| Disclaimer: I may come as a surprise to some of you but... guess what! I DON'T OWN DRAGONBALL Z!!!!!!!!!!!! *** Okay. I have some explaining to do. The first chapter is basically how Videl gets kicked out because of Gohan. Their relationship will start developing in later chapters and it is SO FRICKEN' ADORABLE! Alrighty... Hercule knows about Gohan, the Cell Games, Saiyans, etc. He does NOT know that Gohan is the Great Saiyaman...Everyone else is unaware that he is alien or the Great Saiyaman ('cept for Videl) And there is no Saiyaman Two, and I don't know if I'll be adding her... Let's jam. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CHAPTER ONE Videl leaned back in her chair in homeroom. Thank Dende it's Friday, she thought. She was rather early, being the only one of five students there. Videl sighed and chuckled at the article in front of her. Gohan was suppose to meet her here early. Just then, Gohan threw open the door walking over to his desk, placing his backpack on the ground, allowing himself to fall into his seat, and put his folded arms in front of him on the desk to make a cushion for his head which he laid down. "Why am I here so early?" He asked, the question clearly for Videl. Videl hit him in the back of the head with the article. "This!" He sat up and began to read. Videl continued, "Pretty neat, huh? Crime down almost one hundred percent since the arrival of Saiyaman!" Gohan grunted. "Quite the conversationalist early in the mornings, aren't we?" Videl said laughing. Gohan gave her a smile. "I'm sorry, Videl. It's just been one of those days where from the moment you wake up you just know that it's going to be one of those really, really, really bad days," Gohan explained. Under his breath he muttered, "And it's just going to get worse." As Videl's boyfriend, Mark, walked over. Actually, Mark was more like Hercule's boyfriend for Videl. He was a superb fighter... human standards... but not as strong as Videl or Hercule. At least Hercule had allowed her to date someone. Gohan rolled his eyes. Even if that someone was a scumbag, he thought. "Hey, girl," Mark said, pulling out a chair to sit on and throwing Gohan a disapproving glance. Gohan looked away and took out some schoolwork to keep himself occupied. He knew that Mark didn't like him because he was Videl's best friend and they did everything together. Come to think of it, Gohan wondered, we know almost everything about each other... Erasa arrived and began talking to Mark and Videl. Gohan clamped his teeth together as Mark laughed and leaned up against Videl, who moved away slightly, obviously not wanting the attention and Mark obviously not getting the hint. "...so you wanna come with us to the mall?" Erasa asked Videl. Videl made a face that only Gohan noticed and he grinned. Videl sighed. "I guess I can come," she responded. Gohan butt in. "Can I come too, Erasa?" After all, he didn't want to leave Videl at a boring place like the mall ...with no one but her boyfriend and Erasa. "Sure!" Erasa exclaimed. "That makes me, Mark, Videl and you! We should have a blast." Gohan rolled his eyes. Yeah right. Erasa, laden down by five shopping bags and Videl, only carrying one, walked into the next store. Gohan was abou to follow when Mark grabbed his arm. "Hey, um ... what's your name again?" Gohan knew that Mark knew his name... Mark was just trying to ruffle him up. "It's Gohan," he answered politely. "Gohan, would you like to come to a party? It starts at seven. Videl's going to be there and Erasa and Sharpner and a ton of kids from school. It's at my house, and I'd like to get to know you better." Gohan shrugged. "Yeah, I can come." Mark sighed. "Let's wait for them right over there," he suggested, pointing to a bench. "They're going to be in this store for a while anyway." Gohan sat down. Would this day ever end? "So how do you know Videl?" Mark asked. Gohan scratched the back of his head. "Just friends at school." Not. She was actually out to get me. She wanted to find out if I was the Great Saiyaman and guess what? I am. Then I taught her to fly and manipulate her ki... she knows everyone in my family and all our close friends. She is like family and if you hurt her I swear... "Well, that's nice. You seem pretty close." You have no idea. "Yeah, we do a lot together." Mark knocked Gohan in the arm. "Enough with the act already, why do you /really/ hang out with Videl? Is it for the money... cause that's my reason." Gohan backed away. "What are you talking about?" Mark grinned and shrugged. "Of course she isn't to bad herself..." Gohan couldn't believe what he was hearing. And he was just about to tell Mark off when Erasa and Videl walked out. "Ahh, Videl," Mark said, getting up and standing besides her. Gohan just watched as Mark looked at his watch. "Party starts in a few hours, I'll see you there, girl," he leaned over and gave Videl a kiss on the cheek. Videl said bye to him and was about to turn around and say goodbye to Gohan when she found he had disappeared. She frowned. That's odd... Gohan showed up in a simple oufit: light cream khaki's and a black button- down long- sleeved shirt. His mission: to talk to Videl about Mark. It wasn't a jealousy issue or anything. Seriously, this guy didn't truly care about her and it was making Gohan sick. Just his luck, the first guy he an into was Mark. "Hey, Gohan! Whassup?" Mark shouted, making his way over to Gohan, offering his hand. Gohan shook it and leaned close to Mark's ear. "You don't deserve her," Gohan whispered. Mark laughed. Just then Gohan spotted Videl. She was wearing jeans pants, a white tank top, and a yellow over-shirt. Her short hair was in it's normal style and she was laughing as she drank punch with Sharpner and Erasa. "Let's get you a punch!" Mark said, leading Gohan over to the table. Gohan was busy watching Videl and didn't know that something had been added to his drink as he quickly gulped six glasses down. Mark talked to him for about fifteen minutes and then let him go off into the party. Mark sniggered to himself. When Videl sees him, Gohan'll be drunk and she won't believe a thing he says, he thought throwing the sixth beer into the garbage. Mark watched as Gohan walked over to Videl, who was standing alone at the moment. She made a face of disgust and asked him a question. He replied and she laughed. Then her face took on an expression of concern as Gohan grasped his stomach and said something else. Videl nodded and led him out of the party by his arm. Mark fumed. Gohan wasn't suppose to leave! He was suppose to make an ass out of himself! At this party! He crumpled his cup in his hand as the door shut. "Gohan? Are you drunk? Can you at least answer me that?" Gohan stumbled over his own feet and laughed. "I only drank punch with Mark," he answered honestly. Videl towed him to an inconspicuous alley. She propped him up against the wall and used her weight to lean up against him and hold him there. His head laying against her shoulder. "I'm hot," he mumbled. She laughed and unbuttoned the first few button on his shirt, fanning him off. She took off her yellow over shirt and patted his forehead and face where he was sweating. "I have ....... Something....... `bout Mark....... I have to tell you..." Gohan said, sleepily. Videl frowned. "C'mon, Gohan, not now." Gohan tried to respond but his body fell limp and unconscious. Videl sighed and laid him on the ground. She sat down leaning up against the wall and tucked her over shirt behind his head as a pillow. There was no way she was going to try and carry him home, or back to her house, or back to the party. She also wasn't going to just leave him there. Five hours later she looked at her watch. One in the morning. "Boy, Gohan you're going to have to make this one up to me," she said. Gohan raised his head. "Did someone say something? Hey where am I?" He sat up. Videl yawned. "You were drunk, Gohan. You arrived drunk at Mark's party." Gohan shook his head. "No, Mark gave me some of that punch." His eyes widened. "Videl... he told me he was only going out with you for your money." THAT was unexpected. Videl nodded. "Uh huh. And did he tell you this before or after he supposedly got you drunk?" She asked, sarcastically. Gohan sighed. "You don't believe me, do you? Listen. My intention's not to hurt you. He told me yesterday, at the mall, that he was only your boyfriend because you're rich. I promise. And I wasn't drunk at that party either. The only think I did was drink-" "-the punch with Mark. Okay, okay. I believe you, Gohan." Gohan raised his eyebrow. "I'm not making this up." "I didn't say you were." "Videl, you need to talk to him." "Fine." She turned around and left him right there. Gohan sighed and followed her, hiding in some bushes nearby. Videl rang the doorbell to Mark's house and he answered. "Hey, Videl! What was wrong with your friend? He showed up smelling like shit and-" Gohan clamped his jaw with anger and could tell Videl was doing the same. "Mark- we're through. He told me what you said yesterday." "And I take it you believed him." "I believed my best friend, yes." Mark shook his head. "Well, then goodbye, Videl." He slammed the door on her face. Quick and simple. Videl stood there a moment in shock and then walked away, heading down the street. Gohan decided to make his presence known. "Videl," he said softly, flying from behind her. "Leave me alone," she said quickly. "I'm afraid I can't do that," Gohan answered. Videl turned around and pushed him. "Go AWAY!" Gohan stopped, hurt. He saw Videl had tear streaks down her face. "Videl, wait," he grabbed her arm. