Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Early Morning of a Life Together ❯ Resolution ( Chapter 23 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z. Akira Toriyama does, and I make no money writing this fan fiction.

Thanks to my first reviewer on the chapter. I am pulling the update of 2 chapters quickly and half done because you reminded me that I need to take my time. So I'm going to make sure that before I post anymore that it's perfected. Thank you for your advice and patience.

Early Morning

Resolution of a Sort.

***

Words expressed in public could still not resolve the rift that had opened between Videl and Gohan. Even a proposal accepted in public still needed far more to remain valid. Therefore, in the heart of the crowd, Gohan reached down and scooped Videl into his arms. She yelped and clung to his neck as he blasted off. The clustered throng tensed in anticipation for Saiyaman's next move.

"Wait for me!" Goten chorused, whizzing after them. Far below the crowd cheered and laughed with the news of the century. The Saiyaman team would forever be united in wedded bliss.

Far above the two brothers blasted across the landscape towards home. Videl felt the tingling of Gohan's energy licking across her and she felt unable to speak. As soon as she opened her mouth to say something she snapped it shut because Goten was within earshot. Any topics would have to wait until their eventual destination. She hoped it would be towards the Son House.

"I'm hungry Big Brother!" Goten whined.

Fondly Gohan smiled at his brother. He answered, "Go on home Goten. I'm sure Mom has some tasty treats for you. I'll catch up soon, all right. Tell her that we've got one more for dinner.”

"But she already knows we're coming!” Videl protested.

"Good. All the better for us then," Gohan said neutrally. His grasp on her tightened and Videl shivered. Still though he wore hiss Saiyaman disguise, his behavior seemed contrary to its outward easygoing appearance. Intense emotions radiated off him hearkening of grim seriousness.

"See you later big brother, and big sister!" Goten clapped his hands. He flared an extra burst of ki while Gohan retarded his own speed. Soon Goten rocketed far ahead of the couple, leaving them alone on their flight. Videl recognized that they were indeed headed where she hoped, and felt a wave of heat covering her.

"Gohan, we are going... um home... right?"

"Yes, we are," Gohan answered. "I just wanted to get out of the range of view before I changed."

"Yeah, good idea," Videl nodded, unable to look him in the face.

"Hang onto my neck Videl. I'm going to change now," Gohan announced, with an authoritative tone in his voice usually reserved for Goten.

"I can fly on my own, there's no need to carry me," Videl answered.

Gohan released her, so she flew under her own power. This freed them both so they could touch the controls on their respective wristwatches. From around them faded the costumes, revealing their clothes beneath. Videl's breath escaped from her mouth and her heart skipped beats seeing what Gohan was wearing. The way his muscles filled out that gi stunned her and the look on his face clearly resembled that when he was serious.

This time Gohan more carefully admired Videl's outfit that resembled Chichi's. Although her hair was short, it did not detract from the overall attractiveness of the effect. Somehow, its silk softened her features and enhanced her in ways that made his heart pound faster. He could visualize her now more than ever rising in his bed and sharing simple pleasures alongside him for a lifetime as his parents did. A low growl escaped his lips while he sneaked out his arm to grab her by the waist. Videl yelped in protest, as Gohan grabbed her under the knees with his other strong hand. Now he held her love cradle style, which was a position of significance not lost on Videl.

"Gohan, come on I'm serious!" she yelped.

"I won't let you get away from me again," he warned, with a note of seriousness.

"Gohan you're freaking me out here," Videl informed him, her eyes growing narrow with warning.

"Is that why you left me, Videl? Be honest with me. Are you scared of me?" Gohan asked firmly.

"Y... yes... I am... when you're like this. But not in the way you think," Videl honestly answered.

Gohan inhaled deeply, and his eyes closed for a second. Videl swallowed hard, her heart sinking. Yet when his grasp on her increased, she flinched to see the dark eyes fixing into hers. Gohan then let go of Videl's legs and reached up to grasp his waist. She yelped, forgetting she could fly but still hung around Gohan's neck. Possessively his arms grasped her, and she was unable to break their relentless grip.

"Gohan... would you ease up with that grip! I'm not some piece of merchandise someone's gone to steal away! Stop acting like a caveman! It's not LIKE you!” Videl growled angrily.

"Sorry, I don't mean to, but I meant what I said about not letting you go," Gohan answered, releasing his grasp a bit. He then turned his gaze on the nervous girl trying hard to look away.

