "Besides, she knew how lonely you were, so she thought I could give you some company."
Vegeta crossed his arms. Quickly he looked over at Chichi, who surprisingly brought him a drink. She wore a dark, deep forest green dress. It was so dark that Vegeta would have mistaken it for black. The dress was quite formal. It was spaghetti strapped and went down sleek and straight. She looked elegant in it. Even more with her hair pulled up.
"Vegeta, lighten up," Chichi said, almost scoffing. "Cooperate for Bulma for once."
The Saiyan Prince did an eye roll. "Well I'm here, aren't I?"
If Goku sat beside him, he would have patted the Prince's back. "Have some fun Vegeta."
Vegeta almost growled. How much of this could he take? Stiffly, he stood up and loosened the top buttons of his shirt. "For your information, I'm only doing this because the woman bribed me."
"With what?" Chichi asked, only half-interested.
He smirked. "A new, bigger gravity chamber." His eyes almost sparkled. Almost.
"Nice!" Goku said, smiling. "I would like to volunteer in being your first sparing partner." He ignored Chichi's glare, smiling excitedly.
"You got that right Kakarott," Vegeta murmured. Christmas wasn't as bad as he thought. He did get things. However, he groaned when he saw who walked in. It was Hercule. Immediately, Vegeta cracked his knuckles, ready to destroy anyone belonging in the media family.
"Vegeta! You stop right there!" Bulma sharply yelled from behind. "Do not touch them. The guards will take care of them." Poised, Bulma walked in front of her husband and waved her pointing finger, threateningly. "Don't."
Vegeta looked at her, ready to bite back. However, he was a little taken back at the dress she wore. It was baby blue to match her hair and eye colour. It was strapless, hugging tightly around her breast. From there, it went down straight like a gown, right to the floor. Her height seemed normal, knowing that she had opted wearing flats. She wore silver, dangling earrings and a heavy necklace to match. To show off her jewellery, she had decided to put her needle-straight hair up in a half ponytail. Vegeta was surprised at the simplicity. Bulma posed for him shortly. "You like?"
The shorter man narrowed his eyes at her attire. "You look different."
Bulma smiled. For once, she didn't go overboard with the make-up. She looked a bit natural, yet mystical, which left Vegeta a bit dumbfounded. "You look…nice." It was rare to show her affection in public but even he could be kind at such a time.
Bulma smiled shyly. "If you excuse me, I have guests to greet." She turned around and walked away elegantly.
Vegeta did the same thing, except he walked in the other direction, arms folded.
Herucle met Bulma at his grand table, with his date on his right arm. She politely kissed him on his cheek and they exchanged pleasantries.
"I'm sorry, Hercule, for your loss," Bulma said, slowly. It was her duty as a host to appeal and mesh with her guests.
Hercule shook his head. "It's hard to lose a child. I wish she knew how much I loved her," he paused, composing himself. "Thank you for your support, Bulma. It's nice to spend Christmas Eve with people like you."
She wasn't quite sure to what he was referring to but she didn't let her slight confusion show. He was changing, she realized, and it was for the better. He was more sensitive and less of a show off. Bulma nodded at the Champ. Besides, she knew he would donate millions of zeni to donations. The party was for a good cause. "Hercule, enjoy yourself. Videl is a good girl. I'm sure she's fine."
Unknown to them, Videl and Gohan both entered the Capsule Corp building, standing hand in hand.
"Wow," Videl breathed, not moving from her spot. She thought the foyer looked lovely but the room was amazing. Her eyes slowly scanned the large room, astonished with the detail and beauty. From her left there was the dining area. There were so many white covered tables, as many as fifty or so. On top of each table were some candles and floral arrangements. The chairs were black and shiny, as the cushions were white to match the falling snow. She didn't expect less from Bulma.
On the other side of the room, it was the dancing area. From the far end a band was faintly playing a tunes, mainly jazzy Christmas carols and slow songs. Not many people were dancing at the moment. Around the room Christmas lights were hung; some were woven with garland. This looked like a charity ball.
