Hiya! Here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it! I use a song in a scene, it's Count on Me by Bruno Mars, so I strongly suggest listening to it when it comes on.

Please Friendzone Me!

Chapter 24

A Dance of Unspoken Words

Her eyes closed, Videl breathed slowly – in and out, in and out… Entering within herself, letting the world around roll off her, trickle down like morning dew on a leaf. Everything was fine. Yes. She was fine. She was not thinking of a certain someone. Nope. Not for one moment. She was so not thinking about him – about the way his strong arms felt around her, the way he brought her closer, nuzzled her hair, his soft breath brushing against her neck… And his scent… Oh, goodness, his intoxicating, masculine scent…

Videl growled in frustration and shook her head sharply, chasing the intrusive recollection away. She took a deep breath in, and let it out.

Alright. Let's go again.

She was not one to give up easily – if ever.

Composing herself once more, she forced herself to focus on her breathing, broadening her senses to the soft and soothing noises of the nature surrounding her. The rustling of the trees, the whisper of the bushes, the melodic chirp of the birds, of the crickets, the gentle flow of the still water; a flock of feathers fluttered away, and nearby an owl hooted. Videl listened to it closely, letting its song take up all the space in her mind, leaving no room for any wandering thought.

It was later that night. Gohan had long gone home, leaving her to herself at the lake house. This time, Videl had decided to stay behind and work on her meditation skills. Or, rather, to try and collect herself after what happened earlier with Gohan.

He was so confusing sometimes. Honestly, if Videl didn't know better, she would think that he… that he actually…

But that couldn't be it. No way. Gohan had put her firmly and irrevocably in the friendzone – in the best-friends-forever-zone, no less. He couldn't possibly like her back. Besides, whenever people assumed something was going on between them and she would affirm that they were just friends and would never be more, Gohan never once protested. It was obvious that things were just fine with him the way they were. Surely, if he were unsatisfied with their current relationship, he would have said something – Gohan was profoundly honest as a person, one of the things she liked most about him. He would have interjected, contradicted her, let it be known that he wanted to be more than friends. But he never said anything.

No, that wasn't it. It couldn't be.

But then, what was it?

Seriously, what was going on with Gohan lately? The way he showed his affection to her sometimes… Videl didn't know what to think. It would feel so… intimate, at times. And her heart would be all over the place whenever that happened – as it had earlier today when Gohan held her lovingly.

Was it maybe just the way he acted toward his close ones? Was he just a very, very affectionate person? He mentioned once that he was only this way with his family… Did that mean Gohan considered her family? He did kind of put her in the "sister" zone one time… She supposed it could be a plausible explanation. An affectionate brother acting this way toward his sister wouldn't be seen as odd, would it?

Still… The way he made her feel when he held her in his arms… It was as though all of his affection enveloped her in a warm, cozy blanket.

Her feelings for Gohan were still too strong. Spending so much time with him was probably not helping her predicament… Perhaps, if she wanted to truly get over Gohan, she needed to put some distance between them…

He had been helping her so much, though. Gohan had taught her so many incredible things, and he still had so much more to teach her. There were only a number of months left until the Tenkaichi Budokai – was this really the time to lose her best asset to becoming the next, not to mention the youngest world champion?

She could simply endure it… And who knew, maybe in a few months she would finally get used to the way Gohan made her feel, and it wouldn't affect her so much anymore.

One could always hope, right?

So, this was what led Videl to stay late at her lake house for a meditation session.

And it was working. Meditation truly was the answer to her problems. Videl could feel herself become one with the nature around her: she was the trees; she was the lake; she was the wind; she was the nocturnal animals; she was the night.

She was fine. Everything was fine. Yes – it would all work out for the best in the end.

And, surely, in time, her crush on Gohan would become but a distant memory.

