CW for underage drinking (no consequences) and drinking games; no binge drinking hard liquor, but still "teens with little supervision" drinking nonetheless (ages range from 16 to 20).
(playing fast and loose with DBWorld rule of such things; in some countries it's customary to teach your kids how to drink; anyway, do not do like these idiots xD)
Sorry been sorta gone for a few days there! Been dealing with life ^^br /
More seeds have been planted, more little plants have been harvested... are you ready? ;)
Thank you for your comments and support, as always, anything you put out makes my day!
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After her daughter returned from the Lookout, Tights broke the news to Tora that finally some of the more lengthy tests she had done came back positive for a complex early illness that needed treatment, and perhaps surgery. It was early enough in diagnosis (which was forced on the doctors, Tights took no chances and used her knowledge of her older-self's medical records to make sure they found the thing even before it could be normally screened), enough so that there was no reason for anything to go wrong with treatment.
She had known for a few days already, but with Tapion and Minoshia and everything else going on, she held onto the knowledge and started treatment on her own. She only informed Bulma (for her own health down the line), and finally Tora once everything was over.
Tora wanted to take no chances with her mother's health, and insisted they just use the Dragon Balls and leave, but Tights refused; she needed to not rely on them. They fought for a while until Tora had to relent and accept. She would obey her mother. Tights accepted that if the full checkup after proper treatment showed there was still even a hint of something, then she would use the Dragon Balls. Tora was sour about it all, but she couldn't refuse her mother.
That meant staying a maximum of two extra months for definitive results. Tora hoped it would clear out earlier.
So back to the routines it was for Tora; school with Gohan, spending time with Trunks and Goten, having a light spar with Vegeta every now and then, silent lone sword practice, and occasionally meeting Seventeen for a little escapade. Tora had to admit she enjoyed the Cyborg's company, if only in small doses, and while he remained remarkably annoying at times, he was also incredibly pragmatic and grounding, including when he asked a detailed retelling of how Tora killed his 'evil twins from the future'.
Erasa eventually had decided what form their 'date' would take, and it would be at Videl's house while Mr Satan was out of town.
"So I wanted to talk to you about something. You're out of family obligations, right?" she explained while changing books between classes in the lockers.
Tora didn't need to access her locker, since she mostly worked with her computer instead of traditional paper and books. This had become a problem, but she didn't budge when clearly her writing skills weren't on par with her peers, with the exception of numbers and equations. Gohan offered to help her with calligraphy and note taking skills, but she didn't care that much. She could fill out forms and write when necessary. She had accompanied Erasa to pick up her books when she asked her to come along and chat.
"Mhm.. why?"
"See, we're missing some guys for a wild party, and I figured that could be our date-deal. Can't let you go back to space without experiencing 'youth' eh."
"I guess so…?" Tora agreed to consider the idea on paper, but didn't know much of what to expect, compared to the parties people had in her world after the Cyborgs were destroyed, or the ones Bulma held at Capsule Corp.
"Bring a couple of hot friends if you want!"
"I can certainly ask, but I do not know many boys around our age." Tora was willing to make the effort with Gohan at the very least, but the few people she knew by name were all much older.
"Eh, as long as they're hot and willing to spin the bottle! Next Saturday after this batch of exams," Erasa said and ran off to another class.
Tora had a free period so she went to the music club. She noticed a little ki spike and smiled as she saw Videl's helicopter go from the roof of one of the buildings, followed closely by a discreet Great Saiyaman.
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Lunch was with Videl, Erasa and Sharpner. They all ate and talked about miscellaneous subjects, from classes to after school activities to the new Tenkaichi Budokai at the end of the following month. They changed the traditional date of the Championship from May 6th to June 31st for this special event, to allow all school-aged children to attend and perhaps participate, it would be grand, and Mr Satan requested it as such.
Videl reluctantly explained that the movie was coming out on May 31st as a way to get people motivated to train hard for the month afterwards and participate in the Tenkaichi.
"Uh, Tora-kun?" Erasa asked.
Tora hadn't answered Sharpner about perhaps trying participating in the selections, and Erasa looked curiously. Tora more or less dozed off against Gohan's arm. She hadn't completely recovered from the Mafuba and the stress of the past three or so weeks, and needed more rest. Her nights were still restless, but she just needed to rest with a feeling of safety, and Gohan's proximity soothed her enough to lower her guard.
Gohan remembered how they rested together so long ago, under stranger circumstances, and even more recently, when they were watching over the kids Tora often held him, and let him hold Tora too.
