Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Early Morning of a Life Together ❯ Saiyaman's proposition ( Chapter 22 )

Early Morning

 

For Videl it seemed as if an eternity had passed from the time that Goku had arrived, and the subsequent haste to figure out just what Chichi had stumbled upon. Tense with the reality of Gohan's situation she felt the weight of the world settling in on her. Just what had she taken on when realizing how deeply Gohan and she had connected? All the realities spun through her brain, incorporating thoughts such as, “I can't carry such a load…” or “I never asked to be his sense of sanity!”

Would Gohan truly rage and destroy the world if she rejected him? The reality seemed too hard to bear. Yet, she felt a sense of falseness in that realization. Hadn't Gohan the patience of a saint and the purity of spirit celebrated by the supreme Kai himself.

“Goku, I can't believe you think that my… our Gohan would lose himself simply like you're suggesting,” Chichi shook her head violently.

“Well, I don't know if it's THAT exactly, but…”

“Wait, just WAIT!” Videl piped in, causing both husband and wife to swivel their heads in tandem. Having gotten their attention the daughter of the world's champion threw up her hands in frustration.

“What?” Chichi asked, as Goku's mouth snapped shut.

“She's right, Goku. I can't believe that Gohan would… would lose it. You make it sound like he's some volcano ready to erupt! I can't take that responsibility. You make it sound like it'd be MY fault if he went nuts because I broke up with him!” Videl said.

“That's not what he means, and you know it Videl dear,” Chichi reached over and patted her hand. “Goku, Gohan has a great deal of discipline and self control. This is more than I can say for you dear, no offense. He knows he must follow the rules or else!”

“But sometimes following the rules doesn't always work, Chichi. It depends on the rules. And Gohan has frightening power that he's keeping under wraps. You have to realize he's always had it whether you want to accept it or not. It's our Saiyan blood, Chichi,” Goku protested, his voice halting as he saw the frown spreading across Goku's face.

“Gohan can handle it, Goku. Perhaps YOU don't know him as well as you like to admit. After all, he DID beat Cell,” Chichi sniffed. “And if YOU can stop from blowing up the world, surely my Gohan would not even THINK of such a thing. Why I wouldn't LET him! He knows better than to be so sloppy with his talents! My son isn't a monster.”

“You once called him and me that, Chichi,” Goku blurted out. Chichi pressed her mouth shut firmly and sighed.

“All right, how many times are you going to throw that into my face? I'm SORRY I said that Goku! But Gohan's my son as much as yours! And I taught him self control! Don't tell me he would forget that so easily! A concept YOU seem to do the exact opposite of!” Chichi snapped back.

“She's right Goku. You need to give Gohan more credit. If anyone can handle power, it's Gohan. I trust him,” Videl said firmly. “Chichi does, and that's good enough for me!”

Goku backed away timidly under the ebony stare of his wife and the crystalline blue of his future daughter in law. He had to admit they had a point. He had often forgotten that chichi's constant harping on Gohan's need for study could apply to fighting discipline as well. It was hard to remember that Gohan despite having enormous power also possessed enormous reserves of self control. Having to keep a lid on it for so many years could he continue to do so?

Yes, he could. Gohan could.

“I can't believe you'd even suggest such a thing, Goku,” Chichi frowned, shaking her head at Goku in frustration.

“F…forget I said anything,” Goku laughed nervously. “It was just a…. a passing thought. Nothing more. You know how I don't always get things… hehehe.”

“That's all it better be. There's enough going on without you sending Videl's and my nerves on some trip to Kami knows where!” Chichi scolded. “Now Videl, let's do the reasonable thing and wait and see if Gohan and Goten will come home for dinner.”

“I'm sorry,” Videl suddenly interrupted. Both Goku and Chichi again flinched with surprise.

“Don't be sorry dear, what are you apologizing for?” Chichi asked, tapping her foot as Goku blinked.

“What are you sorry about?”

“I can't just stay here. I need to straighten this out with Gohan once and for all. I've run away from how I really feel for too long,” Videl announced, stepping away from the counter. She pulled off the apron she had been wearing and twisted the watch on her wrist.

“What are you saying dear?” Chichi asked. She automatically inched near Goku, who in turn moved over towards his wife as well.

“I mean I need to talk to him. I need to accept that I love him, and that I've just been running away because I am scared. But I'm even more scared of what will happen if Gohan isn't in my life or me in his. What you both said convinced me just now,” Videl continued.

“That's so beautiful,” Chichi said, a smile broadening over her face. She felt a sudden giddiness overtake her. “And you two can talk when…”

“Let her continue, Chichi,” Goku urged, wrapping his arms around his wife's waist and giving her a kiss to her cheek.