One could only hope…

It was good to take a break every once in a while. Ever since Gohan had started mentoring Videl, all of her free time had gone toward training. While Videl had been very much enjoying learning so much from the martial arts prodigy, she needed a change of pace. For nearly two months, all Videl had been doing was school and training, training and school, and some more school and training…

Yes – this was good. She was long overdue for some good ol' teenage fun, so when Sharpner suggested using her lake house for a party, Videl had jumped at the opportunity.

It was in no way to avoid being alone with Gohan during their weekly training session. Nope. Not a chance. Videl simply needed a break, and a party was the perfect way to let off some steam and stop obsessing about the tournament.

And so, the girl closed her eyes and let the music guide her body. Song after song she danced, shaking her hips, twirling on her feet, her limbs swaying with the beat, her long hair gliding in waves of raven tendrils. Similar to the inner peace she would reach through meditation, Videl let the music cleanse her mind, and all her troubles floated away…

He couldn't take his eyes off of her. The way she moved was so… enchanting. Entrancing. Her body was one with the music, moving with such grace and beauty – Gohan felt breathless. Completely, utterly breathless.

She was wearing the outfit she had tried on during their shopping outing on the field trip. The fitted, cropped black top highlighted her slim and toned figure, and the baggy jeans outlined the curve of her hips as they rolled with the beat…

She looked so beautiful.

He liked her so much… Gohan had never felt this way before. Videl was something special alright… She stole the spotlight – just as she had stolen his heart.

"Just go dance with her," Booker pressed him, taking a sip from his carton cup.

Gohan sighed with longing, unable to tear his gaze off the dancing angel as he replied to his friend, "I don't know, Booker… I think she's been avoiding me since last weekend… We haven't had one training session after school since then, and suddenly she decides to have a party here instead. I think… Well… I… I may have been too bold with her…"

"Nah, you're way off. It's a good sign that she's been avoiding you – trust me. It means you've had an impact. It means she's thinking about you. Believe me, the worst thing would've been if things went back to normal after you got bolder with her."

Gohan held his breath as Videl twirled on her feet with a graceful sweep of her arm, her long raven hair flowing along the majestic motion.

Watching the taller boy with a knowing smile, Booker went on: "Now's your chance, Gohan. Now that you got Videl thinking about you, you gotta keep at it, keep showing that you're interested in her, and dancing is the perfect way to do just that. Everyone knows girls love a guy that can dance."

"Mmm…"

Booker rolled his eyes playfully and gave him a push – not that Gohan budged an inch. "Just go already."

Gohan sighed again, still gazing at Videl out on the dance floor. "I'm not sure I can dance, Booker… I'll probably end up making a fool of myself."

"Look, it's not that complicated: just do this."

Gohan finally tore his eyes off his crush and looked at his friend's demonstration: Booker stepped from side to side while snapping his fingers in rhythm with the music. "See? It's that simple. So just go do that next to Videl, dance with her, and if the right moment comes, pull her to you and hold her against you."

Gohan returned his attention to the beautiful dancing girl and gulped thickly. "I…"

"Come on, Gohan – don't you want to be more than friends with Videl? This is your chance!"

Taking a deep breath, the enamored boy stood tall and marched toward his crush.

Booker smiled to himself. "Attaboy."

"That was some pretty good advice."

Booker jumped at the unexpected comment. His eyes widened as Erasa appeared from the corner of the wall. She gave him a sheepish smile – and his face heated up.

So cute…

"Sorry for eavesdropping," she said. "I didn't realize you and Gohan have become such good friends."

"Heh, well, he's a good guy – but he's so socially inept, it's ridiculous – and sometimes kinda hilarious if I'm honest. I guess we got closer during the field trip, and Gohan's been asking me for advice."

"About Videl."

"Uhh… Well…"

"I literally just saw you push him to go dance with Videl."

"Haha… Right… Well, yeah, I've been giving him advice about Videl."

"And… how's that been going?"

Glancing to the dance floor, a pleased smile formed on his lips when Booker was met with the sight he had been hoping for: Gohan and Videl had their eyes locked onto each other as they swayed to the beat together. Gohan was actually dancing, and quite well too – following Videl's lead, the music seemed to speak to him and, together, they moved as one in perfect harmony – complementing each other.