"Tora-san fell asleep," Gohan realized.
He appreciated the trust given, especially as he remembered how Tora had reacted to people approaching during such vulnerable moments. Himself, and that older Trunks, those were the only two people Gohan knew Tora had trusted enough to fall asleep with.
"So what, we let him? Class' about to start." Sharpner scoffed a little.
"You could take him to the nurse, if he's so tired," Erasa nudged her brother and he rolled his eyes.
"Alright, nerd, move, let me grab sleeping beauty."
"Don't!" Gohan extended his free arm to stop Sharpner from coming any closer.
Videl also stopped Sharpner, she had observed the whole scene, knowing a little more of their circumstances, and felt something strange. To his credit, Sharpner did not get any closer, but Erasa did.
Tora's eyes opened suddenly when her instincts kicked in at the potential intrusion, but Gohan's firm hand on her arm made her realize her surroundings fast. Erasa jumped back when she saw the murderous look. Tora blinked and calmed down, then apologized in a whisper and moved away from Gohan slowly.
This was becoming an annoying pattern, and she found herself worrying about becoming a danger to people.
On their way back to class, Sharpner took notice of the behavior as something he heard about and decided on using the upcoming party to find out more.
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That Sunday was yet again a training session for Videl, while Tora entertained the boys who had decided to enter the Tenkaichi Budokai to test themselves.
Tora had no interest in a martial arts tournament, as she didn't consider herself a martial artist despite having had refined her technique, but she enjoyed sparring (or rather, be the wall to overcome) with the boys and forced them to strategize against her.
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"How does it work?"
Videl asked Gohan, interrupting his meditation, when she took a break from her flying. She's been able to move on her own a little more easily, but it was still exhausting when neither of the two other teens gave her their energy.
"Uh?" Gohan opened an eye.
"The tricks that aren't tricks. How can I do it? And how come they're so good at it?" she pointed with a certain frustration to the two boys practicing their aim with Tora as a target.
"Oh. I'm sorry Videl-san, but your life energy isn't strong enough to do it yet, it will take a few months. But you will get there! As soon as you are comfortable flying, we need to take things little by little, ok?"
Videl didn't sound too pleased about it all. She felt gate-kept and loathed it all, after all Gohan was afraid she'd surpass him, right? Perhaps they weren't actual tricks, but her father and herself were still the Champions.
So she requested Gohan participated in the Tenkaichi to truly show where he stood. When a snack break was offered by Chichi, and that talk was had, she agreed Gohan could participate; they could use the prize money, after all.
"The Tenkaichi? Me? I would rather not." Tora declined when asked whether she would participate as well, but she had to reconsider when she saw how disappointed Gohan looked.
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"Tora-kun, can you lend me your energy again? I want to try this whole.. energy ball thing." Since Gohan was reluctant and was now busy teaching the boys meditation, Videl approached the Golden Defender instead.
"Mh? If you want, but let us get further away." Tora took off to fly a few hundred yards away, slowly so Videl could follow, which she did with some effort.
When they landed, Tora beckoned Videl to come closer and she extended a hand towards a boulder.
"Put your hand on my wrist and close your eyes, try and feel my energy flow. Instead of expanding the energy slowly to fly, I am building it towards my hand."
As she explained and Videl followed instructions to feel what Tora was explaining, Tora built some energy in her arm, slowly so Videl could sense it.
"Ah, I feel it."
"Once I have accumulated enough inside my hand, I condense it. Open your eyes. Then I release it. A little like a pressure gun."
When Videl opened her eyes, Tora focused the energy accumulated in her hand, and a small ki ball formed in front of her palm before being launched at the boulder which cracked.
"Oh. Well that wasn't very powerful."
"That is because I used very little of my own energy."
"And you guys do this all while flying and more? That sounds.. exhausting."
"It can be."
"I'd like to try," Videl said, releasing Tora's wrist.
Tora wasn't opposed to letting Videl test, she knew the girl hadn't enough life energy nor ki control to do it herself, but feeling it with someone else's energy was a good way to set a goal, at least that was how she learnt to control it. Videl extended her hand, and Tora put her hand on her wrist to transfer her ki slowly into her arm.
"Focus it.. Pull it all towards your hand."
"It's hot." Videl complained with a frown, but didn't give up.
"Yes. Hang in there. Don't release it yet, it's not condensed enough. Now that boulder, you want to make it disappear. The boulder has mocked you, told you you were weak, incapable, unworthy..."
