Bai paced across her well worn rug as she waited for Niulang's return. He was late. He should have returned two nights prior, as was his custom, and this deviation left her fearful. If something had happened to him too…

She shuddered. Unable to bear the thought of being alone. Had she the courage, she would have surely left these halls ages ago but she was weak. There were so many things in this world that frightened her, better to stay where at least she could find something akin to family than to be left alone with her thoughts. Why else had she stomach their habits for so long?

She was a coward of the worst kind.

A less fearful person might have confronted them…made them think about their actions and guided them back to a truer path but she, who had let her fears take the one she had cherished most, could not do so. To Niulang and Hou Yi, whose loss was caused by another, she, whose heartache was caused by her fear to act, was unworthy of giving guidance.

She had failed so many ways…and still she feared.

A door slammed and echoed through the castle, alerting her to Niulang's arrival. Bai hurried to the entrance hall to meet him.

"You have returned!" she cried, greeting her fellow companion despite the black look upon his face.

Niulang barely acknowledged her with a glance before dropping his things on the floor and making his way to the study.

Bai knew better than to interrupt. He was always bitter upon his separation from Zhinu and could not tolerate another's presence upon his return until he had imbibed in several strong drinks. So it was with surprise that Niulang spoke first, after only downing half a glass.

"I see Hou Yi has yet to return. Is he off indulging with that copy still? Surely he has recognized by now that the girl is not Chang'e."

"Niulang," Bai murmured, uncertain how to explain. "Hou Yi…Hou Yi has perished. He walks these halls no more."

"What?"

Niulang turned to her confused. "Hou Yi? Dead? Nonsense. None could rival his strength and time alone is not enough."

"Tis true," Bai insisted. "He angered the girl's lover and…and Yue Lao."

"Yue Lao!" Niulang scoffed. "Yue Lao has never lifted a finger to harm or assist another."

"His familiar—"

"The wretched eight tails?"

"There were nine when she was here."

"His pet was here?!" Niulang growled, his fury rising to such levels that he crushed the glass he held. He tsked and snatched Bai's offered handkerchief to stench the blood.

"And now Hou Yi is no more…"

"He…he had taken something from your rooms to use on the girl. It angered them and for that he paid the price."

"For that?" Niulang laughed. "As if we have never played with such things before. What makes this pair so special that Yue Lao would interfere so?"

"I do not know…but…but their bond is strong."

"Their bond is strong," mocked Niulang. "HA! The stronger the bond the more the gods like to interfere, as they should."

Bai frowned, "You cannot mean that."

"Why not? If I and Zhinu must suffer then so should they. Hou Yi was weak to be defeated so."

Weak?! Bai took several steps back, appalled. Nuilang had never been shy of his opinion but Hou Yi had been the one to take them in, to house and feed them! He was their friend! How many evenings had they spent together, commiserating over their lost loves? Such callousness was too much!

"Perhaps," she hissed, feeling as if she could strike for the first time in her life, "the reason the gods continue to punish you, is because you see fit to inflict your misery upon others!"

"How kind of you then, to save me the trouble, and much like you they bring it upon themselves!"

"I may have destroyed my own hopes but the pain you wreak on others with those concoctions you brew in your rooms is tenfold what you may have ever felt! If you ever dared to trade places you would see that for yourself."

"And yet you do nothing to stop me. A coward through and through."

Bai clenched her fists, unable to deny it. "I may be a coward…but at least I have the potential to change!"

"You?" Niulang laughed. "A monkey learns better."

"Better a monkey than a monster," Bai hissed. She turned to leave, determined to pack her things and go—an eternity alone was better than one with him—but she added one last parting shot before she left.

"If your Zhinu knew the monster you have become, would she still welcome you with open arms?"

"ENOUGH!"

Niulang rammed his fist through the wall, splintering the wood to pieces but Bai had already retreated out the door like the sniveling coward she was.

Good riddens! He did not need her. He needed no one! His heart only longed for Zhinu. His beloved wife…forced to slave away at the loom for a father who demanded she jump at his whims! Bai knew not what she spoke of. No one had suffered more than her!

"Trade places…ha!" How absurd…

And yet…the more his mind lingered on the thought, the more he began to see its merit.

He jumped to his feet and raced towards his rooms, ignoring the coward's prescence's as he went.

Bai watched him go with concern. Such glee could not be anything but bad. If he planned to hurt another…perhaps she could mitigate any damage by learning of his plans…

An hour ago she might not dare but now?

She hurried after, her silent steps keeping to the shadows until she reached the room he disappeared to. The fool had left the door open for all to see! Not that any had ever bothered to spy before. Bai stuck to the shadows regardless and listened closely to his mutterings, her grip tightening on the doorframe as a heavy sense of foreboding began to take hold.

o0o

"Here you are lad, though it's a paltry sum considering I owe you my life."

