Secret Heart

Final Chapter

Finally, her own bed. Videl made herself comfortable under the covers, glad to be back home. The Lookout may be a sumptuous place, the atmosphere there had been more than gloomy and, considering what had been going on, spending the weekend over there had been quite unpleasant.

Although, she did make some good memories in the end.

She giggled into her pillow, her cheeks tinting a light pinkish color in the darkness of her bedroom. Thinking of Gohan was making her heart swell with happiness; of his kisses and sweet words, of his gentle eyes, filled with love as he looked at her. They had completely ignored the others, when they kissed in front of everyone. Their "audience" had been pretty disappointed that their constant teasing didn't work on the couple like usual.

But only Gohan mattered to her. Only his smile, his eyes, his lips. Everything else, everyone else, her father even, she didn't pay them any mind. She'd thought of nothing else but him, and he had been the same way, his onyx orbs staying fixated on her, and only her.

Oh, she was so completely in love…

An improvised party had taken place on the Lookout, to celebrate their victory as well as the return of Son Goku. And she and Gohan had stayed glued to each other all the time, like a young married couple in their honeymoon.

Videl grinned to herself at the thought. It was crazy to be thinking of that kind of stuff already, when she was still in high school and wasn't even eighteen yet, and with them only getting together now. Yet in her mind, there was no doubt about it, no hesitation: she and Gohan would get married someday. They would spend their lives together, and grow old together… Always.

She breathed out a dreamy sigh, whispering the name of the boy she loved.

"Gohan…"

She hadn't expected to get a reply.

"Yeah?" said a gentle voice in the darkness, as if replying to her directly.

Videl turned to her window and, not a moment later, leapt out of bed and in Gohan's arms. They laughed gleefully and Gohan swirled her around, before holding her close against him.

"I was just thinking of you," she grinned.

"So I heard," he said, chuckling.

He brushed her cheek with the tip of his fingers, tucking a few locks of hair behind her ear. Videl closed her eyes, and felt his forehead touching hers. A wonderful feeling of peace invaded her whole being. His touch was so gentle, so loving… She felt like melting, completely.

"I was missing you too much already," whispered Gohan, tightening his left arm around her waist, while his right hand stayed against her cheek.

"I love you."

It felt so wonderful to finally be able to tell him these words, without any doubt, worry, or insecurity to hold her back. It felt so good to be in his arms, all snuggled up to him, without any fear to ruin everything.

He kissed her forehead, stroking her cheek lovingly with his thumb.

"I love you, too," he replied softly. "I always have."

Videl opened her mouth to say something, but stopped abruptly and closed it, feeling a lump forming in her throat. She'd been about to say "I know," – but how would Gohan react if he found out that she'd known for a while that he loved her? What would he say knowing that she had decided that they'd be better off as friends so as not to make things more complicated, while being very much aware of how he felt about her? To think they could've been together all this time, if only she'd accepted sooner that she was in love, that he made her feel vulnerable but that it was a good thing. And meanwhile she'd made him wait and long for her, even though she knew, she knew perfectly well that he loved her. She'd had a moment of doubt, yes, that night at Capsule Corp., but Videl now understood Gohan's reasons for leaving like he had.

"What's the matter?" he asked softly, brushing away a few bangs from her eyes, his brow furrowed slightly.

He was so caring, was looking at her with so much love in his eyes… Did she really deserve to be treated with such care, such gentleness? When she could have spared him so much suffering…

"I… I knew that already, Gohan," she admitted while averting her eyes, staring at the orange tunic of his dogi.

"What do you mean?" he asked, lifting her chin gently.

"Since that weekend I spent at your place… I've known you loved me."

Despite the darkness in her room, Videl could make out perfectly Gohan's dumbfounded expression. His eyes were wide open in astonishment, his lips parted. He was holding her shoulders, as if to look at her better, to make sure that he'd heard right.

"You knew…?" he forced out in a whisper, as if breathing had suddenly become difficult.

She wished she could disappear right now. Shamefully, Videl nodded her head, avoiding his gaze.

"I heard you say it to Goten, the first night I spent there," she explained in a tiny voice.

"Ah…!"

He seemed to remember the occurrence in question, and then he gave an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

"So you knew, huh."

"And even when I realized that I was in love with you, I didn't want… I couldn't accept my feelings and I just…"

"Hey, it's all right," he reassured with a smile, cupping her cheek. "You just needed time, I get that. Besides it all went well for us in the end, right?"

"I guess…" she said, allowing herself a small smile, though still a little sad.

