Goku woke to a long, strong leg wrapped around his waist and soft hair tickling his nose. He glanced down to find Chi-Chi nestled against his chest, his shirt she had borrowed riding high up her thigh. She looked so pretty and cozy there that even if Goku wanted to, he wouldn't have moved. Not that he wanted to. He was perfectly content to have Chi-Chi cuddled so close. It was Chi-Chi that always tried to shy away but it seemed even she couldn't resist a good snuggle when she slept. Although this was the first time he'd woken to her leg wrapped around him.

He ran his hand along her muscular thigh, admiring the strength he could feel while also somehow being smooth and soft. Just touching her bare skin seemed to stir something inside of him.

Goku pulled away reluctantly, knowing he had to control the feeling. It was too similar to those times when his weiner would swell and he didn't want to have to deal with that right now. Not when all he wanted to do was keep on cuddling Chi-Chi.

He took a deep breath, enjoying her warm scent, and then ran his fingers through her silky hair but paused when he realized something was missing.

Oh. Her horns were gone.

Goku blinked and then looked her over, taking in her curves and long limbs and realized she was big again. A quick glance down at his body confirmed that he was big too. Huh. Those hot springs must only be temporary.

Wait.

Goku lifted his hips and felt his backside, frowning when he realized his tail was gone too. Damn. He'd been really happy to have that back. He wished the effects hadn't been temporary after all, although…he glanced back down at Chi-Chi. She would probably be happy that her horns were gone, though Goku thought it was a shame. They weren't as cool as a tail but he still thought they were pretty neat. Cute even. And he liked that it was another thing he and Chi-Chi had in common.

Chi-Chi had said she'd had them removed because it wasn't normal but her horns and his tail were normal to them, so why did it matter? And if normal meant being like everybody else…well…Goku didn't think that was possible. Chi-Chi was unlike anybody he had ever met.

Just like him.

He smiled, feeling his cheeks go warm as he observed her sleeping so peacefully. In his heart, the fact that she was different like him just cemented his belief that they were doing the right thing. He knew he wanted to be with Chi-Chi but this proved they belonged together. That they should be a family.

She was his Chi-Chi.

His wife.

Goku giggled, feeling something bubble up inside of him. He couldn't describe what he was feeling, not really, but he knew it was precious. Something warm and soft, like sleepy mornings or summer afternoons under a warm sun. Something he wanted to hold on to and never let go. Like Chi-Chi.

He wanted to hold Chi-Chi forever.

She was special.

And it explained so much! Kinda. At least, it explained why her ki behaved so oddly compared to everyone else he knew.

Physically Chi-Chi was strong. At least as strong as Tien and Krillen, probably even stronger at this point and her ki could make her even stronger! When it came to ki blasts though, she just didn't seem able to release it from her body beyond a few inches meaning any opponent she faced would have the advantage when it came to long ranged attacks.

There had to be a way to increase her ki efficiency but at this point, it might be up to Chi-Chi to figure out how. But he knew she could do it. Chi-Chi was smart and determined. It was only a matter of time before she managed it.

In the meantime, maybe there was a different technique he could teach her…

A small noise caught his attention, bringing his focus back on Chi-Chi who was nuzzling into his chest. Goku smiled. She really was cute. So cute, he joked to himself thinking about that time she'd gotten drunk while celebrating with the caravan.

He wanted to try and kiss her again.

Maybe if he was careful? He hesitated for just a second…but desire won out in the end and he leaned forward slowly—though not as slow as the first time—and placed a small kiss on top of her head. When nothing wrong seemed to occur immediately right after, he let loose a sigh of relief.

Training could wait, he decided. Right now he wanted to just soak in this feeling a little longer.

o0o

"Really?!" Chi-Chi gasped, pressing her hands to her cheeks. "You're really gonna teach me to fly?"

She wouldn't deny that she was more than a little curious but she hadn't thought she was ready for something like that!

"Do you really think I can?"

"Sure ya can!" Goku grinned. "It's all about using ki on your body and you already know how to do that right? Should be easy peasy."