"Thanks!" Goku grinned, pocketing his earnings into his shirt. He hoped Chi-Chi would be happy with the amount and the fact that he'd returned two days early. It would be good to see her again, now that he knew he wasn't turning into a pervert. He wondered what she'd been up to the last few days…

Kani stepped up beside him. "Hey G-man, you headin' off?"

"Yup! I need to find Chi-Chi now that we're back."

"Alright then, good luck bro and remember what I taught you, y'hear? And talk to her! She might not be so opposed to a little action as ya think."

"Not so loud!" Goku whispered, panicking. He looked over his shoulder to see if anyone heard. What if Chi-Chi had been walking by just then?

Kani rolled his eyes and gave the younger man a pat on the back. "Alright, alright. You better get goin'."

"Right!" Goku nodded.

He turned and called for Nimbus, watching as it streaked through the sky before coming to a stop by his side. With a single farewell salute, Goku hopped on the cloud and zoomed off in search of Chi-Chi. Unlike last time they'd been separated it wasn't too difficult to find her. He could sense her at the top of the hill, along with a large gathering of people.

Curious, Goku swooped in low and hopped down amongst the crowd, landing with a soft thud to the astonishment of the people all around him, none of whom were Chi-Chi. But he could smell her. Goku's heart rate increased as he caught traces of smoke and wildflowers weaving in and out amongst the other scents. Even muddled by all these foreign smells, he could feel the tension in his body easing away.

He turned to where the scent was strongest and spotted her standing several feet away wearing a flowy dress that exposed her calves with her hair loose all around her.

Goku gulped.

She looked…pretty. Really pretty.

He'd seen her tons of time with her hair down, usually at night, but for some reason this time felt different. His heart kicked into overdrive and suddenly all his mental preparations felt inadequate. Would she be happy to see him? Would she jump into his arms like last time? Could he handle that without his body acting up?

Goku wasn't so sure but he couldn't stand around forever, so he willed his heart to relax and made his way forward as a brunette leaned closer to Chi-Chi.

…

"Don't look now, but I think you have an admirer," Bha-bi smiled.

An admirer? Chi-Chi's brows pinched together, confused. "What are you…oh!"

She placed a hand over her racing heart as she stumbled back in shock. It was Goku! Goku with his hair tousled high and his cheeks tinted pink, looking so adorably flustered that it made her heart ache. Stunned, she watched him rub the back of his head as a shy smile spread across his face.

"Hi, Chi-Chi. I'm back."

Two simple words and yet they meant the world to her.

"W-Welcome back…" Chi-Chi whispered, feeling her own cheeks heat up under his warm gaze.

She couldn't believe it. He'd returned and actually looked pleased to see her! Did this mean whatever had been troubling him was over? Goodness she hoped so.

"Chi-Chi?"

Right! Where were her manners? She gestured towards the other woman. "This is my friend, Bha-bi. I've been doing some work for her while you were gone."

"Oh? Nice to meet you," Goku greeted before turning his gaze back to Chi-Chi.

Bha-bi grinned at his obvious interest and she turned to tease her friend. "Is this him then, Chi-Chi? You never mentioned he was so handsome, no wonder you're so firm on that dream of yours."

"T-That's not—" Chi-Chi started to stutter but Bha-bi was quick to wave it off.

"I know, I know, but it certainly doesn't hurt, right?"

Chi-Chi blushed but agreed, making Bha-bi laugh. Her friend was so cute! She knew Chi-Chi was shy but she never expected this! And her man! Bha-bi hadn't exaggerated when she commented on his looks, he wasn't tall like Kenta but she could tell he worked out, and he had such a boyish face that she could easily see why her friend had fallen for his charm.

They both looked so good together too!

Bha-bi wondered briefly if she could convince them to do another shoot. Maybe a set of them in reds and blues? But Chi-Chi had been firm that the shoot on the beach would be her last and there really wasn't time to whip up all the designs she had in mind…

Which was a shame. Handsome as he was, Goku looked like he could use a new wardrobe.

"Oh I know!" Bha-bi grinned, snapping her fingers. She turned and grabbed Chi-Chi's shoulders. "I'll be right back. Promise you won't leave before I do."

"Of course but what are y—"

But Bha-bi was already rushing towards the house. "I'll just be a moment!"

Chi-Chi stared at her friend's retreating form before her gaze returned to Goku. She fidgeted with her dress, feeling all the awkwardness of the situation.

"So…um…you're back early."

"Yeah," Goku nodded, "Got done in half the time." But he didn't want to talk about that now. "You, uh…you look really pretty."

"Oh?" Chi-Chi blushed, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue. "Oh, um…thank you…"

Goku smiled and searched for something else to say but try as he might, his mind was a blank. Had it always been this hard to talk to Chi-Chi? He ran a hand through his hair growing frustrated. He knew what he should talk to her about…but for that they needed to be alone and…and there was no reason to rush. He knew they'd be alone together soon. He could wait to talk to her about it then. For now he was just happy to be back with Chi-Chi.