Gohan looked down at her, pulling on her fingers. When he got her attention he asked her if she heard him. She shook her head, apologizing and asked him to repeat it again.
"I said I'm impressed."
Videl slowly smiled. "Me too." She breathed out heavily, revealing one of the many things that were bothering her. "Gohan," she paused shortly, "What if someone recognizes me?"
"They won't," he reassured her. "I don't think you were the type to come to such events."
"I'm not particularly eager to dress-up." They did not move from their spot. "I need to make up a new name." She frowned disapprovingly.
"My alias is Kakarott. For business at least. You… you can use Vasha instead of Videl."
Without arguing, she accepted it. He was grateful for that. Gohan did not want to make a scene in such a public, high profile place and event. Next, he was going to suggest for them to look for their seats, but Bulma found then, smiling. By the look of her face, Gohan could tell that she remembered him.
"Welcome, I'm so glad you could make it!" Bulma greeted, shaking hands with Gohan before mock-kissing Videl on the cheek. A man dressed elegantly took Gohan and Videl's winter coats. Next, Bulma was about to direct them to their tables, but halted when she saw something hanging above their heads. She suppressed her giggle, and decided to make small chit chat.
"So, Kakarott… that is your name, right?" Bulma asked. She had no idea this was Gohan. She was merely testing her memory.
Gohan nodded.
"And you're here to represent Dr. Gero I assume?"
He nodded again with a small smile. "He apologizes for not being able to attend tonight. He's been very busy with new projects."
Videl stared at Gohan, slightly surprised at his welcoming, sincere tone.
Bulma's smile dulled. "Oh, it's okay. I'm quite glad you came… and brought a guest." Her eyes focussed on the petite girl. She looked like a fragile doll, almost. Bulma noticed her body frame, soft skin, glittery eyes and make up, and her impressive hairstyle. "And who is your date?"
Gohan introduced Videl with a soft smile. "Meet my beautiful Vasha."
Videl felt a laugh almost ready to escape her lips. Luckily she caught it and forced it back down. "Oh," she paused, almost addressing Gohan by his real name, "Kakarott, don't make me blush." Videl tried not to roll her eyes, finding their act quite pathetic.
It was Bulma's turn to laugh. She pointed upwards, towards a greenish plant hanging from the tall doorway ceiling. It was highly unoriginal to set mistletoe in this area, but Bulma couldn't help herself. She was a true romantic at heart. "Pucker up."
Videl and Gohan looked up to where Bulma was pointing. Videl groaned while Gohan was left dumbfounded. "What is its significance?" he asked both females.
"It's mistletoe. You're supposed to kiss the person who you are underneath with. In that case, it's Vasha," Bulma explained briefly.
"Oh," Gohan whispered. Both Videl and Gohan turned to each other. Gohan raised an eyebrow and Videl bit on her lower lip. She couldn't get away without it; Bulma was standing right there. Plus, she was his girlfriend. Besides, it was just one, small kiss. It's not going to kill her.
Bulma crossed her arms and stared back and forth at Gohan and Videl. She wondered why they hesitated.
Videl looked at Gohan, mouthing, "Go for it." She really had no choice. Expecting a kiss, she closed her eyes and parted her lips, her breath coming out quicker. She felt as if five minutes passed, when in reality it was only three seconds. When she opened her eyes, she saw Gohan's face close to hers. Videl was totally shocked when he moved away from her lips and softly kissed her left cheek instead. It surprisingly made her warm inside, reassured. Her mouth stayed opened slightly.
Gohan looked satisfied by her face expression. However, when he turned to Bulma, she didn't look too pleased. "I kissed her," he said flatly, defending himself.
"That was cheap," Bulma started, "but sweet if you don't like public displays of affection." She smiled and directed the couple to follow her to their seats.
Videl found Gohan's warm hand, following him in another daze of perplexity. He had a perfect opportunity to really kiss her, but he chose not to. Why? She told herself she would ask him when they went home. At that moment, she forgot her plan to escape.