Plus they were on the beach, so the sand and water would make for softer surfaces if she fell for some reason but he didn't think she would. This fit in line with her abilities.

Chi-Chi smiled wide and then spread her feet in the sand to get into what she considered a ready position. Goku couldn't help but smile at her eagerness. He had never seen Chi-Chi so excited for a lesson.

"Alright, first ya gotta raise your ki like you normally do. But instead of funnelin' your ki to your limbs and just keepin' it there, ya need to circulate it throughout. Keep it flowing all around."

"Okay." Chi-Chi nodded, that didn't seem too hard and it was something she could easily visualize.

She concentrated on raising her levels and then pictured them swirling inside her, like one of those medical charts you'd find in a doctor's office.

"That's it," Goku murmured. "Now push your ki a little downward, like your pressin' the ground with it so that is pushes you back."

Push it downward. She could do that. Like a thin barrier between her and the ground. Or magnets. Magnets pushed back. She could push back too.

Chi-Chi slowly directed her ki downward, remembering to keep it circulating, and felt her body rise ever so slightly until her feet no longer touched the ground. She glanced down at her feet and squealed.

She had done it! And on her first try! She couldn't believe it. After failing at meditation for so long, it was such a relief to get something so quickly. It made her want to try and go higher!

"That's it Chi! You're doing great!"

She flew up another inch and then another and then another until she was several feet in the air, grinning from ear to ear.

This was amazing! She'd never felt so free! The wind was rushing all around her and her blood felt like it was going a mile a minute. She was practically giddy, she was giggling so much…and…woah…maybe a little woozy…or a lot woozy…what was she doing?

"Chi-Chi!" Goku cried as he watched her suddenly drop from the sky. He leapt through the air and caught her mid fall before settling them both on the ground so he could examine her. He didn't understand. She was doing so well! Yet somehow her energy levels had rapidly depleted at an alarming rate.

"Chi-Chi?"

She didn't respond and her skin felt colder than that time at the waterfalls. What was worse, he could barely make out her breathing above the crashing waves; it was so low and shallow. She must have used too much ki but how? He knew she had enough for what she had managed and her control was better than that. It didn't make sense.

But none of that mattered right now. If he didn't do something Chi-Chi could die!

But what could he do?! There wasn't a wound he could patch up and he didn't have any senzu on him to restore her energy. If he could give her some of his he would but…wait. Could he transfer his ki to her?

A second passed as he considered this when he suddenly realized he could no longer hear Chi-Chi.

Shit!

Panicked, Goku slapped his hand over her heart and focused on pushing his ki into Chi-Chi while doing his best to not overwhelm her body. For a long minute nothing happened and Goku began to fear it wasn't going to work but slowly, as the seconds crept by, Chi-Chi started to improve. Color returned to her cheeks and her breathing got a little stronger, but it wasn't until Chi-Chi finally opened her eyes that he was able to relax.

"What happened?" she grumbled as she attempted to sit up. Unfortunately the effort proved too much and she ended up falling heavily against him with a groan.

Goku frowned and slipped an arm under Chi-Chi to help support her before brushing back her bangs with his free hand. "You used too much ki and passed out."

"Really?" Chi-Chi blinked. "But it didn't feel like I was."

It hadn't felt like that to him either.

"Maybe ya need a little more training in ki control before we try that again," he said instead much to Chi-Chi's displeasure. "Better yet, maybe we should just forget about it all together." It was too dangerous. He didn't wanna chance her using every last drop again next time and he had no idea what had caused such a reaction in the first place! Yeah. It was better they just forget about it. What if he hadn't been around? Chi-Chi would have died. Like Krillin or—

"Chi-Chi promise you won't try that again on your own."

"What?! But Go—"

"Promise me, Chi-Chi."

"A-Alright, I promise…" she agreed uneasily, sensing he was unwilling to bend on this. Chi-Chi winced as Goku's grip on her arms tightened. "Goku? Are you okay?"

Goku blinked and immediately let go.

"Sorry!"