“But…”

“Chichi, you were right. But I can't just stay here waiting for him to come to me. I need to see him, and I'm going now,” Videl announced. She strode out of the kitchen with her head held high, maintaining the same bearing that Goku was sure he saw chichi often using.

“Dear… wait a minute… where are you going…” Chichi wondered. She broke free from Goku's embrace and rushed after her daughter in law, who had now arrived in the living room in front of the front door.

“To talk to Gohan of course, what do you think?” Videl turned her head for a moment and said.

“But… but… wait!” Chichi spluttered.

“Sorry, but I have to do this my way now,” Videl called into the house behind her, each step taking her over the threshold and out the front door of the Son residence.

“But…” Chichi stammered. Goku's strong hand caught hold of her arm, arresting her as she dashed forwards. A blast of wind and a whoosh of ki indicated that Videl had taken off. Tugging against Goku's grip Chichi fussed and fumed.

“Why are you stopping me?” Chichi demanded, glaring at her husband.

“I'll go after her,” Goku said, grasping Chichi's shoulder to stop his wife from following. “Don't worry. I'll just give her a five minute head start.”

“Why didn't you say so?” Chichi asked.

“You didn't give me time to, Chi,” Goku blinked at her.

“I do love you, even though you drive me crazy, Goku-sa,” Chichi announced, throwing her arms around her husband. Leaping up on her tiptoes she gave him a quick but heartfelt kiss. Goku was again relieved that she was so easily mollified. With a knowing smile he gave her a warm hug, and then released her. Two steps later and he blasted off after Videl. Shielding her eyes with her hand, Chichi watched both bright stars of ki fading to nothing.

“I suppose they'll be starving when they all come home,” Chichi murmured pragmatically, shutting the door after them. Retreating to the kitchen, she began to pull out various cooking pots and pans. It would have been extremely nice to have Videl here to help her prepare a feast for three hungry Saiyans she realized. However there would be plenty of time for that if everything went as it seemed to be going. While she tossed ingredients into a huge stew she happily sang and stirred the pot. Warmth spread in her, a feeling of hope that things would be as they naturally should arose in her, and she decided to trust that her sense was right.

Once she was airborne, Videl felt foolish. She realized that she had no idea where Gohan had actually flown off to. Still, she hoped that fate would guide her in the direction of where he would most likely be. Something instinctually whispered in her brain, suggesting a vague sense that it would be a good idea to head towards Satan City. Ever since she had come closer to him, this tiny sense would pull her like a piece of metal to a magnet, in the direction of Gohan. Now she realized it must be a result of the whole that they had forged together. A relationship.

Even in the afterlife she'd sensed Gohan was still alive. Videl hadn't questioned it much, but in the years that followed sensed it was a byproduct of love. Now it dawned on her it was more than mere coincidence. She and Gohan were connected in a special way, and she KNEW where he was. As long as she opened herself to the invisible pull she could find him.

“All right, Gohan, I'm coming back. I'm not running away anymore,” Videl promised. Still the fear of Goku's suggestion toyed with her mind, and she wondered if there was any truth to his words.

Either way she had to find out.

Under her streaked the ground, forests giving way to small towns, and eventually the main roads that led to her home town. The spires of Satan City rose and glided into view, welcoming her and gleaming in the low angles of the evening sun. Steadily the pull increased, and her sense that Gohan was close was increasingly truer with each moment. Yes, Gohan HAD to be there. While she realized she could use her wrist communicator to call him, somehow it seemed better to surprise him. Such impulses seemed at first like sentimental romantic clichés, and yet the rest of her told her that it was Gohan's way she must respect.

If she was to bridge the gap of misunderstanding she had dug the day before, she must follow the rules. Tradition had to be honored, despite her resentment of what seemed to be quaint outdated ideas of the roles of men and women. They were still there, no matter how far she could fly, and could be respected while still maintaining herself. Just as long as she never forgot herself as Chichi had seemed to.

“Chichi hasn't forgotten who she is,” Videl murmured, swooping down towards the center square of Satan City. The main streets crossed in a town square, where a large statue of her father stood with both arms raised aloft. Like the guardian of the city he looked down cast in bronze at the people milling below from one shop to another.

There she saw two figures exiting a jewelry shop. Her heart pounded more steadily as she recognized the green figure with the red cape, and a white turban. Next to him skipped the diminutive figure of the young boy she knew as Goten. Great Saiyaman stood talking to several policemen and a crowd of people that were gathering around him. Videl touched down a block away, hoping that they hadn't spotted her. A frown of concern crossed her face, and she wondered just why Gohan was lost in a growing throng of people stopping him from going any further then the shop he had just stepped out of.

