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elisajdb · 3 years

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Life With You: XXXV

Part Thirty-Five: Waiting For You: Part Two

Ten minutes earlier.

Krillin and 18’s wedding brought a mini-reunion for everyone. Not since the Cell Game has Piccolo or Dende seen Vegeta. The lone full-blooded Saiyan looked sharp but annoyed in his dark suit and tie. He sat on the sofa with Bulma’s parents as they entertained Trunks. Master Roshi paced, waiting and rehearsing his lines for the ceremony.

“18 is almost ready,” Bulma announced when she reached the bottom of the stairs. She noticed two important people still not in the room. “But the wedding’s gonna start late if the best man and the man to walk 18 down the aisle don’t hurry up.”

As if on cue, the door opened and 17 stepped in. Eyes turned to him as 17 scanned everyone with sly eyes. “Who would’ve thought my sister’s wedding will bring us all together again?” 17 spotted Vegeta. “Vegeta…. didn’t expect you here.”

Vegeta looked away. 17 wanted to say something he knew will rile Vegeta but since this is his sister’s day, he bit his tongue. “So, where’s my sister?”

“Upstairs. First room on the left.” 17 followed Bulma’s instructions. “One down. Now if only Yamcha will show up so the wedding can start on time.”

As if on cue again, the door opened. Gohan and Goten walked in first followed by Krillin, Yamcha and a man no one other than Bulma has seen. Piccolo and Vegeta looked at the new guy with immediate suspicion. Vegeta also noticed Gohan looked agitated. That with Bulma’s smile at the guy was concerning.

“Hey, everyone.” Yamcha knew this was not a good idea. He tried to talk Kenji out of it but his friend insisted. “I meant to be earlier but my friend, Kenji, wanted to come. He’s my teammate.”

Kenji, Vegeta wondered, who the hell is that?

Kenji flashed a charming smile as he went around the room introducing himself. When he came to Vegeta, he paused. “Oh….. you must be Vegeta.” He abruptly turned away.

One sharp eyebrow rose on Vegeta’s face at the sudden coldness. What was that about?

“Are you two ill?” Kenji asked Piccolo and Dende. “Your faces are green.”

Piccolo’s glare at Yamcha had the human stepping back. “Why is he here? This is a private wedding.”

“He’s here to see ChiChi,” Bulma smirked. “I knew she didn’t get rid of you. I bet you came to be ChiChi’s date. Gohan,” she gently pushed the boy towards the stairs. “Tell ChiChi Kenji is here.”

Gohan hesitated but did as asked. Goten followed after him.

“Date?” Living with Goku’s family for three years, Piccolo picked up human terms. He knew what date meant and he didn’t like it ChiChi was doing it without Goku. “I thought ChiChi could only date Goku.”

“Goku’s dead so ChiChi is free to date whomever she wants,” Bulma explained. “Don’t be a prude, Piccolo.”

“Prude?” Another term he learned and it was insulting. “I’ll never understand you humans.”

“Oooh,” Mrs. Briefs’ eyes swept over Kenji. “First Goku and now Kenji. ChiChi knows how to pick handsome men.”

“Mom,” Bulma politely warned her mother. “This is ChiChi’s guy. You can’t have drinks with him.”

Everyone grew silent when ChiChi came down the stairs. Vegeta kept his suspicious eyes on ChiChi. He watched her talk to Kenji, let him touch her back and escort her outside. As soon as the two left, questions flew from everyone.

“ChiChi’s dating?! 18 never told me this!” Krillin slapped Yamcha’s arm. “Yamcha, why didn’t you say anything?”

“I didn’t know! I only knew Kenji was interested.” Yamcha didn’t like being out of the loop, too. “I thought it was all one-sided.”

“That’s not true,” Bulma gleamed happily. “ChiChi’s smitten with him but she knows the game. Men are hunters. Let them hunt.”

“Is it serious?” Krillin wanted to know.

“It has to be. He’s here, isn’t he?”

“I guess.” The idea of ChiChi dating didn’t sit right with Krillin. “I never imagined ChiChi dating anyone. She’s been loyal to Goku for so long. She stuck it out when he was dead and away after his fight with Freeza. She waited years to marry him. It feels like a betrayal.”

“A betrayal?” Bulma scoffed at the idea. “Goku’s not coming back this time. Do you expect ChiChi to sleep alone for the rest of her life? ChiChi has an attractive, rich guy interested in her. You should be cheering for her and not think she should stay loyal to a dead guy who refused to come back!”

“Well,” Yamcha snorted, “we all know why---”

Bulma raised a finger silencing Yamcha, “Don’t you finish that sentence.”

“Ugh!” Vegeta jumped to his feet. “You all make me sick with your petty gossiping! I did not come here to hear about Kakarrot’s wife’s love life!” Vegeta stormed out and slammed the door.

Outside, Vegeta waited. He wondered if he acted too over the top but no one coming outside confirmed he didn’t. He followed ChiChi’s Ki. He found her pressed against the wall of the house with Kenji leering over her.

“You’re hot when you’re angry.”

Who the hell is this ass?

“Don’t kiss me.”

“Carnal thoughts about me again?” Kenji joked. “I’m flattered. Now I know the feelings between us are mutual.”

This damn woman. You’re practically begging this fool to kiss you. Kakarrot, you damn fool. Didn’t you do it right?!

Vegeta watched as Kenji caressed ChiChi’s face. He looked as if he will kiss ChiChi and she will allow it.

Ah, hell.

Vegeta cleared his throat. Kenji and ChiChi turned in his direction.

“Leave,” Vegeta demanded. “Now.”

Leave? Kenji didn’t like Vegeta’s tone. It was a demand. Kenji didn’t like Vegeta for what he did to Yamcha. If Vegeta thought he will push him around, he’s in for a world of shock. Kenji pointed to himself. “Do you mean me?”

“Yes.”

“What for?” Kenji stepped forward. “I’m talking to ChiChi.”

“I say you’re done talking. Leave,” Vegeta repeated. “Now.”

“No,” Kenji refused. “Whatever you want to say to ChiChi, you can say to me. I know I’m the topic. Though I don’t know why it’s your business.”

Vegeta kept his eyes on ChiChi. “I make it my business.”

“Well, don’t,” Kenji pushed back. “It’s not your business. Your business is with the woman you stole from Yamcha and that illegitimate kid of yours.”

“Illegitimate?” the word was unfamiliar to Vegeta. “There’s nothing illegal about it. Trunks is my son.”

Kenji couldn’t decipher if Vegeta was joking or being intentionally stupid. “He’s your son all right and I know how fatherly you’re not to him. There’s more to being a father than donating your sperm. Have you hugged yet? Played or spent time with him?”

Vegeta’s eyebrow shot up. Bulma’s lips were loose again but he didn’t think it was ChiChi who told Kenji how he behaves around Trunks.

“It’s okay, Kenji,” ChiChi tried to assure him. “Give me and Vegeta some time to talk.”

Kenji stepped closer to ChiChi. He didn’t like the look on Vegeta’s face. “I don’t think you should be alone with him, ChiChi. I don’t trust him.”

Vegeta smirked, intrigued. “You don’t? My appearance threatens you that much?”

“No, but I know your type. I know what you did to Yamcha.”

Vegeta chuckled. This was getting interesting. “And is that why you fear ChiChi being alone with me?” The man was spineless like Yamcha. Vegeta shook his head at ChiChi. All that fire in her and this is what she settles with without any Saiyans around. “I can’t believe you degrade yourself with this. Where’s your pride?”

“ChiChi isn’t degrading herself with me, Shorty.”

“Shorty?!”

“Kenji,” ChiChi intervened. This was getting out of hand. “You don’t have to have to worry about me being alone with Vegeta or any man.” She knew Kenji meant well but the implication she couldn’t be alone with a man without being seduce was insulting. “I’m not like that.”

“Listen to the woman,” Vegeta advised Kenji. “You’re too beneath me to fight but if you don’t shut your damn mouth and leave, you will force me to act.”

“I’m beneath you?” Kenji tossed his head back in a cocky laugh. From what Yamcha told him of Vegeta, Kenji saw it the other way around. He sized up Vegeta. Height didn’t always mean anything but Kenji had plenty over Vegeta and whatever fighting skills Vegeta had, Kenji was confident in his. Vegeta was an arrogant short man with a lot of mouth. “At least I have a job you freeloading shrimp and I have more dignity in myself than to live off my rich baby Momma.”

ChiChi’s mouth fell open. Kenji will be killed if this wasn’t stopped. “Kenji!” ChiChi warned. “Please, go inside. I’ll be fine talking to Vegeta.”

“Why?” Kenji protested. “I’m not getting punked by him.”

“This is a wedding of my friend,” ChiChi reminded him, “and I don’t want any fighting.”

Kenji’s temper cooled slightly. A fight at a wedding was not a good look and not a way to impress ChiChi. He wanted to be civil but Vegeta pushed his buttons. “I don’t how Yamcha lost his girl to you and why he never kicked your ass for what you did.”

“Because that fool is smart. Unlike you.”

“You’re lucky we’re at a wedding. If we weren’t, I’d fight you right now and deflate that oversized ego of yours.”

“You? Fight me?” Vegeta mimicked Kenji, tossing his head back in a cocky laugh. “I’ll kill you before you take one step to me.”

“Kill? Oooo,” Kenji feigned fear at Vegeta’s words. “I don’t cower to empty threats but I have too much class to fight you now but you name the time and place and I’ll be there.”

“Kenji!” ChiChi screamed. Did this man want to die?

“So anxious to die?” Vegeta laughed again. It amused him he was getting under this human’s skin. How pathetic. Vegeta tutted at ChiChi disappointed. “You spurn loyalty to Kakarrot for this? He was never thin-skinned and weak.”

“Who’s Kakarrot?” Kenji asked. “ChiChi was married to Son Goku.”

Vegeta’s eyes lit up as ChiChi squirmed. “He doesn’t know?”

“Know what?” Kenji demanded. As he waited for ChiChi to answer, he grew more agitated at her silence. “Who is Kakarrot? Is he someone you dated after Goku?”

From 18’s window, 17 saw the conversation between ChiChi, Kenji and Vegeta. “It’s getting interesting down there. Funny, how everyone thought Vegeta and me would get into a fight at your wedding when it’s Vegeta and ChiChi’s boyfriend.”

Kenji looked ready to throw fists and Vegeta appeared on the verge of losing his patience. “Maybe you should intervene.”

17 chuckled at his sister’s suggestion. “How much did you put in the pool for me to fight Vegeta?”

“Not enough for this to happen.”

17 winced hearing a zinger Kenji gave Vegeta about his height. “So, what do you think of this guy?”

“I think it wouldn’t hurt if ChiChi gave him a chance. Her husband isn’t coming back but it is her choice.”

“This is something you have to think about, too,” 17 told her. “Our power runs forever. You will outlive Krillin. Will you be able to move on?”

“Just me?” 18 questioned. “What about you? You won’t be a bachelor forever. You haven’t found anyone to be more than a weekly bed partner?”

“Not yet but I have plenty of time.”

Gohan and Goten stayed in the hallway when ChiChi went downstairs. They heard the shouting from everyone over ChiChi and Kenji. Gohan remained upstairs to protect him and Goten from an interrogation.

“Big brother?” Goten curiously asked. “Why is everyone yelling? Is Mr. Kenji a bad man?”

He wasn’t a bad man but Gohan didn’t think Kenji was entirely good either. Gohan thought it was odd Kenji offered his mother a job but his suspicions wore off when it seemed legit. His mother was happy about the money but suspicions about Kenji rose again when he took them to South City. Gohan noticed how Kenji looked at his mother. It was the same looks his Dad gave Mom. Gohan didn’t like it. Once, ChiChi bent over to pick up a toy Goten dropped. It was brief but Gohan saw Kenji staring at ChiChi’s backside. There was also the way Kenji behaved around Goten. He playfully teased him, placed Goten on his shoulder when he couldn’t reach a prize and Kenji always got Goten anything he wanted. It reminded Gohan of the times his Dad did that for him.

“He’s not but no one knows him so they are curious.”

“They mention Daddy.” Goten twiddled his thumbs nervously. “Is Momma doing something bad being friends with Mr. Kenji?”

“No, Goten. Mom’s not doing anything bad. Everyone is confused now.”

“Okay,” Goten accepted that answer. “I like Mr. Kenji.”

Too bad, Gohan thought. He didn’t feel the same way.

Kenji never liked when everyone knew something he didn’t. Judging from the looks ChiChi and Vegeta exchanged, this Kakarrot person was someone important and he wanted to know who he is. “Who is Kakarrot?”

“Kakarrot is Goku’s birth name,” ChiChi answered “He didn’t know about it until he became an adult. Goku had an adoptive grandfather who named him Goku. Only Vegeta calls him by his birth name.”

“Oh.” Was that really all? “Didn’t know Goku’s adopted.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know,” Vegeta grew impatient, “and you’re wasting my time. Leave.”

“No!”

“Kenji,” ChiChi touched his shoulder. “It’s fine. With everyone here, you can be sure nothing will happen. Vegeta wouldn’t dare do anything with my son, Gohan, around. He’s very strong.”

Vegeta rolled his eyes at the zing.

“All right,” Kenji reluctantly accepted. “Just holler if he does anything and I’ll be here.”

With a final glare at Vegeta, Kenji walked off. Vegeta kept his eyes on Kenji until he disappeared around a corner. Gone, Vegeta turned back to ChiChi and received a slap to his face. “Before you speak,” ChiChi began, “I haven’t degraded myself and I haven’t spurned loyalty to Goku!”

Vegeta clenched a fist. The audacity. This was the second time she did this. If she wasn’t the mate of a Saiyan and the mother of one who saved his life…... He spat, “You spurned your loyalty being with that.”

“His name is Kenji and I’m not with him.”

Vegeta scoffed. “Could’ve fooled me. You two seem very familiar with each other. You’re touching him. He’s touching you. If I hadn’t interrupted, you would’ve kissed him.”

“It’s not your business if I did.”

“The hell it’s……!” he refrained from raising his voice. “Kakarrot gave his life for you and the pitiful people of this planet. You as his mate are required to stay loyal to him. After everything he’s done, he deserves that! If Kakarrot fucked you good enough, you wouldn’t even be thinking of another man. I thought the sentimental fool could do that right.”

The second slap was harder than the second!

“And what do I deserve? I was left pregnant! I am raising two boys on my own! I have to make sure there’s enough money to pay for food, clothes and everything my sons will need while making sure my house doesn’t fall apart! If it’s not one thing like needing a new refrigerator or brakes for my truck, it’s something else like a new stove!”

“So, you’re whoring yourself in hopes of being taken care of?” This time Vegeta caught ChiChi’s slap.

ChiChi pulled but Vegeta wouldn’t release her wrist. “Isn’t that what you’re doing with Bulma?” ChiChi fired back. “After all these years, you still haven’t changed. She tries and tries with you; takes the little bit of attention you toss at her and in return she does everything; cares for your child, provides you with a home and everything you need without you lifting a finger or earning a zeni. At least Goku spent time with Gohan and worked occasionally. You don’t do anything. I know you went through a lot under Freeza but you were pampered then like you are now.”

ChiChi’s words felt like a third slap to his face. Vegeta snarled at her. His grip tightened slightly as he raged. “You don’t know anything about what my life was like under Freeza!”

ChiChi wasn’t intimidated by Vegeta’s fury. “I know enough from what Goku and Bulma told me. Freeza was a tyrant and you did his bidding but the way you speak and conduct yourself tells your life, too. You were pampered, educated and told you are the strongest Saiyan because you were born a Saiyan Prince with high power. I’m guessing, but I doubt Goku’s brother was treated the same as you. You thought no one was stronger than you and it galled you, my husband, my low-class warrior Goku shattered that image so many filled your arrogant head with! Because of my husband you were rewarded with a rich life where you continue to do what you want and nothing for those who do care for you in exchange for being taken care of. So…..” she tossed the question back, “who’s being the whore?”

Same fighting spirit. If she weren’t tied to him, he would kill her but seeing how defiant ChiChi stood, showing no fear for retaliation, he admired her guts.

“Still fiery,” Vegeta complimented as he released ChiChi’s hand. “But mentioning Freeza was low.”

ChiChi rubbed her wrist. “And what you said wasn’t?”

Perhaps it was but Vegeta saw no other way to get his point across to ChiChi her actions were blasphemous. “Saiyans can go through multiple partners. Nappa told me a Saiyan could have two mates together or go through many over time. However, if the Saiyan is elite and dies an honorable death the living partner is considered untouchable. Kakarrot wasn’t born elite but he earned that status.”

“So, you think I’m breaking Saiyan laws?” That explained Vegeta’s behavior to her and Kenji. “I love Goku. I never considered dating anyone when he died. I didn’t look for Kenji. He found me. When he told me his feelings I thought my silence meant no. Kenji showed up today because my answer wasn’t clear.” ChiChi thought it was but knew she was fooling herself. “I guess I wasn’t clear because maybe I am having doubts on what I should do. I’m not a Saiyan, Vegeta. I’m a human and laws are different. We are allowed to move on after our spouse dies. Some do. Some don’t. I thought I was in the category of those who don’t. Maybe I shouldn’t be.”

Silence followed. The only sounds between them were ocean waters rolling on the beach and seagulls flying over them. Hearing ChiChi’s explanation, Vegeta understood why they saw things differently.

“I stand by what I said before. Don’t give a damn what Kakarrot’s friends say. That includes Bulma.” Vegeta exhaled as he released a tired sigh. Living on this damn planet was having an effect on him he didn’t like. He was getting soft. “Do as you wish but know Kakarrot is alone, too. You have your sons, your father and Kakarrot’s friends. Kakarrot doesn’t have anyone.”

****

“Sorry, ChiChi,” Yamcha apologized. “I shouldn’t have told Kenji about the wedding. If I’d known all this would happen, I never would’ve told him. I didn’t want drama on Krillin and 18’s day. That’s why Nasima isn’t here.”

ChiChi thought it was odd Yamcha’s girlfriend was absent. She was with everyone at Bulma’s party where they met 18. “Why?”

Yamcha rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “My girlfriend knows more about everyone than Kenji but that party at Bulma’s house, turned her off.”

ChiChi suspected the reason. “That incident between 18 and Vegeta was dangerous.”

“It was Bulma that turned her off. Nasima knows what happened between us. She even said I share blame for our breakup but Bulma…..” Yamcha shook his head. “Love her still but you know how cocky Bulma can be. It rubbed Nasima wrong.”

ChiChi recalled Bulma’s comments about Nasima when she came to the party. If Nasima got those vibes, she understood her reasons for staying away.

Yamcha sighed as he signaled Gohan to start the music. “I’m gonna need a drink once the ceremony is over.”

Gohan pressed a button on the sound system Yamcha brought for the wedding. As the music began, Yamcha and ChiChi walked down the beach aisle as Maid of Honor and Best Man. There were only ten guests with five chairs on each side. Kenji sat on the end of the bridal row. ChiChi looked ahead pretending Kenji wasn’t there but knew his eyes were on her.

Once ChiChi and Yamcha were in their places, Gohan switched tracks to the bridal march where everyone stood. Vegeta remained seated until Bulma smack him to stand. Krillin stood at the altar a happy groom. A tear rolled down his cheek as 18 walked to him escorted by her brother. When 17 and 18 reached the altar, Krillin stepped forward to take 18’s arm. 17 stared down Krillin. There were worries of a fight to break out between the two but 17 smiled, lightly jab Krillin’s cheek, linked Krillin’s hand with 18’s and took his seat.

Master Roshi acted as a proud father as he orated the ceremony. He kept his opening speech brief as he wished Krillin and 18 well. There was light humor when Master Roshi asked if anyone felt Krillin and 18 shouldn’t marry. All eyes turned to Vegeta briefly before Master Roshi carried on with the vows.

Watching Krillin and 18 say their vows reminded ChiChi of her and Goku at the wedding. If he were alive, he would’ve escorted her down the aisle as Krillin’s best man. If he were here, there wouldn’t be a Kenji and the unease he won’t leave her life so easily.

After the vows and rings were exchanged, Master Roshi announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” Master Roshi grinned perversely. “Oh, you two didn’t kiss when I was around but you can’t hide from me now!”

Blushing, Krillin rubbed his neck chuckling. “Nope. You got us there.”

“All right, Old Man. Enjoy your only look.” 18 grabbed Krillin, dipped him and planted a kiss firmly on his lips to loud chuckles, whistles and applause. When Krillin stood upright, he was speechless with his tomato-colored face.