"Would you like some wine, Madame, Sir?" a tall, scrawny man asked pleasantly. He was dressed formally, sporting a small French moustache. His eyes were not wide and alert, just lazily opened like a proper stiff servant.
Gohan gave him a small smile. "Yes, two please." Bulma's hired help nodded and walked away with a tray held up on his palm. Gohan sighed.
Videl eyed Gohan carefully, frowning. "Gohan, do you find this comfortable?" she asked innocently. She had thought of the odds of him telling her, and she supposed they weren't good.
Gohan ran his fingers through his hair, looking distractedly around the room. After a moment, he finally looked at her. "No, I don't."
Videl breathed in and out heavily. She smelled in the warm air, which had come about from all the people in the room. The vixen also noticed that there were two seats across of them, empty. "If it's any consolation, you're doing great," Videl finally said. She then felt her stomach rumble and had thought about Gohan's appetite. "I wonder how you're going to do with food. You can't go all out here. People will think you're…" she paused, trying to think of the proper word to say. When she couldn't, she just said, "…weird."
The half Saiyan smirked. "I already ate."
In response, she closed her eyes and sighed. "Well, I didn't and I'm hungry," was her complaint.
His rich laugh echoed in her ears. "Then let's go and get something to eat."
Her white teeth bit down on her lip softly. "It's not buffet style. You got to be crazy… with all these people. It'd be insane."
His black eyebrow rose in question. "Then why is there a long table full of food down there?" He broke one of Videl's polite, human rules by pointing to a long table full of food. When Videl shrugged, Gohan frowned unsatisfied.
It was for Goku and Vegeta.
Before Gohan had a chance to say anything else, Bulma had reached the table with another couple. The first unrecognizable person he saw was a female, around Videl's age. A pale, pink dress covered her tightly, conforming to any of her curves from her breasts to her thighs. The bottom piece had an outer layer of light material, casting down elegantly. Gohan hadn't dwelled much on her, especially when he saw her face.
To him, she wasn't that pretty. Makeup had doused her face considerably. He would have never known if she had any blemishes. Light, pink powder blushed her face, highlighting her cheekbones. Her eyes were outlined darkly with mascara and eyeliner. The only nice thing done was the eye shadow that matched her sparkling blue eyes. Her pale, baby pink lips curved and separated, exposing her clean, white teeth. Her neutral, brown hair was highlighted two different shades of blonde and was so straight… straighter than needles. It was tied up in a high pony-tail.
Now the man with her had blonde hair, almost as straight as his date. His hazel eyes glittered with this woman holding his arm. Gohan's eyes widened a bit when he saw his face.
There, in a white suit, stood Sharpener, and he looked just as surprised as Gohan. He hid it and only showed confidence, opting the same expression as Gohan.
"Kakarott," Bulma started, looking at Gohan then at Videl, "and Vasha. This is Sharpener Pencil and his date Angelica Nomel."
"Sharpener and I have met before," Gohan acknowledged, watching Sharpener pull out a chair for Angelica to sit in. He quickly glanced at the nonplussed and shocked Videl. She was carefully staring at Sharpener while he took his seat, and Gohan became anxious.
Bulma smiled pleasantly and said, "I'll let you reacquaint yourselves. Excuse me".
When Bulma was gone, Sharpener looked at Gohan and asked, "Kakarott? I thought your name is—"
"Kakarott is my other name for work," Gohan explained, and the ice returned to his eyes slowly, like water freezing. The cold Gohan had returned.
Sharpener smirked, draping his arm around Angelica's shoulders. "Oh I feel special. I know your real name," he teased.
Gohan pierced his eyes into the man before him. "I shouldn't have," he muttered. The half-Saiyan was going to retort with something offensive, but he glanced at Videl again. She looked awfully stiff and scared. "Hey," he whispered, turning his head in her direction. "You okay?"