If only he could think of something else to say!

"Goku."

Startled, Goku snapped out of his thoughts.. "Yeah?"

"Stay here will you?" Chi-Chi turned to leave. "I'm just gonna say goodbye to a few people and then we can go."

"Sure thing, Chi."

He could do that, easy. Goku watched her weave through the crowd as a relaxed looking man with a bright smile sidled up beside him.

"So, you must be Goku," he grinned, offering him a drink. "I'm Kenta, Bha-bi's boyfriend. Here."

"Thanks," Goku nodded, taking a sip. He watched the man curiously for a moment before his gaze drifted back to Chi-Chi.

Kenta followed his line of sight and smiled. He knew he was right! Chi-Chi had been worrying for nothing. Still, it wouldn't hurt to drop a few hints.

"Chi-Chi really came through for us in a pinch, you gotcha yourself a great gal there."

"Yeah," Goku smiled. "Chi-Chi's great."

Kenta chuckled. He recognized that look. It was like looking into a mirror! "You seem like a good guy Goku, make sure you let her know that."

"Huh?" Goku turned to him confused. Chi-Chi already knew that he was a good guy, that's why he could ride Nimbus, so why would he—

Goku's train of thought came to a halt.

Oh yeah! Nimbus! He'd forgotten about that!

He smiled, his heart suddenly feeling lighter. If Kani hadn't explained it, then his ability to still ride Nimbus was proof he wasn't a pervert. He could use that when he talked to Chi-Chi, in case she—

"She's a hell of a cook too! The cake she made for Ker-ri is better than anything I've ever tasted!"

—she did what now?

All thoughts of what Goku was supposed to tell Chi-Chi flew out the window as Kenta's words sunk in. Chi-Chi baked a cake?! And he had missed it?!

Goku's good mood took an abrupt turn.

"Aw man," he pouted, feeling inextricably hurt. "I've never had Chi-Chi's cake before."

"There's probably still a few slices left if you want to try some," Kenta offered, pointing to a table ladened with desserts. Where Chi-Chi just so also happened to be.

His feet obviously moved faster than his brain because he was by her side before he even realized it, tugging on her dress as she finished saying goodbye to a young girl.

"Goku?" Chi-Chi turned, looking him over with concern. "What is it?"

"Chi-Chi…are you mad at me?"

"What? Why would you think that?"

If anyone had a problem with someone it was him!

"So…you're not mad at me?"

"No!"

Goku flinched back, unsure of what he did wrong. He only wanted to make sure she wasn't mad at him but what else was he supposed to think when she baked a cake for someone else when she had never done so for him before!

Chi-Chi sighed, noting the look on his face and tried again. "Goku, I'm not mad. I promise."

"Then…can I have cake too Chi-Chi?"

"Of course silly!" Why did he even need to ask? "I think everyone else has already gotten a slice, so it should be alrig…Goku?" He was pouting again but she didn't know why. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Goku answered quickly, too quickly if the narrowed look Chi-Chi was giving him was any indication, but he didn't want to admit he was jealous so many people had gotten to try something of hers he hadn't had before. He knew it was probably greedy but he liked that she usually only cooked for him. He didn't want to share.

Goku hastily snatched up a slice of cake and shoved the whole thing in his mouth to keep Chi-Chi from asking more questions as Bha-bi reappeared.

"Chi-Chi! Goku!" she called, hurrying over to them. She handed Chi-Chi two large bags filled with clothes. "Here!"

"What's all this?"

"It's the clothes from the shoot! Kenta is taller but they look about equal in the chest, and I know you're capable of making alterations, and you of course already fit everything perfectly!"

"Oh no, we couldn't! You already paid me a ridiculous sum for all my work, I can't take this too!" Chi-Chi tried to give the bags back but Bha-bi refused.

"Nonsense, you earned that. Besides we donate the clothes anyways. You're just saving me a trip!"

Chi-Chi smiled, feeling torn, but eventually conceded defeat and pulled her friend into a tight hug. She had really enjoyed her time here. It was sad that she had to leave them so soon.

"I promise to keep in touch."

"You better!" Bha-bi smiled, squeezing her right back.

Kenta, Stace and Ker-ri all appeared, adding to the pile, and after another round of farewells it was finally time to go.

Goku turned and called for Nimbus.

"Goku," Chi-Chi muttered, tugging on his shirt as the fluffy cloud zipped to their side. "We're supposed to be training."

"Yeah, I know but you're not really dressed for running right now," Goku pointed out.

She looked at her clothes and frowned. "That's true…bu—"

"Great, so let's go!"

Goku slipped an arm around her and hopped up on Nimbus before she could finish her sentence, shooting them into the sky like a rocket. Chi-Chi screamed and dropped to a crouch, pinning her dress underneath her.

"Huh? What's wrong Chi-Chi?"