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Videl took a swing for his head with her free arm and he caught that one as well. Videl, realizing she couldn't get away, jut started crying again. Gohan stared at her, not knowing what to do. When he was a little kid and he cried around Piccolo, the alien just told him to shut the hell up. Somehow that didn't seem quite right in the situation. Instead he let her go and hugged her gently. "Please don't be mad at me," he begged. She hugged him back. "I'm not mad at you. It's just that - it's always money or something that people want from me. Well, everyone except Sharpner, Erasa, and you." Gohan patted her back. "Don't worry about all those people, Videl. The important thing is that you have three good friends like Sharpner, Erasa, and me." She looked up at him and smiled. "You're right." "Let me fly you home," Gohan offered. She nodded and took off, Gohan behind her. They arrived at the Satan Residence at two thirteen in the morning. Videl knocked on the door and none other than Hercule answered. "WHERE have YOU BEEN?" He bellowed. And then, of course, he caught sight of Gohan. Their appearances weren't exactly pretty. Videl's face was still streaked with tears and puffy from crying. Her eyes were red and had bags under them, her clothes were wrinkled and she smelled like garbage. She was also missing a particular yellow piece of clothing she had left with. Gohan smelled like garbage AND alcohol, his khaki pants were covered in dirt, his shirt was unbuttoned more than it should be, and he was holding his daughter's missing piece of clothing. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Hercule stormed over to Gohan. "STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER! AND THAT'S AN ORDER!" "Sir," Gohan said evenly. "Nothing happened." He pointed to the yellow over shirt Gohan held. "I promise," was all Gohan said. Hercule nodded quickly. "Sure," he said. He continued nodding when he turned to Videl. "It sure looks to me like he was encouraging your attention, young lady. Leave the room, I need to talk to your friend here in private." "Dad, what are you going to do?" "You shouldn't have aloud things to go this far," Hercule stated. "What `things' dad?" He cut her off. "This ends... Now." "What?! There's nothing TO end. Leave him out of this! It's Mark that's the trouble! If it hadn't been for Gohan-" "He is no longer your concern! I will do anything if it keeps you away from...him..." he said, throwing a mistrusting glance at Gohan, "we will change your school, move to another city..." "You're over reacting! You can't do that!" "Oh, consider it done. I always get what I want and right now I want him out of your sight, my sight, and most of all, our life." Videl snarled. She's really pissed now, Gohan thought. "What `our life'? Since mom died you hardly have a thing to do with me! You don't know where I am half the time! You don't care! I only stay here because usually kids grow up with their family! But all that my family name has brought me is wealth and it's not even something I desire!" "Fine then," Hercule said too calmly. "What do you want?" "Not this," Videl replied solemnly. "Then move the hell out! I don't care, you said it yourself! Go on! NOW!" "Watch your mouth," a very ticked male voice said from the doorway. "Watch how you treat Videl when I'm around." Despite himself, Hercule cowered. Gohan almost smirked like Vegeta. He sure felt like Vegeta right now. He had an obviously inferior being looking at him like he was about to kill him. "I mean it. You better be nice to Videl or so help me-" "-what?" Hercule asked, finding his voice and a little courage. Hercule grinned. "What, a-li-en?" Hercule dragged out the word and made it sound utterly repulsive. Gohan tried to mentally shrug the comment off. Personally, Gohan wasn't afraid of Hercule running off and telling the press that he was an alien. Because he knew Hercule wouldn't. If he did, he'd have to spill the truth behind the Cell Games and that was something he definitely wasn't about to do. Gohan found himself trying to keep calm however, the part of him that loved Videl, even if he didn't realize it yet, wanted to tell Hercule to shut the hell up. Videl felt Gohan's ki rising rapidly. "Are you looking for a fight?" Gohan asked. Before things could escalate further, Videl spoke up. "I choose to leave," She stated simply. "What do you think about that?" The question was meant for her father, but Gohan spoke up. "I think I agree." His ki dropped and the two left. Hercule could only ask himself: `What the hell just happened?' *** Gohan is sooooo obnoxious in the next chapter! **** **** **** **** **** Disclaimer: Blah blah blah. Bl-blah Bl-blah Bl-blah. I don not own Dragonball Z! *** This is shorter than last chapter and basically just how she arrives at his house. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CHAPTER TWO Gohan and Videl had only walked a few feet away from the Satan Residence when Videl began crying again. Every time Gohan tried to get remotely near her she would push him away, hysterical. "What am I going to do now?" She sobbed, collapsing onto the ground. Gohan wanted to make the whole situation better and said the first idea that came to his head. "You can come to my house," he offered. Videl shook her head. "No. I don't want to burden you AND your family. I`ve done enough already-" Before Videl could say anymore Gohan continued. "But you won't be a burden, Videl. You know that. My family loves you, especially Goten! My dad does too, he likes to teach you new sparring techniques. And my mom likes you also-" Videl laughed. "Only because she thinks I'd make you a perfect wife!" Gohan smiled at her laughter. "Very true. But still, please? At the least spend the night." Videl thought for a minute. "Okay," she surrendered. They took off for the Son family's house. It was now three thirty in the morning. They landed outside and Gohan entered. Everyone was up. "Hi mom, dad, Goten. What are you doing up so...early?" "Waiting for you, big brother!" Goten shouted latching onto Gohan's leg. It was then that he noticed Videl in the shadows. "VIDEL!" He ran over to Videl who picked him up. "Hi, Goten," she said, fake happiness obvious in her voice. "Gohan, what are you doing with Videl at this time of night?" Chi-Chi asked, eyebrows raised. "Mom, stop." Gohan took Goten from Videl. "C'mon, I'll get you some clothes and you can take a shower," he said to her. Goku, who might be slightly stupid on the common sense factor, is a little more perceptive when it comes to people's feelings. "What happened Gohan? She seems upset." Gohan placed Goten on the ground. "She got kicked out," was all he responded before running to catch up to Videl. - Videl sat on his bed as Gohan went through his dresser. She didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable as he grabbed her a few shirts, boxer shorts, and training pants, handing them to her as he came across a pair he thought might fit. She knew he wouldn't take advantage of her or anything. Honestly, Gohan was too na�ve to pull something, and even if he wasn't na�ve, he was respectful. After a minute he turned to her. She was sitting Indian style on his bed (you know that cot-like thing from "I'll Fight Too"?) The clothes he had just handed to her were in her lap and she was looking down at them. "You alright, Videl?" He asked, even though he knew she wasn't. "Actually," she answered. "I think I am." She sighed and looked up at him. "Thank you, Gohan." "For what?" He asked. "Messing up your time at the party? Getting you kicked out?" Videl nodded. "Well, yeah. That fight back there might've begun with you but it ended on a much larger note. That fight would've happened sooner or later. I'm tired of the way that he lives now. Since my mom died it's always drinking, women, and fame. But even over that... I can't stand the way reporters show up daily to ask what happened at the Cell Games. When they ask him, he tells them his perverted side of the story. I can't take it, after what I know that you and your friends had to suffer. Especially you, your mom and your brother at the loss of your dad." They were quiet for a moment when Goku peeked in. "Um... Chi-Chi and I are going to bed now, but I wanted to know if you wanted something to eat, Videl, `cause I'm going to grab a snack, before I hit the sack." Videl laughed. "I don't want anything Goku, but thanks for the offer." Goku left with a confused face. He was puzzled at the thought of someone turning down food. Gohan tapped Videl's arm and motioned for her to follow him. He brought her to the bathroom where he opened up a closet. "Okay. We have, towels in here." He pointed to a drawer. "Combs in there." He opened the medicine cabinet. "And toothbrushes and toothpaste in here. Um... Goten's got the yellow one and the green one's mine, so you can have red or blue." Videl smiled. "Alright." Gohan continued, "If you need anything else you're better off asking my mom. I mean- well what I'm trying to say is that - Um - With three guys in the family we don't really have a ton of... girl supplies... you know?" "Yeah, Gohan, I get it," Videl chuckled. They stood there in silence for a minute when Gohan sighed. "Well, I'll go set up the spare room for you... I have to make the bed and stuff... so you can just enjoy a shower." Gohan left, but not before he pulled out bed covers from the closet. Videl shut the door and locked it. She turned on the water and stripped out of her filthy clothes. Gohan flicked the lights on to the spare room. It was rather small, probably