"You tell me."

"Oh… Oh wow… Wow…! They look…"

Booker chuckled in amusement. Those two certainly stole the spotlight on the dance floor. Gohan seemed to be a natural – which wasn't surprising, seeing as he was a martial artist. Rhythm, coordination, attention to your surroundings, to the person facing you – those were some of the things that both disciplines required. Not to mention, the guy seemed to be good at everything – except in social interactions, that is. But even there, Gohan was quite the quick study. He simply lacked the experience and needed some guidance.

"Ohh! He did it! Awesome!"

Booker grinned while Gohan pulled Videl to him and pressed her against him as they continued to dance. Videl flushed bright red – yet never broke eye contact as she let Gohan take the lead.

"Huh… He sure is bolder with her…" Erasa mumbled to herself.

But over the loud music, Booker didn't hear her. Didn't even notice she said anything – he was too busy looking on with pride at his little protégé. And to think, this was the guy who used to be so utterly clueless at flirting, he hadn't realized he had already been doing it with the girl he liked when he asked for advice about it.

Look at you, flirting boldly like you've done it your whole life. Damn, Gohan, you're good.

"So, this is your doing, huh."

Erasa stepped closer to him, and her body heat made Booker glance her way – he couldn't help melting inside at the sight of her adorable thoughtful expression.

"Gohan's a quick study. But yeah, I've kinda been coaching him I guess."

She met his gaze and cracked a smile – and Booker wanted to swoon. So pretty…

"You're good."

"Thanks. I'd like to think so, heh."

She giggled, twirling her fingers around her short locks. "How'd you get so good at giving advice about girls anyway? Got a lot of experience to use from?"

Booker burst out laughing. "Me? Ha! I wish… I guess I'm just smart like that."

"What, seriously? You've never had a girlfriend?"

Booker blushed and shook his head, shrugging.

"What a shame – a cute guy like you too… Oh, is it because you're too shy to make the first move? Aww…"

Booker blushed. Erasa thought he was cute?

"… Pretty much."

"You're a pretty good kisser too, if memory serves. Any girl would be lucky to be with you."

More heat rushed to his face as his secret crush reminded him of the moment his infatuation burst alive in his heart. It happened about two years ago, on a random day, at a random party, when the bottle Erasa had spun randomly landed on him – and then she gave him his first kiss… His only kiss ever, in fact.

And thus, the first spark ignited… and, for the past two years, kept on growing into a burning fire.

Booker looked away, unable to hold her gaze while the memory took over his mind. He caught the sight of Gohan and Videl dancing, looking into each other's eyes, their bodies pressed up close… completely entranced into each other.

He clenched his fists as he tried to gather his courage. If Gohan could do it… why not him? Why should he only ever give the good advice? He ought to follow his own recommendation himself.

"Hey, you wanna dance?"

Erasa smiled coyly – and Booker had a feeling at that moment that she just played him like a violin.

And he would gladly be any instrument she desired.

This was bad. This was a disaster. What was even going on? How did things end up like this? Seriously – what the hell?

And why, oh why wasn't she stopping this?

She just couldn't tear her eyes off his. The way he looked at her… The way he held her against him, the way he moved… Gohan had grabbed all of her attention – and wouldn't let go. And now she was completely at his mercy… She had no control whatsoever – not over what was happening, not over her own body, and certainly not over her heart. Oh, it was overjoyed for sure, that idiotic, useless thing in her chest; beating like no tomorrow, making sure to let her know just how happy and excited it was… gloating at her, even. That stupid, stupid heart.

… She was fighting a losing battle, wasn't she? The moment Gohan started dancing with her – she had been done for. He was just so… captivating. His pitch-black eyes sucked her in – her own personal black hole – and she helplessly gravitated toward him, unable to stop her inevitable demise.