“You don't have to be so… so… MALE about it! Where's the Gohan who knows better than this!” Videl asked, regaining her nerve.

“This is also part of me. Or does it disgust you?” Gohan then asked.

“No!” Videl shouted. “Gohan look, if I didn't accept that would I have said yes?”

“Obviously I was right when I guessed we needed to talk,” Gohan murmured, his eyes still dark and deep with frustration.

Videl exhaled in a long stream of labored breath. For a moment, she closed her eyes to compose the many thoughts drifting through her mind. Then she swallowed hard when she had selected the right words. Slowly she said, “All right. You're probably still angry with me considering what I said to you. They were pretty awful things and I wouldn't blame you for still being sore.”

“They were awful Videl, but you did have a point,” Gohan relented. Videl's blue eyes now widened in surprise at his admission.

“Then… it all makes sense. Gohan, I said yes to your proposal not because we were surrounded by people, but because I'd hoped that it was your own honest idea to ask me,” Videl said.

“And why is that, Videl?” Gohan pressed his dark stare enticingly dominant. Although it frightened her, she really did enjoy this commanding side of his personality.

“Because you said it as Saiyaman, not as Gohan,” Videl answered.

“And that's significant why?” Gohan frowned.

“You're less inhibited when you're Saiyaman, that's why. You're not afraid to be yourself because it's safer to hide behind that costume. But you can't hide from me. That part of you's the most honest and pure. You're not being the obedient son and good boy, but a hero,” Videl explained.

Gohan blinked at her words, pondering each one. It amazed him how she had put words to something formless for so long. A dichotomy and contradiction between his two personas that many legendary heroes faced. How they could truly express what was in their heart by adopting another identity while having to hide their true nature when they were really `themselves'. Then Gohan answered, “That's true Videl. However, you also have to realize that I asked you as Gohan, not just as Saiyaman. From my heart and as I am now. And that's why I need to know why you're still scared?”

"I'm not scared Gohan, I'm terrified," Videl answered. "But not because I think you're a monster or anything!"

"I wouldn't blame you for being scared of me. I AM a monster to some," Gohan said seriously.

"But you can control your power, I know you can," Videl said, trembling with fear at the thought of Goku's warning words.

"Why are you saying that?" Gohan blinked, confusion spreading over his face.

"It's just that I heard your dad and mom... I mean... no it's nothing, forget it," Videl said.

"Videl, what did my father and mother say to you?" Gohan asked, his voice darkening again with palpable menace.

"That they were afraid you'd lose control if you got angry enough! And I felt so horrible that it was my fault but that's not all!" Videl blurted out.

"Videl, that's not true! It isn't your responsibility! It is mine alone," Gohan sighed, shaking his head.

"And that's one reason I'm scared. This is all so much... I love you Gohan, and the thought of not living with you scares the hell out of me, but I can't help it... I..." she trailed off and stared away guiltily.

"So you didn't mean it what you said before?" he growled.

"I was scared okay! I thought if I made you angry enough that you'd just forget about me. And get on with your life! Maybe I was being damn selfish. And for that I'm also sorry Gohan," Videl apologized in a hot rush of angry words. "But I don't want things to change!"

"Change how, Videl?" Gohan asked.

"We're almost home Gohan... can't we talk about this after dinner please!" Videl suddenly changed the subject. Gohan's stomach rumbled and he let out a small sigh of frustration.

"All right Videl, but you and I aren't finished," he complained, glancing away from her.

"I never said we were, Gohan! Dammit, you and I can't just rush into things! So if you think I'm going to run away again, you're WRONG!" Videl yelled at him.

Gohan hid a small smile to see how lovely she looked when angry. It was so much like his own mother it hurt and relieved him at the same time. It was a good sign that there was hope and that she hadn't just accepted his proposal to please the crowd. Either way he WAS starving and it was difficult to make any decision on an empty stomach. Still he carried Videl when he landed on his booted feet. Videl protested and shoved as he strode towards the door, "Hey I can walk! I promised I wouldn't fly away... what's gotten into you Gohan?"

"What's wrong with me carrying you?" Gohan asked suddenly. "Or are you still scared of me?"

"I'm scared of your MOTHER!" Videl whispered and pointed to the house they now stood in front of.