a sixth of the size as her one at her house. He frowned. I hope she likes it here, he thought. Videl shut off the water and dressed in a pair of his shorts that came down to her knees as well as a wife beater of his, a shirt of his, and a light long sleeved shirt of his. Not only was it cold out here at the end of November, but she felt kind of self-conscience with out anything to wear under her clothes. She entered the spare room to find Gohan draping the covers over the mattress. "All set!" He exclaimed. Videl dropped her dirty clothes onto the floor and jumped into the bed. Gohan laughed at her face, which was smushed to one side because of the way she was laying on the pillow. "This is -so- comfortable," she remarked. "I can't move." Gohan smiled. "Then don't," he said, pulling the sheet and covers over her. "Goodnight, Videl," he whispered. All he heard in reply was a snore. He shut off the lights and prepared to wash himself up. THE NEXT MORNING (OR DAY I SUPPOSE, I MEAN THEY DIDN'T GET TO SLEEP UNTIL LIKE FOUR THIRTY A.M.) Gohan awoke to the sound of Goten running around in circles in their room. "Please be quiet, squirt, I have a throbbing headache." He took his pillow and burried his head under it. "I had the absolute weirdest dream! I don`t feel like I got any sleep!" Came his muffled voice. "What happened in your dream?" Goten asked, still running. "Videl moved in," he replied, laughing. Just then a female voice, that wasn't his mom's, spoke. "Goten, is Gohan still sleeping?" Shit, Gohan thought. It wasn't a dream you idiot! Gohan, his head still under the pillow, raised his hand. "I'm up." he shouted. Videl walked over and pulled the pillow off his head. Gohan looked at her, his eyes huge. "It wasn't a dream," he whispered out loud, still somewhat disoriented. Videl shook her head. "Nope," she confirmed. Videl? She asked herself. Have you ever seen such wide eyed wonder and pure innocence? Gohan sat up and looked at the clock. "It's already twelve thirty!?" He half exclaimed/half asked. "Yup," Videl said. Gohan looked at her wearing his too large clothing. "You need some clothes, Videl," Gohan stated. Videl shrugged. "I can take you shopping," Gohan suggested. Videl started to object when Gohan rose out of bed, throwing on a shirt over his wife beater. "C'mon, it'll be no problem. Honest." Videl sighed. "Fine," she mumbled. "I owe you so much, Gohan. And I won't forget it." Gohan waved her off. The phone rang and Gohan dashed out of his room to answer it. "Hello?" "Oh hi!...Good. ... Yes, I heard... Yeah I know... I'm not saying anything... At eight, huh? ... I can see ... okay but no promises ... yeah ... alright ... uh huh... bye... hahaha... bye." "Who was that?" Goten asked. "Friends, Goten," Gohan answered. "Hey, Videl, ready to go?" "Yeah!" Videl had to admit: She had a blast! Gohan was so much fun to be around. She had been in kind of a sour mood and Gohan had done absolutely everything to cheer her up. Everything. Nothing short of totally embarrassing himself in public either. Videl wouldn't forget what happened at the one store for as long as she lived: "Are you sure you wanna try that on, sir?" "Yes, ma'am," Gohan had replied. Videl had no clue what he had tried on but when he came out he had on a faux tiger skin suit, gold chains and incredibly tacky sun glasses (Think Beverly Hills Ninja). Videl had dropped her bags she was laughing so hard. Still, she made him promise her he would never wear something like that again. Gohan had then taken her to a designer store to get a few dressy outfits. She tried to stop him, but he made her try on a ton of outfits, mentioning that he had plans for them that evening. She had to admit, he had pretty good fashion sense when he actually wanted to. He decided on a new pair of shiny black shoes, straight leg black slacks, a black belt, and a silky blue long - sleeved shirt for himself. He modeled it for her and she couldn't help but crack up: Gohan had come out of the dressing room wearing the before-mentioned outfit. "You like?" He had asked. "Looks great," Videl had answered unenthusiastically. "Well the way you said `looks great' doesn't sound like it looks great." "Gohan..." Gohan had then grinned and kicked off his shoes. "What are you doing?" She had asked, amused. Gohan responded by undoing the belt and throwing it aside. "Gohan are you stripping?" A smile began to form on her lips. Gohan laughed at her question and then began to unbutton his shirt. This actually got a laugh out of Videl herself. She dropped her bags and ran over to him. "Are you crazy?" She had asked him, laughing. Gohan shrugged. "Maybe, but I got you to laugh." Gohan had bought the outfit and had proceeded to pick up something for Videl. "Try this on," he had commanded, sending her off to the dressing room. Fifteen minutes later Videl emerged wearing something that she had never imagined herself wearing. Gohan clapped. "That outfit looks wonderful on you!" He exclaimed, cat-calling. She could feel him looking her up and down. She wore a pair of black high heeled shoes. They were strappy across the foot and the heel raised her heels about three inches off the ground. She then had on a pair of black pantyhose under a black skirt that barely hugged her hips, ending at mid thigh. He had picked out a white button down, three-quarters shirt that was made out of a stiff cotton and a sweater that hung loosely on the outfit. She looked at him expectantly with her cool-colored eyes. Gohan had thought she looked like an angel. Now they were walking down a street, having just finished dinner at a VERY nice restaurant. Videl had her hands in the pocket of her sweater as she walked along, slightly chilled by the night air. She looked at Gohan, but Gohan pretended to ignore her as they walked along silently. "Why did you do this for me?" She asked after a minute. Gohan shrugged. "I don't know, you looked pretty glum so I thought that I should try to get you out of the house... plus you look pretty good in a skirt." Videl blushed and felt shivers run through her body at the comment. Gohan mistook this for cold and wrapped his arm around her. "Maybe it's too cold for a skirt though," he added. Videl didn't say anything else as they walked along, eventually hearing loud bass from music nearby. "This must be the place," Gohan said to himself. "What place?" Videl asked. Gohan pushed her through the doors of a building on the street. As they shut behind them, Videl looked around to see a mostly dark place, with lights flashing everywhere and a dance floor. "What are we doing here?" Videl had to half yell. Gohan laughed her off and started singing the song they were playing, "You Sexy Thing". Videl really, really, really, really, really, wanted to punch his lights out but he was just too adorable. The song changed to "Get Ur Freak On" and Gohan sighed. "Alright, get your freak on Videl and let's go find Sharpner and Erasa," he said with a straight face. Videl laughed and he grabbed her wrist and she followed. Sharpner and Erasa found them first, however. "Wow!" Sharpner exclaimed when he saw Videl. "You look great! I'm not kidding! I didn`t recognize you for a moment in that skirt." Erasa nodded in agreement. "Where'd you get it? I want the guy who picked that out for you to pick something out for me too!" "Actually, Gohan found it," Videl replied. Erasa looked up at Gohan like he was a fashion god. "What?" he asked. "It's just a black skirt and a white shirt." "It's a good looking black skirt and a good looking white shirt that's what!" Sharpner replied. Erasa grabbed Videl's arm. "Let's go dance!" She exclaimed. Videl followed Erasa out onto the dance floor and Sharpner followed after her. Gohan sat back and watched. He was no dancer, and he was just as content to stare at Videl. The outfit was cute... no cute wasn't the word... and neither was hot... maybe ... sexy? Gohan mentally kicked himself. I shouldn't be thinking of Videl like this, it will only make things more complicated...now that she's living with me and all... Gohan went back to watching her. She was rather graceful in the skirt and high heels... not what he was expecting at all. He briefly wondered if they ever played a slow song at this club. Probably not. Too bad, he really wanted to dance with her too. Three songs later Videl returned, flopping into a chair besides Gohan. "Now you're the one that looks down." Gohan sighed. "I'm not `down' or anything. I just can't dance...sooooo I decided I should sit these songs out." "You can't dance?" "No." Videl sighed. "At all?" "Well, I think I could manage slow dancing." Videl laughed. "I think you could too. Care to try?" She asked, standing up. Gohan stood up and Videl moved to stand directly in front of him. "It's really easy. First, your hands," she grabbed his hands and placed them on her hips, Gohan's eyes widened but zvidel didn't seem to notice, "go here. And I put my hands around you like this," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, "then all you have to do is move to the music. But not a fast song like this, something with a slower beat...follow my lead." Videl began to slowly sway from side to side and Gohan stepped into the rhythm. She looked up at him and smiled. "See...easy." Videl held her breath as Gohan slid his hands upward to the small of her back and stopped there. "Or you could do that..." she said. Gohan shrugged. "More comfortable," was all the explanation he gave. She nodded. It was, actually. She shut her eyes and allowed their slow movement to rest her body...despite the fast music all around. It was weird, but when she was with Gohan that's exactly what the world felt like. Everything could be fast and confusing outside... but Gohan made everything seem simpler and easier. She laid her head against his chest. At this, Gohan looked down to find Videl yawning. It was pretty late and they had enjoyed a rather long day, so Gohan gently pulled Videl away and told her he'd be right back. He left to tell Sharpner and Erasa that he was going to take Videl home, and then the he and Videl left. The next morning, when Gohan went down for breakfast, his mom curiously asked why he was singing "You Sexy Thing." *** Um... yeah... I can't wait for the snow fight... but all I'm going to say is 'Damn Goku's stray snowballs!!!!!' Ahem... **** **** **** **** **** Disclaimer: I don't own Dragonball Z. What can I say? I'm not feeling very original. *** La-dee-da. How's everyone? I'm good, thanks for asking. Okay sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me... oh well... here's Chapter 3! Sorry it skips around so much. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CHAPTER 3 One Week Later (Saturday Morning) "Go, Videl!" Goten screamed in a pitch that could burst an eardrum or two. Gohan awoke and threw off his covers, walking over to his window, spying Goten outside. "What are you yelling about squirt?" Goten turned around. "Hi! Didya just get up?" "Yeah." "Oh. Well, dad's teaching Videl some fighting stuff and they've been sparring since early this morning." Goten waved and then ran off. "That's great! Exactly what you need to do! Try it one more time, k?" Gohan heard his dad say. Gohan watched as Videl threw a fury of attacks at Goku, who was kicking up snow in his attempt to get away. Wow! She could have any non-Saiyan running for their life! Gohan thought. Gohan laughed to himself. "You're doing wonderful, Videl!" He shouted from the window. Videl stopped and looked at Gohan, standing in his pajamas and waving at her from his bedroom window. She waved back. "Hey, Gohan! I'm coming inside in a minute! First dibs on the bathroom!" "Not fair!" Gohan called. Videl wiped her forehead with her arm and nodded. "Yes it is!... Goten, go guard the bathroom for me!" Gohan put his hands up in surrender. "Not Goten! I'll never get past him. You can have the bathroom first!" He shut the window and walked away. Videl laughed, knowing perfectly well that Goten didn't stand a chance fighting Gohan. Hah! Those two were so cute. Videl almost wished that /she/ had a younger brother, but then, he probably wouldn't be like Goten. Goten and Gohan were different somehow. Polite, strong, caring, and gentle. Innocent. They got that one from Goku. The older man was so nice, he treated her like she was his own daughter, and not like she had been kicked out of her house by her father who happened to be the very man who took all his son's credit for saving the world. I would hate me if I were any of the Sons, she thought. Goku laughed. "Going inside is a good idea, Videl... after all, I think it's time to eat!" Videl chuckled as Goku ran into the house, he had already had breakfast... how much later could it be now? She looked at her watch. Ten o'clock. She sighed and walked towards the house, shutting out the cold December air as she walked in. Goku said he liked to train in this weather. "Refreshing!" he had called it. She had to agree. Videl walked through the living room, rubbing her back, when Gohan walked in, dressed. " 'Morning," he said cheerily. Videl smiled. "You slept in late, Gohan." "I know." Videl laughed then winced. "Do you guys have aspirin? My back's killing me!" Gohan nodded. "Sure, right in this cabinet." He opened the cabinet, spilling a pill onto his hand and pouring her a glass of water. "Here you go." Videl swallowed the pill down and set the cup in the sink. Gohan was piling up a plate, or, excuse me, plates, full of food and talking. "So Krillin's coming over early tomorrow to spar and my mom's going shopping, too," He took a piece of lettuce from his sandwich and popped it in his mouth. "Just in case you wanted to know." "Gotcha. I'm going to go clean up now," Videl announced. "And I'm going to go train...after eating of course." At this Goten jumped up. "Can I train, brother? Can I train?" He asked eagerly. "Of course," Gohan replied. Videl laughed and left the room, heading towards the bathroom. - Videl turned the page in her history book and sighed. She looked up as Gohan opened the door, returning with Goten and a rather unlucky fish. Goku glanced out of the kitchen where he was making his 23rd meal of the day. "Wow, Gohan, that's a big one!" Videl smiled and looked back down at her textbook. Blah, blah, blah, she began to think, but she was interrupted by Chi-Chi. "Goku! I swear! I'm going to have Bulma invent a flippin' Saiyan-proof kitchen if you don't stop!" Goku looked at her with wide eyes. "Buf Chi-Chi! I'fe oways eaton" - he swallowed - "all the time!" Gohan laughed, "And mom's always complained." He set the fish down (don't ask me where. Have you ever seen the size of one of those things?!) and patted Goten on the back sending him off to clean up. Videl yawned and stretched, grimacing. Gohan noticed this and went over. "Hey! You never told me what happened to your back? Looks like it hurts." Videl threw her pencil aside. "I think I pulled a muscle fighting this morning," she explained. Gohan nodded. "Ow! I hate that," he sympathized. "Saiyans pull muscles?" she asked, an eyebrow raised. "Believe it or not... yeah," he answered with a chuckle. "As a matter of fact my mom always had a way of getting them to feel better." "Really?" "Uh-huh. Can I try?" Videl studied him for a moment and then shrugged, shutting her eyes with the movement. "Sure, anything's better than this." "Okay... I need to know what hurts exactly?" He asked. "Like, my left back, by my shoulder and neck." Videl sat up and on the edge of the couch and Gohan slipped behind her, touching her back. "Here?" Videl nodded, afraid to speak. She was blushing furiously but Gohan didn't seem to notice, he also didn't seem to care about the physical contact either. Videl leaned her head forward and to the right, as Gohan massaged her tender back. She was about to shut her eyes when he touched a particularly tender spot. "Ouch!" Gohan stopped. "What?" "That hurt," Videl said, rolling her eyes. "Why else would I say `ouch'?" Gohan laughed, "Good point. I'll try to be more careful." Videl sighed. "It's not that you're not being careful but-" she wanted to continue her thought but instead finished with, "that feels really, really good." Gohan laughed. "Told you." After a few minutes Gohan stopped. "Feel better?" Videl turned around and stretched, rolling her arms and bending her back. "Actually, yes!" Videl smiled. "That's awesome, Gohan. How'd you do that? My back feels a hundred percent better!" Gohan returned her smile and looked down sheepishly. "It's nothing." Videl laughed and then everything grew quiet except for Chi-Chi's humming in the kitchen. Videl felt a blush rise to her cheeks again and grabbed her history homework. "Thanks, Gohan. Love to talk but I have to go study," she mumbled. Gohan nodded his head in agreement, not noticing her quick change in attitude. Chi-Chi, however, had paid attention to the whole thing. "Here comes the bride..." she sang from the kitchen when she knew Videl was out of earshot. "Mom- what are you talking about?" Gohan asked. Chi-Chi looked up at him and shrugged, then started giggling insanely. "C'mon, Gohan, are you really that dense?" After a good look at her son she sighed, "Maybe you are..." "What's that suppose to mean?!" Gohan began, ready to stick up for himself. Chi-Chi just waved him off. "Nothing... I'll see if I'm right in ten years or so." Gohan left the room, bewildered. In the kitchen Chi-Chi began giggling again. "When you marry her and have kids I WON'T be surprised," she said, under her breath. - Videl dropped her textbook on the floor and collapsed to the ground, sighing. She put her back against her bed and curled her legs up to her body, wrapping her arms around them. That was too strange! She thought. I mean, he was obviously not fazed by the whole backrub scenario like I was. Oh, Videl! Get yourself together! Videl's shoulders sagged as she whispered, "He does see me as just his friend... I might ruin that if I tell him I've been feeling something else..." Videl stood up and quickly walked around her room. No, girl! She said to herself. You are talking about love and you have no idea what it really is. She sighed and fell to the ground again. "But I'd sure like to find out." She shut her eyes and imagined Gohan giving her that wonderful back massage again. She was slowly lulled to sleep. Videl didn`t know how long she was sleeping when she heard a knock on her door. "Hey, Videl? Are you alright? Videl, open up!" Videl's head jerked up. Gohan was pounding on her door. She quickly opened it. "Sorry," she began. "Oh, don't be, I just wanted to tell you it's dinnertime... and I'm kinda hungry so..." Gohan rubbed his stomach. "Then for Dende's sake eat!" Videl exclaimed. She knew from experience that Saiyans could be moody on an empty stomach, they could even cease to function! Videl ran after him to the kitchen taking her place at the table. She began to pile up her plate, human servings, of course, as Gohan did the same. As she did this, Videl tried to make out what Goku was saying. "I wha tinkin' mahbe weh cou haff a snaball figh outsigh!" Goten, Gohan and Chi-Chi all were smiling. "That sounds like fun dad!" Goten shouted. Goku smiled and continued to stuff his face. Videl