She cautiously walked towards the crowd, crossing the street and rounding the corner of the shop building. People clamored and pushed, and she saw an orange blur rocket over the top of the crowd, straight towards her. Videl yelped, dodging as a shower of flowers landed on her, and batted them away. A second later, two arms tackled her waist and she was knocked flat on her back by a small body and a voice crying, “Sissy! You're back! You're back!”

“What the…” she stammered, blinking up into a pair of dark eyes and a young face. Small arms wrapped around her neck tightly and a small face pressed into her chest.

“You're back! Why did you run away! We were so worried!” Goten's voice was muffled against her shirt. Arms full of the young boy, Videl struggled to sit up, amused and touched and frustrated all in one. The boy was crying into her shoulder, latching onto her like she was a long lost friend who would never return and babbling a string of words that she struggled to decipher.

“Goten, it's okay! I'm back, I'm sorry! Where's Gohan?” Videl panted, struggling to sit up as she hugged Goten back. She had to admit she was very happy and relieved to see the kid, because where Goten was, Gohan was sure to be.

“He's over there!” Goten laughed, pulling back as Videl hugged him tightly. “Why did you fly away!!!? Gohan was so upset!!!”

“I didn't mean to make him cry, Goten. I really AM sorry,” Videl apologized, wiping away Goten's tears. She sat on the pavement, holding Goten on her lap as he continued to squeeze her neck.

“That's okay! I was so worried you didn't like me or Gohan anymore and we'd never see you again!” Goten pouted.

“Let me go, I can't breathe,” Videl gasped.

“Oops, sorry,” Goten apologized letting go a bit. “Gohan's over there, and he REALLY wants to see you!”

“Let's go to him then. But what's with all the people?” Videl panted. Goten leapt off her lap, and then grabbed her hand. He tugged her up, almost yanking her arm out of her socket as she was pulled to her feet.

“C'mon!” Goten chirped, dragging her after him.

She almost slammed into the people clustered around the front entrance to a florist shop. Once people turned around they suddenly chorused and laughed her name. Dozens of hands tried to steady her and pick her up and dust her off simultaneously. “It's Videl… sorry Miss Satan… watch out…”

“Let her through will you!”

“Hey, what's going on?” Videl asked, panting. Before her the crowd parted on either side, revealing the sight they had concealed. Great Saiyaman's sun glassed face barely was visible around a huge bouquet of flowers he clenched in his hands. Goten continued to drag her by her hand towards him, and Videl felt a huge surge of blood coursing through her face.

“She's here, she's here!”

“What… G… Great Saiyaman… what the…” Videl babbled, her eyes widening at the sight of the enormous bouquet and the nervous looking hero that clutched them. Several reporters waved microphones around his face, and poked them into hers the moment she was brought into the circle of people.

“Miss Satan is it true that you're going to marry the Great Saiyaman?” one of the reporters asked.

“Are you two engaged?” said another. Fortunately several policemen shoved them away, forming a protective bubble around her and Goten.

“Wait, what the…” Videl answered, her blush increasing in intensity. Goten simply giggled, continuing to drag her to the side of his brother, who was babbling helplessly to the reporters nearest to him. At his left was the chief of police, who was struggling to wave away anxious lookers on.

“Here she is!” Goten announced, letting go of her hand. Hands shoved her towards Gohan. On either side the crowd shoved against the line of policemen, who in turn were jostled against those they sought to protect. Another nudge propelled Gohan and Videl right together, so they collided. Flowers shot right into Videl's face and over her shoulders and back as Gohan tried to release them and catch hold of her safely.

“What… V… Videl!” Gohan stammered, equally as flustered. His red cape and green suit were covered in a shower of petals and leaves.

“What's all this?” she managed to get out.

“Well uh… this is uh… I didn't expect you here…” Gohan stammered, his cheeks crimson as hers must be.

“I'm sorry, I'm so sorry… I wanted to talk to you, but not like this…” Videl managed to splutter.

“YAYYY!” Goten cheered, clapping his hands.

Strong arms wrapped around Videl, shielding her from the shoves and pushes. She clung to Gohan tightly, and then pressed her face into his tunic in mortification to drown out the embarrassment of everyone around them pestering and pointing and giggling.

“Great Saiyaman! One question please!!!” a brave reporter shouted, shoving hard against a wall of policemen.

“Enough, everybody, please!” Gohan shouted in his Saiyaman voice. “This is not dignified! Someone could get hurt!”

“He's right, move away!” the policemen shouted. Thankfully the people moved backwards, finally widening the circle and standing at a safer distance. Still clinging to him, Videl felt a sense of relief and dared raise her face from Gohan's chest to see people stepping backwards.

“Ask her! Ask her!” shouted a dozen voices.

“You have to ask her!”

“Ask what?” Videl wondered.

“Uh well… I um…” Gohan stammered, still flustered and amazed that Videl was right in his arms once more. This was definitely not how he wanted to approach her, but in front of the dozens of people he could hardly speak or say what he wanted to. There was nothing for it except the obvious.