"But yeah, it's true that wasn't very fair to me, huh, when I was racking my brain to try to figure out whether you loved me back," he added in good humor.

"Sorry," she giggled, snuggling up to him.

He lifted her chin and kissed her, and Videl sighed in content against his lips. Nothing could compare with this… Nothing felt more wonderful than Gohan's kisses.

ooOoo

That morning, Chichi was woken up by her husband's hands on her. She started slightly, not quite used to that type of awakening anymore after seven years, however nice it felt.

"I have to make breakfast, Goku," she breathed out between kisses. "Gohan's got school, and Goten should be waking up soon…"

He pulled back slightly to look at her, hoisting himself on his elbows so as not to crush her under his weight. Chichi was surprised to see that Goku seemed to hesitate. Usually as soon as she would mention a meal, Goku would gladly let her be, eager to eat up all the little dishes that he loved so much once she was done cooking.

"It's been seven years, Chi," he said, causing her to flush furiously.

"What about last night, doesn't it count?"

A silly grin curled his lips as he recalled last night, and then he dipped his head in the cook of her neck, ravishing her with kisses.

"Of course it counts," he said softly, his warm breath tickling her skin. "But it's far, very far from making up for it."

"And who's going to make breakfast?" she said, though without much conviction.

He kissed her avidly, deeply – and Chichi quickly forgot everything else.

The thing was, when you're a parent, you're not safe from impromptu interruptions. And Goten had no idea what he was walking into when he turned up in his parents' room.

"Mommy! Mommy!" exclaimed the little boy. "Gohan's not home! He's not here!"

Turning scarlet from embarrassment, Chichi covered herself the best she could with the bedsheets and turned to her youngest. "What do you mean, he's not here?"

Goku blinked. "Hey, that's right. Does he always get up so early to go to school now? Doesn't he take breakfast?"

"Of course he does," said Chichi, frowning. "Is he with Videl?" she asked her husband; she motioned to the East with her hand. "Satan City is that way."

Goku concentrated, looking for his eldest son's ki signature. It didn't take him long to find Gohan, and indeed he was with Videl. And they were both still asleep.

"Err…" he hesitated, wondering if he should tell his wife. Could it be that Gohan and Videl had already…?

"Ah, that's right!" exclaimed Goten, obviously pinpointing his brother's ki, too. "Gohan's with Videl! Still, he could've waited to see her at school…"

Chichi shot Goku a glare, obviously understanding that he'd been reluctant to answer her, and the man hunched his shoulders slightly, giving her a guilty smile.

"Goten, will be you a dear and go get ready? Mommy and Daddy need to get dressed, too," said Chichi, her tone far too nice to be natural. Goku gulped, figuring that she was seething inwardly, and was only holding herself back for Goten's sake.

"OK!" said the little boy, skipping on his way out, feeling reassured now that he knew where his beloved big brother was.

A few moments later, Chichi exploded.

"He spent the night with her! How irresponsible! He sneaked out to see her when we were asleep – and I bet they didn't even use protection! I'd like to have grandchildren but this is way too soon for them! They're too young! They should've waited! I did not raise my son to make such reckless decisions!"

As she ranted she'd gotten out of bed and started to get ready. Goku, not in any hurry to start the day, simply watched her fuss about while he made himself comfortable on the pillows.

"He won't get away with it, oh you can be sure of that, I will not let him get away with it! Sneaking out in the middle of the night like that to see his girlfriend… He won't see what's coming to him!"

Goku gave a nostalgic smile. Seeing his wife making a fuss about Gohan, in the exact same way as before (although for completely different reasons), after all these years… It was bringing back so many memories.

Ah, how he'd missed her. Her, and her apocalyptic fits of anger.

He finally got up, and took a few steps towards her to wrap his arms around her. Chichi fell silent, from the surprise probably, and Goku didn't say anything either. Then he felt her fists tightening against his bare torso, and her shoulders started shaking with sobs.

"My baby's become a man too soon…" lamented Chichi as fat, sorrowful tears flowed down her cheeks. Goku smiled despite himself, feeling a burst of tenderness for his wife, and held his arms a little tighter around her small, trembling frame.

ooOoo

Focusing on the lecture was proving to be absolutely impossible. The teacher was droning on in a monotonous tone, and Gohan wasn't listening to a single word he was saying. His gaze kept shifting to his right, two seats from him, hoping to catch Videl's blue eyes. At times, she would look towards him briefly, would flare up and then dive back in her book.