laughed. "What? I still haven't learned Goku-ese!" Gohan swallowed and laughed. "He said he `was thinking maybe we could have a snowball fight outside!' " Realization flashed on her face and she brightened. "That does sound like fun!" "Ahlrigh!" Goku said, careful not to miss a bite. The three Saiyans were almost done eating their 54 course meals and Videl was finishing her second helping when Goten jumped out of his chair, threw his dishes in the sink, and pulled on a jacket. "I'm going to go make a fort!" He exclaimed, slamming the door. Gohan was next, followed by Goku. Videl looked at Chi-Chi, who smiled. "Go on," she said. "I'll clean everything up. Have some fun!" Videl thanked her and ran out the door, not forgetting her coat. She turned. "Why do you make them wear coats?" she asked Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi laughed. "Habit, I guess. At least this way they don't have to expend ki to keep warm, right?" "Right. See ya!" "Have fun!" As soon as Videl stepped outside she was barraged by snowballs. "Ah! You guys!" Goku was in the snow laughing. When he stood up he cleared his throat and began speaking. "Snowball fight and I want Gohan on my team!" "Fine," Videl said. "Goten and I can take you!" They split up and began. Videl, her back against a tree, had a careful attack planned on an unsuspecting Goku. She had her ki suppressed as far as she could and was deathly quiet. If all was going well, Goten would soon fly by with an overhead bombing of snowballs, which was meant to distract him. Then she would run out and pummel Goku with her own snowballs. This would then attract Gohan and it would be two against one. Boy did things go wrong. Goten flew by, dropping the snowballs about five feet away from Goku, instead of on top of him. This simply startled him, not knowing where they came from until he sensed his younger son's ki above. Videl began her assault on him, might as well. Gohan, hearing Goku's screams, flew over and began whacking Goten with his own snowballs. Goku, fighting for his right to stay in the game, threw a snowball directly at Videl, she fell back into the snow, and in trying to get up, was hit by at least fifty snowballs. Gohan landed by her and started laughing. "Got you!" He offered her a hand up and she began dusting herself off. "Show-off," she muttered. "That was such a cheap shot! I was totally incapacitated!" "I kinda figured on that, Videl. I knew you'd try something like that when I felt my brother's ki rise when he flew." "What? Are you saying that I'm predictable now?" "No, quite the opposite." "Does this conversation have a point?" Goku asked. "I wanna play!" Goten exclaimed. Gohan laughed. Videl scowled. "That wasn't fair, Gohan!" "Yes it was and you know it." Videl crossed her arms, but she smiled, turning around and bending down. "I know, it's just that..." All of the sudden she whirled around and hurled a snowball at Gohan, who ducked, barely avoiding it. "Videl!" He exclaimed. She just laughed and threw another, hitting him square in the face. "This means war!" Gohan yelled, grabbing her arm and trying to pin it behind her, instead he tripped and they fell to the ground. Videl took a handful of snow and shoved it in his face. "Eat frozen ice, Gohan!" Gohan's muffled screams came from beneath the snow. "Ah! Snow in my sinuses! Snow in my sinuses! My nose is packed with snow!" Videl laughed as he brushed off his face, struggling to get up, but failing miserably as they both fell back to the ground, Videl directly on top of Gohan. "THAT wasn't fair!" Gohan said, finally giving up on his struggle to rise. "I don't care, you took the cheap shot first," Videl responded, smiling and adjusting herself more comfortably. Gohan didn't comment, but instead was totally spell bound by the angel on top of him. Her short black hair was accentuated by the brightness outside and her cheeks were tinged with a light rose, half from the cold and half from a blush rising to her face. Goten's shouts of laughter as he attacked Goku were heard faintly in the background as Gohan found himself involuntarily reaching out and touching her face. Videl stopped smiling and placed her own hand on top of Gohan's, leaning into his touch, feeling the warmth coming from his body. "WATCH OUT!" Goku yelled as a lone snowball sailed past Videl's head, hitting Gohan in the face. The spell was broken, and as if nothing had happened Videl began laughing again. "MY SINUSES!" Videl stood up. "I'm going to go take Gohan inside, he has enough snow up his nose to-" Goten made a face and covered his ears. "Please, don't finish that thought," he remarked. "Okay," Videl agreed, giving Gohan a hand. Gohan and Videl walked over to the house and she helped him through the door, assisting him in taking off his coat which was totally soaked in melted snow. So were his clothes, for that matter. Chi-Chi ran in. "Gohan! Change your clothes young man! You'll catch a cold." "Um... mom..." "I don't care if you're Saiyan. Change. Clothes. Now." Gohan left and Videl followed. He pulled off his shirt as he walked down the hall. "You'd think she'd know by know that Earth born viruses really have no effect on Saiyans," he said. He opened his bedroom door, dropping his shirt on the floor. Videl's jaw practically dropped to the floor with his shirt. Gohan standing in a wife beater and a pair of jeans wasn't something she got to see everyday... even if she was `living with' him. "Right," Videl said, regaining her voice and returning to the topic. "You would think that she had figured that out by now." Gohan nodded. "Really." He shrugged. "Well, I'm going to go get ready for bed. That is... unless you want the bathroom first tonight." "No, that's fine go ahead," Videl said, walking to her room and shutting the door. She fell onto her bed with her hands clasped across her chest. Son Gohan what was that? Videl asked herself, wondering about the few moments lying in the snow. *** Dude the next part is SO COOL. It's late at night and Videl can't sleep so Gohan goes in and they start talking about tons of crap like family... and when they first met... and stuff it's so good. That might be the whole part too... I have oodles of notes for it! Til next time ~ Christin-o (I dunno!) **** **** **** **** **** Disclaimer: Sorry all! I don't own Dragonball Z. (Or Rediwhip!) *** Howdy! And that is all I have to say. (Less is more!) Actually I just want to note that this is no where near as funny as the last few Chapters... BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CHAPTER 4 Gohan was about to roll over in bed for the millionth time that night when he saw a figure walk past his slightly ajar bedroom door. A few moments later it passed again. Gohan pulled down his covers and jumped out of bed, opening his door and walking down the hall where the figure went. That's Videl's room, he thought. Sure enough, her door was shut and there was light underneath the doorway. Gohan knocked softly and when he didn't get a response he walked in. "Videl?" Videl sat on her bed, not facing him. At the sound of her name she looked over her shoulder and gave a gasp when she saw him standing there. She quickly threw her head in her hands, covering her face. Gohan walked around her bed and put his hands on her shoulders. "Are you crying Videl?" Videl shook her head. "Get out, Gohan," she said weakly, weaving out of his touch. Gohan sat down on the bed and placed his hands back on her shoulders. "Videl? You /are/ crying!" Videl just dropped her head, staring at the covers. "Do you do this every night?" He asked gently. Videl nodded her head faintly. Gohan sighed in a hurt fashion. "I didn't know you were so unhap-" Videl looked up at him. "It's not that," she said, wiping her eyes. "It's-" she handed him a newspaper clip. He took it and began to read silently: SATAN CITY- Hercule Satan released a few words about the sudden disappearance of Videl Satan, his daughter, who has only been seen in Satan City when she attends high school at Orange Star. "I just want the press and the world to know that I do not understand why she ran away. I do not know where she's staying. And I do not know with whom she is staying. All I know is that when I find out, I will crush them like a bug! Do you hear? A BUG! As for Videl. SHE ran away. I had nothing to do with this and was unaware that she had such drastic problems with her life at the-" Gohan's blood ran cold at what he had read so far. He decided against reading anymore but instead ignited the clip in a quick burst of ki. "Come here," He said, opening his arms. She leaned forward and hugged him and he returned the gesture, patting her back. Gohan heard her begin crying again. "My dad has me talked up to be the greatest scum in Satan City - Dende forbid I ruin his reputation by hanging out with the wrong guy, after all the stuff /he/ does-" "What?" Gohan cut in. "What do you mean the `wrong guy'? You never said anything to me about anything like that!" Videl moved away from the hug and her shoulders slumped. "I didn't want to." "Videl, you said that you moving out had nothing to do with me... well, did I really? Tell me the truth." "You had NOTHING to do with me moving out Gohan but you had EVERYTHING to do with that article." "What?!" "Let's face it Gohan, he knows what you really did, he sees you as a threat. He didn't think that I'd defy him and side with you. I don't think he knows I'm here but he won't give out the details of our fight because he knows you're one of them." "I'm not so sure Videl. To me it looks like he's trying to portray himself as the innocent father and you as