"A little warning next time please!" Chi-Chi growled, praying that she hadn't flashed anyone. She secured the skirt of her dress under her legs before rubbing her arms for warmth. It was freezing! Her dress really wasn't ideal for flying.

"Cold?"

Goku crouched down beside her and pulled her against his chest, rubbing his hands up and down her arms and back to warm her.

Too late did he realize his mistake but there was nothing he could do about it now. Goku kept his gaze on the horizon, doing his best to ignore Chi-Chi's soft warm body pressed snuggly against his own. He understood now thanks to Kani—with a double confirmation from Nimbus—that he wasn't perverted. He was still a good person. But he still didn't want his body doing things out of his control. Especially with Chi-Chi so close!

Kani had suggested he talk to her and he was gonna! He really was. But maybe not now? When they were high in the sky and pressed so close the way they were? And yet he couldn't think of anything else to say. But Chi-Chi wasn't talking either. Did she know? Could she sense what was wrong with him?

Chi-Chi could not, in fact, sense what was wrong with him, try as she might. In fact, Chi-Chi was more confused than ever. First he had run away from her for a week, only to return and call her pretty and now he was holding her to keep her warm. Had it all just been in her head?

"So…how was your trip?"

"Hm?" Goku turned to look at Chi-Chi only to freeze when he realized how close her face was to his. He looked away immediately. "It was fine!"

'What was that?!' Chi-Chi balked. Why wouldn't he look at her?

She tried again.

"I've never been crabbing before. Is it hard? You weren't seasick were you?"

Did sirens count as being seasick? Goku shrugged and kept his gaze ahead. "It was fine."

"Did you have enough to eat? I'm sure they hadn't expected an appetite like yours."

"I fished." Goku muttered, feeling his cheeks heat up as Chi-Chi brushed against him. Did she have to sit so close? "It was—"

"Fine." Chi-Chi finished for him, growing annoyed while a smiling Goku merely nodded, pleased that she understood, and turned away again.

So they were back to this. Was she just reading too much into things? Her tutors had lectured time and again about her tendency to overthink but…but surely this wasn't normal?

Was it?

She could always just sit him down and demand answers but…but what if she didn't like what he had to say? He already knew that she liked him but was she ready to know if he was capable of loving her? She wasn't so sure and until she was, she wouldn't dare ask.

So instead she sat back as they continued the ride in silence, neither willing to break the uneasy peace.

That is until Chi-Chi leaned into Goku's chest and released a quiet sigh. Her breath tickled his neck, making him stiffen, and Goku decided he couldn't take this anymore!

He gulped and turned to face her.

"Chi-Chi!"

"Yes, Goku?" Chi-Chi murmured, her pretty eyes sparkling and her smile wide and warm.

"I, uh…I…I need to…uh…"

Chi-Chi giggled and leaned in close. "Oh Goku, you're so silly."

She rose up slightly to press a kiss against his cheek, letting her lips linger. Goku gulped and turned his head towards her, bringing their faces less than a hairsbreadth apart.

"C-Chi-Chi?"

"Oh Goku," Chi-Chi purred, pressing another kiss against his cheek and then another and another as she began to trail soft kisses down his neck, her hands running up and over his chest to wrap around him.

Goku groaned and buried his face into her shoulder, relishing the feel of her in his arms. He tugged down her sleeve, baring her skin to his lips as he nibbled and kissed her in return.

And then Chi-Chi was straddling his lap, grinding against him, sending jolts of pleasure coursing through him. It wasn't enough! He flipped them over, pressing Chi-Chi down into Nimbus as he allowed his hands to roam her body, squeezing one round mound before dipping his head to capture her lips with his and getting…hair?

Goku's eyes flew open and found Chi-Chi's back to him, his hands groping her in their sleep.

Damn it! Another dream. He hadn't had one since his talk with Kani, so he had thought they were gone. Looks like he thought too soon. He carefully removed his hands from her person and rubbed his face.

Being around Chi-Chi must be stirring them up again.

Either that or this heat was getting to him. He wasn't sure how far south they were now but wherever they were it was stuffy, even at night.

Goku leaned his head back with a sigh and then got to his feet. Might as well do some exercise since he was already awake.

…

Chi-Chi woke alone in their bed to the sun shining brightly on a beautiful new day. She rolled over with a groan. Any other morning she would have welcomed such a sunny day but last night she'd been plagued with nightmares, most of which consisted of her dressed in some scandalous outfit or other with Goku all in white, as they flew under the stars on Nimbus. Goku would then pull her into his arms, looking entirely like he was about to kiss her, only to chuck her over his shoulder and off of Nimbus straight to a fiery hell below! Like she was some wicked temptress who'd come to steal his purity!

"I'm the princess, not him." Chi-Chi muttered, feeling entirely put out.

She couldn't take this anymore. He'd been so warm and sweet at the party but then the second they were alone, he was cold and distant. Not in a mean way but in a way that made her feel decidedly dirty. Which was ironic considering she was pretty sure he considered bathing more like a hobby. And yet even that she could probably put up with but all this back and forth was getting on her last nerve.

