Author: The Noseless Wonder
Disclaimer: Yes! I DO own Dragon Ball! In fact, I own everything! Even you! Bwahahahahahahahahaha! No, really, I don’t, but I wish I did. I make no money off of this. In fact, I make no money at all.
Author’s Notes: Wow! Twenty-eight reviews on fanfiction.net! I never thought I would entertain that many people in just one chapter. Thanks to anyone who sent me an email, signed my homepage GB, or wrote a review. It made me want to get off my duff…well…on my duff and write more. By the way, it’ll be more interesting in chapters to come.
Exhausted, he hit the ground, trying desperately to catch his breath. Sweat poured from his brow and soaked his shirt, mixing with blood from scrapes and cuts he had earned that morning. He lay in the middle of a grassy field. He wasn’t aware of how they had gotten there. As he recalled, they had started out in the middle of a dry, desert.
His opponent approached, he could sense his power and smell him too. He was getting close. His muscles didn’t seem to want to move. The cool, long grass he was laying on was tempting him, calling for him to just lay there. He scratched his arm where a blade of grass was lightly brushing it, causing an itch. Surprisingly, that simple movement had taken a lot more effort than it should have. He would have given anything at that moment to be lying in his cool bed, with his wife, still sleeping the morning away.
A shadow slowly covered him. His rival was standing over him, trying to catch his breath as well. With brow furrowed, he tried his best to simply stand up. He managed to get the top half of his body off the ground, so he was sitting up. However, his body begged to be rested, and the recent memory of that cool grass was zapping his determination. Quickly, he fell back down to the earth; still reeling over the amount of strength it had taken for him just to sit up. A light chuckle came from his opponent.
“Hehehe, maybe we should take a little break.”
“That would be good idea.” Goten eagerly agreed. “How long have we been going at this?”
“Oh, about six hours. It’s almost eleven now.” Gohan said, grunting as he too got down to lay on the soft, plush grass. “Videl gave me a capsule with some food in it before I left this morning. What do say we eat lunch?”
“You read my mind, brother. I’m starved.”
Gohan dug threw his pocket and pulled out a small capsule. After pushing down on the button on top, he threw it down on the ground, where it quickly exploded and turned into a small refrigerator, which was stocked full of food.
After Gohan opened the door, both brothers sat there, just staring, in awe of the sheer amount of consumables. Both of their stomachs simultaneously growled, as if to recognize their old friend the refrigerator. Goten wiped the small collection of drool away that was quickly gathering at the side of his mouth. Neither of them had realized how truly hungry they were, or how long it had been since they had eaten last. It was going to be a good lunch.
One hour later, both brothers were lying on the grass. Their stomachs had recovered from the vast amounts of food they ate in a short time. Their Saiyan metabolism made it easy for them to eat, and then get back to training. However, the warm, noontime sun was beating down on them as the grass cooled their backs. The comfort of their position, plus the large meal they had just eaten was making it hard for either of them to admit they needed to get back to training. All they really wanted to do was sleep.
“That was really good. Did Videl make all that?” Goten asked, still picking pieces of fish out of his teeth.
“Yeah, she used Mother’s recipes. She fixed all of it yesterday, so Goku Jr. and I could have something to eat while we were camping.”
“Oh really? When are you going?”
“Well, we were supposed to go today.” Gohan sighed. “I don’t envy Videl’s job when she woke him up this morning and told him that I couldn’t go.”
“You…cancelled your trip? But that was supposed to be Goku’s first camping trip wasn’t it?”
“Well…yeah. It was supposed to be a birthday thing. You know, father and son bonding, but…”
“Why on earth did you do that?!” Goten interrupted.
“Goten, this is more important. It couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Yes, it could!” Goten yelled. “I could have just stayed outside in the forest somewhere, or borrowed a capsule house from Ms. Bulma, or…”
“No,” Gohan said calmly, “It would have kept you away from your family for even longer.”
Goten stared at his brother, trying to figure out what he was so sullen about all of a sudden. “It’s only a day longer. I miss her, but it’s not that big of a deal.”
“Yes it is. Anything that keeps you away from the ones you love is a big deal.” Gohan sighed deeply. “Believe me, I know what you’re feeling, because I feel it for Videl. You live your life looking forward to that time of night when she’s asleep and you’re not so you can sit there and stare at her without her noticing. Your greatest want is to make her happy, yet your greatest fear is making her mad, or hurting her. You wake up when she has a nightmare, even if she’s still sound asleep. You heart jumps if she gets hurt, even though you’re more than a mile away. You seem to know when she needs to be held, comforted, or, well… if you two need some time alone, even if she’s doing a good job of masking her emotions. It causes pain whenever you’re not around her when you know you should be.”
Gohan turned his head away from the clouds to see if Goten was even still awake. He was intently staring straight up, as if the sky held the answers to all of life’s problems. “I almost hurt her. She seemed okay when I left, but I never got the chance to talk to her about it. Now I’m out here, for who knows how long, and she has no idea how much I love her, and how much I want to be with her, resolving this. I’m away from her so I can train, train to fight, but fighting can only take me further away from her and our future children. It’s a fate that Father was willing to accept, but I’m not. I miss her; I wish I knew if she’s okay. She’s all I’ve been able to think about; I’m surprised I didn’t accidentally let my guard down this morning. It’s driving me insane.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“How could you tell?”