She wasn't even trying, for crying out loud! What was wrong with her? Why was she so… so defenseless against Gohan's effortless charm? How could she be so freaking weak? It was embarrassing. He was just a boy, for God's sake! He should not have that much power over her.

And yet…

The protestations of her mind grew fainter and fainter – and then it was over. She had lost.

She was lost in his eyes.

He had such beautiful eyes.

His smile was so soft, so gentle. She loved his smile. She loved dancing with him – the way they swayed together, how natural this felt – to let him lead, to give up control as Gohan guided her steps. She loved the way he held her, his big, strong frame enveloping her, his hands on her waist, her cropped top allowing direct contact on her bare skin…

His heat, all over her.

Goodness, it was intoxicating. He was. She was drunk on Gohan, and she was becoming dangerously addicted to this feeling – to being with him in this way.

The music slowed down, and so did their dance. They swayed gently from side to side; Gohan pulled her a little closer, and Videl found herself wrapping her arms around his neck. He sighed softly, leaning in slightly – his gaze shifting to her mouth.

Oh, she was in big trouble here. Gohan wasn't going to… Was he? Videl swallowed thickly, her lips trembling. She knew that look – it wasn't the first time Gohan looked at her this way… The intensity in his pitch-black eyes was swallowing her whole.

He was leaning closer… Oh, God, he was going for it…! No way. No frigging way. This was not happening. She could not let this happen – this was going too far! She needed to wake up and stop this madness. She could not allow Gohan to kiss her.

He paused, just over her mouth – as though he was… As though he expected her to close the distance herself.

And, goodness, how she died to do just that…

His hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing her lips, the taunting touch tempting her further, coaxing her to give in… Her head was spinning.

This was crazy. This couldn't be happening. And Gohan was so close. His breath was brushing against her lips… He was so freaking close…

"Videl…"

A shiver coursed down her spine. His low, hoarse voice was laced with anticipation and… something else. Something Videl wished she didn't feel, too.

CRASH!

Videl snapped out of it at the abrupt sound of glass breaking. She tore herself from Gohan's embrace and rushed off, not even bothering to check who broke what – she was just grateful they had stopped her from… from…

She went to get herself something to drink, but her knees were wobbling. She actually… She had been about to… with Gohan… They had been so close to…

"Shit."

What. The. Hell. They almost kissed. Gohan had tried to kiss her, and this time he hadn't stopped himself in time. He actually went for it, deliberately. He wanted to kiss her. If not for that interruption… Videl's throat tightened. Her face turning bright crimson, she put her hand over her mouth, trying to collect herself after what happened.

She reached the punch bowl and served herself a cup.

She had been so weak. Gohan had this power over her, and no matter how hard she tried to fight against it, there was just nothing she could do. She was too weak. Gohan made her feel weak.

Videl winced as the beverage burned her throat and her body gave a shudder. She narrowed her eyes at her empty cup. Was there… alcohol in the punch? And she had downed it in one go, too upset to realize it was spiked up before it was too late…

And now her vision started blurring. Videl pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to stop her head from spinning. Great. Just great. She was tipsy after one drink. It wasn't surprising, of course – she wasn't very big, and she had never drunk before, so Videl never got to develop a resistance against the substance.

She sighed, dejected – giving up. She was done fighting – her mellowed senses weren't going to be much help anyway. Might as well find herself a quiet corner until the light-headedness passed…

She stumbled on her feet, somehow managing to keep her balance. She giggled at herself – still got some reflexes left in her it seemed, heh. This wasn't too bad, actually. It felt kinda nice… Videl smiled stupidly, eyes half-lidded as she looked around. Where was Gohan, for that matter? He hadn't tried to go after her. So, what, trying to kiss her had just been something he did in the heat of the moment? Did Gohan make a move on her this time, or were his teenage hormones going rogue again? Who knew. That boy was a mystery. A very charming, very handsome mystery. Oh, well. She liked him anyway.

"Videl, are you alright?"

She perked up. "Speak of the devil! Hehehe… the devil… That's supposed to be me right? Oh – whoops!"