Getting angry at the boulder made.. some sort of sense. Using Tora's borrowed ki, the ki ball started to form in front of Videl's hand.
"Destroy it," Tora ordered, and the ki blast launched at the boulder, cracking it further.
"Ooohh!" Videl was shocked at the result, and Tora released her hand.
"These are the basics with raw energy."
"What do you mean, 'raw'?" Videl was bright and saw that there was more to it. No way she would let Tora go without spilling the beans.
"Well… With finer control and more preparation, it's possible to convert the energy before releasing it, for more efficient and destructive power. To be honest, I am pretty bad at it myself."
Videl thought about it for a moment. She decided to try for herself with her own energy regardless. She extended her hand, focused and a tiny ball was created, but it soon dissipated, leaving Videl sweating and panting.
"I.. I get it," she breathed slowly. "Thanks. I'm jealous though, the boys have such an easier time."
"Chichi-san was a great martial artist and participated in the Tenkaichi before Gohan-san's birth, and Trunks' father.. ki control is probably his strongest point."
"Gohan-kun's father, too, right? Son Goku? He won the Tenkaichi once."
"He did," Tora nodded as they walked back towards the Son household.
"What about you? Were you born in it too?"
"Partially," Tora shrugged without giving further details.
"You and your secrets…"
"Focus first on mastering flying and moving your own energy inside your body until it becomes something you can do without thinking about it."
"I understand. Say. Is— Is Gohan-kun coming to the party? Erasa told me she asked you to come and invite people..."
"Have you invited him?"
"I can't invite him myself," Videl huffed, but Tora clearly saw the blush on her cheeks.
".. I will make sure he comes, then."
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Once they were back, and after Videl went home, Tora asked Gohan whether he'd like to come to said party, and Gohan accepted if given permission. Chichi only accepted because Tora, serious and reliable Tora, would 'chaperone', after all Tora was a serious young trustworthy man. These city girls couldn't be trusted around her precious and innocent boy, so Tora's presence and watchful eye was the condition for her permission. Neither teen really knew what to expect about it all, though.
Tora herself didn't really bother to 'ask permission', she just got ready to walk out of the door and said to not wait for her. Bulma, noticing Tora had put on a nice outfit with an open navy button up, a thick black shirt and good jeans, did put some protection in her hand when she said she was going to a 'party with classmates', which made Tora groan in disgust. At least that gave her a vague indication of what to expect, and perhaps keep an even closer eye on Gohan. Tights and Bulma laughed about it when she still accepted the items and stuck it in her pocket.
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Seventeen also somehow invited himself when she mentioned the party and probed him for advice when they saw each other a few days prior. Tora eventually thought his presence could be fun, perhaps he would match Erasa's expectations, and he promised he would be 'nice and proper'; these were ignorant earthlings after all, and Seventeen had no reason to rock the boat. Erasa and Videl gave their ok and she gave them a description of the guy.
Tora saw the full extent of the ordeal when she approached the Satan mansion and saw the madness happening from afar, but she was also somewhat relieved that it was such a large property and she and Gohan could probably just up and go without being noticed.
The party was a rager. Alcohol and an ungodly amount of pizza were everywhere, the pool was invaded, games and 'games' were held just about everywhere, music was loud. Gohan, who settled on a traditional deep green shirt, met Tora outside. Tora had brought in some store-bought snacks while Gohan came with a bunch of fruits from Mount Paozu. It had been arranged that he would stay at Capsule Corp that night, as it was closer to Central City than Mount Paozu, but Chichi expected Gohan to respect a reasonable curfew and that he would use Tora's phone often to keep her informed of everything.
The two made their way inside and some of their classmates promptly welcomed them and got them drinks. Gohan tried refusing, but he was promptly hollered at for being a goodie-two-shoes nerd. Tora took a couple of cups and served the two of them with whatever they found, and indicated he didn't need to drink it, just have it in hand. They barely touched their cups as they went about to find Erasa and the others.
Seventeen was already there, going from person to person and seemingly having quite a lot of fun, and Erasa found him to be a perfect addition to the party. When she spotted Tora, she asked whether this charming guy was that friend of hers they talked about and Tora reluctantly confirmed.