"It's okay," Chi-Chi murmured, frowning, "but you didn't answer my que—"

Goku stood abruptly and gathered her into his arms. "Upsy-daisy!"

"Goku! I asked you a question! Are you oka—"

"M'fine," Goku told her, avoiding her gaze as he glanced around. He spotted a shaded rock, close to the water, and moved toward it. "Ya hungry? I'm starving." He positioned her so that she could dip her feet into the water and then pulled off his clothes. "I'll catch us something tasty. Be right back!"

He waved and was gone faster than Chi-Chi could blink.

"What on earth?" she muttered, eyeing the spot he'd disappeared for a minute longer. Chi-Chi hoped he was really okay but there was little she could do in her current weakened state. Not that she would have been capable of following him otherwise.

She eyed the expanse of the ocean with a healthy dose of awe and apprehension.

They'd been traveling just off the coast for a few weeks now but the unending expanse of water still boggled her mind. Water had been a precious commodity growing up on Mt. Frypan once the fire had started and even after it had ceased, the largest body of water they had was a lake. To see so much endless water in one place…it was mesmerizing.

And also a little daunting.

But she needed to get over it. They would be arriving in Shuilong any day now and she knew the god's temple was located near the waters if not in them completely…it would certainly be a challenge either way for someone with very little experience swimming.

Maybe she should practice while she waited for Goku.

Chi-Chi stood up to do just that before recalling how odd Goku had acted after she'd passed out. It was almost as if…could he have been worried?

Warmth blossomed in her chest at the thought. She supposed she should be alarmed that she had been in such a state to worry someone who had been in countless battles but she chose to push that aside to focus on the positives. Like Goku caring about whether she lived or died. Not that she thought he wanted her to die. No decent person would want that…and she knew he thought of her at least as a friend and…oh she was being ridiculous. The point was he cared and that warmed her heart more than anything else could.

Her gaze drifted back to the ocean lapping threateningly upon the shore.

"Maybe I should wait…just in case."

"Wait for what?" Goku asked, dropping down beside her with the largest fish she had ever seen. Where had he even found that thing?

Chi-Chi shook her head. It didn't matter. She waved Goku closer and smiled when he did so at once without question.

"Yeah?"

Goodness, she wanted to kiss him so badly but she couldn't. Not yet. Not until she was sure Goku wanted to kiss her as badly as she wanted to kiss him. Chi-Chi didn't know if he would ever really want to…but maybe she could push him in that direction? Just a little?

Feeling daring, Chi-Chi slipped her arms around his neck, not caring that he was still dripping wet, and pressed a long, tender kiss just to the side of his mouth. Goku's breath seemed to catch and she could feel his heart rate increase under her fingertips but the thing that really made Chi-Chi smile was his stunned expression as she pulled away. He just looked so cute with his mouth hanging open!

"W-What was that for?" he stammered.

"For being you," she told him, giggling when that only seemed to confuse him more.

He smiled shyly, not really understanding, but he was happy as long as Chi-Chi was happy. If she wanted to kiss him, he wouldn't say no. In fact…

Goku swallowed and tugged Chi-Chi back into his arms. He wasn't sure if this was the right moment or if she even wanted this but if he didn't do it now he didn't know if ever would. So, feeling more nervous than he ever had before a fight, Goku licked his lips and then leaned in—slowly—and pressed his lips just to the side of her mouth like she had done to him.

There was a long moment where neither seemed to breathe but then Chi-Chi stiffened under his touch and seemed to suck in air all at once, making Goku snicker inside his head. Finally some payback!

Not that he wasn't enjoying this himself.

He breathed deep, wanting to drown in her warm scent before he finally pulled away to find Chi-Chi staring back at him in shock, her pretty face darkening to the color of an overripe cherry.

"W-What was that for?" she stammered.

"For being you," Goku grinned, feeling like he'd just won the tournament all over again.