He'd gotten home early this morning, hoping to slide back on his bed unnoticed, but everybody was already fully awake, breakfast was almost ready, and his mother had been completely livid.

And yet, he had been unable to stop smiling like an idiot. So naturally, Chichi had figured out everything. He'd tried, although barely, to deny it, still too blissfully happy from waking up at Videl's side. What a wonderful feeling it had been, to open his eyes and find the girl he loved in his arms, all cuddled up to him…

His heartbeats picked up and his cheeks reddened. Images of last night rushed to his head, and Gohan swallowed, glancing yet again at Videl.

He hadn't predicted it at all. Well, sure, the notion may have crossed his mind, but when he went to see her last night, Gohan had had no idea that he and Videl would end up… That they would already…

It was too soon. He was aware of that. They'd moved things too fast, had let the heat of the moment get to them… And yet Gohan regretted nothing. Last night, with Videl… Her lips, her skin, her body… Their hearts beating as one… All of her – she'd been his, only his. And in the same way, he'd given himself to her completely.

How could he ever regret the most beautiful night of his life?

His face felt increasingly hot. When he glanced at Videl once again, he met her gaze for a brief moment and then, this time too, Videl quickly looked away, turning as red as he felt.

He wished they didn't have school today. After all, the world had ended yesterday; why couldn't they have a new holiday to commemorate their victory against Majin Buu? If they didn't have to go to school today, he could have spent more time alone with Videl.

They hadn't been able to talk at all since his rushed goodbye this morning, when she'd still been half-asleep. Hence the awkwardness between them right now.

Her moans of ecstasy were haunting him.

How beautiful she had been, last night. He hadn't been able to stop himself staring, drinking in the sight of her. From her half-lidded eyes, her flushed cheeks, to her throat, her neck, her shoulders, her breasts… Her panting breath, her heaving chest, had driven him completely crazy… Then his eyes had roamed along her flat stomach, her thin waist, and her hips, her thighs, partly covered by the sheets. They had begun with him on top, but Gohan had soon found himself lying on his back, leaving Videl take charge of their passionate embrace. Bent forward, on top of him, her long, raven locks had flowed like a curtain around his head, the sweet scent of her hair intoxicating him. And her parted lips – oh, her so tempting, gorgeous lips… He had been unable to resist, kissing her again, and again, and again…

Gohan swallowed; the heat on his face was spreading more and more, to his whole body. He really hadn't predicted to make love to Videl, the very night after they finally confessed to each other. And although he didn't regret anything that happened, how was Videl feeling about it all? Did she regret their night together? Was she mad at him for leaving so quickly this morning? If he'd had the choice, Gohan would've preferred to stay in bed with her this morning, or even all day, for that matter.

If he had the choice, he would spend all of his time in bed with Videl.

It was only when the bell rang and everyone stood up in the same movement to go have lunch, that Gohan realized that thinking back of his first time with Videl while sitting in class was really not a good idea.

He was going to need a little more time before he could leave his seat.

ooOoo

"Well then, care to explain?"

Videl was careful to avoid the implying look her best friend was giving her. Erasa had dragged her to the roof the moment the lunch break started, and Videl hadn't resisted, guessing effortlessly what she wanted of her.

But actually telling her about it… that was another story. How was she supposed to explain herself?

Her silence was making Erasa anxious. "Well?"

Videl blushed brightly, staring at her feet, and leaned back against the door that gave access to the roof.

"Well, what?" she muttered weakly, reluctant to answer.

"Wait, are you kidding me? You call me extra early, ask me to steal one of my mom's morning-after pills for you, and now you act all innocent? Like, really Videl?"

The girl in question bit her lips, feeling like her face was about to burst. She really didn't want to explain herself. And besides, wasn't it obvious that it was Gohan? Why did Erasa need confirmation? It had already been embarrassing enough to ask her for this favor.

"Was it because of that monster, Buu-something?" sighed Erasa, seeing as she wasn't saying anything. "You slept with Gohan before the 'end of the world'?"

"Wha… no!" blabbered Videl, getting redder and redder. Was she really going to have to tell her? "It was… after. Last night."

The following silence wasn't very reassuring, so Videl finally looked up at her friend. Erasa was gaping at her, staring at her with wide eyes. Completely dumbfounded.

"… For real?"

Videl nodded her head, looking at her boots again, feeling too embarrassed to be facing Erasa now.

"So you're not a virgin anymore?"

Videl covered her face with her hands. "Gah! Don't just say it like that, stupid!"