Seventeen came to give a friendly pat on Tora's back, stole her drink and downed it, then whispered that there were rooms upstairs to have some fun if she wanted to. Tora scoffed, nudged him away and took back her empty cup before she and Gohan were dragged away by Erasa into one of the living rooms to meet with Sharpner, Videl, Inx, Angela and a few others. Gohan recognized the Cyborg, but didn't find any opportunity to ask Tora about his presence at all; they seemingly got along well enough, and if Tora trusted him for this as well as for Hirudegarn, then it was fine.
Their classmates were discussing betting games of sorts, and Seventeen came back with a few bottles.
"Ah, the host and her complete crew!" Seventeen grinned and comically bowed. "Number Seventeen, to serve you tonight."
"That's really your name?" Videl raised an eyebrow.
"I've got sixteen older siblings, what can I say, our makers didn't have much imagination," Seventeen laughed while Inx pointed out people were named after animals, food or items of sorts, so numbers, why not. "Call me Sev if you prefer. I brought some liquor and ordered a second round of pizza. Anyway, what's on the menu here?"
"We were considering Never I have Evers," Erasa chimed in and patted near her so Seventeen would sit and participate.
"Ohh I'm game. Drink if you have?" The Cyborg placed a couple of liquor bottles on the table and passed small hard plastic glasses.
"Bottoms-up if you have," Sharpner confirmed. "Who starts?"
"Oh, me!" Inx took an empty glass and passed the rest to everyone. "Never have I ever… gotten a tattoo!"
Sharpner opened a bottle that Seventeen extended to him when a few people extended their glass. He served her, himself, and looked around to serve someone else, all three drank their shots. Gohan looked at Tora, now understanding the rules of the game, while Tora looked at the three, trying to spot said tattoos out of curiosity.
"Remember, no questions, at least not until Truth or Dare," Erasa giggled seeing Tora's intense eyes. "Hey, this isn't hard liquor, cool. Alright, me! Never have I ever… gotten arrested!"
Inx and Videl both groaned and extended their glasses. Seventeen laughed and extended his to be served by Sharpner. Erasa gestured to Seventeen so he'd ask the next question.
"Oh, my turn? Never I have ever.." he started, looking at everyone with inquisitive curiosity "... disobeyed my mom!"
Everyone extended their glass and cursed at the question. Gohan and Tora too.
"You. You have never disobeyed your mother?" Tora doubted.
"Ta-ta-ta! No questions until Truth or Dare," Seventeen winked and served her. And down the alcohol went. "Your turn, Tora."
"Uh." Tora thinks about it for a minute, trying to find a thing she had never done. ".. Never I have.. kissed someone in public? On the mouth."
Seventeen laughed and served Sharpner, Erasa, Inx, Angela, himself and just about everyone else. Gohan, Videl and Tora, the only three who hadn't drank, were whistled at for being innocent, and Videl complained about it being hard to be approached for a date, considering who her father was and the conditions he imposed. Tora indicated Angela to ask the next question, who asked about walking on parents having sex. Only Sharpner drank, so he was next to ask a question.
"Never have I ever killed someone," Sharpner stated with a pointed look at Videl, who cursed and extended her glass. He knew the story and liked singling her out.
Except this time Videl wasn't the only one to extend her glass. They were surprised to see Seventeen extending his glass, and.. Gohan and Tora. Sharpner got his confirmation concerning Tora's potential militia or military past.
"What the fuck ?! Bugs don't count, bookworm!" Sharpner had to ask, but Inx shushed him as per their no question rule. He served them and they drank up with some uncomfortable silence and questioning intense looks by Videl. Seventeen seemed quite at ease (those who knew, knew), Tora looked as if it was just a thing that happened, but Gohan was all red about it; he was a terrible liar and honest as he was, he had to drink. Sharpner nudged Gohan to ask the next question.
"Me? Uhhh… Never I have.." he looked around, looking for help, and when he met Tora's eyes, he apologized. ".. smoked?"
Tora and Seventeen drank without hesitating while a couple of others were less forthcoming with their habit. The next question was asked by their classmate.
"Never have I ever lied about my age."
Gohan again surprised Videl by being one of those to drink. Tora even had a 'oh, right' moment when she saw him extend his glass, with most of everyone else.
"Used a fake ID."
Tora sighed and extended her glass. They were less numerous than those lying about their age, and of course her entire paperwork was fake, in a way. Those who admitted using fake IDs were older, after all, Videl, Gohan and Tora were 'officially' the youngest in their shared classes.