She tripped on her feet but Gohan caught her before she could fall. Videl closed her eyes and smiled. His body heat felt so nice…

He helped her stand straight. "You're drunk…"

"Just a lil' bit tipsy. Someone's spiked the punch, tsk tsk… Hey, you got nice reflexes, too! We should start a club!"

Gohan chuckled in amusement. He had never seen Videl like this – she was adorable. "Sure thing. Let's get you some water first."

"Oookaaayyy."

Wrapping his arm around her back, Gohan led Videl to the kitchen. After helping her sit on a stool, he went to get a glass from the cabinets and filled it with tap water.

"Here, drink this."

Videl smiled stupidly as she took the glass. "Thanks. You're so nice."

"Happy to help."

The intoxicated girl sighed as she finished drinking and set the glass on the counter. She looked at Gohan and giggled.

"Why are you all sparkly?"

"I am?"

She got up and stepped toward him, waving her hand around him. "See? That's a sparkle, and that's a sparkle… Shoo, shoo! Gohan doesn't need you, he's charming enough as it is!"

The boy in question raised an eyebrow. Videl thinks I'm charming? That's… a good sign, right?

"I mean, just look at this face." As she said that Videl grabbed it in between her hand, her fingers digging into his cheeks. "This squishy, squishy face… Aren't you cute enough already?"

Gohan blushed and gave a nervous chuckle through Videl's pinching hand. "Aw' the shparkles shtill jhere?"

Videl let go of his face and stepped back, squinting at him as she looked him up and down, hands on her hips. "No, I think they're all gone…"

He scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.

"Hey, no, don't start with that adorable habit of yours!" Videl berated him, grabbing his arm with both hands to make him stop scratching his hair. "I said you were cute enough already, you don't need to make it worse!"

Gohan grinned, feeling a boost of confidence at Videl's words; he pulled his arm to bring her closer and put his other hand on the small of her back, pressing her against him. "It's not that bad though, is it?"

She held her breath, eyes wide open, and her inebriated blush deepened. Gohan chuckled as he let go of her – he sure was getting the hang of this flirting thing.

To think they had been so close to kissing earlier… Her beautiful lips had been mere millimeters from his mouth, her breath mingling with his… Videl had been melting into him, he could feel it, her body responding to him in all the ways he had hoped.

Although Gohan still had no idea whether he was Videl's secret crush, as Booker seemed to think, one thing was for sure: Videl was noticing him in that way. She might even like him back…

She had been about to close the distance between them, Gohan was sure of it.

But luck wasn't on his side tonight. He could have screamed when they got so abruptly interrupted. They had been so close. So awfully close…

He glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her irresistible lips. Would he ever get such an opportunity again? Gosh, what he wouldn't do to kiss this girl…

He averted his eyes and scratched his cheek, feeling a blush coming on. It was probably not the right time to be thinking of that… Videl needed him as a friend right now; he should be caring for her and helping her sober up – not imagining what her lips tasted like.

At least she seemed alright. She was rocking herself from side to side and humming with the music coming from the living area, cheeks still flushed from the alcohol. His eyes softened.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling… mmm… A bit loopy. It's kinda nice… like someone turned down the volume in my head."

"So you don't feel sick or anything?"

"Nope. I only had one glass, you know. I may be a lightweight but… um… Wait, what was I saying?"

"That you only had one glass."

"Right! Can you believe I got tipsy after only one drink? I must be, like, super lightweight or something. I feel fine though… In fact, I feel good…" And then she started singing and dancing: "I feel good, tanananananananana… I feeeeeel good, tanananananananana! So good! Tam tam, so good! I got you!"

"Alright, alright, I think you've made your point," Gohan said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and guiding her away, all the while trying not to burst out laughing.

"Aww, Gohan, you're so sweet…" Videl leaned on him and snuggled up a little. "You're always the sweetest. No wonder I melted so easily at your sweetness."