Videl slowly looked at him, then back at Sharpener. She wanted to jump up and scream that she was Videl and that Gohan had kidnapped her. Her mind was running and processing madly, wondering why Sharpener wasn't recognizing her. Her heart raced. And what if Sharpener recognized her? What will Gohan do? Kill him?
Videl shook her head barely. She had to protect him. Turning to Gohan, she smiled as if everything was all right. "Yeah. Don't worry."
Sharpener saw their small interaction and found Gohan's show of softness amusing. "Aw," Sharpener began, "I see Gohan has a girlfriend."
Videl looked at Sharpener, giving him a stern look. As her long time friend, she had an urge to say, "Shut up," but she wasn't Videl. She was someone else. Closing her mouth tightly, she allowed Gohan to handle this.
"I know," he spoke candidly, "which just shows I'm not gay." He was referring to their conversation at the gym.
Angelica finally spoke up. "Where did you guys meet?" she asked, looking at Videl before closely observing Gohan.
Videl opened her mouth to answer, but froze, noticing Angelica's fierce stare on the half-Saiyan. She knew of this chick, a wealthy, successful female who had started a corporation that specialized in chips. Videl never encountered her before, but she had definitely heard about her. "At an Italian restaurant," Hercule's daughter finally said. She tried to keep close to the truth, and they had first dined at a pizza shop. Giving Angelica a brief snobby smile, Videl asked her how she met Sharpener.
"Through our parents," Angelica said flatly.
Videl wasn't surprised.
"How long have you two been together?" Sharpener said, staring at the female beside Gohan. He had no idea that it was Videl. Videl Satan.
"A couple of months," Gohan responded, half relieved that Sharpener hadn't recognized his date's true identity.
Videl made a smirk and lifted an eyebrow. She was rebelling to her previous decision. It became too difficult to not try to make Sharpener recognize her. She kept her facial expression amiable, and tried to draw attention off her as naturally as possible. "So, when have your parents got you two together?"
Sharpener gazed at her. "Oh since the summer. Only last month we finally met each other." He noticed Videl's face expression and this time, he felt something pull at his heart. When his thin lips parted again while his eyes narrowed, Videl transformed her face expression to a simple pleasant happy face. She knew he was trying to figure out something.
"What do you do for a living Vasha?" he asked. It'd be too simple to ask her if he met her somewhere.
"I'm a teacher," Videl responded. Fortunately, she was quick, which avoided her making unnatural and questionable pauses.
For some unfathomable reason, Angelica smirked. Videl hadn't noticed it. On her face, it suggested that she was pleased. She was about to remark on Videl's career, but the lights dimmed considerably that it called attention from everybody.
On the other side of the room, Bulma stood on a small platform with a microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen…"
The arrogant, now calm-downed Saiyan Prince, returned to the room. Loud sounds of clapping echoed and it wasn't from his entrance. Vegeta's feet stopped moving, allowing the man to scan the room. Quickly his eyes traveled to his wife, Bulma, who stood by the musicians. She was talking about some things that Vegeta could care less about. Then he noticed the 'World Martial Art's Champion' Hercule, standing behind her with a smile. The spotlight emphasized and directed attention towards them that Vegeta only wondered what they were doing. He should be. Vegeta was missing for more than awhile.
Vegeta began walking to his table, blocking out whatever Bulma was saying. He saw two scrawny men beside Hercule, holding up a huge cheque. Hercule moved forward to sign it, while everyone clapped again, expect for Vegeta. Of course.
This time he heard Bulma say, "Thank you for making many children's Christmas a happy one!" She smiled broadly, showing her pearly white teeth. Vegeta 'humped' a little, and can only imagine the mood that she'll be in afterwards.
He began to walk to his table, his eyes casting on randomly people, observing them. He wasn't surprised to find fat snobs munching on little snack foods. He made a crooked smile, amused. Obese humans touched his funny bone. If only they were Saiyan, they could eat to their hearts content.
He observed on the other people and slowed his pace when he saw a familiar face. It was Gohan.