He'd done it! He'd kissed Chi-Chi! And by the look on her face, he'd say he'd made her feel as good as he did whenever Chi-Chi kissed him. Or at least he thought so, until he felt her ki spike and then Chi-Chi's pretty eyes rolled back in her head. He'd barely been able to keep her from falling to the ground, everything happened so fast!

"Chi-Chi?! Chi-Chi! Aw man," Goku groaned, laying her on the ground flat. He really thought he'd had it that time!

o0o

Chi-Chi fiddled with her sash as they finally arrived in Shuilong late that afternoon. As relieved as she was to finally be there, it took her longer than necessary to realize most of the shops were closed up because her gaze kept darting back to Goku.

She still couldn't believe he had kissed her. He kissed her!

Why did he kiss her?

Did he like her? Did he love her? Or did he just do it because she'd done it so frequently to him? Which if that was the case…she didn't know if that meant she should do it more or do it less. She didn't really want such kisses if he thought of them along the lines of a handshake or wave hello but she also couldn't bear to ask him what he meant by it. She didn't think her heart could take it!

And yet she still needed to know!

Chi-Chi slapped her hands to her cheeks, wishing she could scream.

He kissed her!

"Where is everybody?"

Hm?

Chi-Chi tore herself away from her inner musings and glanced around, only to realize there wasn't another soul in sight. Where were all the people? The buildings were old but clearly well cared for and she could see signs of inhabitants through the windows so she didn't think this place had been abandoned but there were no signs or anything to indicate where anyone went. It was almost eerie in a town this size, and she would have thought something sinister had occurred if not for a low beat, like that of drums, that could be heard coming from the center of town.

She exchanged a curious look with Goku who shrugged and started heading towards the sound, bopping his head along with the music as it grew louder. It was only after they turned a corner that they finally saw two young children dart out onto the path, smacking their wooden swords together before running back into the alley from which they'd come.

"I guess we go that way," Chi-Chi giggled, amused by the children's antics.

They followed the alley down another block before they finally found where everyone was hiding. Apparently she and Goku had arrived in town just in time for a large festival if the dozens of food stalls, shops and games were anything to go by. There was even a live band setting up on a stage in the center of the square next to where a large bonfire was being lit.

Chi-Chi spotted a banner and gasped.

"Oh! The Star Festival! I didn't realize it was that time already."

"Star festival?"

"You don't know it?"

Goku shook his head no making Chi-Chi frown. He really had missed out on so much in his life. It wasn't right. Well she could fix this at least.

"The Star Festival is about two star crossed lovers," she told him.

"Lovers?"

"Er…it's what you call people who share kisses and not the friendship kind."

"Oh."

So like them…kinda. Goku frowned. Chi-Chi still hadn't let them do the other kind of kiss yet and he wondered when she was gonna or if there was something he needed to do to get them to that point. Did he need to try that romance thing again? Or was there something else he was missing? Or did Chi-Chi just not wanna do that kind of kissing with him?

Nah. That didn't make any sense. She would have never agreed to travel together in the first place if she didn't want to do that.

Right?

Goku peeked over at Chi-Chi to see if he could discern the answer but Chi-Chi seemed lost in her own thoughts, which actually weren't too far off from his as she imagined what a lover's kiss with him might be like.

First he would brush back a tendril of hair like he had that morning…which would lead to him cupping her cheek with his rough but tender hand. Of course, she would then blush and ask what he was doing, leaving him to reply that he was admiring the most beautiful girl in the world! And then! Then he would lean in…his lips getting closer and closer to hers as his eyes burned with an intensity like that time at the hot springs until…

Goodness! Chi-Chi fanned herself down, praying he couldn't read her thoughts on her face. She really shouldn't be daydreaming like that while walking around!

What had she been doing again?

"Oh, right…" she murmured, clearing her throat and catching Goku's attention as she returned to the story. "Anyways, there once was a princess of heaven who wove the most beautiful cloth by the starry river. She was a diligent hard working girl but she was also lonely until one day she met a sweet cowherd tending his cattle on the other side. The two quickly fell in love and after getting her father's blessing, married soon after."

"Why'd they need her father's blessing?" Goku interrupted.