Erasa stifled a laugh. Videl stayed hidden behind her hands, waiting for her cheeks to take a normal color again.

"So," her friend started again, "was it good?"

Nope, still as crimson as ever.

"Is that all you think about?" mumbled Videl.

Erasa giggled. "What? There's nothing wrong with being curious."

"And there's nothing wrong with keeping things to myself."

"Oh come on. I did you a big favor, too! If my mom had caught me in the act, I would've been in big trouble. You owe me, Videl."

"I know, I know, and I am grateful to you." She looked at her watch. "Listen, I would like to see him before lunch break is over. We'll talk about it later, alright?"

"Fine…" agreed Erasa, looking a bit disappointed. Then she smiled. "But you will tell me later, right? I want details and everything!"

Videl sighed, wondering if she was ever going to stop blushing. It was not looking good for her. "Maybe."

Her friend had to make do with that answer because she rushed through the door and into the staircase, and quickly got away.

Some classmates told her that Gohan was still in the classroom, so Videl went back there. Her heart thumped harder and harder the closer she got to her destination, and the memory of the night before, with him, wasn't helping it calm down. When she stopped in front of the still open door, Videl swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and walked inside.

Gohan was still in his seat. There were some other students who were having lunch in the classroom, scattered around here and there, but Videl barely noticed them. Gohan had looked up when she walked in, and he was all she could see now.

She walked up to their row, not taking her eyes off of him, not seeing that their little exchange wasn't going unnoticed. Videl sat next to him, in Erasa's usual seat, and Gohan's particular, masculine scent washed over her. The memory of their night together only burned more vividly.

They didn't say a word for a while. Then, Gohan slid his hand under the desk to hold hers. The contrast was so obvious. Gohan's hands were so thick and rough, while her own were really tiny in comparison. It felt so soft, though. The gentle way he held her hand, it felt so soft.

And last night, those hands… they… on her…

"I'm sorry I left so quickly," he whispered, scooting closer to her. "It didn't even make a difference, either. My mom figured it all out, and I'm grounded."

Videl widened her eyes. "She figured it out…? You mean…?"

He nodded, an embarrassed smile curling his lips. "I kinda couldn't stop smiling, even when she was yelling at me. And well, you know how bad I am at lying, so… yeah."

She blushed slightly, casting her eyes down. Rhaa… She was so tired of reacting like some… some… girl! It was getting really annoying.

"Hey, you two," called one of their classmate, smirking deviously. "You look really close all of a sudden. Was it the end of the world that made you guys so… intimate?"

The boy wriggled his eyebrows suggestively, and Videl turned bright crimson in less than a second.

"Yeah, so?"

Gohan's confident response took her completely by surprise. His face looked a little red, but that didn't stop him from looking at the other boy in annoyance, in an almost defying way.

She'd noticed it yesterday as well. Gohan had changed, or rather, he'd become more mature – just like that, out of the blue. Since their reunion yesterday, she'd had more than one occasion to observe how he'd become bolder, more daring, more self-assured. Less shy.

It was so damn hot.

"Whaaaat, like, seriously?" said the boy – what was his name again? Pack? His satisfied smirk was really getting on her nerves. "So you two are actually dating? Can't believe it. I was just saying that."

"Wait, that can't be true can it?" cut in a friend of his, from another class. "Videl Satan, dating this bookworm? Are you for real?"

"No way, they don't even suit each other!" complained Angela, a girl from their class who was well known to have a big crush on Gohan.

His chair rattled and Gohan stood up, bringing Videl up with him, still holding her hand. "Let's go somewhere else."

On their way down to the door, the others catcalled and whistled at them. Videl watched Gohan, pulling at her hand, his brow furrowed, his jaw tightly closed, looking straight ahead of him… He looked a bit irritated, and the stares the two of them were getting in the hallways surely weren't helping.

An empty corridor, and Gohan stopped. He let go of her to run his hand through his hair, letting out a sigh as he leaned back against the wall.

"Can't be left alone, geez."

Videl watched him still. Her lips parted slightly, her heart pounding harder and harder against her chest. He was so handsome. His charm was just impossible to resist.

She moved in front of him, her mouth dry. He raised his eyebrows at her; she placed her palms against his broad chest.

He didn't seem to understand just how much he was affecting her, how much she desperately needed him.

He smiled, cupping her cheek. Her breathing became heavier. God, how she loved his smiles: those special ones he only showed her. He would always smile at her in this very particular way, making her heart melt. And his eyes, the way they shone with tenderness whenever he looked her…

She could it see so clearly: his love for her, it was entirely apparent. It was so visible, so obvious. So beautiful.