“Your still relatively new at this marriage thing. You’ve hardly been away from her at all. I don’t know if it’s love, or something in our Saiyan heritage, but what ever it is that makes us love-sick dogs, I’m glad it’s there. It’s a bond of some sort that keeps us with our wives and families. It’s painful when we’re not with them, but it makes it that much better when we are. It was obvious your heart and mind weren’t with today’s spar.”
“ I don’t know.” Goten contemplatively sighed, “You’re pretty banged up yourself. Maybe you had some trouble staying focused too.”
“Yeah,” Gohan admitted. “I was thinking about Panny.”
Goten put his hands behind his head and returned his gaze to the clouds. Gohan took off his white t-shirt and used it to cushion his head, allowing the sun to dry off the sweat from his bare chest. They were both quiet, obviously being thoughtful about something. A light breeze stirred up, making Goten want to go to sleep while he was still so comfortable. He couldn’t if he wanted to though. His mind was filled. He was still worried about his wife, he felt guilty that he had caused Gohan to miss a camping trip with his son, and he was wondering about his niece and what she was up to.
“Brother?” Goten said, breaking serenity.
“Hmm?” Gohan grunted, his awareness coming back after he almost dozed off.
“Do you think she’s okay?”
“Who?”
“Panny. Do you think she’s doing okay being so far into the past?”
“If she got there alright, which Trunks assures me she did, then I’m sure she’s fine.” Gohan answered. “She might be lonely and stir crazy, but she can survive anything.”
“That’s good. I hope she’s not mad at me.”
“Upset maybe. After all, you never went to talk to her after she was in space, but she’ll get over it. She knows what’s going on, and she can’t stay mad at you. Besides, she has her security blanket.”
“Her security blanket?”
“Her bandana.” A voice from behind answered. Gohan and Goten both quickly sat up to confirm whose familiar ki it was.
“Father!” Gohan shouted, glad to see him.
“I’m surprised Mother let you come.” Goten said.
“Well,” Goku said, putting his hand behind his head and giving his patented Son smile, “I had to promise that I would do some of the chores for a while. Oh, and I promised her that I would take her flying.”
“Mom… wanted to go flying?”
“She enjoys it. It’s one of her favorite things to do now.”
Goten turned to Gohan, “I told you, she’s changed since Dad’s come back.” He whispered.
“I’m glad you came. We were just resting before we started training again.”
Goku laid down next to Gohan. Staring at the clouds was one of his favorite things to do, besides eating. He saw a refrigerator when he landed, but he was disappointed to learn that his sons had already emptied it out. Gohan and Goten laid back down.
“So why is Pan’s bandana her security blanket?” Goten asked.
“Do you remember that orange gi she had when she was about four?”
“Are you kidding? She was wearing that gi when she beat me in the Worlds Martial Arts Tournament. She still gets that picture out to remind me about it.”
Gohan and Goku chuckled. “Well,” Gohan continued, “it was made of material from one of Dad’s old orange gi’s. She wore it all the time. One day, it ripped, so she took it to Videl. Videl usually fixed it when it got ripped, but the thing was worn out, and it barely fit her anymore. When we explained to her that we had to throw it out, she started to cry. She took it to her room with her and refused to give it up. So, Videl promised her that if she would give it up, she would turn it into something else she could wear, so she could carry a piece of her grandfather with her no matter what. Videl was about to turn it into a shirt, but Pan got a hold of a piece before it was cut and put it on her head. She hasn’t taken it off since.”
“That’s cute.” Goten said, which earned him a strange look from his older brother for use of the word “cute”, “Well, it is!”
“I didn’t realize her bandana was that old.” Another voice said behind them.
“Hey Trunks.” Goten greeted.
“Hey.”
“Is Vegeta coming?” Goku asked.
“I’m not sure. He was finishing lunch and yelling at my mom about something when I left… probably the food.” Trunks answered, “I’m sure if you’re here he’ll come though, since you’re the only one who gives him a challenge anymore.”
“Ubuu should be here later too. It’s the first real chance I’m going to have to see how much stronger he’s gotten since I’ve been brought back.” Goku stated.
“Well, we’d better get started if we’re going to get anything done by sundown.” Gohan said, grateful that he and Goten had shared part of a senzu bean after lunch.
A couple of hours had past. It was almost sundown, but it was still light outside. High in the sky, a capsule plane flew by, carrying six passengers. Bulma was in the pilot’s seat, using ki radar to try to find her husband’s and son’s energy.
“I can’t see them yet, can you?” Videl asked from the seat next to her.
“No, but we the ki radar says they’re directly ahead, about another thirty miles. We should be there in no time at all.” Bulma replied.
“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Marron stated from the backseat.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Chichi answered. “We’re just dropping by to say hi and invite them to dinner. I’m sure they’re starving by now anyway.”
“Ms. Chichi, is Ubuu fighting with them?” Bra asked.
“I believe so,” She answered, “He’s been gone all day, and he wasn’t supposed go home to his village for another few months. He has a job here, and he’s trying to earn some extra money for his family.”
“Why do you ask?” Bulma said, with more than just a hint of teasing in her voice.
Bra was quick to answer, “No reason.”
“You know, Chichi and Goku say Ubuu’s a very nice young man.” Bulma hinted.
“Oh he is.” Chichi added, “Always polite and willing to help out. He does the laundry, sweeps, and even cooks some times. He’s not that bad at it either, he’s just not used to cooking for a Saiyan.”