Chi-Chi shrugged. "Tradition mostly. It's from a time when women weren't allowed to make choices for themselves so they needed a man's permission to do anything."

Goku frowned. That just seemed silly. Women didn't need permission to do stuff. If anything it seemed the other way around.

"Do we need to ask your dad?"

"Well it would be nice…since it's seen as a sign of respect towards your bride's family," Chi-Chi admitted. "But even if he refused to give it, I wouldn't let that stop me."

Goku hummed as he considered this but Chi-Chi knew it wouldn't be an issue. For the last several years her Papa's mission had been to make up for the bad times from her childhood. As long as she was happy, he would be equally so.

"In any case," Chi-Chi told him, getting back to the story. "The princess and the cowherd were so happy with each other that they began to start neglecting their duties. The princess stopped weaving and the cowherd didn't manage his lot, which angered her father since she weaved the finest fabrics and the cowherd always raised the best cattle. As punishment for their slacking, the father separated the lovers and banned the cowherd from heaven to the other side of the river. The princess despaired over her father's cruel actions and was so distraught that she laid in bed for months."

"Why didn't she just try and go to him if he couldn't go to her?"

"Er…her father had guards watching her day and night. Anyways, finally one day he took pity on her and allowed the two to meet for one day out of the year by crossing the river. However it's said that if it rains on that day, the river floods and they cannot meet. So every year a celebration is held to pray for clear skies so the two can be together for the day."

"Why didn't the cowherd fight the dad? Was the father watching him too?"

Chi-Chi frowned, realizing she didn't know. "The story never says. But the father was the king of heaven, so maybe he wasn't strong enough? But isn't it romantic anyways?" she asked, clutching her hands together and going a little starry eyed. "Even if they have to wait for years, they always find their way back to one another."

Goku couldn't agree. Romance was doing nice things and spending time together, right? At least that's what Mr. Daigo had said. So what was so romantic about being separated? He wouldn't want that. If he couldn't be with Chi-Chi more than one night a year…Goku shook his head. No. He definitely didn't want that. They were gonna live together forever. He wouldn't let anyone take Chi-Chi away.

"Let's enjoy the festival Goku. Tomorrow we can search for information about Qinglong."

"Sure," Goku agreed. After all, he was curious about this festival and he could smell something tasty cooking. He sniffed the air not so subtly, making Chi-Chi giggle.

"C'mon," she grinned, latching on to his arm and practically dragging him towards the stall the aroma was coming from. Chi-Chi asked the vendor for ten skewers and handed him all but one before digging into her own.

Goku finished them easily. It was a good snack but he definitely needed more and he knew that even Chi-Chi would want more than a single skewer.

"Is that all you're gonna eat?" he asked her, hoping the answer was no.

Chi-Chi swallowed the last of her food and smiled. "Of course not, silly! There's way more to eat at a festival than just this."

Goku's eyes widened hopefully.

"Are we gonna eat them?!"

Chi-Chi grinned and then dragged him towards another stall, this one serving fried octopus and purchased a single serving before turning back to him.

"Open up," she ordered, opening her own mouth wide to demonstrate. Goku did as she bid and Chi-Chi rewarded him by popping one of the fried octopus balls into his mouth, making him groan. They were delicious! He swallowed the tasty morsel and opened wide for another, making Chi-Chi giggle before she answered his silent plea by feeding him one by one until they were all gone.

When the dish was empty, she ordered nine more, giving him eight, while she kept one for herself. Goku wasted no time dumping all he could fit into his mouth at once, not even caring that the food was still hot from the fryer, burning his tongue. He couldn't get enough, they were so yummy!

Goku licked his lips and started to ask for more but before he could say a word Chi-Chi was already dragging him towards the next stall, that is, until she spotted a man taking bets for an arm wrestling competition.

She switched directions as she examined the competition.

"Goku! You should do this. We could use the money to help feed that stomach of yours."