One way or another she was talking to him today.

Chi-Chi dragged herself out of bed and, remembering the mugginess from last night, glanced outside the window. Oh no. There were no signs of rain. That meant it would only be worse today. She sighed and dressed into some of her lighter training clothes, praying the oppressive weather wasn't a sign for how her talk with Goku would go.

Not that she had much hope.

She still really didn't want to ask the one question she feared above all but…maybe there was a work around? Maybe she could find out what had been bothering him without the need to extort some sort of confession out of him…but how? Logistically she knew what had started everything but they had both done their best to avoid talking about it, so now she wasn't sure how to bring it up.

Maybe that had been a mistake.

Well…there was only one way to find out.

Chi-Chi finished tying back her hair and then braced herself as she stepped outside. She waited a moment, allowing her eyes to adjust to the light, before noticing Goku a few feet away with his back to her, roasting away what looked like a couple of eels. Normally she would have been thrilled, having only tried the delicacy a few times before, but the heat was already getting to her and the fire only seemed to make it worse.

Still, now was as good a time as any and she'd rather talk to him out here, where she could easily run away if need be, than talk to him in the room that they shared at night. She took a deep breath and sat beside him, ignoring the heat from the fire as best she could.

"Goku," she murmured, placing a hand against his shoulder only for him to flinch and jerk away.

Well, that was promising. Still…she had started this, so she would finish it one way or the other.

"Sorry, I…I was wondering if we could talk?"

Goku turned to her with wide eyes and for a second she could have sworn he looked scared but then it was gone and he was just watching her with his usual curious expression.

Chi-Chi didn't like it.

They had been together for almost every hour of every day for the last three months. If he thought he could hide something from her, then he was in for a surprise. She wasn't gonna let him just smile his way out of this. Not this time.

She cleared her throat and began as calmly as she could manage. "Lately you've been…acting differently, and I just wanted to know if something was wrong."

"What? Don't be silly Chi-Chi," Goku laughed, standing up to inspect the food.

"I'm not being silly," she huffed. "Something's wrong, and I wanna know what."

"Nothing's wrong."

Chi-Chi glared, growing annoyed. Even a blind man could see they had a problem and she knew Goku was more observant than he let on.

"Somethin's wrong whether you wanna admit it or not and I know it has to do with…with that incident…after Qinglong's."

Goku stiffened, having shoved that from his mind completely.

"Nothin's wrong, Chi-Chi."

"Goku…"

"It's fine."

"Bu—"

"I don't wanna talk about it!"

Chi-Chi inhaled sharply, blinking back tears, as Goku suddenly realized what he'd done.

"I didn—"

"FINE!" She snapped, shoving him over the fallen log.

"Wait Chi-Ch—"

She spun on her heel uninterested in anything he had to say. If this is how he was going to be, if he was satisfied with how things were, then fine! He could be that way all by himself. She had better things to do than pretend that everything was all right.

Like training. She hadn't trained in a week and her muscles were starting to get soft. What she would give for a spikey haired punching bag right about now.

If only he would stay still.

But since he wouldn't—and she still wasn't fast enough to catch him—Chi-Chi headed to a river she'd spotted yesterday evening, intending to test a theory. She hadn't forgotten the strength she'd felt while submerged in the ocean. With Goku at sea, she'd been too cautious to try it again on her own but a river…she could handle a river without him.

At the speed she'd stormed off, it didn't take her long to get there and though the current was fast, the river itself was wide and shallow.

It would do.

…

Goku ran his hands through his hair with a growl. What was he doing? That was the perfect chance to talk to her and he blew it! He hadn't meant to start a fight! But he hadn't been prepared for her to bring up his weird behavior first. He panicked! And then to mention that incident with that bastard. Goku didn't want to be compared to that guy, though he knew she would when she realized what was going on with him.

He ran a tired hand over his face and noted the darkening clouds in the sky. The humidity had been stifling but he could feel the drop in pressure and knew a storm was coming. A nasty one by the looks of it.

He'd better go fetch Chi-Chi…but would she even want to be near him after their fight?

Didn't matter.

She could yell at him all she wanted, after they were both safe and dry.

Now where was she…

He tugged his shirt away from his chest, frowning as it stuck to his skin. Man was it hot. Maybe hanging out in the rain wasn't such a terrible idea afte—

Goku's eyes bulged to the size of dinner plates as he finally spotted Chi-Chi. He hadn't realized it earlier, but all she had on were some tiny form fitting shorts and a tank top, probably in an effort to stay cool.

He stared, confused and aroused, as she yanked off her boots. What was Chi-Chi doing?

With an audible gulp, he stepped forward to ask her.

"Chi-Chi?"

Her eyes cut to his before she turned away with a hmph and stepped into the water.

Goku sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought.

"Chi-Chi."

No response.