“Hmm…” Bulma said, looking back at her daughter with a cocked eyebrow. “He’s polite, a good cook, a perfect gentleman, he’s strong, which your father would appreciate, and he’s very handsome.”
Bra blushed, getting a very clear picture of where this conversation was going. “Yeah… so?”
“So… I think you should snatch him up while he’s still single.”
“Mother!” Bra yelled, “Do you always have to have a say in who I date?”
“Yes, I’m your mother, it’s my job to stick my nose into your business.”
Bra made a slight growling noise in her throat at that comment. “I’m twenty-six years old, I don’t need to be followed around and…”
The argument continued and Marron chuckled. She knew that Bra would do the same thing to her daughter without even a second thought, given the chance. It was genetic.
Five of the men were gathered around, looking up at the sky. They seem to be watching something, because their heads would simultaneously turn. An average person would see nothing, except the occasional flash of light caused by the two warrior’s ki, but these men could see. The other two warriors up in the sky moved at remarkable speed. Even Vegeta and Piccolo were having trouble clearly distinguishing which warrior did what move. From a distance it almost looked like a dance. Something choreographed and performed perfectly, but it wasn’t. Goku and Ubuu were sparring. Keeping in mind that the earth couldn’t take the stress of a full-out fight, they agreed to keep some of their energy suppressed. However, the intensity of the force being released was still tremendous, causing the earth to tremble at the clash of the two powers.
“Wow.” Was all that Goten could say.
“They’re going on three hours now. I thought they were just going to have a friendly little sparring match.” Trunks said looking at his watch.
“Kakarott is going to lose all of his energy if he keeps this up.”
“So will Ubuu.” Piccolo argued. “It’s an even fight, so far. Although, Goku could power up a lot more if he wanted to. The kid is maxed out.”
“So what if Kakarott wins or loses?! I could care less about the outcome of this match. I just want him to have enough energy to face me next.”
“I’m glad that everyone’s busy watching Father and Ubuu.” Goten whispered to Trunks. “That means I don’t have to fight anyone.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I just wish we had some food with us.”
“Just for that, I think you should face Vegeta next, Goten. Since, you think you’re going to get away with slacking off.” Gohan interrupted, hearing everything they had said perfectly clear.
Goten groaned, knowing Vegeta that would take any opportunity he had to permissibly beat the tar out of someone, especially one of “Kakarott’s” sons. Trunks chuckled at the pitiful face Goten was making. He was like a kid that was trying to get out of going to school.
“Shut up Trunks, or I’ll sic Gohan on you.”
“Oh really?” Gohan dared, “Then maybe after Vegeta’s done with you, I’ll take a shot at you.”
Goten searched desperately through his brain for something that would make Gohan get off of his back. “So Trunks, you never answered my question.”
“And what question was that?”
“Back at Capsule when Pan first left, I asked you if you were interested in her. After all, you seemed to be spending a lot of time with her.”
Trunks looked up at Gohan, wide-eyed and stricken with fear. Gohan was giving him a death glare. “I…n…why would I… I don’t… Gohan…”
“Watch out!” Piccolo yelled.
Goten and Gohan quickly backed up when they saw the flying object that appeared to be Ubuu careening down out of the sky directly towards them. The two brothers got away just in time, but Trunks wasn’t so fortunate. Ubuu landed hard, right on top of Trunks. The force of Ubuu’s fall caused both men to skid at least a city block or so before stopping, Trunks being the one whose face and body got dragged through the dirt. Ubuu was sitting on his back just holding on.
Ubuu groaned as he rolled off of Trunks’ back after they stopped. Trunks was still face down in the dirt, and he wasn’t moving. Goten and Gohan came running up to them, both trying hard to suppress a chuckle.
“Are you guys okay?” Goku asked as he floated down from the sky.
“I’m fine.” Ubuu responded, rubbing the back of his head. “Trunks? Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Came his muffled voice, his face still in the dirt. “I’m okay.”
“Wow, thanks for taking my fall.”
“Not a problem.” Trunks replied in a dampened voice, he remained unmoved.
Vegeta walked over and picked his son up by the back of his shirt. “Stupid, idiotic…” Vegeta began, “If you would have been paying attention to this fight, you would have been aware of the kick that Kakarott did which sent the kid flying and this wouldn’t have happened! How many times do I have to tell you to keep your guard up?!”
He held Trunks up for a moment, expecting a response, “Ouch, Father, that hurts.”
Vegeta let out a frustrated grunt and dropped his son back in the dirt. “Ouch.” Trunks complained.
“So Kakarott, do you still have any energy left?” Vegeta said walking up to the taller Saiyan.
“Well, yeah, but…”
Vegeta gave him no time for an answer before delivering a ki blast at Goku. Goku dodged it easily and returned one of his own, but not before jumping into the air so Vegeta couldn’t see it coming. Vegeta leaped into the air to join him as they continued their sparring match. Both of them powered up to level 2, having agreed not to go any higher. Their ki blasts were still hitting somewhat close to where the rest of the warriors were, but no one paid it any attention.
“Here,” Goten offered, “have one of my senzu beans.”
“No thanks.” Trunks said, “I’m okay.”
“Sorry about that.” He chuckled lightly.
“Yeah, I bet you are.” He said sarcastically, but smiled. “I’m going to have to pay you back for that one.”
“There they are.” Videl said, pointing at the small specks on the ground.