Soon, the bottle was empty. Videl scooted closer to check on Gohan, who was surprisingly holding his alcohol well. Tora was as fresh as ever too. Seventeen was surprised at the overall sobriety of everyone, thinking they were all babies, which was why he took a 15% drink instead of a 40% for the game. This meant longer games. He was having fun and ready to ramp it up a notch.
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People moved around; some wanted to go try the pool instead, and after some bathroom breaks and passing around the freshly ordered pizza and some water to alternate, Erasa rejoiced. It was back to their small usual lunch committee.. plus Seventeen. Six people was intimate enough to spill some juicy secrets, and that Seventeen guy was fun. Gohan's fruits disappeared in between the rounds and with some other party-goers who appreciated the healthy snack for a change.
"Ok, that was fun! Round two?" Erasa clapped her hands.
"Truth or Dare?" Videl asked, a little apprehensive.
"If three outsiders veto, gotta change. Otherwise, you can refuse, but you drink." Videl deadpanned the explanation.
"Oh alright." Gohan had allies that could veto something, and considering drinking hadn't had much effect on him.. surprisingly.
"Truth or Dare, Go-han-kun?" Erasa giggled.
"Uh.. Dare?"
"Recite our last Physics lesson!"
Gohan laughed and explained the last lesson they had, bright as ever, under Sharpner's bored glance and Seventeen's inquisitive look.
"Nerd! Boring to death!" Sharpner more or less interrupted. Gohan got red-faced and apologized.
"Oh it's fine, bro! Good job Gohan-kun, your turn!"
"Uhhh.. Tora-san?"
"Dare," Tora smiled softly, trusting Gohan wouldn't ask something that would be problematic.
"Please play something," he pointed at the piano he had spotted in this particular living room, and Tora chuckled and stood.
"Videl-san?" Tora still requested her authorization.
"Yeah sure, just don't get it dirty." Videl said from the armchair where she slouched comfortably.
"Tora can play?" Seventeen had to ask, that was something he didn't know.
"He's part of the music club at school." Sharpner confirmed. The dare was as boring as the guy who made the request and he wanted to move on.
Tora rubbed her hands on her jeans to make sure they were clean, lifted the key cover, tested the pedals and played a simple and short melody, one that Gohan recognized from the little recital from so many years ago. She closed back the piano and came back to sit on the couch under people's polite applause.
"Erasa-san, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
"You drank about the tattoo. Can you tell us what it is and where?"
"It's a rose on my ribcage," she winked and Tora nodded, satisfied with the answer she didn't really care about. "Alright, Videl, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"Twenty push-ups!"
Videl rolled her eyes and did them with ease as Erasa counted them. As she stood and took some water, Videl glanced around the room.
"Sev?"
"Dare me."
"I see you giving pointed glances. Kiss Tora for at least five seconds… On the mouth."
Tora almost spat her water laughing and put her drink aside.
"Veto," Erasa grumbled.
But nobody else vetoed; Sharpner was curious. Since Tora seemed comfortable with it and was beckoning Seventeen over, Gohan didn't veto either, and Videl was somewhat curious. While Seventeen closed his eyes to kiss, Tora didn't, and her hands were in his hair and on her shoulder. It was chaste and close-mouthed but Seventeen didn't hesitate to bring himself far closer than necessary for the dare. Tora let him go with a knowing look, and Seventeen moved back to sit on the floor near the coffee table containing the pizza and drinks.
Videl saw it all with wide eyes, and so did Gohan, and they just looked at Seventeen with a questioning look.
"What, Tora's hot, bite me. Thanks! Sharpner, Truth or Dare?" Seventeen asked with a chuckle.
"Truth."
"Did that turn you on?" Seventeen's question was punctuated by a raised eyebrow, making Erasa laugh.
Sharpner extended his glass instead of answering.
"Alright, Tora." The blonde turned to her after his drink.
"Dare."
"Kiss Videl."
"Veto." Videl raised her hand.
"Veto." Gohan joined in and gave his veto as well, red-faced and with a low voice. Tora smiled, they were painfully obvious.
No third veto was given, so Tora stood from the couch and went over to Videl. From her armchair, Videl glared daggers at Sharpner, then at Tora, but Tora gave her a soft smile, put a hand on her shoulder and leaned in.. only to plant a short and soft kiss on her forehead. Videl focused on the strange pink pendant that slid out of Tora's shirt, and soon enough the strange teen was back on the couch. She was relieved.
"Hey!" Sharpner pointed out it wasn't what he asked.