He leaned over to kiss her, and Videl clutched his collar, her lips trembling. His strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her all against him.

She loved him so much. She couldn't believe she had hesitated so much before giving in to him, that she had waited so long before tasting this blissful happiness of being with him. And Videl swore to herself that no matter what, she would never let anything set them apart. Even if the future was unsure, even if Gohan came from an alien race of warriors, even if Majin Buu wasn't going to be the last supervillain to terrorize the world and that Gohan would have to go and fight again, risking his life doing so… No matter what happened, Videl would not be going down without a fight. She would do anything, absolutely anything for him.

Well, for now she didn't want to think of all that…

Right here, right now, she was in his arms. Right here, right now, she felt happier than she ever was, with him. And she had no intention of allowing anything get in the way of their happiness.

Mark Videl Satan's word on that.

Epilogue

He'd never seen such a huge crowd. His father had told him that there was even more people than when he fought in this tournament as a kid. The stadium and the ring had been extended, too.

He had never intended to get in tournament in the first place, but when Goku heard that it was going to start very soon, he wanted everyone to participate with him, "like old times," he'd said. Gohan was still reluctant, though. He was really not interested in this kind of competition, but everybody insisted, again and again, and in the end, he was unable to say no to Videl's pleading eyes. It would give him the opportunity to wear his superhero disguise, he'd told himself in encouragement (though he had to switch from his dear helmet to a pair of dark sunglasses and a bandana on his head).

The punching machine part had been easy enough, although holding back that much had been a little tough, and then everyone went to watch the fight between Trunks and Goten, both participating in the Junior Division of the World Tournament. Many twists and turns later, as well as some close calls, Trunks ended up as the victor, although the fight had been quite close-matched.

And now the Adult Division was about to begin. They were gathered together for the draw of the fighting order.

Gohan was still grumbling to himself. He really didn't want to be here. Sure, he liked fighting for fun, but considering his dad, Vegeta, Piccolo, Eighteen, Krilin, Videl and himself were all participating, not to mention the champ himself Hercule Satan, things were bound to go wrong somehow. On top of that, Videl's father really didn't seem to like him very much…

"Of course he likes you," Videl assured him. He gave her a skeptical look, and she rolled her eyes, smiling. "Alright, that may not be the correct term, but Dad doesn't hate you. He told me that you, at least, would be able to protect me. As if I needed protection. Whatever."

"Whether you need it or not, I would never let anything happen to you."

She gave him an amused smile, and then her name was called. "Ah, it's my turn!"

Videl went to pick up a small, numbered ball from a box, and Gohan made a face when he saw where her name was placed in the board. If she were to win her first fight, and he doubted she could lose since her opponent wasn't from their group, she would be up against him in the second round.

She walked back to him with a satisfied smirk, while his brow only furrowed further.

"What did you say again, that other time?" she said mischievously. "Wasn't it that you were never going to fight me again?"

He blushed slightly. "I'll just win the fight by ring out."

"Oh, come on, it's our chance for a rematch! Besides, the seats are really expensive, we gotta make it worth it for the audience!"

"Wait, you mean you two have already fought each other?" cut in Krillin, who had heard their conversation.

"Fought? Heh, I wouldn't say it like that," replied Videl, waving her hand nonchalantly. "This guy here got all flustered when he gave me a little booboo."

Krillin burst out laughing, while Gohan flared up and gave Videl an accusing look. She simply grinned in response.

"I would like to see you handle that!" he said, raising his voice to be heard over the loud laughs of his dad's best friend. "It's not funny!"

The others joined them, and seeing Krillin in a fit of laughter, asked what was funny – well, Goku asked, seeing as neither Piccolo nor Vegeta could care less, and Eighteen simply raised an eyebrow at the scene. Krillin attempted to tell them the story, but he only managed to make himself laugh even harder. Videl rolled her eyes and answered for him, to her boyfriend's great displeasure.

His father quickly joined Krillin's laughing fit, and even the others cracked a thin smirk. What the… They're all ganging up on me, those traitors!

His shoulders hunched, defeated. Gohan knew he didn't belong in this tournament. What was the point, anyway, when they all knew it would play between them in the end? Wouldn't it be easier to simply fight between themselves? That would've also been a lot safer for the people in the audience, too.

He heaved a deep sigh, feeling completely dejected. He really, really didn't want to fight Videl.

ooOoo

The first round was over. The fight between Vegeta and Goku had been violent and powerful, even without them turning Super Saiyajin. They all agreed not to transform in the tournament, so that the people in the stadium wouldn't recognize them from the Cell Games videos.