After a group picture of the bride and groom with all the wedding guests, Bulma took pictures of the newly married couple on the beach while Gohan and Dende removed the seats and placed them against the house. Yamcha took over the music as DJ. A mixture of Pop, Rock and R&B boomed over the tiny island. ChiChi and Mrs. Briefs were in the kitchen arranging all the catered food. Kenji assisted them while Master Roshi prepared drinks as the bartender. Dr. Briefs and 17 kept an eye on Trunks and Goten chasing each other around the table of wedding gifts while Piccolo and Vegeta stood opposite sides of the room eyeing Kenji.

When the wedding reception was ready to start, everyone gathered in Master Roshi’s house to see Krillin and 18 cut the four-tier wedding cake and give a brief speech. Krillin and 18 stood together as all the adults except 18 and Piccolo held a glass of wine.

“It’s crowded in here so 18 and I will make this speech quick. We want to thank everyone for coming, your gifts and helping out. ChiChi, thank you for making this beautiful dress for 18 and being such a good friend to her and so forgiving of me. Bulma, thank you for the food. We butted heads a few times but you’re a great friend. Master Roshi, Yamcha, thanks for the music and decorations and being a friend and the best father figure a guy could have. 17, I’ll do my best to take care of 18. Piccolo, we’ve been through a lot together and I’m glad to call you friend.” Krillin looked around the room with glistening tears. “There’s one more person I wish was here to make this day perfect but I know he’s smiling down on us.” Krillin raised a glass. “Goku, you’re the best. Without you, none of us would be in this room together. We all went from rivals and enemies to lifelong friends.” Krillin sniffed overwhelmed with emotion. He grasped 18’s hand as he needed her to help him get control of himself. “Shall we tell them? I can’t hold it back anymore.” 18 nodded. “You do it. I talked enough.”

“You would put me on the spot,” 18 dryly scolded him. “Krillin and I have something to say. A few know but we wanted to wait until now.” 18 exhaled. Now she needed a moment to get control of herself. “I’m pregnant. Krillin and I are going to have a baby.”

The announcement was met with cheers and applause.

“Way to go, Krillin!” Yamcha cheered.

“That’s my boy!” Master Roshi raised his glass.

“Well, well,” 17 applauded slowly at the news. “So, this is a shotgun wedding.”

“Shut up,” 18 jabbed her brother’s ribs.

“We really are family now. I’m gonna be an uncle. Cool.” He stepped closer and whispered. “You’ve been to a doctor? Is everything okay?”

“So far, so good,” 18 sipped her cider. She placed her hand on her stomach, happy to no longer keep this a secret. “I’m four months. Also,” she whispered, “it’s a girl.”

17 put an arm around 18 and gave her a quick hug. “Good. If it were a boy, I wouldn’t still be the most handsome one. A niece will always adore me.”

“And the stolen things you will bring her?” 18 quipped.

“Yep.” 17 sipped his wine. “I will be the best uncle.”

After congratulations to Krillin and 18, the reception broke into two groups inside and outside. Vegeta stayed inside. He had food on several plates occupying the square table in front of the TV while everyone else preferred to party and eat outside. After Gohan fixed his plates, he went outside with Goten. This left ChiChi alone to fix her and Goten’s plates. Piccolo approached.

“What is this situation between you and Kenji?”

ChiChi turned her head giving Piccolo a ‘not you, too’ look. “Let me guess. You heard me, Vegeta and Kenji talking.”

“Ears like these don’t miss much and Kenji nearly got himself killed arguing with Vegeta. He’s causing a lot of trouble. Is he worth it?”

ChiChi resumed fixing the plates. “I don’t even know him like that to make that assumption.”

“But you’re curious?” Piccolo figured. “Even living with you and Goku, I don’t understand human emotions and needs but I’m guessing those are the needs you’re missing with Goku gone that you want to be fulfilled by Kenji.”

ChiChi raised her head to meet Piccolo’s scrutinizing glare. “A guy notices me and everyone’s suddenly interested in me, my life and what I do with it.”

“That’s the attention you get being Son’s wife. They’re all here because of him. You’re a fool if you think they wouldn’t say something.”

“They?” ChiChi questioned. “You’re not including yourself?”

“No. I only make observations.”

“And?” ChiChi pried. “What do you observe?”

“Kenji is showy and attention-seeking. He could’ve waited until after the wedding to talk to you but he chose this moment to bring attention to what you obviously tried to deal with privately. That’s a sign of things to come if you choose a relationship with him.”

ChiChi lived with Piccolo merged with a Namek named Nail for three years and he wasn’t this philosophical. “Who’s speaking right now? Piccolo or Kami?”

He didn’t answer. “You didn’t answer my question about what needs you’re missing and seeking from Kenji.”

“I’m not missing those needs.”

Piccolo sipped his water. “I find that surprising.”

ChiChi’s eyes thinned as her ire rose at Piccolo’s implications. “And why is that?”

“Well….” Piccolo’s green cheeks turned purple, “it wasn’t a rare thing between you and Son. I lived with you for three years. Do you know how many times I ripped my ears off when you and Son were mating? How many times I put on those headphones you gave me to drown your sounds out? If you do something that frequently and it suddenly stops……” Piccolo shuddered as the visual popped in his mind, “it’s a little hard to believe you don’t have needs to do that again if the opportunity presents itself.”

One thing ChiChi knew she could count on from Piccolo is his blunt honesty. Even if the topic is uncomfortable, he speaks his mind. “With you and Vegeta, I know what it’s like to have overprotective brothers.”

The dead face Piccolo gave her left ChiChi in giggles. “You didn’t have to insult me comparing me to Vegeta.”

Amused, ChiChi left the house balancing her and Goten’s plates and her glass. “Here. Let me help you,” Kenji suddenly appeared. He took a couple of plates from ChiChi and pointed to her right. “The boys are over there.”

Gohan and Goten sat together chair dancing to the music. ChiChi sat next to Goten. The seat next to her was empty. Gohan rose intending to take the empty seat but Kenji quickly sat down.

“Do you need something, Gohan?” ChiChi noticed Gohan’s sudden rise.

Gohan sat down. “No. I had to stretch my legs for a moment.”

ChiChi handed Goten one of his plates. As she started to feed him, Goten grabbed a boneless chicken and popped it in his mouth, “I can do that, Momma.”

With Goten feeding himself, ChiChi settled her plate on her lap and ate. Kenji sipped his margarita watching the fun on the beach. Yamcha played a fast pop song for Krillin and 18 and 17 and Bulma to dance to on the beach.

“Do you dance?” Kenji asked. “If not, I can show you some moves.” He moved his body to the loud beats. “I can do fast and slow dances.”

“I don’t think I will,” ChiChi declined. “I have to keep an eye on my sons.”

“Bulma’s dancing,” Kenji pointed to Bulma and 17 dancing. “And she has a son. And she’s dancing without her man.” He leaned forward to whisper. “Do you really see me as a scary big, bad wolf or is it you know if we share a dance, even you have to admit there’s chemistry between us?”

“After all the commotion you caused when you arrive, I’d be crazy to dance with you.”

Kenji took the rejection with a wry smile as he sipped more of his drink. “Maybe I was a bit strong coming here like this but I really wanted to talk to you. Could we at least do that?”

“All right,” ChiChi thought if they did talk Kenji wouldn’t do anything drastic to get her attention again.

Kenji was a patient man. ChiChi didn’t dance with him but danced with Goten, 17 and even Krillin in an upbeat dance. Gohan remained in his seat watching his mother and brother. Gohan didn’t do anything when ChiChi danced with 17 and Krillin but when Kenji stood, Gohan noticed. When Kenji went inside for another drink, Gohan relaxed. When Kenji walked on the beach, Gohan got up. He kept his distance but followed Kenji who talked to Yamcha, played with the music and danced with Bulma, 18 and Panchy. If Kenji moved near ChiChi, Gohan was suddenly at her side. Kenji respected the young man’s game so he kept his distance. ChiChi gave her word she will talk to him and he believed that. Not even Gohan could stop that.

Three hours into the celebrations, the party was winding down. ChiChi and Mrs. Briefs began cleaning up and when Piccolo and Dende announced their intentions to leave, Bulma wanted to play one more wedding tradition.

“Gather ‘round everyone!” Bulma announced. “It’s time for the bouquet toss. All single ladies step up!” ChiChi stepped out of the house holding a garbage bag. She was picking up the empty paper plates when Bulma snatched the bag out of her hands and pulled her on the beach. “That’s us.”

“Bulma, this is ridiculous. Technically, I could play but I’m not and you have Vegeta!”

“The bouquet toss is for unmarried women. That’s us. Come on, 18,” Bulma encouraged 18 who stood on the beach with her bouquet. “Loosen up, ChiChi.”

“You know this is ridiculous.” Even 18 thought this was silly and if she knew Bulma, this was her way to get ChiChi to give Kenji some serious thought. 18 turned her back on everyone. She swung once and tossed her bouquet over her head.

ChiChi and Bulma saw the bouquet come towards them. ChiChi didn’t reach for it but Bulma did. However, another hand reached forward and grabbed it. ChiChi and Bulma both were stunned when Vegeta caught the flowers.

“Vegeta!” Bulma yelled. “Why did you do that?”

The angry Saiyan Prince glared at Bulma. “What is this?”

“Flowers.”

“No!” he rudely thrust the flowers in her face. “What’s the meaning of you catching this? Didn’t you say unmarried women accept these?”

“I did. I am unmarried.”

“But you’re with me.” He tossed the flowers on the beach. “You don’t need this.”

Bulma bent to take the flowers. “I don’t?”

Vegeta snatched the flowers from her and flung them. This time Gohan caught it. “You had your fun and I held my bargain. We’re going home. Get the child, your parents and let’s go.”

Bulma pulled back. “I’ll leave when I want and I don’t want to.”

Vegeta stepped to her. His dark eyes bore into hers. “You’ll have to come home and when you do, I’ll be waiting.”

Vegeta flew off, surprising no one except Kenji. “Whoa! He can fly like you, Yamcha?”

Bulma kept watching Vegeta fly off until she could no longer see him. That was enough. Bulma took out her capsule ship and tossed it on the beach. “Well, this was a lot of fun but it’s time to go home.”

Piccolo and Dende were the first guests to leave. This was followed by Bulma and her family. Yamcha helped ChiChi with the food clean up while Kenji and 17 took down the decorations. Master Roshi watched TV and 18 relaxed on the sofa while Krillin rubbed her feet. After the house was cleaned and food put away, Yamcha waited in the air ship to take him and Kenji to West City. Kenji stood outside the ship waiting for ChiChi.

She was, he knew, a woman true to her word.

ChiChi settled her sons in her Dad’s airship before walking to Kenji. She knew they were watching. Goten didn’t care if she talked to Kenji but she noticed Gohan seemed trouble. He kept following him during the reception. Kenji leaned against the airship. His tie was loosened, a few buttons of his shirt were open and he looked at her as if she were the only girl in the world.

Why did he have to look at her like that?

“I gave you my word. I said I will talk.” ChiChi rehearsed this during the reception but it still wasn’t easy to say. “When I was younger waiting to marry Goku, I rejected every suitor because I was promised to Goku. I never considered anyone else. I was still thinking like that when you told me your feelings and that wasn’t fair to you because it’s not the same. I’m not promised to Goku anymore. Goku is dead and he’s not coming back,” her voice shook. “It’s been four years and I’m starting to think he’s not coming back. No signal. No message. No announcement. Nothing. When he died, that was it. It wasn’t like before. There’s no one to wait for.”

Kenji resisted the urge to take ChiChi in his arms and hold her until she stopped crying. He wanted to do it but he did enough move making. He wanted ChiChi to make the move. If they were to have a relationship, he couldn’t do everything.

ChiChi hadn’t meant to breakdown. She wanted to explain herself but when she thought of Goku and the reality he wasn’t coming back this time, she broke. “Sorry,” she apologized as she wiped her tears. “I’m kind of raw now. There are things I’m now realizing that I have to accept. There’s plenty I have to think about now that I didn’t before today.”

“Did Vegeta say something?” Kenji didn’t listen in on their conversation but he felt it in his bones Vegeta has some cause for ChiChi breaking down. “You let me know and I’ll set him straight.”

“No!” ChiChi protested. Why was this man trying to get himself killed? “Vegeta made some very good points and has given me a lot to think about. So, I need you to give me a real chance to think this time. I won’t keep you waiting long.”

“Okay,” Kenji accepted. “I guess it’s really hard for a widow to think if she wants to date again. Even after four years. Honestly, it’s admirable you have this loyalty. I wouldn’t be a decent guy if I didn’t respect that. So, yeah, give it some real thought.” He enclosed one of her hands with his. “I can’t replace Goku. I can’t compete against the guy who gave his life for the world but I don’t think you should be alone. Goku’s life ended. Not yours and I’m a guy who likes to go after what I want. I don’t want to live with regrets in life. You shouldn’t either.”

A smiled curved ChiChi’s face. “Funny. That’s how Goku saw life, too.”

Kenji grinned as he stroke her hand. “I wouldn’t mind if I have more things in common with Goku.”

ChiChi pulled her hand from Kenji’s. His innuendo was obvious. “I need to go home but I’ll call you.”

“I’ll be waiting for it.” ChiChi walked away and feeling good about his situation, Kenji climbed in the air ship.

As they flew off, Kenji looked out the window at ChiChi. ChiChi put him through more challenges than any woman he dated but he knew if he could win her heart, the hard work would be worth it.

****

Bulma felt tension in the air when she entered her bedroom. Vegeta was annoyed with her which wasn’t new but this time Bulma didn’t understand what she did to piss him off. He leaned against the door arms crossed as if he was waiting for her.

“You didn’t have to fly off like that.” Bulma scolded him as she removed her shoes. She picked them up and banged them against the wastebasket. She dumped her shoes before she left Master Roshi’s island but she still brought sand back. She glanced at Vegeta. He refused to talk. “Oooo, the silent treatment. That doesn’t work on me. Either say what your problem is or keep sulking.”

“You need to mind your business.”

“On?”

“Didn’t Kakarrot stay dead because you told him he’s the cause of all the bad things happening on this planet? Now you’re in his wife’s ear telling her to date because she’s alone because of what you said to Kakarrot. Why are you constantly giving bad advice?”

“Is that what you’re mad about?” Bulma thought it was her dancing with Kenji and 17. “Goku didn’t have to listen to me. He always does what he wants and ChiChi shouldn’t suffer because of it. Why should she stay single when someone wants her? She’s suffered enough. Let her have a happy life.”

Bulma placed her shoes down and went to her vanity desk. She removed her necklace and bracelets.

“You run your mouth too much.”

There was more? Bulma unzipped her dress. “You have to be more specific.”

“I don’t care if you tell Kakarrot’s wife about us but only her. No one else.”

Bulma was still lost. “She’s the only person I talk to about us.”

“She doesn’t seem like the type to gossip but that downgrade knew a lot about us.”

“Kenji?” Bulma pushed down her dress. “He probably heard stuff I told Yamcha. We did talk regularly before I became friends with ChiChi.” There was that infamous scowl again. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s not my fault you still haven’t changed or whatever Kenji said got under your skin.”

“Nothing got under my skin but since you’re with me, you will be wise to not parade yourself around other men or take part in activities for women unattached.”

Other men? Activities? “Is this about me dancing with Kenji and 17?” Bulma laughed. “Kenji danced with 18, too, and Krillin didn’t mind. I didn’t think you were the jealous type and if you’re referring to the bouquet toss, we’re not married.”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re still with me and I’m not jealous but I know your reputation around men.”

All humor faded from Bulma’s face. Anger rose at the insinuation. “Excuse me?”

Vegeta stepped to her. “You won’t make a fool of me as you did Yamcha.”

Bulma turned away from him. “I’m free to dance with whomever I like.”

Vegeta grabbed Bulma and turned her back to him. “Not as long as you’re with me.”

“My, aren’t we possessive.” Vegeta stood eye to her and though sinfully close, Bulma appeared unaffected. “That’s rich coming from you. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher we’re in a relationship or you’re a parent. Sometimes we talk. Sometimes we fuck but that’s it. We don’t do couple things and I’m the one raising Trunks. You just sit at the table and eat with him. That’s all the time you spend with Trunks. He just turned five and only thinks you’re his Dad because I told him! You could be spending time with him in that gravity room. You could be training him. I won’t stop you. When Goku introduced us to Gohan, he was four years old. Goku wanted to train Gohan but ChiChi wouldn’t let him. I’m not stopping you but you don’t do it!”

All of what Bulma said is true. He hadn’t trained Trunks yet but he didn’t realize how much time had passed either. It felt as if it was yesterday Trunks was a baby and now he’s five. He felt Trunks Ki when he was a baby but his power level was low. It wasn’t high like his at his birth. Vegeta considered it a waste and not worth his time training Trunks. That changed when he met Trunks from the alternate future. Spending that year with Trunks gave Vegeta the possibility his son will reach that power but it wasn’t time to train him yet.

“I’ll train Trunks when I think he’s ready but you have a misunderstanding of how this relationship works and how together we are.” Bulma jumped back as Vegeta turned into a Super Saiyan. “It’s time to change that.”

****

Bulma had a dreamy smile on her face during lunch with ChiChi. All she could think about was her night with Vegeta. ChiChi noticed that faraway look on Bulma’s face and knew she wore the same face after certain nights with Goku. ChiChi glanced out the window to check on Gohan playing with Trunks and Goten. They had their lunch and will be busy for a while. This left plenty of time for Bulma and ChiChi to talk alone.

“So,” ChiChi placed a plate of sandwiches on the table, “had a good night with Vegeta?”

“That obvious?” Bulma grinned.

ChiChi filled their glasses with iced lemon tea. “Weddings have an effect on people. Couples tend to recall their weddings and things happen.” ChiChi sat and reached for a sandwich. “I think that’s how Aki and his wife got pregnant with their third kid.”

Bulma moaned into her sandwich as if she were having sex with it. “Sex with Vegeta is always good but last night,” Bulma fanned herself, “you won’t believe what we did.”

ChiChi had an idea. “Sex was extra special.”

Bulma thought that was a major understatement. She thought about keeping it a secret since she thought ChiChi never experienced it but in that same moment, decided she shouldn’t keep it all to herself. “We did it with Vegeta as a Super Saiyan.”

It was as ChiChi thought. Every time and definitely the week leading to the Cell Game, ChiChi knew she had that same glow on her face.

“I don’t mean to brag but it was amazing. If only you experienced that with Goku.”

ChiChi drunk her tea. “I never said we didn’t have that experience, Bulma.”

“But I know you didn’t or you would’ve told me about it.” Bulma was very confident about this. “You wouldn’t be holding out on me but let me tell you, ChiChi, Super Saiyan sex is great! The power, the intensity….” Bulma moaned loudly again. “You would have had the best orgasm.”

That wasn’t a lie but ChiChi knew the downside of it, too. “And you will be in a lot of pain if your body isn’t prepared for it.” ChiChi suspected it the moment Bulma entered her home. “That is why you were an hour late to our lunch? Why you’re sitting so rigidly and hiding an obvious limp that has nothing to do with your lie you slipped on Trunks’ toys and fell halfway down your stairs this morning?”

Bulma wasn’t smiling anymore. In fact, she was stunned for two reasons: ChiChi knew she was lying the moment she gave an excuse for her tardiness and stiff body and she and Goku had Super Saiyan sex. “You and Goku? Really? When?”

“The first time was by accident,” ChiChi was honest. “It was the first night Goku and I were together after he returned from space.” ChiChi would never share Piccolo spying on them caused Goku to spontaneously change. She will take that to her grave. “My lower half was very sore but we haven’t been together in that way in a while. Goku can be very physical.”

Bulma nodded in mutual understanding. “I’m not surprised Goku’s the rough type. He has no restraint. When he saved me from bad guys on our adventures, he was heavy-handed. Believe it or not, Vegeta’s gentle.” If ChiChi was surprised, she didn’t show it. “The first time we were together, I thought I would have a broken bone but he was really gentle. I think he knew he had to show restraint since I’m not strong like everyone else. You keep in shape with martial arts and weights. Since I had Trunks, I run on the treadmill and watch what I eat.”

“I had to do extra training to get back in shape for our intimacies,” ChiChi admitted. Like Bulma, ChiChi knew the struggles in keeping up with a Saiyan. “Goku was a lot stronger. It wasn’t like when we married but Goku had struggles, too.”

Bulma understood why ChiChi would have struggles but not Goku. “I don’t understand.”

ChiChi knew this was a lot of sharing; more than she ever did with Bulma but she accepted Goku wasn’t coming back and it wouldn’t be wrong sharing knowledge of intimacies with a Saiyan with one who is going through what she went through and needed advice. “No one knows this but Goku wasn’t solely away because he was learning that teleportation trick. He also stayed away to get control of himself as a Super Saiyan. Goku spontaneously changed all the time. Thinking of his fight with Freeza; a random incident where he got angry or intimacy triggered it. On Yardrat, he was able to get control of incidents triggered by fighting.”