Coming upon a sofa in the hallway, away from the noise of the party, Gohan led Videl to it to let her get some rest. She plopped on it, eyes closed, and let out a content sigh, a silly smile ever so glued on her face. Gohan gazed at her, his expression softening; sitting beside her, he couldn't help himself as he reached over and brushed her hair off her forehead.

"Mmm… This feels nice…" Videl sighed. "No, wait, don't stop… I like it when you touch my hair…"

"Alright…"

Gohan smiled tenderly as he ran his fingers through Videl's silky locks.

"This feels so nice…" Videl giggled. "I get why Kitkat liked your petting so much."

Gohan felt his heart melt completely as he gazed at her. So cute…

"Mm… I'm getting a lil' sleepy."

"Then go ahead and get some sleep. I'm staying right here to watch over you."

"… You really are the sweetest, you know that? Aah… It's not fair… I just never stood a chance, huh…"

Gohan raised his eyebrows at the heavy sigh. What did Videl mean by that?

"'Sokay, 'sokay, I'll get over it… I'm sure I'll get over it in time…"

Hmm… Curiouser and curiouser… What was Videl mumbling about?

"Your hand feels so warm and nice…" she sighed with a content smile. "I'm… really glad that I met you, Gohan. Despite everything, despite all the inner struggling… you're so worth it. I've never met… anyone like you before… I've… never felt… this… w…"

… Huh?

Was Videl…? Wait, wait, wait – now wait a second. Was she going to say what he thought she was going to say? Did that mean… Did Videl… Could she possibly…?

His heart was hammering with all its might against his chest. As he observed the girl carefully, his brain was going a mile a minute while she slept peacefully.

… Oh, boy – he was getting his hopes up.

A tender touch glided through her hair, fingers weaving playfully through the strands, sending a flutter of warmth through her chest. Videl was smiling as she blinked her eyes open, her blurry sight slowly adjusting. In the background, the music was playing from the living area of the house, but the hallway was quiet except for the soothing sound of his touch, and for a moment, Videl simply closed her eyes again, savoring the feeling. It felt so nice, so surreal…

"You're not in any rush to wake up, huh." His voice sounded amused, and it made Videl smile wider.

"It just feels so nice and cozy…" She sighed in content. "I don't ever want to move."

A shiver ran through her spine as Gohan's breath brushed her ear, his body heat almost tangible. "Fine by me."

Videl blushed deeply; opening her eyes, she found herself face-to-face with Gohan's effortlessly charming smile.

Her heart stirred. She felt breathless.

Her hand ended up on his cheek somehow. Gohan's eyes softened as he lay on his side, facing her on the sofa, still stroking her hair tenderly. Videl scooched closer to him; his fingers ran along the tendrils on her neck, and she sighed in delight.

And then their eyes locked.

Her heart skipped a beat.

It was that look again.

She traced her fingers along his jawline – and then she touched his lips. Her throat tightened; she swallowed so thickly she was sure the sound echoed off the walls. Gohan brushed her hair off her shoulder, moving his hand to the small of her back to pull her closer to him.

"Videl…" Her name slipped out his gorgeous lips in a breathless whisper, the sound of his hoarse voice making her skin tingle. He pressed her body closer yet, all against him. He felt so strong and big, his frame engulfing her completely.

Her eyes slid shut as she found herself leaning in until she could feel his warm breath graze against her mouth. Moving her hand to the back of his neck, she brought him closer and their lips brushed ever so slightly, sending a jolt throughout her whole body.

"Videl…"

Goodness, his croaky voice was driving her utterly mad…

She melted deeper into him, unable to resist as she closed the teeny tiny gap left between them and finally pressed her lips against his. He held her close against him while a rush of sensations flooded her being in the most delightful, delectable, exquisite ways.

"I'm so crazy about you…" Gohan breathed out against her mouth, deepening the kiss.

And her heart soared, swooshing and swooping high in the sky. Floating blissfully on the clouds. At long last… Oh, how she had longed for this… Videl didn't care about anything anymore – she just knew she wanted this. She wanted Gohan – and she wasn't ready to let him go.

