#his wife and two young kids were alive waiting for him to come back

[imflyinoveryou]

me my mom and brother lived in a trailer for a year and it would get so fucking cold in there, so we would all get in the big bed and snuggle and watch he-man on satellite tv and talk for hours before falling asleep. my brother would always ask hypotheticals like "what if a man came in here in the middle of the night" and my mom would say something like "id kill him dead" and i would just laugh and laugh

#the trailer was honestly quite nice #it was so small that it was always clean #i remember sometimes i had to sleep on the folding bed and because it was metal #it would get sooo cold and i would literally complain until i fell asleep or until my mom told me to shut up lol #my brother and i fought over who got to sleep in the bed all the time #sometimes mom let us all sleep up there but usually not #i have a vivid memory of us all watching a documentary about this guy in oregon #who died of hypochondria #and its been one of my biggest fears ever since #his fingers and toes were disintegrated when they found him #and he stripped cause of the burning sensation he felt while dying.. #his wife and two young kids were alive waiting for him to come back

[andysorbit]

Praise & Worship Pt. 1 (M)

Churchboy!Doyoung/Camboy!Doyoung x Churchgirl!reader

Warnings: soft dom!Doie, corruption, unprotected sex (be smart), guided masturbation, overstimulation, dirty talk, big dick Doie agenda ayyyeee, slight angst, phone sex, daddy kink, fingering, squirting, spitting (I'm a spit slut leave me alone)

Word count: 4.8k

Now, this is a black church ya'll. This aint your memaw Doris' church nah sir we bumpin' them ol' negro spirituals

Thank you to @brownsugarbaybee for making me these really cool banners. Kari, your username inspired the username in this fic :,)

I also would like to thank @multifandomslxt, @calibabii21, @agust-june for being my number one churchboy!Doie enablers.

Doyoung's Playlist (because why tf not??)

The Battle is the Lord's - Yolanda Adams

I Won't Complain - Rev. Alyn E. Waller

My Redeemer - Nicole C. Mullen

Mary, Don't You Weep - Aretha Franklin

I Love the Lord - Whitney Houston

DaddyDoie's Playlist

Brown Skin - India.Arie

Untitled (How Does it Feel) - D'Angelo

Til the Cops Come Knockin' - Maxwell

TiO - Zayn

Sweetest Taboo - Sade

praise

/prāz/

verb

To express warm approval or admiration of.

-

worship

/ˈwərSHəp/

verb

To show reverence and adoration for.

Church is going swimmingly as it always does and you're happy to be seated in the sanctuary.

You, being an eager early bird, found your way to your seat in the front as you always do. Being the first daughter of the church is no easy feat but you love it and you love coming to give thanks to your Lord and Savior.

Adult life isn't always kind to you but you still come, rain or shine, to give honor.

Doyoung's been coming to this church since you were both eleven. His parents almost joined but they said your church was "a bit loud". That was okay. The black church experience isn't meant for everyone.

Doyoung, on the other hand, had stars in his eyes and with his parents' consent, he joined that very day; even signing up for the ministry van to come and pick him up.

Doyoung began singing in church a year after joining and he's loved it since the start. Starting off in the choir and working his way up to doing solos.

You two have grown close over the years and you've both grown up to be fine examples of how anyone can flourish when they stand in the love and dignity of the church of God.

Doyoung chose to sing The Battle is the Lord's this Sunday and as usual, he kills it.

Your father's sermon is about temperance and he preaches with his usual flair as he always does.

"Now we men know how it is when you see a beautiful woman! We know! We get a lil... 'ooooh she's a fine lookin' woman!' We get all beside ourselves sometimes! Same thing for you ladies! It's human nature, y'know. God didn't give you a single thing by accident. Ain't no sin in how you feel but it's what you do with those feelings!" he says; stopping for a minute to wipe his brow with his handkerchief.

The congregation agrees with hoots and hollers and old women fan themselves. You feel alive.

"The thing is that you can't just give yourself to everyone. Fall in love first! I tell these young kids all the time! You may think it's no big deal but it is! It's difficult to resist while you're in the thick of it but you'll be glad you stuck to the word of God and waited!"

Your eyes wander over to the the choir and you seek out Doyoung. His suit is crisp as usual and he looks amazing. His eyes meet yours and he wiggles his eyebrows.

"Like my man Doie for example! Fine ladies man, right? Of course but he's waiting for his wife. He's not paying you girls no mind because he knows the Lord is paving the pathway for his wife... hopefully my daughter- no lemme stop- but who knows? I don't! Hallelujah!"

Doyoung drops his face into his hand and laughs then looks back over at you and gives you a playful frown. You roll your eyes.

"And I know my baby likes him because everytime I mention him, she just gets that look on her face- look at her ya'll! Then those eyes get to rollin' and she just- that's my son-in-law, y’all! Hallelujah!"

"Daddy, would you stop?" You say and wave your hand at him.

Doyoung smiles at you and rolls his eyes.

When service ends, you find your dad, "You better leave me alone, old man," You say with a smile.

You father laughs and touches your face, "I don't speak on things unless I'm sure about it," he shoots back.

He's being pulled away for prayer and you greet everyone as your eyes search for Doyoung.

He finds you, as he always does, and with a warm embrace he asks you, "Did I give you chills?"

You reply, same as always, "I'm still freezing," You reply.

You pull back to look at him and he returns your smile, "You're coming back to Sister Martha's for lunch?" You ask.

"Of course I am. I'm gonna stop by and see mom and dad first but yeah. I'm coming," he says.

Mother Annie, whose mind is going, comes up to take your hand and Doyoung's, "How's my babies?" she asks.

"Oh, we're great! How are you feeling?" You say with a smile.

"I'm doing fine as always. Doie, you need a ride home, baby?" she says.

Doyoung smiles, "Oh, Mother Annie, you won't believe it but I learned how to drive! I have my own car and everything!" he says as he smiles but you see the sadness in his eyes. Everyone loves Mother Annie and it's sad to see her forgetting so much.

"Oh Jesus, I'm gettin' old," she sighs.

"But you're still a beauty," he chuckles.

She hugs him tightly then she hugs you, "He'd make a fine husband," she says as she shuffles off.

Doyoung gives you smirk, "She's not wrong," he says teasingly.

"I wouldn't know," You say sassily as you look him up and down.

Doyoung is an everybody kind of guy. Everybody loves him and everyone wants to be his wife or his in-law. He was a bit shy when he first started coming but he's grown into himself in many ways.

Your day eases by nicely and lunch is a fun gathering as it always is. Good food, good chats, and good prayers. Sister Joyce bakes a Louisiana crunch cake and as usual, threatens to spank Doyoung if he comes back for a third piece.

All is good and easy.

The week eases by and Saturday night rolls around like clockwork. You take your time preparing your clothes for church and then make a pitcher of peach iced tea that you plan on dropping off at Mother Annie's house before church in the morning.

You unwind after a nice bubble bath and dress in an oversized t-shirt and those feelings of yours bubble back up. Feelings of imagining what Doyoung's body would feel like against yours, of what it really feels like to be ravished.

Sometimes, there's a look in his eyes that you can't place and it's led you to believe that there may be a side to Doyoung that you've never seen and it gives you chills more intense than the ones he gives you in church.

On impulse, you ordered a pink dildo online a few weeks ago but your guilt is why you never even opened the packaging but tonight, your curiosity gets the best of you.

You look at it then put it back in the box.

It's a step.

You roll the idea of using it around in your head before firing up your laptop.

You started off with good intentions.

Really.

A simple Google search:

Is it a sin to masturbate?

Clicking between Christianity.com, GotQuestions.org, and reading answers and Bible verses on NeverThirsty.org for so long that you begin to wonder why the hell you should even possibly care anymore because it's all a mixture of yeses and noes.

Then comes the twist that makes you groan in defeat. The matter of lust. Can you even masturbate without lusting after someone?

You close the tabs and search for porn sites for something to watch. It's all anticlimactic. You expected more but... this is all a bit much.

A pop-up catches your eye:

DaddyDoie is live! Sign up to say hi now!

"Doie? Oh please," You scoff but you sign up and your username is BrownSugarPrincess. Is it stupid? Yes. 100% but you didn't sign up to seduce anyone or to attract any lascivious attention to yourself. You signed up because there's no way that's your Doie.

You confirm your account and you're redirected back to the livestream.

You shriek.

It is Doyoung.

Or maybe it's not. You can't see his face and the camera cuts off just at his neck and Doyoung definitely has a necklace exactly like that and those shoulders... there's no way that's Doyoung...

But it really could be...

You lean in closer to your laptop and take in his naked body with little regard to your previous research on where your soul will end up after doing a thing like this.

You slap your free hand over your mouth when he sighs, "BrownSugarPrincess. Cute name... You're my thousandth subscriber, sweetheart, so.. you've won yourself a surprise," he says softly as he strokes himself a little faster.

You'd recognize that soft, honey voice anywhere.

"Oh my God," You whisper

You watch his hand fist his cock and you're frozen; anchored in place by the sex dripping from his voice.

"I'Il send you a DM and you can tell me when you're available to claim your prize," he says slowly.

You type your reply:

BrownSugarPrincess: oh wow that's pretty cool... thank you but maybe give it to the next person? I don't think I should...

Doyoung chuckles devilishly, "Such a polite girl. It's okay, we'll talk after. I think I could change your mind."

You want to close the tab and toss your laptop across the room but you can't. His cross necklace sits so nicely around his neck and the fact that he's even still wearing it is obscenely attractive.

"God... please," You whisper. You're unsure of what you need God to do for you because more than the willpower to put your laptop away, you want Doyoung inside of you.

"I know what you want," Doyoung chuckles as his hand slows down. He's a tease.

Your hand is in your panties before you realize it and you softly touch your clit as you abandon all of your morals from earlier.

Doyoung stops stroking himself and lets his cock smack against his stomach with a heavy flop.

"Oh... oh my God," You pant as you stroke yourself a little faster.

You admire his girth and wonder for a moment how long it would take you to stretch around his cock.

He's fucking huge.

He gently runs his thumb over his throbbing tip and spreads his precum so slowly that you whine.

"Get a good look at it, baby," he sighs, "Do you think you could take all of this? How much do you think you could fit in your mouth before you start gagging on it?"

The comments are flooding in and you don't read a single one of them because how could anyone focus on typing with this indescribable being on their screen?

He chuckles as he wraps his hand around his cock once more, "You've been very quiet BrownSugarPrincess... or maybe I can just call you Princess? I bet you have the prettiest brown skin, sweetheart... I know why you're not saying anything... I know you're touching that pretty little pussy."

You buck your hips and the sound of his voice alone is enough to send you over the edge but you fight it off because you don't want this to end.

"I know you're soaking wet for daddy... In your bed with your hands between your beautiful thighs... stroking that soft, warm cunt... I know you're wishing I was there to stretch you out and fuck you like you're all mine... yeah, Princess... Daddy wants you to touch that pussy. Do that for me, baby."

Your tongue runs over your bottom lip and your fingers speed up, "Oh... fuck, fuck... fuck... fuck," You pant and you're so close and he knows it. He knows what he's doing.

He strokes himself faster and you match his pace. The moans that fall from his mouth are the most delicious sounds you've ever heard and wishing that you could feel them against your mouth, you lose the battle.

Your body trembles as you cum and soon his cum is shooting up his stomach and covering the back of his hand. His moans, slow and velvety, dance into your ears and soak your pussy even more. It's so much- too much and you could cry.

"That was so good, wasn't it?" he sighs breathlessly.

You nod and of course he can't see you but you nod anyway because he has you stuck on stupid.

"Okay... well... that's all for tonight. Thank you for coming... Princess, I'm gonna clean up and then l'll be talking to you," he says and ends the live.

You get up and clean yourself up too. The guilt kicks in as you step into the shower and you scrub your body so harshly that you think just maybe you've washed the sins off of you.

"God... please... forgive me. I'm so sorry. l'm so, so, so, sorry. God, cleanse me. Help me, Lord," You whisper over and over as you rinse the soap off of your body.

It doesn't feel like your soul is any purer but your skin is a little sore and that's a feeling that can distract you from the guilt in your chest.

You towel off once you're done and go back to your bedroom. You reluctantly check the site's notifications and you yelp.

DaddyDoie: Hello, Princess

It was sent five minutes ago.

You tap a reply; too eagerly.

BrownSugarPrincess: Hello

DaddyDoie: How are you this evening?

BrownSugarPrincess: I'm doing fine. How are you?

DaddyDoie: I'm great. Thanks for asking. How'd you find my livestream?

BrownSugarPrincess: I was kinda just looking around I guess. I tried watching porn but I didn't really find anything that was helping.

DaddyDoie: So you needed more and that's what sent you my way. That's cute. Really cute.

BrownSugarPrincess: So what's the surprise?

DaddyDoie: Well, you have two choices. A video call or a voice call.

BrownSugarPrincess: Um... maybe a voice call? I probably shouldn't though do it though.

DaddyDoie: And why is that?

BrownSugarPrincess: It's a lot to explain I think...

DaddyDoie: Maybe I should call you then. You won't have to type it all out if we just talk.

BrownSugarPrincess: Ok

Your reply sinks in and you panic but you don't have much time to wallow in it because the voice call prompt on the site pops up. You quickly grab your headphones from your nightstand and turn them on. You slip them on and answer,

You pick up, "Hi," You say softly.

"Hello, Princess," he says and there's no way this isn't Doyoung, "What's this conflict that's got you so stressed out, hm?"

"Well... I'm religious and... this is wrong. I shouldn't be doing this."

"Well... Princess, I'm probably not the best at steering people down a good path versus a bad one but... what do you want to do right now?"

"I don't know what I want."

"Oh, I don't believe that, Princess... I think you know exactly what you want but the problem is that what you want doesn't line up with what you believe is right."

You fall silent.

He chuckles, "How about this... how about you tell me what you're wearing and we can take this very slowly and if you want, you can stop me at any point,"

"O-okay... I'm... I'm wearing a towel. I just got out of the shower," You reply nervously.

"You tried to wash the sins off of that pretty body, didn't you, Princess?"

"Uh huh."

"So cute... how about you take that towel off and lay in your bed for me?"

You quickly remove your towel and toss it aside before getting into bed, "I'm uh... I'm in bed," You say shyly.

"And you're naked?"

"Y- yes."

"Say it. Tell me that you're in bed and you're naked."

You shiver, "I'm... in bed and... I'm... I'm naked."

"Good girl," he hums, "Now... I want you to touch yourself. Nice and slowly, baby, touch your pussy for me."

You hand glides down between your legs and dip past your folds, "Oh," You gasp as your fingers slowly tease your clit.

"Are you wet for me, Princess?" he asks softly. His voice shoots through your body like lightning.

"I'm so wet... so wet," You whine as your fingers move faster.

"Oh no you don't... you need to slow it down, sweetheart. You're not gonna cum until I tell you to," he says softly. You can tell he's smiling. You can always hear it in his voice.

You slow down reluctantly and whine, "Please," You beg.

"Here's what you're gonna do... I want you to take your other hand and slide two fingers inside that pretty cunt. Do that for me, baby," he tells you. His voice alone is too much and you gasp when he moans softly.

You do. Two fingers slide deep inside and you almost cum.

"I- I... oh... God... daddy," You whimper.

"That's a good girl. Just like that... fuck yourself with your fingers, baby. Fuck that tight little cunt for your daddy," he sighs.

You ease your fingers in and out of your wetness and the sounds are obscene as you fall deeper and deeper into this pit that his soft moans

"I can hear you fucking yourself, Princess. Daddy can hear you. You're so wet, baby... I hear those fingers moving inside that soaked cunt. I'd love to be there with you so I could taste you, baby, and suck on your clit until you're trembling for me... Would you let me eat that sweet little pussy? Huh, baby?"

You move faster and your body begins to tremble, "Yes... Daddy... please... please," You whine. Your voice is a desperate shrill now and colors swirl behind your eyes as you keep going.

"Chase it, baby. You can do it. It's right there for you. Isn't that right, beautiful?" he purrs.

"Uh huh... u-uh huh... daddy," You whimper.

"It's all yours, sweetheart. Come on," he says and his own voice goes a little higher. His moans shake you somewhere deep within and you wriggle desperately as your orgasm approaches.

Your eyes flutter shut and you whine as you come undone.

"Don't stop yet, baby... curl your fingers up for me," he says softly.

You immediately obey his orders and sigh, "I... I dunno if I'm doing this right."

"You'll know, sweetheart. Just take your time. If I was there with you, I'd show you exactly where to touch yourself. You wouldn't have to do a thing... just lay there and keep those pretty legs open for your daddy... I'd take good care of you... Make you feel so good I'd probably make you cry for me," he drags out as best he can and he sounds so fucking close but you know he's holding out until you find that spot he's talking about.

He was right, you do know the moment you find it because you convulse with a new rush of pleasure that overwhelms you. You press your fingers against that spot deep inside over and over, "Daddy" You mew out weakly.

"Didn't daddy tell you? That's my good girl. Keep going baby. Right there... just like that. Keep doing that," he says. His voice is deep and longing.

Your fingers speed up and you shake violently.

"Daddy!"

This orgasm is so intense that you almost forget how to breathe and you soak your hands, your thighs, and your sheets.

"That's my girl. Such a good girl, Princess. You did such a good job," he praises you breathlessly.

"I... the uh... I soaked my bed. Oh my God... I soaked my bed," You pant mindlessly and you don't even know how you're talking because it's as if you have no control over your mouth or really any other part of your body.

"Did you squirt?" he asks with a low chuckle.

"That's what it's called? I thought I pissed myself."

"No, baby. That isn't what happened at all... Was it that good?"

"Yes."

"Did I give you chills?"

Your blood runs cold, "Uh huh..." You croak.

A silence falls over the both of you for a moment.

"I um... I should go clean up," You say softly.

"I should too," he chuckles.

"Thank you," You say.

"Of course. Good night, sweetheart," he says with a soft laugh.

His voice could send you into another frenzy.

"G- good night," You say.

You end the call and slam your laptop shut, "Oh my God."

You pull off your headphones and stand up.

What a night.

Morning comes around too quickly and between your restless sleep and your general nerves about seeing Doyoung, for the first time ever, you're late for church.

Sadly, there's nowhere to hide. Your empty seat in the front row is like a stage as you quietly take your seat.

Impulsively, your eyes seek out Doyoung and there he is with his perfect posture and his teased back hair, watching you with an amused smirk. You give him a tight smile.

You don't hang on to a word your father says and save for the date scrawled sloppily at the top of your notebook, the page is blank.

Your mind replays the night before over and over. The darkness in his voice, the way he sounded as he came, the curiosity of how his cock would feel inside you; it haunts you and excites you.

You close your eyes and whisper a prayer but it's no use. Behind closed eyes, all you see is his naked body, the cross that hung lewdly against his bare chest, the cum that painted his stomach. Your eyes shoot open and Doyoung's staring at you.

"Are you okay?" he mouths.

You nod quickly and drop your head down. To look at him is to set you back from the inch of progress you've made since your last impure daydream and the knowing look in his eyes is far too much- prolonged eye contact will turn this jovial church service into your funeral.

You don't realize church is ending until your mother nudges you to stand for prayer.

As your father closes out with prayer, you look over at Doyoung who's looking right at you.

"Close your eyes," he mouths to you and you quickly obey.

When church ends your mother takes your hand, "Are you okay?" she asks.

"Yes, mama. I just didn't get enough rest last night. I'm sorry," You ramble.

"You missed my joke this morning but that's your loss," your father says as he greets you with a hug.

Like clockwork, Doyoung finds you and after warm greetings from your parents, he turns to circle his arms around you, "You must've had some night," he laughs.

"Oh uh... not really. Just had a restless sleep. Not much else," You ramble.

Doyoung is highly amused, "Oh, I'm sure, Squirtle," he laughs.

"What's that supposed to mean? What's so funny?" You ask nervously.

"Come with me, Y/n," Doyoung sighs as he leads you through the crowd. You both greet people as you go.

Mother Annie stops you both, "Hi, babies. How are you both today?" she asks as she kisses your cheek and then Doyoung's.

"We're good, Mother Annie. How are you today?" Doyoung asks.

"I'm fine, baby. Do you need a ride home?" She asks.

Doyoung's smile falters for only a second, "Well I was looking forward to seeing you so I could tell you that I have a car now!"

"Oh, you do? Now you can drive me to church!" she says with a laugh.

"Of course! You know I love you," he says sweetly.

"And I love you, baby, but you better practice that driving first. I ain't been in a car accident in a long time and I don't plan on getting into one with you," she laughs.

"Oh for sure," Doyoung chuckles.

She kisses you both again and goes on her way.

Doyoung takes you outside into the cool spring air, "Your skirt is on backwards," he says as he hooks his finger into your skirt and swiftly turns it around the right way.

"Oh... thank you," You say sheepishly.

"Look at me," he tells you softly.

You look at him and he leans in closer to you.

"Doyoung, I-"

"It's okay. You're overthinking this too much. Just let it be," he tells you softly.

"How can I? I feel awful," You say as you shake your head.

"You didn't feel bad while it was happening. In that moment, it was just us. You know I'm gonna marry you anyway so why are you so worried about it?"

Doyoung reaches out to touch your face and you lean into his hand.

"Because we're not married and... that's why it's wrong. You know that," You say, "We're not even dating."

Doyoung smiles a very smug smile, "Well, I thought we were... all those dinner dates and movie nights and staying up all night on the phone talking or just listening to each other breathe... excuse me."

"I'm sorry that was... I shouldn't have said that," You mumble.

"No, it's a good thing you did because we did sort of fall into it but we never said it and maybe that's something you needed to hear," he says.

The quiet is disrupted by the church doors opening. Everyone comes out chattering and you let the crowd separate you both.

It's a cowardly thing to do but you don't know what else to do.

When you get home, you undress and take a warm shower. The urge to wash away your thoughts is rampant and in the past twenty-four hours, if you showered every time you felt this way, you'd have no skin left and you'd never leave the shower.

You curl up on your sofa and sit in your own discomfort as you whisper prayers of forgiveness.

Doyoung lets himself in holding plates wrapped in foil and you can tell he's a little annoyed, "I figured you'd be here... Your mom said if you leave like that again, she's coming over with your dad's belt and I might tag along with my own belt but anyway... I have food and Sister Katherine made a cheesecake so come on," he says as he kicks his shoes off and makes his way to the kitchen.

You don't move from your spot on the sofa and he comes back out to hang his blazer on your coatrack by the front door.

"Come on, Y/n, get up. Let's go. If your morning went as badly as I think it did, you didn't even have breakfast so move it," he says as he loosens his tie.

Your ruthless thoughts are back and you imagine him tying your hands behind your back.

You shake your head, "You should go, Doyoung. I'm fine... I just need to be alone," You mumble.

Doyoung takes his tie off and hangs it with his blazer, "There's not a single thought you could have about me that I'd take offense to, Squirtle," he says and rolls his sleeves up.

There go the thoughts again. This time you imagine him forcing you to your knees and tracing the head of his cock across your lips.

"Doyoung, please," You sigh.

"I'm not leaving until you eat something. Besides, I've know you for... sixteen years now? Since we've known each other, we've never missed a Sunday lunch together. Just because you wanna be a butt head doesn't mean we have to break our tradition. You don't have look at me or even talk to me but you're gonna get your butt in that kitchen and you're gonna eat something," Doyoung stands over you and crosses his arms.

"Okay... fine," You say as you get up.

You both go into the kitchen and you sit down at your tiny table.

Doyoung washes his hands and removes the foil from your plate, "I got you a little bit of everything," he says and gets it going in the microwave.

You can't help but smile, "Thank you, Doie," You say softly.

He turns and smiles at you, "Y/n, you know this is no big deal, right? I mean any of this," he says as he shakes his head.

"Why did you start doing it?" You ask

Doyoung bites into a hush puppy, "I needed the money," he says casually.

"Doyoung, my dad said if you needed help to just ask," You chide.

Doyoung shakes his head, "Y/n, your dad is a great man but you don't think if I'm dipping into his wallet, it's not gonna change his idea of me? He wants me to marry you probably more than you and I want each other combined and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't plan to do this forever. It's just until I get a promotion at work and if you tell me right now that you don't want me to do this anymore, I'll find a different way to get by until then but I'm not asking your father for a dime."

The microwave beeps and Doyoung gets your plate out. He brings it over to you then puts his own plate in the microwave.

"But why? Like... I don't understand," You say quietly.

You watch him retrieve a fork from your silverware drawer and he crosses the kitchen to hand it to you, "It was the fastest and easiest solution to my problems. Between the bills and just living, it got to be too much and the student loans don't help and since I'm still paying those off, I was a bit over my head and... I know it was a bad choice to make but I was praying and nothing was happening and I crunched some numbers and the alternative was to either stop paying two bills or stop taking you out so I did what I had to do. Besides... it's twice a week for a little less than an hour and it was the only way I could still come to church and spend time with you when I want," he shoves his hands into his pockets and shrugs again.

"Doie... oh my God," You sigh, "I could've helped out or we could've gone dutch at the very least."

"Oh, God forbid. It'll be a cold day in hell before I do something like that- what kind of a man do you take me for? he scoffs.

One thing about Doyoung is that some of the old-fashioned values that the elders of the church live by have stuck with him:

Never ask a woman for money.

Never drop a woman off and drive off before she lets you know she's on the other side of her door.

Never ever let a woman you're spending time with pay for anything- even if she invited you out.

The first time you ever offered to treat him to lunch, he all but fainted.

The microwave beeps again and he takes his plate put. You watch him bring it to the table then he gets two Mason jars from a cupboard.

"I made peach iced tea last night," You say, "It was for Mother Annie but I forgot it."

Doyoung laughs as he gets the pitcher from the refrigerator, "I really ruined your morning, didn't I?"

You nod as you pile a forkful of macaroni and cheese into your mouth.

Doyoung fills your glass and then sits down to fill his own. After placing the pitcher down, he reaches across the table and holds his hands out to you.

You stare at his hands and imagine them gliding over his body then over your own, "You didn't say grace," he chides.

"Oh... sorry," You murmur and set your fork down to take his hands.

"Dear Lord, thank you for this meal and thank you for the love that went into everything. Thank you for today and give Y/n a little extra love... she needs it," he says with a smile, "In Jesus' name... amen."

"Amen," You say and smile back at him.

Clearing the air is good and although it doesn't change the longing you feel for him, it makes lunch a hell of a lot easier for you.

"It's not a crime to let me take care of you sometimes. If you need to do what you have to do for now, I won't stop you but I could help... I could send tips an-"

"Anything you send me, I'm gonna take all of it- down to the very last penny and I'm gonna donate it to the church. Do you really want money you sent me for jerking off in front of a camera funding the children's outreach program? Huh, Squirtle?"

"Well, geez, Doie. When you put it like that... ugh fine. You're impossible," You huff.

"Well then don't," he says firmly.

You both eat in silence but the air thickens as your curiosity becomes more unbearable.

"Y/n, if you have another question, just ask me. It's okay,"

"How long have you been doing this?" You immediately ask.

"Two years... eight months and fourteen days," he replies.

"Do you like doing it?"

"Not really... I'm good at it though which... excuse my language is... kinda fucked up."

"You were always this good or... did you have to work up to how good you are now?"

"I used to be nervous but... I started pretending that I was just doing it for you... like you were the only person watching and it got easier... Just so you know, I've never even thought about touching another woman. You're the first person I've ever even gone that far with," he says with a sheepish smile.

"Oh?" You say perk up.

Doyoung nods, "I uh... I watched a few people and I did some research and stuff... that's how it's gotten to this point... how I got to get you off like that... I was so scared it wasn't gonna work," he chuckles and his hand creeps across the table to brush against yours.

"You were scared?" You ask incredulously as your fingers intertwine with his.

Doyoung laughs and brings his free hand up to his chest, "I thought you were gonna hang up," he says.

"Oh no... no, no, no. That was really good,"

"Really?" he asks

You nod and he gives you a sheepish smile.

"You know... I knew it was you the minute I heard your voice," he says.

"How?" You ask.

"That voice of yours... I could hear it once and know it anywhere. All of this mileage we've accumulated and all of the times we've stayed up talking on the phone and you really thought I wouldn't know?" he laughs.

"I think... maybe..." You trail off as you push around the bits of food left on your plate.

"Maybe you wanted me to know it was you?" he asks.

You nod. It's freeing.

"I kept thinking there was something wrong with me for feeling this way... like it's just repressed for literally years and I can't stop thinking that it's wrong to feel this way," You say as you look at him. It's easier now.

"I know it's a lot to try to grapple on your own but you have to decide what's good for you... sometimes what we want isn't always what's right but you have to decide what you're gonna do," he tells you with a reassuring smile.

"Yeah... that's the problem..." You mutter.

"So what now?" he asks.

You shrug, "I'm... not sure? I was hoping you could tell me," You say and you feel yourself shrinking inside.

"I say we eat some of that cheesecake and just enjoy the rest of the day," he says as he stands up.

It would be a lie if said you weren't disappointed. You really were anticipating something more.

He knows it and it's written all over his face.

"Okay," You say softly.

"Go find a movie for us to watch, I'll clean up and get the cheesecake," he says.

"I can help you," You reply.

Doyoung stands up, "I um... I think you should just go to the living room," he retorts.

"Why?" You ask.

"Because I keep thinking about bending you over the table but I'm trying to be a gentleman and do the right thing," he replies very calmly.

Doyoung clears the plates from the table and shoos you out of the kitchen.

You settle down on the sofa and turn the television. As you mindlessly cycle through movies and shows, your ears stay trained on Doyoung busying himself in the kitchen.

"Doie, forget the cheesecake, okay? Just come on," You call out.

Doyoung comes in and sits beside you, "So what are we watching?" he asks.

"I didn't know what to pick... I uh... I figured we could agree on something?" You say quietly.

Doyoung slinks his arm around you and eases the remote out of your hand, "Okay, Squirtle, let's find something together," he hums.

"Stop calling me that," You mumble.

Doyoung turns to look at you, "What? You don't like it?" he laughs.

"No... I don't," You huff.

"You thought you pissed yourself," he laughs a little harder.

"Doyoung, stop!" You sigh.

"Okay, okay, okay... I'll stop," he chuckles and presses a kiss to your temple.

You snuggle closer to him and rest against him as he passes movie after movie.

He lands on One Direction: This is Us and he laughs when you groan.

"Remember when you were obsessed with One Direction and sister Mary said the devil got ahold of you?" he asks with a chuckle.

"Yeah... it's because I wrote a fanfiction about Zayn and my dad told her," You groan.

Doyoung gasps, "That's why?"

"Yeah... it wasn't super smutty or anything but there was kissing. I didn't go far," You sigh.

"How far did you go, devil child?"

"Kinda far but not too far I guess?"

"Hm."

You pull the remote out of Doyoung's hand, "I can show you."

"Oh... you wanna show me?" he chuckles and presses a kiss to the corner of your mouth.

You sigh and bring his hand down to nestle between your thighs, "It started off like this," You whisper.

Doyoung's fingers find their way into your panties and he touches you softly as he holds your gaze, "Well that's a very good start," he says and leans in to kiss you slowly.

His fingers stroke you slowly and you want to believe that he couldn't possibly feel this good and have no experience but anything is possible at this point.

You moan into his mouth and he chuckles as he strokes his tongue against yours.

Your stomach flutters and you heat up as his fingers speed up and slow down.

"Doie... Doie, please... please, Doie," You whimper.

"Hm?" he hums as he slips two fingers into you, "Is this what you want?"

You writhe as he fucks his fingers into you, "Please, Doie."

Doyoung laughs and curls his fingers up to touch you just how he told you to the night before, "Oh, Y/n... Y/n, Y/n, Y/n... I'm trying so hard... to be a gentleman and you just won't let me," he purrs against your ear.

"I just want you... I need you. Please," You sob desperately as he pulls his fingers out of you and slides them into his mouth with a soft moan.

He is so obscene and drives you to the brink of desperate tears.

"You need me? For what, Squirtle? Huh?"

"I- I... please... please fuck me."

"I thought you wanted me to wife you first... what happened to that? Hm? Isn't this wrong?" he says as his fingers find their way back to your clit.

He slows his fingers down and you sigh in frustration.

"I don't care.. I don't care. I don't... I don't, I don't, I don't... just want you inside me," You beg and bring your hand down to cover his, "Please... I need it so bad."

Doyoung sucks a mark into your chest, "Don't start something that you can't finish," He hisses. His fingers speed up again.

"I want you, Doie, please," You whine.

Doyoung shifts and pushes you into a leaning position over the armrest. His hands squeeze your ass and you close your eyes in anticipation.

"You should see how good you look from here," he hums and pulls your panties down. His fingers slide over the curve of your ass to stroke your clit as you push back against his hand.

"Do you wanna know something else?" he whispers against your ear.

"Yes... uh huh,"

"I knew it was you when you joined my stream."

"H-how?"

His fingers slow down, "That's the same username you used when we snuck and made those Snapchat accounts when we were younger... remember?"

The memory ebbs back into your mind and you smile for a moment.

"You've always been my predictable girl... do you remember why you liked that username so much?"

You nod and squeeze your eyes shut as he slides his fingers inside to fuck you slowly.

"Tell me," he whispers.

"You- said I looked like brown sugar."

It was a joke you two had started. Your 'that's you' game. Finding things you thought were beautiful and yelling out "that's you!". It was an innocent game for years until it was forgotten. Doyoung, when you both were sixteen, had revived it in your kitchen while helping your mother bake Sister Janie a pecan pie when she was pregnant.

He whispered it as your mother was measuring brown sugar but this time it was different, as if he was confessing his true feelings for you and that was the day you knew you loved him.

Doyoung kisses your neck, "That's right... my beautiful girl... with the prettiest skin and the sweetest lips... I knew all along."

You wriggle and whine as his fingers continue their attack on you, "Please, Doyoung," You groan.

Doyoung pulls his fingers from your wetness and sucks them clean before opening his pants.

You turn to look at him and he pulls you up to turn and face him, "I wanna see your pretty face while I'm filling you up," he whispers as he eases you back against the space between the armrest and the back of the sofa.

You spread your legs so willingly that you're a little embarrassed.

Doyoung notices and smiles as leans down to kiss you, "That's my good girl. Don't be embarrassed... I want you just as badly," he says as he eases you out of your shirt.

Somehow, there's comfort in lying naked here in front of him and you know Doyoung feels it too.

"I love you, Y/n," he says sincerely; a look of timidity comes through and you touch his face.

"I love you too," You whisper.

A chill passes wildly through your body as you watch him unbutton his shirt. He shrugs it off and your eyes fall down to the cross on his neck. The guilt doesn't bubble up this time.

Doyoung looks down at you and you can see the reluctance in his eyes, "I wanna try something with you and I kinda wanna see your blind reaction to it because I really think you're gonna like it but I need you to trust me," he says softly.

You nod eagerly, "I trust you," You whisper.

He smiles and leans down, "Okay... open your mouth," he says softly and takes your chin between his fingers.

You part your lips and he spits in your mouth. Your breath catches in your throat as the sensation of feeling his saliva in your mouth raises goosebumps on your skin. You swallow with a soft hum.

"Oh... wow," You breathe.

"Right?" he chuckles and touches your face.

You nod in agreement as you wrap your arms around his shoulders to pull him down even closer. His necklace swings and taps your chin. It excites you in a way.

"Thank you for trusting me," he whispers.

You kiss his eyes, "Always."

You feel the head of his cock nudge your clit and you squeak.

"Keep your eyes on me, okay? I really wanna see your face while I'm fucking you,"

You nod and look at him.

"God, you're so beautiful," he sighs.

Slowly, he eases into you and you keep your eyes on him, just like he asked.

"I can already feel myself becoming addicted to you... I wanna stay like this with you forever and ever. You... fuck... you feel so good," he whines as he bottoms out completely.

"Doie, please," You choke out.

Doyoung pulls out almost completely before easing back into you.