“Ah,” Bulma got it, “but sex he didn’t because you weren’t there.”

“Exactly.”

Bulma thought of the day Goku returned. Vegeta pressed Goku why he was away for so long but Bulma really thought it was learning that teleportation technique. “Goku really has a knack for hiding things behind his smile. I never knew.” The more Bulma learned from ChiChi about Goku the more she realized she didn’t know him as well as she thought. For ChiChi to know this, it emphasized how special she was to Goku. “But you two did get control of it.”

“Oh, yes. We couldn’t practice as much that first year because of Gohan. He always knew when Goku changed and would knock on our door asking if something is wrong.” Bulma nearly choked on her sandwich.

“It’s funny now but it wasn’t then.” ChiChi laughed with Bulma. “A few times we got away with it.”

Bulma gasped as she suddenly recalled something. “Trunks told me Goku and Gohan controlled being a Super Saiyan all the time before the Cell Game. I can’t believe I never thought of it but did you and he…..?”

“Yes,” ChiChi confirmed with a sly smile.

Bulma squealed, “Everyday?!!”

“There was one day we didn’t leave the bedroom.”

“Wow.” These tidbits ChiChi shared about her and Goku were gold! “Who would’ve thought Goku….” Well, Bulma had some idea when she fantasized about Goku but thinking of Goku and ChiChi like that was mind-blowing for her. “And you weren’t sore? Not even after all those days?”

“I was used to it then.”

If ChiChi can get used to it, Bulma knew she could, too. “Soooo,” Bulma ran her finger over the rim of her glass, “got any advice for someone who’s now venturing into that territory?”

It would help if Bulma took up martial arts or some strengthening exercises but there were ways to work around that. “You said Vegeta is gentle with you. He must be the same as a Super Saiyan. He’s doing his part. You have to do yours.”

This was one of the many things Bulma treasured with her growing friendship with ChiChi. They could talk with each other about things no other woman could understand. Not even ChiChi’s friend from her village could grasp what ChiChi went through being with a Saiyan. Bulma felt that gave her an advantage.

“I’ll show you some techniques to strengthen your legs and hips,” ChiChi advised, “and we’ll work up to your upper body strength depending on what moves you and Vegeta do.”

Bulma agreed with the plan and with her issues settled, Bulma wanted to talk about ChiChi’s. “Now that we have a solution to my problem. Let’s work on yours. Kenji. I had to leave because Vegeta was being an ass but what happened between you and Kenji?”

ChiChi realized Bulma was unaware Vegeta talked to her. There was a chance Kenji mentions it to Yamcha who will tell Bulma but for now, ChiChi decided to keep her talk with Vegeta between them. “I told Kenji I need time.”

“Still?! Come on, ChiChi. How long will you keep him waiting?!”

There were a lot of reasons but Bulma wouldn’t understand. “I still held hope Goku will return. I didn’t think he would be away this long. I think I’m ready to accept I am on my own and I have to decide what’s best for myself and our children.”

“I know I don’t show it but I understand your loyalty to Goku. Hell, I was ready to fight the Red Ribbon Army for him but Goku made his decision to stay dead without consulting you and that was selfish. He could’ve talked to you like he talked to Gohan but he didn’t. He didn’t give you the chance to say goodbye or talk him out of his crazy decision.”

It was hurtful Goku didn’t talk to her but ChiChi held on to some idealistic hope Goku had his reason to not do it. If he could’ve, he would. That was her belief.

But Bulma saw things differently. “It would be a waste to not give Kenji or any guy a chance. You shouldn’t bind yourself to one guy if he refused to come back to life when he had the chance. Stop thinking of yourself as Goku’s wife and the mother of his kids and think of yourself as Son ChiChi, widow free to make choices in her life.”

****

“I know it’s strange I asked you here but I think you will tell me the truth.”

Kaifun sat with ChiChi at her kitchen table perusing her wedding album. “I don’t think it’s strange. We were friends before you married Goku. It’s been rough for us since then. I have my family and you have yours but you know I’ll always come when you need me.”

ChiChi was grateful for that. Things were strained between them since she married Goku but after Kaifun married and had a family, things changed. The only times they saw each other were during ChiChi’s visits to her father’s village. Gohan gave Kaifun suspicious looks when he said hello but Kaifun was always friendly and respectful.

Gohan, Goten and Leska were exploring Mount Paozu. When Leska visit, they always went exploring and were gone for hours. ChiChi was grateful the house was empty or Gohan would not be happy seeing Kaifun at the kitchen table. She called Kaifun for more insight into how she acted years ago. After she spoke to her father, she needed to talk to Kaifun.

A week after the wedding, ChiChi received a bouquet of pink roses, lavender carnations, daisy and button poms with a card reading, ‘Thinking of you.’ The following day she received a bouquet of more pink roses, lilies, larkspurs and a snapdragons with the card reading, ‘You’re on my mind.’ Two days later, ChiChi received two dozen multicolored roses in colors of red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. The card read. ‘You were my first thought this morning.’

When her father visited, ChiChi dread receiving two dozen kaleidoscope roses and two dozen bouquet of red roses and calla lilies. The delivery man placed both vases on the kitchen table under her father’s curious eyes. She grabbed the card poking from the kaleidoscope roses before Gyu-Mao had a chance to see it. ‘Going on the road for the next five games but I’ll still think of you. P.S. I’m waiting but I hope we can talk when I get back.’

“When I saw the other flowers, I thought Gohan and Goten picked them for you.” Gyu-Mao inhaled the kaleidoscope flowers. “But it’s not them. Whose sending you flowers?”

Her father was unaware of Kenji’s pursuit of her. Now he knew there was someone she kept from him, he’ll ask questions until he got the truth. “A man.”

“A man?” Gyu-Mao’s voice rose. “You’re dating? Why haven’t you told me about him? Who is he?”

These questions were exactly why she didn’t want to tell her father about Kenji. She was over thirty. Not a teenager. “I’m not dating but I met Kenji a few weeks ago attending a baseball game Yamcha played in. He’s Yamcha’s teammate and I did some work for him.”

“Work?” Gyu-Mao’s eyebrows rose. “What skills do you have?”

ChiChi brushed off the slight insult. She had skills and could’ve had more if not for her father limiting her. “I helped him cook and shop for food. He paid me very well. One day he surprised us with a trip to an amusement park in South City. That’s when he told me his feelings.”

“So, that’s how you got that new refrigerator and the brakes for the truck without my money.” ChiChi nodded. “You’re not working for him anymore?” ChiChi shook her head. “So, he’s sending flowers because he wants you?”

“Yes. He’s on the road now and when he returns, I think he wants an answer.”

“I don’t know what’s going on in your head, ChiChi, but I think you should date him. If possible, marry him.”

Marry? ChiChi suspected an approval to dating after he checked out Kenji but never marriage. “You never met him and you’re thinking about marriage for us?”

“Your sons need a man in the house. I’m just grandpa and I’m doing all I can but it’s not the same as having a father, especially for Goten. Kenji is a baseball player. That means he has enough money to provide for you. Goku’s a great person but he wasn’t good at bringing money in the house. Even when he worked, you were struggling to make ends meet. Kenji has a career where you don’t have to worry about that or him dying.”

“So, you want me to marry Kenji because he’s rich and can be a father to my sons?” It was offensive. ChiChi felt her father wanted her to be a gold digger. “Do you think I would marry someone for those reasons? What about love?”

“Love is nice but you don’t need that to be cared for.” Gyu-Mao was blunt. “And I hate to say this but look at what love has done for you. It made you a widow and mother of two before you turned 30. Do you think this is the life I wanted for you? I never wanted you to be a widow like me. My sins robbed you of your childhood and because of me, I caused you to meet Goku.”

Her father had concerns but was always supportive of her marriage to Goku. The first five years he treated Goku like a son. Things were strained after Goku’s return from Yardrat. He wanted her to move back in with him but after Goku’s death, Gyu-Mao expressed guilt for how he acted towards Goku. Since then, Gyu-Mao spoke of Goku with the highest respect. Now he spoke with regret. “Are you saying I shouldn’t have married Goku?”

“I will never say that because I have two wonderful grandsons but I do share blame for your pain, ChiChi. Because of me, you met Goku. You endured so much in your youth because of him. The past can’t be changed but you can’t be foolish about this opportunity. You have two sons who need you to provide for them. If you can’t love Kenji, make it can be a marriage of convenience. I know you’ll be a good wife and you’re still young enough to give him a baby. In time, maybe you can love him and have the life you should’ve had.”

First, it was a Bulma and 18 and now her father was on board, too. Maybe they were right and she was wrong staying faithful to Goku. They were so young and innocent when they married. She was so young and innocent. She waited for years to marry Goku and though she was happy with him it didn’t turn out how she thought. She did her job as homemaker but Goku didn’t pull his full weight as head of the household. Everything was always on her. She dictated what jobs Goku can do to bring in money. He never initiated work on his own. ChiChi knew that was her fault. Their first fight was over Goku not doing his duties as a husband. It caused words to be said that had Goku living outside their home for days. ChiChi was so scared Goku wanted to end the marriage, she caved and put more on herself.

“You trust me that much, Goku?”

“Hmm?”

“You don’t mind having a limited education. You know you will be looked at differently. You know you will be called names and you want me to be okay with this. One of us will have to be the adult. So are you saying you trust me to make family decisions for us? Do you trust me to control the finances and all the adult stuff?”

Goku’s face broke into a brilliant smile. He knew ChiChi would get it! “I trust you with my body, ChiChi. Every time we’re intimate, I’m vulnerable and you never hurt me. If I can trust you with my body, I can trust you with anything.”

Then she was a young and eager wife desperate to impress her husband. She was afraid the concerns others had of her marriage to Goku had merit. If she was wiser and stronger, she would’ve said no to Goku and risk the consequences. If she had, she wouldn’t be filled with doubts on what she and Goku had. Maybe they would’ve had Gohan and Goten. Maybe they would’ve went their separate ways before Gohan and she married someone like Kaifun or dated and met someone like Kenji. Maybe she would have more than two kids and a husband with a job that didn’t put his life at risk and financial security. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

“Maybe I was wrong then. I was so young and idealistic. Maybe you, Dad and even Mrs. Niver were telling the truth but I was too stubborn to listen.”

That was an admission Kaifun never thought ChiChi would say. “If you think Grandma was right, you really are jaded.”

Jaded or seeing the truth. ChiChi didn’t know anymore. “Things are different now. I’m not that innocent teenager who had the world ahead of her. My eyes have been opened to a lot of things.”

Kaifun’s eyes were opened, too. Years of jealousy and anger were wasted because of his feelings towards ChiChi. “Yeah, but we were all wrong. You were naïve but Grandma and I didn’t want you to marry Goku for our own selfish reasons. I can’t say you shouldn’t have married Goku but maybe Goku’s death was a blessing. Maybe his death set you free to find the right person for you. It wasn’t us. Maybe it’s Kenji or some other guy. Coming from someone who wanted to marry you, I don’t think you should be spending your nights alone if you can change that.”

****

After the evening dishes were washed and kitchen cleaned, ChiChi joined her children in the living room. Gohan sat on the sofa reading while Goten played with his flashcards. She will give Kenji an answer but she couldn’t decide without discussing this with the two people she loved more than anything.

“Boys, I want to talk to you.” ChiChi picked up Goten and settled him on her lap. Gohan closed his book and gave ChiChi his attention. “How do you feel about Mr. Kenji?”

“He’s nice,” Goten confessed. “I like the toys he bought me.”

“He’s okay,” Gohan didn’t sound as enthused as Goten. “I don’t know why he came to Krillin and 18’s wedding. He’s Yamcha friend. Not theirs.”

ChiChi felt that was cold for Gohan to say. “He came to see me, Gohan. When we last saw each other, Mr. Kenji told me he wants to date me. He waited for my answer but since I didn’t give him one, he came to the wedding.”

“What’s date?” Goten asked.

“Date is when two people spend time alone together to get to know each other. They do fun things like see a movie, eat---”

“Amusement park?” Goten asked with shiny eyes.

“Yes, that, too, Goten.” Kenji really made an impression on Goten taking him to the park. “Mr. Kenji wants to date me and I want to know how you feel about that?”

Again, Goten answered first. “If you want to, Momma. I like Mr. Kenji. Do you like him, Momma?”

Only her son would ask a bold question so innocently. “I think Mr. Kenji is kind. Gohan, what do you think?”

“There’s a lot about him we don’t know.”

“If I date him, Gohan, I will have a chance to find out.”

“So, does that mean you like him?”

When Goten asked that question, it was innocent. Coming from Gohan, ChiChi felt she was being interrogated. “I think Mr. Kenji is a nice man I should try to get to know.”

“You’re not answering my and Goten’s question, Mom.” Gohan pressed, “Do you like him?”

ChiChi skirted from answering the question. “I am flattered Kenji has feelings for me and I would like to spend time with him to see if I can develop those same feelings but only if you two are okay with it. Ever since Krillin and 18’s wedding, you seem bothered with Kenji. Do you have a problem with him?”

“I’m okay,” Goten gave his blessing.

That meant he was standing in the way of his mother dating. Gohan wanted to say no but felt he’d get in trouble if he said that. Besides, his mother did say she needed to spend time with Kenji to see if she can develop feelings. Maybe she needed to go on a date to understand she felt nothing. “I don’t like he crashed the wedding but I guess you have to date him to see if you like him.”

ChiChi accepted that was as close she will get of approval from Gohan. That night, while her sons slept, ChiChi called Kenji. His baseball game was over two hours ago. ChiChi thought Kenji will be home but she got his voice mail. “Hi, Kenji. It’s ChiChi. Give me a call when you can. Bye.” As soon as ChiChi hung up the phone, it rang. “Hello?”

“Hi. Sorry I missed you. I’m having dinner with some of the guys. I had to rush out to take this call.”

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your dinner.”

“No, no. It’s cool. I was getting ready to leave anyway. How have you been?”

“I’m well. I got the flowers. They’re beautiful though you said you will let me make my choice.”

Kenji laughed. “I thought a little incentive couldn’t hurt. Did it?”

“It was nice. Thank you.” ChiChi didn’t want to drag the conversation with small talk. She wanted to focus of the topic of this call. “I will go on a date but I’m not having sex on the first date. I won’t kiss on the first date. I don’t dress half-naked on dates. I’m not aware of the latest songs and dances so no clubs and I expect to be home by 10.”

There was a long pause from Kenji. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you to do any of that. Ten is early but I can accommodate. I know this is big for you so we have to take it slow. I have two more games and then I’m off Wednesday. Remember that farm you told me about? We can pick fruit and talk. The place closes at 6pm so I can definitely have you home by 10.”

Fruit pricking. That was not what ChiChi expected for a first date. It sounded relaxing and very stress free. She didn’t have to worry about hair and makeup or what to wear. “Fruit picking. Sounds like fun.”

****

Gohan looked out the window for the eighth time. ChiChi left with Kenji at 11am. Gohan knew the place closed at 6pm. It was 7pm. Where was she? Why wasn’t she home? Did they spend seven hours picking fruit?

“Gohan, help me and Goten finish this puzzle,” Gyu-Mao called Gohan away from the window. “We’re almost done.”

Gohan loved Grandpa but he didn’t like Mom called Grandpa to babysit him and Goten. He was thirteen! He saved the world at nine years old. He was left on his own for six months at four years old. That should excuse him from needing a babysitter.

With one last glance, Gohan stepped away from the window. “Are you worried about ChiChi, Gohan?”

“It’s been eight hours. Do dates last that long?”

Gyu-Mao pressed two puzzles together. “Some dates do if you’re having a good time but that farm is over an hour from here.”

Gohan sat and grabbed a handful of puzzle pieces. “They can’t be picking fruit for six hours.”

“No,” Gyu-Mao agreed. “Perhaps they did something else.”

Something else? What else could they be doing? “Like what, Grandpa?”

“We’ll have to wait and see.” Gyu-Mao unmatched two pieces Goten tried to force together. “ChiChi’s having a good time. Let her enjoy herself, Gohan. If she plays her cards right, it will be great for you and Goten.”

“Me?” Goten jumped in the conversation. “How is Momma dating Kenji good for me?”

“Kenji could be your new Daddy.”

Goten’s eyebrows wrinkled, “But I have a Daddy. He’s dead.”

“I know and we will never forget Goku but with Kenji, you’ll have a living Daddy and he will play and do all kinds of fun things with you; the same things Goku did with Gohan.”

“No, he won’t!” Gohan jumped from his seat. “Kenji can never replace Dad and he can’t do the same things Dad did!”

Gyu-Mao respected Gohan’s defensiveness of Goku but thought he was blinded by that love for his father. “Kenji can be a fine man for you and Goten to admire. He’ll take real good care of all of you.”

Gohan ignored Gyu-Mao when he heard the sounds of a vehicle. He looked out the window and saw Kenji’s air ship descending. Finally, they were back. Kenji stepped out first and ran to the other side to open the door for ChiChi. When she stepped out, she was laughing.

That’s not what Gohan wanted to see.

Kenji opened the ramp for the back of the ship. He pulled out a bushel of strawberries. ChiChi didn’t hold anything as she walked to the house but Gohan saw Kenji staring at her backside as he followed behind her.

“Momma!” Goten jumped from Gyu-Mao’s lap and ran to ChiChi.

“Ah, Goten!” ChiChi picked up her son and kissed his cheek. “Did you have fun with Grandpa?”

“We’re working on a puzzle.”

“A puzzle?” ChiChi noticed a half-finished puzzle on her coffee table. “Hi, Dad.”

“Hi!” Kenji grinned as he stepped in. He placed the strawberry bushel on the kitchen table. “We picked a lot of fruit.”

ChiChi put an arm around Gohan for a quick hug. “Gohan, there are bushels of peaches, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers and another bushel of strawberries in Kenji’s ship. Could you help him bring them in?”

Wordlessly, Gohan followed Kenji to his ship. “Your Mom picked a lot.” Kenji handed Gohan a bushel of tomatoes. He picked up the peaches. “She said you and Goten eat a lot but honestly it looks like your Mom got enough food to feed an army of fifty men. You two must take after your Grandpa.”

“We take after Dad. He ate a lot,” Gohan noticed Kenji only holding a bushel of peaches. His Dad could carry more. “I can take those, too,” Gohan offered.

Kenji looked at the bushel of peaches he held and at the bushel in Gohan’s hand. “It’s heavy to take on both---”

“I can carry them.”

“Uh….oh…. kay,” Kenji handed Gohan the other crate. To his surprise, Gohan held them both with ease. Kenji grabbed the blackberries and followed after Gohan.

They took turns bringing the rest of food in. Gohan was insistent in carrying all the heavy bushels. Kenji thought it was strange. Gohan’s 13 but a slender boy who looked stronger than he appeared. After all the food was brought in, ChiChi went outside with Kenji. Gohan watched from the window. ChiChi and Kenji talked, shared a laugh and then the worst thing happened. Kenji took ChiChi’s hand and kissed it. She didn’t pull away and slap him. She waved goodbye and after Kenji flew off stared at her hand.

“So, how was it?” Gyu-Mao asked when ChiChi returned. “What were you doing all this time?”

ChiChi was back in Mom mode picking up the empty plates left in the living room from her sons and Dad and carried them in the kitchen. “We spent a few hours picking all this food. We were on our way back when we ran into a massive traffic accident. All the lanes were blocked so after an hour, Kenji got off at the exit and drove to a restaurant where we ate and talked until the roads cleared.”

Goten stood in a chair examining the bushels of fruits and vegetables. “Is Mr. Kenji gonna be my new Daddy?”

“What?!” ChiChi gasped. “Who told you that?”

“Grandpa.”

“Dad!” ChiChi screamed. “Don’t say that to Goten! It was one date!”

“That looks like it could be more. I’m being positive.”

“You’re being ridiculous and too eager to marry me off… again! Stop it!”

Gohan smiled. This was positive. Maybe he was wrong about his mother liking Kenji to go on a second date.

“Okay,” Gyu-Mao backed down. “I won’t talk about marriage but will there be a second date?”

ChiChi turned on the water from the kitchen sink. “I guess.”

“You guess?”

“It was a nice outing, Dad, but Kenji doesn’t just wanna do things with me. He wants to include Gohan and Goten, too. I agreed the next time we go out, we’ll include them.”

“Can we go to South City?” Goten jubilantly asked.

Gohan rolled his eyes. There will be a second date. Gohan didn’t like this at all.

****

“You’re sure it’s safe?”

“I’ve brought Goten here many times and he loves it.” Gohan laughed, “I can’t believe you’re scared.”

“Because I’ve never played with a baby dinosaur before. I told you I’m a city girl.”