“Yep, that’s them.” Bulma confirmed. “I’ll land over that small hill so we won’t distract them.”
Bulma landed the plane softly. They were just out of the fighters’ sights, and they were too engrossed in the spar to sense them coming. After putting the plane back in its capsule, Bulma and the others started walking towards the group of warriors, but Videl stayed behind.
“Videl, what’s wrong?” Chichi asked.
“I think we should leave.” She said. She was looking up at the sky, apparently watching something.
“Why?”
“Goku and Vegeta are having a pretty good fight up there. They’re a little too close for comfort, I don’t think we should get any closer.”
Bulma looked up at the sky in the direction that Videl was looking. “I don’t see them. Where are they?”
“Me neither.” Marron said. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. They’re moving so fast I can only see some of their after-image, but that’s them.”
“I wouldn’t worry so much.” Chichi commented. “I’m positive they already know we’re here. They can sense us, remember?”
“I don’t know. Vegeta and Goku’s powers may be masking us, or distracting them or something. I don’t think they know that we’re close. We should stay back here until they’re finished. No, we wouldn’t stand a chance if one of them threw a blast at the ground. We should just leave.”
“I didn’t fly all they way here to turn around and leave.” Bulma argued. “Maybe we can just say hi and tell them to meet us somewhere when they’re done.”
Bulma turned around and started walking over the hill. The others followed. Videl shook her head and followed, but not before putting Goku Jr. on her back. Just in case they needed to take off in a hurry.
The other warriors watched the sky. Gohan and Piccolo could still see them, but the others were having trouble. All they could see was the occasional ki blast thrown.
“Ah, I lost them.” Ubuu complained. “I can’t see them at all now.”
“Don’t feel bad.” Said Trunks. “I can’t really see them anymore either.”
“Whoa, did you see that?” Gohan asked Piccolo.
“Yes, Son was sloppy. Anyone could’ve seen Vegeta coming up from below like that.”
“I couldn’t.” Trunks whined.
“Hey! Trunks!” A woman’s voice yelled.
Trunks couldn’t hear it, but Piccolo could.
“What are you doing?” He yelled when he saw all the women coming up the hill, waving his arms at them. “Go away!”
That’s when all the other warriors finally noticed them. “Holy crap!” Goten yelled. “They’re all here!”
Gohan looked back up at the fight. They were getting closer to their position, and both of them were powering up. “Guys, we’d better get the girls out of here before Father and Vegeta start using stronger ki.”
“Agreed.” Piccolo said as they took off and flew towards the women.
“What’s the matter Kakarott? Feeling a little beat down?” Vegeta maliciously remarked, after Goku had swung at him and missed.
“That was a cheap shot Vegeta, kicking me when I hadn’t sensed you yet.”
“Really?” He asked. “Would you consider it unfair if I was your enemy and you were fighting for your life?”
Goku said nothing, but smirked. It was very uncharacteristically evil of him. Suddenly, he fazed out of site. Vegeta turned his head quickly trying to find him. He couldn’t sense him at all, so he hoped he could find him with his eyes. ‘What did he do, teleport?’ He asked himself. “Come out and fight like a Saiyan, Kakarott!” He yelled, “Why did you run away?! Was it because you thought I was going to win?!”
“What makes you think I ran away?” Goku said, surprisingly close. He was right on Vegeta’s head, staring down at him. Quickly he brought his arms forward and faced the palm of his hands out yelling, “Kamehameha!”
It was the exact moment that he finished yelling when he looked down at the ground. There were too many people there. Vegeta managed to dodge the attack, barely, but he had no idea of what was below.
“Ah! Vegeta! There are other people down there! Block the blast!” Goku yelled as he zoomed down to try to counter his own attack.
On the ground, the other warriors had already succeeded in picking up their perspective wives, or whoever they could grab, and flew off when they sensed the blast coming. Hopefully, they could get away before it hit the ground and detonated. Goku and Vegeta got directly under the blast and aimed upward. “Kamehameha!” Yelled Goku. Vegeta followed suite, “Big bang!”
The two stronger blasts sent the weaker blast hurling upward. Satisfied that it was gone, Vegeta and Goku let out a large breath of relief. Vegeta rubbed his hands from the slight pain that the energy attack had caused. Goku scratched the back of his head, a sure sign that he was thinking about something. He was hoping that the blast hadn’t hit anything important on its way out of the atmosphere.
Assuming it was safe, the other warriors landed. “What were you thinking?!” Vegeta yelled from the sky. “Coming here when you knew we would be training! I would think you all, with the exception of Kakarott, would be intelligent enough to pick smarter mates!”
He was quite satisfied with his insult. Maybe now those stupid women would learn their lessons. He would never catch his mate foolishly going around and…
“Um, Father?” Trunks said from behind, interrupting Vegeta’s narcissistic thoughts.
“What?” Vegeta snapped. He heard Trunks clear his throat. No, wait, it was too feminine to be Trunks, but it seemed familiar. He cringed, recognizing who was with Trunks. Slowly he turned around. His face surprised Trunks, for it was an expression of utter terror.
“So, you think I’m stupid?” Bulma growled. If she were a Saiyan, she could have gone Super at that very moment.
“I never said that you were stupid.” He tried to cover.