"Oh, I see," Gohan relented, and then gently put her down. He still grasped her hand and gently tugged on it.

"Thank you," she said in relief. Still Gohan's hand would not release hers and she saw the grim seriousness setting in on him. Fear arose in her, not for her own safety but again to the words that Son Goku had uttered.

***

The door swung open and Chichi rushed out towards them. "Gohan darling! Thank Kami you're home! You scared me so badly! You brought him home Videl! Thank you so much!"

"Mom, wait a minute..." Gohan gasped as he released Videl's hand out of reflex. His mother threw herself at him with tears rolling down her face. Her arms latched around him and he was actually boosted up into a bear hug.

"Gohan, don't you DARE scare me like that again! Shame on you worrying your poor mother and father! What has gotten into you! Thank Kami your fiancée had good sense to come find you and bring you HOME where you belong!" Chichi ranted, squeezing her son tightly.

"Mom... please... it's all right!" Gohan stammered, flushing with embarrassment. Gone was his stern look and Videl relaxed considerably.

"Videl, I'm glad you're back!" Goku's voice interrupted her and she spun around.

"Sissy! C'mon in I'm STARVING! Mommy said we had to wait for you!" Goten pouted, clinging to Goku's shoulder as his father boosted him up and carried him over.

"C'mon in, and eat, you look famished," Goku urged, reaching his hand out to Videl. Still hearing Chichi fussing over a flustering Gohan, she allowed herself to put her hand in his and let Goku lead her in.

"All right, I will," she nodded, feeling tears stinging her eyes. Stepping over the threshold of the Son home, she felt safe and reassured. If anyone could keep Gohan calm it was his family, or so she hoped.

"Come in, come in, and sit down! Videl, don't you worry about a thing, you're going to sit right here next to your fiancée, and right next to Goten," Chichi indicated a seat. Gohan pulled a chair out for her and she sat down, while Goku and Goten both took their seats obediently. Goku's mouth was already watering from the massive trays of food that Chichi set down.

"No, please I want to help," Videl insisted, standing up. Something compelled her to rush over to the kitchen.

"Oh well if you insist, dear," Chichi said, with a small smile. Soon both women were rapidly piling the plates around the three starving Saiyans. Food flew as mouths were stuffed to bursting and rice landed in each of their dark spiky masses. Chichi hummed to herself completely happy while she continued to serve course after course. Glad for the distraction Videl busied herself alongside the other woman. Finally, after the first ten minutes Chichi gave the unspoken cue that they could sit down and eat their own meals before all the food vanished down three black holes.

Around her, the small house felt comforting. She felt a blush stream into her cheeks when she glimpsed the diamond ring glittering on her hand. Chichi suddenly grasped her hand and declared, "Videl is that what I think it is?"

"What was that mom?" Gohan asked, through a mouthful of rice. Oblivious, Goku and his younger son continued to stuff themselves with no end in sight.

"Gohan, you bought her a ring! I'm so happy! It's so beautiful!" Chichi cooed and squeezed Videl's hand.

"That's right! She's going to be my real big sister now!" Goten laughed, scattering rice from his lips.

"Way to go, son! I'm proud of you!" Goku laughed, slapping his hand down on the table. It vibrated under the force of his blow but luckily didn't break. Yet all the dishes rattled and startled Videl's nerves again.

"Sweetheart I'm so happy," Chichi wiped tears from her eyes.

"Mom... please. Videl and I..." Gohan interrupted.

"Well spit it out Gohan," Chichi insisted. "What is it now? You two have a date? Don't tell me you've not talked about that!"

"Mom please!" Gohan shouted. "Please, just let me finish!"

Everyone fell silent. Chichi looked at him tensely, and then sighed. "I'm sorry sweetheart. How silly of me. You two need to firm up your plans, and what better time to do that then now?"

"But Mom that's not..."

"Goten, I think your mom wants us to help us wash all those dishes, right?" Goku suddenly interrupted.

"But..." Videl got out.

"Goku you are such a dear! I would LOVE your help in the kitchen! But please try not to break anything this time!" Chichi pressed her hands together, clapping with delight.

"Aww mom... I wanna stay!" Goten pouted. However, Chichi grabbed him by the ear and tugged him off the chair. Stamping his feet the boy followed her.

"You two sit here and chat while your father and I clean up," Chichi said.

"Mom, please... that's not what..." Gohan growled in frustration.