For Gohan, city girl meant Leska didn’t live here and wasn’t staying. As summer break wind down, Leska prepared to return home and resume her school life. Leska visited Mount Paozu once a week where Gohan showed her the forests and animals. Gohan talked to her on the phone two times a week for an hour after his lessons were completed. When Leska visit, Goten always accompanied them but this time, Leska’s last visit, ChiChi allowed the two kids to spend time alone.

In this part of Mount Paozu, the dinosaurs were friendly. Leska sat near a nest petting the baby dinosaur with the parent dinosaurs looking on. Gohan handed Leska a bowl of apples. “He’s still young so give him two apples at a time.”

Leska held two apples to the baby dinosaur. She yelped when the dinosaur stuck out his tongue and pulled the apples in his mouth. “Eww,” she laughed at the dinosaur drool on her hand.

“See? It’s not so bad.”

Leska grabbed two more apples. “I guess not.” She held out the apples to the dinosaur. “When I go back, I’ll have a lot to tell my friends.”

Gohan wished she hadn’t said that. He didn’t want to acknowledge this is Leska’s last visit. The teen made a normal summer exciting. Last summer, he spent it studying and playing with his brother with visits to Piccolo. This summer, he visited Piccolo once and spent his free time with Leska. She was the only person he shared his true feelings on his mother dating Kenji. He tried with Piccolo but the Namekian didn’t understand human emotions like that.

“So, how serious are your Mom and Kenji?” Leska asked. “They’ve gone on a few dates, right?”

Gohan wasn’t sure if what his Mom and Kenji have been doing lately could be considered dates. “After the first date, Goten and I went on the next three dates. We went to South City again. Goten loved that.” Gohan rolled his eyes. “We went on a hike and a picnic. We went to East City together and spent time at a zoo and a new science museum I wanted to see. After that, Mom and Kenji had another date alone. He took her to a film festival.”

“Ah,” Leska understood. “I wonder if he’s including you and Goten to impress you. If he wins you two, he wins your Mom over.”

Gohan snorted. Kenji will never win him over. “I like going to the museum and the hike but it doesn’t change my feelings about him.”

Leska handed the dinosaur the last apples. After he licked the apples from her hand, Leska wiped the dinosaur drool on her shirt. “I bet it scored points with your Mom.”

ChiChi was happy and Gohan hated to see that. He wanted his Mom happy but not when it included Kenji. After the feeding, Gohan and Leska decided to leave the dinosaur family alone. The two teens said goodbye and left the cave. Outside the cave, Gohan grabbed the fish he caught for his family earlier and walked home with Leska.

“I do have some good news. Kenji hasn’t seen Mom in a month. He said the Taitans are focused on the upcoming playoffs and want to be the number seed.” Gohan didn’t understand that at all. “Whatever that means.”

Leska knew what that meant. “Taitans are really good this year. They have a chance at beating Central City in the championship so they had to win the last month of regular season games to hold the number one seed and control hosting most of the games in the playoffs which starts next week.” All of what she said went over Gohan’s head. “You really need to follow baseball, Gohan, but that’s why Kenji can’t come for dates. West City is hours from here in the fastest airship. Coming here to pick up your Mom, go on a date and bring her home is a lot of hours. It’s not enough time to rest or practice.”

Gohan didn’t care. All he understood, Kenji hasn’t seen his Mom in a month. “I read baseball playoffs and the championship can go on for a month so that means Kenji may not see Mom for two months.”

Leska sympathized but thought Gohan’s missing the bigger picture. “Have they kept in contact since their last date?”

“Well…. Kenji and Mom talk on the phone.” His shoulders slumped. “Three times a week. Last night they were watching a movie together over the phone.”

“So, your Mom and Kenji are still getting along?”

Gohan didn’t want to admit that but it was true. “Yeah. Grandpa really likes it. He told Goten Kenji could be our new Dad.”

“Ouch,” Leska winced.

“Mom was mad at Grandpa about that.”

Leska saw that as beneficial for Gohan. “If your Mom didn’t like that, then tell her how you really feel about Kenji. Stop this before it gets serious.”

“Everyone will be mad at me if I say anything. They’ll think I don’t want Mom happy. They’ll keep bringing up how Dad’s not coming back and….” Gohan sighed frustrated. “I hate it.”

“What will if you do if she marries him?”

Gohan shrugged. “I hope it doesn’t happen.”

“If she marries him, there will be a lot of changes. You’ll move to West City.”

Gohan stopped walking. “Why would we leave Mount Paozu?”

“Gohan, Kenji’s a baseball player in West City. Your Mom will have to move to where her husband works.”

Gohan hadn’t thought about that. He didn’t want to move to West City. He wanted to stay here!

“Forget home school,” Leska kept talking. “You may go to a public or private school and your last name will change.”

“Why would my last name change?” Gohan got defensive. “My last name is Son! It’s my Dad’s name!”

“If your Mom marries Kenji, she will take his last name, like she took your Dad’s when she married him, and if Kenji adopts you and Goten, you will take his last name, too.”

“No, I won’t!!” Gohan suddenly flared into a Super Saiyan. “I won’t take his name! I won’t move to West City!”

“Whoa!” Leska stepped back. “I’m just warning you what to be prepared for if your Mom and Kenji marry.” Gohan showed Leska what he looked like as a Super Saiyan. She was in awe in a cool way. Now she was in awe slightly fearful. Despite that, she stepped forward and pulled his hair. “This is why you should talk to your Mom. It’s really bothering you and you’re creeping me out.”

Gohan depowered. He hadn’t meant to lose it like that. “Sorry. I just don’t like what you said. I don’t want to talk about Mom and Kenji anymore.”

After Gohan’s outburst, Leska didn’t want to either. “Not the way I thought our last day together would go.” She looked around at the peaceful forest. “I’ll miss this place. I’ll miss you. It was fun.”

“Will you be back next summer?” Gohan asked hopefully.

Leska shook her head. “My cousins will be spending next summer with me.”

That meant no. “Well, what about the year after that?”

Leska shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll be a junior then and I’ll be preparing for college. I might have a summer job or an internship.”

Another no. Gohan thought of flying to her city but he didn’t want to get in the way of her life there. As lenient Mom has been letting him be friends with Leska, he knew she wouldn’t approve of him visiting her. They couldn’t talk on the phone. Long distance charges will be expensive. “Can I write you?”

Gohan thought Leska would say yes to that but she looked pensive. What was wrong Gohan wondered. “We shouldn’t get our hopes up on seeing each other again. You’re a sweet kid, Gohan. I thought it would be boring here but you made my time here fun.”

“You made this summer fun for me, too. I…..” Gohan felt his face warming up, “I really like you and I want to keep in touch.”

Leska didn’t smile like Gohan hoped. She didn’t look sad but she looked troubled. “I’m glad, but,” she sighed again. “I know what you mean about liking me, but Gohan, you’re thirteen and I’m fifteen. It’s only two years but it’s a big two years and I…. I don’t feel that way for you. You’re a friend to me and when I go back home, I’m gonna resume school. I’ll like a boy the way you like me. I’m sorry…. but if I let you write me I think I will be leading you on and getting your hopes up.” Gohan lowered his head to hide his disappointment and Leska hated herself for hurting Gohan. He was a really sweet kid. “You’ll find another girl to like,” she tried to be positive, “and talk to. She may be in your Grandpa’s village or she might be there when you go to high school.”

Gohan nodded. “I…. I understand.” He forced a smile, hiding his disappointment.

“It’s been a crazy summer,” Leska mused. “I am sorry about my cousin. Because of her, we couldn’t hang out at Aunt Reia’s place and she stole your first kiss.”

Gohan actually laughed. He felt bad he wouldn’t see Leska anymore but thinking of Kala and what she did make him laugh. “I can’t believe she did that.”

Leska giggled feeling the tension between them ease. “I’m glad you can laugh at it. It was funny.”

What could he do? Laugh or get mad at an eight-year-old?

Leska stared at Gohan, thinking. She probably shouldn’t but something inside her told her she needed to do this. She pried the fish from Gohan’s hand. It fell on the grass. Gohan looked at her confused as Leska took a brave step forward. “Promise me something. When you talk about your first kiss, don’t bring up my cousin. Tell everyone it was this.”

Gohan’s eyes were wide as dinner plates as Leska placed her hand on his shoulders. His heart thumped wildly in his ribcage as she moved closer. His eyes were still open when she pressed her mouth against his. Gohan thought about this with Leska but never imagined it would happen. He stood rigid as his eyes droop close and soaked in the moment. His body felt warm and tingled with an odd but pleasing sensation. His nose was filled with Leska’s pleasant flowery scent. His heart skipped a beat feeling Leska’s chest brushed against his as she got closer. His eyes flew open as he felt something soft brushing against his closed lips. Gohan wasn’t sure what that was but it definitely sent a strong sensation down his stomach. All too quickly, Leska pulled away.

Gohan’s entire face was pink like beets and his breathing came in ragged breaths. Smirking and not breathless, Leska pointed to the fish. “Let’s go.”

Gohan picked up the fish and followed Leska. He didn’t speak but stole glances at the teen, smiling and touching his stinging lips. His first kiss. His first real kiss.

****

In the kitchen, Aki and ChiChi waited for Gohan and Leska to return. “Reia told me the King and one of Goku’s friends have encouraged you to date this guy. I also talked to Kaifun. I honestly don’t know why you talked to him and not me but is this what you want?”

ChiChi poured her chopped vegetables into a steamer. “Are you saying this isn’t my own decision?”

“No,” Aki picked up the annoyance in ChiChi’s tone. “I know how much you love Goku and how crushed you were when he died. I also know other people have been encouraging you to date because you are alone and have two kids. I just wanna know if you want this or if too many people aren’t minding their business and getting in your head.”

It was a little of both. “I wouldn’t be a good mother if I didn’t make sure my children are cared for and have everything they need.”

Aki sighed sensing this was ChiChi’s reason for dating Kenji. “You know me and Reia will help you with anything.”

ChiChi appreciated Aki’s help but he couldn’t give her everything she needed. “I know you were close to Goku and you want to help but there are some things you can’t help me with. I have to do this.”

“How do you feel about this guy?” Aki wanted the truth. “Any spark on your dates? Any feelings for him?”

“He’s a kind man. He’s very good to Gohan and Goten and sparks aren’t always immediate. Sometimes feelings take time to develop.”

In other words, ChiChi felt nothing romantic for this guy. “With me and Reia, it was instant. You and Goku were instant. You couldn’t stop talking about him.”

“It wasn’t instant for me and Goku. I felt the attraction but not Goku.”

“Oh, really?” Aki saw through that lie. “First time I met Goku, he came down for breakfast. You kissed him and he groped your breast. If that’s not sparks and attraction, then tell me what is.”

ChiChi didn’t want to acknowledge that moment. “I meant when I was a kid. I didn’t know anything then.”

“The kid I knew was a very determined person who knew what she wanted. She didn’t let anyone deter her from marrying Goku. She heard the whispers, the concerns Goku wouldn’t marry her; forgot her; but she knew better than everyone else. Where is she now?”

She was still here but wiser and filled with doubts. “That girl married Goku and had him die on her twice. That girl has to raise her sons alone. That girl grew up. That girl is trying to do what’s best for her sons.”

“That girl has too many people in her head.” Aki didn’t hold back his opinion. “But she has a friend in me. Goku was my friend, too. He was like a little brother to me but you’re my princess. Whatever you want, I support as long it’s what you want and I don’t think you want this.”

“It is,” she told him but both knew she was lying.

ChiChi heard her door opening and stepped away. As she composed herself, Aki talked to the kids. “There you two are. Did you have fun saying goodbye?”

“How do you have fun saying goodbye, Uncle?” Leska retorted.

“What did you do?”

“We just talked while Gohan got a fish and we fed dinosaurs.”

As Leska spoke, ChiChi noticed Gohan. His face was flushed. Leska chattered about Gohan catching a fish and the dinosaur they fed as if nothing else happened but ChiChi suspected something did. ChiChi scanned both children. Clothes weren’t rumpled so they didn’t do that. ChiChi knew of Gohan’s crush but always felt Leska didn’t share those feelings. A fifteen-year-old girl wouldn’t be interested in a thirteen-year-old like that. That’s what ChiChi told herself but she wasn’t sure now.

Leska politely bowed before ChiChi thanking her for her hospitality. When Leska said bye to Gohan, his blush deepened. That confirmed it for ChiChi. Something happened and she had an idea what did.

Voice changing. Height. Now kissing girls. Gohan’s growing up so fast. ChiChi didn’t think it was time to have that talk but she knew she had to keep a closer eye on Gohan when it came to girls from now on. Puberty and discovery was growing in Gohan and that was something that couldn’t suppress no matter how much she wanted to. As much as she wanted Gohan to stay her little boy, he was growing into a man and there was nothing to stop it.

That didn’t mean she couldn’t put fear in her son on what she will and won’t tolerate.

“Gohan,” ChiChi pulled a bowl from the cabinet. Gohan stared at Leska and Aki driving off. “Gohan!” ChiChi raised her voice. This time Gohan jumped and turned to her.

“Yes, Mom.”

“Wash your hands and let me show you how to prepare the seasoning for the fish. I still have to finish the rest of dinner and I can’t do it.”

Gohan pointed to himself. “You want me to help?”

ChiChi opened a large spiral notebook. It held all her handwritten recipes. Since marrying Goku, ChiChi created her own recipes with the proper size portions to create enough food to feed her Saiyan family. “You’re thirteen. I think it’s time you help out more.”

Gohan washed his hands. In the past, ChiChi forbid his help in the kitchen even though he did it sometimes. Her book was numbered and labeled which made it easier for Gohan to find the section on preparing fish. Reading the instructions, Gohan pulled the proper spices from ChiChi’s spice rack.

As he properly measured each season, ChiChi talked to him. “Are you sad Leska is going home?”

Again Gohan blushed but he focused on pouring the different spices properly in the bowl. “Yes. I want to keep in touch but I think the distance and our studies won’t allow it.”

He was handling it maturely but was hurt he wouldn’t see Leska again. His life since four prepared him several times to deal with loss. ChiChi wanted to lecture him but thought Gohan didn’t need that now. He needed comfort.

“You may not see her again but you’ll have fond memories of her.” There was that blush again. He’ll have to work on that or he’ll be an open book around girls. ChiChi hoped this was a sign Gohan wasn’t going to explore too soon. “After all, first kisses are memorable.”

Gohan turned to her astonished. “You know?”

ChiChi refrained from laughing. He was growing up but she still saw flashes of her baby boy. “I’m your mother. I know everything and because I know, don’t be in such a rush to grow up and kiss girls. Take your time and get to know her first. Treat her well but don’t forget about yourself and what you want. As your father said, ‘I don’t do what I don’t wanna do.’”

“That sounds like Dad.” If Dad were alive, Gohan would share this experience with him. He wondered how Dad dealt with his first kiss. “Mom. You were the first person to kiss Dad, right?”

“He was my first kiss, too.” She laughed, “We were late bloomers.”

“How did he react?”

ChiChi thought of her first kiss. Editing the groping, she thought it was a story she could share with her son. He was growing up, needed guidance and based on her experienced learned it was better her son come to her with questions instead of venturing out and finding them out on his own.

Ah, Goku, our baby’s growing up. I wish you can see him now.

****

Getting to know Goku wasn’t easy. When Kimani was introduced to Goku, he said hello and walked off with Kai of the North. It was very surprising to Kimani. Other males lingered; they wanted to know everything about her, wanted to pursue her but Goku said ‘Hi. Nice to meet ya’ and left. It was something she wasn’t used to and Kimani found that intriguing along with Goku’s skills as a fighter. For a time, Goku was a busy person. Kimani learned Goku was very popular among the fighters. Pikkon was the closest but no one could defeat him. Instead fighters sparred to see how they stood against him. Goku was always engaging; studying fighters and learning tricks.

Goku was very unique. Goku slept and ate as if he were still alive. Here in the afterlife, these normal functions weren’t needed. He always seemed happy, too. Kimani noticed other fighters expressing sadness at being dead or missing friends and family but Goku was always upbeat. Kimani figured Goku didn’t have a family which she found very strange. How is it no one caught his attention when he was alive?

After a time, Kimani noticed Goku had fewer opponents to fight and spent more time by himself or the Kai of the North. That’s when Kimani decided to make her move.

Today, Goku spent time with the Metamorans again. Days ago, Kimani watched Goku battle two Metamoran fighters simultaneously. Even with it two against one, Goku easily outmatched them. The fight changed when the two Metamorans performed a strange dance and their bodies combined into one being. Their appearance reflected physical traits from both fighters and the Ki from them was phenomenal. They challenged Goku. He had to become what Kimani learned was an Ascended Super Saiyan to defeat them. Since then, Goku wanted to study them and learn Fusion.

“No, Goku, your arms are too high and you slid too soon.” A Metamoran elevated Goku’s arms to show where he should be.

“My arms?” Goku looked at his Fusion partner. “What about Olibu’s?”

“He’s in sync but you can’t tell because he’s two feet taller than you.”

“My apologies, Goku, but I don’t think I am a suitable partner for you in this Fusion. Our height differences makes it difficult for us to be in sync.”

“But you have to,” Goku nearly whined. “Pikkon won’t do it and you’re the next closest to me in Ki.”

“Perhaps I can help,” Kimani stepped forward. “We are the same height and my Ki is very powerful. If it’s not enough for a Fusion, I can at least help get you in sync.”

“Kimani,” Olibu breathed at her vision. Like many fighters, he was enraptured by her beauty and tried to get her attention. Onlooking fighters parted like the Red Sea as Kimani walked to the two men.

“I didn’t know you were watching us.”

“Seeing you two try to do a Fusion is eye-catching and hilariously bad. You two can’t get in sync.” She shrugged innocently. “I’m not busy but I think I can help.”

“Have at it,” Olibu offered as he stepped away.

Kimani took Olibu’s place and smiled at Goku. “Do you mind if I help you?”

Other fighters drooled at her appearance but Goku kept his eyes on her face. “Sure, but who are you?”

“I’m Kimani. We met the first day I came here.”

Goku thought back trying to remember when that was. “I don’t remember but nice to meet ya.”

Kimani vowed Goku won’t forget her this time. They worked at it and after a few tries, Kimani understood Fusion technique but she and Goku still had trouble getting in sync. Goku had trouble getting the footsteps down.

“It’s like dancing,” Kimani told him. “You have to slide and move your arms in the right way.”

“I ain’t dance in a while.” Goku looked at his feet. “Maybe that’s why I am out of sync.”

“I think I know a way that will help us get in sync. If we spend time together and become more familiar with each other, we can develop a connection. Maybe we can read ourselves enough to be in sync for the Fusion.”

“Spend time?” Goku questioned. “Doing what?”

“Spar of course. I’ve wanted to fight you for a while to see how I stand up against you. I hear you are the best but I also want to train and learn from you. It’s what all of us are doing as we wait for personal training with the Grand Kai.”

“It sounds like a good idea,” Olibu agreed. “And I can’t imagine a lovelier company learning Fusion.”

Goku didn’t understand what Olibu meant about lovelier company. Did he mean Kimani? Goku looked her over not seeing anything special but if Kimani could help him get in sync with Fusion, he was willing to partner up with her.

****

Going into the last month of baseball season, the Taitans were in competition for the number one seed. To achieve that, they had to win most of the games in the final month of the season. At the beginning of the month, they were the fourth seed. Kenji was passionate for his team to enter the playoffs at number one. Knowing Kenji needed to focus, ChiChi suggested they shouldn’t meet for dates until the Taitans season and playoff run is over. Kenji resisted but bargained with ChiChi if he can’t see her they talk on the phone.

ChiChi allowed this but only at night after her sons went to bed. Kenji focused and gave his best performance in the final month of the baseball season and the playoffs. He stole several bases, hit home runs and made several catches in the field. ChiChi and Goten saw the games on TV. Gohan stayed in his room reading, studying or going to bed early. Gohan took Leska’s advice to learn baseball. He read books understanding the mechanics of the game, but Kenji killed any interest Gohan would have in watching the sport or playing it.

Since Kenji couldn’t visit until the Taitans were out of the playoffs, Gohan was stunned during breakfast at Kenji’s arrival and bearing gifts of flowers and bags. ChiChi opened the door and before she could get a word in, Kenji pulled ChiChi in his arms and spun her around the room.

“Hey, hey, what’s going on?” ChiChi kept her voice light but the sudden affection in front of her sons caught her off guard. “My sons are watching.”

“You’re a wonderful sight for these sore eyes. Two months is too long to be away from this pretty face.” Kenji moved in to kiss ChiChi but a sudden turn of her face caused Kenji’s lips to touch her cheek.