Vegeta halted for a moment, making sure it was him. His face did not look so serious and cold as before. This man didn't clap or grin as happily as the other humans did, but Vegeta saw the smallest hint of a smile. He began walking again when he whispered something to his female friend.
When the Prince reached back at his table, sitting in his chair, he smiled. Kakarott or Chichi did not pay attention to his change of moods, and if they did they did not comment. They didn't even hear him say, "I'm keeping my eye on you."
"Ah finally!" Videl exclaimed, smiling joyfully as a plate was set in front of her. She picked up the proper fork and dug into her rice, trying to eat as politely as possible. While she chewed, she glanced over to Gohan. She was half surprised, half delighted that he was using the proper cutlery as these fancy parties demanded. Gohan ate actually normal for a human and that especially made her proud of her work. She smiled, still avoiding some eye contact with Sharpener.
Earlier, Gohan drained his glass of wine and no, he had not felt the effects of alcohol. He wanted something other than water or wine to drink. He rose slowly, tapping Videl on the shoulder.
From his subtle touch, she looked up him. Her dark eyebrows rose.
"I'm going to get some punch. The servant-people take to long," he complained.
Videl almost rolled her eyes when Gohan addressed the hired help as 'servant people'. Detaining to correct him, she simply nodded and told him to get some fruit punch for her.
Gohan walked casually past the many tables, heading straight to the bar. When he made it Gohan directly stood behind a man, who was attempting to hold five glasses. He exhaled deeply as he waited.
When the man turned around he somehow was able to hold all of those glasses. His face expression spoke of concentration, until he saw Gohan. Startled to find someone there, he dropped the glasses. He did not expect the man behind him to quickly move to the side, and catch the two fallen cups. Goku caught on the other three.
"Here," Gohan said, trying to hand the glasses. When he saw the man's face, he almost stiffened. This clumsy man was his father.
Goku smiled, curving his arms to fit the remaining two. He looked to the helpful stranger, and showed his gratitude with a wide smile. "Thanks a lot."
"You're welcome," Gohan said next, casually. He walked past Goku and asked the man for some drinks.
Goku was going to walk back to his table, slowly, but halted. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. There was something oddly familiar about him, but by the confused look on Goku's face, he couldn't put his finger on it. "Hey, have I seen you somewhere?" Goku asked Gohan, even though his back was towards him.
Gohan rolled his eyes upwards, looking to the ceiling momentarily. He twisted his head back a bit, just to have a glance at this man. "I don't think so," he responded dully.
Goku frowned. "I'm sure I've seen you before…Kit-Kat!" the Saiyan cried out. "I remember now. It was at the store." He began reciting their chocolate incident in less than a minute.
His response was dull. "Oh yes, I remember." Gohan turned to face his father and smiled. It was not forced but rather weak. "Well my date is waiting for me. I better be going," Gohan spoke in the most polite voice as possible. Although it was laced with some irritation, Goku didn't seem to notice it.
"Alright," Goku started. "Just one more thing."
"What is it?" Gohan asked.
"What's your name? You never know when we'll meet again!"
Gohan blinked and imagined in his head what would happen if he really did say it – Gohan. "Kakarott."
Goku's jaw dropped a little. "Wow! That's my name too."
Deliberately, Gohan raised his eyebrow. "Really," he asked, dryly.
The Saiyan nodded. "Yeah!"
"It's a small world after all, isn't it?" he asked, the look of seriousness and coldness returning to his eyes.
"The name Kakarott doesn't even come from Earth," Goku thought. Wisely he decided not to comment on that out loud, fearing that Gohan would question on his alien-ness… and Goku did not want that. Humans were sensitive creatures. Besides it was a small world; there would be other chances to meet him.
"Hey Goku!" called a voice behind him.