"Do you like this?" he asks.

You can tell he's holding back.

You nod, stupid and enthralled by his voice and his touch, and the pressure you feel as he fills you up.

The softness of this moment is too much because how did you just fall deeper in love with him?

"P-please...go harder," You whimper as you clench around him hungrily.

Doyoung hisses and drops his head down to touch yours, "If you keep doing that, I'm gonna cum.... You want that? Wanna feel my cum inside you?"

"Yeah... I want it," You moan.

"You're so cute," Doyoung chuckles, "Say it. Say what it is that you want." He thrusts a little faster and you spread your legs in wanting.

"I want... you to... fill me with your cum," You pant.

"That's my dirty girl," he coos, "You're not on birth control, are you?"

You shake your head, "No... no," You reply.

He hums as he fucks into you, "Oh... so you really want me," he laughs.

You nod and lift your head to kiss him, "I... want all of you."

Doyoung slams into you once and stops to lock eyes with you, " Like that?" he asks and does it again.

You nod and whine.

He fucks you with a hard and steady rhythm and the sounds of his hips meeting yours take you somewhere obscene as you writhe against him and take each thrust with an unsurmountable greed for the next.

"I love you," You whisper; voice trembling as you lose yourself in his eyes.

"And I love you," he whispers back.

He picks up speed with a soft moan and kisses you. You lick into each other's mouth sloppily and he takes that as as sign and proves that he knows you well enough, "Open your mouth, sweetheart," he pants.

Your mouth falls open greedily and he spits in your mouth again. This time you hold it in your mouth and moan with satisfaction.

"I need more, Doie... please," You plead.

He snakes a hand down between your bodies and toys at your clit, both of your whimpers fill the thick air of your living room.

"I'm... oh, Doie," You whine, "I'm close."

"Cum for me, sweetheart. It's alright," he whispers against your mouth.

You release with a cry and Doyoung pulls out. You gasp, "No, no, no... Doie, please... please," You beg desperately.

"I'm not done, babe... turn around for me. I'm not done with you yet," he chuckles as he shifts you to turn and lean back over the armrest.

"Doie," You groan as he eases himself back into you and you welcome back that delicious stretch, "Fuck... you're so big."

Doyoung brings a hand around to stroke your clit again and you inch away from him as he fucks you. His hips smack against your ass and you whine.

"You love it, baby... You love how I stretch you out. How good it feels... I love it too... Love the way you grip me just right," he purrs.

His free hand comes up to softly circle around your throat and he pulls you up to press your back to his chest.

"Give it to me, baby... come on... You can do it again," he whispers as his fingers increase in speed. You wriggle against him and he laughs as you try to ease away from him to escape his ministrations.

"Hey, hey... where are you going, huh? Don't run from me," he laughs softly as you let him fuck into you, "That's right... stay right here with me... you love this, right?"

You nod furiously, "U-uh... h-h-huh! Yes, daddy!" you squeak.

He leans down to press his lips against your neck before licking his way up to the shell of your ear, "Yeah you do, baby... yeah, you do," he coos against your heated skin, "That's why you have to stop running from me... if you really need me to stop, you know what to say... so why don't you stay still, huh? Let me play with you."

"I love you, Doie," You gasp.

"You love me, sweetheart?" he moans.

You nod in agreement, "S-s... so... much," You sob.

His fingers stroke you faster, "Again... give it to me. Right now, baby... give it to me."

Your body is a storm of wanting him to stop but dying to feel him take you to your own heaven once more. Your body tightens up, "Doie..." You choke out.

He hisses at the sound of your soaked pussy clenching around his cock, "Sounds just like it did last night... such a good pussy... so tight and hot... it's all mine, right?"

You nod and your body convulses as you cum once more. You try to squeeze your thighs shut but Doyoung holds his hand firmly against your cunt, "You're so beautiful... just a perfect... perfect angel," he sighs as he emphasizes each word with a sharp snap of his hips.

"Please!" You cry as you try in vain to push his hand away. Despite your attempts, you don't really want him to stop. If he told you that you were to stay with him forever, just as you are right now, you wouldn't think twice about it.

"I love you, baby," he whispers as he cums. His body shudders and he kisses your neck again.

You both fall forward against the armrest and Doyoung stills himself.

You both tremble as you come down and Doyoung chuckles weakly, "I don't wanna pull out yet. Can I stay like this with you for a little bit longer?" he asks. He's still hard and if you weren't so spent, you'd do something about it.

"You're still hard," You whisper.

"It's okay, sweetheart... We have the rest of the day and I'm not going anywhere," he replies

Doyoung rouses you from your slumber gently, "I have to get home, Y/n. I have work in the morning," he whispers.

You roll over and drape your arm and leg around him, "Don't leave me," You mumble.

"Well unless you're down with three livestreams this week, I gotta go. I'll see you later. I'll come by after work," he says and kisses the side of your face.

"No... no. I'll come by your place. It's my day off. I'll make you dinner," You say as you sit up and kiss him.

"Not you being an obedient wife. Gonna make dinner and wait for me?" he chuckles.

"Yeah... what do you want me to make?"

"Whatever you want. You know I love eating anything you make," he whispers against your mouth. You know he's trying his hardest to not give in and stay with you.

"Pan fried steak with mushrooms?"

"Oooh."

"Mashed potatoes?"

"Stop, you're turning me on."

"Steamed broccoli and carrots?"

Doyoung turns onto his side then pushes you on your back and his fingers find their way between your legs.

"My parting gift to you," he says softly as his fingers draw soft circles into your clit. You spread your legs a little wider and close your eyes.

"Doie... thank you," You whimper.

Doyoung talks you through your orgasm, "Cum for me... that's my good girl. Always so wet and warm... cum, baby. You can do it," he hums.

"Doie... yes," You whine groggily.

His fingers work you faster and you gasp as you cum.

"That's my sweetheart... Good girl," he coos.

The last thing you feel before you drift back to sleep is his lips pressing softly against your forhead.

So we're slaves to any semblance of touch. Lord, we should quit but we love it too much. - Andrew Hozier-Byrne

#neoculturecollectives #nct #nct smut #kpop smut #nct 127 #nct 127 smut #nct hard hours #nct hard thoughts #ambw smut #ambw fic #ambw kpop #nct ambw #ambw doyoung #ambw nct #kpop ambw #nct x black!reader #nct x black reader #church boy!doyoung #doyoung the church boy #kvanity #doyoung smut #doyoung fic #black nctzens #nct x plus sized reader #kpop smut for black girls

[nottobehornyonthemain]

I’m just going to throw my hat into the ring about Steve’s parents because I’m bored. But like, Let’s spice up the level of shitty parenting.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington who’s actually a professional. Steve has said that she’s “super well respected” and, for as much as the fandom likes to play him as a dumbass, you don’t put people whoes only achievement is being a jealous housewife on your résumé, especially when you have another parent with a notable (ostensibly white collar) career.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington who’s a news anchor, or a lawyer. Give me a Mrs. Harrington who worked her ass off to be taken seriously by men for the entire late 50’s and early 60’s. Give me a young, ambitious woman with hazel eyes at a mixer for the company she’s working for in Chicago one night, who caught the eye of the charismatic man with ridiculous fluffy brown hair.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who grew up with a veteran father who never really seemed to care. Give me a little boy waiting, every day, for his dad’s letters, waiting for his father Otis to get back from this horrible war. And then he does, and he’s a hero, and suddenly it’s like nothing his son does is worth his notice. When he’s 15 and gets into his first fight? Otis doesn’t even comment on his bruised face before he walks out the door in the morning. When he gets into college? His mother is the one to hand him the watch his parents allegedly both got him as a graduation present. When he gets a job! A good job, where he has his own office and his name on a plate on his desk, not so much as a card.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who promised himself that, if he ever had a son, he would notice. He would pay attention to his kid’s grades, and what they were doing in school. That he would be proud of whatever college his son got into. That if his kid was ever doing something stupid, drinking, fighting, smoking, he would care. And he would say something.

Give me a Mr. Harrington meeting a beautiful woman in Chicago one night, and somehow, convincing her to come back to Hawkins with him. Give me the big news engagement and the blowout wedding fit for two people with nowhere to go but up.

Give me the Harrington couple buying their house, and planning to wait a few years before they start having children. Give me them having their first child, a son.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington being offered the promotion she’s been working towards for years almost immediately after, and taking it.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who never really thought his wife would keep working when they had children, but being smart enough not to say anything about it. Give me them realizing that, between both of their jobs, plans change, and their son will be their only child.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington who “doesn’t trust” her husband not because he might be cheating on her, but because, for as much as he can charm and schmooze with just about anyone, he has never had anyone tell him that he lacks actual understanding of his business. Give me a Mrs. Harrington seeing a stack of papers her husband brought home last night where the math doesn’t quite add up. Give me the blowout fight over his shady new business partner and the costs they could save if they just… cut a few corners. Give me her struggling to be taken seriously and explain to him that the consequences could be actual jail time and a complete destruction of their lives. Give me him hating that she thinks she knows better than him about his own business.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who keeps his promise to care about what his son is doing. Give me his unnecessary lectures, and comments and micromanagement whenever his son walks in the door.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington who couldn’t care less what her son is doing as long as he’s alive. Give me her bitchy comments that have been her best defense in the professional world for so long rubbing off on her son.

Give me a Steve who’s let it shape him. Who got his brown eyes, and desire to be at the top of the social sphere as soon as possible from his mom. Who got his begrudging tendencies to care while still finding something to complain about from his dad.

Give me a Harrington couple who isn’t absent, exactly. Who have the occasional business trip, but are actually in town when most of this stuff goes down. Give me a house that’s almost always empty, not because no one lives there, but because Mrs. Harrington is out late again tonight because the boss needs to be sure everything is in perfect order for Monday. Because Mr. Harrington absolutely has to close this deal. Because Steve has practice for both swimming and basketball today.

Give me a Steve who craves the domestic because of this. Who doesn’t have big plans or ambitions. Who, at his center, just wants to be able to flop on the couch and watch movies with the people he cares about. Who wants family vacations, and kids, and a big house filled with noise. Give me a Steve who understands that that’s where his love of parties came from.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who watches as his son seems to completely throw away everything he worked so hard to give him. Give me the fights over the beer, and the weed, and the grades. Give me the bombshell that his son didn’t even manage to get into college, and the realization that he needs to learn to be responsible.

Give me a Mr. Harrington who comes home one night to Robin and Dustin eating cereal in his kitchen at midnight. Who doesn’t really know what to say, so he sets down his briefcase and eats a bowl of cereal while asking these children who they are and why they’re in his house. Give me a Mr. Harrington patting his son on the back the next morning and telling he how much he likes the nice girl who can speak every language, and the little boy who can recite the periodic table from memory. Give me a Mr. Harrington who knows he made the right decision when he made his son get a job of his own instead of just working for him.

Give me a Mrs. Harrington who, when Steve informs her in the middle of a conversation that he has a boyfriend, doesn’t look up from the mirror where she’s applying her eyeliner.

Give me a Steve who’s had enough of her not caring and asks her, “really? You don’t have anything to say?”

Give me a Mrs. Harrington icily meeting his eyes in the mirror and saying, “Steven. You’ve been putting egg in your hair once a week since you were twelve and a girl in your class told you it makes it shiny, and you’ve been stealing my hairspray even longer.” Then goes back to lining her eyes.

#stranger things #steve harrington #robin buckley #steve and dustin #platonic stobin #steddie #implied at least #gay steve harrington #Harrington parents #in my head Mrs Harrington is a Lucile Bluth personality in an elle woods career #and Mr Harrington is just standard multi generational baggage man #honestly I’ve thought too much about backstory for everyone. ask me about Nancy’s one day #the sheep ramble analysis

[warabidakihime]

A Glimpse Beyond Grief: Prologue

Characters: Toji Fushiguro x Reader | Office AU | Both characters are in their early 30s | toji is good daddy in this uwu Synopsis: galactically intertwined journey of two souls: one navigating the depths of loss, the other offering a beacon of healing. through witty banter and unspoken connections, they find solace in unexpected places, uncovering the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to mend even the most shattered hearts. Content warning: profanity, (eventual) smut, highkey adult themed, can be psychologically and emotionally triggering for some so read with caution.

-

Toji's voice echoed through the house, a sense of urgency coloring each word. "Megumi! Tsumiki! Hurry up!" His eyes darted to the clock, ticking away the precious minutes before his crucial job interview.

From the upper floor, Megumi's small, hurried voice floated down. "Wait! I'm still tying my shoes!"

"Hurry up! I can't be late for my interview!" Toji called back, the weight of the day pressing on him.

"Be there in a second, Dad!" Tsumiki's reassuring response reached him, a small comfort in the chaos.

Toji sighed, standing in the foyer, anxiety gnawing at him. Today was no ordinary day; it was his final interview for a job he desperately needed. The past year had been a relentless struggle since his wife's tragic death, a wound that refused to heal. But today, he needed to be more than just a grieving widower; he needed to be a father, a provider.

Exactly a year had passed since the accident that shattered his world. His wife's life was cut short by a drunk driver, leaving Toji to navigate the overwhelming responsibilities of single parenthood. The pain lingered, an ever-present companion in his daily life.

Months of grief and depression had followed, a period where Toji lost himself in a haze of despair. He isolated himself, succumbing to the numbing embrace of alcohol and neglecting his basic needs. The memories of that time were a blur, a testament to the severity of his trauma.

Megumi, at seven years old, and Tsumiki, at eight, sought refuge with their grandparents during those dark days, visiting their father cautiously, ensuring he was in a state to be seen. It seemed as though everyone had given up on Toji, convinced he was a lost cause.

But one night, in the midst of his self-destructive routine, Toji's gaze landed on a family photo. His wife's smile and the innocent joy radiating from his children's faces pierced through his numbness. In that moment, a spark of clarity emerged, an epiphany that whispered of a responsibility he could not ignore.

Today, as he waited for his young children to join him in the rushed chaos of their morning routine, Toji carried the weight of the past year on his shoulders. The interview was not just about a job; it was a chance for redemption, a step towards reclaiming his role as a father and provider.

Toji needed to wake up from his stupor and get his life together. If not for himself, at least for Megumi and Tsumiki, who relied on him to be there for them. If their mother were still alive, she would have given him a good smack for neglecting their well-being. And so, fast forward to the present, and here he is, doing his darndest for them. Though despite his eagerness to start anew, job hunting hasn't been a very pleasant journey for Toji.

He has been going from interview to interview for five months, but luck hasn't been on his side until a week ago, when a company reached out to him, offering a possible job position. Of course, Toji immediately accepted and went through the application process almost right away, and so far, it's been going well. He passed the initial interview and panel interview, and even though the company is an hour away from his home address, they were more than willing to grant his preferred salary, and their company benefits weren't too shabby either.

It'll do for now.

Toji slows down the car as the kids’ school finally comes into view; he then turns to them for a second before focusing on the road again, “I won’t be able to pick you up later, okay? The interview I’ll be going to is fairly far from here so I might take a while considering the distance and traffic later. Grandma will come and fetch you. You can spend the night with them if you want too.”

Megumi nodded while his face was perpetually glued to his phone, “Okay.”

Tsumiki, on the other hand, flashes his dad an encouraging smile, “Best of luck, Dad!”

Toji softened at his daughter’s words of affirmation, “If I score this job, I will take you both out for dinner. You can choose whatever you want to eat.”

Upon hearing this, Megumi finally looked away from his phone and turned to his father with an expectant look on his face, “Really?”

Toji couldn’t help but snicker at his son’s reaction; he then reached out to him to gently tap his fist on his son’s chest, “A man never goes back on his words.”

After bidding his kids farewell, he set out for the neighboring city to attend his final interview. As he journeyed there, Toji couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness. Uncharacteristically agitated, he found himself being snappy on the road, even verbally shouting at a car that changed lanes abruptly. The profanities he spewed might have left anyone who heard them scared for life, as Toji appeared scarier than he had ever been before.

However, another part of him was also angry at drivers in general, given what happened to his wife. If only they had been a little more responsible, she would still be by his side, reproaching him for losing his temper on the road.

To prevent any further thoughts of his late wife from plaguing his mind, Toji shook his head and directed all his attention and concentration towards the upcoming interview. He knew he couldn't erase memories of her forever, but for now, if he wanted to move forward and flourish, he needed to push any distracting thoughts to the back of his mind. For the sake of Megumi and Tsumiki, he was more than willing to compartmentalize the memories of their mother and focus solely on his new path ahead.

After an hour of driving, he finally arrived at his destination. Toji stood before the imposing building, his heart pounding wildly in his chest from nervousness. The rejections from his previous job applications had taken a toll on his self-esteem, despite having an impressive degree and a colorful, praiseworthy career.

Taking a deep, heavy sigh, Toji gathered his courage and pushed himself to enter the building, determined to give his best shot at acing the final interview.

"Mr. Toji Fushiguro? Ms. L/N, Y/N is ready to see you now. You may proceed to her office."

Toji acknowledged the secretary with a nod and a brisk "Got it," then rose from his seat to attend the final interview. The position at stake was Executive Assistant, a role that would place him directly under your supervision, offering a perfect opportunity to gauge compatibility.

"Good morning, Mr. Fushiguro," you greeted with a warm handshake, guiding him towards the chair near your desk. As you observed him, you detected a momentary blankness in his gaze, swiftly replaced by an intense focus as your eyes met. It was as if he had shifted gears, honing in on the upcoming interaction. His greeting, delivered in a husky tone, was accompanied by a faint smile, creating an intriguing dynamic in the room.

-

"Good morning to you too, Ms. L/N, Y/N. Nice to meet you," he responded.

You reciprocated with a polite smile. "Likewise. Please, make yourself comfortable. Let me know when you're ready, and we can begin."

Toji settled into the chair with ease, projecting an air of confidence that hinted at a dominant personality.

'Clearly the type who commands attention when entering a room,' you thought.

"Let's get started. I'm all set," Toji declared, prompting you to open his resume and delve into his credentials. As you scanned through his work history, your amazement grew evident. "It says here that you were the CEO of your own business. Can you shed some light on what happened there?"

His response was accompanied by an enigmatic expression, a blend of dread and detachment. Yet, as he began to speak, his voice resonated with confidence. "My wife passed away last year, and I wasn't in a position to sustain my business. I'd rather not delve into the details, if that's alright."

"Absolutely. We can keep it professional. My sincerest condolences," you replied, offering a genuine note of sympathy.

Toji met your gaze, a faint, crooked smile on his lips. "Thank you."

"Moving on, you have an impressive background in banking. What led you to shift to the HR sector?"

Toji leaned back, his eloquence shining through. "I wanted to explore new opportunities. Despite my extensive experience in banking, I'm no stranger to HR. I worked for a consulting firm, catering to financial clients. Later, I ran my own business. The shift seemed natural."

Your smile widened. "Your insights are invaluable, Mr. Fushiguro."

Toji responded with a charming smile. "The pleasure's mine, Y/N."

'Already on a first-name basis, huh?' you mused, managing to suppress a smirk.

As the final interview with Mr. Toji Fushiguro unfolded, you posed standard questions, delving into topics such as his availability and adaptability to a hybrid work setup, considering his role as a single father. Reassured by his commitment, he affirmed his ability to be onsite twice a week. Discussions extended to compensation and company benefits, both monetary and non-monetary, and concluded with a firm handshake, officially welcoming him to the company.

"Truthfully, you were practically a shoo-in for the job. Our final interviews are more of a formality, a gauge for compatibility with the supervisor and company culture. As you've proven, you passed with flying colors. Congratulations and welcome to JJK Holdings. Looking forward to working with you, Mr. Fushiguro."

Toji reciprocated the handshake with confidence, his smile widening. "Likewise. Thank you, Y/N."

With a final exchange of handshakes, you bid each other farewell. As Toji exited your office and disappeared from view, you glanced at your hand that had just shaken his. A faint blush crept across your cheeks, quickly dismissed as you refocused on the captivating city view outside your window.

"Looks like we've got a new face in the company," you joked aloud, addressing no one in particular. A chuckle escaped your lips at the lighthearted thought, keeping the atmosphere light.

'Focus, Y/N,' you reminded yourself, shaking off the momentary distraction.

Taking a deep breath, you let the welcomed intrigue of having Mr. Toji Hotshot Fushiguro on board settle in. He promised to be a valuable addition to the team, and optimism filled you as you considered the fresh perspective he would bring.

Throughout the day, as you managed various tasks and attended meetings, Toji's name kept surfacing in your thoughts. Beyond his impressive background and confidence during the interview, there was an underlying curiosity about the man behind the resume. At times, you felt a twinge of guilt, knowing he was still navigating grief and had other pressing priorities.

'Keep it professional,' you reminded yourself sternly, pushing aside personal musings. Nevertheless, a subtle anticipation lingered as you looked forward to working with Toji, eager to discover the dynamic he would introduce to the company.

-

After the successful interview, Toji headed home with a newfound sense of accomplishment that had eluded him for quite some time. Driving, he couldn't help but replay the conversation with you, his new boss. Your initial surprise at his former CEO position, the genuine condolences you offered, and the subtle interest you displayed in his career choices had all left him curious about the future interactions he might have with you.

From the moment Toji stepped into your office, he couldn't help but take notice. A commanding figure, you radiated a presence that demanded attention—confident, capable, and unyielding. It was a subtlety that impressed him, and as your eyes met, he caught a glint of curiosity that sparked something within him, a sensation he struggled to articulate.

During the interview, your insightful questions caught him off guard. Anticipating formality, he found himself letting his guard down as you delved into his past experiences. The subtle nods and genuine interest in your expressions were a rare quality, making him feel at ease and prompting him to open up in ways he hadn't in a long time.

Playful banter found its way into the conversation—an unexpected cheeky remark here and a witty response there. You weren't the typical stiff and formal interviewer, and Toji couldn't help but match your energy. The interview, meant to be serious business, transformed into something far more enjoyable. The interaction felt refreshing, like a breath of fresh air that swept away the heaviness he had carried for too long.

As the final handshake concluded and you bid each other farewell, Toji found himself lingering for a moment longer. There was a spark, a connection that transcended the professional setting. Whether it was the shared sense of humor or the way you seemed to understand him with gentle insight, he felt a thrill in the air—a glimmer of hope that had been dormant for too long.

'Well, well, Ms. Y/N, you've certainly piqued my interest,' Toji thought mischievously, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. 'Looks like this new job is going to be a whole lot more interesting than I thought.'

At home, Toji decided to channel his energy into some productive spring cleaning. It proved to be therapeutic, providing a welcome distraction to tidy up the house and clear his mind of the lingering stress from the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied the interview process. Polishing furniture, dusting shelves, and meticulously organizing the kids' rooms allowed him a sense of control he sorely needed.

Once the house felt fresh and inviting, Toji picked up Megumi and Tsumiki from their grandparents' house. The kids animatedly chatted about their day, but Toji's thoughts lingered on his new job and the memory of their late mother. Despite this, he made a conscious effort to engage in their conversation, injecting humor to elicit their laughter.

True to his promise, Toji treated them to a well-deserved pizza night at their favorite family restaurant. Settling into a cozy booth, he watched with softened eyes as his children eagerly selected their favorite toppings. Their happiness was infectious, bringing a genuine smile to his face.

Throughout dinner, playful banter flowed between Toji and the kids. He teased them, allowing them to reciprocate, creating a light-hearted atmosphere. As the pizza night concluded, they drove back home with contented hearts. Toji tucked his kids into bed, kissing their foreheads—a ritual he had embraced more religiously since his wife's passing. Though he might not express it verbally, his actions spoke volumes of his deep affection for them.

Stepping out of their room, he reflected on the new chapter awaiting him at JJK Holdings. His heart swelled with hope for a fresh start and an even brighter future, not just for himself but for Megumi and Tsumiki as well.

'Challenge accepted,' he thought with determination.

Tomorrow marked the beginning of his new journey, and he embraced it with open arms as he settled into his own bed. Thoughts buzzed with possibilities, eagerly anticipating what the future held for him and his children.

In the haze of drowsiness, his thoughts drifted to you.

"Will you haunt my dreams and slap me if I say my new boss is a feast for the eyes?" he blurted out, half-hoping the ghost of his late wife would hear him.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, and moments later, sleep finally claimed him.

#warabidakihime #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x reader #jjk smut #toji smut #toji x you #toji x reader #toji fushiguro smut #toji fushiguro x you #toji fushiguro x reader #jujutsu kaisen smut #jjk headcanons #jjk imagine #jujutsu kaisen headcanons #jujutsu kaisen imagine

[spacehostilityy]

A list of nnt "headcanons" that's actually me just blatantly denying canon bc nakaba is only getting weirder with 4kota so I am revoking his rights

Ban is still immortal. I'll be damned if he ages at human pace while his son, wife, best friend, and teammates outlive him. Also it's just too badass to throw away conceptually

Elizabeth is much more similar to her goddess/Liz personality after her memories/revival

Merlin isn't evil, Arthur isn't evil, neither of them care/know about chaos. Yeah. Straight denial of the main 4kota plotline. Yea.

I just rlly love merlin and I dislike this characterization

Escanor's alive. Bc I like him. He's a good kid. Maybe he and Merlin can be together as a treat for them both

Meliodas and Elizabeth (and Zeldris) were pretty young when they were cursed/sealed and are going to look older in a century or two. They're straight up just babies frozen in time and they'll look older than like 15 soon enough

Elaine too. She can still be short and petite and have short hair but like... just age up her face a bit damn

The sins waited (much) longer to have kids, are actually good parents, and raise their kids together - they overall stay together bc why have found family just to break them apart in the end, that's dumb

This is canon but never utilized but Elizabeth is just powerful as fuck and will use her powers bc she's a bad ass

Ban and Meliodas have fucked. This is not particularly important and is technically canon compliant but like... come on... they're too boyfriend coded to have not fucked in the long years in which both of their loves were dead/a child. They fucked.

Jericho doesn't have a character assassination and settles down with a lesbian lover. Maybe Guila. But is family to Ban. And is def not a p*do with his son. Because what the actual fuck

Howzer (best boy) gets bitches. Maybe Guila. Maybe they're in a throuple. Idk. But I want him to find love

Dreyfus and Hendy (also best boy) are gay. Again, this one feels low key canon compliant. But yeah, they're dating

Tristan is proud of both his demon and goddess heritage, or at least he and Meliodas are on journeys of self acceptance together bc they're bad ass and I love them, especially as demons

Hawk Mama is still a weirdly goated mystery pig. Just kinda chaotic neutral being who just rlly likes being in the ground and having a bar on her back. Also Cath isn't fucking evil. I miss Cath

Okay that's all I can think of for now. But yeah. I am fucking delusional so I truly believe all of these things. They're canon. I'll add more as I think of them

#melban #escalin #seven deadly sins #melizabeth #nnt #nanatsu no taizai #banlaine #headcanon #fuck nakaba #hes a perv #aging up #meliodas #bandit ban #elizabeth liones #elizabeth nnt #4kota #4kota tristan #escanor #merlin nnt #diane nnt #king nnt #gowther #zeldris #dreyfus #hendrickson #howzer #guila #jericho nnt #jericho

[just-dreaming-marvel]

LEGACY ~ PROLOGUE 2

MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 2,400ish

Summary: More back story.

Notes: This will be the last chapter in third person. The rest of the chapters will be in second person.

“Why can’t I watch my show? I’m done watching the fighting in New York,” your foster brother whined to his mother from behind where Y/N was knelt in front of the TV.

She felt like she couldn’t breathe. Her rescuer, Tony Stark, was fighting off aliens with a group of heroes, trying to save New York. Every time the camera’s showed Iron Man, Y/N breathed a little, holding it in until the next time a sighting was made.

“Todd, mom and dad are watching this as well,” your foster mother tried to calm her son. 

“I don’t care!” Todd shouted, stomping his feet. “I want to watch my show!”

Y/N ignored the young boy, solely focused on making sure that Tony was alive. He had to stay alive and come visit her. He had promised to always be there for her, dying would definitely put a wrench in that promise. Suddenly, the camera spanned the skyline of New York. Y/N studied it, trying to find what they were showing. She gasped when a missile flew by the camera, Iron Man under it.

“No,” she gasped as tears filled her eyes. The only man who had made a promise to her and had kept it so far, (well, the mere months she had been free), was about to guide a missile through a wormhole in the sky.

“Paul,” her foster mother called to her husband, “turn it off.” She understood what Tony meant to Y/N as she had meant him every time he came to visit.

“But honey, I–” Paul’s complaint’s stopped short when he earned a glare from his wife. “Fine.” He sighed and turned off the TV.

“No!” Y/N suddenly shouted. “I need to see what happens! He has to survive! He has too!”

“I think it’s time you go to your room, Y/N.”

“No! I need to know!” Y/N brought her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and started rocking back and forth. “He can’t be dead… he can’t be gone…”

~~~

Days went by. Y/N’s foster parents let her miss a few days of school due to her saddened state. They knew just as much as Y/N did about what happened to Iron Man. They were waiting for someone to come break the news to Y/N, but it looked like no one would. Y/N barely left her bed, staring off into space. Her mind was blank and her eyes seemed hollow.

A sound outside caught Y/N’s attention. She didn’t bother to move yet, but she could tell it was coming closer. And it sounded familiar. The low rumble, like a distance stampede, was growing steadily louder and more pronounced. Y/N sat up and turned to look out the window from where she was on her bed. When she caught sight of the red and gold suit, flying closer, she leapt off her bed and ran out of the house. Her foster parents called after her, concerned for what she was doing. Iron Man landed on the street and pulled off his helmet. Y/N ran over and launched herself at the man, who happily caught her and held her close.

“I thought you were dead,” Y/N admitted as she began to cry.

“No one’s killing me that easily, kid,” Tony responded. “Especially not when I have a promise to keep.”

~~~

Tony still didn’t feel comfortable with adopting Y/N, but had it worked out that she would spend the summer, most holidays, and at least one weekend a month with Tony. Y/N loved spending every moment she could with Tony. It was one of the few times in her life where she felt like she could truly be herself. Tony let her help him out in the lab and she, in turn, let him help with her homework. Especially science and math, Tony was all about that. The two had movie nights and pool days and trips to New York as the Stark Tower was turned into the Avengers Tower. She got to know Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy as well as Tony’s AI, JARVIS. Y/N loved every second with Tony and he felt the same way about Y/N.

Her foster parents were nice and all, but it was clear to Y/N that they were not looking to adopt her. She guessed that the only reason they were keeping her was because of Tony. She began longing for a home. The Malibu Mansion and Tony were what she considered home the most. 

Y/N sighed as she stared out the window of the fancy sports car. Tony was driving her back to her foster parents house after spending Thanksgiving Break with him and Pepper. Neither of them ever liked saying goodbye to one another.

“What’s up, kid?” Tony questioned upon hearing Y/N’s sigh. She shrugged, not turning to look at him. “Come on, Y/N/N, I thought we told each other everything.”

“I want to go home,” Y/N admitted quietly.

“That’s where I’m taking you.”

“No,” Y/N shook her head. “That house–with them–is not home.”

Tony knew that Y/N had been feeling more at home the Malibu Mansion than she ever did with her foster family. “Y/N–”

“It’s fine, drop it.”

Tony stayed silent. He mind started working overtime on how to fix this. He often thought about adopting Y/N, but his life wasn’t meant to have a kid in it. Even if Y/N wasn’t just any kid. “You only have three weeks until I pick you up again. Pepper and I are planning to stay in Malibu for Christmas. I have some fun ideas in the works, if we can get Pep to hop on board.” Y/N didn’t give any response. Tony sighed as he put the car into park, having pulled up to the house. “Kid,” Tony placed a hand on Y/N’s knee, “you know that I care about you very much. But I can’t adopt you for your own safety.”

Y/N scoffed. “HYDRA could be after me, how is me being somewhere where there’s no protection at all safe? And there’s the fact that you can spend weeks with me at a time and that’s safe. It’s like living with divorced parents, though I actually don’t have any parents at all.”

“You have parents.”

“They’ll never adopt me.”

“You don’t know that.”

“They’re only keeping me because of you.” Tony didn’t know what to say. He had never thought of it that way. “I heard them say it not too long ago.” Y/N shook her head. “They don’t understand that I was trained to get information.”

Tony was surprised to hear a mention of Y/N’s past. She never talked about it, most of it was because she didn’t remember much. “Y/N,” she finally turned to look at him, “I will find you a family that wants you for you, I promise.”

“You don’t get it at all. I have a family I love and that sometimes appears to want me. That’s you Tony. And Pepper and Rhodey and Happy. Even JARVIS. But you don’t actually want me. So I will never have a true family.”

“Y/N–”

“Thanks for the week.” 

Y/N pulled her duffle bag from off the floor and exited the car. Tony sat there, frozen and speechless. He didn’t know what to do at all. Was he actually doing more harm than good by these visits? Would Y/N ever get adopted if he kept this up? With a lot to think about, Tony pulled away from the house and set out on a drive.

~~~

Tomorrow was Christmas and Tony was supposed to have picked Y/N up days ago. But it wasn’t going to happen as Tony had been declared missing when his Malibu Mansion was bombed on live tv. Y/N closed herself on and hid herself in her room. Her foster family hadn’t planned on her being home, so they hadn’t gotten anything for her for Christmas. She decided that it would be easier for everyone if she simply stayed in her room.

It was close to midnight when Y/N decided to pack a bag and sneak out her window. Her foster family hadn’t bothered to check on her, so she knew that it would be a while before anyone realized that she was missing. It took a few long hours of walking, but eventually, just as the sun was rising, Y/N made it to the destroyed mansion. Emotions quickly got the best of her and she found herself on her knees, crying. What would she do if Tony was truly gone? They didn’t leave on the best of terms last time and had barely texted since. The only person she could truly count on was most likely dead.

Y/N was at the wreckage for hours, crying and wandering on and off. She knew that people were probably starting to grow concerned, but she had left her Stark Tech phone on her bed. She ended up at the edge of the cliff, staring at where the ocean seemed to meet the sky. Y/N was stuck in her head so much that she didn’t hear the sound of an approaching car. She didn’t hear someone jump out of it before it was truly in park and began running at her. Suddenly, hands were on her arms and someone was spinning her around.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Tony exclaimed, pulling her from the edge. “Do you know how worried I was?! You weren’t answering your phone and then you weren’t at the house! I almost called SHIELD in to do a search for you!”

“Tony…” Y/N breathed out. She studied his face, seeing new injuries lightly littering it. He had definitely been in a fight not too long ago.

Tony didn’t stop yelling. “You cannot do that! Do you understand?! There might still be people out there looking for you! You cannot just leave your phone behind and disappear!”

“You’re alive…”

That’s when Tony realized that Y/N had thought he was dead. He immediately felt bad about yelling and pulled her into him. “I’m alive, sweetheart.” Y/N hands came around and gripped onto Tony’s t-shirt. “I’m right here.”

“You can’t… You can’t do that again…”

Tony kissed her head. “I know, I’m sorry… for the yelling and the possibility of being dead… I’m so sorry.” The two held each other for a while, not willing to let the other go. “I was so scared, Y/N.”

“I’m sorry. I just… they didn’t care.” Sobs began to wrack Y/N’s body. “They didn’t get me anything, didn’t want me there. And I just wanted to be home… but I didn’t know where you were…”

Tony grew angry at the thought that Y/N’s foster parents didn’t care about her, and on Christmas of all holidays. “It’s okay. You won’t be going back there.”

Y/N pulled away to look Tony in the eyes. “I won’t?”

“Nope. You’re staying with me.”

“For good?”

“For good.”

~~~

Tony, Pepper, and Y/N moved into the Avengers Tower in New York after Tony had surgery to permanently remove his arc reactor. Tony had decided to keep Y/N as his daughter a secret to all but those who absolutely needed to know. Once they were settled in at the Tower, Tony enrolled Y/N in an online, at your own pace, school so that she could graduate high school and start college. He let her start doing intern work for Stark Industries, mainly assisting Pepper, so that Y/N could start getting to know the business. Y/N enjoyed her time working, though it was in the same building that she lived in, it felt normal somehow.