"Not here, it's too..." Videl flushed.

"Nonsense!" Chichi snapped at both of them. "You're going to sit here until you get things straight young man and you too! I won't let you leave this house until you say you're getting married! Got it?"

"Chichi, please... it's not that simple!" Videl shout back. Dishes clattered as Goku gathered them up.

"Please, just humor her," Goku urged. "You two DO need to talk, and you need to set things straight."

"You did say yes, didn't you? Don't tell me you're going to go back on your promise!" Chichi glared towards Videl.

"That's not what I mean at all!" Videl shouted around the stack of dishes that Chichi pushed past her.

"Videl, calm down," Gohan shushed her. "We can talk here."

"Of course you can," Goku slugged Videl on the back, almost knocking her out of her chair. "Just give it a chance. For both your sakes."

"All right, you win," Videl sighed.

"Good," Chichi nodded in satisfaction. Goku breathed a sigh of relief and nudged Goten to follow him. Protesting the younger brother suddenly was swept up onto his father's shoulder and carried into the other room. Chichi slammed the door shut and then they were alone together. Still a pot of tea sat between them. Both youth burned with a scarlet blush that spread over their cheeks and the tension again built up to boiling point.

"Tea?" Videl stammered. She reached for the still steaming hot mug sitting in the middle of the round table. Overturning two china cups, she carefully poured the dark liquid into each one.

"Thank you," Gohan nodded, as she pushed the cup before him. They sipped at their cups slowly, not breaking the silence. Occasionally she would glance away from his bottomless eyes trained on her, looking past her inhibitions into her soul. Immediately she remembered hearing of his training with the Kais. Just what further sides of him did she have yet to discover? Although he tried to conceal that otherworldly influence, it was still ever-present. He seemed much more focused and less awkward about many things, and yet…

Finally, Videl could no longer stand it. Gohan stared at her intently, as if waiting. She then slammed down her cup and said, "Okay, let's just quit this! You're still mad at me aren't you?"

"And you're still scared of me, aren't you? Scared that I'll blow my top and destroy the earth along with it if you make me angry enough? Is that why you said yes back there?" Gohan asked, his eyes probing hers.

"Yes... because it would be my fault... but that wasn't the reason I said no before!" Videl answered, glaring at him.

"Then why? Tell me why," Gohan said gently, his eyes losing their hardness. '

"I'm scared because you're a Saiyan... and that you'll stay young... while I grow old and grey," Videl began. "Damn it's stupid and selfish but..."

"Please, continue," Gohan urged his eyes soft with concern. "I'm not mad and I'm glad you're telling me the truth."

"I see the difference between your parents. Your father's still young and your mom's getting older. What if that's us Gohan? I know you're half human, so it might not matter as much, but as soon as I grow into an old hag you won't want me anymore!" Videl admitted. "There, I said it. Now I'm sure you think I'm just being petty..."

"Is that all?" Gohan chuckled.

"What do you mean is that all? Or are you laughing at how selfish I am?" Videl huffed.

"No Videl, I'm laughing because I'm relieved. If that's the only thing you're worried about..." Gohan sighed and smiled warmly at her.

"No that isn't the only thing Gohan. It was the big thing, but now there's another," Videl interrupted him.

Gohan's muscles twitched under his red and orange top. His brow lowered as he said, "What else is there Videl. Please tell me."

"I wasn't making up excuses when I said I wasn't cut out to be a wife. I just don't want to be washing your socks when there is still so much I want to do!" Videl continued, staring past him in embarrassment.

"Videl, you don't have to be my mom, you know. I already have one mom, and she's more than enough," Gohan smiled, reaching over to take her hand.

"But wait, I'm not done," Videl said, squeezing his hand. Gohan waited patiently, enjoying the warmth in her touch as he rubbed her fingers. She hesitated, forming the right words and then continued, "I mean that I do want to marry you, but I don't want to stop you from doing what you want or what I want. I mean I want to be your wife, but I want it to be between us as it is now."

"Videl, who says it can't?" Gohan asked, soothingly. He reached across the table to smooth her spiky hair.

"Well, society does! Once a woman gets married she settles down and supports her man!"

"That's true, but a man supports his woman. In addition, they face things together. Moreover, I won't force you to do anything more than you're willing. Look Videl, we can stay engaged and marry when we graduate. I just don't want to lose you, that's all!" Gohan insisted.