Kenji placed ChiChi on her feet again and held the flowers out to her. “I….um…. thank you…..I should get these in water.” ChiChi turned away to find a vase. Gohan’s eyes followed ChiChi. He saw her touch her cheek briefly before she picked up an empty vase on an end table. “Congratulations, but what are you doing here? I thought you’d be sleeping.”

“Congratulations?” Gohan repeated. “What for?”

“The Taitans won the championship last night.” Goten went to the bags in Kenji’s hands. “Wow!” Goten pulled out a shirt that read World Champions. “Is this for me?”

“It’s for everyone.” Kenji helped Goten pulled out the bag’s contents. Jerseys, baseball caps, a baseball, bats and gloves. “You didn’t see the game, Gohan?”

Goten tried to fit a baseball cap over his spiky head. “Big Brother didn’t see any game.”

“Really?” Kenji was surprised. “Is the game hard to follow? We can go outside and I can teach you.”

“Gohan’s studies are more important to him than baseball,” ChiChi explained as she arranged flowers in the vase. “He can focus on his work without any interruptions from Goten since he watches with me.”

“Oh.” Kenji stared at Gohan wondering if that were true. He shrugged and joined ChiChi in the kitchen. “Baseball season is over. There will be a parade celebrating our championship tomorrow. I want you and the boys there and tomorrow night,” he put an arm around ChiChi, “I wanna take you on a date again. We have a lot of making up to do.”

“Oh…” ChiChi broke away from Kenji and went to the sink. As water filled her vase, she said, “West City is so far to travel for the parade and a date. We’ll need a place to stay for a few hours.”

“We can stay at Trunks’ house!” Goten volunteered.

Gohan never so badly wanted to cover Goten’s mouth.

“That’s not a good idea,” Kenji brushed off Goten’s suggestion. “Vegeta’s there and you don’t need to deal with him. I can put everyone in a hotel. Unless you don’t mind staying at my place.” He grinned. “I have the room.”

Such choices. “A hotel will be fine but I have to pay….”

“You don’t. Don’t worry about money with me, ChiChi. I have more than I can spend and I want to spend it on the people I like most.”

ChiChi hesitated. It didn’t feel right. This wasn’t a date where the guy is expected to pay after a few hours of fun. Goten wrapped his arms around ChiChi’s legs pleading her to do it. The almost four-year-old did not understand money and how the optics looked in this situation.

“Come on,” Kenji cajoled. “We haven’t seen each other in two months. Just this once,” Kenji pleaded. “Please. I really want to spend time with you and the kids. I missed you a lot.”

Maybe she was overthinking this. Kenji being rich didn’t see money as she did. He probably compared paying a hotel room the same as movie tickets. “Okay, but just this once.”

“Great. It’s all set up. Once you and the boys pack, I can take you.”

“What?” ChiChi no longer thought she overreacted. Now she was suspicious. “You have the arrangements made already?”

“I booked it,” Kenji didn’t see the problem. “I had to. After our win, I knew you would come so I booked a suite for you and the boys.”

“And what if I said no?”

Kenji chuckled as if that was ridiculous. “Then I would’ve begged until you say yes. Come on, ChiChi. I haven’t seen you in two months. Can you blame me for being planning ahead?”

This wasn’t planning ahead. It was Kenji being arrogant and pushy. Kenji showed this trait in smaller doses but this was a big dose and she didn’t like it. Piccolo warned her Kenji will do this.

“This is really important to me,” Kenji pleaded, “and I want to share it with someone I really care for. Sorry if I seem too forward but you know me.”

He said the right words but could she trust him? Maybe I am overreacting. We’ve talked but not seen each other in two months. Maybe he missed being around more than me. “All right but we’re in the middle of breakfast and I have to clean up and get the boys packed. We won’t be leaving for a couple of hours at least.”

Kenji grinned, flashing his perfect smile. “That’s good with me. I haven’t had breakfast and I need a nap. I got two hours of sleep before I flew here.”

“We can spare an extra plate,” ChiChi offered breakfast, “but hurry before it’s almost gone.”

“Oh, yeah,” Kenji sat at the table watching Gohan and Goten still eating. Spending time with them on his group dates with ChiChi, Kenji saw how much Gohan and Goten ate. “They sure do eat a lot. I know you keep saying they have Goku’s stomach but your boys inherited their Grandpa’s stomach.”

Goten shook his head. His mouth was full of food. “We haf Daddy’s stommaf.”

ChiChi had her back to everyone while she fixed a plate for Kenji. “Goten, don’t talk with your mouth full.” She turned and froze. Kenji sat in Goku’s seat. There were four chairs at the table. Gyu-Mao sat in Goku’s seat but that was acceptable. Seeing Kenji sit there was unnerving. Gohan had his head down eating very fast while Goten happily ate unbothered. She shook off her feelings and gave Kenji his plate.

Kenji finished his plate first and was astonished Gohan and Goten were still eating. He took a nap and ChiChi was unnerved again. Kenji slept on the sofa Goku took his naps. When Gohan and Goten finished breakfast, ChiChi saw she wasn’t alone in her feelings. Gohan stared, too.

“Gohan,” ChiChi distracted him, “help Goten pack while I finish breakfast.”

Gohan looked as if he wanted to say something but obeyed his mother.

As ChiChi cleaned, she stole glances at Kenji sleeping. Goku slept on that sofa. He slept with Gohan as a baby and during his toddler years. In the last three years of his life, she remembered the naps Goku took. Having Kenji lying there didn’t feel right. She had a vision of what her future will be like with Kenji if she married him. Kenji will nap on the sofa like Goku. Kenji will sit at the head of the table like Goku.

It didn’t feel right.

Packing in her bedroom, ChiChi felt eyes on her. Goku’s eyes. They were everywhere. On her nightstand, a photo of Goku smiled at her. On her chest, the picture from his shrine smiled at her. On a wall, the last family photo Goku smiled directly at her. His smile made her stomach twist.

Was this right?

During her first date with Kenji, ChiChi didn’t think of it as a date. She didn’t dress up or wore makeup. She kept her clothes casual. The other dates included her children. Kenji gave a lot of attention to Gohan and Goten. On the hike and picnic, Kenji carried Goten on his shoulders and played with him with toys he brought. ChiChi treated it as a casual outing. Not a date. Their last date was slightly different. Kenji took her to a film festival. That was the first time she allowed physical interaction. Kenji held her hand and she didn’t let go.

After that date, they talked on the phone since Kenji had to focus on baseball. They talked while watching movies, TV shows and things going on in their lives. The conversations reminded ChiChi of talks she shared with Goku. With Goku, the talks felt intimate. With Kenji, it felt friendly. She knew the expected endgame. Marriage but when Kenji picked her up and spun her around, it felt wrong. When he tried to kiss her in front of her sons, it felt wrong.

It shouldn’t just be friendly ChiChi told herself. This was the natural progression of two people dating but for ChiChi, it didn’t feel right.

On the flight to West City, Kenji was very engaging to Gohan and Goten. He talked like a father catching up with his children after a day at work. He made promises to take them to an arcade restaurant after they go to the hotel and list things they can do together now baseball season is over. Gohan was polite but aloof. He kept his head in the book. Goten chattered excited about the things Kenji wanted to do but ChiChi was growing concerned about all this showering of gifts. Her concerns grew even more when they arrived at the hotel. Kenji set them up in a suite with large TVs in the bedroom and living room, a wet bar and stocked refrigerator, a master and guest half bath and a private furnished balcony.

“This is a lot,” ChiChi told Kenji as she looked around stunned. “Too much. We don’t need all this.”

“You do,” Kenji told her. “You’re not used to this. You told me you were a princess. It’s time you live like that again.”

ChiChi saw Goten getting food out of the stocked refrigerator. “Goten, that’s expensive. Don’t eat that!”

Kenji overrode her authority. “You can eat that, Goten. I have the money to provide for you, ChiChi.”

“I don’t care about that. I am Goten’s mother. I decide what he can eat.” This was a mistake. She wished she listened to her feelings before they left. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have allowed this. Take me to a cheaper hotel. I’ll pay. No,” ChiChi shook her head. This was West City. Not a hotel in a town near Mount Paozu. She couldn’t afford a hotel here. “I’ll go to Bulma’s house.”

“No!” Kenji refused her request. “I shouldn’t have said that to Goten. He is your son.” He exhaled frustrated. How to get ChiChi to understand. “I know you had to because of Goku but don’t worry about money with me. I have more than enough and I’m not trying to spoil you or your sons. It’s not spoil if you’re getting what you deserve. You’re not used to that because you haven’t had that since you married Goku.”

Every time money came up, Kenji brought up Goku. ChiChi brushed it off but now it was annoying as if Kenji was insulting Goku. “I had everything I need with Goku.”

Kenji didn’t speak but his face said he didn’t agree with her.

Still, ChiChi felt the need to defend her dead husband. “Moneywise we didn’t have everything but we had enough. We never needed fancy stuff. If I wanted that life, I would’ve stayed in my father’s castle.”

Kenji didn’t want to argue with ChiChi but they were on their way to a fight. She just didn’t get it. “I wasn’t meaning that…..” He sighed. Best to let her win and move on he decided. “Got it. Can I still take you and the boys to the arcade restaurant? It’s not expensive.”

ChiChi wanted to say no but Goten was very excited and behaved so well on the flight. He finished his lessons and even did extra work. It wouldn’t be right to punish him when she’s uncomfortable. “You can take the boys. I’m staying here.”

“Why?”

“I’m not into video games.” True but not the real reason. Space from Kenji is what she needed now. She hadn’t seen him in two months and being around him for a few hours made her feel smothered. “It’ll be better if I am not there. Gohan will help you with Goten.”

“I can handle both boys.” Over the shock of ChiChi not going, Kenji saw the potential in this. “I’ll prove to you I can take care of them.”

Please don’t let me regret this. “Be back in three hours.”

“Three hours,” Kenji saluted.

Kenji returned in three hours and ChiChi didn’t regret it. Goten had a fun time. Kenji didn’t spoil him with a lot of toys. He bought one. Gohan wasn’t as enthused as Goten but he did enjoy himself. Kenji respecting her wishes, made ChiChi feel a little better about this situation and gave her hope tomorrow will go well.

The championship parade started at noon. ChiChi and Goten watched the parade on TV and when it passed their hotel, watched from the balcony. Gohan avoided the parade and spent his time reading and working on his lessons. After the parade, Kenji called with dinner plans. ChiChi heard of the restaurant from Bulma. It was expensive.

For date nights with Goku, ChiChi showered with regular soap and didn’t wear perfume. Goku’s sensitive nose didn’t like it. Bulma gifted her a beauty set of perfume and scented lotions for her birthday which ChiChi decided to finally use. Her face was decorated in colors of red for her lips, pink for her cheeks and a dark tint of eyeshadow over her eyes. Her sleeveless black dress came to her knees and accentuated her curves. ChiChi admitted she looked good but deep down wished Goku will see her like this and not Kenji.

Gohan sat on the sofa helping Goten read when ChiChi stepped out of her room. “Gohan, remember Goten has bed in an hour. I should be back by….” She trailed off when Gohan stared at her. “What is it?”

“Where did you get that dress?”

ChiChi looked herself over. Was it too much? “My closet. It’s something I bought before Dad died. We were gonna have date nights again after the Cell Game and…” ChiChi didn’t finish the rest.

“That’s a dress you wanted to wear for Dad and you’re wearing it for Mr. Kenji?”

“I wouldn’t put it like that. I’m wearing this dress for myself. It’s a nice dress to wear at the fancy restaurant Kenji will take me.” Three knocks tapped her door. ChiChi answered and allowed Kenji in.

“Wow!” Kenji’s eyes roamed over ChiChi. He even circled her to look at her from behind. “Very nice. Very nice. Perfect dressing for Polaris.”

“Thank you. I hope I don’t get dizzy,” ChiChi joked.

“You won’t. The restaurant doesn’t move that fast.” He circled her again and took a third look at ChiChi’s backside. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Gohan watching him. He grinned, “Hi, boys.”

“Why would Mom get dizzy?” Gohan wanted to know.

“Polaris is a rotating restaurant. The room moves in a circle but it’s slow and you hardly notice. It takes an hour for it to complete its rotation.”

“Is it like Nimbus?” Goten asked.

“What’s Nimbus?”

“It’s a ride,” ChiChi rushed out. “We should go.” ChiChi bent to kiss Goten’s cheek. “Good night, Goten.” She kissed Gohan’s cheek. “Polaris’ number is by the phone. Call me if there’s an emergency and don’t wait up. I want you in bed an hour after Goten.”

“Sure, Mom,” Gohan nodded. He even smiled as ChiChi and Kenji left but as soon as he closed the door, he scowled. He didn’t like this. He felt it in his gut this was a bad idea. Mom never dressed this fancy for a date except with Dad. He didn’t like that she wore makeup and smelled like those fancy scents Bulma wore.

She’s falling for him.

Gohan tried distracting himself by putting Goten into his pajamas and reading to him until bedtime but the words in the book were a jumbled mess. He could only think of his mother and Kenji. Will she kiss him? Is she starting to fall in love with him? Will they marry?

The idea made Gohan sick to his stomach but what if Kenji sitting at the kitchen table yesterday was a forecast of the future? What if Kenji spends the night? Will he be in Mom’s room? In the same bed she shared with Dad? If they marry, what about their home on Mount Paozu? What if Leska is right and they move to West City?

“Big Brother?” Goten poked Gohan. “Won’t you read to me?”

Goten was so young and innocent. He didn’t see anything wrong with Mom dating Kenji. He never experienced seeing Dad with Mom the way Kenji tries to be. To Goten, it was fine but Gohan knew it wasn’t right and he had to do something about it.

“Goten, do you want to see the rotating restaurant where Mom and Mr. Kenji went to?”

Goten’s eyes grew wide in awe. “We can?”

“Sure. A rotating restaurant sounds. Maybe it moves like Nimbus.”

“Ooo! Ooo! I wanna see it!”

Gohan picked up Goten and carried him to the balcony. “Then let’s go. Nimbus!” Nimbus zoomed from the sky and parked on the balcony. After getting on and settling Goten in his lap, Gohan said, “To the Polaris restaurant.”

“Polaris restaurant!” Goten cheered.

****

“It’s a beautiful view,” ChiChi gazed out the window as the room slowly rotated. The sun went down twenty minutes ago and the city lights brightly lit the city like tiny stars. “Feels kind of weird moving but nice.” They were on the 70th floor of the skyscraper with the rotating restaurant. Soft piano music traveling through the room and candles at their table created a romantic atmosphere. As ChiChi read the menu, she thought of Goku and how he will drool over the food listed. “Goku would…..” ChiChi caught herself. “Sorry.”

Kenji kept his eyes on the menu. “Did Goku take you to restaurants?”

“We went to a few. Nothing fancy. We couldn’t afford that. Most nights we ate at home.”

“Even with Gohan?” Kenji inquired. “No family dinners at restaurants?”

ChiChi studied the menu, wondering if she should bring food to Gohan and Goten. “We did go to a few restaurants when Gohan was very young. We wanted to go out in the later years of Goku’s life but things got in the way.”

“Goku’s martial arts training?” Kenji guessed. “There’s something I don’t understand. Goku won the tournament before Mr. Satan. I know Mr. Satan didn’t beat Cell but he capitalized on his fame with endorsements. He’s making millions of zeni. How come Goku never did that when he won the tournament? You would’ve been set for life.”

They would have money but ChiChi doubted they would’ve been set for life. The food bill would put a dent in anyone’s retirement plans. “Goku never cared about the fame of fighting. We could’ve gotten endorsements but it would’ve brought us a lot of unwanted attention. We didn’t want that and I know Goku wanted a break from everything.”

“A break?”

“Goku traveled the world for years training. He told me after the 22nd tournament, he was going home to relax but he was sidetracked in another battle and trained for three more years. After we married, we closed ourselves off from the world.”

“And said no to money that would’ve set you up for years.”

ChiChi half-rolled her eyes. Kenji’s lowkey obsession with money was becoming irritating. “Not everything is about money, Kenji.”

“I know but being an athlete, my time is limited. I’m not gonna have a thirty- or forty-year career playing baseball. I need to make as much money as I can while I can play. That’s what Goku should’ve done. If he capitalized on his fame, you wouldn’t be struggling for money now.”

Even though the remark was truthful, it hurt. Capitalizing on Goku’s fame wasn’t something ChiChi thought about and if she had, it wouldn’t have been something Goku wanted to do. It would force ChiChi to find another way to make money.

The waitress returned and took their orders. As they waited for their food, Kenji apologized, “Sorry if I am talking about money a lot. I got some decisions to make. My agent’s negotiating with the team on my future contract. They wanted to wait until after our season is over to talk but during the playoffs, other teams reached out to my agent. They wanna pay me a lot. My agent will talk to the team tomorrow and bargain a deal. There will be a decision soon.”

“Good luck.” ChiChi knew Kenji worked hard at his career and deserved whatever he wanted. “You’ve earned it.”

“Thanks. Now that baseball season is over, we will have more time together. I have a lot of dates planned for us and Goten turns four next month. I wanna do something special for his birthday.”

“Birthday?” ChiChi didn’t know what Kenji had in mind but she envisioned a lot of money will be spent. “Goten’s having a simple birthday party at home.”

“Okay but I’ll bring bounce houses,” Kenji offered. “I can stop at a capsule store and buy a Ferris Wheel capsule. Maybe I can rent some of the games Goten liked playing at the arcade.”

“You can bring yourself and one small gift,” ChiChi put her foot down. “I don’t want Goten spoiled and thinking every time you visit, he will get something grand.”

Kenji picked up his wine glass relenting. “Okay. You may be right. Kids shouldn’t be spoiled. This is good practice when I’m officially a Dad.” He sipped his wine. “That reminds me. I told my parents about you. I showed them a picture of you and the boys. Mom is curious but I told her it’s not time for us to meet. Dad thinks you’re cute and way too young for two kids. He’s kind of touchy so when you meet, watch out for his hands.”

Parents?! ChiChi knew Kenji had them but she didn’t think about meeting them. Her breath quicken and her heart thumped faster. “Wh-wh-why did you do that?”

“We are dating and as soon as pictures of us hit the Entertainment pages, Mom will ask. I’m getting ahead so she’s not shocked by it.”

“Entertainment pages?”

“I am a celebrity, we just won the championship and we’re in one of the most famous cities in the world.” He leaned forward and whispered. “Haven’t you noticed people looking at us?”

ChiChi brought her glass to her lips, pretending to drink while she scanned the room from the corner of her eye. Most people were eating but there were eyes on them. Oh, boy. She had more privacy outside of West City. She never worried about people staring. One of the reasons she didn’t come forward about Gohan defeating Cell, she didn’t want media attention on her family. She risked doing that now dating Kenji.

This is too fast. This is too much.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

A tapping sound came from the window. ChiChi turned and spat her drink. Goten waved at her. She couldn’t hear him but reading his lips, Goten said, ‘Hi, Momma’. He sat on Gohan’s lap on Nimbus waving at her 70 stories high.

Everything happened in slow motion for Kenji. He was enjoying a dinner date with ChiChi, happily talking about their future when a pounding on the window got their attention. They turned simultaneously and saw Gohan and Goten floating on a cloud. Shocked and so many questions raced in Kenji. Why were they here? What were they on? How were they floating 70 stories?

Before his lips could form words, ChiChi was on her feet and screaming, “GOHAN! GOTEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT THERE?!”

“ChiChi,” Kenji put a finger to his lips trying to get ChiChi to quiet down. He was shocked to see Gohan and Goten, too but ChiChi’s screaming brought more attention. People were looking as if ChiChi lost her mind. “ChiChi. Shh. Shh.”

ChiChi ignored Kenji. Furious, she pointed down indicating she wanted Gohan to land Nimbus. “Get down and meet me in the lobby!!” Gohan shook his head not wanting to land knowing the wrath he will face if he did. “Don’t make me come through this window! GET…DOWN…. NOW!!”

“ChiChi.” Kenji was on his feet and by her side. He looked nervously at the guests. “Calm down. It’s not that serious.”

“Not serious?!” She pointed to her sons. “Do you see this?!” Gohan still hadn’t obeyed. “Nimbus! Land!!”

Nimbus dropped from their view. Kenji saw ChiChi’s anger at Krillin and 18’s wedding but that was on an island and they were alone. This was not in a restaurant full of people who knew him. He thought in a public place, ChiChi knew how to conduct herself even if she were rightly angry. “You’re making a scene,” he gently scolded her. “Relax. I’ll get the boys. You just stay here and calm down. Maybe have a drink.”

Gohan stood in the lobby holding Goten. The little boy wore pajamas and no socks. If Goten’s feet got dirty, Gohan knew he’ll be in even more trouble. The plan was perfect. Fly here and spy on his mother with Kenji. Too bad his little brother had other plans.