Bruce Banner was the first member of the Avengers to meet Y/N and find out the truth. He was shocked to learn that Tony had adopted a kid but was impressed by Y/N’s desire to learn about what Bruce did. She started hanging out in the lab more with Tony and Bruce, helping out with projects and getting a better science and engineering education there than most did in college. She loved all the opportunities she had to get real experience in the sciences and business world.

Y/N also began working out more and training like SHIELD trains their new recruits. Tony didn’t know about it at first and was furious when he found her in the training room with multiple destroyed punching bags around her. It didn’t take long, and a good talk with Pepper, for Tony to remember that Y/N needed to exercise like that. It was all she knew. It would also help her keep her super strength up to pair and in control. But Tony wouldn’t go near the idea of her actually becoming a SHIELD agent, even though she was seventeen now.

The next year, Y/N turned eighteen and before she had the chance to sign up to be an agent, SHIELD fell. Due to the fall, Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers moved into the Tower, with Clint not far behind. All of them were in complete shock to find out that Tony had an eighteen-year-old daughter that he had completely kept secret. But the secret allowed Tony to gain some respect from Steve. Natasha and Y/N became fast friends and Natasha was even willing to train Y/N more intently, despite Tony’s complaining. Clint and Steve soon began to join them. The more Y/N got to know Steve, the more she grew feelings for him. But how could she not? He was Steve Rogers after all.

That same year, Y/N began an online college, going into science, technology, and business. She couldn’t choose so she decided to challenge herself with all. Towards the end of the year, Thor showed up and began helping the Team search for Loki’s missing scepter. Despite all her pleas and passing test scores, Y/N couldn’t convince anyone to let her join them on missions. She believed they were all scared of what Tony would do, especially if Y/N came back injured or worse. So she stayed on the sidelines, working and schooling and training. That was her life and she hoped it would never change.

next chapter >

#tony stark x daughter!reader #tony stark imagine #marvel fanfiction #marvel x reader #avengers imagine #the avengers x reader #avengers imagines #steve rogers x reader #bucky barnes x reader

[ragingbookdragon]

Price dies in a way they always knew he would. In battle, defending the team of people he loved.

He dies in Simon’s arms—not Ghost’s, he’s never Ghost to Price—and makes him promise to take care of his family in his stead.

So Simon does.

He brings Price’s body back, hold’s Price’s wife when she breaks down in the living room of their home, JJ watching from the hallway.

JJ doesn’t cry when they go to Price’s funeral, doesn’t cry when the soldiers salute his mom and him, doesn’t cry when his mom gives him the flag.

He doesn’t cry where his mom can see.

He has to be the man for her now.

He cries in secret. In his bedroom, in Simon’s arms when Simon is awakened from his slumber on the couch to find JJ rubbing at his eyes, “I miss daddy, Uncle Simon.”

Simon remembers his promise to Price.

He makes the decision then and there when JJ tells him why he won’t cry in front of his mother, when he sees his godson bite his lip so hard it bleeds so he won’t cry.

Simon finishes his last contract and gets out of the military.

Moves the family back to Herefordshire and gets a job bartending. It’s easy money, and with the benefits from the government (not to count the amassed amount Price has saved for his family in case of his death), the family lives more than comfortably.

Simon is there, he steps up and becomes the father figure that JJ needs. Teaches him how to be a man, how to live, how to survive.

But he keeps Price alive in the home. Makes sure JJ never forgets who his father was.

When JJ, eligible for enlistment, mentions he wants to be SAS, Simon agrees under one condition, he only serves ten years and gets his degree to do something other than being a soldier. Price’s wife has lost too much to lose her only child too.

JJ agrees, enlists and manages to get under Captain John MacTavish. He thrives under Soap’s leaderships, rises ranks, and when it’s past the ten-year mark, he leaves.

He gets his degree in military history, teaches at the local university for decades until he gets the call from his mother than Simon isn’t long for the night.

So JJ goes home, talks with his mother and is left in the bedroom his mother and Simon share. He remembers how the two had come together in later years. They were never open, but JJ wouldn’t’ve have minded. He knew his father would’ve been okay with them.

He sits, an older man, beside Simon, old and withered, and holds his hand, talks with him. Recounts the old days growing up. Simon teaching him how to drive, how to shave, how to ask a girl out and not look like a weirdo. They laugh and cry and share heart to heart. They mostly laugh at how white their hair is and how their backs hurt.

When Simon feels the long night calling him, he starts to tell JJ about all his regrets in life, how he failed his family, how so many missions failed and he lost soldiers, how sometimes he felt like he failed Price but then he looks at JJ and says, “All the wrong I did, you were the only thing I ever did right.”

JJ takes his hand, squeezes it and tells Simon, “My father was the greatest man I ever knew. Even if he didn’t live to see me grow up, I remember him. But you, Simon, were the best dad a boy could’ve ever asked for. And I wouldn’t trade being your son for anything in the world.”

Simon passes in his sleep.

He’s buried next to his mom and brother’s family.

His mom follows after.

She’s buried beside Price.

And JJ lives the rest of his life teaching his students at university about the greatest men he ever knew until he passes on too.

He wakes up in a field color. Warm spring air and the scent of a million flowers greets him. Then he sees his mom and his father, young, like they were when he was a kid, and he looks at himself, sees him at his best, then JJ sees the others behind them.

Waiting for him.

He hugs his parents, tells them how much he missed them.

Price tells JJ how proud he was of the man he gave life to.

Then he walks up to Simon and stands before the man.

“Hey dad.”

#simon riley imagines #simon riley imagine #simon riley #simon ghost riley #ghost imagines #ghost imagine #ghost #price imagine #price imagines #price #john price imagines #john price imagine #john price #captain price #captain john price #jonathan price #JJ #jj #JJ Price #Jj Price #cod imagines #cod imagine #cod #call of duty imagines #call of duty imagine #call of duty #mw2 imagines #mw2 imagine #mw2

[sunnyhvnny]

Imagine if all Maegor’s kids inherited their mother’s appearance. They eventually have like 8 but not a single one has silver hair or purple eyes.

There should be more dad!Maegor content out there

Maegor’s children are loud, and rambunctious and fill up every space they step into. Not because there are so many of them, which there are, but because they all seem to him with the sort of energy that a dragon has.

When he has to break up a fight between his eldest two boys, Aegon and Reanar, he doesn’t get angry because they are only acting like two young hatchlings would. Or when his daughter of three hides behind his wife’s skirts he only sees a newly hatched dragon trying to find safety and comfort in their mother. Despite his own wife not being a Targaryen, he sometimes wonders if a small drop of the blood of the dragon has made its way into her because when people look at their children with raised eyebrows or make pointed comments, Maegor doesn’t have time to do anything before his wife does.

Sometimes at night Maegor will lay in bed beside his wife and think about his child. Eight children, more than he could have ever hoped for, and all from his beloved. He wonders why it took until his last wife for him to finally have a child that lived. His other wives carried his children but they were either born without any breath in their lungs or deformed and monstrous.

His beloved had no such problems. She had started swelling with their eldest, Visenya, soon after he had married her and when she was born she was screaming and pink and alive.

Every year since then, Maegor has held his breath as his beloved wife swelled with a new child and brought them into this world. He waited for something horrible to happen. For his children to all catch a sickness and perish, the Gods deciding to give him a taste of fatherhood before ripping it from him. He thought maybe the next one would be born scaled and burnt and silent, but each one was healthy.

Perhaps that is why Maegor didn’t give in to the rumors that floated around the court. The Lords and Ladies loved to talk about how all of his children are missing those distinct Targaryen features. He hears the word stupid when they refer to him sometimes and he doesn’t let it bother him. If it is stupid to love one’s children then he must be the stupidest man in all the land. When he hears the words ‘bastards’ whispered, that is when he does something.

His wife will destroy them verbally amongst everybody and he will watch with a proud smile on his face but later, Maegor has two of his kingsguards bring the person before him. In the dead of night, he will bring them to the dungeons.

He may have softened with fatherhood but his desire to hear those who slander him or his family die screaming has never gone away. When he is done, he always goes back to his wife, but before he does he stops by the chambers that hold his children. He looks in on them and watches them sleep for some time. His eldest barely makes a sound as she sleeps but she splays across the bed, his eldest son and second child, snores loudly and he laughs quietly that a boy so young could rumble so loud in his sleep that he could wake a sleeping dragon.

When he confirms that all of his children are asleep, safe and sound, then does he go to his last and most loved wife. She is asleep as well and splays out on the bed like their daughter but she is quiet as she sleeps. He admires her beauty before he crawls into bed next to her. She is plumper than when they first wed and there is a tiredness that is always with her but that comes with having children. In his eyes, she has only grown more beautiful as the years have gone on.

Before he falls asleep, he glances one more time at his wife. People may whisper that his children don’t look like him. They would not be lies. All of them take after their mother, but they don’t see the young Targaryen’s in the small moments. They may carry their mother’s features but they hold the blood of the dragon inside of them.

#dad!maegor #house of the dragon #hotd #maegor targaryen #fire and blood #maegor the cruel #maegor targaryen x reader #maegor targaryen x oc

[thegreymoon]

The Story of Minglan

So, she's still alive, smh.

The ONE thing I was asking for from this rebellion and they couldn't even give me that 😠

***

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Didn't your actual WIFE die yesterday? Aren't you supposed to be in mourning, for appearance's sake at least?

I thought we were done with him and his nonsense but apparently not.

***

She was only PRETENDING?

Why won't this drama let me have good things 😭😭

***

LMAOOOO

Baby is here to take back his home! He is now best buddies with the new Emperor, evil stepmom can seethe 🤣🤣

***

Are you kidding me?

I thought she would have more dignity and be openly hostile, not fawn over him so blatantly.

As if he would fall for her act twice.

***

Their faces, LMAO 🤣🤣

***

LMAO

Adult!Gu Tingye never really made it onto my list of favourite characters but I absolutely love how Feng Shaofeng plays him 🤣🤣 He's so smooth and charming, an absolute rascal! He smiles and I smile, no matter whether it's genuine or not!

***

Well, in my view, with all their money and lack of boundaries, these wastrel young masters could be doing much worse, such as raping and murdering (like the gentlemen from the Fourth and Fifth Gu house did in their time).

Third Brother is at least only out supporting the economy by frequenting brothels and hopefully paying the sex workers well. The Song Empire should send him an Imperial decree expressing its gratitude.

***

This is the full irony of her evildoing.

And even if he did not yield the title, what could she have possibly wanted that he would not have given?? She and her incompetent son had it made! But no. Nothing is enough when you're born too greedy for your own good.

***

Eh... not quite, but almost.

I am fascinated by these people. "We have spent your whole life hating you and ruining your life for no good reason, but how dare you not love us in return?"

LOLOLOLOL

Even Lin Qinshuang had more shame.

***

I live for beautiful scenery in c-dramas 💚

***

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ARE NOT TAKING THE EXAM?

I'm more invested in him passing this exam than I am in me passing any of mine, which is obvious from the amount of time I spent watching his shenanigans instead of studying 😕

***

Cackling 🤣🤣

He's always so outraged by the lack of propriety 🤣🤣

I love the two of them, they are such a good pair! One is so proper and the other so improper!

***

LMAO, yes, panic 🤣🤣

It's episode 36, you loser! How long do you expect the girl to wait for you? You had better hurry!

***

God, this is nice 😭😭

I wish I had the skill to turn this into art! 💚

***

Oh, yes, it is the Old Madam you are eager to visit 🙄

IDK why, but he gives me the ick.

He hasn't really done anything wrong but he's always so nice and kind and sweet and subservient, plus he's not the OTP. All the alarm bells in my head are RINING!!

***

WHO THE FUCK?

I knew there was something shady about him, smh.

***

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Where do all these cockroaches come from?? Are there no single men in China to marry and you must go after someone who already has a wife??

I AM MAD.

***

LMAO, he at least has the decency to be shocked.

So, he is not on board this nonsense. Good. But is that what happens to screw up his marriage to Minglan? His family insists on him marrying this woman?

#the story of minglan #tsoml spoilers #tsoml ep36

[chicken-fifi]

Promises for the Future | Kim Geonwoo (Bloodhounds)

Pairing: Kim Geonwoo x Hong Woojin Sister!Pregnant!Fem!Reader

Requested by anon: i am really relieved, someone write bloodhounds 😭😭 could you please write kim geonwoo x f!preganant!reader (woojin's little sister) in 6 months later please? thank you ^^

Genre: fluff laced with angst because this show is just a rollercoaster of emotions

Warnings: mentions of violence from previous episodes, mentions of character deaths, Bloodhounds spoilers, pregnant reader, pregnancy, fetal movement, sibling banter

Word Count: 1,257 words

A/n: i love this show so much, but it breaks my heart. pregnant reader here reminds me of everything that Dooyoung could've had if he hadn't come back. he could still be alive, with his wife and baby 😭😭😭 i'm not crying you are! also, reader's last name is Hong. this is not a continuation of "hang in there."

Hand pressed to your lower back, you waddled out into the yard after having heard both your brother and boyfriend come back from their morning run. Mr. Oh had just stepped out to buy some groceries to make breakfast, having refused your offer to join him for the short trip. 

It’d been five months since you’d moved out to the countryside with him after everything had happened. The first month after Mr. Choi’s murder you’d been at the orphanage with Geonwoo’s mother helping out as best as you could with all the kids wherever the staff needed you.

However, just as your luck throughout this whole ordeal would have it, within your first week of being there you suspected you were pregnant after having missed your period and the sudden morning sickness that succeeded that. His mother had been the first to suggest the possibility, having been aware that you and Geonwoo had most definitely shared at least one night together in the time you’d been dating (curse the thin walls of the apartment when he snuck you in). She was the reason why, after you’d taken the pregnancy test and gotten a positive, you had taken the first bus back to the city then a cab to the residence. You can imagine your shock at seeing the burned remains of the house you’d spent countless weeks in.

Neighbors had fortunately been able to direct you to a nearby hospital where one of the victims of the sudden fire had been hospitalized for nearly a month due to “severe burns” - although they all claimed the young man hadn’t been burned but stabbed to an inch of his life. You’d immediately thought it had been Geonwoo who’d been stabbed. Woojin, your brother, could surely handle his own - even with a knife’s sharp edge pointed in his direction. But either way, you would be losing, hurting, and worried for whichever one of the two it was that was hospitalized. When you’d found Geonwoo sitting in a waiting room after visiting hours, your  heart had a brief relief before panic filled your entire being as you rushed at him needing to know how your brother was. 

It was clear your boyfriend had been expecting anyone but you to be the person who grabbed his shoulders late that night based on the immediate tense and fighting stance his body took on reflex. He’d relaxed as soon as he registered that it was you, only to get worried himself because you being back in the city only put you in danger. But eventually he relented, not seeing it the time nor logical to argue with you then and there. You were already back in the city and getting you back to the orphanage now would be more difficult than ever - even if he didn’t know why you were back.

Woojin, while still under heavy observation by doctors, was better than you had expected him to be. He was wide awake and visible well other than the grimaces and winces whenever he sat up, turned, or stretched. And one never would’ve known that he’d nearly bled to death from how quickly he’d lunged himself at Geonwoo after you’d come clean about your reason for being there. He’d been pretty upset about it for a while - who wouldn’t be if their best friend slept with their little sister? Not to mention the current situation they were in - but eventually came around after seeing how happy the two of you were and the thought of being able to (hopefully) spoil his future niece or nephew with the money won during his matches. 

Upon his discharge from the hospital, Mr. Oh brought the three - or four, depending on how you look at it - of you to his home in the countryside. Much to both of your dismay, Geonwoo and Woojin were both dead set on avenging Mr. Choi’s, Yangjung, and Dooyoung’s murders and bring down Smile Capital once and for all. With roughly two months left of your pregnancy, it was more and more worrisome seeing the training the boys were putting themselves through for the sake of their planned justice. That mixed with the possibility of them getting hurt was even more worrying.

You hadn’t actually seen what those cowards could do, but Woojin had already nearly died during their last encounter, Geonwoo’s facial scar, Mr. Choi, Yangjun, and Dooyoung - along with his family - murders were enough evidence to prove the lengths to which they would go to. And you couldn’t help but think that maybe it was best to back off.

At the beginning, before the last six months happened, you’d been onboard with snuffing them out. It wasn’t fair to the innocent people being hunted down for the deadly loan they’d been tricked into taking. But now with a new life inside of you and close to arriving, you worried about your own family. Godforbid something were to happen, but if it did, and if you were to lose both Woojin and Geonwoo - or just one and not the other - would it really have been worth it?

“Hey,” Geonwoo’s voice announced his presence pulling you from your thoughts. “Did you sleep well?”

“About as well as I can when needing to pee every three seconds,” you joked hoping it would lift your spirit a little bit and maybe have him forget about the dull look that was on your face when he walked in. No luck.

“You’re worried again aren’t you.”

He could always read you like a book. Your hands cradled your belly, smoothing out your shirt over the sore flesh feeling small movements from your baby as you nodded avoiding his gaze. It had been a constant topic of debate between the four of you. Mr. Oh and you completely against their persistent plan of justice; Geonwoo and Woojin seeing nothing wrong with said plan.

“Geon,” you sighed. “It’s not safe.”

“With them still out there it’ll never be safe.”

“You heard what they did to Dooyoung and his wife - even when he gave in trusting they would let her and the baby live. You saw what they did to Woojin - to you! I’d rather live the rest of my life always looking over my shoulder with you than without you or Woojin. Please, just - just think it over.”

Geonwoo sighed deeply as he took your hand in his, his knuckles grazing over you bump as he looked down at it lovingly before returning his gaze to your eyes. He knew it was a bit selfish of him to ask for you to trust him, to believe in his plan, to believe him when he promised that he’d come back to you and make sure Woojin did as well. It was incredibly selfish of him, but he couldn’t help it. When it came to you, he would always end up being selfish.

He whispered your name softly and you closed your eyes feeling the tears well, “I promise we’ll handle it and everything will go back to normal. We’ll get to start a new life us, the baby, my mom, Woojin. We’ll all get a new life with not debt and nothing to worry about. I promise. Just, please understand.”

So you nodded, because you knew that no matter how much you pleaded his heart of gold would always win. He would stand with his decision. And he would not back down from it.

“Okay. But you have to come back in one piece. Both of you.”

“We will. I promise.”

#kdrama imagines #kdrama scenarios #bloodhounds #bloodhounds masterlist #bloodhounds imagines #bloodhounds scenarios #bloodhounds kim geonwoo #kim geonwoo #kim geonwoo imagines #kim geonwoo scenarios #bloodhounds geonwoo #geonwoo #geonwoo imagines #geonwoo scenarios

[elisajdb]

Life With You: XXXIX: Tragedy

“We must register before it closes.”

Piccolo was practical but the words were a harsh reminder of Goku’s limits on Earth.  

Bulma checked her watch. “There’s still time before the preliminaries start. Let Goku and the kids register first and while everyone else is registering, Goku can spend time with his family. We’ll meet up when registration ends.”

It was a sound plan. Goku, Gohan, Goten and Trunks got in line ahead of everyone. As they waited to register, Goku chatted with Aki and his family.  

“Goku!” Aki embraced his friend in a brotherly hug. “It’s great to see you!!” Aki wore a mustache and goatee. He still had a full head of thick, blonde hair but Goku noticed a few grey strands in Aki’s goatee.

“Good to see you.” Goku noticed the children with Aki. “You had more kids! Kala?” He pointed to Aki’s eldest daughter. “You’ve grown!”

Kala was the only child of Aki’s with a memory of Goku and the only one not shy for she ran into Goku’s open arms for a hug. “I’ve grown a lot, Uncle Goku. In a few years, I’ll be old enough to marry Gohan!”

“Gohan?!” Goku sputtered stunned. He looked at his eldest son. “You two are together? Isn’t she young?”

“We’re not together!!” Gohan screamed. “It’s all in Kala’s mind!”

“I kissed him,” Kala confessed.

“You tricked me!” Gohan screamed. Eyes of everyone but Aki, ChiChi and Gyu-Mao stared for an explanation. “It’s not like that!”

Kala winked at Goku. “I’m working on him.”

Goku chuckled at Kala’s confidence. She always had an attachment to Gohan so her pursuit wasn’t a surprise. He noticed another girl behind her. Aki also had a baby girl when he died. “Is that….?”

“Yup,” Aki rubbed Naoko’s head. “This is Naoko. Naoko, you don’t remember your Uncle Goku but he held you when you were a baby.”

“I remember the picture,” Naoko softly spoke of the picture on their family’s mantle. She waved shyly at Goku.

“This is Jun,” Aki spoke of his third daughter born after Goku’s death. “She’s four and this,” Aki took a two-year-old boy from his wife and handed him to Goku, “is Haruto.”

“And it’s the last one,” Reia told Goku. “When I was pregnant, we agreed boy or bust.”

Knowing their time was limited, Aki ushered Naoko and Jun to stand with Goku and Kala. “I wanna get a picture.” When Aki snapped the photo of Goku with Aki’s kids, ChiChi took the camera and took another photo with Aki and Reia in the picture.

As ChiChi handed the camera back to Aki, Aki noticed his son reaching for Goku’s halo. “What’s with the halo, Goku?”

“This is what you get when you die if you’re lucky to keep your body.”

Aki stared speechless before chuckling. “I thought was only for TV. Leave it to you to find out if it’s true. I’ve missed talking to you, friend.”

As Aki pocketed the camera, Goku noticed Aki and his family weren’t the only ones here from ChiChi’s village to see him. “Kaifun?” He aged more than Aki. His long black hair was short and sparkling with strands of silver. Next to him was an old grumpy lady he never expected to see again. She’s still alive?

“Hey, Goku,” Kaifun spoke as a man carrying a heavy burden. He didn’t give Goku the scornful gaze he was used to seeing. “I’m the last person you expected to see but when I heard you were returning, even for a day, I needed to see you again to apologize for how I was to you. I wasn’t a good person to you. I should’ve been a friend. I’m so grateful for what you did for us.” He held out his hand to Goku. “I don’t blame you if you don’t forgive me but I am sorry for how I treated you.”

Goku looked at Kaifun’s hand. It was strange seeing him and even stranger hearing Kaifun apologize. He held so much hatred for Goku. Kaifun never thought Goku was good enough for ChiChi and for years, waited for him to screw up so he could move in on ChiChi. Goku had no idea his death would affect Kaifun to change his mind about him.

Goku grabbed Kaifun’s hand and gave it a firm shake. Looking past Kaifun, Goku wondered if Mrs. Niver had come for the same reason. Is she gonna apologize to me, too?

Kaifun turned to his grandmother. “Grandma, don’t you have something to say to Goku?”

The seven years weren’t kind to Mrs. Niver. She was slower as her cane assisted her. Her face was very wrinkled and weathered with spots, and her once thick, white hair was thinner. She wore that same scornful, bitter expression Goku remembered when they last saw each other. “Seven years ago, I thought you were a waste of sperm. I apologize for that. When you died seven years ago, you proved you weren’t a total waste of sperm. You showed the world there was something good about you. Your sperm. It helped create Gohan and he killed Cell.” The old woman smiled revealing no teeth. “Thank you, Goku, for doing one good thing in your waste of a life.”

Overhearing, Vegeta rolled his eyes and Gohan slapped his forehead. ChiChi was grateful Goten didn’t hear as he chatted with Naoko. Aki muttered, ‘I knew it’ while Kaifun scolded his grandmother, “Grandma!! You were gonna apologize!”

“I did.” Mrs. Niver saw no wrong in her words. “I said he wasn’t a total waste of sperm!”

Kaifun was embarrassed and speechless at his grandmother. He looked apologetic to Goku who laughed. “It’s okay. I would think I’m on the wrong planet if Mrs. Niver is nice to me.”  

“Dad,” Gohan pulled Goku’s arm. “We’re next to register.”

Goku turned away still chuckling at Mrs. Niver’s burn. “It’s nice to see some people haven’t changed.”

“I wish she did,” ChiChi muttered. The death glare ChiChi sent Mrs. Niver would’ve had anyone else shaking in fear but the old woman grinned maliciously, pleased she got one last cruel remark in. “She is truly a heartless woman.”

“Great Saiyaman,” Gohan spoke his name to the registration official.

“Great Saiyaman?” Goku wondered why his son was calling himself that. Now hugs were out of the way, Goku took a real look at Gohan’s clothes. “What are you wearing?”

“It’s his costume,” ChiChi explained. “He’s a superhero and this is what he chooses to wear.”

“Superhero?” Odd. He was thought of as a hero and never had to wear specific clothes. Why does his son have to? “I never wore a costume.”

ChiChi wasn’t sure if that was a whine or envy from Goku. It was one of many things they would have to talk about during his visit. Goku signed up next followed by Goten and Trunks. Goten didn’t mind but Trunks hated that they were put in the Junior Division with the other kids and not allowed to fight the adults.

With the Son Family registered, over twenty minutes were left before registration closed. “Mom, you and Dad can talk while we wait for everyone else to register,” suggested Gohan. “Goten and I will have time with Dad while we wait for our matches to start.”

“Well, I…..” ChiChi was caught off guard by Gohan’s suggestion. “I thought we’d have family time together.”

“We’ll have that tonight.” Gohan urged his parents to leave. “Go.”

ChiChi felt a hand close around hers. It was Goku’s and he was pulling her away from everyone.

“Twenty minutes is more than enough time to get one in!” Aki cheered them on.

ChiChi clutched her chest while her face turned beet red. “I can’t believe he said that.”

Goku laughed. “That’s Aki.” He was the first person from ChiChi’s village to be his friend. He helped Goku navigate married life and was a good support to ChiChi when his friends weren’t. “It’s good to see him. It’s good to see everyone. Even Mrs. Niver.”

ChiChi thought Goku lost his mind. “You have been dead a long time.”

“Maybe.” Goku pulled ChiChi closer so her body pressed against his. “I’m happy to be around everyone again.”

They walked through the crowds looking for a secluded spot. This area was almost a second home to Goku. Some of his happiest moments occurred here. But, it had changed. It was bigger and had some familiar spots: trees and shrubs were replaced with more venues. “How about here?” Goku pulled ChiChi into a corner wall of the tournament’s entrance.

“Not away from everyone,” Goku ignored the strangers walking by as he settled his arms around ChiChi’s waist. “But away enough to do this.” His kiss was sudden, leaving ChiChi little time to prepare for Goku’s onslaught. Her back was pressed against the brick wall with her front smothered by Goku’s body as searing heat spread through her from his kiss. ChiChi expected their first kiss in seven years to be soft and tender. She didn’t expect this intensity and need. At least not now! Later perhaps….

In her mind, ChiChi told herself to push back but the loneliness of seven years compelled ChiChi to give in to Goku and her needs. She opened her mouth and slid her tongue against his. She hummed her pleasure in a throaty moan as her fingers threaded his hair. Oh, how she missed this man. She missed being held by one who could turn mountains into pebbles but hold her as if she were the most delicate flower. She missed his kisses that always left her breathless and needing more; one more kiss; one more taste; one more nip.

Slowly, reluctantly, Goku pulled back. Goku expected ChiChi to like the kiss. He did but as pleasing as it was seeing ChiChi’s breasts rise and fall and her cheeks form that cute pink blush he liked, Goku noticed ChiChi wasn’t smiling. She didn’t look angry but sad. Was he wrong? Didn’t ChiChi want this?

“ChiChi?” Worry crept into Goku as ChiChi lowered her eyes. ChiChi hadn’t moved on and married another but maybe she was still angry with his decision that separated them for seven years.

“I’m doing this all wrong,” she confessed.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re here for twenty-four hours, Goku.” Slowly, her eyes met his. “I spent the last thirty days getting ready for you. I’ve been using creams and cleansers and getting facials so I look as beautiful as I was seven years ago. I got massages…. trimmings,” she blushed hoping Goku remembered that, “so my body is ready for you, but on the way here, it hit me as much as I want time with you, it’ll be painful to cope when you are gone. I realized I should refrain from touching you too much. I should see you as a visiting friend, but when I saw you, all I wanted was to touch you again.” Tears sprouted from her eyes. “I don’t care about the pain I will feel when you go. I want you and I shouldn’t.” ChiChi covered her face. “I’m sorry. I want you to only see me smiling and I’m crying.”

Goku embraced ChiChi again. He never wanted to cause ChiChi pain but knew he inflicted a lot on her for seven years. “I shouldn’t have been so strong with that kiss, but after thinking of what you were doing while I was dead. I thought of you and ……” Goku shut his eyes. No, he won’t think that. ChiChi waited for him. ChiChi hasn’t been with another man. “When I saw you, I wanted to forget the tournament and fly you to our bed.”

For a second, ChiChi was tempted to tell Goku to do that. “Goku…..”

“I’ll miss ya when I leave so I wanna touch ya in every way possible. Making new memories will help me cope you ain’t there until I see ya again. I know it will hurt ya when I’m gone, but you ain’t alone in feeling that pain. I’ll feel it, too, and I wanna go through it since I know the next time we meet, we ain’t separatin’ again.”

Goku could be simple-minded at times but when he spoke from the heart, he knew what to say. ChiChi always believed him when he spoke from the heart. She wanted to now but she knew the harsh truth. “Goku, I can’t go where you go. You kept your body and I haven’t done anything special to keep my body. I haven’t saved the world or sacrificed myself to a wicked person like Cell.”

“There’s still time,” Goku teased.

ChiChi reproved him with a displeased glare. “Not funny, Goku.”

Maybe not but it was cute to see ChiChi annoyed. He missed that. “You ain’t gotta worry about that, ChiChi. I’ll make sure we’re together when you die. If you can’t be on the Grand Kai’s planet with me, then I’ll live on the other planet with good people. My Grandpa is there.”

But Son Gohan was a legend in his own right while ChiChi was a wife and mother. That wasn’t enough for her body to be saved. “Maybe.” ChiChi wouldn’t damper Goku’s enthusiasm with the little time they have. They lost five minutes finding this spot. “I have to say this now because I may not later, Goku. I’m not angry with you for not coming back. I’m not angry everyone got a goodbye except for me. I am your wife and mother of your children and you didn’t say goodbye to me.” Her voice broke then. She told herself she wouldn’t cry but she was. “I’m not angry,” she wanted that to be clear. “I will never understand why but I know you would never intentionally hurt me.” She wiped her tears away while apologizing. “I’m sorry. I’m doing it again.”

Goku believed ChiChi wasn’t angry but she was still hurt. “I wanted to talk to you, ChiChi. When I saw you on the floor, I knew I had to talk to you.”

“You…. you saw us? You saw when Gohan told me?”

“I begged King Kai to let me talk to you but he wouldn’t. He said it would interfere with you and Gohan mourning me. It’s the rule.” Goku hated that rule for seven years. If only King Kai let him bend the rules one more time…. “The dead can’t communicate with the living. King Kai made an exception with Cell but the world was at stake then.”

In dire circumstances like that, ChiChi understood exceptions to the rule but there was a problem. “But you talked to everyone on Kami’s Temple, Goku. The fight was over. Why did he allow you to talk to everyone then?”

“They were trying to wish me back and I had to stop them.”

“So, King Kai gave you another chance to bend the rules: to say goodbye to your friends but not your wife and mother of your children. Why?” Goku didn’t have an answer but his silence sparked another question. “Was it King Kai who didn’t want you talking to me or was it you who didn’t want to talk to me?”

Oh, boy. Goku rubbed the back of his head. It wasn’t an easy question to answer. Any answer he gave will upset ChiChi but he knew he had to. ChiChi deserved an answer. “When I chose to stay dead, I thought I could pop in and check on you whenever I wanted. King Kai told me that’s not how it works. He said it wouldn’t be fair if I checked in on you and Gohan and the rest of the dead couldn’t check in on their families.”

“It’s not enough, Goku.” Her tears were dried; her mind was clear and she wanted answers. “You left it to our child to tell me you wouldn’t be back. You knew before the Cell Game there was a chance you would die. You made a decision that affected all of us without consulting me. After seven years, can’t you tell me why?”

Oh, boy. King Kai warned him ChiChi might ask these questions but he got distracted by Olibu and the others telling him ChiChi moved on, he didn’t prepare himself for this confrontation.

“I couldn’t tell you,” he answered honestly. “You would’ve gotten mad and try to talk me out of it.”

“Of course I would have! You are not some jinx that brings psychotic murderers to Earth! You’re my husband!”

To him, ChiChi was her husband and father to their children. She didn’t see anything else. He had to make her see there was more to him than that.

“It felt like that, ChiChi. The Saiyans, Freeza, the Artificial Humans and Cell all tied to me. We had one week left and I didn’t want to spend it arguing.” It was snowballing out of him now. “There were a lot of things going on I couldn’t talk about, ChiChi. I couldn’t talk about what I knew about Gohan. I couldn’t talk about my limits. If everyone knew the truth before the fight, they would’ve panicked.”

“So, what if they knew the truth?” ChiChi didn’t care if they did. “It’s time for everyone to stop relying on you and do things for themselves.”

“Does that include, Gohan?” Goku asked his wife. “He would’ve panicked, too.”

“Then it would’ve been your job as Gohan’s father to prepare him. Since he could walk, you wanted to train Gohan. I told you to make him as strong as possible. Didn’t you do that?”

She didn’t yell which Goku found odd but damn she hit him hard with the truth. “I tried. I told Gohan when we entered that room I wanted him to be stronger than me. He didn’t notice he surpassed me. I told him but he didn’t believe me. I knew Gohan wouldn’t see how strong he is until he’s forced to.” There. The truth was out. Goku felt a seven-year weight lift off him until he saw the tears pooling from ChiChi’s eyes again.

“ChiChi?”

“It took you seven years to tell me this, Goku. Was I a bad wife to you felt you couldn’t trust me and you had to carry the burden alone? If you came to me, we could’ve talked to Gohan.”

ChiChi was sobbing now. People walking by noticed and glared at Goku as the cause. Goku tried to embrace her but ChiChi pushed his arms away. “Don��t. You kept so much from me. Dr. Sims told me and Gohan about your heart condition. We know about your limits. It hurts our problems were so bad you couldn’t talk to me.”

“ChiChi…..” There were problems in their marriage. It was building for a while. Even he noticed but Goku thought it could be fixed before he died. “I thought that week could fix everything.”

“We needed months to fix our issues, Goku. That week was a start but you died.” ChiChi wiped away her tears but they kept flowing. “It was hard being without you. I thought not getting closure was punishment for how I was to you as a wife and to make up for it, I strived to be a better Mom to Gohan and Goten.”

No. No. NO! He didn’t want ChiChi thinking this was her fault. “I’m the problem, ChiChi. Not you. I’m the stubborn one. I’m the selfish one.”

“No,” ChiChi shook her head. She wouldn’t let Goku take all the blame. “I didn’t realize I was being so hard on you.”

Goku gripped her arms. “Stop that! You had to be hard on me, ChiChi. I needed that. I wanted that!”

“And look at the cost. You couldn’t come to me when you needed someone. I failed you,” ChiChi sobbed. “I failed at my duties as your wife.”

“No, you didn’t. I failed us by not trusting you.”

ChiChi wouldn’t accept his comfort. “I made mistakes, Goku. I had seven years to reflect, too. I kept telling myself I was doing what was best for the family.”

“You were,” Goku insisted.

ChiChi didn’t think so. “When we married, we built a close connection. It was hard work but I knew you trusted me. You told me about your Grandpa. You cried before me. I felt I had your heart and all your trust. I felt there was nothing you would keep from me.”

So desperately, Goku wanted to say, ‘I do. I trust you with everything’ but he knew that was a lie. Things changed between them.

“But you died and a part of you….that trust… never came back. After Yardrat, you were different and I had to learn to love you all over again. We worked our way back but that trust wasn’t there. You kept keeping things from me, even up to your second death. The Goku I lived with the first five years of our marriage wouldn’t have done that.”