"You won't lose me Gohan. I don't want anyone else but you, but I also want my life and freedom as well, and I want you to have the same in turn," Videl said.

"Don't you see how my mom and dad are?" asked Gohan.

"What does that have to...?”

 

"No matter how much my mom complains about my dad never working and always coming home late, she's still cooking him dinner. They've argued and fought many times, Videl. Nevertheless, they accept each other because they love each other. There were millions of times that my mom said things she regretted, and my dad did things he later realized were selfish. However, they're still married. Doesn't that say acceptance?" Gohan asked.

Videl exhaled in a long stream. She then felt her heart pounding and a wave of relief loosening the tight band in her chest. The same that fixed her heart down and burdened it so it had once sunk. She reached over with her other hand and squeezed Gohan's large one. He then placed his atop hers so their hands were interposed in a stack of four.

"We're not them, Gohan," she stammered.

"No we aren't, but look at Bulma and Vegeta. They accept one another for who they are, don't they?" Gohan cocked his head and smiled as if looking at her from another perspective.

"True, you are right about that. But Bulma's filthy rich and Vegeta doesn't have to work," Videl answered.

"Still, they are together. There were millions of times Vegeta was cold, mean, and nasty to Bulma when Trunks was born. Hundreds of times, she screamed and yelled at him. I saw far too much when I'd visit her during those three years. They fought like cats and dogs and they still do, Videl," Gohan explained. She winced at the thought of the verbal pictures he painted.

 

"And even after he went Majin, she still ended up taking him back. If that isn't love, then what is?" Gohan added.

"So you're telling me that our relationship is the same?"

"Yes," Gohan chuckled. "I'm being long winded again aren't I?"

"Then if I don't cook and clean for you, you won't be angry?" Videl asked.

"I would be disappointed, because you seem to enjoy helping mom when I'm not looking," Gohan smiled knowingly. "But I would accept it. Because it's you, I love. And I want you to be happy. More accurately, to be happy with me. We don't have to be joined at the hip you know."

"Good. Because if you wanted to go fly off and train with your father instead of working a normal job that'd be fine,” Videl continued, her blue eyes sparkling with tears.

"Or even if I had the power to blow up a planet?" Gohan raised his eyebrow.

"Even that. And if anyone can control your power, it's you, Gohan. The kais trained you for that very reason didn't they?" Videl insisted, squeezing his hands tightly.

"Yes, they did. Moreover, I'd never hurt you or anyone I loved. I might seem savage and unrelenting when I'm at my full power but it's only to protect those who I love. To show the enemy no mercy, to fight with no quarter neither given nor asked. Like my father does," he explained.

"But as much as you say you hate fighting you do enjoy it. Like I say I don't like doing things a typical woman would do, but you insist I do," Videl pointed out. Gohan said nothing to this and glanced down at the multiple boards on the floor.

"All right, you have me there, Videl," he sighed.

"We both have things about us we don't like, but accept. And we find things to like about them. And I guess I'm saying we can live with those things," Videl murmured.

"That's what marriage is, and what it should be. The good and the bad, for better or worse," Gohan nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "To have and to hold?"

"Richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?" Videl added.

"Till death do us part?" Gohan wondered.

"Yes," Videl nodded. Tears swarmed in her eyes and she trembled violently. A sick feeling swam over her and she then leaned forwards.

"Videl, are you all right?" Gohan asked, leaping up. "Relax; put your head between your knees..."

"I feel like I'm going to puke!" Videl whined, as Gohan fussed.

"MOM!" Gohan shouted. "Quick!"

Chichi and Goku burst out of the kitchen in frenzy. Seeing Videl turning a shade of green she rushed over and fussed, "Good heavens are you all right?"

"I'm sick," Videl gasped.

"Quick," Gohan murmured and rushed into the kitchen. Goku held Goten back as Gohan fetched a trashcan and shoved it under Videl's mouth and nose. Chichi shouted for a cold cloth and Goku quickly rushed for it while Goten whizzed off for towels.

"Easy sweetheart, it's all right," Chichi patted her daughter in law's hand.

"I'm so embarrassed," Videl whined.

"Gohan, carry her into your bedroom and lay her down. Goku, get some of the herbs in the garden for stomach aches, and Goten, get one of my nightgowns from the dresser all right?"

"Right," they chorused.