Trunks turned his head, striving to pretend that he wasn’t with his parents at that moment. After one of Bulma’s high squeaky noises, he had enough, and placed her in his father’s arms. As Trunks turned to fly away, Vegeta’s face shocked him once again. His eyes were pleading with the boy, begging him not to run away and leave him with her. Trunks chuckled, although he would probably pay for it the next time he was alone with his father.
He landed next to Ubuu, who was carrying his sister. She still had her eyes shut tight, trembling slightly.
“Sis?” Trunks asked, attempting to make her open her eyes. “Bra? You’re okay now. You can open your eyes.”
She still had her eyes closed, apparently not hearing what Trunks had said. “Ms. Bra?” Ubuu checked.
Bra opened her eyes. No one she knew called her “Ms. Bra” but Goku Jr. and that was definitely not the voice of a little boy. That was a voice of a man, a man that smelled very good, she noticed as she regained her senses. Slowly she opened her eyes. He was in the arms of a dark-skinned guy with black hair. ’Ubuu!’ her mind screamed.
“Hello,” she said, looking brightly up at him. “Ubuu.”
Ubuu blushed heavier than she had ever seen any guy blush before.
“Thank you for catching me.”
He set her down quickly afraid he might drop her and get really embarrassed. “No thanks are required Ms. Bra. I was only doing what I had to.”
“Just call me Bra.” She said putting her hand in his and smiling sweetly at him.
“Oh, please.” Trunks bluntly interrupted, shaking his head as he walked away.
Bra gave her brother a quick death glare, before immediately returning to gaze at Ubuu. If it were possible, Ubuu’s blush would have gotten deeper, but his entire head was already bright red.
Piccolo watched all the commotion, seemingly unaware of the woman he carried under his arm like a sack of potatoes. He had simply reacted when he saw the defenseless form on the ground, the blast heading towards them. He had just picked her up, whoever “her” was. The figure began to squirm, finally gaining Piccolo’s notice.
“Let me down you over-grown ugly demon monster!” She shrieked.
Fear was the first thing that hit him. Piccolo had picked up Son’s mate. “I said put me down!” Her high voice was causing Piccolo’s head to swim, an intense pain was quickly forming in the front of his head.
Quickly he flew over to Goku. “I think this is yours.” He said, dumping Chichi into Goku’s arms. He made a hasty retreat, hoping to avoid any unnecessary ear and brain damage.
“Hi Chichi.” Goku said, giving Chichi one of his sweet, innocent grins.
She sighed lightly. She enjoyed being in Goku’s arms and it wasn’t really his fault they almost got killed. Maybe she would go easy on him. “Hi Goku.” She said calmly, much to her husband’s delight. “We brought you guys a huge dinner. Maybe we can…”
“You did?! Where?” Goku excitedly yelled, dropping her hard on the ground.
She growled as she stood up and brushed herself off. She turned and walked away, her arms crossed and her temper returning.
“Chichi wait. Can’t we eat dinner and then talk?” Goku said, running after her.
“No dinner for you Mr.!” She yelled.
“But Chichi I…”
Gohan was watching the scene and laughed. “Some things never change.” He said almost to himself.
“Gohan, I’m sorry. I tried to tell them not to land, but…” Videl explained.
“It’s okay Videl. Everyone’s safe and sound.”
“That’s it Vegeta, you are sleeping in the gravity room for the rest of this week!” Bulma yelled in the distance.
“Well, Father and Vegeta might want to sleep with one eye opened tonight.” Gohan added.
“I endangered our son’s life and my own and interrupted an important training session when I knew better, and you’re saying it’s okay?” She asked.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.”
Videl hugged him, relieved that he wasn’t mad. She sighed then pulled away. Gohan noticed a devilish smirk and a fiendish look in her eye. He almost had to do a double take, something wasn’t right here. Videl took her fingertip and traced the hard muscles across his bare chest. She laughed, almost a demented laugh. Her touches were light, and teasing…and she knew it drove him insane when she did that.
“Videl, what are you…?” He started, before he realized what she was up to.
“You’re not wearing a shirt.” She observed, almost at a whisper. “I couldn’t let that go.”
He cleared his throat, a blush creeping up on him. “Videl, we don’t have time to get too friendly, and I told you, I don’t think I’m going to be home tonight.”
“Well, maybe you could stop in for just a little while.”
“Maybe.” He said, leaning his head down and giving her a deep kiss.
Goku Jr. watched from the side, unnoticed by his parents. He cocked his head to the side, waiting for them to stop acting so disgusting so he could wrestle with his dad. But they never stopped. Goku stuck out his tongue as if he was nauseated and ran towards Trunks. Before the older demi-Saiyan could notice, Goku was latched onto his back.
“Hi Goku.” Trunks greeted. “What are you doing up there?”
“Mom and Dad are acting gross. So I thought I’d come see what you’re doing.” Jr. stated.
Trunks looked around at all the couples that were either arguing, or loving on each other. “Well, unfortunately, I’m not doing anything. What do you say we take a walk?”
“Cool!” Goku shouted. “Trunks?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think Grandpa would throw another ki thingy so we could play that game again?”
Trunks laughed.
Goten sat on the ground and watched Gohan and Videl from a distance, hearing every word that they said, and silently wondering if his mother had seen them. She still considered him and Trunks kids. He cringed at the thought of what she might do to them if she knew that Goku Jr. had been watching them. His head cocked, much in the way that it had when he was a kid and he was thinking about something. A foreign finger reached out and touched his chin, gently forcing him to turn his head. When he did, he saw his wife, sitting on the grass with him. Her eyes were narrowed. Goten knew she always liked to try and read his feelings through his eyes, as if she could see straight into his brain and what he was thinking about. He loved it.