He glanced at the sky, trying to gauge how much time they had, and tried again.

"Chi-Chi."

"WHAT?!"

Goku jumped back automatically, his heart practically beating against his chest. He knew that physically he was stronger than her in every way but damn was she intimidating as hell!

He really wished that he could kiss her.

Thunder clapped somewhere in the distance, reminding him of why he'd followed after in the first place, but with Chi-Chi ignoring him, it was gonna take more than a few words to get her to go inside. He pulled off his boots and joined her in the river.

"Chi-Chi, I'm sorry I yelled but we really need to go now."

"We aren't goin' anywhere!" She slid back a foot and raised her fists, the wind tugging at her hair.

Goku smirked and adjusted his stance as well.

Neither moved.

Chi-Chi knew he was waiting for her. He always did. Not that she ever made him wait long. She didn't have the patience. And boy was she tempted. She was still so frustrated from earlier! She knew she had handled it poorly but at least she tried! What had he done? Nothing! Just pretended everything was fine as usual!

Goodness he deserved a good smack! And she was gonna give it to him!

But first she needed to focus on her ki. It was stronger now, in the water. Chi-Chi could feel the difference though she didn't know why. She did her best to spread the excess to her limbs, feel it stretch and solidify beneath her skin, coil tight inside her belly like a spring.

There was an eagle cry somewhere in the distance when both finally decided to strike.

Goku slipped behind her as Chi-Chi ducked and swept for his ankles. He just barely managed to dodge it with a forward flip, intending to catch her wrists but Chi-Chi was already on the move once again. She rolled and jumped to her feet, kicking out and he managed to block with one arm but had to quickly bring up the other to block a punch and then he was ducking and dodging as Chi-Chi limbs flew out in a flurry. She was attacking him like she had at the Tournament, never granting him a moment's rest. But this time he was barely keeping ahead of her.

When did she get so fast?

He jumped into the air, knowing she would follow, but damn it if he couldn't help himself. There was something about her furious gaze with her hair flying all around her. Goku was entranced.

And then they were back on the ground, feet dancing across the water as they met blow for blow. He didn't want it to end. His heart was racing, his mind ensnared, and then he heard the crash of thunder.

Shit! He'd forgotten about that. He needed to end the fight quick!

Chi-Chi was of the same mind, somehow shooting an energy beam right at him in his distracted state. He dodged, barely, and cringed as the smell of burnt hair assaulted his nose.

Goku was simultaneously proud and yet disappointed. He wasn't sure how she had managed it when she still couldn't control her ki but he could tell it took a lot out of her.

Not that Chi-Chi would let that stop her.

Goku grinned as her fist flew out, admiring her spirit, but it was time to go inside now. He grabbed her arm and yanked her towards him, pinning her against his chest, but froze when her face landed inches from his own.

Neither moved, and Goku was suddenly conscious of the feel of her curves and the way Chi-Chi's sparkly eyes were staring up at him, wide in shock. Her scent…so thick and enticing. Goku found his gaze darting to her lips and back again. All he would need to do is dip his head and…and then his damn weiner twitched.

He let go automatically, dropping Chi-Chi in the river.

Goku hadn't even realized what he'd done until Chi-Chi screamed, her painful yelp morphing into one of rage as she glared up at him completely soaked.

Shit! What had he done?! He hadn't meant to drop her!

"I-It was an accident, I swear!"

He stumbled back away from her, his hands up in defense as his gaze darted around for an escape but before he could move Chi-Chi's fist slammed across his face and sent him flying.

When did she get so strong?!

Goku rubbed his aching head, as the heavens opened up, and tried to get his bearings but then lightning streaked across the sky and he knew it couldn't wait.

"Chi-Chi wait up!"

He raced back to her side and grabbed her wrist before she could storm off much further but Chi-Chi had had enough.

"LET GO!" she snapped.

She yanked her arm free and pressed several points across his body, leaving him suddenly feeling weak.

"W-Wait a second…"

"NO!"

Chi-Chi shoved him aside like he was nothing and then it was Goku's turn to fall into the river as he watched her march off, straight into the storm.

Did she not see all the lightning all around them?

He struggled to his feet and stumbled. What the hell had she done to him?!

"There's no time for this, NIMBUS!"

The little golden cloud shot out of the blackness as Goku felt his hair begin to rise and a scent hit his nose. The last time he had smelled this scent lightning had struck his Grandpa's hut. He had to move! He jumped on Nimbus—albeit with difficulty—and shot after Chi-Chi.

She could be mad at him all she wanted after they got out of this storm!

Goku saw the lightning just as he reached her but together, he and Nimbus were faster. He snatched her up as Nimbus whisked them away, slipping past the electrical tendrils that reached for them as the bolt struck land, obliterating all in its wake.

"That was a close one," he muttered, as the little cloud flew them to a nearby cave.

It wasn't until they were safely inside that he allowed himself to sigh in relief. The storm was only getting worse. It was so loud it was hard to even hear himself think!