"I dunno Chi…he seems pretty weak." It wouldn't be much of a competition…then again, if it meant more of those octopus balls…Goku grinned, suddenly having an idea and raised his voice loud enough for the wrestler and crowd to overhear him. "No way Chi-Chi, you're crazy! Sure you're strong but you can't take him."

"What?! Of course I can take him!" Chi-Chi huffed, offended. Where was this even coming from? But before she could demand Goku apologize, the wrestler interrupted.

"You do better to keep the little woman in line," he barked, throwing his bulging chest out. "Or she'll find herself messin' with the wrong man one of these days." He flexed his pecs that were barely restrained by his t-shirt but Chi-Chi knew the difference between real strength and vanity.

"Am I supposed to be impressed?" She demanded, stomping over to the table and throwing her arm down. The wrestler's jaw dropped at her instant dismissal, irritating her even more.

"Well what are ya waitin' for?" Chi-Chi growled, "Get over here already!"

Such moxie from such a little woman against one so large was too much for the crowd to handle and their chuckles quickly turned to full blown laughter.

"Looks like Goliath has finally met his match!" crowed an older gentleman, slapping his knee as Goliath growled in indignation.

He wasn't one to manhandle a woman but she was asking for it, damn it! Spurred into action, Goliath shoved aside his chair and slammed his hand down on the table, snatching up Chi-Chi's petite hand in his humongous one.

"Chi-Chi!" Goku called, doing his best to look horrified though he was barely managing to hide a smirk behind his hand. "What are ya doing?!"

"Pipe down Goku or you'll be next!"

Damn she sure was feisty. He had a sudden huge urge to try and kiss her again but was soon distracted by the crowd as they started placing bets.

"Hear that? Her guy thinks she's nuts! I bet Goliath snaps her arm in three!"

"Nah. He'll play with her first and then shut her down quick."

"You're both wrong. She'll put up a fight, at least ten seconds worth."

"You're crazy!"

Goku slipped in his own bet before directing his gaze back to Chi-Chi. This crowd would soon see how wrong they were. He grinned as the referee counted down from three only for neither to move an inch once the match started, confusing the crowd.

"Did they not hear the ref?"

"Are they waiting for something else?"

"Wait, Goliath actually looks like he's struggling!"

"His arm is shaking and everything!"

"No way!"

Chi-Chi smirked as she watched the smoke coming off of the wrestler. She could tell he was using his full force but it was nothing to her. Feeling smug, she stifled a yawn with her free hand, earning a gasp from the crowd, before slamming his hand down straight through the table and sending him careening to the ground.

Goliath groaned as he sat up right, putting a hand to his head as he looked around. "I…I lost," he stammered. "Me?"

For a second the world went silent as everyone stared…until a lone 'woo!' broke the silence and sent the crowd into a frenzy at the amazing upset. There was hooting and hollering and a good deal of mocking, humiliating the still stunned wrestler.

Goliath wouldn't have taken that kind of abuse on a good day, let alone right then. He surged up in anger, hurling the remains of the table towards the crowd before turning his rage on Chi-Chi.

"There's no way I could have lost, you must have cheated!"

Chi-Chi scoffed. "It didn't take much to beat you."

"Why I outta…!" He lunged for her but Chi-Chi was quicker, twisting his arm around his back and forcing him to the ground.

"I believe I've earned a prize," she smirked as the crowd quickly roared to her defense.

They hauled the wrestler to his feet and got in his face, telling him off and the like until Goliath had enough. He knew when he'd lost a crowd and there was no coming back from this.

He shoved the prize money towards Chi-Chi and stormed away just as Goku sidled up to her.

"You sure showed them," he grinned, clapping her shoulder as Chi-Chi glared.

"You were the one who said I couldn't do it in the first place!"

"Nah, I knew ya could do it, easy. Look at all the money we made!" He told her, flashing a thick wad of cash he'd earned from betting, making Chi-Chi gasp.

"You bet? But you always act like you don't know a thing about money!"

Goku scratched his cheek, feeling a bit sheepish. "I don't really but Launch taught Krillin and me how to make the most bang for your buck when bettin' was to have everyone think you're an underdog. So I did!"