“What wrong?” She asked him. “Are you mad?”
“Mad? No, just a little worried.” He answered softly.
“Worried? Still? About what?”
“You.”
“Me? I got away from the blast fine, thanks to you. I’m safe now.”
“I know, but it’s not the blast that I’m afraid hurt you.” He looked down at the ground, still feeling ashamed about his behavior the night before.
“Goten?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you still dwelling on what happened last night?”
He returned his gaze to her. His eyes were sad, almost pained. Without saying anything, he hugged her. He laid his head on her chest, simply to hear her heart beat. Just to make sure she was still alive, and cherishing the moment.
“I could have killed you.”
“Yes you could have, but you didn’t.” Gently, she held his head in her arms, stroking his hair like he was a child.
“I’m just afraid that I’m going to wake up, this being only a dream, and that you really did die.”
“I didn’t, and this isn’t a dream. Could you have felt that blast if this was a dream?”
He laughed gently, resting his head in her lap. He looked up at her. She smiled and bent her head down low enough to give him a small kiss. Even though it was at an awkward angle, and upside-down, he still treasured it.
“Goten, since we’re friends again…”
“Yeah?” He asked sitting up. He wasn’t sure he liked the way this question started.
“…Can we… quit the baby-making, at least for a while?”
He chuckled, relieved. “Yeah, we’ll start trying again only when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” She playfully poked him in the chest.
He watched her for a while. She was glad; his face had gone from a pained look, to a look of contentment. He pulled her close and gave her another kiss. This one was harder and more passionate then the last one. She fell softly backwards, giggling, lips still connected to her husband’s. He laughed and pulled away, but continued to rest on top of her, finger tenderly stroking her cheek. Bulma and Vegeta walked right past them, almost stepping on them. They didn’t seem to notice, though, they were still too consumed in their argument. They were still yelling loudly too. It kind of ruined the mood for the couple on the ground, but how big of a mood could there be? Their entire family, save Marron’s parents and Pan, was surrounding them. Goten had seemed to have forgotten, until then. He blushed, pulling away and sitting up, as he helped his wife up too. She laughed at Goten’s embarrassment; the only one she was afraid of was Chichi.
“So, why did you come here?” Goten asked.
“Well, we all thought that we would surprise you with a big dinner… since… you’re not going to be back for a while. Besides, I wanted to talk to you. You didn’t seem like you believed me last night when I told you I was fine.”
“Well you surprised us alright. Next time, do us a favor, and call before hand? But, I’m glad you came. You’re right, I wasn’t sure if you were being honest with me. I know you, you wouldn’t have told me your were hurt unless it was really bad. You enjoy being stubborn and hiding your pain, don’t you?”
“Well, I have to keep up with all of you tough Saiyans.” She play punched him in the arm.
He chuckled lightly, but became serious quickly. “I’m sorry.” He said.
“I know you are,” She softly eased, “but honey? After this is over, you owe me new tea kettle.”
He laughed loudly at that comment. “Alright, I’ll buy you a new kettle. Since you’re going to be so picky about everything.” He joked.
After the commotion had settled down, every one sat together and ate a giant picnic. Vegeta sat across the blanket from Bulma. She had informed him that he would not be going anywhere near her, and that he would be sleeping in the gravity room for a week. Vegeta, being so severely *cough* whipped from the beginning of their relationship, complied. However, he never stopped complaining to “Kakarott” how idiotic the woman was, and how he couldn’t believe she would throw the Prince of all Saiyans, out of his own bedroom. Goku just nodded politely as he was used to hearing Vegeta complain, he said the same things every time Bulma threw him out. He was paying more attention to the lump on his head, which Chichi, using a frying pan that seemingly came from nowhere, had given him after he dropped he, than to Vegeta, who was now vowing to never defend the “woman” again, among other things…
Gohan and Videl were sitting next to each other. Gohan still had his shirt off, and he had some lipstick marks on his cheek and neck, compliments his wife, that no one had seemed to bother pointing out to him. Bra sat next to Ubuu. Bra was smiling sweetly at him as she delicately ate her Saiyan’s portion. Ubuu was so nervous, he couldn’t seem to take a bite in front of her without feeling like a dork, and he seemed to be stuck in a continuous blush, which Bulma was getting a kick out of.
’My little girl has sure caught herself a good one.’ Bulma thought to herself.
Goten and Marron sat slightly off to the side. Goten had scarfed down his food in a hurry and was now resting his head in her lap again. Trunks sat on the far side watching all the different couples enjoy their meal. He was lonely, and silently wondered what Pan was up to. Goku Jr. was next to him, gulping down his food at a rate faster than even his Grandfather. His mother was too occupied to correct him and his Grandmother was watching something else. She was mad at her son’s obvious recent affections with their wives, but she was also sort of jealous. Her sons had grown up to be the romantics that their father had not. Oh well, he tried at least, but whenever he did, something always ended up getting burnt. She smiled at Goku, who was looking clueless as Vegeta rambled on about his marital complaints, she was happy with him the way he was, as long as he didn’t drop her again.