the corrupt teenage daughter." "Thanks," she replied, giggling, wiping her eyes again. "I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry," he said, wiping her cheeks with his shirt. "I know." Gohan excused himself and came back a few seconds later with some tissues. "Here." "Thanks, Gohan." She wiped her eyes with the tissues. "How am I ever going to make all of this up to you?" Her voice choked as she couldn't help but start crying again. Gohan could feel his own heart breaking. "Hey, Videl," he smiled and leaned towards her ear. "Don't worry about that, okay? I've told you that before." His warm breath brushed past her ear and neck. Shivers ran down her body. Did he really have to sit this damn close at this damn hour of the night. Gohan backed away as if hearing her thoughts. "I was just thinking about when you said to me that people liked you for your money, your fame, and your father. Well, look at me, technically, my family and my dad's friends are the only ones who like me for who I am... with the exception of you... I mean, I'm half alien! No matter how much they consider me a friend now, don't you think that even Sharpner and Erasa would think I was a freak if I told them about /that/?" Videl shrugged. "Knock it off. You're much more than simply a half-alien `thing' running around on Earth." "Really? Is that what you really think?" Gohan asked. "Yes." "Well then, I think that you're much more than some famous fighter's daughter, your much more than the famous Videl that everyone knows. That's what I think. And I don't see why you care what other people think when at least I can see you for who you really are." Videl burst into fresh tears. "Damn it, Gohan! Why'd you have to say something like that?" "Say what?!" Gohan exclaimed. "It's the truth! The first time I met you I didn't know anything about you, except that you were the only person who even suspected that I was the Great Saiyaman! And to tell you the truth I was petrified of you. No one else even saw a connection between scrawny ol' Gohan and the Great Saiyaman. Whenever I was myself, you were constantly looking for reasons why I would be the Great Saiyaman; whenever I was the Great Saiyaman you were just aching to get me to admit that I was Gohan! You were the only person who even cared to find out who I was." Videl snorted. "You were invading my turf. I didn`t understand you. You act like a total goof sometimes and then you can be a tough martial artist and then you can be totally sweet and-" She sighed. "And then you could've been the gold fighter too. I hadn't ruled that out yet. I always thought you different. I figured that a guy who could fly and have super strength might just have different hair." "And then, you have to admit, I think you had a little crush on the Great Saiyaman," Gohan teased. Videl looked down quickly blushing. Inwardly she was agreeing to his statement but outwardly she shoved him playfully in the arm. "Are you kidding? He was a dork, Gohan!" "The truth is painful," Gohan commented, jokingly. Inside he frowned. So she didn't like me? Gohan asked himself. He thought back to the second in the snow where he had touched her face. Why had he done that? He looked down at Videl and realized that this girl was simply the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Surpassing everything else in this world. He sighed and laid down in the bed. "What, Gohan?" Videl asked. "Nothing." Videl frowned. What brought on THAT change of attitude. She followed his example and laid down, too. She felt her eyes slowly closing. "Gohan?" "Hm?" "I dunno, I just forgot what I was going to say and-" she stopped in the middle of the sentence and yawned. She turned to her right, where Gohan was laying and placed her head on his arm, unconsciously noting how he made a wonderful pillow. Gohan laughed lightly when he turned to find her like this. Sound asleep. Not wanting to move her, but noticing her shiver, Gohan expanded his ki creating a blanket of warmth for her. If Videl would have been awake she would have been thanking Chi-Chi for making him wear a coat to keep his ki for now. Just then, Gohan saw Goten enter the room. "Gohan, I heard you get up and start talking to someone. Are you coming back?" he asked. "No, I'm not Goten. Videl fell asleep on me and if I move I'll wake her up." "Then can I sleep in here, too?" "Sure... just, um, did you go tot the bathroom?" Gohan asked, with a slight smile. Goten's voice raised a tad to a slight whine. "Hey Gohan! I don't wet the bed so what are you saying?" Gohan held up his one free hand. "Alright, alright! Hop up!" Goten flew over and laid by Videl. "Goodnight, Gohan," he whispered. "You too, squirt," Gohan replied. He looked down at Videl and noticed that he had the perfect girl sleeping on his arm right now. Gohan sighed and whispered softly, "Goodnight to you, too, Videl," and kissed her softly on the top of her head. She took a deep breath in her sleep and changed her position, moving closer to Gohan and laying her arm on his chest. Gohan was startled only for a moment until he realized that his one wish would be to sleep like this every night, with her cradled in his embrace. He unconsciously yawned and smiled at the sleeping figure, drifting off to sleep. NEXT MORNING Gohan was still asleep, but faintly somewhere in his subconscious, in the very back of his mind, he could here the door to his house open. He could here his mother and father's voices... and Krillin's as well. He was also dimly aware of another person directly to his left, cuddled up besides him. He sighed and fell back to sleep. Chi-Chi set down the groceries and walked to Gohan and Goten's room. "Goku! Our boys are gone!" She yelled. Goku had a look of concentration on his face. "No, I feel their ki's that way," he said, pointing to Videl's room. Chi-Chi and Goku both ran in. "Awwwww," Goku announced in a whisper. Chi-Chi grinned. "Geez, our boys just love her, don't they?" They both startled laughing quietly when Krillin asked "What's up?" from the hallway. Goku put a finger to his lips in an attempt to tell Krillin to be quiet and motioned him over with a wave of his fist. Krillin walked into Videl's room and saw the three sound asleep. He grinned and slammed the door shut, ignoring Goku's warning. "Good morning, kids!" He exclaimed. All three were startled from their sleep. "KRILLIN!" Goten yelled. Gohan and Videl quickly distanced themselves from each other, blushing freakin' beet red. Krillin's eyes narrowed and he made some kind of mocking noise in his throat, throwing Gohan and Videl a glance before giving Goten a light punch in the shoulder. Chi-Chi was looking at Krillin, perturbed that he had waken up her son and future daughter-in-law from their slumber. Goku was just laughing at the scene. Krillin walked out with Goten, Goku following. Chi-Chi turned to leave but not before throwing the two teenagers a self-satisfied smirk. When they were alone, Gohan simply looked at Videl and said. "I'm going to go have breakfast... you wanna come?" Videl nodded slowly. "But Gohan?" "What?" "What happened?" Gohan smiled nervously and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, we were talking and you fell asleep on my arm and I didn't want to wake you up so I stayed. Plus you were pretty upset last night and... well, I dunno..." Videl smiled. "Okay," she said softly. Why did he have to see me crying last night? She asked herself. He must think I'm a baby. "Gohan?" she asked again. "What?" He replied again. "Do you think that I'm-" "No," he answered softly before she could say anything. "C'mon, Videl, let's eat." ONE WEEK LATER (SUNDAY AFTERNOON) Goku smiled as he flipped on the switch and newly strung lights lit up the entire son house, reminding Videl of a gingerbread house. They quickly went in, chased off by the cold, and finished decorating the Christmas tree, with Goku flying to the top and adding a star. "Five, four, three, two, one!" Gohan plugged in the Christmas tree and it lit up with bright white lights. Everyone cheered. Videl clapping along with the rest of the Sons. Chi-Chi announced that she'd be back with cocoa and Gohan and Goten offered to help. Goku, still smiling, sat down on the couch. In the strange light (they had the lights off and only the Christmas tree lights gave any illumination) Videl thought he looked even more silly than usual. She decided to sit down besides hi, pulling her legs up on the couch and pushing a strand of short, dark, hair behind her ear. Goku sighed. "It's the same tree every year... but somehow it always looks different." Videl frowned. This was Goku's first Christmas back since the Cell Games... everything familiar would look slightly different after seven years. Goku noticed her frown. "I know what you're thinking," he said lightly. "Cell Games," was the only other words he spoke. Videl nodded. "I didn't want to mention anything, Gohan still seems to get quiet and upset when I say something about... them. I don't like to either, it's just admitting that everything that my dad is...is a lie." Goku looked as if he were contemplating something. "Gohan... yup. After Cell everyone was worried that Gohan might be defeated by himself." "What?" "Your worst enemy is never the one in front of you, Videl. It's inside of you." Videl's eyebrows furrowed at these words. "What are you saying?" She asked. Goku shrugged. "Just that... well, Gohan didn't take the ... results, you could say... of the Games well." "Oh." Goku stretched. "But as for your dad, don't worry about him and taking our 'glory'. I mean, Gohan became the Great Saiyaman," - he