Both men, father and son, turned their heads in the same direction. A short man with no hair stood there, smiling. Gohan noticed something was off about him, and he smirked when he figured what it was. No nose. It was—
"Krillin! You're here! What took you so long?" This started a conversation between two great friends. Just when Goku was about to introduce Gohan to Krillin, Gohan was gone. Goku simply shrugged it off, able to brush things away like a child.
While Gohan was gone, Videl took her chance to carefully look for the room's exits. From the windows, she could make out a balcony on the side, but that was it. The rest had to be accessed from the back, or the main one that they entered from. Her lips curved down, arms crossing. Unknowingly, she began to sway with the slow music. When she realized this, her attention was drawn to the dance floor. She spotted Sharpener and Angelica, having fun with themselves. They chatted very quietly, and at one point, Angelica hit Sharpener playfully. Videl immediately assumed that he said something utterly stupid, flattering, or he was just being perverted. Her nose wrinkled up. Did Angelica find his perverted-like behaviour attractive?
Gohan sat down in his seat, sliding her glass in front of her. She didn't notice him there as she watched the dancing couples. "Videl?"
With her concentration broken, Videl turned back to Gohan. First she picked up her glass, sipping it before laying her eyes on the half-Saiyan. He wasn't there though. Her forehead wrinkled, turning forward again. He was standing in front of her view to the dance floor. His right hand was held out towards her. "Would you like to dance?"
Videl made a tiny smile but was not in the mood to involve herself in joyful activities. "No thanks Gohan. I'm tired. It's already been over two hours, I think." She wasn't wearing a watch.
Gohan frowned. "Then why did you teach me how to dance?"
Her lower lip was bit on, restraining to smile. "Why? Do you want to dance?"
He rolled his eyes, ready to defend himself. "No… I just thought that you did since you were looking—" He raised his hands up defensively and smirked when he found Videl up and beside him.
"Thank you," she said, holding his hand. Somehow, he became the dominant figure, leading her to the dance floor.
At the same time, a sweet slow, love song began. How ironic. Videl immediately recognized it. She said nothing but murmured the words until they reached the center of the floor. She faced Gohan and looked at him.
He had become almost a master to this art. His arm expectedly wrapped around her waist and his palm flat on her lower back. His other held her tiny hand gently and at the same time he pulled her in smoothly, gracefully. Videl didn't look up at him, not yet. Her left arm went to where he expected it to be: over his shoulder. She had not dared tried to play with his locks.
The pace that they were swaying was in sync with the piece of music playing. Both found no difficulties with their charade, in fact they were enjoying themselves. When Videl finally looked up to see his face, she was pleasantly surprised to see the softness. She searched his eyes and the coldness—the years of mounting sin, pain and corruption—was not so visibly present. They were shining almost happily, innocently.
Innocence… is what echoed in her mind. She felt this sudden pull towards him and her breath quickened. He was impeccable tonight. His behaviour was wonderful. He said the right things. He did the right things.
Gohan looked down at her and softly smiled. He kissed her hand and then the smile turned to a playful grin. "See. I'm a gentleman."
Impeccable… She wondered for a moment what his past was like.
Videl returned the playful look, not affecting their dance. "I know. It wasn't that hard, was it?"
His grin dulled as he thought about it. "No." He shook his head. "You made it easy."
Videl inhaled deeply before resting her head on his heart. Hearing such an organ beat almost lulled her into a daze. The dance was enough.
And more.
The closeness. They could bear it.
The protective hold. She was comforted. He felt important.
His heartbeat. She was soothed.
The scent that had washed up into their nostrils. They were drugged, wanting to come closer.
The dance. Both found peace and solace
It was definitely more.
Unfortunately all great things must come to an end.
The song faded. The feelings Videl held soon calmed. When they broke apart Sharpener and Angelica stood by, wanting to break in. Videl accepted it. Gohan didn't have a choice.
It was weird, dancing with Gohan then with Sharpener. None of those peaceful, wonderful feelings returned, and she decided not to press on it. No emotional attachment would be best.
"So…" Sharpener started. "How are you doing?" he asked for conversation sake.