She was right. That Goku wouldn’t have kept things from ChiChi and Goku knew he wasn’t that man anymore. That man died with Raditz. ChiChi tried to adapt but she wasn’t the problem. It was him. “I thought if you knew all of what I was, you wouldn’t want me anymore. You told me you don’t care I’m a Saiyan but it didn’t feel like that to me.”

“Why?”

Goku took his hands off ChiChi’s arms and stepped back to pace as he gathered his words. No more hiding. No more secrets. It was time to tell ChiChi knew what he feared. “When you married me, you thought I was human but I thought it did bother you I’m not. Things were tense when I came back from Yardrat. I thought if you knew everything, you wouldn’t want to be with me so I kept things to myself.”

“Things were tense because I was angry at the situation, Goku. I was angry about being left out of things. I’m your wife. I should’ve been included. I was angry my husband was risking his life for everyone again. I was tired of that. Never of you or what you are.” ChiChi released a heavy sigh. With how she acted then, ChiChi understood why Goku feared to trust her. It broke ChiChi’s heart and she blamed herself.

Oh, Goku. I’ve hurt you so much. “I had seven years to come to terms with everything. There were so many things I wished we had done differently. My biggest regret was thinking we had forever, Goku. I never thought we’d only have ten years. We didn’t take advantage of the time we had.” It was that simple for ChiChi. They ran out of time and there was no guarantee they’ll be together in the afterlife despite what Goku felt.

They were silent again. Both were mulling over their thoughts and revelations that both knew wouldn’t be fully processed until they were separated again.

“Thank you, Goku.”

“Thank you?” Goku did not expect a thanks after what was said. “For what?”

“Talking to me. Finally.” ChiChi was smiling. “I got my closure. I can happily watch you and our sons fight. I’ll see you win the title and provide for your family again.” She secured her arms around his neck. “We’ll return home for a family dinner. I made all your favorites.”

“That’s everything you cook, ChiChi.”

“I know.” She smiled tenderly at him as she played with one of his spiked bangs. “We’ll make good memories today and when you’re gone, I’ll take care of our sons, see them get married, greet our grandbabies and great-grandbabies and tell them all about their Grandpapa Goku. One day my life will end and hopefully, we’ll be together again.”

One day wasn’t enough. Goku knew that now. So many changes. He expected some in Gohan and ChiChi but not this much, and he never expected another child. He didn’t want to be left out anymore. He wanted to be there for the moments ChiChi talked about.

“Goku?” ChiChi picked up his mood changing. “Are you okay?”

“About Goten…. was it painful?”

ChiChi wrinkled her eyebrows at him confused. “Raising him? No, he’s a darling.”

“I mean the birth,” Goku’s voice took a serious turn. “When you were having Gohan, you almost died.”

“Oh…..” ChiChi hadn’t expected Goku to ask about that. “Gohan gave me some of his Ki. Everything went fine but I did have Goten early.”

“Why?”

“Stress. Those months after your death were hard, Goku. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I was almost three months before I knew I was pregnant.” Goten was fine but ChiChi hadn’t forgiven herself during the early months of his development. “I was careful the rest of the pregnancy but the night I went into labor, Gohan told me what really happened at the Cell Game. He told me he didn’t listen to you when you warned him to kill Cell. I thought it was only Vegeta and Krillin who made mistakes that led to your death. Hearing what Gohan didn’t do was too much to take.”

“Gohan….” Goku was in disbelief. “Gohan still blames himself?”

ChiChi nodded solemnly. “I’ve talked to him but he can’t let it go.”

No! He told Gohan it was not his fault. All these years… Gohan… what have you been going through?

“Registration is over!” a voice boomed over megaphones placed around the venue. “All fighters report for the preliminaries!”

“It’s time, Goku. We have to go back.”

No! He needed more time!

“We’ll talk after the tournament,” Goku promised. “I’ll fix things with Gohan. I’ll give Goten happy memories.”

“Don’t overthink it,” ChiChi advised him. “Live in the moment. Enjoy the time we have.”

“I’ll do that, and when I’m done with you…” His demeanor changed. His voice dropped and the smoldering look he gave ChiChi had her nipples hardening and her desperately wishing the fight was over and they were finally alone. “There won’t be any doubts on how I feel for you.”

He was so bad looking at her like this. His twisted grin let her know he knew what his look did to her. Two can play that game. “When I get you alone, Goku, I’ll prove you can trust me with everything.”

She was giving him that look. The look she gave him before they were intimate. The look she gave him before she took him in her mouth. “You can’t give me that look before I fight, ChiChi!”

“Why not?” her tongue darted out of her mouth delicately. “Because you’ll wonder how good my throat game has improved?”

“Throat game?” Goku repeated unfamiliar with the term. ChiChi explained playfully putting a finger in her mouth and pursing her lips together. “Oh!”

“Thirty days of practice.”

“Thirty days of…” he trailed off thinking of what ChiChi did to improve her ‘throat game’. “Hey! How did you practice without needing me?”

ChiChi smirked. “There are ways.”

Goku grimaced aware of those ways. It felt wrong to have one of those in a place Goku considered his. “I don’t like those ways.”

“Because you’re not involved?” ChiChi teased as she tapped his nose. “Then you should’ve stayed.”

She was smiling now, flirting. It was so much better to see her this way and not crying. “I’ll make you forget those seven years, ChiChi.”

“In one night?”

Goku smirked as his head dipped to hers, “You know I can,” he whispered as he captured her lips in a firm kiss. ChiChi circled her arms around Goku’s neck. With tongues dancing, ChiChi’s tongue sucked on Goku’s. Her act caused Goku to press his body firmer against hers with a hand descending to cup her bottom. ChiChi pressed harder, wanting to mold her body to his. She needed this after seven lonely years. The tips of her breasts hardened against his chest. Absence made Goku’s body quickly respond.

The knowledge they were in public with people walking by should cause them to stop but longing for each other burned away the remnants of logical thought. How far could they go ChiChi wondered as Goku’s lips left her mouth to trail down her chin. She helped him by tilting her neck and loosening her collar to allow Goku to delve deeper. His mouth claimed her neck, one hand grabbed a breast while the other kept hold of her backside where she felt the ridge of his arousal press against her. She needed him and he needed her with an intensity she hadn’t felt in years. This deep need was reminiscent of their newlywed period where new, lustful feelings of sex were awakened in both where she and Goku couldn’t wait. The kitchen. The forest. Her father’s pool. They needed each other. Could they get away with it here she wondered? Maybe there’s a secluded spot they could hide? Or Goku could fly them---

“Get a room! We got kids here!”

ChiChi jolted from Goku as if burned. His body shielded her face from the view of people looking at them. Goku grinned at the nosey onlookers. “Sorry! I haven’t seen my wife in seven years!”

The pot-bellied father shook his head and walked off holding the hand of his child.

Goku turned away to face ChiChi. His smile was infectious and ChiChi couldn’t help but smile back. “We better go before Gohan looks for us.”

“I think he’ll send Piccolo,” ChiChi joked. “Gohan’s old enough to suspect what we could be doing.”

“Yeah,” Goku shook his head still disbelieving how much Gohan has grown. “He’s grown up so much.” Arm around ChiChi, Goku stole one more kiss before he pressed his fingers to his forehead. Goku and ChiChi vanished and arrived back with the group.

“Took you long enough,” Vegeta snorted.

“They just want to spend some time together,” Bulma chided Vegeta.

“Tch!” Vegeta scoffed as he turned away and walked off.

With a final wave to ChiChi, Goku walked with Krillin and Gohan with Goten lagging with Trunks. Goku looked at Krillin as if finally noticing him. Is that hair? Goku almost touched it to see if it was real. “Weren’t you bald?”

The annoyed gaze Krillin gave him surprised Goku. “I told you before! I shaved my hair!”

“You did?” Goku didn’t remember Krillin saying that. He thought back to when they lived with Master Roshi. They lived together for months and Goku couldn’t remember one time he saw Krillin with an inch of hair. “Never saw you doing that when we lived together.”

“I was shaving whenever I spent a long time in the bathroom.”

Goku remembered that. A few times he had to go outside since Krillin took so long. “So, that’s what you were doing. I thought you were taking a long dump but Master Roshi said you were touching yourself.”

“I was not!” Krillin yelled.

“Dad! Don’t say that!” Gohan checked Goten behind them. Trunks and Goten didn’t hear them and were in a deep conversation. Gohan wondered what that was about.

“Your dead Dad looks just like you.” Trunks heard a lot about Goku from his parents. Both were excited for his return for different reasons but Trunks didn’t see the excitement. “He’s supposed to be awesome, right?” Sure he was taller than his Dad but his Ki didn’t feel strong. “He doesn’t look strong. Not compared to my Dad.”

Goten thought his Dad was strong. His brother wouldn’t lie about that. “But Big Brother said our Dad’s the strongest in the universe.”

Trunks snorted. “Do you believe everything Gohan says? Look at how Gohan’s dressed for the tournament. You can’t believe someone who dresses like that.”

“Big Brother’s a superhero. He has to dress like that to hide his identity and he wouldn’t lie to me about Daddy.”

“If your dead Dad’s a great fighter, how come he’s dead?” Goten didn’t answer so Trunks told him. “It means he lost a fight and he isn’t great.”

Goten frowned. Trunks sounded really mean now. Sometimes he got like that and Goten ignored it but this time it bothered him. “But Momma said Daddy died to save everyone.” Goten saw Trunks ready to say something mean but Goten quickly shut him down. “And if you say anything about Momma, I’ll pop you!”

Trunks closed his mouth and the two boys followed in silence staring at Goku who yelled, “18, is that you?!”

“Took you long enough.” Ironically, this was their first meeting. When she and her brother went to Goku’s house, he wasn’t there. 18 suspected Goku recognized her after Cell regurgitated her. She wasn’t surprised it took Goku so long to notice her quietly walking behind them. “Not sure why ChiChi’s worried about her appearance for you. You’re not so special.”

Goku turned defensively. “How do you know about ChiChi?”

“They’re practically best friends,” Krillin relaxed Goku. “18’s my wife. We have a daughter. That little girl you saw standing with ChiChi when we left is ours.”

Goku whipped back to Krillin. “You married 18?! That girl is your kid???” Goku saw the girl but never asked. He was naïve but he knew how to make a baby and robots couldn’t. “I mean…” Goku whispered to Krillin. “How does a robot have a baby? How do you have sex with a robot? Is it like Master Roshi and those dolls we found in his closet?”

“NO, IT WAS NOT!!!!!” Krillin yelled so loud Goku covered his ears. Krillin explained 18 does have human parts that allowed her to birth a child and sex between them is normal.

“Okay,” Goku understood but still had questions. “But how are ChiChi and 18 friends?”

“It started when we dated. We had a party at Bulma’s house and I showed up with 18. She was ignored by everyone except ChiChi. They clicked.” Krillin didn’t understand it either but he liked it. “ChiChi helped 18 plan our wedding, helped 18 through her pregnancy and helps with Marron.”

Goku was happy. ChiChi had a rough time being accepted by his friends. He knew his friends were at fault but seeing Trunks and Goten be friends and Krillin happy with ChiChi and 18’s friendship, he knew things changed for the better with them. A lot of things happened while I was dead. “Is Marron strong like you and 18? Does she fight?”

Krillin looked insulted Goku asked that. “Marron doesn’t need to do that type of stuff now. Maybe when she’s older and if she wants to learn martial arts. She’s just a kid.”

“But you and 18 are strong and you asked me the same thing when you met Gohan.”

“You did?” 18 wasn’t aware of this. “Didn’t you meet Gohan when he was four?”

“Well, I….” Krillin stammered at 18’s icy gaze. “I only asked since Goku’s so strong and Gohan’s a boy so…..”

“So, what?” 18 pressed.

“I…..I…..” Sweat perspired on Krillin’s forehead. When he held his daughter for the first time, all Krillin wanted was for her for to be happy, enjoy a happy childhood and let her do what she wanted; something he and 18 never had. Years ago, he thought it was selfish of ChiChi not wanting Goku to train Gohan but becoming a parent, he understood ChiChi’s reasons.

Krillin was saved from further embarrassment when a reporter appeared to interview them. Goku’s interview was cut short when Goku was questioned about his halo. That’s when Piccolo destroyed all the cameras.

“Why’d you do that?” Goku asked Piccolo as he walked off from the confused reporter and cameraman.

“The last thing your family needs is anyone recognizing you from the Cell Game. You were revealing too much about the afterlife. I know you were warned to not do that.”

“Yeah,” Goku rubbed the back of his neck. “Guess I forgot. Sometimes I forget Kami’s in there.”

Vegeta, Krillin and Trunks entered the locker room to change clothes while Goku, Goten, Gohan, Piccolo and 18 waited for them. Piccolo and 18 stood away from everyone. Goku stood with his sons but noticed Goten standing closer to Gohan. After that initial outburst of meeting him, Goten was eerily quiet around him. He stared at Goku but whenever Goku looked at him, Goten jumped behind Gohan’s legs.

Gohan was like that with strangers. Goten’s shyness, while cute to anyone watching, bothered Goku. He didn’t want his child shy with him. He wanted Goten as open with him as open he is with ChiChi and Gohan.

It’s my fault Goten’s this way to me but I didn’t know he existed. If I had known ChiChi was pregnant….

Goku stopped himself from dreading on the past. He had twenty-four hours and needed to make it count. “Goten,” Goku gently waved his hand forward. “Come here.”

Goten looked up at Gohan as if needing his permission to go to Goku.

“It’s okay, Goten. It’s Dad.” Gohan stepped aside so Goten couldn’t hide behind his legs.

Goten remained where he was; too afraid to move.

Gohan looked at Goten worried before addressing Goku apologetically. “He’s not normally this shy. Mom and I told Goten all about you.”

“It’s all right,” Goku assured Gohan though he was bothered by Goten’s shyness. It’s not your fault, Goten. It’s mine. Goku stepped to Goten. He was relieved Goten didn’t jump behind Gohan. “Do I scare you, Goten?” Shyly, Goten shook his head but Goku knew better. He squatted so he was closer to Goten’s level. “Good. I’m a big guy but I’m not scary at all.”

“He’s right, Goten,” Gohan spoke to his brother. “Dad’s big like me and he’s really nice.”

It was nice Gohan offered encouragement to Goten but Goku didn’t want Goten needing assurance he’s safe to approach. He wanted Goten to already know that. Goten wouldn’t need it if I didn’t stay dead. If only I’d known about ChiChi. I should’ve known she’d get pregnant. I was all over her in those final days before the Cell Game. The evidence of their coupling stared back at Goku with an innocent face. I missed your entire life, Goten. A day can’t make up for it but I’ll do what I can to give you memories forever.

“I entered the Tenkaichi Budokai as a kid, too, Goten, but you’re much younger than your Pops.” Goku ruffled Goten’s hair. “You’re so much stronger than me as a kid.”

“I am?” Goten was in awe of the confession. “But Big Brother says you’re the strongest person ever.”

“I was at one point but your Big Brother is stronger than me, and if you train hard enough, you can be stronger than Gohan.”

Goten’s eyes grew wide in amazement. “Really? Did you hear that, Big Brother? Daddy says I will be stronger than you one day.”

Not anytime soon. Goten and Trunks were farther than he expected, but Gohan couldn’t envision his little brother exceeding him. “Maybe but not for a really long time.”

“I’ll beat you one day,” Goten promised.

It was subtle but Goku noticed Gohan looking uncomfortable about that. He has that Saiyan drive like the rest of us.

“I’ll always win,” Gohan told him. “Because no one beats the tickle monster.”

Goten erupted in shrieks and laughs as Gohan suddenly bombarded him with tickles.

Goku watched the playful and competitive banter between the two enviously. Seeing the two Saiyan brothers interact fondly stirred a sad thought for Goku. He had a brother. He never played with him; he had to fight him and die with him to save his son. Goku hated Raditz for what he did and what he thought being a Saiyan represented but there were times, Goku did wonder what it would have been like if he and Raditz lived on a peaceful planet like Earth. Could they have had a brotherly relationship like Gohan and Goten?

Could Raditz have been converted to change like Vegeta? I guess I’ll never know.

“I bet you, Mommy and Gohan have a lot of fun together.”

Goten confirmed with a happy nod. “Yeah. Mommy’s a lot of fun. She gives me hugs and kisses and makes really yummy food. She made a whole lot for you, too.”

“Goten,” Gohan hushed Goten. “That’s a surprise.”

“It’s okay, Gohan. Mom told me.” Goten stuck his tongue out at Gohan. Goku distracted Goten by opening his hand. “Goten. Punch my hand with all your strength.”

“Okay.” Goten folded his fist and pulled his arm back as he summoned his strength. Goku felt Goten’s Ki rise. His son definitely had power in him. Goten suddenly paused and looked up at Gohan. “Big Brother, can I?”

Gohan shook his head. “No, Goten. We promised on the plane we wouldn’t but we can show Dad after the match.”

Goten smiled, “Okay,” while Goku wondered what that was about. Fist folded, Goten punched Goku’s hand hard.

“Whoa!” Goku rolled on his back exaggerating Goten’s punch. He sat up and shook his head. “Wow! Your punch has a lot of heat, Goten! I bet Gohan trained you to be really strong. When did you start learning martial arts?”

Goten shrugged. “I don’t know. I think I was an inch or two shorter than I am now.”

“Mom started Goten off when he was four,” Gohan explained.

Mom?! “ChiChi??” Goku wasn’t sure if he heard right. “ChiChi trained Goten?”

“Yup. She got him really strong, Dad. It shocked me how strong Goten became when I started training him last month.”

“Last month?” Goku thought Gohan was the one to teach Goten how to fight. ChiChi? My ChiChi trained Goten?

“I didn’t have to do much with Goten except teach him how to fly and build on what Mom taught him. He’s a good sparring partner. He’ll surprise you at the tournament.”

“Really?” Goku rose. “I can’t wait to see your surprises when you fight, Gohan.”

“My surprises?”

“Oh, I know you have a new trick to show your Pops. I got one, too, but I’ll show you after the tournament.”

“What kind of trick, Daddy?” Goten asked. “Is it a magic trick?”

Goku was going to tease Gohan and Goten about Super Saiyan Three but Vegeta, Trunks and Krillin stepped out of the locker room. He couldn’t let Vegeta know. Even though it has been seven years, Goku suspected Vegeta would flip if he saw him achieve a higher transformation than Ascended Saiyan.

“Not magic, but I promise to show you later.”

****

If there’s one thing the World Champion Mr. Satan knew how to do is scheme like no other. He thought of himself as a proficient liar and one to get out of any slippery situation. King Chappa pushed him against the wall but Mark knew how to get the upper hand to win. Cheat and it will be his trickiest win yet.

Being the World Champion and part of the sponsors, allowed Mr. Satan to suggest rule changes. Instead of the previous champion competing and losing before the final round like previous winners Tien Shinhan and Jackie Chun did, Mr. Satan wanted to change the rule where the winner of the previous tournament automatically qualifies for the final round. Mr. Satan wanted the rule change so he could compete at full strength, unlike the other fighters who would be exhausted after fighting through the rounds. Unfortunately, all rule changes must be voted on by the board. It was a tie with the announcer, a board member, too, making the final vote, arguing it wouldn’t be fair to make a drastic rule change so close to the Tenkaichi Budokai but relented it could be brought up to be voted on for future tournaments.

Mr. Satan did have a small victory enforcing a time limit on the matches. At the end of thirty minutes, the judges will decide the winner. Mr. Satan had enough power and financial influence to ensure none of the judges voted against him. 

To cut down possible competition, Mr. Satan suggested all fighters punch a punching machine with the ones scoring the top sixteen points moving to the next stage. This will eliminate fighting all day as they did in previous tournaments. Mr. Satan also saw it as an opportunity to rig the machine and eliminate threats to his title.

“Do you see them?” Mark stood in the mirror adjusting his championship belt he had dipped in gold. It sparkled with his expensive and pristine white teeth.

From the window of Mr. Satan’s special suite, Miss Piiza spotted three young fighters standing with King Chappa. “There are three of them including Chappa. When you set the bar on the punching mechanism, I’ll rig it so Chappa’s students’ scores are too low to make the final cut.”

Mr. Satan put on his cape. “Good. Once they are out of the way, my victory will be secured.”

“Are you sure, Mark?” Miss Piiza was still nervous about this. She went over to him and adjusted his cape. “We never had another Tenkaichi Budokai for a reason. What if among the remaining fighters, there is someone who can challenge you and take your title?”

“Won’t happen. The only ones who could take my title died with Cell.”

“Maybe,” Miss Piiza tied the strings of the cape into a nice bow. “We conned the world for seven years, Mark. Maybe we should call it a day after this. End on top. We have enough money to retire on and your legacy is secured.”

Retire? At his peak? “You worry too much, Baby. There is no one. No one here who can defeat me.”

Miss Piiza escorted Mr. Satan to the arena where after a few kisses and bolstering to the crowd, he punched the punching mechanism with a score of 137 points. It would’ve been a great photo op but the cameras were mysteriously destroyed. Mr. Satan returned to his suite but Miss Piiza stayed behind. When King Chappa’s disciples appeared, Miss Piiza pulled out a round remote disguised as a foundation compact. She opened it revealing a red button. When one of the fighters punched the bag, she pressed the button leaving the fighter to score 57 points. The fighter was shocked and wanted a second try but the judge wouldn’t allow it. The next two fighters scored 62 and 40. King Chappa argued demanding his students be given a second chance but all were denied.

Miss Piiza closed her compact. That should take care of the threats to the title but she stayed to watch the competition. So far no one was a threat. All scored below 137. Miss Piiza turned to walk off and join Mr. Satan in his suite when she heard a judge yell out, “774 points!”

774? That’s impossible. Miss Piiza looked to see who did that. A blonde woman. She doesn’t look strong. Did I damage the machine when I rigged the scores? Miss Piiza watched as the woman punched again. It was 203 the second time but still higher than Mr. Satan. The next three fighters: three men including a tall, green one all scored higher than Mr. Saiyan. Are they legit?

A short man stepped up next. Miss Piiza thought for sure he’d score below Mark but he shocked everyone destroying the punching machine with one punch. 

What the hell?

As everyone stared at the destroyed punching machine, Miss Piiza stared at the man who destroyed it. He looked familiar. She could’ve sworn she’d seen that massive forehead and arrogant smirk before. Oh, my Gods! He was at the Cell Game!

While Miss Piiza ran off in a panic to Mr. Satan’s suite, Gohan shook his head while Videl stared off shocked at what Vegeta did. “Wait to go, Vegeta,” Gohan muttered. “Guess it’s gonna be a while before they get another punching machine out. So, how’s your flying, Videl? Are you faster?”

“That’s what you wanna talk about?” How could Gohan casually change the subject after what happened? “Didn’t you see what that guy just did?”  

 “Oh, yeah,” Gohan laughed nervously. “That was crazy, right?”

Videl saw the fighters scoring higher than her Dad gather together to talk for a few moments before walking in their direction. “They’re coming,” Videl eyed them suspiciously. “Who are they?”

“Gohan, we’re gonna watch the Junior Tournament.” Goku noticed the girl beside him. “Oh, your friend is a girl.” At least Goku thought the person next to his son was a girl. She had short, shaggy hair and her form was hidden behind her loose clothes. It didn’t stand out like ChiChi’s. “That is a girl, right?”

“Good going,” Krillin cheered. “She’s a cutie.”

“Join us after you punch the machine,” Goku advised and walked off with the group.

“You know them?” Videl questioned Gohan waving goodbye to the mysterious group.

“The guy with the halo is my Dad.”

“Your Dad?” Videl looked back at the retreating man again. “The one you said is dead but divorced your Mom?”

“No, he’s dead. Didn’t you see the halo over his head?”

Halo? Why did Gohan keep saying halo? “What the hell are you talking about?”

Gohan knew Videl would find it hard to believe if he explained his father was coming back for a visit from the afterlife but thought she’d catch on once she saw the halo. “When you die, if you keep your body, you get a halo over your head.”

“Right,” Videl said, “because that makes sense.” He’s still a strange boy.

****

“Oh, I hope Goten remembers to go easy on the kids,” ChiChi rubbed her hands nervously. “He’s so excited to fight other kids. I think he’s expecting them to be as strong as him and Trunks.”

“…. The youth winner will take home ten million zeni and the runner-up will take home five million zeni.”

“Five million?” ChiChi was surprised to hear that announcement. “I didn’t know the runner-up gets money prizes, too.”

“That’s great. That means both our boys will get something. I’ll let Trunks keep his ten million.” Bulma didn’t need the money. She’ll let Trunks do whatever he wants with it but she suspected ChiChi wouldn’t be so free with Goten. “What about you, ChiChi? Are you letting Goten keep his? Can he get one toy before you spend it on books?”

It was meant to be a joke but ChiChi didn’t crack a smile.

“Hold on,” Yamcha jumped in. “What makes you think Trunks will win? Goten’s strong, too. He’s Goku’s boy.”

“Goku didn’t train Goten. He only had Gohan and….” Bulma stopped as ChiChi’s stern expression left her fearing her teeth will be knocked out of her mouth. “I mean, Vegeta never stopped training and he taught Trunks a lot. It’s nothing personal, ChiChi, but Trunks got this win in the bag.”

“Keep digging that grave, Bulma,” Yamcha teased.

“No, it’s fine,” ChiChi assured Yamcha. “I will be shocked if Goten wins. My skills are limited and Gohan only had thirty days to train Goten while Vegeta’s had years to train Trunks. It will be very embarrassing if Trunks doesn’t defeat Goten when he was trained by his father, a full-blood Saiyan Prince. Goten’s teachers were me and Gohan for thirty-no, I will say twenty days since Gohan spent time teaching a classmate how to fly, too.”

Yamcha and Master Roshi stifled their laughs while Bulma smartly kept quiet at ChiChi’s smirk.

Bulma was the competitive Mom shouting for Trunks to defeat his opponent. ChiChi was amused at Bulma’s passion. ChiChi knew Trunks will breeze through his matches but Bulma wanted her son to pulverize his opponents. Perhaps it was the snickering of others around her feeling Trunks should lose since he is smaller than his teenage opponents that irritated Bulma. The snickering stopped when Trunks defeated his first opponent with a single punch.

“Next up!” the announcer continued with the next match. “We have Ikose, age 14 and Son Goten, age 7.”

“Seven?” ChiChi questioned. “He’s six.”

“Maybe he got confused because he turns seven this year?” Bulma thought.

“No, it’s deliberate,” ChiChi knew exactly what Goten did. “Goten is obsessed with growing. He thinks if he’s older he’ll grow faster.”

“Ikose! Don’t drop your guard. Smash that ill-bred urchin!!”

Oh great. Her other child is fighting Goten. “Goten, go easy on him!” ChiChi didn’t need her son expelled for accidentally killing a child. Goten thought all kids were as strong as he and Trunks. He wasn’t aware he is half-alien. Goten knew his father is a Saiyan but Goten thought that was another race of people on Earth. ChiChi knew he needed to know the truth one day but felt that day should happen when he’s older. Goten controlled himself and easily defeated Ikosa. Bulma wouldn’t stop rubbing it in Ikosa’s mother’s face. ChiChi saw the woman losing her temper and knew hands will soon be thrown. ChiChi was tempted to let the woman fight Bulma. She had been escalating things with her mouth as bad as Ikosa’s mother but when the plump, loud woman threw the first punch, ChiChi was faster with her fist and knocked her out cold.

“Now we’ll get some peace,” ChiChi dusted her hands. “Bulma, don’t start fights with every mother here. You know our boys have the advantage.”

“She wouldn’t shut her fat mouth.” Bulma felt it was her right to troll the woman. “She called our kids ill-bred and wanted her sons to pound our boys.”

“You know that wasn’t gonna happen.”

True but wasn’t ChiChi angry at the insult to her son? “You’ve mellowed out too much, ChiChi.”

“And you need to be careful of starting fights you can’t finish. After all, our boys will fight each other.” ChiChi cracked her knuckles. “I know you don’t want to start a fight with me.”

“Touche,” Bulma agreed.

As predicted, Goten and Trunks faced each other in the final match. ChiChi and Bulma cheered on their sons while a panicked Miss Piiza urged Mr. Satan to take the warning of the stranger who destroyed the punch machine seriously.

“I’m telling you to get your ass out of the match! Make up a stomach virus! Say you pulled your groin! Say something to get out of fighting because you will lose if you don’t!”

Mark sat in his chair smoking a cigar. Ever since King Chappa’s visit, Miss Piiza has been paranoid. He eliminated the ones who could challenge his title. There was no one at the tournament who could defeat him. “Piiza, maybe it’s your fault those fighters scored higher than me. That device you used to eliminate Chappa’s students created a glitch and made the numbers go up.”

“It did not and even if it did, how do you explain that man destroying the punch machine?”

“It overloaded because of you and that device you used to rig the machine.”

“My fault.” Miss Piiza rolled her eyes. “It’s always my fault. Everything that goes wrong is on me.”

“It’s nice you finally admit that.”

“God, that ego of yours.” Miss Piiza was near her end with this man. “Ever since you liedyou defeated Cell, your ego has been uncontrollable. I was along for the ride as long as I got my cut but you’ve driven everyone away! Even Caroni and Pirozhki! We are on the verge of losing everything we built and you won’t do the smart thing and bail out to save your massive ego! You are not gonna win this tournament!”

“We?” Mark snorted. “Is it our name in the lights or mine? Is it our name on the checks or is it mine? Are we in commercials, doing guest spots in movies and TV or is that me?” He pointed to his window. “Are they chanting Miss Piiza or Mr. Satan?”

“They won’t be chanting your name after today. I’m done.” Miss Piiza turned on her heels. “I won’t stay and watch your defeat but I want a hefty cut for my silence.”

Mark pulled his cigar from his mouth. Greedy woman “You’re already getting paid on that.”

“Now our partnership is over, my price has gone up. The rigging for today. The lies over the last seven years. The real size of your dick.” Miss Piiza smirked. She had his attention now. “I know more than Caroni and Pirozhki. I can bury you. Enjoy the last taste of adulation. It’ll be gone by the end of the day.”

Miss Piiza opened the door and shut it with such a strong slam the walls shook.

“Oh, well, Mark snorted. “More money for me.” Losing Miss Piiza was big. She was his manager and biggest promoter. She brought in millions. It’s a big loss but Mark knew she was wrong about this. He’ll win the Tenkaichi Budokai. His plan was foolproof. “I’ll win today like I did seven years ago.” Mark sucked his cigar and exhaled the sweet smoke. “Today will be my biggest victory but Piiza might drain me dry if I don’t pay her enough. Shit.” Fixing a drink, Mark settled in his chair and brooded over his options when an attendant entered the room.

“Mr. Satan, two boys entered the final round of the Junior Division. They are very strong. I think you should watch their fight.”

“Two strong boys?” Maybe watching them will be a nice distraction from his current crisis. “All right. I suppose I should,” he gave in. “I’ll be fighting the winner.” Mark followed the attendant to the arena where they could watch Trunks and Goten battle. “These are the final two? They’re barely out of their diapers.” Goten caught his eye. That face and hair were very familiar. “I’ve seen that face before.”

Goten and Trunks began their battle, amazing the crowd with their skills of speed and strength. They fought like pros from previous Tenkaichi Budokai and not novices of children their age. The crowd reacted with cheers while Mark became filled with dread for he will fight one of them when the fight is over.

Those boys. They’re strong and move so fast. Who the hell are these kids?! Suddenly, Miss Piiza’s warnings weren’t anything to laugh at anymore. Did one of their Dads destroy the punch machine? Will I face him?!

On the balcony, Goku and the others were impressed with Goten and Trunks’ skills. “Wow!” Goku was full of pride seeing the fury of punches and kicks Goten and Trunks threw at each other. “Goten and Trunks are pretty good.” Goten and Trunks are way ahead of me and Gohan as kids. This was good. Very good in Goku’s eyes. ChiChi, Gohan, and even you, Vegeta, did good starting them off so young. With Gohan leading them, they’ll be ready for any threat to Earth.

It was weirdly comforting and assuring his decision to stay dead was the right one. If he hadn’t, Goten and Trunks wouldn’t have gotten so strong in this time of peace. It even squelched the trepidations he felt pondering his return. 

“Are you nervous about returning to Earth, Goku?”

“Why would I be nervous?”

Goku and King Kai were walking through the courtyard of the Grand Kai’s palace. It was something the two normally did when Goku was done training for the day. It was as relaxing as Goku’s meditation. “You stay dead so the Earth wouldn’t be a target anymore. Aren’t you worried about something happening during your return?”

“All my enemies are gone. Gohan is the strongest now. It’s one of the reasons I trained him so hard. I can’t be Earth’s savior anymore. It’s time for someone else to protect Earth.”

“Yeah,” King Kai agreed with that. “But that’s a big responsibility to put on a child, Goku.”

“Gohan’s not alone. He has Piccolo, Vegeta, Krillin, Tien and Yamcha to help him and Trunks will grow up to be a fighter, too. Gohan’s power will motivate Vegeta to make Trunks a Super Saiyan. He won’t beat Gohan’s record but maybe when he’s twelve or thirteen…..”

King Kai peeked on Earth and knew the truth but kept it to himself. “True, but aren’t you worried your presence may threaten the peace?”

Goku didn’t because he felt all threats to Earth died with him. One visit wouldn’t change that. “It’s been seven years. Gohan’s kept up with his training. I know he’s even stronger. He’ll be ready to face off any new enemy.”

Watching Goten and Trunks was assurance his sacrifice was necessary. Goten still needed more lessons since he hadn’t mastered the Kamehameha Wave but he was on his way to being a great fighter. With Gohan, Earth was in capable hands and didn’t need him. The torch was truly passed.

“Uh-oh!” Gohan worried Goten was trapped. Trunks had him in a full Nelson hold and pulled both of them into the air. “Goten may not get out of this one. Mom told me Trunks got Goten with this move.”

“Good,” Vegeta gleamed with pride. “That’s my boy. Finish him.”

Goku turned to Vegeta. He was getting a weird thrill from this. “You know it’s just for fun right?”

This wasn’t a game to Vegeta. This was a matter of pride and reflection of his teachings. No way would Vegeta accept Trunks’ defeat. He trained his son whereas Goten’s teachers were ChiChi, a human, and Gohan, a soft, half-Saiyan. It would be unforgivable if Trunks lost. Trunks can’t lose. He won’t do this in front of me. In front of Kakarrot! It can’t happen!!   

“…I can’t take credit for Goten’s training,” Gohan was heard speaking to Goku. “It goes to Mom. I taught Goten how to fly and use the Kamehameha Wave.”

“ChiChi did a good job if she’s responsible for most of Goten’s training.” ChiChi forbade him from training Gohan but she changed with Goten. I guess she did it for me. His heart filled with pride and as proud as he was with Goten, he knew Goten wouldn’t win. Once Gohan gets more training time in with Goten, he’ll beat Trunks.

Accepting Goten’s eventual defeat, Goku was stunned when Goten broke out of Trunks’ hold by turning into a Super Saiyan. “Goten can turn into a Super Saiyan?!”

“Goten, you idiot!” Gohan screamed.

“That was a cheap shot, Kakarrot! Your child is cheating!!”

Again Goku turned to Vegeta confused. “Don’t yell at me. ChiChi and Gohan trained him!” Goku looked back at Goten with his chest puffing with pride. “My boy is the youngest Super Saiyan ever!” He pumped a fist into the air. “Yes!!!”

Vegeta clenched his fists. Damn! Damn! Damn!! This damn match was pissing him off! Goten, trained by ChiChi and Gohan may defeat his son. “Oh, shut the hell up, Kakarrot!!”

Goku ignored Vegeta. “What kind of training did you and ChiChi give Goten?”

“Goten already knew a lot by the time I started with him last month. If I had more time, Goten would have better control of his powers.”

Goku nodded understanding. “How long has Goten been a Super Saiyan?”