“Which building is Momma in?” Goten eagerly looked around.

“I think it’s that one,” Gohan pointed at a glass tower. On top of it was a spherical shape globe with rings with the words ‘Polaris’. Though the city was bright at night, it was still dark. From their distance, they couldn’t see ChiChi.

“I wanna see Momma,” Goten complained.

“We only came to see the rotating restaurant.”

“I wanna see Momma!” Goten screamed.

“We’ll get a little closer,” Gohan promised. “Fly a little closer, Nimbus.”

Nimbus flew below the lower rings and windows concealing Gohan and Goten. From his view, Gohan looked up watching the people and searching for ChiChi.

“Where’s Momma?” Goten asked again. “I can’t see.”

“I’m looking. I’m looking,” Gohan told his brother. “If Mom’s not by the window, she’s in the middle of the restaurant away from—oh!” Gohan spotted ChiChi. “There she is.”

Goten stood. “I wanna see!” He stood on his toes and Gohan grabbed Goten so his brother didn’t fall off Nimbus. “Higher Nimbus!”

“Goten, no!” Gohan pulled Goten down as Nimbus flew higher, against the window and directly at ChiChi. She didn’t see them so Goten knocked against the window and waved until ChiChi did.

Oh, no!

The fury on ChiChi’s face told Gohan he was a dead man.

Every time the elevator opened, Gohan expected his mother to storm out and scream at him. If he weren’t too old to be spanked, he was sure ChiChi would bend him over and smack his bottom in front of everyone. When Kenji stepped off the elevator alone, Gohan’s fear turned to confusion. Where was Mom? Kenji stood at the elevator and gestured for Gohan to come with him. Gohan obeyed.

Riding up in the quiet elevator, Kenji loosened his tie. It was the first time Gohan saw Kenji frustrated. “I’m not your Dad but I think I can speak for him when I say he will be disappointed in what you did tonight. He wouldn’t like how upset you made your mother.”

“We did something wrong?” Goten looked worriedly at Gohan. “Big Brother, did we do a bad thing?”

“Not you, Goten.” Kenji knew what happened tonight wasn’t his fault. “Gohan did and he knows it.”

Goten looked at Gohan astonished. “Big Brother, is that true?”

Gohan didn’t answer Goten. What he did was wrong but Kenji didn’t have to bring it up in front of Goten. “You can never speak for our Dad. You don’t know him and he wouldn’t be disappointed at what I did tonight.”

Kenji scoffed. “You can’t think he would be proud of you.”

Gohan was saved from responding when the elevator opened. Two couples stepped in. The men of the pairings instantly recognized Kenji and chatted with him. Kenji’s façade changed. He was the cool and happy guy again. Lucky for him, Gohan thought. He wasn’t sure if Kenji would’ve made it back to the restaurant if the couples didn’t step on.

ChiChi sat at the table furious as Gohan, Goten, Kenji and a waiter carrying two chairs returned to the table. The waiter pushed one chair by ChiChi and the other by Kenji. “Momma,” Goten reached out to ChiChi.

“Goten,” ChiChi was curt as she took Goten from Gohan. She noticed Goten wore his pajamas and no socks. She gave Gohan a suspicious glare. Gohan picked up the chair by Kenji and moved it to the other side of ChiChi. ChiChi ignored Gohan as she settled Goten in his chair. “Why are you here?”

“We wanted to see the floating restaurant.”

“Rotating restaurant,” ChiChi corrected Goten.

“Ah,” Kenji noticed their orders arrived while he left to get Gohan and Goten. The waiter handed two menus to Kenji for Gohan and Goten. “Since they’re here, they might as well eat.” Kenji was back to being a charming host but ChiChi was embarrassed, angry and suspicious. Gohan orchestrated this. She had growing suspicions but tonight made it obvious. Gohan had a problem with her dating Kenji.

If Kenji knew it, he didn’t show it as he played the engaging host again. “So, how did you two float on a cloud? Was that an invention from Dr. Briefs?”

“It’s Daddy’s cloud,” Goten told him.

“Daddy’s cloud?” Kenji laughed. “Goku was a scientist?”

“No.” Goten shook his head giggling. “It was a gift to Daddy because he’s a good person. Only me, Momma and Big Brother can ride Daddy’s cloud.”

Kenji suspected it was an invention from Dr. Briefs but Goten was told it was a cloud from his Daddy. “Uh-huh.” He half-rolled his eyes but went along with Goten’s explanation. He kept the conversation light as he made jokes with Goten and Gohan. Goten was spoiled with dinner and dessert. Gohan only had an appetizer which he hardly touched due to the deadly gazes ChiChi sent him. The guests at the restaurant forgot the earlier outbursts and enjoyed their dinner with Kenji paying for their bill on the promise they didn’t speak of what they saw. With a hefty bill paid, two full children and an embarrassed widow, the four left the restaurant.

The ride back to the hotel was tense for everyone except Goten who fell asleep. ChiChi thanked Kenji for dinner but declined his invitation to see her to her room. ChiChi didn’t speak to Gohan when they entered the hotel or in the elevator but as soon as they entered their room she hissed, “You stay here until I get back and don’t you dare think of flying off. If you are not here, I will find you.”

Gohan sat on the sofa and waited for ChiChi to put Goten to bed. He knew he will be in trouble for tonight. He knew he will be yelled at and punished. Gohan accepted it but also felt this was ChiChi’s fault. If she weren’t dating Kenji, they wouldn’t be here. They shouldn’t be in this hotel. They should be in their home on Mount Paozu.

Gohan heard the bedroom door close and ChiChi’s Ki approaching. She stood in front of him pissed. Her arms were crossed. Her eyebrows furrowed, eyes tense and mouth molded in a snarl. She hadn’t looked this angry since Goku wanted to train him after his return from Yardrat.

“Gohan, when we talked after your father’s death, I thought the secrets ended. When I talked to you and Goten about dating Kenji, you told me you were okay with it. You lied! You pulled your baby brother in your scheme and spied on me?!” ChiChi exploded. “Have you done this every time I went out with Kenji?!”

“No. This was the first time.”

“Then why now?! How could you embarrass me in front of Kenji like that?!”

Embarrass? That’s how she felt? Involving Goten was wrong but he wouldn’t have done this if not for her. “You were the one screaming and getting everyone to look at you. Not me.”

Gohan’s snark shocked and enraged ChiChi. “I was screaming because of you! You were floating on Nimbus 70 stories high when you should’ve been in bed!”

No. No. Gohan wasn’t going to take all the blame. “I wouldn’t have done that if you hadn’t betrayed Dad!”

“Betray Dad?” ChiChi gasped as if slapped. “How did I betray him?”

“Dating Kenji! I know Grandpa and Bulma want you to date him because Dad isn’t here. I didn’t speak up because I knew they would’ve been mad if I said something.”

“So, that’s your excuse for being quiet? For them?” ChiChi would not accept this. “You spoke your mind when I didn’t want you to go to Namek. So, try again!”

“I thought you would go on one date and tell Grandpa and Bulma you didn’t want to date Kenji anymore but you didn’t. You kept dating him and you included Goten and me!” Three months of anger and frustration bubbled out of Gohan. “You let Kenji hold you like Dad held you. You let him almost kiss you. You let him sit in Dad’s chair and sleep on the sofa! If you love Dad, you wouldn’t be doing this!”

Gohan left ChiChi speechless. Is that what he thinks? “I love Dad, Gohan. I’ll never stop loving him.”

“Then why date Kenji? Dad isn’t here but I can help. I bring food for you to cook. I bring wood to keep the house warm. I can get a job if you need money.”

“You’re not working, Gohan. You have a bright future ahead of you. We’re not rich but we have money. Grandpa is helping us.”

“But you don’t like taking money from him. I can study and work,” Gohan was willing to do anything to not have Kenji in their life anymore. “If it’s touching like kissing and hugs you miss from Dad…. well, I miss Dad’s hugs, too, but I cope. Why can’t you?”

The last remark hurt. Gohan was mature for his age but he didn’t know everything. “I cope, Gohan. I’ve coped for years but missing a hug from your Dad pales to what I’m missing from him. You can’t compare what we’re missing and it’s not even the point.”

“Then what is it? It’s like you don’t love Dad and you’re trying to replace him. If you marry Kenji, you’ll have babies with him and Goten won’t know Dad at all except he’s dead. You’re being selfish.”

If he weren’t her son and hurting, ChiChi would smack him. Gohan loved Goku and seeing her with another man would bother him. ChiChi accepted that but what she couldn’t accept is Gohan looking at her as an accessory to Goku and not a person with feelings, too. That’s how she felt Goku’s friends saw her. She truly thought Gohan saw her differently.

“You accuse me of forgetting about Dad. You accuse me of not loving him. You accuse me of betraying him. Have you ever thought of my feelings?” ChiChi wanted to carry her burdens privately but Gohan’s words hurt her. “Your father reached out from death to talk to you twice. He helped you beat Cell and he said goodbye to you on Kami’s Temple. He never said goodbye to me. I was married to him for ten years. I cared for him every day. I waited for him when I was left alone for over two years. I cared for him when he was sick. I gave everything to him and I couldn’t get a goodbye. Did you ever think about that?”

He didn’t. He was too consumed with his grief and error and never noticed Dad never said goodbye to Mom. Dad mentioned her and how they will suffer the most with him staying dead but Gohan never realized he got a chance to say goodbye while Mom didn’t. When Mom cried on the floor, that would’ve been the time for Dad to reach out but he didn’t.

Why didn’t he?

“I am a person with feelings, too,” ChiChi went on. “Maybe I would like to have an adult conversation after I spend my day caring for my sons. Maybe I would like to discuss watching a movie I’ve seen or a book I’ve read. Maybe I deserve to have a friend, too.”

Friend. Mom said friend. Not boyfriend. Not husband. That gave Gohan hope. “So, you don’t love Kenji.”

ChiChi sighed. After all that, that’s what Gohan took from what she said. All her anger was zapped from her. She was filled with disappointment. “I can’t deal with this right now, Gohan. I’m tired. I…. I just can’t.”

ChiChi walked away from him. She returned to her bedroom and closed the door. Gohan watched the anger faded from ChiChi’s face. Her eyes were filled with hurt and sadness. Gohan tried to call out to her, tried to move to stop her from leaving but his body wouldn’t move.

“Ma….Mom….” he spoke after a long silence. “Mom,” he tried again. Silence. His brain began to function again; his limbs began moving. He took one step forward and another, moving his feet until he was at the bedroom door.

Gohan touched the doorknob. He started to turn it but stopped when he heard sobbing. His mother’s tears. Gohan pressed his forehead against the door. He closed his eyes as guilt filled him.

Mom, I’m sorry.

****

“Wow. She’s active today.” ChiChi rubbed 18’s stomach and felt the baby growing in her friend move from one side to the other.

“I swear she’s doing gymnastics in there.” 18 had her feet propped up on a foot pillow in ChiChi’s living room eating another plate of lunch. Since entering her third trimester, Krillin went everywhere with 18 when she wanted to leave the island. Right now, Krillin was outside with Gohan and Goten and giving ChiChi and 18 time to talk alone.

“Have you and Krillin settled on a name yet?”

“We agreed with Marron.” 18 put down her empty plate. She reached for the other one but her bowling ball stomach got in her way. “We decided last night when Krillin packed my bag for the hospital.”

“Already?” ChiChi handed 18 a bowl of noodles.

“He’s excited.” 18 sighed. “I wish he was excited about moving us to our own place.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t move now,” ChiChi suggested. “You’re a special case and Dr. Barkley wants you to take it easy. Finding a place, moving and unpacking might be too much now.”

“Our bank account isn’t much right now,” 18 lamented. “Krillin’s working but it’s only enough to get by. Once Marron is here, we’ll need more space. Our room is barely enough for us and in two months we’ll be adding a baby, diapers, clothes and toys.”

“Don’t worry about that. Bulma and I will make sure you and Marron won’t be without anything.”

18 appreciated the support. ChiChi already made five outfits for her child and Bulma bragged about throwing her a big baby shower. “If you mean that, convince your rich boyfriend to buy me and Krillin a house.” She thought ChiChi would laugh but her sudden distressful face alarmed 18. “What? Did something happen?”

It was four days since the incident in West City. Kenji flew ChiChi, Gohan and Goten home. Kenji picked up the tension. No one. Not even Goten spoke on the flight back. When pressed for an answer, ChiChi told him she needed to deal with Gohan alone and needed a few days. She spoke with Gohan when she needed to but spent most of her free thoughts thinking of Kenji, her sons and the situation she got herself in. “Don’t get used to calling him my boyfriend.”

“Why?” 18 slurped a mouthful of noodles. “Did you break up?”

“No, but I’m having second thoughts about this.” ChiChi preceded to tell 18 what happened in West City.

“Damn.” The update was like a drama in those soap operas Master Roshi occasionally watched. Gohan’s behavior was natural. It was ChiChi’s 18 couldn’t figure out. “I was on board with Bulma you should date Kenji but I’m pregnant and filled with all kinds of emotions and hormones. You’re a fool if you listened to me. You’re a damn fool if you listened to Bulma.”

18 was blunt as always but ChiChi took it with humored disbelief. “Not taking responsibility for me and Kenji?”

“Don’t tell me you did date him because of us.”

“My Dad had more influence than you and Bulma but yeah,” ChiChi confirmed. She leaned back and gazed at the ceiling wondering how all this drama entered her life. “Dad and Bulma said some hard truths about my marriage. I was happy but it wasn’t perfect. I thought I should give Kenji a chance at least for Gohan and Goten’s future, but since West City, I’ve been having doubts about all this.”

“Because of Gohan?”

“Not just him. Kenji, too. Our outings didn’t feel like dates. For me, it felt like friends spending time together. So did our talks but after the championship, Kenji wants to speed things up. He told his parents about us and he’s making all these plans for Goten’s birthday.”

“It’s his way of showing his feelings, ChiChi. You haven’t seen each other in two months. He’s making up for that time.” There was a problem here and it was ChiChi. “Be honest with me. Do you have any feelings for him?”

There was a long pause. “Yes.”

If she didn’t need her foot pillow, 18 would use it to smack ChiChi. “I mean romantic feelings. You’ve been dating for three months. One month in person with you and your boys and two months talking over the phone. Feelings grow over time but you haven’t felt a damn thing have you?”

Sharp, blunt and straight to the point. It was fun when 18 is like this with others but not her. “Kenji’s attractive and a decent man. He’s also pushy and showy but no one is perfect. Goku had flaws, too.”

“But…..” 18 pressed.

“It’s platonic,” ChiChi finally told the truth. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. When Kenji approached me, I was flattered. It was the first time since Goku’s death I was seen as a woman and not just a Mom. I tried to do the right thing and not respond to Kenji but he showed up at your wedding. More flowers came. Dad and Bulma got in my head about Goku and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I felt desired, wanted and I liked the attention.

“I love my sons. I love being a Mom. I spend my day taking care of them but when I go to bed, it’s just me. I have to see that empty space every night. I have to see Goku’s pillow every night. Every night I’m confronted with how alone I am.” Tears rolled down ChiChi’s cheeks. ChiChi felt 18 reached for her hand. The tears came harder. For years, she had to hold all this in. It was a relief she could confess her feelings. With 18, she knew she wouldn’t be judged. “I could never share this with anyone.”

“You can with me,” 18 told her. “You know my history is different from the others.”

ChiChi knew that and was so happy it was. “I can’t let my kids see my loneliness. I can’t show how sad and angry I am Goku could say goodbye to everyone but me. I’ll always love him and I know he didn’t mean to but he hurt me a lot.” ChiChi wiped her tears. “I knew by the first month I wouldn’t marry Kenji. Dating Kenji filled the loneliness I’ve felt. It was wrong and selfish but I wanted to think of myself for once.”

“Selfish?”

“Kenji will make a wonderful husband and father but not with me. I knew that but I didn’t want to end it because I enjoyed his attention. I controlled the relationship; told him my Dad couldn’t watch the boys all the time when we go out; advised him to focus on baseball until the season was over. I found ways to keep Kenji at a distance but still keep the attention.”

“You mean including the boys on dates and talks over the phone.”

ChiChi nodded. “Yeah, but it’s getting out of hand. I thought I could keep it like it was before but Kenji wants more and he’s going about it in ways I don’t like and after Gohan’s confession, I saw how wrong I’ve been. I hurt Gohan thinking of myself and I’m leading Kenji on. He doesn’t deserve that.”

18 asked to be sure. “So you really don’t think anything can happen between you two?”

“It’s been three months since I agreed to date him. With Goku, the attraction was instant.”

“He touched you,” 18 reminded her.

“I don’t mean that. I mean when I saw him again when I grew up. My first thoughts were, ‘He’s so handsome.’ I was angry he forgot me but I couldn’t deny how attractive he looked. My feelings grew. With Kenji, he looks attractive but I don’t feel it.” ChiChi knew physical attractiveness didn’t have to be instant. She experienced that with Goku. “Even when we talked, I felt I was talking to a friend. When Kenji tried to flirt, I changed the topic. When Goku and I flirt, it always led to something. I don’t mind being single. I have enough on my plate raising my boys but sometimes I want to forget the loneliness but I can’t do this anymore.”

18 leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling with ChiChi. This was a sticky situation. “You know what you have to do.”

ChiChi nodded. “Yes.”

“When do you see him again?”

“Kenji called this morning. He wants to take me to Central City in two days. He sounded really happy on the phone. I guess negotiations went well with his new contract but I’ll end it then.”

****

Going to Central City, ChiChi expected to dine with Kenji in a fancy restaurant. He told her to dress to celebrate so she expected he got a new contract with the Taitans. She didn’t expect a tour of a mansion. It had three levels, a ten-foot ceiling, a huge kitchen, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private room for a gym, a large basement, lots of yard space for a garden, a pool and a guest house.

“Is this how you celebrate winning the championship?” ChiChi read of athletes going on wild trips or a huge shopping spree. “You play in West City. Why did you buy a house in Central City?”

“Since we won the championship and I’m a great player, I’m entitled to a big contract. My first contract was for rookies and it was extended two years ago. This year I refused another extension until I got paid more.”

ChiChi knew all that and it didn’t answer her question. “You proved your worth and the Taitans gave you a raise. Why didn’t you buy a home in West City?”

Kenji grinned. “You haven’t figured it out. The Taitans organization didn’t think I deserve a big contract. I became a free agent and the Rockets in Central City will pay me. It’s not public yet but I accepted their offer. It’s 20 million zeni a year for the next five years.”

“Wow,” ChiChi whistled. Now it made sense. “That’s a lot of money but you won’t be Yamcha’s teammate anymore.”

“Yeah, but we can hang out in the offseason. The good news is I’m closer to Mount Paozu.”

That was true. He can get to Mount Paozu in half the time from Central City. “I’m happy for you. It sounds like a good opportunity.” But guilt stabbed her heart. How can she tell Kenji she wants to end their relationship when he’s so happy? I did a terrible thing. He’s been so nice to me and my sons and I will have to hurt him.

“That’s why I wanted to show you this house. Do you think it’s a good one?”

“It’s wonderful. You have a lot of land to grow your food and a lot of privacy. However, it is big for one person, but,” ChiChi shrugged, “I can’t criticize. I grew up in a castle with my Dad and his staff.”

“It is big,” Kenji admitted, “but it wouldn’t be so big if you and your sons live here with me.”

Oh no. “What?”

“Moving to a new city will be a fresh start for all of us. I think one of the difficulties you have moving on from Goku is you are still in the house you shared with him. Memories will be very strong there. You told me you wanted to leave and get a fresh start when you were pregnant with Goten.”

“I did, but Gohan couldn’t leave.”

“Right. It would’ve been tough for him to leave when Goku just died but it’s been four years. Gohan should be ready to move and Central City is the capital of the world. It has great schools and opportunities for him. It’s a fresh start for your entire family. Here, you won’t be Goku’s wife.”

ChiChi eyed Kenji skeptically. He said it as if it’s a bad thing she’s Goku’s wife. “No. I’ll be a woman with two children living with a man I’m not married to.”

“That’s why I picked a home with a guest house. It’s as big as your home on Mount Paozu. It has everything you need but I hope that living arrangement isn’t forever.” He grasped her hands. “I know we’ve taken it slow but it’s been three months. Surely, you see the potential of us being together. I see us married and having a child of our own. I’ll hire a maid to help you with the kids. You will never stress over money, never feel isolated and you’ll always feel love. I can take care of you for the rest of my life.”

The guilt hit ChiChi hard. Here she was thinking of ending things with Kenji and he wanted her to move in with him. She couldn’t stall anymore. She had to end it now. “Kenji…..”

Kenji picked up her tone. “Wait. Don’t you see that, too?”