Goku turned back around to check on Chi-Chi. "You okay?"

She was completely soaked, her bangs plastered to her forehead, and she was shaking almost violently but she didn't have any injuries as far as he could tell.

"Why?"

Goku stiffened at the sound of her voice. Why did it sound like she was on the verge of tears?!

"Why what Chi?" He asked, shifting uncomfortably, but Chi-Chi didn't answer.

Goku rubbed the back of his head uneasily. Maybe she didn't hear him? He leaned in closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, intending to repeat the question, only for Chi-Chi to jerk away.

"Why do you keep DOIN' that?!" she growled, her gaze finally snapping up to glare at him. "Why did you come after me? Why do you keep touchin' me? I don't understand! You're always doin' so and yet when I accidentally touch you ya flinch or shove me away! If ya hate me touchin' ya sooooo much, WHY won't you stop TOUCHIN' ME?!"

Goku stumbled back, startled by her sudden rage. In his rush to make sure she was safe, he'd forgotten about why she'd stormed off in the first place! Now he was trapped in a cave with her!

"I-It was an accident, I swear!"

"LIAR!" She shoved him, knocking him back against the wall. "QUIT LYIN'!"

"I-I'm not!"

"I SAID STOP!"

They stared at one other, Chi-Chi in anger, Goku in fear. He knew she was upset about him dropping her but he didn't understand why she was so angry? It's not like he had wanted to! If anything he wanted to pull her close and never let her go!

Something in her gaze seemed to crumble the longer she looked at him, and while at first he was relieved to see her anger recede, her next words alarmed him.

"Perhaps…" Chi-Chi mumbled, covering her chest with her arms. "Perhaps it would be better if we ended this now."

What? Goku's eyes widened. She couldn't possibly mean…

"If ya really hate touchin' me so much…"

"But I don't!" he stammered, "I don't hate it at all!"

"...it would be better to part ways."

"No! No, I don't want that!"

"Obviously you do."

"NO!" Goku snatched up her hand, pulling her towards him. "See? I like touchin' you! I do! I'll do it all ya want, just don't go, please!"

"Then explain it to me!" Chi-Chi begged, looking up at him with tears. The sight of which made his heart ache but how could he explain? He didn't want to tell her the truth. That being so close to her stirred feelings inside of him that he'd never felt before, made him want to do things…touch her…in ways that would hurt her. He never wanted to hurt her.

But what else could he say?

He must have taken too long to come up with an answer because her features grew withdrawn and she pulled away from him roughly, fracturing his already splintering heart. The look in her eyes…it was too similar to the one after their match at the tournament, only this time so much worse!

"Goodbye, Goku."

And there were those words again!

"Wait no, please! Chi-Chi! CHI-CHI!"

But she wasn't stopping. If anything she seemed determined to leave, to march straight out of the cave, storm or no storm, taking with her every single shred of happiness Goku felt like he had ever known.

He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't watch her walk away from him again!

"Chi-Chi!" he begged, cutting in front of her and falling to his knees. "Please, just wait."

He couldn't look, he just couldn't. He wouldn't be able to take it if he saw her turn away from him again. But then he felt, more than saw, Chi-Chi drop to her knees in front of him and Goku felt all the tension in his body release at once. She had stopped. She was staying. She wasn't going to leave him just yet.

Gentle fingers brushed against his cheek, lifting his head to look at her, and Goku took the chance to press his face into the palm of her hand, inhaling her scent deeply. What had he been thinking, avoiding her touch? He never wanted her to stop.

"Goku," she said with such tenderness, that Goku was tempted to pull her into his arms. "I don't understand."

He swallowed, never taking his gaze off her for a second, and mirrored her actions by pressing his hand to her cheek. Her skin was so soft under his calluses, so smooth. All he wanted was to be able to touch her forever.

Fine.

If this is what it took to keep her, he would tell her. He only prayed she didn't hate him too much for it.

"I won't hurt you."

"What?" Chi-Chi didn't understand. "What are you talking about? Why would you hurt me?"

"I won't!"

"Okay! I believe you, but why would yo—"

"I won't be like that…that bastard."

"Bastard? Wh—"

"Hou Yi," Goku spat and he didn't know whether to be upset or relieved when he saw her eyes widen in understanding. Now she knew. Now she would want nothing to do with him.

"Goku!" Chi-Chi snapped, earning his startled attention. She squished his face between her hands and pulled him closer. "You are nothing like him, ya hear me? You saved me from him! He wasn't able to hurt me because of you. So how can ya even suggest you're anything like that creep?"

"Because I wanna…I want…I just am!"

He pried her hands away and sat back, creating some distance as silence stretched between them. He couldn't look at her, afraid that she might figure out what he was trying to say. Goku knew he wasn't bad, he knew it! But if it made Chi-Chi afraid to be around him…

"You wanna…what, Goku?"

How was he supposed to answer that?