Gohan shrugged. “Mom knows for sure. Goten changed while he trained with her.”

“Whoa!” Goku was floored. “You mean ChiChi’s training got Goten to be a Super Saiyan?”

“What’s a Super Saiyan?” Videl asked. “How can your brother’s hair turn blonde like that, Gohan?”

“Hair dye!” Gohan blurted. “Just… hair dye,” Gohan nervously went on to explain how that caused Goten’s hair change. Goku recalled ChiChi saying something similar to the villagers in her kingdom when asked why he and Gohan had blonde hair and teal eyes. If they are friends, why is Gohan keeping the truth from her?

Goku focused on the children again. Goten was good but needed more lessons. Trunks had the edge with his skills in flight and controlling Ki. Trunks will win but Goku was very impressed Goten kept Trunks on his toes. He has a lot of potential.

Goku was right. Trunks won but barely and slightly cheated on his own. Vegeta, who was on the verge of a breakdown earlier, patted Goku’s back and gloated, “Don’t feel too bad. My boy comes from better stock.”

“That ain’t it,” Goku disagreed. “Trunks became a Super Saiyan to beat Goten. Trunks knows Goten doesn’t have a lot of experience flying so he knew what Goten was gonna do when he dropped from the sky like a missile. Trunks was going to dodge at the last second but Goten surprised him so Trunks became a Super Saiyan and hit Goten with enough force he couldn’t catch himself in the air. Only the wall outside the ring stopped him.” Vegeta’s dumbfounded expression at Goku’s cool explanation brought a smile to Goku’s face. Heh. You didn’t know. “You trained Trunks, Vegeta. Most of Goten’s training came from ChiChi. Gohan only had a month to train Goten. It would’ve been a real shock if Trunks lost.” Goku grinned at Vegeta who wanted to punch the smile off his face.

Cheerily Goku walked off saying it was time for them to head for the preliminaries and wondering if they could eat before the adult division starts. I won but why does it feel like I still lost? Under his breath, Vegeta muttered, “Fuck you, Kakarrot.”

As everyone walked off, Videl felt insulted. They stayed through the Youth Division but won’t watch the winner fight her Dad? “Where are you going?” an annoyed Videl called out Gohan who was starting to leave, too. “Don’t you want to see your friend fight the champ?”

“Oh, you’re right,” Gohan laughed nervously. “We should.”

“Why?” Goku asked. “It’ll be boring.” Gohan stood by Videl showing his intention to stay which confused Goku until he remembered doing things for ChiChi. Does Gohan like that girl? Guess he’s at that age. “You can stay if you want, Gohan.”

As the others walked off, Videl was insulted with the brush-off. “What’s with your Dad and his friends, Gohan? They act stuck up. Dad will go light on your friend but it’s a big deal and an honor for him to be in my Dad’s presence. He saved us from Cell.”

Gohan laughed timidly. “Dad likes to joke.”

Videl didn’t think Goku was joking. “Is your Dad jealous my Dad is the current champ and your Dad isn’t anymore? He can always fight my Dad but he has to beat me before he can fight my Dad in the final round.”

“You think you can beat my Dad?” Gohan let a laugh slip from his mouth before he covered his hands. Uh-oh. Videl’s eyes thinned, her fists clenched and her mouth open as she screamed at him.

“What does that mean?! Your Dad is the former champ so he’s not as strong anymore. My Dad is the current champ. He beat Cell and I’m his daughter. That automatically makes me stronger than your Dad!”

Gohan’s eyebrows went up. “It does?”

“I know you got different skills than me, Gohan.” Videl wasn’t blind. Being around him, made Videl very aware of her weak points but she fixed that. “But I can fly and shoot Ki like you and I trained really hard this month. I’m at your level.” She knew she was. “You’ll see how good I am. I’m gonna knock out my opponent with one punch.”

That girl is in over her head if she thinks she’s super strong like you. For her sake, I hope her father’s lie doesn’t get her killed one day.

ChiChi’s words were an omen. Gohan finally understood his mother’s concerns. The longer Videl spends with him, his family and friends, the more questions Videl will have.

“Have you talked to Videl?”

Dinner was over and Gohan helped ChiChi clean up. As she washed the dishes, Gohan cleaned the kitchen table. He was in the middle of wiping down the table and chairs when he heard ChiChi’s question. “No. Why? She’s in training for the tournament like me. We’ll see each other in a couple of days.”

“You said she blackmailed you to enter the tournament. I don’t know who will eliminate her but when she loses, are you sure she will keep quiet you’re Saiyaman?”

Why was his Mom so worried? Gohan trusted Videl to keep her word. “She will, Mom. Videl understands my secrecy protects you and Goten, too. Videl won’t tell anyone out of spite because she lost.”

“I hope so, but I don’t think that’s the end of it.”

Gohan joined ChiChi at the sink. “End of what, Mom?” He dipped his towel in the hot water, squeezed it and wiped down the counter.

“If Videl meets our family and friends at the tournament, she’s gonna have more questions. Can you trust her with all our secrets?”

His mother spoke in riddles but Gohan understood. Already Videl questioned Piccolo’s skin color, Goten’s blonde hair and his Dad’s halo. Even if she doesn’t get all the answers today, she’ll press him later.

If after the tournament, I can trust Videl to keep it a secret I’m Saiyaman, I’ll tell her who I am.

****

“Did you find him?” With the Junior Division over, there was a break before the Adult Division began. ChiChi wanted to use the time to collect Goten’s winnings but she needed him with her. Five million zeni will help the family finances but it wasn’t enough. Gohan and Goku’s winnings combined with Goten’s winnings will save her father’s treasury, give ChiChi enough cushion to start her business and put aside enough money for Gohan’s high school and at least two years of tuition for Gohan’s college. 

“No.” Yamcha returned to his seat. “I talked to the attendants. They don’t know where Trunks or Goten went. I saw the other kids reuniting with their parents but maybe Goten and Trunks stayed inside to see Gohan, Goku and Vegeta fight.”

ChiChi sighed. She understood but she preferred Goten to be with her. “I guess that’s all right and it’s better to collect Gohan’s and Goku’s winnings together. We should get twenty million zeni. That’s enough to take care of things.”

Twenty million. Bulma calculated. That meant ChiChi thought Goku and Gohan would be the winner and runner-up. Vegeta should make it to the final rounds. Bulma wasn’t confident Vegeta could beat Goku but anything was possible. “Don’t count Vegeta out, ChiChi. He’s trained hard and hasn’t slacked off like Gohan and why are you so obsessed about the prize money?” It wasn’t that much and ChiChi was fine financially as far as Bulma knew. “It’s just money and it’s not that much. I can spend more than twenty million zeni on a shopping trip.”

ChiChi snorted derisively. “You have more than you’ll ever need but some of us need money to buy necessities.”

“Whoa!” Bulma felt slapped by the remark. “I’m rich but I’m not out of touch. You have money, too, ChiChi. Your investiture didn’t look cheap and your Dad has been taking care of you. You’re not starving.”

Bulma didn’t know the truth and ChiChi had her reasons for keeping quiet. She didn’t want pity or hear whispers she failed to support her family, but at this moment, ChiChi didn’t care if they knew. Bulma’s words stuck a nerve. “Five. Ten. Fifteen years ago I wasn’t starving. The first five years of my marriage Goku helped out. He brought money into the house. I didn’t rely on my Dad until Goku died. Goku’s medical bills after that fight with Vegeta were astronomical! While Goku was on Yardrat, Dad helped me and Gohan. When Goku came back, he didn’t work for three years because he had to train for the Artificial Humans and then he died! Again!! My Dad foot the bill for everything for the last twelve years! Do you know how much I had to spend on food every week for an adult Saiyan and a half-Saiyan child? Do you know how much it costs to take care of two growing half-Saiyans? Do you know what happens when you spend more money than you have coming in?! You go bankrupt! And that’s what we’re on the verge of! While the prize money is nothing for your spoiled child and your mate who’s leeched off your family since you took him in, twenty million zeni will save my family from going broke!!”

Everyone stared at ChiChi in stunned silence. Gyu-Mao lowered his head ashamed their family’s secret was out. ChiChi exhaled feeling some relief. “Excuse me.” She stood and left. After that release, she needed a moment.

When ChiChi was far off, Master Roshi asked, “Is it true, Gyu-Mao? Are you running out of money?”

Gyu-Mao confirmed with a shameful nod. “It’s true but we have a handle on it.”

“It doesn’t sound like you do.”

“Master, Goten winning five million zeni will help us.” No one said it but Gyu-Mao felt he was being judged. How could he the great Ox King, ruler of Fire Mountain be going broke? How could he not take care of his family and his kingdom? “It’s nothing to worry about.”

“Unbelievable,” Mrs. Niver rolled her eyes. “You let that waste of sperm drive you broke. Wouldn’t have happened if ChiChi married Kaifun.”

“Or Kenji,” Bulma muttered. No one else would dare speak it but Bulma knew they were thinking it. “He was a good guy and would’ve provided for ChiChi. We love Goku but ChiChi wouldn’t be in this situation if she married Kenji.”

Yamcha felt closer to the situation due to his friendship with Kenji. He inadvertently introduced them and knew how hurt Kenji felt when ChiChi didn’t want to pursue a relationship. “And if ChiChi married Kenji, how do you think Goku would’ve reacted to seeing ChiChi married to another man and with a kid with him?”

“That would’ve been Goku’s problem to deal with.” Bulma suspected Goku would’ve been surprised but doubted he would’ve been hurt like Yamcha was when she told him she was pregnant with Vegeta’s baby. “Goku would’ve shrugged and said it’s fine. When Goku said goodbye to everyone, you told me he said Gohan and ChiChi didn’t need him and Gohan’s more reliable. He was nine! That doesn’t sound like a man that was going to miss his family.”

“Maybe.” Yamcha couldn’t defend Goku’s goodbye. He understood his need to protect everyone but his words devastated ChiChi and Gohan. “It does explain why ChiChi suddenly wants to work.” Yamcha hated himself. He checked in on them but he never thought to ask about money. “I never noticed there was trouble. I told ChiChi if she needed anything, to let us know. I would’ve given her money.”

“ChiChi wouldn’t have taken it,” Gyu-Mao told him. “She’s too prideful and stubborn.”

Master Roshi didn’t think ChiChi was the only one. “Seems stubbornness and pride runs in the family.”

“ChiChi’s not a Saiyan but she can be stubborn like them.” They all may have to gang up on ChiChi but Bulma was going to make her take their money. “We’ll figure it out after Goku goes back.”

Discussion of ChiChi’s finances stopped when ChiChi returned. They were silent but ChiChi saw on their faces they were talking about her. The silence continued until the announcements of who will fight whom. “You’re kidding me?” Yamcha nearly dropped his drink. “Goku against Vegeta in the first round?!”

****

The matches were set for the adults. Son Goku was happy but he couldn’t shake the ominous feeling they were on the cusp of something big happening. 

All his enemies were dead but Goku couldn’t shake something wasn’t right with Shin and his companion, Kibito. He knew they weren’t from Earth but Goku didn’t feel Shin had bad intentions for him. Piccolo will face off against Shin so that will give them a chance to see what they are dealing with.

As he waited for the matches to start, Goku checked the matchups again. He couldn’t believe he will fight Vegeta first. He thought he and Vegeta would meet in the semi or final round. Vegeta’s had a metaphoric stick up his ass since his return. He was so irritable and impatient for their match to start.

I thought seven years and settling with Bulma and Trunks would chill Vegeta but he’s still obsessed with fighting me. Pride meant everything to Vegeta and Goku knew he will bruise that pride when he defeat him.

Goku checked out Spopovich and Yamu. Gohan’s friend will face off with one of them. He recently learned she is the daughter of Mr. Satan. Goku didn’t know anything about the girl except she wasn’t strong. She won’t make it past the first round. Goku bit his lower lip to not laugh at Mighty Mask. Goten and Trunks were hiding in that costume. Vegeta seemed too preoccupied to fight him to notice. Piccolo had his eyes on Kibito and Shin. Goku wasn’t surprised Krillin and 18 hadn’t noticed but why hadn’t Gohan picked up on it?

The first match came and went without drama. Krillin easily handled Punta, but Piccolo stunned everyone forfeiting without throwing a punch. Piccolo walked off the stage and returned to the waiting area. Goku followed Piccolo for information. He noticed Piccolo quietly speaking to Shin and Kibito when he suddenly froze in fear. The two men left Piccolo alone. Goku approached asking if Shin was bullying him and if he needed to set Shin straight. Piccolo panicked and advised Goku to not say anything. This wasn’t Piccolo. This was Kami. Something about those men sent him into a panic.

“All right,” Goku gave up and returned to the arena. Videl’s match against Spopovich already started.

“How is she?” Goku asked.

“Pretty good,” Krillin told him.

“She’s doing much better than the other guy,” Gohan added. “All her blows are connecting.”

Goku heard Vegeta snort. After a few moments of watching the battle, he understood why. They were thinking the same thing but Goku wondered if he, Krillin and Gohan were watching the same thing. Videl’s blows were connecting but Videl was using more energy and was flashy with her attacks. Spopovich bled but Goku didn’t feel any Ki from him and thought he was toying with the girl.

“Yeah!” Gohan cheered when Videl knocked Spopovich down with one kick. “She did it!”

No, she didn’t. Videl hunched forward and grasped her knees. She was exhausted and Spopovich wasn’t. “There’s something weird about that guy. Your friend should forfeit, Gohan.”

Just as Goku said those words, Spopovich smacked Videl with his backhand and knocked her several feet before she bounced on the arena floor. Videl got up but Spopovich kicked her again and nearly sent her outside the ring until Videl caught herself in mid-air and floated back to the arena.

“Yeah!” Gohan cheered. “I taught her that.”

Goku wished Gohan hadn’t. “It might have been better if she had fallen out. Something is off about Spopovich. He’s not bothered by the damage he’s taken and I don’t feel any Ki from him.”

“What could that mean, Dad?”

He’s asking me. Hadn’t Gohan noticed that?

“Whoa!” Krillin cringed at Videl’s kick. “Videl broke his neck!” Spopovich’s head was turned backward. “Goku’s right. Something is strange about this guy. Videl should give up.”

“No, wait. She got this.” Gohan still believed Videl could win. She was strong enough to handle humans, His Dad and Krillin were wrong.  “Whaa….?” Spopovich flew in the air after Videl and with his Ki blast, sent Videl plummeting towards the arena stage.

Inches from crashing, Videl flipped so she landed on a knee and not her back. She winced at the pain tearing through her body. How is this guy so tough? When could he fly? He never did that before.

“He’s all flash and no substance,” Krillin declared. “He fired a Ki blast but it didn’t have enough power.

“Idiot.” Vegeta had enough. Are Kakarrot and I the only ones with brains? “He weakened his Ki on purpose because he will lose if he kills her. This match is over.”

Gohan didn’t notice. “But how?”

Again, Goku wondered what was wrong with Gohan. He expected Krillin to not notice but why hadn’t Gohan picked up what he and Vegeta noticed? He taught Gohan this in the Room of Spirit and Time. “He has powers beyond his natural abilities but why?”

Whenever Videl thought she had the upper hand, Spopovich was there to knock Videl down. A smack from his bulbous arm sent Videl flying across the arena. Her body landed on the tough flooring with a loud smack. Blood spilled with every strike against her and her painful cries echoed over the arena.

Beaten and bruised, Videl propped herself on a knee. “N-never….. I’ll never… give up.”

Her determination to stay in the fight is admirable. I wouldn’t want to give up either…. but she needs to, and if she won’t, someone needs to stop the fight for her.

Goku eyed Gohan wondering why he wasn’t stepping in. Gohan wanted to help Piccolo when he was getting beaten by Imperfect Cell. Krillin told him Gohan flew into a rage watching a Namek village be massacred. Gohan was at the age of noticing girls and from what Krillin hinted, Videl was his girlfriend. I guess she’s not special to him.

“Someone make it stop!!” someone from the audience cried out.

“This is awful!” Another scream. “Just stop it!”

“Where is Mr. Satan? Why isn’t he stopping this fight?!”

Goku kept his eyes on his son. “That’s enough, Videl!” Gohan yelled. “Give it up!”

While Goku eyed his son, wondering why he wasn’t doing anything, ChiChi had similar thoughts. High in the seats, ChiChi was on her feet cringing at the beat down. Every time Videl’s body was slammed against the arena floor sounds of ‘ooo’, ‘damn’ and murmurs of Videl’s impending death were heard.

“Spopovich wasn’t this strong at the last tournament. Is he on drugs?”

“Why isn’t Videl stronger? She’s the daughter of the man who saved us from Cell.”

“Why doesn’t she give up?! She can’t win!”

That girl is in over her head if she thinks she’s super strong like you. For her sake, I hope her father’s lie doesn’t get her killed one day.

It’s what ChiChi feared. Videl’s pride, her belief she’s so strong would keep her in a fight she should quit.

“Stop the match!” ChiChi yelled over the crowd. “She’s not as strong as she thinks!!” There were too many people yelling. ChiChi’s voice mixed with the crowd. At the entrance of the waiting area, ChiChi saw everyone looking at the fight but no one moving to stop it. “Gohan!!” It was hopeless but ChiChi screamed at him anyway. “Do something!” He yells at me when he wants to go to Namek and bring back Piccolo but he won’t stop a fight where a girl who has a crush on him will get killed?

Spopovich picked up Videl by her head, punched her stomach and flung her across the arena. Videl’s head pounded, her vision blurred, she lost some teeth and she could’ve sworn she heard Gohan telling her to give up.

I can’t… I have to fight Gohan. I’m the daughter of Mr. Satan. He killed Cell. I can beat Spopovich.

“Please,” the announcer pleaded with Videl, “you should give up.”

Videl weakly pushed herself up. “Never….. I won’t give up.”

“Why is she being so stubborn?!” Gohan growled. “She’ll get killed! That jerk doesn’t care about her!”

She won’t get killed. If Spopovich wanted Videl dead, he would’ve done it already but she’s gonna be in a lot of pain until she gets a senzu bean. Hmm? Goku noticed Gohan trembling. His Ki rose dangerously. Oh, crap. Gohan was finally getting mad. Goku remembered Gohan’s explosion at the Cell Game. If Gohan unleashes that power here, everyone in the stands could be killed. “Calm down, Gohan! She’s not gonna die!”

Gohan’s Ki kept rising. Videl’s screams and Spopovich stomping his foot on Videl’s head over and over angered Gohan so much that his bandanna and cape flew off as he exploded into a Super Saiyan.

“That’s it! He’s gone too far!”

“Bad idea!” Krillin moved closer to Vegeta “Calm down!”

“Enough fooling around!!” Yamu scolded Spopovich. “End it! This isn’t what we set out to do,” Yamu reminded him. “Just win and end the fight.”

Spopovich listened, picked up Videl and tossed her out of the ring. Gohan returned to base form and rushed out to Videl.

“Does anyone have a senzu bean?” Goku asked.

“No. We came here to have fun,” Krillin told him.

“All right. I’ll go to Korin’s and get it.” With two fingers to his forehead, Goku searched for Korin’s Ki and disappeared. The cat looked the same but Yajirobe aged and wore a mustache. Goku gave a quick rundown of why he came.

“I only have three.” Korin handed Goku a small bag. “I haven’t grown any in a while.”

“He’s putting me on a diet,” Yajirobe complained.

“Keep on your toes, Goku,” Korin warned. “I have a bad feeling about today.”

“Yeah, so do I.” Shin and Kibito, Piccolo’s forfeit, Spopovich and Yamu left Goku feeling dark times were on their way to Earth again. This can’t be my fault, can it?

****

Mark was in a panic as he rushed to the medical unit. Videl lost? Videl was hurt. It didn’t make sense. Videl shouldn’t lose to anyone except him. In the final round, he predicted facing off against his daughter and defeating her.

She got too arrogant!

That had to be the reason Videl lost. Only he was stronger than her. Miss Piiza couldn’t be right there are fighters stronger than him here. If she were, could he defeat this mysteriously strong fighter?

Of course I can! I’ve been on top all this time. I can’t lose now.

“Videl!” Mark slammed open the door. “Dear Lord,” he gasped at his daughter’s broken body on the bed. “This is horrible.”

Mark was informed Gohan brought Videl here. He promised him an autograph and dismissed the skinny boy until Videl asked Gohan to beat the guy who beat her. Mark considered that his job. He took a second look at the boy and feared he and his daughter were in a relationship. Hell, no! No skinny boy is good enough for my daughter. Videl can only date guys stronger than me. I’ll turn this boy into a pretzel.

“Sir,” a staff addressed Mark. “What should we say about Videl’s injuries? The people are waiting for an update.”

“Tell them her injuries are not that serious.”

“But, sir,” the staff member could see with his eyes that wasn’t true. He wasn’t a doctor but could see Videl lost teeth so she will need cosmetic surgery. She was hooked to an IV, could barely move and with the blows she took, might be suffering from a concussion, internal bleeding and injuries that won’t show except through an MRI or xrays. “She looks ba—”

“Tell them,” Mark threatened. “Videl’s injuries aren’t considered serious.” He knew it was a lie but the world couldn’t know how badly Videl was injured. That would hurt their brand.

The attendant left while Mark wondered about the damage control he’ll have to do to fix this.  The skinny boy left but quickly returned with something to make Videl better. Mark thought it was drugs from the way Videl suddenly jumped on the bed completely healed. Before he could throttle the skinny boy for drugging his daughter, he left for his match.

Who the hell is that kid?

“Thanks for waiting,” Gohan told Kibito as they walked out together. Gohan wondered about him. His Dad warned him to not let his guard down. Piccolo forfeited against his shorter companion. How strong is he? I hope my crash training this month is enough. I have to make it to the final rounds against Dad. I can’t lose this match.

“Good luck, Gohan!!”

“Do your best even if you can’t win!!”

What? Gohan searched for the call of his name in the crowd. Oh, no! Erasa? Sharpner?! Oh, yeah. They came to support Videl. “How did they know I’m Saiyaman?” His cape. His bandanna. They came off when he was mad at Spopovich. “Great. I outed myself.” He removed his glasses. “No sense hiding it now.” Gohan grinned and waved at his classmates. Mom’s gonna kill me if this causes the media to show up at our house.

Gohan struck a pose once the announcer started the match. These matches are timed. Can I fight for thirty minutes without showing my true powers? I have to protect Mom and Goten’s privacy.

“Turn into a Super Saiyan,” Kibito ordered Gohan. “I want to see if you can help us if we need you.”

He knows about Super Saiyans. Who is this guy? Gohan was undecided if he should honor the request until Piccolo told him to.

Piccolo ordering Gohan to expose himself as a Super Saiyan got Goku’s attention. He didn’t like it. “What is it, Piccolo?” He respected Piccolo’s request to not ask what made him forfeit against Shin but now Piccolo was involving his son. “Whatever you know, tell us now.”

Shin warned Goku he and the others to not interfere. They needed to use Gohan. This didn’t comfort Goku at all. What did these beings need his son for? Vegeta didn’t like it either as he asked. “Why should we listen to you? Who are you!?”

“He’s the Supreme Kai!” Piccolo informed everyone. “He is Lord over all Kais and all Gods.”

Whoa. Even Goku was stunned by this information. “King Kai told me about you.” Is this guy as great as King Kai said? Goku still didn’t like the Supreme Kai’s interest in his son or the warning that Yamu and Spopovich will attack him, but for now, complied.

Recovered, Videl rushed to the arena. She wanted to see Gohan fight but what she saw was something she didn’t expect. Videl couldn’t translate what she was seeing but Gohan changed before her. His hair. It’s golden. His body is shining. He’s the Golden Warrior, too?! Is Gohan even human?

Gohan felt a thrill as he turned into a Super Saiyan. The surge of strength and power gave a boost to his mild-mannered behavior. Some would call it confidence. Some would call it arrogance. “I’m a Super Saiyan. What happens now? Do we fight like this?”

While Kabito was impressed with Gohan’s power, Vegeta wasn’t. “Feh. Gohan was better when he beat Cell. He slacked off his training and is a shell of himself. Peacetime has made him weak.”

“It’s still more than we imagined,” the Supreme Kai was impressed. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop this power.”

The impressiveness of the Supreme Kai began to fade in Goku’s eyes. King Kai told me about him but if he’s impressed with Gohan at this stage, then he’s not as strong as I thought.

In the stands, Gohan’s friends continued to be shocked by the secrets revealed of their mild-mannered classmate.

Erasa was almost speechless. “Is that…..?”

“Yeah,” Sharpner thought Gohan was a weakling. No wonder he bagged that college girl. “That’s the Golden Warrior. Gohan was him, too? Damn. I thought he was a beanpole.”

“I knew there was something special about him.” Erasa gleamed at Gohan’s glow. “I bet Videl knew, too. She said she was getting some secret training from Gohan for the tournament. She told me Gohan and Leska aren’t a thing anymore. I wonder… I wonder how close they’ve gotten. If Gohan’s still available, I’m going after him.”

On the other side of the stadium, ChiChi, Bulma and Yamcha heard the murmurs of civilians on Gohan’s transformation. “Weren’t there a bunch of blonde glowing people around Mr. Satan when he fought Cell?”

“Yup. Hair is different but that boy looks like one of them.”

“Does that mean we’re gonna see those special effects we saw then?” another asked. “Those boys from the junior portion did the same thing.”

“Oh, boy,” Bulma murmured under her breath. “This is not what we want.” She squeezed the bridge of her nose. “Geez, I’m gonna have TV crews all over my lawn.”

“What the hell’s Gohan thinking turning into a Super Saiyan?” Yamcha questioned. “He told everyone to not do that.”

ChiChi questioned that, too, but patiently waited for Gohan to do something and show the crowd how strong and amazing her son is. Her joy turned to horror when Spopovich and Yamu jumped into the ring. Spopovich wrapped a bulbous arm around Gohan’s neck while Yamu stabbed Gohan in his side. “Gohan!” ChiChi screamed. What were they doing to her son? Gohan couldn’t break the hold of the strange men. “Fight ‘em!” she yelled over the crowd. Gohan’s stronger than them. He should knock them off!

“This can’t be in the rules!” Gyu-Mao argued. “You can’t sabotage someone in a fight! They should be disqualified! Why isn’t the announcer doing anything?!”

Gohan’s painful scream reached ChiChi’s sensitive ears. Her baby. It didn’t matter Gohan was a young man who could take care of himself. It didn’t matter Gohan defeated Cell. Her son was in pain and needed help.

Goku! ChiChi spotted her husband with Piccolo, Krillin and Vegeta. Why aren’t you helping our son?!

If he wasn’t gonna help, she damn sure will! “Momma’s coming, Gohan!”

“ChiChi, no!” Gyu-Mao called out but ChiChi was already running down the seats, pushing and knocking over anyone in her way. “Move!” ChiChi’s booted foot stepped on a man’s shoulder. “Out of my way!” A man walking to his seat carrying food was pushed aside. “I need to save my son!” Another poor fella was tossed in the air as he blocked ChiChi’s path in reaching Gohan.

Unaware of the calamity in the stands the announcer’s commentated on Gohan’s struggle with Yamu and Spopovich. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have no idea what’s going on but Saiyaman has been stabbed! It doesn’t look like a knife but stabbing isn’t allowed! Stop! You’re breaking the rules!”

“Fuck off!” Spopovich warned. “If anyone comes near us, we’ll kill you!”

“GOHAN!!!!!!” ChiChi was near the bottom of the seats! “Hang on! Momma’s comin’ to save you!”

“Oh, shit!” Krillin saw several people be tossed in the air by ChiChi. She was getting closer and closer. “It’s ChiChi!”

Goku saw his wife barreling down the steps and flipping over anyone in her way. She was an enraged woman on a mission. “Oh, no! This is bad!”

“No one must interfere!” Supreme Kai warned gauging Gohan as his energy continued to be drained.

“You don’t know Goku’s wife!” Krillin told him. “She can’t be stopped when her children are in danger.”

“She’s getting closer,” Goku warned. ChiChi’s strong but Goku knew she couldn’t handle Spopovich and Yamu. He would step in if they lay a finger on ChiChi. Though looking at her, one would think she can kick anyone’s ass. I should stop her but I kinda wanna see ChiChi fight.

Spopovich and Yamu were too focused on draining Gohan to notice ChiChi approaching until she kicked Yamu’s head. Similar to what Videl did to Spopovich, Yamu’s head twisted backward. Yamu dropped the device he used to drain Gohan’s energy to adjust his head. Spopovich held Gohan while ChiChi landed on her feet. She put her fists up and bounced like a boxer.

“Get your hands off my son!!!! Release him!” Yamu ignored ChiChi as he picked up his device and jammed it into Gohan again. Furious, ChiChi charged at them. “Rrraagh!”

But before ChiChi could reach them, ChiChi was suddenly lifted off her feet. A strong hand wrapped around her waist. It was seven years, but she knew that muscled body that held her before he spoke. “No, ChiChi. You can’t.”

“Goku!” ChiChi pulled on his arm. “Let me go!” Her legs kicked in the air as Goku pulled her away. “Our son needs help! Why aren’t you helping him?!” ChiChi’s hands reached back to claw at Goku’s face. “Ow. Ow. Ow,” ChiChi heard Goku whine as she grasped a piece of his hair. Good! He deserved it after watching their son be attacked and doing nothing. ChiChi wiggled her body against Goku’s. Goku always took her lightly so she knew whatever hold Goku had on her wasn’t a strong one and it was easy for her to slip out. “Let go of me!” ChiChi pulled herself free. She took two steps before Goku grabbed her and pulled her back again. “Stop it, Goku!” She wriggled and tried to wrestle her body free. “Our son----” ChiChi froze as she felt something hard pressing against her. 

ChiChi broke free and turned. She saw the familiar and meeting her husband’s face saw his sheepish grin. ChiChi smacked Goku’s chest. “Are you insane?!” ChiChi screamed. “Our son is in danger!! This is not the time to---” ChiChi was silenced when Goku pulled her against him.

The hard bulge left ChiChi speechless but the intense gaze Goku gave her, left her wet. The noise of the audience fell away. The faint sounds of her son fell silent as ChiChi only saw and felt Goku.

“Don’t do this, ChiChi. Don’t be angry. Not now,” his voice was laced with pain, lust and a plea to not push him. His eyes revealed the conflicting battle brewing in him. “ You have no idea what---”

“I know,” ChiChi finished for him. She wasn’t blind. In the years since his death, ChiChi thought of her arguments with Goku and how some started small and grew into full-blown arguments where after she calmed down, Goku wanted to make up with kissing that sometimes grew into intense sex. It took a while before ChiChi noticed a pattern of Goku instigating fights. “I know what it does, but Goku.” Gohan’s painful scream returned which caused ChiChi to release a sob. “Our son. He’s in pain.”

“He’ll be okay,” Goku promised ChiChi. “You know I’ll never let anything happen to Gohan. I didn’t with Cell and I won’t now. Trust me.”

ChiChi wept silently. She didn’t understand all of Goku’s actions but knew she could trust him to make the right decision for the safety of their family. “I do but I can’t stand our son in pain.”

Goku embraced ChiChi and shielded her from viewing and hearing Gohan’s pain. “Don’t look. Don’t listen. Close your eyes and listen to my voice. Gohan can handle it. You know that.” ChiChi closed her eyes. She gripped his arms when she heard Gohan screaming but relaxed hearing Goku soothingly talking to her. “It’s over. Kibito will return Gohan to normal. Gohan’s friend is with him. The Supreme Kai is leaving to follow those two who took Gohan’s energy. I’m gonna follow and see what’s going on.”

“What?” ChiChi broke from him. Above her, ChiChi saw the one Goku called Supreme Kai fly off. Behind her, she saw the one called Kibito leaning over Gohan. Videl was by his side, too. “Go? Go where?”

“There’s something strange going. It might be another threat to Earth.”

“No. Not again.” This couldn’t be happening again. Not on today of all days. “Why you? You can’t go. You’re only here for one day. This is our only chance, Goku.”

It might be but Goku knew he had to investigate. He needed to know why he had to stay back while Gohan got his energy drained. He needed to know what Spopovich and Yamu planned to do with Gohan’s energy. He needed to know if his return triggered bad news for Earth again.

“I guess I’ll go.” It wasn’t as if Krillin had a choice. If Goku was going, he knew he had to. “I gotta tell my wife first.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” Vegeta didn’t care when Videl and Gohan went down. He didn’t flinch when ChiChi appeared in the ring. He didn’t give a damn when the Supreme Kai followed Spopovich and Yamu but Goku announcing his intentions to leave was too damn much. “We have a duel to fight!”

Goku almost couldn’t believe Vegeta. “Vegeta, can’t you see there’s more---”

“Don’t you run out on me!” Vegeta shut Goku down. “I don’t give a damn about the Supreme Kai! I only came to this infantile tournament to settle the score between us! You will not deny me this chance!”

Wow. He’s really obsessed with a rematch. “Okay. Okay,” he gave in. “I’ll promise I fight you later even if it is not in the Budokai.”  

“Bullshit! You’re only here for one day!”

“Then come with us,” Goku encouraged him. “After we settle what’s going on, we can fight.” He flashed Vegeta a smile. It worked with ChiChi when she was angry with him. Goku hoped for the same results for Vegeta. Vegeta answered with a low growl. Ah, it was working. He was considering it.

“Enough talk,” Piccolo jumped in the air. “Let’s go!”

Goku and ChiChi went to Kibito. ChiChi knelt to Goku and stroked his hair while Goku confirmed, “You’ll take care of Gohan?”

“Yes,” Kibito promised. “And I’ll follow you. I’m sure Gohan will follow us, too.”

“No!” ChiChi protested. “Why does he have to go?”

“Gohan needs to know what’s going on,” Goku told ChiChi. “He’s the one who can protect Earth. I can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m only here for a day, ChiChi. I’ll do what I can but if this can’t be resolved today, it’s up to Gohan.” There was also King Kai’s warning he do not interfere in the affairs of the living. ChiChi was too emotional right not to accept that.

“But the prize money,” ChiChi tried again to convince Goku to stay. “If you and Gohan don’t win it…..” Goten’s money wasn’t enough and the last thing ChiChi wanted was to burden Goku on the troubles at home. “Goku, I need you to win this money for us.”

“Why? Your Dad has plenty of money. You’ll be fine.”

“But, Goku…..”

Goku jumped in the air. He couldn’t stay to talk. He needed to leave. What ChiChi wanted to say had to wait. “I gotta go catch up with the Supreme Kai, ChiChi. We’ll talk when I get back,” Goku promised as he flew off.   

“Jackass,” Vegeta snarled as he watched Goku fly off. His departure lessened the chance of a rematch. It was in the cards! It was fate!! The tournament decided they will fight in the first round. It was meant to be!

Our rematch.

If he didn’t follow him, Vegeta knew he would not get his rematch and he wanted that rematch.

I’ll promise I fight you later even if it is not in the Budokai.

“Damn him!” Vegeta growled and flew after Goku. “How does he always get under my skin?!”

18 watched her husband fly off. She was worried. She wanted to go with her husband to protect him but she needed to win money for the family. He better not be harmed. She noticed her friend standing over her son worried as Kibito revives Gohan. She must be a wreck inside.

As ChiChi patted Gohan down to make sure he was all right Gohan was baffled at ChiChi being on the arena floor. “Mom?” He thought he heard her voice but thought he was delusional. “What are you doing here?” Gohan looked around and noticed everyone except 18 was gone. “Where did my Dad go?”

“Follow if you want the story,” Kibito answered before he flew off.

He was going to but Gohan turned to his mother first. He expected her to tell him to stay but she needed to know he had to go. “I know I can’t stop you,” ChiChi surprised Gohan, “but promise you and your Dad will be safe. I lost your father. I can’t lose you, too.”

“I promise, Mom, and with Dad here, you know I’ll be all right.”