ChiChi pulled away. Even if she had deep feelings, three months was too soon to move in together. “It’s too soon to even think this.”

“Too soon? ChiChi, we’ve known each other for three months.”

“That’s my point.” It stunned her he didn’t get it. “You’re rushing a lot. You want me to uproot my family and move in with you. I’ll be hours away from my father and friends.”

“Friends?” Kenji laughed. “Those aren’t your friends. They are Goku’s friends. They are only friends with you because of him and if you didn’t have his kids, they would want nothing to do with you. Here in Central City you will find real friends.”

“I do have friends besides Goku’s friends. I’m friends with people in my village.”

“Because your father is the king of that village.”

Now he was pushing it. Goku’s friends were fair criticism given their history but not the people in her village. “Are you saying they’re not my real friends?”

“Your father created incentive so they are friendly to you. In Central City, you will never wonder if you have friends because of your Dad.”

She never wondered before! “You don’t think I will wonder if these new people I meet aren’t friends with me because of you? If we are seen together, my picture will be plastered all over the entertainment magazines! No.” ChiChi stepped back not liking this. “I won’t uproot my family.”

Kenji could see ChiChi wasn’t sold on this so he bargained with her. “Baseball season doesn’t start until another four months. Until spring training, I’ll still do the long commute for our dates, but by the time the season starts, you should be living here. I’ll hire a tutor for Gohan so he’s ready for high school and Goten will be four. We can put him in preschool. With your sons having lives of their own, you can focus on us.”

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa! He was doing the same thing he did to convince her to come to West City. Present her with a plan she’ll say no to and offer an option she agree to. “Have you arranged all this again and you’re expecting me to say yes?”

“I don’t have Goten enrolled in preschool but I got recommendations from the seller.” ChiChi couldn’t believe this. He really did plan ahead and expect her to give in. “And I have a tutor set up for Gohan. All his students have gone to the most prestigious schools.”

“You…. you’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“What?” Kenji didn’t see the problem.

“You. You’re planning my life and my sons’ life without consulting me. What’s next? You want me pregnant by the time baseball season starts?”

Kenji laughed. “That’s crazy, ChiChi. We can be living together but you can be pregnant by the time the next season start.”

Now he’s dictating when she will be pregnant? “No. No.” Kenji was always pushy but this was too much and ChiChi felt it was her fault letting it get this far. “This was a mistake. It’s my fault.”

“What is?”

“This! All of this. Kenji, you are a kind man but I can’t do this. I appreciate all you’ve done for me and my sons but I’m not the woman for you. I can’t give you what I want. I can’t see you anymore.”

Kenji didn’t appear as if he heard correctly. “I don’t understand. I’m showing you I can be the man for you. I can provide for you and your sons. I can be there for you when your husband wasn’t. I can give a woman like you everything and you don’t want me?” He shook trying to keep his cool. This couldn’t be happening. “Are you so in love with Goku, you won’t give a decent guy like me a chance?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it?!” Kenji snapped. “I get Goku is a strong person. He saved the world and no one can compete with that and if you’re holding me to that bar no one will have a chance with you and that’s not fair.”

ChiChi let him lash out. She felt she deserved it. “I will never hold you or anyone to that bar. That’s insane.”

“What else is there? His bedroom prowess? You won’t even give me a chance to let you compare that. I can’t even kiss you! I’ve proven I have the wealth to give you and your sons everything. I brushed off Gohan’s annoyance with me and I’ve been attentive to Goten and you. Was Goku always around enough to do that?”

Kenji can lash out at her but ChiChi wouldn’t let Kenji drag Goku into this. “Stop making comparisons between yourself and Goku.”

“You leave me no choice!” Kenji kicked the ground and release a foul expletive “I thought to find the woman for me I need to go the opposite of what I’ve dated. For me, being with you felt right. You are what I need but you seem to be the type of woman who keeps making bad choices in men because you are controlled by their dick.”

ChiChi’s slap was so fierce it knocked Kenji off his feet. He soared several feet before crashing on the ground with a hard thud. Kenji touched his face looking at ChiChi astonished. “ChiChi…..”

ChiChi turned her back on Kenji. “Nimbus!”

“ChiChi….” Kenji pulled himself to stand. “Wait. Let’s talk.”

ChiChi didn’t listen as she climbed on Nimbus. “I will forget what you said and think fondly of you but we shouldn’t see each other anymore.”

“ChiChi….” Kenji called again as she flew away. “ChiChi, wait!”

****

Gyu-Mao tossed a frisbee to Gohan and Goten as they played in the yard. He was happy ChiChi was back to having physical dates with Kenji again and was hopeful this relationship will turn into marriage. That hope faltered when he saw Nimbus in the sky with ChiChi on it. ChiChi left with Kenji hours ago.

“Mom,” Gohan walked up as ChiChi stepped off Nimbus, “why are you on Nimbus?”

“ChiChi,” Gyu-Mao stepped to his daughter. “Where’s Kenji?”

Three pairs of eyes stared at her. ChiChi’s priority was Goten. He liked Kenji more than anyone. She knelt before her son. “Goten, Momma won’t be seeing Mr. Kenji anymore. So no more baseball games. No more trips to the amusement park.”

“What about my birthday?”

“Sorry,” she apologized, “he won’t be coming.”

“Why?”

“He is moving to another city. It’ll be too difficult to keep seeing each other. Will you be okay?”

Goten frowned, thinking what this meant. ChiChi thought she broke Goten’s heart but he shrugged and cheerfully said, “Guess it didn’t work out but that means we’ll spend more time together, right, Momma?”

ChiChi hugged Goten so happy he is taking this well. “Of course and I will cook dinner tonight instead of Grandpa.”

“Yay!” Goten cheered.

“Gohan, take Goten inside.” Gyu-Mao’s tone had the hair on the back of ChiChi’s neck standing. “I wanna talk to ChiChi.”

“Come on, Goten.” Gohan knew that tone. He heard it once and that was toward his Dad. He knew Grandpa was angry. “We should clean up the house before Mom goes inside. It’s messy.”

Goten covered his hands over his mouth as if he did something bad. “Oh, no.” All his toys were scattered everywhere! He ran ahead of Gohan into the house.

Gyu-Mao waited until Gohan and Goten were in the house before he asked, “What happened?”

ChiChi braced herself for her father’s anger. He will not be happy no matter what she says. “Dad, it was going too fast. Kenji wanted more than I was ready for. He bought a house. He wanted me to move in with him. He made plans for Gohan and Goten without me. He was already thinking of babies and our lives in Central City.”

“That’s a good thing. ChiChi, he wanted to marry you!”

“I don’t wanna marry him. I didn’t wanna lead him on.”

“I told you. Make it a marriage of convenience. You won’t love him now but in a few years…..”

“I didn’t want that!” How many times did she need to say it? “It wasn’t about my happiness but my kids, too. Gohan didn’t like him.”

Gyu-Mao couldn’t believe ChiChi was using that excuse. “Gohan’s a child. He’ll throw a tantrum but he would’ve grown to like Kenji and if he became a problem, I would’ve set him straight. You blew this opportunity! A rich man willing to take you and the boys don’t come by every day! This will never happen again! You blew their future!”

“I considered their future!”

“No, you didn’t! If you did, you would’ve said yes. Gohan and Goten would have a new Dad. Gohan would have many opportunities to pursue his education. Goten would grow up in a complete home.”

“My sons have a father!”

“Their father is dead and you’re staying loyal to a corpse!” Gyu-Mao knew it was cruel but it was the harsh truth and ChiChi needed to hear it. “I don’t mean to speak ill of Goku. He did the best he could but he’s not here and I am not gonna be here forever. You blew your chance, ChiChi!”

Gyu-Mao’s temper was notorious. ChiChi was always intimidated by it but this time she wasn’t. “I accept you’re upset, Dad, but you will not insult Goku in front of me. It was you that caused me to meet Goku because you were too selfish to leave your precious treasure! You sent me, your eleven-year-old child to find a man I never met to help put out the fire around our home because of your wicked ways! I could’ve died! But I met the love of my life which you never fully accepted and tried to marry me off to others while I waited for him. You offered Goku to me as a bride and then you changed your mind. It became guys in the village like Kaifun and now Kenji. When will you stop?!”

Unbeknownst to them, Gohan watched the argument from the kitchen window. He occasionally checked on Goten who scampered around the living room picking up his toys. As much as he wanted to be with his mother, he couldn’t leave Goten alone. He had to protect him from seeing this.

“I was worried you were setting yourself up for disappointment. That’s why I wanted you to forget that promise. Goku honored his word and did his best but you still relied on me. You relied on me more financially than on Goku for most of your marriage! You needed me to help mend your marriage when Goku wanted to quit after your first fight!”

ChiChi was livid her father brought that up. “That was a misunderstanding!”

Gyu-Mao knew that but it added more evidence to his argument. “You needed my money when Goku stayed away after his fight with Freeza. You still needed it when Goku came back and trained for three years. Goku’s a lovable person. He can save the world but as a husband he’s not someone you can rely on. You have been given a chance at love, a better life and you’re blowing it staying faithful to a dead man who couldn’t bother to say goodbye to you!”

For as long as he lived, Gohan will never forget the look on his mother’s face. It was as if Grandpa slapped her. Gohan wanted to run to his mother and yell at Grandpa but he couldn’t leave Goten. Mom held her own. She yelled at Grandpa and pointed away from the house. Grandpa opened his car capsule. He tried talking to Mom but she kept screaming at him until he drove off. Mom walked to the house. Gohan jumped from the window and joined Goten in the cleanup

“My, my,” ChiChi sounded cheerful when she stepped in. “I thought I was coming home to a dirty house.”

Goten pointed to his full toy chest. “I cleaned up, Momma.”

ChiChi bent to hug Goten. “You’re a good boy. Momma loves you so much. Grandpa went home but as soon as I change clothes, I’m cooking you and Gohan your favorites!”

“I’ll fix dinner, Mom,” Gohan decided. “You weren’t expected back until later and I was gonna make dinner.”

“You were?” That was news to Goten. “Grandpa was gonna-----”

“I’m cooking,” Gohan cut off his brother, “and you’re gonna help me.” To ChiChi, Gohan said, “I’ll take care of everything. I’ve been reading your cookbooks and I should get more practice. Let me do this. Please.”

ChiChi knew Gohan saw her argument with Gyu-Mao. She would insist she will cook but didn’t have the energy to fight anymore. “Thank you, Gohan.”

ChiChi went to her room. She changed clothes and took a nap. Gohan woke her to let her know dinner is ready. The kitchen was messy with dishes scattered on the counter and food stains on the floor but dinner was delicious. Gohan cooked a lovely meal of seasoned wild boar, noodles, steam vegetables from her garden and for dessert, pudding. ChiChi wanted to clean up but Gohan insisted he will do it. While Gohan cleaned, ChiChi spent her evening with Goten. She checked the work he did in his lessons, played with his toys and watched a program on TV before he went to bed.

After ChiChi put Goten to bed, she checked on Gohan. Sometimes Gohan went to bed at the same time as Goten but other times he stayed up for another hour to read or watch a TV program. She found Gohan in her spotless kitchen pouring tea. “Are you drinking tea?” She placed a hand on Gohan’s forehead. “Are you sick?”

“It’s for you. You always drink tea before you go to bed.”

Moved to tears at his caring, ChiChi embraced Gohan. “You’re a good son.”

Gohan hugged ChiChi back. “You’re a good Mom.”

The two sat at the table drinking the hot tea. “I know you saw me and Grandpa talking. I know that’s why you cooked dinner. Thank you but tomorrow we go back to normal.”

“I’m sorry about Kenji.” Gohan’s apology surprised ChiChi. “I know you broke up because of me. Grandpa yelled at you because of me.” From their fight in West City and this, Gohan’s eyes were fully opened. He finally understood what ChiChi privately dealt with; how she tried and continues to protect him and Goten.

“I broke up because it wasn’t right for us. There have been too many people in my head lately and I was selfish, too.”

Gohan didn’t think so. “I didn’t know how tough it was being with Dad.”

It was touching Gohan finally understood but he didn’t have to say this. “Having a good marriage is tough, Gohan. There were hard times but there were more good times. In our years together, the only thing me and Goku really argued on was training you and allowing you to fight monsters that can destroy the planet.”

In his early memories, Gohan mostly remembered happy times. Mom got angry but when it involved him fighting, Mom became a different person. She seemed so cold and not understanding. Gohan finally saw it was he who didn’t understand. “Everyone needed me but I was too young for that,” Gohan confessed the harsh truth. “I didn’t see it that way then but when I see Goten, sometimes I think of what I went through and how it changed me. I don’t want that for him.”

ChiChi didn’t want that either. “It would be nice to break the cycle. Me, your Dad and you all had traumatic events when we were young.”

“Goten will break the cycle,” Gohan promised.

ChiChi appreciated Gohan’s determination to keep Goten innocent as long as possible. It was a good feeling knowing her son had her back. ChiChi wished they didn’t have to deal with the tough circumstances to get to this point. “I thought this wouldn’t happen until you marry and have kids. Not now.”

“I want it this way.” Gohan didn’t want to be coddled anymore. He was ready to see things how they really are. “I wished it happened earlier. I wouldn’t have been mad at you when you were right. I would’ve noticed I surpassed Dad. I would’ve been ready to fight Cell and Dad would be here with us and Goten.”

“That’s a lot of wouldas.” It bothered ChiChi Gohan still burdened himself with guilt over the Cell Game but she knew only Gohan can come to terms with it. “It never would’ve happened that way.”

“I know.” Gohan stared at his cup. “I love Dad but he sometimes frustrated me. I was in denial about that because Dad always saved me; Dad was always happy and he was a good person and I love being around him. I thought I was wrong to feel different.”

“It’s hard to not see Dad perfect when he brings out the best in everyone. He turns enemies into friends.” ChiChi sipped her tea. “You don’t truly love and understand someone unless you see all their flaws. So, don’t think of noticing Dad’s flaws as a bad thing but think of it as knowing Dad and loving him for who he is. Everyone can’t say that. Not even Dad’s friends.”

It wasn’t until after Goten’s birth Gohan noticed his Dad’s friendship with everyone. They were friends but met when it involved fighting or collecting dragon balls. They didn’t meet for holidays or mini reunions like now. Meetings were out of necessity. Gohan didn’t meet them until he was four and five. Goten was three but met everyone several times.

Gohan thought his Mom was the reason he didn’t meet them sooner but now he saw it was probably Dad. So many misunderstandings were created that labeled his Mom wrong when she wasn’t. She suffered in silence, forgo her own happiness for her family. Gohan thought his Mom deserves happiness and he will be silent for once. “If being with Kenji makes you happy, Mom, I can be happy, too. I know you love Dad and I know dating Kenji doesn’t mean you stopped loving him. I won’t get in the way.”

This was a big change from what happened nearly a week ago. Her son was a caring soul but this isn’t what ChiChi wanted. “Listen to me. I don’t want to get back with Kenji. I was feeling lonely. Grandpa and Bulma influenced me to date Kenji to fill that loneliness and to secure your and Goten’s future. I tried but I couldn’t do it. Kenji is a kind man but our feelings for each other are different. He wants things I can’t give and he deserves someone who will give him what he wants. As for Dad, I will never understand all of Goku’s decisions but I know he wouldn’t have stayed dead if he didn’t think he had another choice. It hurts but I know Goku will never intentionally hurt me, you, or Goten. And, I know he’s lonely, too, and waiting for us. He’s probably wishing he could hold us like we want to hold him now.”

****

The ground shook as two strong forces collided. Their punches created soundwaves that could be heard for miles. Their Ki exploded mountainous terrains and caused quakes. Luckily, they were far from the Grand Kai’s palace or it would suffer damage, too.

Kimani played it smart. She knew Goku would want to train together and perfect Fusion as soon as possible and when he is in sync with her, he’ll move on. Kimani wanted his attention before that happens. She arranged it where they spent an hour a day together. During this hour they will spar or talk. Kimani did most of the talking while Goku only answered questions when asked. Kimani knew he died protecting Earth from a threat but Goku didn’t talk about it or his life there.

Kimani loved when they sparred. That’s when she felt she got the real Goku. He was playful in the beginning, not taking her seriously but when she outwitted him with her speed and got hits on him, his demeanor changed. He was impressed and put more effort into their fight.

But Goku was not a patient man. When he wanted something, he wanted it now. At the end of every hour, Goku brought Kimani to the Metamorans to see if they were in sync. Goku got better each time. She didn’t have long before Goku mastered it and moved on. She needed to leave an impression on him before then.

As their spar came to an end, Kimani had one more attack. Her arms vibrated at Goku in the form of twisters. A large burst of Ki grew from these spirals. They expelled from her arms and surrounded Goku; spinning his body as if he were caught in a tornado. The spirals spun faster until Goku was a blur. With all this spinning, Goku will be dizzy and vulnerable for her final attack. She flew into the spirals and before she could strike Goku a sharp punch struck her stomach. She saw Goku’s smirk and flowing Super Saiyan hair before she was flung from the twisters. Her impact on the ground created a three-foot crater.

Her body ached all over and she blacked out but when she opened her eyes, Goku stood over her smiling with his hand out to her. Kimani accepted it and allowed Goku to pull her up. “That was intense but I almost had you.” Wanting to be closer to Goku, Kimani took a few steps and wobbled. As expected, Goku caught her.

“Whoa. Are you okay?” Kimani pressed herself closer. She loved the solid wall of muscles pressed against her body. “Sorry. I think I hit you too hard.”

“It’s all right.” Kimani put her arm around his waist. “I want it this way.”

“Yeah, but I’m really stronger than you. I should go easy on you.”

“I’ll slit your throat if you did.” Kimani leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’ll get you next time but hold me until I get my energy back. You knocked the wind out of me.”

“Um, okay.” They stood in the empty field holding each other. Kimani never had a chance to be this close to Goku and wanted it to last as long as possible. His arm felt so good around her. His body felt even better. She wanted more. Kimani put her arms around Goku’s neck and pressed closer. Her covered breasts massaged against the blue tatters of his shirt. Her hips rubbed against his but for a second before Goku pushed her to stand arm’s length. “What are you doing?”

“Holding you until I get my energy back.”

Goku frowned. “You didn’t need to hold me like that.”

“Why?” she asked coyly. “Didn’t you like it?”

“No. You’re being weird,” he told her as he put two fingers to his forehead. He searched for a Ki and transported him and Kimani back to the training grounds at the Grand Kai’s palace. Kimani grimaced being in familiar terrain again. She wanted more alone time with Goku.

“Hi!” Goku waved at the Metamorans. “I think we got it this time.”

The Metamorans broke from their afternoon spar. Goku always appeared like clockwork. Kimani hated this. Goku was a lot better now. Even she knew the next visit or two will be the last one for them. Goku was always the one out of sync. If she acted out of sync after being perfect this entire time, Kimani knew even naïve Goku will be suspicious.

Goku stepped away from her. He smiled, determined this was it. “Ready?”

Kimani held her in position. “Ready.”

The Metamorans observe Goku and Kimani move in sync. They slid at the same time, swung their arms at the same time and the tips of their fingers touched at the same. Kimani mentally cursed. Goku got it. They were asked to repeat it again. Perfect. After a third, it was unequivocal. Goku mastered the Fusion dance.

“Whoo-hoo!” Goku thrusts his arms up. “I got it! I got it!”

“Congratulations,” Kimani hid her disappointment. “Now you need to find someone who can match you in Ki. If you lower yours to match mine, we can fuse.”

“Nah,” Goku refused. “I’ll wait for a fighter to show up that’s close to me in strength. I’m glad I got the Fusion dance down. Thanks for the help. I need to tell King Kai. Bye!”

Goku did as she thought. Leave as soon as he learned Fusion but Kimani didn’t see this as a goodbye. Through the time they spent together, Kimani knew she left an impression on him. She needed to wait until the right moment.

Time couldn’t be accurately recorded so Kimani followed her planet’s recordings of time and guessed two weeks passed since she exclusively spent time alone with Goku. She found ways to randomly encounter Goku. As always, Goku was on the move but when she overheard Goku telling the Kai of the North he was traveling again, Kimani knew it was time to make her move.

Most fighters stayed on the land surrounding the Grand Kai’s enormous palace but Goku was an adventure and traveler. Once a month, Goku ventured on these travels alone. He even had a favorite spot where Goku trained and relaxed. Goku mentioned it to her in passing. When Goku left, Kimani waited an hour before following. She kept her Ki low from detection. When she caught up to Goku, he stood in front of a lake undressing. Activities for the living like baths and showers weren’t needed in the afterlife but some of the dead fell back into old habits. Even Goku. He ate when he didn’t need to. Slept when he didn’t have to and swam for cleansing more than sport. Alone and naked Kimani knew this was perfect.