Videl smiled slowly. "Pretty good. And you?" It was also odd—being so polite and charming to this man that she knew much throughout her childhood. This was her friend!
The blonde twirled Videl out before bringing her back in. They continued to sway. "Alright."
Nothing else was said for a second or two. Videl laughed lightly. "Pizza," she whispered. She felt Sharpener's gaze on her, but she hadn't expanded on her thought.
"What?"
She looked up. "Gohan and I really met in a gym. I lied." She gave him a look that she did often—her narrowed eyes and that cute, frown. Hope grew in her that Sharpener would get a clue.
He didn't. He was nonplussed. He wondered what was she talking about, and if she was trying to hit on him…poor fool. "Uh…" He really didn't know what to say but he did take notice of her look. It was so familiar. So vaguely familiar.
Videl and Sharpener turned and she now faced Gohan. He didn't appear to be having a good time by the look of his face. Soon he turned though so his back faced her and Videl was totally perplexed to as why he bent down his head towards her. Her head moved to right to get a better angle, and what she saw was his lips and Angelica's in contact. Her jaw dropped. She should be celebrating inside, but she was not. Her heart felt like it sank in her chest.
"Sharpener," she hissed, not taking her eyes off of the kissing duo. "Turn around."
The blonde did so, reluctantly. He did not look so surprised at Videl though. "That gold-digger bitch," he spat.
Together they watched them. To her, Gohan looked like he tasted her deliciously, with how long he was bent down towards her. Then he stood up more straight and his hand squeezed Angelica's shoulder, muttering something to her. If Videl was closer and in his line of sight she would have sent him a dangerous, hateful glare.
But it didn't really matter.
Satan tugged onto Sharpener's sleeve. It was time to get out of her. "I need to powder my nose," she said, a crooked smile forced on her face. "If Gohan is looking for me, I'm in the bathroom."
The blonde's eyebrows were knit, but by the desperation in her voice, he softened. "Yeah. Hey… are you okay?"
Videl really smiled this time. Sharpener was not a bad guy. "Yup. I am. Thanks. Gohan is nothing much to me anyways."
When Sharpener saw her leave from his sight, he looked for Gohan. He was gone. He had left in another direction.
On the way to sneak to the bathroom, Videl ran into her father, Hercule Satan. She froze, her heart pounding ferociously into her ribs, and dropped her purse from their encounter. Being the nice guy he is, Hercule bent to pick it up.
But he'll kill daddy too…
He gave it to her and she sucked up her courage. She decided to talk to him. This was her father and she missed him. "I'm sorry. Excuse me," he said to her, smiling gently.
"Thank you, Mr. Satan." Videl tried not to make her tone noticeable. She didn't want her father to freak. Videl smiled. The tenderness, the caring… had he regained all this from her disappearance, she wondered to herself. She waved her hand loosely in the air. "It's alright." A short, polite pause. An expression of genuine concern appeared on her face and glittered in her eyes. "How are you?"
Hercule inhaled sharply, ready to sit down. "As good as I can be, I guess." His tired eyes looked down on the ground.
"Are you getting over it?" She realized how insensitive that sounded and tried to rectify her speech. "I mean, your daughter—"
He stopped her. "I miss her a lot. My only child." He sighed, rubbing the sweat off his forehead. "I wish she could know how much I love her."
Videl touched her father's hand. The connection was killing her. She was ready to burst again. "I think she knows." Hercule looked up to her, feeling the warmth of her smile. "Don't give up," she whispered with confidence. The assurance that radiated off her was so strong that it lit Hercule up with rekindled hope. She then excused herself.
Successfully, she was able to protect her close friend, father, and was able to find the bathroom. Tears fell for a moment, but that didn't stop her from escaping.
Gohan entered the room as he normally does—with poise. Angelica… there were many ways that he could describe her. None were pleasing. He made a "keh" sound in disgust.
Now where was Videl, he wondered. He didn't sense her in the room and that only encouraged concern.