“I want to come with you.” Videl didn’t want to be left out. Gohan owed her an explanation. When he changed, it sparked a deep memory from her childhood. Seeing Gohan’s Dad and his friends fly off took Videl back to seven years ago when she prayed her father beat Cell. She needed to follow to know if what she now suspected was true. “There are so many things I don’t know and I want to know.”

“Videl,” ChiChi intervened, “you almost died. You can’t go where Gohan’s going.”

“This might be dangerous,” Gohan added, but he knew she wouldn’t listen. She was too stubborn.

“I won’t get in the way,” Videl promised, “but I’ll follow even if you say no.”

Knew it. “Will you promise to pull out if it gets dangerous?”

“I will,” Videl agreed.

A worried ChiChi watched her son and Videl fly off unaware of 18 standing by. “Looks like I will be the winner. No competition.” 18 heard the conversation between ChiChi and Goku. ChiChi never said it to her but 18 suspected there were money issues. “I’ll share some of my money with you.”

“No,” ChiChi turned down her friend. “You don’t have to share with me. Goten won five million zeni. That’s enough for us. Use that ten million zeni to find a nice place for your family. Get my goddaughter out of that pervert’s house.”

ChiChi said it with a smile but the blonde was stoic. “You haven’t said anything but I know you are having money problems, ChiChi. I’ve noticed some things.”

“What things?”

“You’ve been borrowing from your Dad since I’ve known you. Now you want to grow a garden to sell food and start a catering business. Why are suddenly wanting to make money unless you need to? And…. your house is becoming run down.”

“No, it’s not!”

“ChiChi,” 18 turned a blind eye but not anymore, “the walls need painting. I’ve noticed when I visit you sit in the same seat on your sofa or it’s always covered so Marron and I can’t sit. The knobs on your bathroom sink in the hall broke when Marron used it. You are missing some tiles on the shower wall.”

ChiChi hoped no one noticed. “I told Goten to always keep the shower curtain closed when we have guests. I don’t use the washer when Gohan and Goten are home,” ChiChi confessed. “It makes loud noises. I thought about having Aki look at it but he’ll tell me it needs new parts or I need a new washer. I’ve always paid him but I can’t now. Does anyone else know?”

“No. No one’s said anything. I don’t think they’ve noticed. They seem to still gloss over things with you. I’ll keep quiet,” 18 promised, “but I’ll also help you.”

“Lazuli----”

“I will win enough for both of us. I’m not leaving with ten million zeni. I’m leaving with more.”

“But how?” ChiChi didn’t understand. “Ten million is the top prize.”

18 flipped her blonde hair. She spotted Mr. Satan from the corner of her left eye. He’s had his eyes on her ever since Videl flew off with Gohan. He was her opponent and she knew exactly what she had to do to win enough money for her and ChiChi’s families. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

****

Flying with Supreme Kai, Goku learned who would Gohan’s energy. A wizard named Bobbidi needed it to release Majin Boo so he could continue his destruction in the universe. He learned Earth was Bobbidi’s next target before Majin Boo was sealed and hidden on Earth when very few humans existed. This was some relief to Goku since it meant he wasn’t the cause of the evil. It had been on Earth for hundreds of years before he came. With the threat of Majin Boo coming unreleased, Earth was a target and that meant ChiChi, Gohan and Goten were in danger and he had to protect them.

“Warlocks take advantage of the evil within people. Bobbidi controls them.” The Kai explained what happened to Spopovich and Yamu. “Let’s hope he doesn’t have anyone formidable on his side.”

“Why’d you leave this Djinn lying around if you knew what it could do?” Goku understood it was safe to leave Majin Boo here when few humans existed but there were millions of people on Earth now.

“We didn’t know what could break the seal. We thought only Bibbidi could unseal Majin Boo and I killed him. Keeping Majin Boo here was the safest decision. I didn’t know he had a son. Bobbidi.”

Bobbidi can tap into the evil of people. Red Ribbon Army. King Piccolo. Raditz. Vegeta. Nappa. So many chances Majin Boo could’ve been released. Goku thought of the group with him. Vegeta and Piccolo ain’t evil but they do have dark sides. At least they’re too stubborn to fall for Bobbidi’s tricks.

“Dad!!!”

Gohan! Goku was relieved he joined them. Kibito kept his word and restored Gohan but as he felt Gohan’s Ki, Goku noticed Kibito didn’t restore all of Gohan’s power. If we had more senzu beans, I’d give Gohan one but we need to conserve the two we have for an emergency.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Gohan apologized. “Videl was with us but she decided to go back. She’ll let everyone know what’s going on.”

****

Videl felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. She flew alone on her way back to the tournament to let Gohan’s family and friends know what was going on. She wanted to join Gohan but accepted the truth. She wasn’t strong or fast enough to keep up with Gohan and Kibito and tagging along would only hold Gohan back.

But before she parted. She finally got the truth. For years, she believed her father when he told her he beat Cell. At nine, her Dad was so strong in her eyes. Videl believed no one could defeat her Dad.

But in the last month, the Golden Warrior and Saiyaman (both Gohan) planted seeds of doubt. Gohan can fly. Gohan can create energy from his hands. All the things she saw at the Cell Game; the things her father told her were special effects were a lie. 

When Gohan changed into the Golden Warrior in front of Kibito, Videl remembered the fighters at the Cell Game. She remembered the ones with golden hair. Among them was a boy. If that boy was Gohan, then the man who fought Cell first was Gohan’s father. It had to be him but if he is Gohan’s father then….

“How long has it been since you’ve seen your Dad?”

“Seven years.”

“How many fights have you been in?”

“A few. My last one was seven years ago. Dad wanted me to fight someone I didn’t expect to fight.”

“The guy with the halo is my Dad.”

“Your Dad. The one you said is dead but divorced your Mom?”

“No, he’s dead. Didn’t you see the halo over his head?”

It made sense now. It explained why Gohan was happy to see his Dad. It explained his absence for seven years. It explained what Gohan’s friend, Leska, told her.

“I didn’t see anything in that fight with Cell to make me think your Dad beat him. He got knocked out of the ring.”

“Yeah,” Videl agreed with that, “but he came back later to beat Cell after those other people failed.”

“I didn’t see a video of that. The last video anyone saw was some kid fighting Cell after some big, blonde guy fought him. Maybe they defeated Cell.”

Videl was so angry Leska spoke so poorly of her father but the young woman spoke the truth. Gohan, his Dad and friends fought Cell. They were the ones to beat him. His Dad died in that fight. Videl didn’t know how he could be on Earth if he was dead but she knew it wasn’t her father who defeated Cell.

Dad lied and he made his fortune off what Gohan’s Dad and his friends did. Another realization struck Videl. Gohan’s mother. She was so shocked to learn who her father was. She was so angry that day.

No wonder Gohan’s mother was mad. All the money Dad’s made. It should’ve gone to Gohan’s family.

Videl felt sick to her stomach. All the times she admired her father; all the times she thought he was the strongest and beat Cell; all the pressure she felt to be as strong as her Dad. He was her motivation to get stronger. She worked with the police and fought criminals because she thought that was the training she needed to be as strong as him.  

All this time, Dad lied to me. He made me think I was stronger than what I am. Videl’s heart raced as she thought of all the times she went with the police to fight criminals. Videl never feared being shot or hurt because she was so confident she could beat up anyone. Her Dad defeated Cell so she thought she was strong, too.

”Akuji,” Videl whispered. That criminal could’ve killed her if not for Gohan. “Spopovich.” Videl shut her eyes recalling the recent beating she took. She heard the pleas to quit but didn’t because she was Mr. Satan’s daughter, the man who defeated Cell. I could’ve been killed because of a lie.

The dark truth rattled Videl. It shocked her. It angered her. Videl flew faster. She was going to confront her father and she didn’t care if he was in the middle of a match. She was going to make him confess his misdeeds and for the first time in seven years, do the right thing.

That was her plan until she saw Goten and the winner of the Junior Division flying towards her. Videl explained to the boys where their fathers and Gohan went. If she knew they were going to fly off and join the fight, she wouldn’t have told them. Where they were going was dangerous. Even they can fly faster than me.  Videl flew on. She had to inform Gohan’s mother on what was going and confront her father.

****

As Vegeta thought, the Supreme Kai and Kibito weren’t very powerful. They were the most incompetent otherworldly beings he ever came across. They needed Gohan’s power to find Bobbidi. They weren’t aware of Bobbidi hiding his spaceship underground. They were unaware of the Demon King, Dabura under his control.

Their lack of awareness convinced Goku to send Krillin away. Vegeta agreed that was a smart choice. He was the weakest among the group, but before Krillin could leave, the group was shocked by Spopovich and Yamu’s sudden death by Bobbidi and Dabura discovering them. Dabura killed Kibito and spat on Piccolo and Krillin, turning them to stone.

Vegeta, Goku and Gohan ignored the Supreme Kai and followed Dabura down the shaft to Bobbidi’s ship. They had to reverse the spit curse on Piccolo and Krillin. They used Rock, Paper and Scissors to see who will go first. Vegeta demanded they keep playing until he won. Vegeta wanted to go first. He wanted to show how strong he’s gotten in seven years.

But Pocus wasn’t a challenge. Even when Bobbidi changed the environment to give Pocus an advantage, he was still outmatched by Vegeta who killed with little effort. Their next opponent was Yakon and Goku was up next. Vegeta knew Goku trained so he was eager to see how much stronger he’s gotten. Not stronger than him. Vegeta was confident of that but he was also getting impatient. He wanted these matches to end. From what he saw, all these beings Supreme Kai feared were beneath all of them. Maybe seven years ago, they might have been a challenge but not now. Not even Dabura. His speed and strength weren’t impressive. As long as they avoided his spit, Vegeta thought he was beatable.

Yakon was fast but no threat. Bobbidi was up to his usual tricks making the environment an advantage to his stooges. He darkened the room to pitch black. Goku had a trick for that by turning into a Super Saiyan to light up the room. Vegeta conceded that would’ve been his next step, too, and it would’ve given Yakon a great advantage for he would’ve sucked the Super Saiyan power out of him like he did Goku and return him to base form.

Kakarrot will struggle against this one. Yakon is too strong to beat in base form alone. Vegeta contemplated it would be a struggle for him, too. How to beat an opponent with Super Saiyan energy without transforming into one? Even if I had the power to change again, that bastard would eat my power and get stronger.

“I’m gonna handle this myself!” Goku rejected Gohan’s offer to help and transformed into a Super Saiyan again.

What the fuck is that idiot doing? He’s gonna give Yakon more power.

“He is being stupid!” The Supreme Kai disapproved of Goku’s decision. “Why do you all insist on fighting alone! This isn’t a game!”

“He is not stupid!” Vegeta didn’t know what the hell Goku was going to do but he knew Goku wasn’t stupid. Besides, only he can call Goku an idiot. “He has a plan.” Kakarrot wouldn’t turn into a Super Saiyan unless he knew how to win. The Supreme Kai is an incompetent God and fool. Yakon sucked more of Goku’s energy but he didn’t return to base form. Goku’s Ki kept rising. He’s feeding him. Is Kakarrot trying to overload him? Vegeta kept watching Yakon grow fatter and fatter and felt Goku’s ki rising higher and higher until Goku blasted a large blast of his ki into Yakon he blew up like a popped balloon.

What….the… fuck.

“I see.” Vegeta figured it out.

“Hey! The ground opened up!” Goku returned to base form and jumped down to the next level with Gohan. A stunned Supreme Kai and Vegeta followed.

That son of a dick passed the Super Saiyan wall, too. Dammit to hell! I trained all these years and that jackass surpasses me again! If I gave all that power to Yakon, I wouldn’t be able to maintain my Super Saiyan form.

“You’re up next, Gohan,” Goku was eager for this match. “I can’t wait to see how much stronger you are.”

“Feh,” Vegeta scoffed. You’re in for disappointment, Kakarrot. “Gohan used peace as an excuse to slack off. We’re stronger than him.” And Kakarrot is stronger than me again! “But who knows how Gohan will be when he’s angry.” As soon as we beat these minions of Bobbidi, Kakarrot will want to fight. He’ll kick my ass.  

Vegeta couldn’t let that happen. He would not be humiliated again. This is my only chance to restore myself as the true Prince of Saiyans. I won’t let Kakarrot win. He has the blood of Third Class Warriors. I have the blood of royal warriors!

He watched Goku happily chat with Gohan. Vegeta didn’t understand how Goku could be stronger than him. Their first encounter caught him off guard. He never expected one from a line of Third Class Warriors to inflict pain on him; to force him to change into an Oozaru to get the upper hand. It never should’ve come to that. He never should’ve been forced to beg Goku with his dying breath to stop Freeza. It shouldn’t have been him to sacrifice himself to Cell with his son delivering the final blow. All those victories should’ve gone to him, the Prince of Saiyans. From a young child, Vegeta knew he was destined for greatness.

“Don’t worry, Young Prince. I have the edge because I’m older and you’re still a child.”

The words didn’t please young Vegeta. Being a child didn’t mean anything. He’s killed many and yet he couldn’t best Nappa, his guardian and escort. He was older and had elite blood but Vegeta felt he should’ve surpassed him by now.   

“You can still kick Raditz’s ass.” Although that didn’t mean much in Nappa’s eyes. “He is the trash of a Third Class Warrior.” Nappa checked the other Saiyan child. He was staring off into space again. He had some injuries from the last battle but had potential. His power reading at birth was phenomenal. To be a child of a Third Class Saiyan traveling with the Saiyan Prince was an honor, but lately, the child was showing weakness. “He needs to toughen up. He’s still upset about our planet. If it weren’t only us left, I’d kill him so his weakness doesn’t spill over and contaminate us.”

“Contaminate?” Vegeta knew of Raditz’s struggle. He wasn’t bothered by it. He understood. “He misses his parents. He had a chance to see his father before he left on his mission. He didn’t see his mother before he left.” Vegeta didn’t talk to his father before he left with Nappa. If he had known the last time was the final time……

“Uh!” Vegeta dropped to the floor after Nappa’s fist smashed his face. That blow rattled his body. He got hits like this from Nappa before but only in training. “What the fuck was that for?!”

“You’re being contaminated. Emotions weaken us, Vegeta. Sentimentality over the dead weakens us. That soft-hearted shit will get you killed.”

“He won’t weaken me. I only---”

“You’re the Prince of Saiyans. That means you are meant to be stronger than all of us. You are meant to be stronger than your father. It’s in your blood. To keep that strength, you need to be cold and ruthless and discard any trash or even a Third Class Warrior can knock you off your mantle.” Nappa scoffed. “What kind of Saiyan Prince could you be if you let that happen?”

Vegeta snarled as he watched the son of a Third Class Warrior who excel him again watch his son battle Dabura. How did he excel me again? The skies above him rattled as Gohan and Dabura traded punches. How did that brat excel me? I should’ve been the one to defeat Cell and this child from the lineage of a Third Class Warrior defeated him.

What kind of Saiyan Prince could you be if you let that happen?

A soft-hearted sentimental fool. That’s what Vegeta saw himself as. He had every opportunity in seven years to excel Gohan and Goku.

Where did I go wrong?

Bulma and Trunks popped into his mind.

Emotions weaken us, Vegeta. That soft-hearted shit will get you killed.

It didn’t start that way. It just happened. A fling produced a child he did not want. He didn’t bother to save the babe when he and Bulma’s lives were threatened. But in those seven years, something happened.

We have a second chance compared to ourselves in our son’s alternate future. Our future is unwritten. We can make it what we want.

I want you to teach me to be strong like you. I wanna know how to fight.

Come on, Vegeta. It’s a day in the park with me and Trunks. What’s wrong with that?

Thanks for taking me to the park, Dad.

Vegeta…. I love you.

“I won’t imagine everything you’ve been through but you do have things in common with my Goku. He was alone, too. All he knew was fighting. He was never exposed to another way of life until we married. It was an adjustment for him. It didn’t make him soft and gullible and it won’t happen to you either. It will make you stronger.”

“Stronger?”

“Goku enjoyed fighting a strong opponent but having someone to protect gave him that extra motivation to not give up. Imagine what it will do for you.”

Emotions weaken us, Vegeta. That soft-hearted shit will get you killed.

Fuck. It didn’t get him killed… yet but it did weaken him. What made it horrific is Vegeta didn’t hate the changes in him. He liked it.

Fuck. Nappa would be disappointed in him. Gohan wasted his potential but Vegeta saw the seven years as a waste of his potential. He needed to be the warrior he was before he came to Earth.

To keep that strength, you need to be cold and ruthless and discard any trash.

Bulma and Trunks appeared in his mind again. No. They weren’t trash. They were…. a slight hinderance. He can have them and still be the warrior he’s meant to be.

I need to be the man I was.

But that would take years. He didn’t have years. Goku was leaving in a day. He had to fight him. He had to defeat him.

How can I be that warrior again?

“Warlocks take advantage of the evil within people…….as he did with Spopovich and Yamu.”

Vegeta discarded that information from the Supreme Kai but now he saw it as useful. Could Bobbidi make me the warrior I was?

It went against him to subject himself to that. He didn’t take power from anyone.  Kakarrot is leaving in a day. I need to defeat him.

As Vegeta wrestled on what to do, he watched Gohan battle Dabura. After a few minutes, it was starting to get to him. Gohan was putting up a poor show against Dabura. He was missing his target and Dabura retaliated with Ki and blows that sent Gohan crashing into the ground and lakes around them. Vegeta saw the frustration on Gohan’s face. He knew he should be better and he wasn’t.

Dabura is strong but he’s beatable. Gohan at nine would’ve pummeled him. What a fucking embarrassment. Vegeta checked Goku. His eyes were focused on the battle. He revealed nothing. What are you thinking, Kakarrot? Are you disappointed in your son, too?

“So, he uses magic,” Goku said after a long silence of watching Gohan. “He’s tougher than I thought.”

You’re making excuses for your son. “He shouldn’t have this much trouble with him, Kakarrot. Pathetic.”

Goku blinked and for a second Vegeta saw a flicker of change in Goku’s eyes. Was he ready to acknowledge what Vegeta thought? “He really has been slacking.”

Slacking my ass. He’s a complete embarrassment to the Saiyan lineage! All that power! All that strength coursing through him and he wastes it! If I had his power, I could’ve beaten Freeza. I could’ve beaten Cell. I could be the strongest Saiyan and Kakarrot could never reach me!! I’d give anything to have that power!

The more Gohan and Dabura battled, the angrier Vegeta got. He saw every error Gohan made. He saw every missed opportunity for Gohan to strike back and deliver a final blow to Dabura squandered. All that fucking power going to waste. Studying. Socializing. What a fucking waste.

It was when Gohan was huffing and puffing exhausted while Dabura stood unopposed that finally pissed off Vegeta. It was no longer a matter of waiting for Gohan to beat Dabura. The Saiyan pride was on the line.

“Fuck it!” Vegeta lost his temper. “Now, I’m annoyed. I’ll finish off Dabura.” Goku tried to plead with Vegeta to wait and let Gohan keep fighting but Vegeta saw enough. “This damn fight is taking too long. I don’t care about any of this shit! I just want to fight you! That’s why I went to the damn tournament. That’s why I followed you here. I want to fight you and if I have to fight Dabura so I can get my match with you, so be it!”

I’ll even take power from Bobiddi.

Vegeta’s rant got Goku’s attention. It worried him. Vegeta was too blind and consumed with him to see what was important. Vegeta, I thought you changed.

The scenery around them returned to the waiting area of the ship. Dabura departed but left a cryptic warning a new fighter will emerge.

Does he mean me? Vegeta wondered. My outburst should’ve gotten his attention.

“Ahhh!” Sharp stabbing pain hit his head suddenly.

Hello, Vegeta.

Dark energy poured into him. He felt sickened and wanted to reject it but there was something familiar about this power. It felt…. good in a way. The power pulled memories of his past; memories of him happily slaughtering innocent civilians with Nappa and Raditz.

Vegeta… don’t you want to come to bed? You trained enough for today.

Bulma appeared in his mind again. She wore a lacy red lingerie. “Rrgh!” he willed the image away. He couldn’t think of her. If he did, he’ll think of……

I can be as strong as you, Dad. You’ll see.

No! No! Vegeta welcomed Bobbidi’s wickedness. It erased Bulma and Trunks from his mind. Ah, yes. This is what he needed. He could feel his power surging in him. He felt stronger, darker.

Vegeta could hear the Supreme Kai warning him to empty his mind so he couldn’t consume it. Gohan called out to him but Vegeta ignored them. This is what he needed. This is what he was missing. With this power, he can finally defeat…..

Vegeta…. I love you.

Thanks for taking me to the park, Dad. You’re the best.

Wow! Dad, you’re so strong!!

Vegeta… being with you, makes me happy.

Emotions weaken us, Vegeta. That soft-hearted shit will get you killed.

You’re the Prince of Saiyans. It’s in your blood. To keep that strength, you need to be cold and ruthless and discard any trash or even a Third Class Warrior can knock you off your mantle.

A Third Class Warrior.

Vegeta saw Goku staring at him. He could feel the Saiyan’s shock and fear. It thrilled Vegeta. Bulma and Trunks faded from his mind as he let Bobbidi’s power consume him. All he saw was Goku. That was what mattered. And the power he was getting will finally allow him to topple and destroy this lowly spawn of the Third Class Warrior for good.

Vegeta felt a burning on his forehead as the Majin emblem was branded on him. A small price to pay to defeat you, Kakarrot. Nothing will get in my way. Not Bulma. Not Trunks. Nothing!!!

Vegeta cackled. Ah, he hadn’t felt this good in years!!! The shock and horror on Goku and Gohan’s faces were delightful. He only wanted to defeat Goku but felt like destroying Gohan for kicks. It’d show him to now waste his latent power.

Vegeta thought the battle would take place on the ship but Bobbidi surprised them by transporting them back to the arena of the Tenkaichi Budokai.

****

Bulma rolled her eyes at Mr. Satan celebrating his victory over 18. A battle royale was decided to determine the outcome of the Tenkaichi Budokai. The finale was between 18 and Mr. Satan with 18 throwing the match for him. Bulma initially thought Goku, Vegeta, Gohan or Piccolo would overthrow that arrogant cheater. “We’ll have to hear his gloating for more years to come.”

“It’s probably the best outcome,” Yamcha thought. “You and ChiChi wouldn’t want reporters harassing you if Goku, Vegeta or Gohan won.”

Bulma complained earlier but with her compound, she was safe from reporters. She might run into issues when going out with Vegeta. He’d likely cause a scene destroying cameras and property. ChiChi lived too far out for any reporters to harass her she thought. 18 lived on Master Roshi’s island. She and Krillin were safe. “Where the hell are they anyway? They left over an hour ago.”

“I’m more concerned about Goten and Trunks.” Bulma used her name and money to bypass security and visit the arena grounds where the remaining fighters remained. They visited 18 after her loss but couldn’t find their sons. “They’re not here.” After 18 exposed them in the Battle Royale, ChiChi hoped Goten and Trunks would be here but they flew off and she had a sick feeling where they could’ve gone.

Aki stood with Gyu-Mao. “Your Majesty, do you think Goku will be coming back?”

“I don’t know but you and everyone shouldn’t wait. Go home. It’s a long trip back.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Aki looked over at his family. His son was asleep and his daughters looked bored. He checked on Mrs. Niver and Kaifun. Kaifun handed her a cup of water. The old woman looked tired. He didn’t have love for her but thought they should go home for her sake. “We’ll go. About the money….”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gyu-Mao told Aki. “It’s my problem.”

“It’s gonna be a bigger problem in a few days. You can bet Mrs. Niver will gossip about it to everyone.” Aki signaled to his family and Kaifun that they were leaving when Goku, Gohan and Vegeta suddenly appeared. “Oh, they’re back!” Aki was going to joke he could push Mr. Satan out of the ring and win when Vegeta flared up his power and knocked the announcer into the air and Mr. Satan off the stage.

No one knew what was going on but they all knew it wasn’t good. “What’s Vegeta doing?” Bulma worried as he pointed at Goku. ChiChi screamed as Vegeta fired on Goku. Goku protected himself but the power from Vegeta was pushing him out of the ring. If Goku doesn’t stop him….. “Vegeta, no!!”  Bulma shouted as Goku couldn’t contain Vegeta’s Ki anymore. He was pushed aside leaving a large group of fans unprotected as they were consumed by Vegeta’s blast. His attack went further, traveling outside the arena and destroying anyone in its path for miles. He killed them. “What’s wrong with you?!”

Bulma’s screaming didn’t reach Vegeta. Too many people were in a panic as they screamed and rushed out of the arena.

“Something must have happened to him,” Bulma tried to find a reason for Vegeta’s action. “He must be possessed. Vegeta wouldn’t knowingly kill anyone. He’s not that man anymore.”

“Are you sure?” From Yamcha’s view, he was still that man. Something was different. Maybe it was that emblem on Vegeta’s forehead but Yamcha had seen that look before when Vegeta wanted to kill him years ago. “It looks like he’s picking up from where he left off.”

Vegeta had the same feeling as he stared at Goku. He looked at the destruction he created with pride. That blast must have gone for miles, destroying any building, any car, any person in its path. It felt so good to no longer feel remorse or compassion. It felt so good to freely kill again.

And yes, it felt so good to have Goku look at him this way again. He looked repulsed. He looked angry. He looked as if he wanted to fight him again.

Now, Kakarrot, fight me. Unless you want to add more corpses to that pile.”

The smirk. The blind evil in his eyes. This aura around him. This darkness. Goku hadn’t seen this look in Vegeta or felt this energy in him since their fight so many years ago. He wasn’t like this when dealing with the Artificial Humans or Cell. Year after year, Goku felt Vegeta drifting from the dark, heartless warrior he was. He thought after seven years, seven years of peace, seven years of Bulma and Trunks……

The only reason I came to this infantile game was to settle with you one-on-one.

You’ve only got one day back in this world.

I don’t care about any of this!!! I just want to get it over with and fight you!! That’s why I went to that stupid tournament!!

Vegeta….The truth stared at Goku. You did this…. you turned your back on everything for this? The truth stared at Goku but he didn’t want to believe it. He needed Vegeta to say it. “Vegeta, did you let Bobbidi control you on purpose?

Still stalling our destiny, Kakarrot? Vegeta raised his right hand summoning a ball of Ki from it. Killing hundreds of people wasn’t enough for you, Kakarrot? Perhaps I need to hit closer to home. He extended his hand toward the audience. If they don’t move, they won’t get caught in the blast. If they do, oh, well. I will sacrifice anyone to have you fight me, Kakarrot.

“Wait a second,” Yamcha stepped back. “Is Vegeta aiming at us?”

“No….” Bulma saw it and didn’t believe it. “He wouldn’t.”

He’s bluffing. Goku could feel where Vegeta could strike. Locking eyes with Vegeta, Goku reached out to him mentally. Don’t do this, Vegeta! This is not you. You are not that man anymore!

I’m not? Let me rectify that! Vegeta hurled the destructive energy at the audience.

“It’s coming this way!” Yamcha screamed!

Aki didn’t know anything about Ki but he knew what was coming towards them was deadly. He also knew there wasn’t time for everyone to get away. He acted as a husband and father. He shielded himself over his wife and kids. They’ll be evaporated immediately. His only hope was they not feel a thing.

Kaifun was paralyzed with fear. He knew Goku and his group of friends were powerful but he never witnessed it displayed in close proximity. His eyes wouldn’t leave the gaping hole of the arena created by Vegeta. Now the one called Vegeta was aiming at them, he couldn’t make his legs move.

“Move!” Mrs. Niver pushed Kaifun out of the way. She was old and slower but had a strong mindset to get away from danger. She knew it was a bad idea coming here. She knew she shouldn’t listen to Kaifun. He wanted to apologize to the waste of sperm. That waste of sperm couldn’t save those people slaughtered by that balding fool. Mrs. Niver wasn’t going to rely on Goku to save her.

Kaifun saw his grandmother moving away with the panicking crowd. Seeing her escaping was the jolt he needed to move. “Grandma!” He called for her.

“It’s coming this way!” Kaifun heard someone say. He saw the ki of energy coming in his direction but from the angle it moved, he knew in the split second before everything changed forever, it wasn’t coming towards him. He turned, looking a few feet away, at where it will hit and who will be killed.

“GRANDMA!!!!!” Kaifun’s chilling scream was as loud as Mrs. Niver’s horrific scream as she and the group around her were impacted by the heat from Vegeta’s Ki blast. Bodies went flying in the air. Mrs. Niver’s was too close to fly. Her body was consumed with many others, vaporizing before Kaifun’s horrified eyes with only her burning cane the lingering proof of her existence.

ChiChi covered her mouth. Mrs. Niver. Oh, my….. She couldn’t believe it. She was gone. Shock. That’s all ChiChi could feel. Pure shock. Kaifun was on his knees crying for his grandmother. ChiChi and Gyu-Mao stood in stone silence as everyone else. Aki was the first to act. After checking on his family, he went to Kaifun, knelt to him and whispered something in his ear. His words got Kaifun on his feet.

“Kaifun,” Gyu-Mao tried to say something to comfort him but words wouldn’t come out. Mrs. Niver hadn’t been on good terms with his family for years but there was a time when things were good between them. No matter the things the old woman said, Gyu-Mao didn’t think the woman deserved that fate.

Goku also watched the fate of Mrs. Niver conflicted. He knew the woman had no love for him. He was indifferent to her and her hate but did she deserve that?

“Help us, Mr. Satan!”

“You defeated Cell! Kill this guy, too!!”

Mark looked around the arena. People were running and screaming but some were staying and cheering him to do something. He was the World Champ but he couldn’t fight these freaks of nature! What do they want me to do? Get killed?!

Cries and pleas for help scattered through the destroyed arena but Goku’s sole focus was on the group near Vegeta’s latest attack. Aki huddled his family close together. Kaifun was shellshocked. Gyu-Mao, Yamcha and Master Roshi were grim over the change of events. Bulma looked broken. He couldn’t imagine what she was thinking over this. Lastly, his eyes fell on ChiChi. Shock, fear and disbelief were on her face but something else, too. Lost. He felt that lost, too. The plans they had for today were lost. The happy memories they wanted to form for their family of four were lost. What they wanted for each other alone was lost.

Once again, they had to sacrifice their wants and needs for the world. Looking away from ChiChi, Goku said goodbye to that loss and opened himself to the anger and disappointment at the one across from him. Goku welcomed the rage as he transformed into a Super Saiyan.

“Don’t do it, Son Goku!” The Supreme Kai pleaded. “This is what Bobbidi wants! He’ll absorb your energy and awaken Boo.”

Goku knew that. Any scenario he thought of now led to Boo’s awakening. Was I selfish in coming back? I stayed dead to protect Earth from any future threats. On the day I return, Vegeta falls to the dark side again, many are dead and a powerful being is on the verge of awakening and killing everyone.

Goku glared at Vegeta who proudly smirked at him. The Saiyan Prince knew he had Goku against the wall, and after killing and turning his back on everything he built, he will get the fight he had been denied for years and reclaim his pride. Damn you, Vegeta. Don’t you see what you’ve done? Don’t you see what that damn pride is costing you?

Goku agreed to the fight if taken to an isolated place where no one will be caught in the crossfire of their match. The Supreme Kai tried to intervene but failed and accepted he and Gohan would do better battling Bobbidi and Dabura again. Bobbidi ordered Vegeta to kill everyone now but the Saiyan Prince’s powerful defiance only cemented to Goku how desperate Vegeta was to submit his body and soul to Bobbidi in order to fight him.

Before leaving, Goku handed Gohan a senzu bean and gave him a parting encouragement to win. He knew Gohan felt guilty about how he handled Dabura but he still believed in his son to win. He was rusty and not at full strength but a little guidance would put him on the right path.

Bobbidi honored Goku’s wish and transferred him and Vegeta to a desert. The terrain was familiar to their first match. As he faced off against Vegeta, Goku debated how to battle Vegeta. Super Saiyan Three can quickly end the fight but the price of that is his time on Earth shriveling up. Goku knew he couldn’t come back to Earth after this and wanted one more moment with his family. Dammit, Vegeta! After all these years….. I thought settling on Earth would change you like it did me.

“I don’t want to give Boo more energy so I will end this quickly at full power.” Not completed full power but as far as Goku can go without draining his time away. If Vegeta learns about Super Saiyan Three…

“I’m looking forward to seeing the fruits of your training in the afterlife.” Give me everything, Kakarrot. It won’t be enough. I’ll still defeat you!

“Rrrh!” Goku snarled summoning his Ki to raise his powers above the ascension of a Super Saiyan but below the threshold of Super Saiyan Three.

Impressive thought Vegeta but it fell below Vegeta’s new power. There was some good to his deal with Bobbidi after all. “Pretty good. You’re stronger than Gohan. Rraggh!” Sparkles of electricity crackled around Vegeta as his new power edged Goku’s. The surprise on Goku’s face thrilled and empowered him. Not so confident it will be an easy fight, are you, Kakarrot? “Come on!!!” Vegeta challenged Goku. “I’ll kill you!”

I’m already dead, Jackass. It was so tempting to become Super Saiyan Three but Goku restrained himself. He needed to conserve his time on Earth as long as possible. After defeating Vegeta, he had to get to Gohan. He knew Gohan and the Supreme Kai will need help against Bobbidi and Dabura.

Vegeta struck first. He swung his leg at Goku who put up an arm to block. The power behind Vegeta’s kick stunned Goku. Being dead, saved Goku from having broken bones and this blow would’ve fractured his arm if he were alive. It was stunning to feel this pain rippling through him in years. None of the fighters on the Grand Kai’s planet could evoke this level of pangs.

Damn! Goku cursed seeing Vegeta throw a punch at him. Instead of blocking, Goku caught it. Shit! Vegeta threw another punch and Goku caught that one. Goku thrust up a leg to block Vegeta’s kick. They were in a deadlock; hand clutching hand; leg blocking knee.

“Argh!” Goku growled as Vegeta headbutted him. His hands slipped from Vegeta’s as he was knocked back. His head rattled as one eye shut wincing in pain. I think that pierced my skin! Wait… Goku looked around. Vegeta wasn’t in front of him. He quickly turned with only seconds to react as Vegeta barreled down with another attack. Goku retaliated with a powerful kick of his own knocking Vegeta away.

The Saiyan Prince caught himself flipping in the air before dropping down for a landing. Death didn’t slow Kakarrot down one bit. He’s still sharp.

Goku mirrored the same smirk as Vegeta. You always kept me on my toes. At least that part of you hasn’t changed.

“It’s a shame,” said Goku as he caught his breath. “All that pride and you succumb to cheating to try to defeat me. Where’s that arrogant, prideful Saiyan I knew that wouldn’t stoop this low?”

“He’s right here ready to defeat you and reclaim the throne as the strongest Saiyan.”

Maybe this Vegeta was here all this time and he was too blind to see it. When he wanted something, Goku was blind to see the reality. He wanted to train Gohan and make him strong. When he got the chance, he thought Gohan would be like him in terms of fighting but realized almost too late that Gohan didn’t fight like him. When his fight with Vegeta ended all those years ago, Goku told Krillin to spare his life because he saw a potential sparring buddy. The opportunity to see that happen was lost with his death against Cell but even without it, Goku now wondered if he ever could’ve turned Vegeta into a sparring partner.

“You’re right, Vegeta. You never changed. Even from our first fight, you couldn’t handle me having the edge and changed into an Oozaru but this is worse. Do you know what submitting to Bobbidi has cost you?!”

Cost him? It gained him everything! “It cost me nothing! It got my pride back! It made me the strong, ruthless, cold-blooded Saiyan again!!!!!”

“It cost you your family!!”

Bulma’s smile and Trunks’ laugh and awe at him appeared in Vegeta’s mind again but Vegeta brushed it away. He will not think of them. He needed to focus all his concentration on defeating this low-class Saiyan! That’s all that mattered. “As if you know Bulma.”

“I know she dropped Yamcha for you. I know she put up more with you than with Yamcha because she believed you were a changed man. Everyone’s always making sacrifices for you and your damn pride, Vegeta. Even me. Do you know what I gave up to give you this fight?!”