“Goku!” Kimani walked to the end of the lake waving at Goku.

Goku waved, finished his lap and swam back to the edge of the lake. “Hi.”

“Are you swimming alone?”

Goku looked around. “There ain’t anyone else here.”

“How is the water?”

“Great.” Goku pushed back in the water to resume his laps.

“Good.” Kimani removed her shoes and loosened her clothes. “This lake reminds me of home. I swam in it every day.” She raised her dress over her head and dropped her clothes beside Goku’s. Nude, she walked into the lake and swam to Goku. “Do you mind if I join you?”

Kimani thought Goku would be happy to have company but he looked annoyed. “Lake is all yours.” Goku swam away. “I’m done.”

“Done?” He only swam twenty laps. In the pool at Grand Kai’s palace, Goku swam 100. Kimani swam after Goku back to the lake’s edge. Goku climbed out and gave Kimani a wonderful eyeful of his backside. She stared as his wet body illuminated in a light Ki to dry himself. “How many did you swim?”

“Enough.” He bent to retrieve his pants. As he put his legs in, Kimani got a glimpse of what dangled between. Very nice. Goku pulled up his pants, shielding his tight body from her eyes.

“The lake is big enough for both of us to share.”

“I know,” Goku agreed, “but ChiChi told me I only swim with her.” He reached for his shirts.

“ChiChi?” Kimani rose from the water. She stood before Goku as he pulled his shirts over his head. Once his head appeared out of the shirt whole, Kimani expected Goku to stare at her body. He didn’t. He bent to pick up his obi.

“ChiChi’s my wife.”

Wife? He had a wife? “You were married on Earth? I didn’t know.”

Goku turned away as he tightened the obi around his waist. “I didn’t tell you.”

Kimani stood in front of him still naked. It was insulting he didn’t want to take a little peek. “I know, but…… you never talked about her. Do you miss her?”

Goku pulled on his wristbands. “Sure. I miss her and my son.”

“You had a family?” Kimani did wonder how no one snagged Goku but now she knew someone did and Goku kept it a secret. There was a reason for this. “We all deal with death in our own ways. Some people share their grief. You hide it.”

Goku sat on the grass and pulled a boot over his right foot. Kimani sat next to him, not hiding or caring she was still nude. “What do you miss most about your wife?”

Goku tied his boot. “Her cooking. Food here is okay but it’s nothing like ChiChi’s.”

Cooking? If cooking was what he missed most about his wife, ChiChi was lacking in an area Kimani excelled at. “Cooking? Not… sex?”

Goku put on his other boot. “Well, yeah, I miss that but ChiChi ain’t here so I can’t do that.”

“Your wife’s cooking isn’t here but you eat.” She slid close enough so her wet breasts touched his arm. “You can do the same with sex.”

Goku pulled away. He looked disgusted. “I can’t have sex without ChiChi?”

“You eat food ChiChi didn’t cook.”

“I always did that. There ain’t rules on eating. I married ChiChi and that means I only have sex with her.”

Kimani wanted to laugh. His innocence was adorable! “When you’re married, you shouldn’t have sex with anyone but your wife, but you’re not married anymore. You’re free from that rule.”

“I am?”

Innocent but definitely teachable. “Now that you’re dead, you can have sex with anyone you like. Is there anyone here you felt sexual excitement for but didn’t act because you thought you couldn’t because of your marriage to ChiChi?”

“No.”

He answered that too quickly. “Not even with me?”

Goku made a face as if he ate something nasty. “Why would I wanna have sex with you?”

Why? Didn’t her beauty, body and skills answer that question? Goku was cute but incredibly dense. “Can’t you imagine how intense and hot sex will be with us? We could make the world shake.”

“I don’t want it to shake.”

“I want it to shake. With you.” Kimani approached him but Goku stepped back. “We can be very good together. I understand loyalty to your wife but the bonds you made with her are gone. It ended when you died.”

Goku shook his head. “But ChiChi said……”

“What ChiChi said doesn’t matter anymore. We have been gifted to keep our bodies in the afterlife. We’re a special breed. We are free to be with whoever we want. It’s crazy to limit ourselves and experiences. The other fighters aren’t. Why are you?”

Goku stopped stepping back. “What fighters?”

Kimani kept moving but stop just inches from touching Goku. She didn’t want to spook him away now she had him where she wanted him. “Several fighters have gotten together. Olibo has taken a few lovers. Sarta was very impressed with your fighting in the tournament the Grand Kai hosted.”

“Sarta?” Goku thought the name sounded familiar. “Oh! I know him. He’s been here for a while.”

“He’s 3600 years old,” Kimani informed him.

“We sparred once. He was a little grabby but I beat him.”

Kimani grinned slyly aware of why Sarta was grabby. “I hear he wanted you as a lover but you didn’t show interest.”

“Huh?” Goku wasn’t dumb to what Kimani meant. He’s seen men like that on Earth. “But he got a wife and kids.”

“They weren’t allowed to keep their bodies when they crossed over. Sarta moved on and found love several times in men, women and others. He and Torbie are lovers now.”

Goku knew Torbie. He looked like Cell, strong but was easily defeated by Pikkon. He’s seen Torbie and Sarta sparring together but thought they were friends. Not lovers.

“Oh.”

“So, you see, we can be lovers, too.” Kimani moved to wrap her arms around Goku’s neck but he jumped in the sky to get away. Kimani flew in front of him. She floated before him, freely advertising her marvelous nude body to him. “Don’t you want to be happy?”

“But I am happy.”

Goku turned to fly away but Kimani jumped in front of him again. “You’re lonely. I heard when you came here, you fought several fighters. Now you spend most of your time by yourself, with the Kai of the North and sometimes away from this place. With me, you won’t be lonely. We can be very good together if you give us a try.”

“I don’t wanna try.” He was getting annoyed with Kimani. “I’m married to ChiChi. She’s waiting for me now and I’m waiting for her.”

Kimani laughed. “You can’t really think that.”

“It’s the truth!”

Goku needed a reality check. How terrible his Kai of the North kept the truth from Goku. “Even if you do wait for her, there’s no guarantee she’ll keep her body when she crosses over. It will be like Sarta and his family. What will you do when ChiChi can’t keep her body? Fuck a puff of smoke?”

That would be weird but Goku knew that wouldn’t happen. “ChiChi will keep her body. She’s a good person.”

“You need special privileges to keep your body and just being good isn’t one of them.” Kimani smiled seeing a change on Goku’s face. It was finally sinking in. “I didn’t mean to anger you, Goku, but you need to be told the truth and your Kai failed you. Your wife will be a floating spirit when she dies. Take your time to mourn but I’ll be here. I have my body. I won’t go anywhere but I’ll wait for you.”

Kimani descended and left Goku with troubling thoughts. Goku put two fingers to his forehead and searched for King Kai’s Ki. What Kimani said wasn’t true. Sarta’s family couldn’t keep their body but Goku knew ChiChi and Gohan will keep theirs. Gohan saved the world. It’s a guarantee he’ll keep his body when he crosses over. ChiChi didn’t save the world but she was a good person. ChiChi will keep her body and reunite with him. He knew it.

****

“Goku, are you blind, stupid or crazy?”

“I’m neither.”

“You’re one of them,” Olibo was certain. “I don’t know which.”

Goku teleported to King Kai. With him were Olibu and Pikkon resting after a rematch. He told King Kai of his encounter with Kimani. Pikkon had no opinion but Olibo had plenty to say to his Earth friend.

“Kimani is the most beautiful and strongest woman here. Many of us have tried to get her attention. Her wanting you means she finds you worthy. Am I not right, King Kai?”

King Kai stepped back, waving his hands in a ‘no’ gesture. “This is not my territory. I advise on fighting. I don’t give advice on romantic issues. Well, I can,” King Kai eyed Goku, “but no one listens and if someone did, he would be on Earth with his family.”

“But you’ve been around for ages,” Olibu said. “You’ve seen many things. You must have some opinion.”

“My opinion is to respect Goku’s choice. You should, too.”

“I would but he’s not being rational.” If King Kai wasn’t going to give Goku the facts, Olibo elected himself. “Kimani is right. You haven’t been here thousands of years so your family is still fresh on your mind but those feelings won’t last. At some point, they will die. All of us had families and friends when we were alive but we’re not with them. They became spirits or were reincarnated. You will forget yours like I forgot my loved ones. That’s the natural course here, Goku. The sooner you accept this the better it will be for you.”

“Then let it happen for Goku,” Pikkon suggested. “Let the natural course run.”

“There ain’t no natural course!” Goku snapped. Olibo was wrong! “ChiChi will keep her body and she’ll be here. So will Gohan.”

“Goku…..” King Kai forward cautious of Goku’s fluctuating Ki. “Olibo is trying to be helpful. He has been here thousands of years and has seen many things. He’s trying to prepare you….”

“I don’t wanna hear it!” Enraged, Goku flared into a Super Saiyan and flew off. It wasn’t true Goku told himself. Olibo was wrong. He had to be except King Kai didn’t correct him. If Olibo was right then that meant when he saw ChiChi and Gohan on the kitchen floor, that was the last time he’ll see them. It meant he’ll never embrace or talk to them again. No. He’ll see Gohan. He saved the world. He’s Earth’s hero now. He’ll do many feats to secure keeping his body but what about ChiChi? She’s a good person but she didn’t do anything special. If that was the last time, he saw her then…..

That means I’ll never see her again.

****

18’s baby shower was hosted at Master Roshi’s house. Only Bulma, ChiChi and their kids came. The house was decorated in pink and white balloons and streamers and tables were covered with gifts and food. While ChiChi and Bulma fawned over the gifts, Gohan played caretaker to Goten and Trunks. Master Roshi and Krillin were in competition with each other putting together the big presents. Master Roshi worked on the crib while Krillin worked on the stroller. Both men argued they will finish first.

18 unwrapped a gift from Yamcha. “Onesies from Yamcha’s baseball team.”

“Oh, lord,” Bulma rolled her eyes. “Ever since the Taitans won the championship, Yamcha’s ego has been impossible to deal with. He’s giving everyone Taitans gear. He gave a jersey to Trunks and Vegeta burned it.”

“That was a waste,” ChiChi chided the act.

“And what about the jerseys Kenji gave you, Gohan and Goten?” Bulma was still not happy with ChiChi’s decision to end things with Kenji. “Have you worn them?”

“Goten’s still plays with the toys but the clothes are in storage.” Bulma rolled her eyes at the answer. “It’s better this way.”

Before Bulma could give what would’ve been a snarky retort, Krillin cheered, “I did it! I’m finished!”

Master Roshi grumbled as he tightened the last screws on the crib. “Only because I have more things to screw.”

Krillin stuck his tongue out. “You lost, Old Man. Deal with it. Come look, 18. I finished the stroller.”

ChiChi helped 18 off the sofa. The sofa was comfortable to sit on but being nine months pregnant, it wasn’t easy to rise from. Bulma examined the stroller. “Hmm.” She rolled it back and forth. “The rear left wheel is wobbly. I think you’re missing a screw.” Bulma kept rolling the stroller. The wheel broke from the stroller and rolled into a wall.

Master Roshi laughed. “First stroll on the beach and Marron will fall out. Tsk. Tsk.”

“I’ll fix it,” Krillin promised. “I missed something because I was trying to beat Master Roshi.”

18 waddled to Marron’s crib. Bulma examined this one, too. It felt sturdy but 18 waited on Bulma’s judgement. “It looks secure.” Bulma gripped the bars of the crib and shook it. “Feels secure. All the screws are in, too.”

“Slow and steady wins the race,” Master Roshi wagged his old, wrinkly finger at Krillin.

“But can you get it in their room?” ChiChi asked. “Their bedroom door is narrow.”

“That door is 30 inches wide. I remember because I had to put in a door after Lunch shot holes in it.”

Gohan read the crib’s measurements. “This crib is 34 inches wide.”

This time Krillin laughed at Master Roshi. “You’re as bad as I am. I’ll help you take it apart and we’ll put both back together.”

18 shook her head. Those two were in competition with each other the last two months of her pregnancy. If Krillin brought home a “Best Dad” shirt. Master Roshi bought a “Best Grandpa” shirt. If something needed fixing, they fought on who will do it and sometimes made it worse. One tile needed to be replaced in the shower but because of them, ten new tiles were replaced.

“Just get it done without killing yourselves.” 18 winced at the sudden pain in her stomach. She had pains in her lower back and stomach off and on since yesterday but she ignored it since it was minor and didn’t last long. This one made her legs wobbly.

18 gripped Krillin’s shoulder. She felt growing moisture between her legs. “Krillin…. I think…. Ugh… I think the baby’s coming.”

18’s legs buckled under the pain. Krillin caught her and gently ease her on the sofa. As a pained moan escaped her lips, Krillin hollered in joy. It was time! “Oh, boy!! Master Roshi, I’m gonna be a Dad! 18 is having the baby! Bulma, I’m gonna be a Dad! 18 is having the baby! ChiChi, I’m gonna be----”

“Why are you so excited?!” 18 screamed. “I’m in pain!!”

Trunks pointed at 18. “She peed herself!”

Everyone looked down to see amniotic fluid slide down her legs. “Oh, geez,” Master Roshi groaned knowing a pudding was forming in 18’s seat. “Do I have to clean all of that?!”

“Hospital,” ChiChi took charge. “Gohan, get 18’s bag.”

“Blue bag by the door!” 18 hollered as Gohan ran upstairs.

ChiChi held 18’s hand. “How long have you been feeling pains?”

“I…..” 18 gritted at the pain coursing through her. “It’s been off and on. It wasn’t this bad before. I thought it was false contractions.” She panted. “She’s a week early.”

“That’s okay,” ChiChi calmed her friend. “Dr. Barkley warned this could happen.”

“A week early?” Krillin picked up 18. “That means you can give birth now!”

“Krillin!” Bulma yelled after him but Krillin zoomed out the house. The wind created from his speed knocked Bulma into Master Roshi, ChiChi flipping over the sofa, presents off the table and Goten and Trunks rolling on the floor like balls.

“I got the bag!” Gohan ran down the stairs to see everyone on the floor in a crumpled mess. “What the….”

“Let me go, you perv!” Bulma’s back laid on Master Roshi. In the calamity, the old man grabbed Bulma’s breasts.

“I was saving you from being blown away. Ow!” he was kicked in the head by ChiChi.

“Where are Krillin and 18?” Gohan asked.

“Halfway to the hospital,” Bulma groused as she stood. “Come on. I’ll fly us.”

****

18’s labor progressed quickly. When Dr. Barkley examined her, she determined 18 has been in labor since last night but due to her strong body’s resistance to pain, 18 didn’t notice. Calls were made to Yamcha and 17 as everyone waited for Marron’s birth.

Yamcha burst into the waiting room. Master Roshi paced and smoked his pipe like an expecting father. ChiChi knitted. Bulma was on her cell phone and Gohan watched Goten and Trunks. “Where’s 17?”

“Hell if I know,” Bulma bristled. “I’m calling with the number 18 gave but he’s not answering. I left five messages.”

“How’s 18?”

“In the delivery room with Krillin,” ChiChi looped her yarn with her needle. “She’s pushing now.”

“That was over an hour ago.” Master Roshi circled the room again. “How long does it take to push out a baby? She’s not traveling far.”

“Oh, calm down,” Bulma turned off her phone. “An hour is perfectly normal.”

“How long did it take you to push out Trunks?”

Bulma shrugged. “I was too high on drugs.”

Master Roshi and Yamcha looked at ChiChi for an answer. “I can’t remember with Gohan but Goten came out quickly. I think it was about thirty minutes.”

Yamcha joined Master Roshi in the pacing. They did three loops around the room before Krillin burst in like he won the lottery. “She’s here! I’M A DAD!!!” Krillin threw his arms up in victory. “18’s okay and Marron’s here. Everyone—ack!”

Master Roshi knocked Krillin over as he blurred out of the room. Bulma laughed, “You’d think it was his grandchild being born.” She grabbed Trunks’ hand and followed after the old martial artist.

Everyone else filed out eager to see the baby. ChiChi stuffed her yarn and knitting needles in her purse, making her the last to leave with Yamcha. Yamcha followed close besides ChiChi as she followed everyone down the hall. Just as she was going to enter 18’s room, Yamcha grabbed her arm and pulled her from the door.

“ChiChi, wait a second. I need to talk to you about Kenji.”

“Kenji?” They were over two months ago. She saw Yamcha at Goten’s birthday party. He never talked to her about his teammate. ChiChi wondered why he wanted to now. “Why?”

“I know why you and Kenji didn’t work out. He told me what he said. I was pissed. I punched him for Goku.”

“It’s okay, Yamcha,” ChiChi brushed off the matter. “I share some blame so I’m not mad anymore.”

“He’s settled into Central City. He’s not dating anyone.” Yamcha dug in his pockets and pulled out an envelope with ChiChi’s name on it. “Kenji wanted me to give this to you.”

ChiChi didn’t want it. “There’s nothing else to say.”

“He really wanted me to give this to you.” He urged her to take it.

ChiChi reluctantly took the envelope. It wasn’t sealed. “Have you read it?”

“No, but we talked and I have an idea what he said.” Yamcha left ChiChi with that as he stepped into 18’s room.

ChiChi looked at the door, wondering if she should go in, and then the envelope, wondering if she should read it. She didn’t want to read the letter. ChiChi considered the chapter of Kenji closed but something in Yamcha’s voice told her she should read it. Decision made, ChiChi pulled out the letter

Dear ChiChi,

I know you are not expecting this letter but please read this. I wanted to see you several times but I didn’t want to surprise or upset you. I am a blunt and direct person. I say what’s on my mind. I’m sorry I upset you the last time we talked but I spoke out of anger and frustration. I didn’t mean it. You must believe me. I reacted the way I did because I love you.

Yes, I love you. I know you will find that hard to believe. You’ll say it’s too soon but I do. You’re an easy woman to fall in love with. I’m not Goku and I can’t replace him in your heart but I care for you deeply. I care for Gohan and Goten and I want to be a husband for you and a father to them.

I love baseball. I don’t know what I’d be doing if I didn’t play but spending time with you and your boys really showed me another part of life I’m missing. It’s something I really want. I love Goten so much. That sweet boy deserves a Daddy. I’m not Goku but I can be a Daddy to Goten. It’s too late to spare Gohan the pain of losing a parent but I’ll make sure Goten doesn’t grow up with the pain and loss you and Gohan have in your heart. I can be a husband for you and if we’re lucky, we can have children together.

“Mom?” ChiChi looked up. Gohan stood by the door. “Aren’t you coming to see the baby?”

ChiChi folded the letter and placed it in her purse. “Yeah. Sorry. I…..I am… I just.. never mind.”

“What were you reading?” Gohan asked.

“Bills,” she lied. “Let’s see the baby.” ChiChi followed Gohan inside. Goten and Trunks shared a chair looking curious but not all interested in the new baby. Everyone else surrounded 18’s bed in awe. 18 sat up holding Marron wrapped in a pink blanket. Krillin, the proud papa, sat by 18 with tears glistening his eyes. Master Roshi openly cried like a proud grandpa. Yamcha stood farthest but smile approvingly and Bulma fawned over baby Marron.

“She’s so cute. We finally got a girl in our group.” She cocked her head at Goten and Trunks. “They’ll be fighting over her in sixteen years.”

“Oh, no!” Krillin protested. “I don’t mind Goten dating Marron but she is not dating Trunks.”

Bulma’s whipped herself to Krillin offended, “And what’s wrong with my son?! We know what he will look like when he gets older. He will be a magnet to all girls.”

“It was a joke. You know I’m joking.” Krillin tried to laugh it off but Master Roshi and Yamcha pity shake told him he was on his own. “I’m a Dad. I don’t want my daughter dating anyone.”

“But you said Trunks. You didn’t say Trunks and Goten!”

While Krillin tried to calm Bulma, ChiChi took the moment to hold Marron. As ChiChi awed at the cute newborn, 18 whispered, “She needs to get to know her Auntie ChiChi and her godmother. Maybe her future mother-in-law, if Goten’s lucky.”

ChiChi thought it was too soon to talk about matchmaking their children. It would be nice if their children got together but after her experience dealing with her father trying to pair her up, ChiChi wanted her kids to pick their partners on their own. “She has Krillin’s eyes.”

“And no nose like Dad,” 18 added. “I can’t believe Bulma was right.”

“About Trunks?”

“No. That game of hers on New Year’s Eve. It predicted marriage and a baby for me. It came true. It predicted romance for you. You were meant to meet Kenji.”

“Maybe.” ChiChi thought of the letter in her purse. “But it’s over.”

Part 36: Changes

#Goku #ChiChi #GoChi #Life With You #Part 35 #Gohan #Goten #Dragonball Z #dragonball #fanfiction #son family

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