They pulled back slightly, foreheads touching, and Gohan ran his fingers through her hair, tucking a few strands behind her ear.

"It's too bad…"

Her eyebrows slightly scrunched up in confusion at his words.

"Hm?"

"That this is a dream…"

Her eyes snapped open then, but Gohan wasn't lying beside her and holding her in his arms. Videl blinked in confusion, her head still hazy, until she was met with the boy's tender smile. Sitting beside her and petting her hair.

"Hey there, you. Did you sleep well?"

Videl blinked again. And then her eyes widened and she flushed completely. She sat up, causing Gohan to take his hand back, and arranged her hair.

"I… Yeah, I guess…" she replied. "I think I sobered up too. Thanks for, um, taking care of me."

"My pleasure! I'm glad you're feeling better."

Videl couldn't muster the courage to look at him – not when she just woke up from that dream. Not when a part of her wished it hadn't been a dream…

This was all Gohan's fault. He kept giving her that look, and he downright tried to kiss her while they were dancing earlier! How she hadn't dreamed of kissing him until now was a mystery, and honestly, it was bound to happen sooner or later. She wished Gohan hadn't been right there when she woke up though; that dream was mortifying enough as it was…

Her chest tightened. Oh, why did it have to be a dream?

"What? You're leaving for two weeks? But I can visit you, right?"

"I'm sorry, Gohan, but I can't have any distractions on my retreat…"

"I get it… And I think a meditation retreat is a great idea, if I'm honest. It's just… I'm going to miss you so much."

"It's only two weeks, Gohan… It'll go by in a blink."

"I guess…"

They stood in the hallways after school, getting ready to go home. Videl felt a pang in her chest at the lost puppy look on Gohan's face. But this was for the best. She needed to be on her own for a bit. While she had thought she could endure the way Gohan was making her feel until the tournament, at the very least, seeing him every day was just too much for her heart. She needed some time apart. Focusing on meditation would do her good.

She just wished it didn't mean making Gohan sad…

"When… are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow…"

"Oh, geez, so soon? I got so used to seeing you every day… I don't know what I'm going to do with myself without you around…"

She leaned over to catch his gaze, smiling when their eyes met. "I'm going to miss you too."

The next thing she knew, Gohan wrapped her in his strong arms, holding her tightly. Videl relaxed in his embrace and leaned into him.

"I feel ridiculous. It's only for two weeks," he mumbled against the top of her head.

"No, I get it…" She sighed. "I get it…"

They pulled back half-heartedly. Gohan looked sideways, running a hand over the back of his neck, the light in his eyes clouded with sadness.

She took his hand. "Hey now, don't make that face…"

"Sorry. I can't help it…"

Her heart tightened. She hated seeing Gohan like this… Was there anything she could do to cheer him up? Anything at all?

Oh, hey, I have an idea…

A smile curled on her lips as she tugged at Gohan's hand to draw his attention, and then she started singing…

"If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,

I'll sail the world to find you…

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,

I'll be the light to guide you…"

Gohan started to smile, the light in his eyes softening.

"We'll find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need…

You can count on me like one, two, three,

I'll be there,

And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two,

And you'll be there…

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah…

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh…

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah…"

She continued to sing the song, pulling at Gohan's hand as she swayed to the gentle melody, and his smile grew gradually more loving with each lyric rolling off her tongue.

"You'll always have my shoulder when you cry…

I'll never let go, never say goodbye…

You know

You can count on me like one, two, three,

I'll be there…

And I know when I need it I can count on you like four, three, two,

And you'll be there,

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah…

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh…

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh…

You can count on me 'cause I can count on you…"

As Videl sang the last notes, she gave Gohan's hand a squeeze, letting him know that she meant every word. And she knew, just from the look in his eyes, that he felt the exact same way.

Yay for writing scenes I've had planned for over a year! 😀

Please review!

August 1, 2024