Now Goku felt his normal cool falling and his anger rising. He had one day. One day to connect with ChiChi, Gohan and Goten and thanks to Vegeta, he lost it. His clenched fist collided against Vegeta’s face spilling blood from his mouth. “Time with Gohan!” Another folded fist impacted hard against the other side of Vegeta’s face. “Time with Goten!” Vegeta swung to retaliate but Goku disappeared and reappeared behind Vegeta with a kick to his back so hard, that Vegeta flew into a mountainside. “Time with ChiChi!!”

Vegeta wiped the blood from his lips as the mountain rubble and dirt fell around him. So, he wants to bring our women into this. “Time with your wife?” Vegeta laughed. “She couldn’t have been that good for you to give it up for seven years.” There it was. That flicker of anger. The naïve clown appeared indifferent to his wife in the few times he saw them together but he knew that deep Saiyan passion for his wife lay in Goku, too. “She should’ve given it up when she had the chance instead of being loyal to you. I was wrong to turn her away from that opportunity. What a delight it would’ve been for you when you returned.”

Goku frowned slightly as he tried to comprehend Vegeta’s words. What’s he talking about? “What are you saying?”

“You need to be prepared for ChiChi to show up with another man. Another husband,” Olibu hoped that would be clear enough for Goku.

“ChiChi doesn’t have another husband.” Goku pointed to himself. “I’m ChiChi’s only husband.”

“You were her husband, Goku.” Olibu corrected him. “But your marriage ended when you died. That allowed ChiChi to marry someone else.”

That didn’t make sense to Goku. “Why would ChiChi marry someone else when I’m her husband? That’s cheating. ChiChi wouldn’t cheat on me. We made a promise to each other.”

Olibu sighed. Goku was so dense. “Because you’re dead! When you died, ChiChi was free from the commitment you two made. It’s been seven years, Goku! You left your wife alone! You can’t think ChiChi has been single this entire time. There’s a good chance ChiChi married again.”

But there wasn’t anyone. ChiChi was waiting for him with Gohan and Goten. ChiChi never said anything but was there someone else? Did she move on with another man when I died?

Vegeta saw the pain on Goku’s face. The dolt was consumed with his precious wife heating up the sheets with another man. Vegeta used the moment to deliver an earth-shaking punch against Goku’s face and another super punch to Goku’s stomach that would’ve had him vomiting the food he ate earlier if not for his dead body.

Goku’s body ripped through a mountain. The collision of his body splintered the thousand-old structure into pieces. Vegeta caught his body among the rain of rocks and spiraled downward like a rocket until Goku plunged head first into the ground. Dirt and rocks flew everywhere as Goku’s impact created a massive hole twice the size of Capsule Corporation.

Goku lied motionless for a few moments before he pulled himself up on his knees. He spat up blood and rocks. His vision saw four hands. He closed his eyes and shook his head to will the throbbing pain in his head away. “Using ChiChi to distract me.” Goku wiped the blood from his lips. “That was dirty, Vegeta.”

Vegeta cackled. Dirty? It’s on par for him now he was back to his true self.  “Anything to get the job done.”

****

“What happened here?” Videl wondered as she flew over the Tenkaichi Budokai arena. It was in ruins with two large gaping holes. Most of the people were gone. Videl spotted a news crew and her father on the stage. She’ll talk to him later. She had to reach Gohan’s mother first.

There weren’t many people around so it was easy to spot her with Gohan’s grandfather and their friends. “Mrs. Son!”

ChiChi looked up and saw Videl descending. “Videl!” At least she was all right.

“What happened here?” Videl asked.

“It’s a long story, but it’s good to see you well. I was concerned when you didn’t return with Goku and Gohan.”

“Gohan? He was here?” Videl looked around. “Where is he?”

“Wait.” ChiChi was confused. “Weren’t you with Gohan?”

“No. I couldn’t keep up so I agreed to fly back. I ran into Goten and his friend.”

“Goten.” ChiChi gripped Videl. “Where is he?”

“I told him where Gohan and the others went. He and his friend flew off. I assume they were together. Why didn’t they come back with Gohan and his Dad?”

ChiChi released Videl. One son was off fighting another monster and another was missing. This day wasn’t going as they expected. ChiChi looked over at Bulma. She sat alone with her hands on her head distraught.

“We can assume Goten and Trunks are safe.” It wasn’t the boys that concerned Master Roshi. “Piccolo and Krillin didn’t return with Goku, Gohan and Vegeta which meant something happened to them.”

ChiChi looked over at 18 with Marron. They sat away from everyone. Marron was in 18’s lap. ChiChi suspected 18 wanted to distract Marron from the conversation and her thoughts. She saw Krillin didn’t return and had to be worried about him.

All the husbands were turning their wives into an emotional wreck. ChiChi, unfortunately, had more experience than anyone else on this issue and knew what they needed to get through it. Bulma was closer so ChiChi sat with her first. “Bulma?” she heard a sniffle from Bulma.

“I’m fine.” Bulma sniffed again. She lowered her hands and revealed her face. Her makeup was smeared. Her eyes were red and her face was slightly puffy from her crying. “I…… how could he do that, ChiChi?”

“I don’t know.” She grabbed her handkerchief from her pocket. She thought she’d be using it on herself when Goku left. Instead, she used it to dry Bulma’s tears. “Crying won’t solve the issue. It’ll mess up your face.”

“I don’t care.”

ChiChi knew better. If Bulma could see herself, she’d freak at her face. She wiped the makeup away so her face wasn’t smeared. “Goku and Vegeta will figure things out. In the meantime, we gotta do something about this. We can’t just sit here.”

Bulma thought for a moment. There was only one thing she wanted to do. “We can get the dragon balls. We can undo the killing Vegeta did here.” That would keep her focus and keep her thoughts from Vegeta. “But what about Trunks and Goten?”

“I don’t know where they are. I have to hope they are safe.”

“Right,” Bulma agreed. She couldn’t be worried about Vegeta and Trunks. That would make her like… like…  Like ChiChi. I’m a wreck over Vegeta and Trunks and it hasn’t been half a day. Is this what ChiChi felt with Goku and Gohan fighting for years? “I should call my parents,” Bulma decided. “Vegeta’s mess has to be all over the news. I’ll let them know we’re fine.”

Bulma pulled her phone from her pocket and stepped away to call her parents. With Bulma occupied, ChiChi went to 18. “Quite a day, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” 18 answered dryly as she bounced Marron on her knee. “So, are we gonna stay here and wait?”

“No. Bulma’s calling her parents to let her know we’re okay and then we’re gonna retrieve the dragon balls to---”

“To reverse what her psychotic man did.” 18 scoffed. “It won’t reverse what was done to Krillin.”

“Lazuli, we don’t know what happened to Krillin.”

“I know he didn’t return with Gohan, Goku and Vegeta. For that matter, neither did Piccolo. We have no idea what’s happened. All I know is Krillin can’t come back with the dragon balls. I told him if things go bad to get out of there! He didn’t.”

“Maybe he tried to leave and something happened. All I know is he’s not dead.”

“And how do you know that?”

“I know how my Goku reacted when he died on Namek. His rage wasn’t out of control. Whatever is going on with Krillin, he’s still alive.”

It made some sense and it made 18 feel better about the situation. “Maybe you’re right.” 18 walked over and picked up Marron. “What about you? Goku and Gohan are still fighting.”

ChiChi wanted to cry. It was the first time anyone asked how she was feeling. “I’m going out of my mind worried about them,” ChiChi admitted with a nervous laugh. “I’m barely keeping it together. I never thought I’d be going through this again.”

And yet you reached out to comfort me and Bulma. 18 grabbed ChiChi’s hand and gave it a right squeeze. “Maybe hunting dragon balls will keep us from cracking.”

“I hope so.” It was better than sitting at home and waiting. ChiChi was overdoing that. “Let’s go.”

Videl touched down on the arena stage as the announcer and reporter were leaving. She stayed above them listening and catching up on what happened while she was gone. Goku, Gohan and the one called Vegeta returned. Vegeta was the cause of the destruction of the arena. Thousands of people were dead. Authorities were being called in to look for Vegeta. Goku and Gohan disappeared with him after the killings. The announcer assured Goku and Gohan weren’t responsible for the killing but they needed to be questioned by the police. It was a mess. Videl had to force the rising bile in her down listening to her Dad brag about winning the tournament again and how he was ready to fight Vegeta when he disappeared.

Disgusting, Dad. You’re disgusting. It sickened her to see her father as a liar and con artist who fooled the world for years.

“Baby Girl!” Mark greeted his daughter as she landed. “How are you doing that? You’re…. you’re…..”

“Flying. That’s what I’m doing, Dad. I’m flying. It’s not some trick or special effects. It’s a real martial arts skill you don’t know about.”

Mark didn’t care what it was. He was glad to see his daughter. “Let’s go home. There’ll be a proper ceremony in a few days. You’ll get to see your Old Man honored as the winner of the Tenkaichi Budokai.”

“You want me to be here when they honor a fraud?” Videl asked. “I’ll pass.”

“Fraud?” Mark wondered where that came from in Videl. Did Piiza talk to her? “Your Old Man isn’t a fraud. I’m the world champ. I beat Cell.”

“Cut it, Dad. I know the truth. I know you didn’t defeat Cell. I know you’ve been lying all this time. You took credit and made your brand off of that. We’re rich because you lied and took credit for something you didn’t do!”

Dammit Piiza. It was the only way Videl knew the truth. Money wasn’t enough. That bitch had to turn my daughter against me. “Baby Girl…..”

“I believed you. I wanted to be as strong as you. I thought I was invincible because I thought you defeated Cell. You wouldn’t teach me because you felt the training would be too intense. You made me find another way. I worked for the police because I wanted to get stronger and I wanted to replicate the good you did by helping everyone. I could’ve been killed because of your lies. I almost died today because I didn’t give up against Spopovich because I’m your daughter!!”

“Me? Videl, Spopovich was a wimp. I defeated him years ago. You should’ve taken him but you got too arrogant.”

“And whose fault was that?” Videl questioned. “I was arrogant because for years you filled my head I am stronger than everyone because I’m the daughter of the man who killed Cell. A monster that wiped out the Earth’s army.”

“Listen, Videl. You’re angry but don’t believe everything Miss Piiza told you, and if you wanna be mad at me then you should be mad at her, too. She was in it from the beginning. I made the money so we wouldn’t be living out of hotels and cheap apartments anymore. I wanted a better life for you. Piiza was a greedy woman for fame and money.  She’s just spiteful and wanna get back at me.”

“Miss Piiza.” It made sense she was in on it. She’s her father’s manager but Videl thought she was fooled into believing her father’s lies with the rest of the world. “She knew about this, too? Did Caroni and Pirozhki know? How many were in on this con?”

“Wait.” Now Mark was confused. “She didn’t tell you? How did you know?”

“The son of the man who died for us at the Cell Game told me the truth. Son Gohan. He and his Dad are the ones who killed Cell.”

Gohan? He heard that name before. “That bean pole who brought you to the medic room? He’s that pizza boy that was at the Cell Game.”

“He wasn’t a pizza boy. He was a fighter! He defeated Cell! He, his Mom and little brother lived in poverty while we lived off the money they deserved!”  

“Wait a minute now. I took credit for Cell but I was the one who made us money. I earned that for us!”

“Earned?” Videl couldn’t believe her father. “What you earned was based off lies! And if the world finds out….” Videl didn’t want to think of the humiliation. All the credibility and good fortune she developed would be gone, too. They’ll lose everything. “I….. I don’t wanna look at you anymore, Dad.”

“Videl….” Mark tried to reach his daughter. “You don’t understand.”

Videl flew away. She didn’t want to hear his excuses. She knew she needed time away from her father. She returned to ChiChi’s group. They were finally leaving the stadium. Videl didn’t know where they were going but she rather be with them than with her father.

****

The fight was dragging on longer than Goku expected. Goku wanted to end things with Vegeta’s dignity intact but he underestimated the power Vegeta absorbed under Bobbidi’s control. Being an Ascended Saiyan wasn’t enough to end this lengthy fight and Vegeta fought dirty. He used every physical and mind manipulation to distract and hammer blows on Goku forcing Goku to go beyond the limits of a Super Saiyan and inadvertently power Majin Boo’s shell.

Vegeta was also angry with the battle but not for the same reasons as Goku. He was angry with all this power, he still hadn’t bested Goku. Dammit! I should’ve defeated him by now but no matter how much I keep fighting and beating his ass, he keeps coming back. He was out of breath. So was Goku, but he was dead. Vegeta didn’t think Goku could tire like him. He could feel the battle taking a toll on his body and if he lost, what then? Will Bobbidi take his body and soul and destroy him like he did with Spopovich and Yamu?

What is the endgame with this? Vegeta knew he could defeat Dabura and Bobbidi but what happens after? Trunks didn’t know what he did but Bulma saw him maliciously slaughter thousands. Oh, there was the chance Bulma will take him back. She slept with him aware he murdered millions in his past. But he hadn’t murdered since they got together. Would what happened change things between them?

Fuck it! If I lose them, I will have this victory over Kakarrot.

Vegeta pushed off and charged on Goku again when the Saiyan held his hand out for him to stop. “Vegeta, wait!!” Goku looked away as if he felt a disturbance. “I feel something. It’s huge. I think Majin Boo has come out of his shell.”

Vegeta looked in the same direction and felt it, too. So, that’s Majin Boo. It felt powerful but Vegeta wasn’t threatened by it. “Look at us, Kakarrot. Look at how powerful we’ve gotten. That weak shit Supreme Kai wasn’t aware of our powers. Why the fuck should we care if Majin Boo awakened and pisses the Supreme Kai’s pants? His powers doesn’t match ours.”

“I don’t know about that.” Goku wasn’t so quick to dismiss the aura coming from Majin Boo. “This is abnormal.”

Abnormal. That was a word Vegeta didn’t think Goku knew. “Who the fuck cares?! You won’t be using him to get out of fighting me!”

Goku couldn’t believe Vegeta. Was he so blind and consumed with their fight, that he wasn’t concerned with what they helped release? This was more than soothing Vegeta’s battered ego and pride. Other people were going to suffer. His wife. His sons. Vegeta’s wife and son. Their friends. Everyone was going to suffer if they didn’t snuff out what they inadvertently released.

“I don’t know what Majin Boo is but he ain’t no joke.” Goku was over the fighting now. If he had to change into a Super Saiyan Three and beat Vegeta senseless to get it, he will. “We can’t waste anymore time fighting, Vegeta. Our fight released Boo before Gohan and the Supreme Kai could stop Bobbidi and Dabura. We have to stop this.”

Vegeta exhaled exhausted with Goku’s speech. He looked away at where Majin Boo was released. All right. His power has gotten higher in the last moment but Vegeta didn’t give a damn. “Who the fuck cares? Nothing will stop my match with you!”

Damn fool. “But everyone will be killed. Even Bulma and Trunks!”

What the fuck he’s mentioning them for? I don’t give a damn! But even thinking that, Vegeta knew that was a lie.

Vegeta…. I love you.

Dad, you’re so strong!!

Vegeta… being with you, makes me happy.

“Rrrgh!” I don’t care. I don’t care. I don’t care!!!!! “Shut up! Shut the fuck up!!” Vegeta exploded in rage. His body crackled with electricity as his ki burst from his body. “I sold my soul to Bobbidi to eliminate compassion! I don’t care what happens to anyone!!”

Who was he fooling? Not Goku. “That’s a lie and you know it. You may have sold your body and soul to Bobbidi but you didn’t sell your love for them.”

Vegeta snarled as he gritted at Goku. Fuck you, Kakarrot. He always knew what to say to get under his skin. He could always read his mind and know what he was thinking and feeling. “And how would you know that?”

“Because I’m a Saiyan… like you. I know what my family means to me. I know what I would give to reach the height of my power and I know what I wouldn’t give up. I know it’s the same for you.”

He wouldn’t give up his love for them and no matter how much he insist they finish their fight, Goku wouldn’t resume. That soft-hearted speech did tell Vegeta what he needed to do. It wasn’t your power that released Majin Boo. It was mine. I’ll end him. “Fine. We’ll put this off since you can’t focus.” He opened his hand. “Give me one of those senzu beans. We used up a lot of energy.”

Goku was relieved Vegeta was finally coming around. He reached into his pocket. “There’s one senzu bean left but we can split it. We can beat him if we work together.”

Vegeta smiled to himself. That damn fool had his back turned to him. Goku was so focus and giddy working together that he didn’t notice Vegeta clamp his hands together and swung forward with all his might to smash the back of Goku’s head so hard, that he fell to the ground completely knocked out.

That was easier than Vegeta thought. “Even you can be vulnerable when your guard is down.” He picked up the lone senzu bean and ate it. Immediately, Vegeta felt renewed. He looked down at Goku again and fought off the urge to kick him. “I let him loose so I’ll take care of him. We’ll settle this later….if I come back.”

Vegeta left Goku and went to the portal that will take him to where he expected will be his last stand. He wasn’t a fool. He felt the power from Majin Boo and knew even with the power given to him by Bobbidi, he was climbing an uphill battle. He’ll be lucky to come out of this alive.

But before Vegeta jumped down the portal, a chill passed through him as he felt someone was missing.

Gohan. He didn’t feel his Ki. Gohan is dead. So Majin Boo’s that powerful.  Dammit. Vegeta didn’t want this. He was angry at Gohan wasting his talent but he didn’t want him to die for it. “Sorry…..this is my fault.” The dragon balls should revive him but Gohan shouldn’t have died.

Vegeta jumped down the portal. Don’t worry, Gohan. Your death won’t be in vain.

****

They were making good time. Three dragon balls have been collected and they were closing in on the fourth. Despite the severity of the situation, ChiChi was in good spirits. It felt good to be hunting for dragon balls. It felt good to contribute and not sit and wait for others to do everything.

ChiChi’s good spirit was an anomaly among the others on the ship.  Bulma sat in Vegeta’s chair distraught over what he did while Yamcha piloted the ship. 18 had Marron in her lap while looking out the window. She accepted Krillin wasn’t dead but something bad happened to him. Her father sat in the back troubled. He hated what Vegeta did, too, but was also saddened by Mrs. Niver’s violent death. Their financial troubles will stay a secret but the cost was high. Then there was Videl. ChiChi didn’t hear but she saw Videl’s body language when she talked to her father. She was upset with him and ChiChi wasn’t sure why.

Did Gohan tell Videl the truth? Does she know what her father did?

“Videl?” ChiChi addressed the teen next to her. “I want to thank you for helping us to collect the dragon balls. We wouldn’t have gotten three so fast without you.”

“It was the least I could do.” Knowing the truth, Videl wanted to make up for her father’s sins. She wanted to apologize to Gohan’s mother. She wanted to give her family’s fortune to him. No wonder she hated my Dad. I bet she hates me, too. I can’t blame her. “Mrs. Son….” Videl couldn’t hold it in anymore. She wanted ChiChi to know she wasn’t her father.  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I didn’t know what my Dad did.”

So, she knows. ChiChi’s heart went out to Videl. She knew from personal experience what it felt to learn when a parent does something awful. “Gohan told you.” Videl nodded. “That’s why you were angry with your Dad.”

“You saw that?”

“The stadium was empty, Videl. It wasn’t hard to notice.”

Good. Videl was glad ChiChi saw it. She’d know she wasn’t on her father’s side. “I told him what I thought of him. After this is over, things will change.”

“If you are thinking of telling the world the truth, Videl, don’t. It’s not going to do any of our families any good. I don’t want the media circus around my family and you have your reputation to think of. A family’s name is important and yours will be tarnished for generations.”

“Not to mention the lawsuits from sponsors and everyone my Dad did business with.” It was a mess. “But I can’t let my Dad get away with it. I’m gonna make him give you what you’re owed, Mrs. Son.”

It would be a solution to her family’s financial problems but after all these years, did she want it?

“Don’t worry about that, Videl. This isn’t your problem.”

“But I want…..”

“I know,” ChiChi squeezed Videl’s hand. She was grateful for Videl’s kindness. “Let’s not worry about that. Let’s get these dragon balls.”

The dragon balls. That was another new thing. She looked at the three in the bag on the floor. “A dragon is really gonna come out when we get them all?”

“Yes. It’ll be a sight to see.”

“Hey, Bulma,” Yamcha flew the ship but Bulma had the dragon ball radar in her hands. “How close are we to the next one?” When Bulma didn’t answer, Yamcha tapped her arm. “Bulma?”

“Oh.” Bulma picked up the radar off the dashboard and read the map on the screen. She was so distracted with Vegeta they were almost passing it. “Oh, land now. We’re practically standing over it.”

She sat back in her chair and released a heavy sigh. “We almost got them all. We can revive everyone killed." Bulma worried about people talking about the massacre at the tournament. What if someone describes Vegeta? His name is on the tournament roster. What if that is released? It'll tie back to her and her family. "Maybe we should wait on reviving everyone," Yamcha suggested. "At least until after Goku deals with Vegeta. Then we can revive everyone Vegeta killed.” "Vegeta won't kill anyone else, Yamcha. Goku will stop him." "Goku couldn’t stop Vegeta from killing those people at the tournament. We were almost hit. That poor lady from Gyu-Mao’s village got killed. Geez,” Yamcha sighed. “I knew it was too much to expect Vegeta to completely change but I thought he was no longer a mass murderer." Vegeta’s behavior was on Master Roshi’s mind, too. "Goku’s return brought back memories and triggered things not settled." The old man sighed. "I guess it was too much hoping Vegeta changed. " Bulma listened carefully. Were they expecting Vegeta to become a killer again? He changed. I know he did. "Geez, Bulma," Yamcha muttered. "You had one job." He spoke so low he thought Bulma hadn't heard him but she did. "Me?" If she didn’t need it, she would smash the dragon ball radar on Yamcha’s head. "What the hell do you mean?" Yamcha jumped startled he was heard but with it out, he was going to stand his ground. “I thought being with you mellowed Vegeta like ChiChi softened Goku.” ChiChi kept her eyes looking out the window thinking of her husband and sons and wondering if they were all right. She had no interest in the conversation until Yamcha said, "Once Goku understood what being a husband and having a family meant, he settled down. I thought Vegeta would’ve settled and instead of training to kill, he’d train to protect. Maybe not protect us but at least you and Trunks. Wasn’t your love enough to change him?”

“My love?” Bulma had a lot to deal with but she’d be damned if she’s blamed for what Vegeta did. Blinded with anger, Bulma threw the dragon ball radar at Yamcha’s head. The hit startled Yamcha and forced him to hit the rudder too hard and sent the ship into a huge dive. 

Everyone bounced around as Yamcha brought the aircraft under control for a rough landing. No one wore their seatbelts so Bulma slammed against the dashboard. Videl fell out of her seat and slammed head first into the back of Bulma’s chair. 18 held onto her seat with one hand while clutching her daughter in her arm. Master Roshi rolled and hit the back of Yamcha’s chair while Gyu-Mao moved like a boulder rolling forward. ChiChi gripped the arm of the seat she shared with Videl and grabbed her father by the back of his pants and saved her father from crashing into the cockpit of the craft and caused enough damage that would’ve sent them plummeting to their deaths.

Boxes and bags of clothes, supplies and food went flying hitting the windows and people inside the shaking ship as Yamcha scrubbed the landing gear against the grass until the airship came to a full stop. When it was over, only Yamcha and Bulma managed to stay in their seats. 18 laid on the floor holding Marron to her chest with blankets dumped on them. Videl could feel a bruise forming on her forehead after smashing into Bulma’s seat. A cooler filled with ice and drinks spilled on her legs. Master Roshi’s body hung over the arm of 18’s chair. A couple of tools dropped on him. ChiChi laid out against her and Videl’s seats while still holding on to her father who was covered in food from the basket ChiChi brought with them.

Yamcha sat in his seat and took a few breaths. That was a close. They could’ve been killed. “Is everyone all right? Ow!” Yamcha hollered as Bulma punched him.

“No thanks to you, you idiot!” she fumed at him before storming off the ship.

Slowly, everyone else began to pull themselves together. 18 checked on her daughter. ChiChi and Master Roshi helped pull up Gyu-Mao. Videl picked up the dragon ball radar that had fallen on the floor through Yamcha’s rough landing. She saw Bulma holding it the entire time and directing everyone where to find the dragon ball. She was off the ship so Videl went to ChiChi in hopes of understanding it.

“I don’t know how to use this but I want to get the dragon ball.”

ChiChi took the radar and showed Videl how it functions. “Goku showed me once.”

“Thanks.” Videl grasped the radar. “I’ll be back.”

“I’ll help you,” Yamcha volunteered as he followed Videl out of the ship.

“Could you do it without sticking your foot in your mouth?” ChiChi was rightly annoyed at Yamcha who blushed nervously before bumping his head on his way out of the ship.

18 picked up Marron and carried her out of the ship. This left Master Roshi, Gyu-Mao and ChiChi alone. Master Roshi lit his pipe and blew a few puffs of smoke. “Ah, Yamcha still runs his mouth too much.”

“Here you go, Dad,” ChiChi handed her father a cool drink and sandwich as he settled down. She began putting the spilled ice back into the cooler. The last thing anyone needed is to slip and break something. “Is Yamcha still sore over what happened between him and Bulma?”  

“No.” Master Roshi was convinced Yamcha was over that. “But like any scorn ex, Yamcha, was waiting for a comeuppance. I don’t think he wanted this.” Smoke blew from Master Roshi’s mouth. “Yamcha understood it was time for him and Bulma to break up. He was rooting for her and Vegeta but he can’t help but take a shot. Yamcha got what he wanted in the worst way.”

“Well,” ChiChi picked up the spilled cans and bottles and placed them in the cooler. “Now isn’t the time for this.” In some ways, they have changed, and in other ways, ChiChi saw they haven’t. With all the ice and drinks back in the cooler, ChiChi went outside. She saw 18 watching Marron freely play in the grassy field. She couldn’t see Videl and Yamcha so she went over to Bulma who sat alone in a field of flowers.

"Bulma? Videl and Yamcha are looking for the dragon ball. They should be back soon.” ChiChi noticed Bulma wiping her eyes again. It had to have been hard seeing Vegeta become a killer again and Yamcha’s words didn’t help. "We don't know what happened." "We know enough. Vegeta turned back into that ruthless killer." "Maybe he’s possessed. He did have that 'M' emblem on his forehead like the jerk who beat up Videl." Possessed. Bulma knew Vegeta enough to know that didn’t happen. "Vegeta is too stubborn to get possessed. Whatever happened, he wanted it. I know that much about him." Bulma sniffed. "That seems to be all I know." "Bulma...." "He could've killed me!! I was so close to that blast!" "We all were but, Bulma, it was clearly a warning shot. You heard Vegeta. He did that so Goku would fight him." And that was another slap to her face. "All these years and he still hasn't changed! He's still obsessed with beating Goku. Wasn't Trunks and I enough for him to get over that?!" It should have been but ever since that talk in her kitchen, ChiChi worried Vegeta hadn’t moved on as everyone thought.  

“My Goku has kept training, too. He’ll exceed you again.”

Vegeta wasn’t surprised ChiChi boasted her husband will defeat him. “Your feelings for Kakarrot blinds you to underestimate me.” He handed ChiChi his empty bowl and silently requested she give him more ice cream.

ChiChi took the bowl and refilled it with four more scoops. “Your pride blinds you to the absolute truth. Goku always comes back stronger. Do you think Goku settled from where he was at the Cell Game? Gohan told me Goku kept his body. Goku’s body had limits on Earth but not in death.” ChiChi shook her head. “Whatever goes on in the afterlife, I know Goku trained extensively.”

Vegeta smirked. “I’m counting on it. It will make my victory over Kakarrot even better.”

ChiChi added cookies to the bowl before giving it to Vegeta. “What will you do, Vegeta, when Goku comes back stronger and you can’t beat him?”

“That will never happen.”

ChiChi expected that response from him. “I know what it’s like living with regrets. I spent seven years coming to terms with things between me and Goku.”

Vegeta munched on a cookie and a spoonful of ice cream. “Woman, don’t compare your problems with Kakarrot to my rivalry with him.”

“Vegeta, you’ve come a long way. I don’t mind if you are around my sons. I even like you and our talks. Your knowledge about Saiyans helped me understand Goku better so let me return the favor telling you there’s nothing wrong in being second.”

Vegeta would’ve smashed the bowl against the table if it didn’t get him a slap from ChiChi. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“As a Prince you were taught you are the best and everyone is beneath you. I was taught to have pride and self-respect, too. One thing we have in common, Vegeta, Goku knew how to rattle our pride. Goku forgot me and Goku showed you a Third Class Warrior can go toe-to-toe with a Saiyan Prince. You were always angry about how Goku was always a step ahead of you. It must’ve rattled your pride Gohan surpassed you when ten days before the Cell Game you were stronger than him.”

“So…….” A thick vein appeared on his forehead. ChiChi knew she touched a nerve. “Get to the point.”

“I spent seven years coming to terms with things between me and Goku but have you? You’re strong, Vegeta, and you’ve grown so much since you settled here. You have Bulma and Trunks. That’s what’s important. It doesn’t matter Goku is stronger.”

Vegeta jumped to his feet. “Kakarrot’s not stronger! He only got lucky! I busted my ass for seven years! I nearly gave up fighting after Cell but Kakarrot’s death motivated me to get stronger and I have. I have surpassed Gohan. I know I have surpassed Kakarrot! You’ll see it. You’ll all see it!”

Vegeta’s outburst didn’t rattle ChiChi. It concerned her. “And if you don’t, what then?”

“This is my final chance to show who the elite Saiyan is! My final chance to show Kakarrot who is…” Vegeta collected himself. He shouldn’t have reacted that way but he couldn’t lose again. “It never should’ve been a Third Class Warrior to defeat Freeza. I was the one who suffered under Freeza. He stripped me of my world, my people and my reign. I am a Prince in name only! I only had my pride and that damn Kakarrot was the one to redeem our people when it should’ve been me!!”

“Didn’t Trunks deliver the final…..”

“Freeza was a mutilated bastard who was a shell of himself when Trunks killed him. I had a chance to redeem myself by killing the Artificial Humans that killed me in an alternate time but I failed at that. I couldn’t even save my son’s death from Cell. It was Kakarrot and Gohan who saved us and not me! I have a chance to correct that. This time I will defeat Kakarrot! This time I will reclaim my rightful place as an elite Saiyan Prince!”

“There’s nothing to reclaim, Vegeta,” ChiChi gently told him. “It’s all in your head. You’ve come so far, Vegeta. You have a family. Your legacy is intact. Let go of this insane rivalry with my Goku or you will lose what’s really important.”

In Vegeta’s eyes, ChiChi didn’t get it. Like Bulma, she understood some things but couldn’t understand everything. It wasn’t their fault. They weren’t Saiyans. “It should’ve been me to defeat Freeza and Cell. I will make up for my losses. I will reclaim my pride. Without that, I have nothing!”

“You have Bulma and Trunks,” ChiChi reminded him. “Isn’t that enough?”

Sadly, ChiChi realized, it wasn’t enough. His decision wrecked him and Bulma.

“I don’t understand this, ChiChi,” Bulma went on, “Goku changed when he married you and had Gohan. Why didn’t Vegeta do the same?” “They’re not the same, Bulma. You can’t compare.” “They're Saiyans. They’re obsessed with fighting and being the strongest.” “Yes,” ChiChi agreed, “but they grew up differently. After defeating Piccolo, Goku was ready for a break from fighting. Marriage wasn’t on his mind but it was what he needed. We had five years to bond. Vegeta wasn’t ready to take a break from fighting. It was forced on him after Goku’s death.”

Bulma knew that was true. Vegeta was sullen and moped around for weeks before he resumed his training. Still, it didn’t excuse what Vegeta did. “Forced or not, Vegeta and I had seven years to bond. Why wasn't that enough?! Why weren’t we enough for him, ChiChi?!” ChiChi could only shrug. She didn’t have the answer. “Sorry,” Bulma apologized. “I'm just pissed. I thought he was over the killing. I never saw him doing this.” Never? ChiChi found that hard to believe. “We were all rooting for Vegeta to change, Bulma. He's come so far but even I was concerned when Vegeta visited me.” “Visit you?” Bulma wasn’t aware of this. “When did this happen?” “It was last month. He was upset I knew about Goten and Trunks being Super Saiyans before he figured it out. We talked about that and Goku's return. Vegeta was so confident he will beat Goku. Vegeta didn't want to entertain the idea of losing. He's still holding onto things.”

ChiChi’s analysis of Vegeta bothered Bulma. Her secrecy about their boys being Super Saiyans bothered her. “You knew about the boys being Super Saiyans? How could you keep that from Vegeta and me? I'm Trunks' mother.” The irony of kept secrets wasn’t lost on ChiChi. “I knew about Goten. I suspected Trunks but I was never sure. Goten never said anything.” Why was Bulma getting mad at her? “Vegeta trained Trunks. He should have noticed.” “But you suspected. You knew about Goten. You know Trunks and Goten are friends. That should've been enough for you to come to me about it!” Dammit! Bulma was angry again. How many people were going to betray her? “I can't believe you kept something so important from me and Vegeta!” ChiChi didn’t lash out. She knew Bulma was angry because of everything that happened today. “I wasn't keeping anything from you. I didn’t know. Trunks isn't my child. I'm not responsible for what he tells you.” Bulma threw her hands up laughing. “Ha! Where was this when you were mad we didn’t tell you what happened after the reunion? You knew about Trunks being a Super Saiyan. You secretly talked to Vegeta, noticed he still hasn't moved past his rivalry with Goku and you didn’t tell me what you feared. How could you keep something important about the two people I care most from me?!" ChiChi clenched her hands and exhaled. It was getting really hard to keep her temper in check. “I know you are angry right now. You had a horrible day but don’t you ever compare what happened at the reunion to my conversation with Vegeta and suspecting Trunks. It is not the same.”

No matter how many years, the aftermath of the reunion would always be a sore spot between them. It angered ChiChi Bulma would dare bring that up and compare it to what’s going on now. "What you, Master Roshi and Krillin did was ten times worse. I am on your side, Bulma, but don't take what happened today out on me. I don’t deserve that.”

Bulma remained quiet as ChiChi’s words settled in her. She was right. It wasn’t ChiChi’s fault. It was hers for not noticing and she hated that so much. “Sorry,” Bulma apologized. “I’m just pissed and Yamcha rubbing it in didn’t help. How was everyone so sure Vegeta would go back to being a killer?”

“Bulma….” ChiChi was nearly exasperated. “Between us, are you saying you never worried about Vegeta killing again? Vegeta wasn’t reformed when you invited him to live with you. You told me you saw him when you thought Freeza’s goon was gonna rescue you.”

“Zarbon.” It had been years but Bulma still remembered him. He was cute until he turned into that ugly beast.

“And when he was with Krillin and Gohan to get the dragon ball you had.”

“Two times might not have been enough to judge him but doesn’t that mean he wasn’t a killer? He was working with us.”  

“Gohan told me he killed Namekians.”

“Okay, so he was still a killer,” Bulma gave in. “The thought had crossed my mind Vegeta will kill again but I didn’t think he’d kill me. I thought if I took him in, fed and treated him to fine things, he wouldn’t kill me and wouldn’t kill anyone else and I was right. You have to admit that.”

Oh, she was trying and ChiChi gave her credit for that but she was still wrong. “Gohan told me Vegeta helped you when you thought Goku was dead. He wouldn’t have killed anyone on Earth since he was waiting on Goku’s return to learn about being a Super Saiyan.”

Okay. There was that little wrinkle. “But I still made the right choice.” Bulma wouldn’t think she was wrong about this. “Can you imagine how Vegeta would’ve been if he wasn’t given a stable home? I had to think of myself and my family.” ChiChi rolled her eyes. “What’s that eye roll for?”