chuckled - "to give him and Chi-Chi, Goten and me, privacy. If it weren't for your dad, Gohan would be famous and the reporters would be over /here/ instead of at your house. What I'm trying to say is, Gohan doesn't mind not getting the fame. He probably wouldn't enjoy it. He likes the peace and calm of being out here alone. I think he gets that from when he trained a long time ago with Piccolo." Goku stopped as Chi-Chi and Goten emerged from the kitchen. Goten had his own cocoa and Chi-Chi was holding two cups, one for herself and one for Goku. "Videl, honey," she said. "Go on and get some for yourself." Videl eagerly accepted the offer and got up heading for the kitchen. When she got there, Gohan was putting tons of Rediwhip on his... on top of marshmallows and candy cane pieces. When he saw Videl, he stopped. "Bit of a sweet tooth there?" She questioned. He nodded and handed her a cup of cocoa. "We've got everything... you want marshmallows or-" "Actually I just want the Rediwhip," she said, before he named off a list of a hundred items... including things that only Saiyans would put in hot cocoa. Videl took the Rediwhip he handed to her and pressed the nozzle down. Air came out and sprayed up into her face, little white flecks fell into her hair and all over her shirt. Gohan immediately started laughing. "Videl! You're suppose to point the thing directly down before you push the nozzle down!" He handed her a towel which she gladly accepted and began to wipe off her shirt. "Um, you have some-" he motioned for her to wipe her cheek. She did so. "No it's-" He was about to repeat the gesture when Videl agitatedly wiped her face again. He shook his head and she stomped her foot. "Well, Gohan help me out! Can you wipe the stuff off my face?" Gohan laughed and cupped her cheek in his hand, wiping off the whipped cream with his thumb. They were silent for a moment, frozen just like that, when Videl whispered, "Thank you." Videl could have sworn she felt a slight tremor run through Gohan's hand, but before she could be sure he cleared his throat and turned away. "No problem," he said, grabbing his cocoa and leaving. Videl grabbed the Rediwhip and correctly sprayed some on her cocoa, setting it down hard on the countertop. What was up with /that/ now? She wondered. She sighed and grabbed her mug... that Saiyan was really beginning to give her a migraine. *** AHH! In an upcoming Chapter Hercule shows up! Not the next one but one of the ones after it! It is sooooo funny! Videl and Gohan and Goku and Chi-Chi and Goten are all telling him off... maybe some of the other Z- fighters will be there... not sure...but what I have written is so funny! **** **** **** **** **** Disclaimer: Hee hee hee... I don't own DragonballZ... *** Hee hee hee... so many people wrote me saying I had to get my farking butt in gear and write the part with Hercule...sooooooooooo...I did. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CHAPTER 5 TUESDAY (ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS) "It's just right up here," Gohan said to Videl. "I didn't know your house had an upstairs," She commented. "It's not really an `upstairs'. It's more like an attic...Ladies first," he offered, motioning for her to fly up into the attic. Videl did so and Gohan followed her. "Right there," he said, pulling out some photo albums. As Gohan did this, Videl looked around. "It's cold up here," she observed. "Yeah, it always is, even in the summer...ah! Here we go, the album with the holly on the front!" Videl sat down next to him as he continued. "This has photographs from every Christmas I can remember in it." He began flipping through some pages. Videl laughed. "What?" he asked. "Well, it's just that, it looks like each Christmas there's some arguement of some kind." Gohan smiled. "No, that's just Vegeta and my dad. Vegeta always starts it too. We have a little slogan - 'It's the holidays...let's fight!' - It comes with having the biggest ego in the universe spending a minute amount of time with the most powerful guy in the universe." Videl laughed again, half at his comment and half at the picture on the page of Vegeta in a strangle hold. Gohan flipped a few pages, purposefully doing so. "What's that?" Videl asked, pointing at a picture before he could turn the page. Gohan pointed to a picture in the corner. "That?" Videl nodded. "It's an adorable picture." "Nothing." "Oh, c'mon, tell me." Gohan sighed. The picture was of a seventeen year old Gohan holding a six year old Goten by the Christmas tree. Gohan looked almost sad but Goten looked as if he were shouting his head off, a big grin pasted across his face. "That was last Christmas," was all Gohan said. Videl sat still, uncomfortable for a few moments. After a minute she wasn't expecting any more of an explanation and was about to clear her throat when Gohan turned the page. "Bulma had come every Christmas after my dad died to help my mom with some of the baking and present wrapping because my mom was always kind of ... depressed... around the hol-" "Gohan, I'm sorry, I didn't know," Videl said quickly. "It's okay, Videl. I know you didn't know." He paused and took a deep breath. "Well, anyways, she had brought Trunks with her, she usually did, but she also brought Vegeta for the first time. Let's say that Vegeta's not as unfeeling as you may believe. Goten saw Vegeta hug Trunks quickly before converting back to his stone-cold Saiyan prince exterior. Goten ran in the room and asked me where /his/ dad was. He asked /me/. What was I suppose to say? Goten, your dad died fighting some big scary monster because I was too cocky to do it myself? Goten forgot his question in the next second when Bulma pulled a fresh batch of cookies out of the oven. My mom snapped this picture just then... I don't think that she knew. That kid...he's a far braver soul then I am. Needless to say I didn't have a very merry Christmas." Videl, not knowing what to do, simply wrapped her arm around his back and put her head against his shoulder. "Sorry. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how close you and your dad are. I bet it's good to have him back." Gohan nodded. "Yeah ... and hey! You're going to be here, too! What more could I ask for?" He laughed and Videl did, too. And just /what/ did he mean by /that/? Gohan sighed. "Yup! Christmas will be great this year." He pulled out a few packs of newly developed photos. "We have to put some of these in here. Like the one of us decorating the Christmas tree... and making the snowman..." He said, flipping through some of the pictures. "Putting up the lights... drinking hot cocoa... sleeping in your room...wait, WHAT? MOM GOT A PICTURE OF THAT?" Just then, Chi-Chi appeared at the doorway (she had used stairs instead of ki to get up there.) "Yup, I did, and you're putting that in the book, mister!" She said laughing. Videl blushed and Gohan sat speechless. Chi-Chi turned around and climbed back down the stairs. "And then when you're married I'll give it to you to put in your own album... as your first Christmas together," she said under her breath. She smiled to herself. She had heard everything Gohan and Videl had said, meaning to give them another batch of pictures but instead she had eavesdropped on their conversation. Gohan had told Videl the story behind that one picture...which had surprised Chi-Chi. They must be pretty close, she mused, for Gohan to be sharing things like that with Videl. Gohan sighed, placing the picture of Gohan, Videl and Goten sleeping in the album. How long had his mother been there, hearing them talk about... stuff? His thoughts were interrupted as someone knocked on the front door downstairs. Videl listened to the racket. What was all that screaming? "TRUNKS!" Goten was yelling. Gohan and Videl both looked at each other and at the same time said, "The Briefs." (Were you expecting Hercule?) Videl laughed. "What are they doing here?" She asked. "They always come over exactly one week before Christmas to bake cookies and stuff, that's when..." Videl nodded, not letting him finish. That's when Bulma had come over to help and brought Vegeta and Trunks and that picture had been taken one year ago. "Let's go say hi," Videl offered to shift the unease in the room. Gohan happily obliged. Bulma laughed when she saw Gohan and Videl. "How's my Great Saiyaman?" She asked. "The outfit still working for you?" "Yeah, fine," Gohan answered, hugging her. Vegeta fumed. "DON'T touch my mate, boy." "Vegeta!" Bulma said under her breath, lightly whacking Vegeta in the arm. Vegeta rolled his eyes and threw Videl a questioning glance. He was about to ask exactly what /she/ was doing here when there was another knock on the door. "I'll get it," Gohan announced. He opened the door. "Mister Satan!" He said in surprise. Oh boy, am I ever screwed now... he thought. Hercule pushed open the door and stood in the door way, surveying the group. Chi-Chi and Bulma had stopped their conversation, Vegeta had begun his ritual of leaning against the nearest wall, and Goku had just gotten out of the shower and was entering the room, dressed, with his hair still weighed down from the water. "What's going on guys, I heard..." his voice died down as he saw Hercule standing in his living room. "Um, hi." he said. "Merry Christmas." "Kakarott, shut up!" Hercule's eyes stopped when he came to Videl. "THERE you are!" He exclaimed. "I found you." "Oh, happy day," Videl said, sarcasm coating her words. "You are coming back home with me!" He bellowed. Videl shook her head. "I'll classify that under `never'. What makes you think I'd come back?" Hercule, irritated, clamped