In one minute he found Sharpener. Not surprisingly, he wasn't with Angelica. But without bitterness or a grudge Sharpener co-operated with him.
"Vasha went to powder her nose. I don't think that's the only thing she's doing in the bathroom. We both saw that kiss," Sharpener informed. The tone in Sharpener's voice suggested that he hurt her.
Gohan frowned. He did not feel the need to explain to Sharpener but he said, "She tried to kiss me."
Sharpener, at first, looked like he didn't believe Gohan, but he sighed, and muttered, "Whatever," as he walked away.
Gohan breathed out hard and went back to his table, waiting for her. After ten minutes, his impatience grew to worry. He went to look for her.
He did not notice the pair of black eyes watching him.
She panted, her breath becoming visible in this cold temperature. She had considered to chop her lower half dress to provide ease when running, but the winter coldness changed her mind. Videl cursed. She should have brought a jacket.
She ran with her heels making little click-click noises against marble ground. She did make footprints in the freshly fallen, untouched snow, but that didn't concern her. She ran to the railing, looking down to the Earth, then around the city. She was close, so close from being free. Her eyes wondrously scanned over the snow covered concrete city. It wasn't as beautiful as nature until she could spot her house.
Close… I'm almost there…
Videl turned and ran down to the end of the balcony. As she skidded and slid on the snow occasionally, she blessed her small size for fitting though the bathroom window. She thanked her good balance. But she reminded herself not to use ki.
Soon she came to the end as she could spot the end railing. God, she thought, Capsule Corporation was huge! That didn't stop her from her careful running until she spotted a female standing on the bars. Videl squinted while her pace slowed down. She could just see an outline but as she came closer, the shadows flew away.
She was a blonde, wearing blue, was Videl's initial character sketch. As she observed on, the stranger before her was fitted in a jacket. She was pretty in a punk-ish, rebellious way. Her eyes were blue—a nice mixture of water, a clear sky, and ice. Her hair was cut at the shoulders. She didn't seem to be affected by the cold weather. Who is she?
Videl ignored her, and continued her walk, albeit it was slow. She stopped only when the stranger called her name.
"Videl." The stranger seemed to know whom she was talking to. The tone held no uncertainties.
Videl's purple-blue eyes locked with the strangers. Deep in her gut, she was having a bad feeling about this. But she stopped to acknowledge this woman. "Yes?"
When she received confirmation, the woman jumped off the railing with a floating grace that reminded her of Gohan. She stood a little more than arms length to keep Videl comfortable. Only for a little bit.
A devilish smirk came on the woman's porcelain's face. The look in her eyes betrayed no innocence or harmless intent. Her body movement, however, said otherwise. Her hand gracefully attended to her hip. However, her cold statement soon contradicted her body language. "Get ready to die."
Videl's jaw dropped a little. Her eyes narrowed at this woman. Instinctively, challenged, she went into a fighter's stance. The words repeated over in her head.
Get ready to die…
She felt her eyes burn, the adrenaline mix in her blood and the intensity of her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
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Oh so close… so very close…
GD's Note:
Oh man, I'm so tired but I really really wanted to get this chapter out because the reviews immensely overwhelmed me, and I love you guys SO MUCH! You have no idea how happy it made me. So PLEASE keep reviewing. I hope this chapter was good. I might have to re-read it again cause… I'm really tired and I have work tomorrow, again! covers face in hands
Preview for next chapter:
I want to die.
But I don't want to die.
She felt warm. She felt a heartbeat.
She felt safe.
A golden light came to her.
God was waiting for her.
The angels will come.
She smiled.
She felt the warmth.
Death, release, was here.
But I don't want to die.
So PLEASE review! This holiday suck with so much work! Boo! Why did I let my mom do this to me! Your reviews are productive that I have pre-written A LOT of chapters… which made me write something, quite disturbing.
Poll:
How would you feel if Gohan were to rape Videl?
Digusted? Okay (because it's Gohan AND Videl)? Don't care, because it matters about the plot?