ChiChi knew Bulma enough now to know she didn’t keep Vegeta around only to keep him from not killing everyone. “Bulma, you can’t fool me on this. You were attracted to Vegeta then. You wanted him to stay with you.”

“I won’t lie. I have a bit of a bad-boy fetish. Yamcha’s ruggedness and danger attracted me to him when we met.” Bulma was wistful of the meeting with her first love but when she saw judgment in ChiChi’s eyes, she got annoyed. “You let Piccolo stay with you for three years and you didn’t know all he did for Goku and Gohan on Namek. He’s family to you now.”

“It wasn’t my choice to have Piccolo live with us. It was Goku’s decision and he dropped the news on me the day he came back. I was pissed. It took weeks for us to make up and it took me months before I tolerated Piccolo and that was after I got some good hits in.”

Bulma was intrigued. ChiChi never shared this story. “You hit Piccolo?”

“Every day he left Gohan alone. Six months.”

Bulma snorted at the image of ChiChi hitting Piccolo for that long. “And what did he do?”

“Nothing.” ChiChi was very smug about that. “He knew if he put a hand on me, Goku would set him straight.”

Bulma chuckled softly before falling into full-blown laughter. ChiChi joined in laughing. It still brought a smile to her face how she hit Piccolo and he didn’t dare do anything about that. The laughter broke the tension split between the women.

“Maybe I was blind,” Bulma admitted, “but can you blame me wanting to see the best in Vegeta? He was trying. He really was, ChiChi. I can’t believe he would throw all of that away.” Bulma’s voice wobbled as the tears came again. “After all these years, don’t we mean anything to him?”

ChiChi embraced Bulma and let the woman cry on her shoulder. “He does care about you and Trunks, Bulma. Vegeta made a mistake but he’ll prove how much you and Trunks mean to him.”

****

It was over. Vegeta was ready to admit defeat. There was no way to stop Majin Boo without making the final sacrifice. Vegeta tried everything but nothing could stop him. Not even working with Piccolo, Trunks and Goten.

I really fucked things up. My selfishness killed Gohan and unleashed a beast that will destroy everyone if I don’t stop him. Bulma… Trunks…. you won’t understand now. You might even hate me for what I’ve done. In time, maybe you can forgive me.

His son stood with him, ready to join him in the fight against Majin Boo but Vegeta wasn’t going to allow that. This was his battle. This was his death.

“Trunks, take care of Mom.”

“Huh?” Trunks didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

Decision made, Vegeta felt light as if something was removed from him. This was very different from when he died at Freeza’s hands. He felt anger and guilt then. Now he felt at peace, as if this was the right thing to do. Is this what you felt when you sacrificed yourself to Cell, Kakarrot? A vision of Bulma and Trunks appeared before him. It was when they were together at the park. Bulma took pictures as he pushed Trunks on a swing. He could hear Trunks saying, ‘Higher, Dad. Higher.’ Is this what you saw, Kakarrot? Your family as I am seeing mine?

The vision faded as Vegeta told Trunks and Goten. “You two make your escape. I’ll fight Majin Boo by myself.”

“No!” Trunks argued against that. “We’ll fight with you or you’ll be killed!”

He is my son. How ironic he thought. Trunks in this and the other timeline will grow up without him. “Trunks…. I never held you even when you were a baby.” He smiled at his son. “Let me give you a hug.” Vegeta wasn’t surprised Trunks stared at him as if he were an alien. He never showed any affection to his child. Vegeta rested his hand on the back of Trunks’ neck and pulled him forward so he can hold his son against him.

He felt Trunks resisting and grumbling, “This is embarrassing.”

Vegeta smiled. If he’s allowed to, he’ll keep this memory in the afterlife. He wasn’t like Goku. He felt it but he couldn’t say ‘I love you.’ All he could say to his son, his heir is, “Take care…. Trunks.”

He whacked Trunks on the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. Goten screamed, demanding to know why he did that. There was so much of Goku in this young boy. Would’ve been interesting to see how he turned out. He delivered the same blow to Goten’s stomach. He fell unconscious adjacent to Trunks.

Piccolo descended from the sky and picked up the boys. “You’re planning to die, aren’t you?”

Vegeta didn’t think he had to answer what Piccolo knew. Instead, he asked, “Will I be able to see Kakarrot in the afterlife?” Maybe we can resume our match there.

Time was short and Piccolo didn’t want to mince words to give Vegeta hope of something that will not happen. “No. You’ve killed too many innocents. You will lose your body and your soul will go to a place different from where Goku resides.”

Isn’t that fucking great? “I see. Pity.” Vegeta focused on the big and pudgy Majin Boo. It was time to end this. “Then go….. now!”

Piccolo left with Goten and Trunks. He looked back at Vegeta one last time, memorizing this heroic and final act. Give him Hell, Vegeta.

For Vegeta, he wasn’t facing death mortally injured. He wasn’t filled with regrets, anger and missed opportunities. He was a man at peace, smiling as he faced death in its pink, lumpy form. He lived a good life thanks to Goku. If not for him, the oppressor of his people would still be alive. He never would’ve met Bulma who tolerated and accepted his stubborn ways and give him a son he was damn proud of.

A massive ball of Ki surrounded Vegeta. Majin Boo hopped and pounded his chest like an angry beast. “I’ve got to blow you to smithereens so you can’t regenerate again!”

Oh, that got Majin Boo’s attention. He looked worried. It was the first time he saw fear.

Vegeta smirked. He wouldn’t be around to enjoy this victory but he’ll be glad to take Majin Boo with him to the afterlife. He summoned all his power to turn himself into a ticking time bomb. This explosion will destroy everything for miles. Unlike Goku’s instantaneous death, Vegeta knew in his final seconds, he will suffer excruciating pain. Reaching the limits of his power, Vegeta mentally counted down.

Ten seconds.

The vision of Bulma and Trunks at the part appeared again. I do this for you…. Bulma…. Trunks…..

Another vision appeared as Goku joined Bulma and Trunks. The tall Saiyan smiled that endearing grin and waved him over as if encouraging Vegeta to join them.

One second.

And even you…… Kakarrot.

To Be Continued

Part 40: Revival (A lot more sooner than this update!)

It has been much too long since updated. I can’t believe it has been over a year and I am deeply sorry for that. I felt I had to take a break and get away from this story. It was meant to be a couple of months as I focused on other stories and it bloviated into a year. I had family issues to take care of this past year that slowed down my writing immensely. Things are spinning more positively now and I hope it continues that way. I deeply, deeply, thank you all for your patience and support in this story and waiting for an update. I felt guilt many times for seeing reviews begging for an update. I wasn’t sure how to respond and I am sorry about that but I appreciate all who love and support this story.

Until next time and a lot more sooner!!

In the manga, Trunks and Goten won as the winner won 10 million zeni and 5 million zeni respectively. I will treat zeni as Japanese Yen so 10 million zeni equals to 74K US dollars and 5 million zeni equals to 37K US dollars which can be a lot but not enough to live on forever.

Videl in Super is not the same as Videl in this part of DBZ I am writing. Videl was very arrogant and headstrong (not solely her fault) and I am writing her as how she acted during this arc.

I like Gohan but Gohan did slack off in those seven years. He struggled against Dabura which might have been due to not getting all his powers restored from Kibito since Gohan’s power is significant but even in the anime Vegeta broke down Gohan’s struggles was more than just strength. When Videl fought Spopovich, Gohan didn’t notice Videl was in over her head. Goku saw the match after it started and knew within a few moments something wasn’t right. Gohan facing Cell had more awareness.

I don’t know if it is canon or not but I’ve seen posts saying that Mark is Mr. Satan’s real name with Mr. Satan being his stage name like a wrestler.

The anime really dragged out scenes of Mr. Satan celebrating his win when those scenes could’ve been used to show more adventures with the gang searching for dragon balls or discussing what Vegeta did.

I’m sure there were more notes but I forgot.

#goku #chichi #gochi #gohan #goten #piccolo #dragonball #dragonball z #fanfiction #life with you #dbz vegeta #dbz #bulma #goku x chichi

[okwritingandpain]

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: The Beatles x Reader

Chapter 15

Everything was so strange. The world felt the same, but it had this off tone to it all. Yes, nothing had changed except for George and John still being alive, but it brought this sense of...realization? A realization that things are meant to be a certain way. Changing something that shouldn't be trifled with is detrimental. She picked up her phone...gosh was it weird to have a smart phone again. Dialing her best friends number, she waited for her to pick up. 

"Y/N!" Her friend cried from the other side of the phone.

"I'm so glad to hear your voice! Listen, how long was I gone and can you pick me up?" She asked, standing on the street as cars whirled past her. 

"How long? It's only been an hour since you left for the coffee shop. Where are you?" Her friend replied. Was it true? She hadn't been gone as long as she had thought? Time hadn't passed and the world had changed-- 

"I'm not sure..." Y/N looked around for a sign. Paul had driven her to some studio that she had no idea where it was located.  She saw a street sign and told her friend what it read. 

"That's pretty far away from where I am, but I can come and get you." Her friend replied, "It'll take me an hour or two, so go rest somewhere for a bit." 

"Text me when you get here." 

"You got it." She hung up and now what? What if Paul came out and looked for her. She thought it best to leave the street for now. Walking towards a park full of kids and families, Y/N remembered the wonderful times she had in Liverpool. It truly was marvelous, but she couldn't deny her anger towards Paul. A group of school children ran past as the sun reached the highest point in the sky. Constant chatter of the birds rang out among the busy walkways and the dogs that barked for a ball to be thrown surrounded the beautiful area. The leaves were dancing in the soft wind that was barely noticeable due to the sunlight. 

"Ma'am?" A voice asked, making Y/N turn around. A young man with glasses and dark hair was looking at her curiously. "My name is Levi. I was talking with my grandfather earlier today and he brought up an incident that happened in 1962." 

"And?" She asked, confused by this man's forwardness. 

"His name is Scott. You don't happen to be Y/N? The one died in the car crash, or you could be related to her too. I honestly don't know. I'm sorry if I bothered you, but you look just like her from the photographs." He explained, giddily twisting a photo in his hands. He noticed she was looking at it as he went to show her. It was her and Scott in front of the store. Who knew he would actually score a wife and have kids none the less. He was doing better than the Beatles that's for sure. 

"Can you keep a secret?" She smirked, examining the photograph. He nodded, excitedly. "Paul McCartney sent me back in time to save the Beatles from breaking up, but I retroactively caused them to break up before they were even popular and then I was hit by car." He looked more confused than she was. He adjusted his glasses, curiously. 

"Who are the Beatles? They were one of those one hit wonder bands right?" He asked. It was crazy to think there was a world without the Beatles. 

"They were supposed to change the world of music, but now they are normal people...I think unless they joined other bands. Here can you tell me who Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, or Ringo Starr is?" She asked, hoping someone would ring a bell. He started laughing and it took him a moment to collect himself. 

"Ringo Starr? What kind of a name is that!" He laughed harder. Glaring at him, she crossed her arms. 

"Just tell me if you have ever heard of them." She hissed, waiting for him to stop cracking up. He took a deep sigh. 

"I've heard of John Lennon." He said, "He became an activist." 

"I'm not surprised, but this time he is alive." She sighed as Levi raised an eyebrow. 

"Are you saying he was dead?" Levi questioned with a glare. 

"Well what gave it away!" She said, sarcastically. Rolling his eyes, Levi thought for a moment. 

"I guess I should ask if I can be any help of getting you to a mental hospital." He said, waving his hand around. 

"She has no need for that I'm afraid." A familiar voice called from across the way. Turning to see who it was, she couldn't believe her eyes. John walked over to them. He was older now...older than he should have been. It was mesmerizing, but yet uncomfortable.

"John?" She asked, not even sure it was him. Levi squinted at him, confusingly.

"Hey, Y/N. Fancy seeing you here." John smiled, "Considering you're supposed to be dead." 

"I thought you were supposed to be." She replied with a smirk. Did John know that things weren't right? That this wasn't what it was supposed to be? 

"At least that's what Paul says." John laughed, looking Levi up and down. "Oh great, you're related to Scott aren't you? I never liked that man." Levi looked taken aback as he turned to Y/N. 

"What is he talking about? How does he even know that I am related to Scott?!" He puzzled, taking the picture back from her. 

"Ask him yourself, Idiot." She motioned to John who was listening patiently. Levi huffed, glaring at John. 

"So?" Levi asked him. John gave a chuckle as he patted the man on the shoulder. 

"You're grandfather was a horrible, manipulative person...at least in my eyes. I don't know what others thought of him, but he was someone I wasn't inviting to my funeral." John winked at Y/N who slapped her face in embarrassment. Levi pulled his shoulder away from John and he stormed off. 

"Good job old man." Y/N paced around him. John shrugged, checking his watch. 

"He was as uptight as someone related to Scott can be." John remarked, sitting down on a bench in the shade. He stared up at some birds that were nesting in a  nearby tree. Sitting next to him, Y/N thought back to the dinner at his aunt's.

"Are you doing alright? It's been what sixty years since we last saw each other?" She tried to strike up some sort of conversation. How could a person talk to someone who they thought was dead? Especially if that person was the same age and you weren't? 

"I've been...fine. I've lived a life that I consider fulfilling. The hardest challenges came early with the band and you. After that...everything was easy. I was lucky that I didn't have to live through too many deaths and losses. We broke up and went our separate ways. I wrote song after song, but I couldn't bring myself to ever make them public because of everything else. I couldn't watch my songs be produced while Paul was grieving. I couldn't let the world hear my music while George was fighting his smoking addiction. I couldn't advertise something that had heart and loss, but not a shared feeling. Ringo stuck with me for a few years, but after awhile we went our separate ways. The last time I had talked to Paul he told me that George and I should be dead. That you shouldn't have known us and I thought he was crazy but now...I should have known if was the only truth he could ever tell." John went silent for a moment. He checked his watch one more time before standing up. 

"Where are you going?" She asked with a frown. How could he leave after all of that? 

"George will meet you in a few minutes. I should get going." John waved goodbye as he trudged down the walkway. Y/N felt her heart shattering. She didn't know what was worse anymore. Real life or the life Paul tried to make. Luckily, she was going to get the chance to talk to the people who she really needed to talk to...the rest of the band.

#paul mccartney #paul mccartney x reader #george harrison #george harrison x reader #john lennon #john lennon x reader #ringo starkey #ringo starkey x reader #ringo starr #ringo starr x reader #the beatles #beatles fic #fanfic #beatles fanfiction #beatles fandom #time travel #cross posted on ao3 #wattpad

[beardedmrbean]

Oh dear, two weeks of hospital food? Damn

Oh yes i understand white people don’t want to be told they are inherently racist just like I don’t want to be told I’m a eternal victim

Actually you help fixed some stuff with the native wizards

So most natives wizards are usually from or left the reservations, but still have strong tribe roots. And they have traditional garbs, but I decided use Victorian area because I learn many Native Americans adapted to that style of clothing and mixed it with their traditional looks. And my natives wizards are usually young to middle age. So it much easier to carry around colonial or Victorian style clothing for repairs to easily fix very old stuff.

Now they are full blown shamans, but they are usually old and often on the reservations. Now I don’t want to be rude, but my native wizards tackle modern topics of what the tribe is now vs what more can they do. I would also make sure to have proper consalutes to the individual tribes I use

Side note, the other disporia are taught their parents traditions. But of course over the generations and years they have been modified. Also they usually have…outposts, think of Chinatown. Now the outpost’s usually have to make a compromise with the American Wizarding system. Though the ancestral wizards are often under persecution and in hiding, but they can’t leave their sources of energy

Ugh shit I’m mumbling

Now for traditional garb for the wizards and magical users across the Americas perhaps a century prior to the American revolution and later the other countries. Realized they are too different from the magical users from the old world. And they say glimpses into the future the colonial empires will fall.

So it was decided to make local I want to guilds or societies as they were very different from the old world and can control local ancient beings better. IE the 13 colonies guild wanted to have the lovecraft users “loyalty”

Now these guilds eventually became American and Mexican wizards societies. Of course they had like local guilds that left, merge and such. So traditional garb….very from person to place

Like east coast wizards may have better connections to colonial era stuff. But…FUCK, word building hard. But it was decided that early modern age particularly Victorian. So the stand idea of an American wizard is Victorian-1920’s. Because I love art deco and the prohibition is where most of the country united against the government which created the proper American magic

Thanks for liking my jokes, see not all Gen z have that Whedon snark or Rick and Morty Nilihism

Oh here another one

Black American necromancer: Yes! I finally brought back my civil war ancestor! Now he can tell me how he fought for the…

Confederate zombie: ugh where am I? Wait is this yankee land?!

BN: W-What?! How?! What slave you force yourself onto?!

CZ looking at his descendant: Oh hey me and Susie kids did make it out alive!

BN: Is that the slave you abused?!

CZ: Huh? She was my wife!

The other American wizard who also a civil war historian: wait hold on let me check my records…oh I think I found your ancestor. Is this you?

CZ: yep

AW: Alright, do some echo magic…Ah! This soldier married a freed slave after the war. They had 6 kids, 4 that have modern offsprings. Huh it says here they lived for for 60 years

BN : HOW THE FUCK AM I RELATED TO A CONFEDERATE?!

AW: 🙄, many Americans have both union and confederation ancestry. It was called a brother fighting brother war for a reason

BN: We’re in New York!

CZ: Oh it is yankee land, my youngest son said he was going to New York for work. But after Susie died, I was heartbroken and died shortly afterwards

AW: Ah, this must be him, it says here after your funeral. He stayed and died in New York due to the difficulty of the Great Depression

BN: Wait that my great great grandpa! Why I wasn’t told this?

AW: Oh your family knows, but your father told me to come with you as it seem your family confederate ancestry is told when the children comes to age

BN: How can I live with it?

AW: The Chinese American wizards have to deal with cannibalism urges due to a stupid spell a sorcerer did. And Andre 3000 wore a confederate belt in the Ms Jackson music video

Sorry for the long dialogue, it seem that a lot of African Americans are getting mindfuck with the ancestry dna tests

Um my fellow blacks…not every white genes is because of slave owners abusing slave women…and while we are mostly black, we aren’t inbred as hell.

Ya I don't think there's much of anything that won't taste good after this

Oh yes i understand white people don’t want to be told they are inherently racist just like I don’t want to be told I’m a eternal victim

Now if only the people making media could figure that out, was watching a episode of the 2019 revival of Twilight Zone since Amazon took X-Files away from me, but the whole tone of the episode was so heavy handed with the racist white cop narrative in that one I had trouble enjoying it, Rod Sterling was a master of getting the point across without jamming it into your face, usually the one about the commies was pretty in your face.

Actually you help fixed some stuff with the native wizards ect.....

So it was decided to make local I want to guilds or societies as they were very different from the old world and can control local ancient beings better. IE the 13 colonies guild wanted to have the lovecraft users “loyalty” Now these guilds eventually became American and Mexican wizards societies. Of course they had like local guilds that left, merge and such. So traditional garb….very from person to place

That works, gonna need to be a "school" uniform but this is America we can be a bit unique in the working world, at least in some industries.

Thanks for liking my jokes, see not all Gen z have that Whedon snark or Rick and Morty Nilihism

I came to the conclusion a long time ago that I will do my level best to treat people as individuals and not part of a group, unless they're scientologists because bleh, or communists because they've chosen to identify as part of a collective and respecting that means collective responsibility for the whole collective.

Oh here another one (scroll up to read)

AW: The Chinese American wizards have to deal with cannibalism urges due to a stupid spell a sorcerer did. And Andre 3000 wore a confederate belt in the Ms Jackson music video

Quality ending, wondering how this will work out, since you brought cannibalism into it, some of the various African wizards, potion makers really as well, no real gentle way to put it other than life would be hell for a albino African wizard, or complicated at least.

That or if they found a spell for regrowing fingers and such they could make a ton of money.

Suppose the choice would be if you wanted to go tragedy or comedy on that.

Cajuns in Louisiana probably would have a beef with the Haitians and possibly the Dominicans too.

Sorry for the long dialogue, it seem that a lot of African Americans are getting mindfuck with the ancestry dna tests Um my fellow blacks…not every white genes is because of slave owners abusing slave women…and while we are mostly black, we aren’t inbred as hell.

Jungle fever is a thing, also history goes a ways back and you really don't know who was trotting round in the Congo 2000 years ago, that and the Boers are a thing there was mixing there I don't care how racist people were or illegal it was, folks fall in love.

Humans been bumpin uglies a long time and if you think the only way it could happen between people of different skin colours was by rape you lack the capacity to understand love and are likely racist as well.

Come on now

Love these two

Most fun part is she's actually African so it's not like folks can speak over her on all the stuff she talks about

Video I saw "the coon and the colonizer" directed at her, they hate her cuz they ain't her.

#zoomer huey anon

[lostonehero]

Potential time travel to YouTube au

Note that this takes place right after Micheal's livestream rants, and Henry is trying to find him to comfort him

Henry's lungs burned as he ran from Michael's apartment, his body protested as he ran through the streets as the storm started. "Micheal! Micheal please it's ok, I I didn't know." He doesn't realize it's easier to breathe and his body isn't aching at the exercise

The rain comes down harder as lightening flashes in the sky and a crash of thunder screams through the air.

He shouts. "Micheal please, Micheal." He is soaked to the bone as he runs into a alleyway he doesn't notice how things look different like the old has become new

A small child maybe nine or ten wearing clothes too big for his small frame is curled up by a dumpster

Henry freezes those are the clothes Micheal was wearing, but this child is too small and alive to be him. He scoops the child up. Two blue eyes state up at him, and he freezes again, his breath caught in his throat. "Michael?"

Micheal is clinging to Henry as Henry numbly walks home. His car isn't where he parked it.

He's soaked to the bone when he goes home, and so is Micheal, who looks like a drowned rat. He doesn't notice the drawing from his daughter or his wife in the kitchen.

(They divorced only a few months after Charlie was killed They couldn't stand each other because everything just was too much They reconnected later on amd became friends Henry helped her through chemo later on in life and she remarried and had a family and he supported her, her new kids call him uncle)

"Henry? I've been worried sick. I've been waiting for hours. William said you were on your way home before the storm started, and he left before you. I called his home and he said you weren't there." Margret steps back at Henry's condition, and there's a child clinging to him. "Henry? Henry, what did you do?"

Henry frowns. "I didn't know you were visiting this week, Margaret. I thought the grandkids had that school thing you were excited about." It doesn't even click that his home is the way it was before. "Can you help get a warm bath started, I know the bathroom is a mess. I'm in the middle of redoing it."

Margaret rushes over. "Henry, what has gotten into you? You're soaked to the bone. Are you drunk?"

"I haven't touched that stuff in ages. You know that I'm sober." He puts Micheal down as he grabs a towel from the hall closet and straps the boy of his wet clothes, and puts him in a towel. "Huh, this old thing looks brand new."

Margaret recognizes the boy. "You took William's son? Henry, what nonsense are you talking about? You kidnapped a child!"

Henry furrows his brows, finally looking at Margaret. "Kidnapped? Wait.... Margaret, why do you look so young, and your hair is long? You haven't had it that long since before....."

Micheal shivers, holding the towel around him like a blanket. He points to the calendar in the hall.

Henry pushes past Margaret and stares at the calendar. His face grows pale as his face morphs into a look of horror. "Margaret, we need to talk."

"Damn right, Henry, you're drunk and kidnapped your partner kid off the street in the rain. What the hell were you thinking?"

Micheal pulls the towel around him. "Uncle Henry, I don't think I want Father to find me again."

Margaret sits at the kitchen table as Henry helps Micheal tie off the shirt and underwear he has to borrow. "Kid, you're as skinny as before."

Micheal shrugs, enjoying the glass of milk he has.

"Margaret, you have to understand... this will be a lot." Henry frowns.

"You better be convincing Henry Emily, or I will be calling the cops."

Micheal finishes his glass. "I can't remember the last time I've drank something. Did it always feel like that? Hi Miss Margaret again, sorry I didn't say something before." He sits up straight, and his facial expression betrays the age he's supposed to be. "I apologize, but uh, we aren't supposed to be here, I mean, yeah, we are, but also not." He pauses, kicking his feet. "I can't believe I was this small before.... "

"Micheal...." Henry sighs.

"Right right, sorry, I've got the knowledge about this... uh, right, so... wait, I can't use that comparison. Uh, so for us, our minds, at least not our bodies, obviously, actually thankfully I'm not like I was or will be.."

Henry smiles and looks at Margaret.

Margaret looks a bit pensive like she is starting to realize that isn't a child mind in that body.

"It's uh our minds are from our body in the year 2023... yeah, yeah, I know, like 40 something years from now.... but it's true I can prove it, I have like three degrees unofficially and never did get the chance to go to college before I was scooped.... right, I am also an expert at stitching any material, and I bet I can build something better than William if I so desired. Granted, I'm more of an artist than him. I painted the walls of my apartment... wait, I don't have that film over my vision anymore."

Henry sighs. "Micheal I think that's enough. Margaret we've been divorced for awhile from where I'm at in life. It happened after... after... oh she's here."

Micheal frowns. "Oh.... " He hops down from his chair. "I'll uh be in the guest room..."

#fnaf #five nights at freddy's #scooped michael #michael afton #henry emily #william afton

[blackbat05]

Home is where the heart is

Dad Rick Flag x Mom Reader Headcanon

A/N: School said it was time for a cute headcanon to distract myself from the craziness! Hope you enjoy the brief stuff that I came up with!

Genre: PG-13

Notes: Super fluff. Alternative universe from the suicide squad.

***

Being in active military duty, Rick had to be away for long stretches of time.

Every time he was away, you wished he would come back sooner. Safe and sound.

All of this is still very applicable. Especially with two young children who clearly miss their dad.

Ethan, your older boy is a splitting image of his father.

Although he’s only eight, but you had one matured and responsible son.

‘Daddy’s coming back today right?’ He asks you from the living room as he plays with four year old Anna.

You nod, glad to see the look of excitement on your son’s face before he rushes off to his room.

‘Ok Anna, we’re gonna make a card for Daddy!’ He spreads out a large piece of paper in front of his little sister who returns him a toothy grin.

The result was two kids who were covered in glitter and sparkles as they anxiously wait with you at the arrival area of the airport.

Then, you see a group of soldiers coming towards the exit. Its got to be them.

There you see him. That familiar fluff of blonde hair.

Walking beside his partner and a loyal friend of the family - Robert Dubois, he finally sees the three of you.

Forget whatever aches and pains he has. He’s just glad to make it back home alive. In time to come, he’ll tell you how Robert saved his life. But for now, he just wants to hug his precious munchkins and beautiful wife.

‘DADDY!’ Rick opened his arms wide to allow his kids to come barreling in like mini rocket launchers.

Robert gives you a hug before turning his attention to your little ones. You can finally hug your husband after god knows how long.

‘I miss you.’ You muttered as he wraps his arms around you. ‘Thank god you’re alright.’

‘I told you. I’m coming back to you and the kids. No matter what.’ He gives you a much needed kiss.

‘Let’s go home.’

***

A/N: As always, thanks for reading and the support! May not be as active now but really appreciate all the love!

Also my “brilliant” brain just realized that I actually had a tag list and forgot to tag the wonderful people? Please forgive my fish brain .����😭😭 I have one more fic coming soon and I already tagged in my draft in advance!

Tags: @loverhymeswith @lacontroller1991 @weallhaveadestiny @torchbearerkyle

#rick flag x reader #rick flag x reader fluff #rick flag headcanon #rick flag fluff headcanon #rick flag x reader headcanon #rick flag fluff

[weareallstoriesintheend]

Just Give Me Time (Charlie Barber x Reader)

Summary: One day when going through Charlies night stand you find something you really didn't expect to find.

Warnings: Angst, infidelity, cheating, mentions of divorce

Word Count: 1,907

You were bustling around Charlie’s apartment filling up a small backpack ready for the day. It was a warm Saturday afternoon and the plan was already lain out; you were going out to photograph the new vintage fair that had come into the city a couple of weeks ago. You and Charlie rarely had days out, both of you makes excuses of being too tired from work so the principle of getting an outing with your boyfriend made you giddy! Charlie had already promised to treat you to as many cotton candies and ice cream you could muster, watching you bounce around like a little excited kid made his heart swell with joy.

“Charlie!” you called out throughout the apartment “Where did you put the little bag for the digital camera?”

“Ummm… try my night stand” he said absentmindedly, rustling around in the bags to get them ready.

You pulled your eyebrows down in confusion popping your head round the door, “Why would they be-“ but he was already walking away from you into the kitchen. You rolled your eyes and figured you’d give his suggestion a shot.

Making your way into the bedroom you slid open the top drawer on his side of the bed.

You didn’t even register what you were looking at at first, brain still in a rush to find this camera bag and get out the door, but then your eyes focussed a little more on what was in front of you.

For some reason you sunk to your knees, almost following your stomach which had dropped down to your feet. The voice in the back of your brain reminded you that you’d never been in this drawer, not that you’d had a reason too. Charlie kept his reading material, phone and glasses on the top of the stand, condoms in the bottom drawer and medications in the bathroom so why else would you need to go in here.

But now you knew why.

Sitting in the back of the drawer on Charlie’s side of the bed was a simple gold ring on top of a picture of a little boy, probably about 7 or 8 years old.

Walking back into the living room you could see Charlie packing the last few things into your bag, on any other occasion you would see this as a sweet gesture but right now you could barely stand to look at him. Your eyes almost immediately dragged themselves away from him as your stomach churned. “What’s this?” you asked in a small voice, trying to keep your tone neutral. A tiny part of you was hoping there was a reasonable explanation. Your hands shook a little holding the two items out to him, surely there had to be another reason?

Maybe the ring was his grandads and it was a gift when he passed away? Maybe the boy was a nephew you didn’t know about?

Charlie turned to you smiling, looking from your face down to your outstretched hands, and stopped dead in his tracks. The sudden twist of his features told you everything you needed to know. Instant silent tears began to drip steadily down your cheeks as the reality washed over you.

“Are you married?” despite your determination to keep your voice level having to utter those words made you tremble. Despite how nauseous the words made you it had to be him that told you, no room for presumptions or assuming the worst – you needed to hear him say it.

“S-sweetheart, listen I-“

“Are you married?” you shouted, anger and humiliation bubbled over and you couldn’t bear to hear him stammer.

A simple, quiet reply was all that followed, “Yes”

You scoffed in shock and held your stomach tight, fighting the bile that threatened to rise up. Your legs felt like they wanted to collapse again, like everything in your body was telling you to ground yourself in this ridiculous reality.

“We’re divorcing!” Charlie rushed out, taking a step towards you. Holding your hand up you stopped him, not wanting him to come any closer to you let alone touch you. Your skin crawled as his fingers stayed outstretched.

“Do you think that matters?” you spat; he waved his hands in response like he was attempting to get words to come out. You noticed that they were shaking as he did so.

You continued in his silence, “We’ve been seeing each other for nearly 9 months Charlie! You didn’t think to mention that you were still married?”

He nodded, “Of course I did but… it’s complicated”

“OH I’m sure it is!”

You looked down at the little collection you had in your hands, the tip of your thumb played with the worn gold band but you were focussed on the picture that was below it.

“Your son?” you asked accusingly, holding it up for him to see.

He nodded again, this was the quietest you’d seen Charlie in a long time and you were almost pleased, “Henry”

“Cute name” you sniffed and wiped the cascading tears away roughly with the back of your hand.

A deathly uncomfortable silence fell over the room; all that could be heard was Charlie’s laboured breathing and your sniffles. It was a pathetic scene to say the least. Suddenly, like a white hot flash, you realised you were still clutching the picture with his wedding ring and you felt dirty. You unceremoniously dropped them onto the side table next to you, fighting the temptation to wipe your hands down your jeans.

There was no real shouting, no screaming, throwing things and calling him names. The reality was dumbstruck silence. You felt like you’d been hit by a truck, your limbs shook and your stomach ached. Blinking your eyes you tried to push away the tears and the fact that your head felt like it was spinning.

You were the other woman, at the ripe old age of 28 you were a mistress. It made your blood boil in your veins to think you’d been tricked into hurting another woman.

“How did I not know?” a question for yourself as well as him, you stood shaking your head in disbelief as you received no reply, “I’m so stupid!”

Charlie stuttered, no words making an appearance before his shoulders slumbered and his voice quietened. You stared at him, eyes wide with the horror at his lack of even a defence.

“I’m going home” you said turning frantically to find your jacket and bag.

“Please wait…” Charlie whispered, now the tears began spilling down his cheeks as he spoke up. You noticed how his bottom lip shook as he reached out for you and it made your stomach twist with a strange sympathy. His large hands grappled with your forearms as you tried to stand back from him but his grip was strong enough to hold you.

You gasped a little as he dug his fingers into your skin in desperation, “You’re hurting me” you whimpered and he instantly let go.

“I love you”

Staring up at him you didn’t know whether to slap him or hold him, his face held the picture of complete grief. You shook your head in response and now it was your turn to stutter, lowering your gaze to the floor you kept your eyes on your feet.

Before you could really form words he kept speaking, “I love you! I love you! I love you!” he gasped in a breath and his hands returned to cover your forearms.

“Please don’t go. I… I should have told you. I was going too! But I was scared I would lose him”

Those words caused your eyes to snap up to his face. He nodded, “I thought she would go after me if she knew…. I would never see my son again!” and then it was like something snapped inside him and his towering body crumpled.

Slipping down to his knees he rested his palms on your hips, curling his fingers to grip the material of your jumper. Your body swayed with the force of his actions and your hands found steadying purchase on his broad heaving shoulders. Charlie sobbed, unabashed and completely broken, into your body. Your own tears joined in and you couldn’t help but weave your fingers into his hair and stroke gently along his scalp.

“Please just… give me time to explain everything. There’s so much… I-I can’t…” he cried, coughing and spluttering around his sobs.

“Charlie I-“

“Please!” he practically screamed, in that moment he gazed up at you and your heart shattered once again.

Nothing about him felt malicious or cruel; he was just a lost man who didn’t know what to do. A man whose own actions caused a whirlwind in his life that he didn’t know how to control. A man who just loved his son.

“I-I’m also going to need time” you stuttered, bending down to his level. He still sobbed violently remaining clutched too you as best as he could. Your brain felt like it was rattling in your skull, mere moments ago you were happily in love with the most amazing, brilliant, strong dependable man and now…. now you didn’t know anything.

You stroked back his ruffled hair that was sticking to the tears on his face, snot ran down his top lip from the force of his sobs and you scrunched your jumper sleeve to wipe it away. He nodded rapidly in response to your statement, chewing on his bottom lip to stop it from wobbling, and brought his hands up to cup your face.

“Do you understand that I never meant to hurt you?” he asked, “You are the one thing, other than my son, that has kept me alive through all this fucking shit! You are the one thing that makes me happy. Everything is so… fucked up!”

Everything was so fucked up. Everything was so confusing and you didn’t know what the right answer was here. Part of you wanted to walk out and never come back; your friends would scold you for even still being here. They’d tell you that Charlie lied for 9 whole months! And that divorce or no divorce he was a married man with a child who had stakes in all this. A young kid who would live his whole life affected by your actions from here on out.

But this was the problem - you loved Charlie, that’s why it was confusing. You loved him more than anyone you’d ever met and you just couldn’t let yourself make this so cut and dry. Your heart ached to see Charlie cry and… you didn’t know the situation really. For all you knew his soon to be ex-wife was the worst person alive and she deserved everything she got.

You tried to convince yourself of that but honestly it wasn’t all that convincing. She was probably just some normal woman just like Charlie was some normal man. Maybe she fucked him up, maybe she didn’t.

In this moment you realised you didn’t want to save him. But maybe you could still love him. You were making no promises other than to hear him out, with the ever present threat that you could decide to leave him and never come back if this situation didn’t feel right.

Reaching up you brushed back tears from his flushed cheeks, you nodded once to confirm you understood.

“Just… give me time”

#charlie barber #marriage story #charlie barber x reader #charlie barber x you