his fists. "You're coming back now. YOU ran away. YOU didn't tell ME where you went. YOU made ME the laughingstock of the public. YOU have lowered YOURSELF just by being here...with that boy who opened the door!" "And I am PROUD of all of the above!" Videl screamed, irate. "YOU kicked me out. YOU said you didn't care. HE-" She yelled, pointing to Gohan. "was the only one to help me. I can NOT believe that I am having this conversation with you. Now, /I/ want /you/ to leave, dad, or at the least, could we reschedule this fight until after the holidays. I don't want to ruin their Christmas!" At that moment, Goten and Trunks ran in. Goten saw Videl and ran up to her, looking over at Gohan, too. "Look! I can make snot come out of my nose!" He exclaimed. Trunks rolled his eyes but started laughing anyway. "You're so stupid, Goten!" Trunks remarked, laughing his head off. Goten paused when he noticed that no one else was laughing except Goku. He turned around and saw Hercule. "Oh... it's Mr. Hercule." Gohan spoke up. "Goten... um ... could you please go back outside and play? You too Trunks." Goten and Trunks both stood up and walked back outside, where they bolted off to have some more fun with snot and cold temperatures. Hercule made a noise of disgust. Videl chuckled at him when she saw this. "Better watch it, dad, those Son boys can really turn a girl's head." Vegeta snorted, Gohan blushed, and Hercule blanched. Videl smirked. "Get out." Hercule shook his head. "Nice people you're with here Videl. Those two," he said, referring to Trunks and Goten, "him," he said, referring to Gohan, "and /him/ too," he remarked, pointing to Goku. Videl nodded. "Yes. And do you know who that is, dad? Goku. Uh-huh. I'm hanging out with Goku. I remember everything you said about him, too, dad. About his tricks, how he wasn't a real martial artist, how he wasn't an honest man. You're wrong. You're the one who's dishonest. How could you say all that stuff you said to me about him when it was you who was the liar? You told me he was weak and trying to cheat /you/ out of /your/ fame with his illusions. How could you not tell me that it was him who tried to stand up to Cell? It was him who died? And how could you not tell me that it was his /son/ who saved the world? Are you that diluted?" Chi-Chi was grinding her teeth throughout Videl's words. When Videl finished Chi-Chi ran over too Hercule, Bulma moved out of the way in order to avoid her. "That was my Goku out there you-" Goku grabbed her and covered her mouth. "Chi-Chi honey, calm down," he said, pulling her away from Hercule. She might just be able to kill the man with her rage. Hercule was running on adrenaline only. His courage was beginning to wear thin. "I'm going to sue you all!" He exclaimed, trying to frighten them. Bulma laughed. "Fine. You do that and I'll put the whole Capsule Corporation legal department against you. I'm sure the world would love to know about the Cell Games," she threatened. Hercule cowered. "Wait," he said, after a minute, "You're Bulma Brief. The short guy's...Vebeta or something`s... wife." Vegeta raised his head and growled. Videl laughed. "You know Vegeta? Pain in the ass, isn't he?" Videl asked. "But even he's got the guts to-" "VIDEL!" Hercule screeched. "That's enough! You are going home!" "Son of a bitch, dad! That was GREAT! Just because you told me to you think I'm going? Watch as I go throw up all over myself." Videl turned around to exit the room. "Dear, wait!" Hercule pleaded. Videl froze. "Don't ever call me that again...ever," she said venomously. Hercule was practically begging now. "For my sake, Videl, please! I've done the research and put two and two together! I know everything that happened, these people aren't normal... they're aliens!" "I know that, you've known that," Videl said, scathingly. "What's your point? What version are you going to use this time?" Hercule jumped up to answer the question. "Let's start with Vebeta over there! He and a few of his other weird friends came here and started killing a bunch of innocent people and- and-" "Oh, here comes the horror!" Vegeta said mockingly. "I am the prince of the proud Saiyan race! Do you think I'm some kind of happy do-good alien like that guy on that move E. something-" "E.T." Gohan offered. "Yes!" Vegeta said. He looked directly at Hercule. "I. Am. A. Killer." Hercule looked at Videl. "I don't want you here with them, young lady. You heard him. He said himself he was a killer." He began shaking. "Oh no! I, for one, wouldn't call them hostile by any stretch of the imagination!" Hercule said sarcastically, talking about the Saiyans. "Videl, it's not safe! You're surrounded by these weirdos... especially the tall one, with the short hair that goes to your school! I really don't think-" "That's the problem, dad, you... don't... think. Leave him and his family and friends alone." Hercule, on his last resort, grabbed Videl and pulled her out the door with him. The next second she was gone. Hercule turned around to find Goku with two fingers against his forehead, holding her in his arms. He also noticed that Gohan's hair was now gold... flaming gold. Gohan began to walk towards Hercule, "You just touched my best friend and had every wish of taking her away..." Gohan whispered. "... from me." He fired a ki blast at the ground by Hercule's feet and Hercule quickly jumped in his helicopter- jet copter thing and began to take off. Videl studied Gohan in his Super Saiyan form. He didn't look anything like Gohan now at all. The kind and sweet, happy and innocent Gohan had disappeared, leaving nothing but a fierce angry Gohan in it's place. His face was a mask of rage that almost frightened Videl had she not known who he was. Gohan ran over to Videl, his hair turning dark again. He took her from Goku, helping her to stand up. Videl hugged him as tight as she could and he hugged her back (not as tight as he could of course). Videl was trying her best not to cry in front of everyone until she heard a strange noise coming from Gohan. She tried to pull out of his grip but he wouldn't let go. "Gohan what's wrong?" she asked, as she realized he was crying. Gohan only held her tighter. "I thought-" he couldn't continue as his voice choked on a sob. Videl hugged him again, not knowing what to say. He thought what? Videl slowly recognized that Gohan cared for her more than she had previously thought. After all, what other guy would hug her in front of everyone he knew and start crying...for her? Goku walked up behind his son. "Gohan," he said lightly. Gohan pulled away from Videl looking at his dad. Videl didn't hear the next few words of their conversation but she continued to stare at Gohan in amazement, still wondering why he had reacted like that. Do you love me, Son Gohan? She asked herself. Videl watched as Gohan took a deep breath and Goku sighed. Goku mumbled something to him and Gohan walked back into the house. Videl walked up behind Goku. "What's wrong, Goku?" she asked, worried. Goku turned to her and frowned. "Nothing. It's just that his power works on anger." "I know." "Well, he's not very happy right now... and I just want him to cool off before someone gets hurt." Videl looked down. "This is my fault," she began. Goku shook his head. "No, Videl," He said. "It's not your fault that he is concerned about you." Goku knelt down to come face to face with Videl. "If you asked me he's more concerned about you then he wants to let on. He says he sees you as a friend... but as his dad I'm willing to bet that that's a small lie." Goku stood up and walked over to everyone watching, assuring them that everything was okay. Videl walked inside and knocked on Gohan's door. Gohan opened it without greeting and sat on his bed. Videl followed suit. "You okay?" She asked. Gohan sighed and startled laughing. "I dunno. I think I'm going crazy. WHAT in Dende's name did I just do out there?" Videl smiled. "You just practically attacked my dad." Gohan put his head in his hands. "Don't worry though, " Videl continued. " `Don't worry,' " Gohan repeated. "How can you say that? I could've killed your dad!" "But... you didn't." "But I could've." "Gohan, shut up! I came in hear to tell you that your brother has a snot sculpture that he wants to show you and you're coming!" Gohan let out a loud laugh. "Okay...just one thing..." "What?" "No hard feelings?" "Not at all! I think you taught my dad a lesson... I know he won't be showing up for Christmas!" Gohan smiled. "Alright, let's go." Videl followed him outside as Goku's word's echoed in her head. - "If you asked me he's more concerned about you then he wants to let on. He says he sees you as a friend... but as his dad I'm willing to bet that that's a small lie." - Videl was puzzled. Gohan needed to be downright pissed to become a Super Saiyan... did the thought of her leaving to go back home bother him that much? "I just have one question, Gohan." "What?" "Why didn't you want me to go?" She asked. Why did you cry? Why did you hug me like that? Why? Why, why, why, why?! She added. "Go back there? With him where you're unappreciated and put down? Why /would/ I want you to go back there?" So that's it, Gohan? Videl thought That's the only reason why? You don't like me as more than a friend like your father suggested? Hm? Tell me, please? Goku, she thought. If you're right, Gohan sure is good at hiding his true feelings from me. *** Okay...it's not incredibly funny but I can see the whole snot thing... who thinks Gohan's going to kiss Videl on Christmas? Show of hands please! No, just kidding. I'll let you keep guessin'! |