Piccolo sat next to Goku Jr. The kid wouldn’t have it any other way. Something about him reminded Piccolo too much of Gohan when he was that age, so he sat with them. He would rather be off by himself, meditating until they were ready to start training again, but he was there, sipping his water, sitting next to Gohan’s boy, who looked exactly like him. At least Son’s mate had brought him the good kind of water this time, instead of that cheap, imitation, off-brand.
After they were done, they all said goodbye to their wives/mothers/sisters/perspective girlfriends or members of the female species that they happen to know. It was dark, but they decided to keep training. Trunks went home because he had work in the morning, but Vegeta stayed behind. He would rather sleep under the stars then in the gravity room, even if it meant putting up with “Kakarott’s” snoring.
Pan nervously got out of her capsule car in front of one of the most expensive dress shops of that time. Quickly, she re-figured in her head how much money it would take to get her through the next month.
’One thousand zeni better be enough.’ She told herself. “Well, at least this guy is worth it, even though he won’t remember a thing when I get home. Hey, that means I can wear the dress twice, and no one will have seen it before.” She joked to herself, trying to lighten her own attitude.
She coyly made her way in the dress shop. Everything there looked absolutely gorgeous. It was just a matter of finding something that fit in her budget range, which would be difficult. First, she would start looking at things she liked. Slowly she made her way through the shop. Exploring back to front would make for an easy escape if she got overwhelmed.
There were three well-dressed women at the checkout counter that were looking at her funny. She thought it was amusing how every time she looked in their direction they would scatter, as if they were attempting to hide the fact that they were watching her. She heard one of the ladies whisper something, and then the others laughed. Quickly, she turned and gave them a dirty look, hoping they would get the point and stop. She was about to walk over there and give them a piece of her mind, but she was sidetracked. There was a beautiful black gown in the corner that caught her eye. It had embroidered blue flowers going up and down the front and back, and knee-high slits that went up both sides.
Quickly, she made her way over to it. She took the material in her fingers and felt it. It was so soft. She didn’t even need to look at the rest of the dresses, this was the one for her, if she could just…
“Two thousand zeni!” She yelled, too loudly after discovering the price tag.
Immediately she covered her mouth. That was the wrong thing to say in that kind of place. She cringed, and just as she turned to walk out the door, she was surrounded.
“Is there…something I can help you with?” One of the women from the counter asked, obviously not planning to help her with anything but finding her way out the door.
All of the women simultaneously scanned her from head to toe. It was then when Pan discovered her mistake. Today was laundry day, and the only thing she had to wear that wasn’t dirty was an old pair of sweats and a gray tank top. ’They must think I came in from off the streets.’ She cursed herself.
“I’m here for a dress.” She replied, trying to show as much dignity as possible.
“And what kind of occasion do you need this dress for?” The woman said, still scrutinizing everything that Pan was wearing.
“I’m going to a party,” Pan said, holding her head up. “At Capsule Corporation.” She quickly added.
“Capsule Corporation? Will this be your first major event that you have bussed tables at?” She said with a malicious smirk. The other ladies in back of her slightly allowed themselves to smile. Pan was afraid that their face-lifts were going to snap.
“For your information, I have money!” She said, trying to keep from going Super Saiyan.
The woman lifted her eyebrow, Pan was sure she heard skin break.
“I just don’t have enough for this particular dress.” She admitted, looking back at the perfect dress somberly.
“Well, tell me young lady, how much do you have. We’ll work from there.”
Pan tried her best to keep up her mask of pride, but the answer to the question would be her downfall, she knew it. “I have t…” She trailed off.
“Excuse me? I didn’t hear you.”
“I said I have two hundred zeni.”
The three women began to laugh hard. Pan thought for sure that they were going to end up rolling on the floor. “Young lady,” The woman began again, but stopped to laugh once more. “The-there’s a store down a couple blocks from here called ‘Dress-R-Us’. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you there.”
“And you’re sure it’s one of our cars?” Bulma asked over her cell phone.
“I’m positive, Mother. I saw her get into it the other day, but I’ve never seen that model before, it’s too new.” The other voice replied.
“Well, it’s right here. It’s in front of one of my favorite dress shops. I guess I’ll go in and look for her. What does she look like?”
“Well,” Trunks began, “She has black hair, blue eyes, she’s about as tall as you are, she’s a fighter, so she’s pretty well toned. In fact, she’s got a beautiful body. She’s got long legs, a flat stomach, and a…”
“Trunks,” Bulma interrupted, “Remember, you’re talking to your mother, not one of your guy friends.”
Trunks cleared his throat, obviously kind of embarrassed. “Just look for someone who kind of looks like Videl, but skinnier, and with longer hair.”
“Okay, I will.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“You’re welcome.” She hung up her cell phone and walked inside. She was about to ask the ladies she knew at the front desk if they had seen this girl, but they were all in the back, hovering over something.
“You know,” one of the other women started, “I’m sure there’s a thrift shop somewhere around here.”
The other women once again joined in laughter. However, the doorbell ring letting them know someone walked through the door, and they all stopped to see whom it was.
“Ah!” One of the ladies gasped. “Blue hair!”
“Do you think?”
“Well, it is that time of year…”
They all scurried past Pan to greet the other customer. “Hello Ms. Briefs!” One of them yelled, in a fake, annoying, “happy to see you” voice.
Pan figured that this was the time to leave, so she quickly ducked down and started nearly running down the other aisle. Bulma saw the fleeing figure and quickly “accidentally” stepped in its way. Pan bumped into her at full speed, causing Bulma to be knocked over.