"Well then," Chi-Chi smiled, not quite sure if she should approve of such underhanded methods or not. "You shouldn't do that all the time but I think in this case, we taught them all a lesson. Now what else should we eat?"

Goku licked his lips and then he was the one dragging Chi-Chi around. They got fried noodles and savory pancakes and steamed buns and more of those octopus balls before Chi-Chi demanded something sweet and found a cart selling cream puffs and ordered a large serving for herself.

"Mmm, these are my favorite!" she mumbled, finishing one off. "The auntie back home makes the best but these are pretty good." She bit into another puff, getting a bit of cream on the side of her mouth, making Goku chuckle.

He wiped the cream up with his thumb and then popped the digit into his mouth. "Mmmmm, you're right Chi. These are good."

"Ahaha…thanks," Chi-Chi laughed awkwardly, pressing a hand to her burning face. She spun away, unable to face him after such an intimate gesture and spotted the gaming stalls. There was a bottle toss, a shooting range and a stall to scoop goldfish as well as what looked like a ring toss and a balloon darts stall a little farther down the way.

Chi-Chi turned back excitedly and tugged on Goku's arm.

"Goku, Goku! Let's do that next!" she begged, pointing towards the fish but Goku wasn't interested.

"That doesn't look very fun."

"Oh?" Chi-Chi smirked. "Care to make a bet?"

"What kind of bet?"

"The first person to scoop a goldfish gets to pick the next stall."

"Yeah?" Goku grinned, suddenly interested. "You're on." He was definitely going back to that octopus stall again. Or maybe the first one with all the meat.

Except scooping fish turned out to be a lot harder than he thought. He must have gone through a half dozen scoops with no success. "Chi-Chi," Goku pouted, "These are too flimsy. I need something stronger."

"They worked fine for me," Chi-Chi smiled, looking quite pleased as she held up her goldfish. Goku stared back stunned.

"How'd you do that?!"

"You're going in too strong. Ya gotta be patient and swoop in at the right time." She angled her scoop and waited. It wasn't long before a large fish came curiously to the surface and then Chi-Chi struck, slicing through the water, and scooping the fish up into the bowl. "See? Now you try."

Goku scooted closer to the water and mirrored her position, patiently waiting until another fish ventured closer and then controlled his speed to match Chi-Chi's.

"I did it!" he grinned, flopping the fish into the bowl.

Chi-Chi smiled and patted his shoulder. "I knew ya could," she praised. "But I still won, so let's go make a wish."

"Wish?" Goku parroted, following after as Chi-Chi dragged him to a large tree covered in tiny papers. "Like the dragon balls?"

"Not quite," she giggled. She explained how people wrote down what they wanted or hoped to achieve that year and then tied their wishes on the tree in hopes that they'd come true before handing him a slip of paper and a pencil so he could write down what he wanted.

Goku stared at the piece of paper at a bit of a loss.

What on earth should he wish for? He'd already won the martial arts tournament…and while he wanted it back…he thought this was meant to be more personal than that. Except everything he ever wanted, he just worked for. He'd even managed to kiss Chi-Chi just that morning! Although he supposed he could always ask for that other type of kiss—the lover's kind—but he didn't want to wait around for a wish to grant that.

"Got your wish?"

"Huh?!" Goku jumped, startled to find Chi-Chi beside him as she tied her paper to the tree. "Oh, uh…just a sec."

He scribbled down the only thing he could think of and folded it up before adding it to the branch just above hers.

Chi-Chi smiled as she watched him curiously. "What on earth did you wish for to have you acting so jumpy? "

Goku blushed and rubbed the back of his head. If she really wanted to know, he supposed he could tell her.

"I—"

"Oh don't tell me!" she interrupted, clapping her hands over his mouth. "You can't tell anyone a wish or they won't come true."

Goku nodded to indicate he understood and then noticed the dancers lining up behind her. The band had finally finished setting up and were about to start a performance from the looks of it. It looked like fun!