Goku clenched his fists on his knees as his gaze darted up to hers. He wanted so much. More than he could have ever dreamed of when they first started traveling together.

But how could he tell her that? Chi-Chi still hadn't even agreed to marry him!

So he stayed silent, unwilling to say another word but something must have given his feelings away because he heard a small gasp and he knew that she had figured it out.

"Goku, are…are you sayin'...that you…with me…like that?"

Goku grimaced. This was it, now she knew and now she would leave, never to have anything to do with him again. He shut his eyes, praying for it to be over quickly.

"But Goku," Chi-Chi murmured, suddenly much closer than she had been a second ago. "I've explained before, why his actions woulda hurt me, right?"

Why? Goku frowned, trying to recall her lesson on the subject. The one she had given after they'd rescued the girl in the woods.

"Be…because he didn't have your permission?"

"Exactly!" Chi-Chi said happily, so happily in fact that Goku couldn't help but sneak a glance at her and was astonished to find her smiling that warm, sparkly smile she only ever seemed to give to him, the one he loved so much.

"So you see the difference, right?"

Goku could only stare, unable to comprehend what she was trying to tell him.

"Goku, we're still training to be married right?"

"Y-Yeah." At least he hoped so.

"Then you have my permission."

Oh.

OH.

She giggled as his brain finally processed what she was saying. He had her permission. He had her permission! Which meant she wanted to…

Goku felt like his eyes were going to bulge out of their sockets.

It had been one thing to have dreams and vague wishes of being able to hold her and touch her—and maybe even kiss her?—whenever he pleased, it was an entirely different thing to think that she may want the same with him.

"B-But didn't you also say you wanted to wait?" He distinctly remembered her wanting to wait and wondering for what. Was this it? Was this what she'd been waiting for?

"I think…" Chi-Chi murmured, looking down with a blush. "I think we're both ready now."

Warm dark eyes peeked up from under heavy lashes and Goku felt a jolt run up his spine. He finally looked at her, really looked at her, with her dark hair, as dark as the night sky, cascading all around her blushing face…and her eyes, bubbling with happiness, happiness to be here with him. She was shaking, no doubt from the cold the storm brought in, but as Goku placed both hands on her shoulders he realized she didn't feel cold. If anything his skin burned where they touched and he couldn't help pulling her closer, feeling her skin press against his and creating that delicious warmth…

His gaze dropped to her lips, still stretched wide in a smile, and he laughed, unable to help himself. He was just so happy! It felt like a lifetime ago that he was worried about touching her and now look at him! He squeezed her tight to his chest, loving the feel of her in his arms. She fit there so perfectly.

There was only one thing that could make this better.

Goku pulled back just enough to catch her gaze, needing the reassurance that this is what she wanted, that he had permission and then, unable to help himself any longer, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.

And the world seemed to stop, the storm ceased to rage, there was a rushing in his ears and all his senses were focused on the soft tender lips pressed against his. Chi-Chi, his Chi-Chi. His fingers pressed into her skin pulling her to him tighter, causing her lips to part in a cute little squeak, but all Goku could focus on was this newest change and the sensations it brought. He moved his lips against hers slowly, hoping to deepen the kiss, but Chi-Chi resisted and pulled away instead making Goku pout.

Did she really want to stop already?

He lowered his head to try again when he noticed the tears trailing down Chi-Chi's cheeks.

What?! Why was she crying?! Had he done something wrong? But he had gone slow! He knew he had!

"Chi-Chi? Chi-Chi what's wrong? Was it something I did?"

"It's not your fault," she told him, though even as she said that her tears started coming down faster.

"Then why are you crying?"

"I'm just…so haaaaaaaaaaappy!" Chi-Chi wailed, covering both eyes with her fists. "I was afraid you thought I was disgusting!"

"Disgusting?!"

"Uh-huh."

"I…I don't understand."

"I thought you would never wanna kiss me. That I was icky!"

"Oh." Goku chuckled, confused by how she could have reached such a conclusion. He rubbed the back of his head and looked away. "That's not true at all, Chi."

If anything it was the opposite.

Chi-Chi sniffled, releasing a cute little hiccup, and looked at him with wide eyes. "Really?"

"Mhm." Goku smiled and brushed his thumbs across her cheeks. "Speaking of…can I?"

Chi-Chi blushed and wiped the tears from her eyes before lifting her face to him for another kiss and this time Goku savored it. Inhaling her sweet scent, loving the way she felt in his arms. It was strange, he half expected to feel those overwhelming urges from his dreams but when Chi-Chi pulled away for a second time to rest her head on his chest, he was more than content to just hold her close.

"Oh Goku," she sighed, as they watched the storm rage on from the safety of the cave. "I'm so happy."

He nuzzled her hair and pressed a small kiss to the top of her head. "Me too."

Chi-Chi smiled that smile that he loved and leaned up for another kiss. Goku joined in gladly…and this time, it was a while before either pulled away.