"You didn't say where, gotta be precise!" Seventeen laughed, but he had to admit he was disappointed too.
"Ugh, fine." Sharpner rolled his eyes.
"Erasa-san, Truth or Dare?" Tora asked once done with her dare.
"Dare!"
"Compliment your brother."
Erasa drank instead and Videl chuckled, and she was next to be asked.
"Videl?"
"Ugh, Truth."
"Are you in love?" Erasa winked mischievously.
Videl groaned, beet red and extended her glass instead of answering. She then addressed Sharpner, who chose dare. Five painful push-ups with Erasa sitting on his back later, Sharpener looked at Seventeen for the next question, and Seventeen chose Truth as well.
"Are you gay?" Sharpner blurted out.
Seventeen snorted and laughed at the question while Tora vetoed out of principle.. and possible precedent.
"No, I'm bi." The Cyborg had absolutely no issues with disclosing and didn't wait for others to veto before answering. "Gohan?"
"Truth."
"Are you in love?"
And Tora vetoed again. Then Videl. Sharpner and Erasa were too curious to veto, and Gohan seemingly forgot he could drink instead of answering. He crossed his arms and actually thought about it.
And thought about it even a little longer, glancing towards different people as he remembered an old discussion. Tora quietly smiled as she guessed what went through her friend's head while Seventeen shrugged.
"I think I broke him."
"I don't know." Gohan finally let out, flustered.
"The nerd is far too vanilla and sheltered to even know," Sharpner stated with boredom. "Take a drink, bookworm, and keep going!"
"Uh, uh.. Tora-san?" Gohan's eyes begged for help after he drank.
"Truth," she said with a soft voice.
"Are you.. dating?"
"I don't date," Tora easily answered. "I am not seeking a relationship."
Seventeen put his hand over his heart and made a show of falling back as if painfully struck.
"How could you do this to me! I was lied to all these years, longing for your return on our balcony wearing nothing but my apron, cooking every night your favorite dish, all these years, and you, you…!"
Erasa plain laughed at the ridiculous display of Seventeen's obvious fake whines and over the top reaction, wiping out some tears from her eyes, while the rest of them cracked a smile and joined in with chuckles or giggles.
"That's it, I'm taking the kids, the dogs and the parrot and going back to my mom's, all of my best years..!" Seventeen continued and served himself a glass of alcohol to drown in. "On second thought, keep the parrot, she's kind of a bitch."
"Idiot," Tora had to state with a genuine smile, throwing him a piece of cardboard.
.
It didn't take long for Erasa to complain about childish games and that it was time to ask more risqué questions and dares, which caused quite a few of them to either keep their boundaries by drinking, or reveal perhaps strange details about their intimacy (or lack thereof).
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Tora used Gohan's request to call his mother to excuse herself for a smoke, and Seventeen followed her.
"You aren't blending in," the Cyborg opened the conversation on the patio after she'd acknowledged his presence and offered a cigarette, which he took with a grateful nod.
"It's the hair," Tora deflected with a shrug.
"It's the armor."
Tora put a hand over her chest, glanced sideways at Seventeen, his messy bun, his dark studs, his bright pale eyes, then looked away. Seventeen put an arm over her shoulders and came in closer to whisper. He felt how tense Tora got but still challenged her boundaries.
"My house remains open, and not just for amazing sex, tigress."
"That means it is open for average sex, too?" she raised an eyebrow, giving some snark back.
The two of them knew what the other meant, and Seventeen just gave a friendly pat on her shoulder and let her go. Tora wasn't ready to open up, at least not to him, and he accepted the girl had issues to work through at her own pace.
There was nothing he could do but show he was on the other side of her shell, should she wish to break through it, and she visibly did not want to. She was aware of what he was trying to do, and her not pushing him off as violently as she had before was her way of appreciating it.
"See you later," she nodded and went on her way.
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Tora drove Gohan back to Capsule Corp a solid hour earlier than his curfew, and they, as well as Bulma, confirmed with Chichi that they made it safely. It was a surprising feature of their Saiyan biology that they barely registered having drunk alcohol, even if by all means they were more reasonable than some of their peers, but despite it, Chichi was not to be informed of such a thing. Tora did not hesitate to be fully transparent with Bulma and her mother about the evening while Gohan showered and got ready for bed in the guest bedrooms.
Tora didn't sleep and mulled over the past week. Perhaps participating in the Tenkaichi Budokai would do her some good, as Gohan, Videl, Trunks and Goten wanted her to.