Goku won by ring out, and Vegeta was so displeased by his "absurd" loss that he only calmed down when his rival promised to have a rematch with him later.

As for Videl's father, he had been up against Eighteen. Unluckily for him, he lost, but managed to keep a good appearance by making it look like he'd lost only because he refused to hit a woman. His audience was easily won over, though still disappointed that he'd lost his title. He promised them to be back next time to reclaim his championship belt, to his fans great joy.

Piccolo and Krillin were up against each other in the second round. You could say that the Earthling's determination was quite something. Even while knowing that he couldn't win, Krillin used every trick under his sleeve to hold out as long as possible against the Namek.

"Brings back memories," commented Goku.

"Oh, that's right!" said Videl suddenly, turning to the man. "They had fought each other in the twenty-third World Tournament, hadn't they?"

"You know a lot about martial arts, huh?" complimented Goku, grinning. He then turned to the ring again. "Krillin is always full of surprises. Back then already, he'd made a really big impression on Piccolo. And to you too Vegeta, didn't he? When you first came to Earth."

"Pfft, not really," grumbled Vegeta, crossing his arms.

"He'd have killed you if I didn't stop him. And good thing I did in the end, huh?"

"Meh."

Gohan and Videl shared an amused look. She'd grown used to the strange interactions between his dad and the Saiyajin Prince since they got together, and she would often say that "they got along really well, actually", which had the tendency to annoy Vegeta though Goku would look quite pleased.

"So," she said to him in a low voice. "We're up next. You ready?"

He would've liked to give up, to be honest, but with the fighting order as it was Videl would be up against Piccolo in the next round if he did give up their fight, and Gohan could hardly forget the "gentleness" of his former teacher. Even though he was somewhat less harsh as of today, Piccolo had never been a softy, so if he had to choose Gohan would rather push Videl gently out of the ring himself than let her face Piccolo in the next round.

"Don't really have a choice, do I?"

She grinned widely. Gohan had to wonder why the idea of fighting him delighted her so much. Videl was a pretty sore loser usually, so why did she look so eager when she knew she couldn't win against him?

He asked her, in curiosity, but at that moment the announcer just finished counting: Krillin had just lost by knockout, and now they were both called to the ring.

He was about to follow after Videl when a large hand grabbed his shoulder, and Gohan turned to his father.

"Just a thought," he said, and whispered the rest to his ear. Gohan looked at him with his eyebrows raised, and Goku nodded his head and kept grinning.

"Well, alright," replied Gohan, before joining his girlfriend, and for now his opponent, on the ring.

ooOoo

"Ow…"

Her head had hit the wall around the fighting area. He hadn't even touched her, had simply dodged everything she threw at him at first, and then after a little while, with a swift movement of his fist and without even making the slightest physical contact, he had created a kind of powerful wind, which had thrown her out of the ring.

He was at her side not two seconds later.

"You all right? Are you hurt?"

"Idiot," she whispered, extricating herself from his arms while glancing around worriedly at crowd in the bleachers. "Don't be so familiar when you're in disguise, there's kids from school here, you know. I'm dating Gohan, not Saiyaman."

He frowned, and then on a whim suddenly took off his shades and bandana, revealing his face to the audience. Every camera was pointing at them, filming or taking pictures, everybody was talking about him in the auditorium – and yet Gohan couldn't care less. He pulled Videl to him and held her close.

She watched him with wide eyes.

"Gohan what are you…"

He cupped her cheek, cutting her off with this simple contact.

"I will never, ever hide how much I love you, Videl."

Videl's lips parted slightly, heat rushing to her cheeks. And as Gohan stared at her, she looked just so beautiful in that moment… So vulnerable and gorgeous.

The rest of the world seemed to vanish all around them, and he just couldn't resist. So, in front of all the members of the audience, in front of his classmates who were present today; in front of his mother, his father, his brother, his friends; in front of Mr. Satan and even, in front of the whole world, following closely the broadcast of the World Martial Arts Tournament; in front of each and every one of them, and yet disregarding their presence completely, Gohan kissed Videl.

Consequences be damned. They were together, and they loved each other deeply. Everything else? Who cared.

The author's last annotation

And so, this is the end of the story. I'm really really sorry for taking so long to write it, and I want to thank all those who read, followed, and commented on Secret Heart all those years. I hope you have enjoyed the ride. :)

September 7, 2014