“Oh gosh! I’m so sorry!” Pan apologized as she helped her up.
“I think you’d better leave. You’re disrupting our real customers.” The shop runner said.
“No she’s not, it was an accident. I’m the one who got in her way.” Bulma argued.
“Um… I’m sorry, but I really have to go now.” Pan hurried to get out the door.
“Nonsense!” Bulma said quickly, trying to keep her there. “My name is Bulma Briefs.”
“Hello, Ms. Briefs. I’m P-Kara. Kara Oakie.” She shook her hand.
“Call me Bulma, nice to meet you. Listen, I’m shopping for a friend who is about your size.” She said examining her. “What size are you?”
“Umm… I don’t know. I guess a three or four.” Pan answered.
“Good, you’re pretty close. Let me use you as a model to find this dress for her and we’ll call it even.”
“I… Ms. Bulma…” Pan started to argue. “All right.”
“Great! So, Zelda, show me some nice dresses that a young girl like Kara would enjoy.” She turned to the sales lady.
“Right over here Ms. Bulma, there’s this incredible dress we just got in. Oh, and it’s on sale!” Zelda squealed.
The sales lady was showing her the black dress. ’Oh well,’ Pan thought sadly. ’At least I get to try it on.’
“Kara, would you be a doll, and try this one on for me?” Bulma yelled.
Pan walked into the changing room and put on the dress. There wasn’t a mirror in the room, so she couldn’t see what it looked like. She walked out of the fitting room, and heard four gasps. Even the sales ladies were admitting how good she looked in that dress. Pan got up in front of the full-length mirrors and looked at herself. The dress was perfect! Pan didn’t really like wearing anything but sweats, but this was the exception.
“Kara, I don’t think my friend should have this dress, I think you should.”
“I don’t…” Pan started.
“Well, she can’t afford it.” The sales lady answered for her. “So, how about we package that up for you Ms. Briefs?”
“Uh, no thanks. I’ll come back later.” Bulma answered. “Kara, I have a dress at home that looks almost exactly like that. Why don’t you come with me and you can try it on? It’s an old dress; I’m never going to wear it again. I won’t charge you.”
Pan was about to argue again, but knowing Bulma, she wouldn’t stand a chance. “Okay.”
She quickly changed back and got out of the fitting room. “Go ahead and go outside. I have another order to pay for in here.”
Pan didn’t think anything of it, so she just walked out the door, grateful to get away from those women.
Once she was gone, Bulma ordered, “I’ll take the exact one she just tried on, and wrap it up.”
The storekeeper gave her a strange look, but complied. After all, you don’t want to question the richest woman in the world. After buying the dress, Bulma and Pan headed towards Capsule Corporation in Bulma’s car. They got there quickly, but they had plenty of time to talk.
“So you’re the Kara Oakie, my son’s girlfriend?” Bulma asked as they pulled up. “Well, it’s a good thing we’re going to find you a dress then.”
“Yeah,” Pan said, knowing full well that something was up. “It’s a good thing.”
Just then, Trunks rushed out the door. “Kara! What are you doing here?”
’Why don’t you tell me?’ She asked inside her head. “I met your mother when I was going dress shopping. Strange coincidence, huh?”
Bulma cleared her throat. “Well, I’ll go upstairs and find that dress.”
Trunks mouthed the words ”Thank you.” To Bulma while Pan’s head was turned.
Trunks waited till she was in the house to say anything. “So, how are you?”
“Oh,” Pan faked, “Okay, but I owe your mother two thousand zeni.”
Trunks chuckled nervously, “What do you mean?”
“She didn’t have to buy me that dress.”
“I didn’t ask her to do that. I just asked her to track you down, so I’d have an excuse to see you again. But, let her spend her money. She had fun, and you’re worth it. If it makes you feel better, return it after the ball. They’ll take anything back from my mother at that store.”
Pan smiled, and Trunks’ heart melted. “Well, I did really love that dress.” She said. “And I think you will too once you see it.”
“Oh, I know I will, if you’re wearing it.”
Pan blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”
Trunks felt himself turn to mush. He lowered his head and tasted her. It was just as good as he remembered it being. He pulled her closer, and even lifted her off the ground slightly. He was definitely going to have to thank his mother for this.
In the house, Vegeta looked on. Spying on his son was not one of his favorite activities, especially when he was with one of his girlfriends, but this girl…
“Vegeta?” Bulma interrupted his thoughts. “What are you doing?”
“Who is that girl?” He asked sternly.
“Another girlfriend. He seems really taken by this one though, I think it might be serious.” She rested her arms on his shoulder and pecked him on the cheek. He growled at the sign of affection, but then again, he always growled when the woman “pecked” him, so it didn’t faze Bulma.
“She has an energy rating. At least, high enough to notice, and she’s not doing anything strenuous right now.” He acted concerned.
“Well, she’s a fighter. She’s probably strong.”
“Still, something about her ki is very familiar…”
She felt him caress her lips. She was enjoying it a lot more this time. She didn’t feel as guilty. Her feet came off the ground a little bit. He was so close. She wanted to stay like that for a while, but she knew they had to breathe some time, but it was so nice, to have someone she cared about for so long treat her like this. She pushed the thoughts of leaving far back in her brain. No, she was going to enjoy this for as long as she could. She even left the spray at the ship. She had no intention of using it any time soon.