"Chi-Chi! Chi-Chi! Over here!" He dragged her towards the crowd just as the singer started crooning over the mic.

"Way back up in the country, back in the hills, down in the hollows where the folks are real…"

The performers hopped in the line and started kicking their feet and swaying their hips before circling around to the cheers of the crowd. Goku and Chi-Chi clapped along, enjoying the performance, until the dancers stomped twice and Goku suddenly realized he knew that dance!

"Living with the crazies and the old wildcats, sawed off shotguns and coon skin caps…"

Without a second thought he joined right in, spinning around and kicking and swaying in time with the others. Chi-Chi giggled and clapped along, unable to take her eyes off Goku as he stuck one foot out and then pulled back in before doing the same on the other side. He was just so silly and utterly charming and who knew he could dance?

"That's where I'm from and I'm proud to say, I'm from the country and I like it that way…"

"Alright fellas, y'all know what to do," said the singer before continuing on with the song. "Everybody knows everybody. Everybody calls you friend…"

Chi-Chi wondered what the men were meant to do until she spotted them grabbing partners just as strong arms spun her around.

"Goku!" Chi-Chi gasped. "W-Wait a sec, I don't know this song!"

"All day long, we work in the fields, and bring it on home to a home cooked meal…"

But Goku didn't think that was a problem. "Just follow my lead," he winked, twirling her outward.

"We love you like Sunday and treat you like Saturday night."

Chi-Chi barely had a moment to catch her breath, he was spinning her around so fast. Her feet never even touched the ground!

"And when the beds get full we can sleep in the hay, we're from the country and we like it that way…"

Goku dipped her low and then tossed her into the air before catching her and spinning her around one last time.

"Yeah, we know how to work and we know how to play. We're from the country and we like it that way!"

"Oh!" Chi-Chi gasped, falling into him. She leaned heavily against his chest as she held a hand to her head. Dancing with Goku was a lot of fun but she was also quite dizzy from the rush.

Goku slipped his arm around her. "You alright?"

"Mhmm," Chi-Chi smiled. "Just a little winded. Where'd ya learn to dance like that?"

"Grandpa taught me! He said every man had to have some moves. Though I've never been able to dance with a girl before now," Goku laughed. "I usually just grabbed a raccoon or a rabbit. You're a much better partner," he grinned, feeling his cheeks grow warm as Chi-Chi turned bright red.

She pressed a hand to her pretty face and mumbled, "You're not so bad yourself."

Goku's grin widened as he leaned in. Chi-Chi sure looked cute, all flushed like that and her scent…Goku breathed deep, enjoying her intoxicating scent. Chi-Chi sure smelled good. Real good. His gaze dropped to her soft looking lips. What would it feel like to kiss her on those lips?

He leaned closer, tempted to find out.

"Goku…are you…"

"Hm?"

Small hands pressed against his chest, urging him back.

"D-Do you mind fetchin' me something to drink?" Chi-Chi asked, breaking free from his hold. She reached into her pocket and pulled out some change to give him.

Goku nodded. "Sure!" He could do that.

She pointed towards a bench she promised to wait for him at before he wandered off to find some water or juice which was a bit harder than he'd anticipated. Lots of stalls were selling alcohol but after the last time, Goku thought they—and by they, he meant Chi-Chi—should steer clear of the pungent liquid. Luckily it didn't take him too long to find some non-alcoholic beverages and he quickly made his way back to where he left her but the crowds had grown so thick it was hard to see. Goku knew she was there though, he could still smell her mouthwatering scent. He wasn't sure what that was about but he wasn't complaining. He breathed a little deeper but frowned when instead of the sweet smoky flavor Chi-Chi was currently emitting he caught a hint of oil and birds.

It couldn't be.

Goku hopped up a nearby telephone pole so he could see past the crowds, a single phrase flitting through his mind. It was one he'd heard Yamcha and Krillin say often enough but had never felt right to say himself…that is until his gaze zeroed in on Chi-Chi talking to none other than the stranger from the woods, who was leaning in close.

Son of a…