“Videl… Miss Satan,” he cleared his throat and gently released her. Stepping back he then reached into his tunic pocket. Shouts and cheers died to a collective hush. Hundreds of eyes rested on him, pinning Videl and he in their scrutinizing gaze.

“What are you doing?” Videl asked, her knees knocking together. All she wanted to do was fly away with Gohan, and say what she desperately wanted. Yet the people thronging around them seemed so insistent and she didn't want to ruin Saiyaman's image. So she did the only thing she could do. Grasping her wristwatch she pressed the button. In an instant her costume materialized, causing everyone to gasp a second time.

“Don't you mean Great Saiyawoman?” Videl answered, hands on her hips.

“Indeed I do… I've a very important question for you!” Great Saiyaman chimed in, the bravado burying Gohan's hesitation.

“And what would THAT be?” Videl in her Saiyawoman costume asked.

“If you would come over here please, and take my hand,” he said, extending his gloved hand towards her. Placing hers in it she felt the steady squeeze of his gentle grasp. Beneath the glove she felt the trembling of his muscles.

“What are you doing…” she got out before he dropped to one knee, still clutching her hand in his. Behind her visor her tears swarmed and she saw the vision of him blurring. Hand over his heart he dramatically turned his head up towards her.

“Great Saiyawoman, we've fought crime together for years now. And we're the greatest crime fighting team in the world! Will you do me the honor…” he smoothly asked, bringing the hand that was clasped to his breast forward. Holding out his palm he balanced a small velvet box on it.

“Are you asking me to…?” Videl stammered. The exact dimensions of such a box could only mean one thing.

“Will you do me the honor of consenting to… will you marry me, and fight crime at my side forever?” Great Saiyaman asked earnestly.

“Say yes, say yes!” chanted the crowd around them. Frozen in place Videl felt the surges of positive energy and nervousness crash over her like a wave. Dizzily she leaned forwards, hoping she wouldn't' faint before the crowd. Granted she never did, yet something inside bubbled and giggled despite her better efforts to suppress the urge to squeal and scream with surprise.

“I… I…. oh wow…” Videl stammered. Releasing Gohan's gloved hand she squeezed hers together. Drawing in great breaths of air, she heard the chanting crowd urging her on.

“Will you?” Saiyaman asked, his voice softer now. Dark eyebrows rose from behind his dark glasses. Realizing there was no way out but straight through, both of them continued the roles that presented them with the most comfortable option.

“I… yes… the answer is yes…” Videl murmured. Reaching out her hand she snatched the box and held it tightly. In so doing she clutched Gohan's outstretched hand with her own in a viselike grip. Gohan stood up, his face uncertain.

“You will?” he whispered. Almost pleading, yet not pleading Videl realized. In front of the whole world she knew that he was serious.

“Yes, I WILL marry you!” Videl repeated.

“Yes!” Gohan cried, leaping towards her and grabbing her up in his arms. She cried out in happiness and shock as he spun her around, gripping his cape tightly. Cheers and whistles erupted around them from the crowd. Showers of confetti and rolled up zenni and coins zinged towards them like a blizzard. Cameras whirled and clicked one instant, then exploded like fireworks the next. Shards of glass fell, and reporters collectively swore.

From behind a building, a turbaned figure grunted, his white cape flapping in the breeze. For a second his eyes had glowed, the instant before all the cameras were decimated. Out of the corner of his eye Gohan saw his mentor, and whispered silent thanks. Arms full of Videl he whooped and danced.

“Yayyyy!” Goten cheered, dancing around excitedly as his older brother and sister to be spun in circles and laughed.

Videl threw her arms around Gohan's neck, and pushed up the visor of her helmet. Turning her face to the side she attacked his lips with her own. Gohan froze in surprise, almost dropping her when he felt his lips locked in a firm kiss. Fortunately he snapped back to attention, wrapping her in his arms so she was securely held against his body in a tight embrace. Stopping his dance he relaxed into the softness of her lips on his, and the warmth of her body pressed tightly to his own. Secure in his Saiyaman guise he allowed himself to enjoy the sensation of her lips parting his, and the warmth of her breath over his palate. Hungrily he took possession of the kiss, returning it with firmness and a desire that drank her in for a full two minutes.

Around the two lovers the crowd continued to hoot and holler. Oblivious to them, Great Saiyaman and Saiyawoman continued their embrace. Nevertheless both knew that although they were reunited there was much to discuss out of the heat of the public eye if they were to have a chance at an afternoon or an evening to their budding relationship. One kiss and an accepted proposal would not answer all the questions and the hurt the rift had caused, but it was a big step towards the healing and the forging of their bond as husband and wife...