Disclaimer: Same as before.
Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who answered my questions! I really appreciate it! Thanks again! Anyways, this is just my take on a subject I don't think many people have done. So don't flame me for trying!
~*~
Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...
The alarm clock exploded in a ball of light after Gohan threw a small ki blast at it. The young demi-Saiyajin opened his eyes, fully prepared to close them against an onslaught of light. What he saw, though, wasn't the glare of the sun, but a head of messy black hair.
Gohan closed his eyes with a sigh as the previous night's events cam rushing back. He hadn't even noticed that Videl was snuggled into his chest until he saw her. He was so comfortable like that that he hadn't even realized she was there. It was just so natural.
Gohan groaned, not wanting to get up because when he did, he couldn't be this close to Videl. He buried his face in her hair, trying to will himself to sleep. He had almost succeeded when his door burst open and Goten came rushing in. The holy terror leaped from five feet away and landed right on Gohan and Videl.
Videl screamed and kicked at Goten blindly. Goten, stunned to immobility by this turn of events, was flung to the floor. The eleven year old sat flat on his rump in the middle of the floor as Videl sat bolt upright, looking like she didn't know where she was. Her eyes landed on Goten and she scrambled out of the bed and over to him.
Videl hugged Goten tight. "I'm so sorry," she apologized. "You just scared me. That's all. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so, so, so sorry!" She let go of the boy.
"Aww, you couldn't hurt me Videl," Goten told her, scratching the back of his head and flashing the famous Son smile. "You just caught me off guard with a move like that. I barely even felt it."
"Goten, why are you in here?" Gohan asked his brother bluntly. Videl glared at him for his rudeness, but he ignored her.
"Mom wanted me to get you guys for breakfast," Goten told him. "Pancakes, French toast, and waffles." His eyes glazed over and he started to drool. Videl looked worriedly at Gohan, who only shrugged. Videl looked back to Goten, who hadn't moved at all. She waved a hand in front of his face, snapped in his face, and even slapped him, to no avail.
Then, an idea stuck her. She got up off the floor and moved to sit on the bed next to Gohan. "Goten, breakfast," she said, and even before the last word was completely out of her mouth, Goten was gone in a cloud of dust, headed for the kitchen.
Gohan laughed at his little brother's antics. He slipped off his bed, the hardwood floor cold on his bare feet, and offered his arm to Videl. "Care to join me for breakfast, milady?" his asked gallantly.
"Why, dear sir, I would be honored," Videl answered, smiling. She stood and slipped her arm through Gohan's. The couple walked down to the kitchen, arm-in-arm. Chi-Chi looked up when she heard the two enter and smiled, knowing that grandchildren would be coming soon. She sighed dreamily, visions of grandchildren dancing through her head.
Breakfast went by normally. Gohan and Goten each ate enough for a small army, Videl had two plates, and Chi-Chi had one plate. When Chi-Chi got up to take care of the dishes, Videl got up also and helped her. While the women washed dishes, the two Son boys went to change and get ready for the day.
When they came back down to the kitchen, Chi-Chi turned to her youngest son. "Goten, why don't you take Nimbus and go to Trunks' for the day? I'll call Bulma and let her know that you're coming."
"Cool!" he exclaimed. "Thanks Mom!" The energetic demi-Saiyajin rushed our of the house, called Nimbus, and was off.
"I'm going to call Bulma, and then you two can explain to me what happened last night," Chi-Chi told Gohan and Videl. "I'll be just a minute." She went to the living room to use the phone in there.
Videl returned to the table and sat in a chair next to Gohan. Gohan took her left hand in his right and stared at their entwined fingers. Or, more specifically, at Videl's bare, third finger.
Chi-Chi returned all too soon it seemed to Gohan. She sat down across from her son. "Well, I've arranged for Goten to be gone until tomorrow afternoon." She shifted her gaze to Videl. "Now, I'm not trying to pry or be rude, but why did you show up at my house in the middle of the night?"
Videl looked to Gohan for support. He nodded and squeezed her hand, silently telling her it was okay. Videl turned back to Chi-Chi, took a deep breath, and told her what she had told Gohan the night before. Tears streamed down her face the entire time, but she didn't break down once until she was done with her story.
When Videl finished, Chi-Chi just sat there, shell-shocked. When she had regained her wits, she moved around the table quickly and embraced Videl. The sobbing girl cried all the more at the tenderness evident in Chi-Chi's eyes. When Videl quieted, Chi-Chi finally spoke up.
"Videl, honey, have you told the police yet?" Chi-Chi asked. The young woman shook her head "no". "Come on then," Chi-Chi said, standing up. "We're taking you to the hospital to get checked out. And you're going to talk to the police about this."
Videl nodded numbly. Chi-Chi took off her apron and hung it on a chair. She then grabbed her purse and keys and headed out the door. Videl and Gohan followed her. Videl was shivering, so Gohan grabbed her a jacket out of the closet. The demi-Saiyajin, shut and locked the door behind him and put his arm around Videl, leading her to the car.
The car ride into the city was quiet. The only sounds heard were the engine and the tires on wet pavement. Gohan sat in the back, his arm wrapped around the shivering Videl. After ten minutes, Videl was lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sounds coming from the car.
Chi-Chi concentrated on the road, but occasionally stole glances in the rear-view mirror at Gohan and Videl. Gohan's head rested against Videl's, his eyes closed. Chi-Chi sighed as her mind began to wander.
I know Gohan's thought about asking Videl to marry him, Chi-Chi thought. He talked to Mr. Satan before he left on his tour. And we talked about it last weekend. I was going to help him pick out the ring today. I hope that this whole deal doesn't make him change his mind.
She glanced back at her son and Videl again. They were sleeping peacefully in each other's arms. Gohan was smiling contentedly and Videl's face looked untroubled.
No, he hasn't changed his mind, Chi-Chi thought. He just might ask her sooner than planned though. Videl might have to pick out her own engagement ring. Chi-Chi smiled, knowing that she would have a daughter-in-law within a year.
After an eternity, they finally reached the Satan City Hospital. Chi-Chi parked as close as she could to the emergency entrance. She turned around in her seat, intending to wake up Gohan and Videl, but almost couldn't. They seemed so peaceful. She hated to bring them back to harsh reality. She gently shook Gohan, hoping he'd wake up. Gohan moaned and groggily opened his eyes, to find his mother staring at him.
"We're at the hospital," she told him in a whisper. "Could you wake up Videl?" Chi-Chi turned back around in her seat, pulled the keys from the ignition, and got out of the car.
Gohan turned slightly and gently shook Videl awake. She looked around groggily and Gohan informed her that they had reached their destination. She nodded while opening her door and pulled herself out of the car. Gohan followed and encapsulated the car, handing it to his mother. She stuck it in her purse.
Videl was still in Chi-Chi's pants and Gohan's sweatshirt. She looked like a little girl playing dress-up as she trudged across the parking lot towards the emergency entrance. Gohan easily caught up with her and she slipped her arm through his, clinging to him like a child would.
Videl looked up at Gohan, her violet eyes fearful. "Gohan, I'm scared."
Gohan didn't need to ask what she was afraid of. He knew. She was afraid of the shame, afraid of having some disease, but most of all, she was afraid that Billings got away and would do this to other girls.
Once inside, Chi-Chi took care of all of the paperwork. When the nurse finally called Videl's name, Gohan wanted to go with her, but the nurse stopped him.
"I think you should stay our here," she told him. "This is a very embarrassing and shameful incident. We have to ask some very personal questions and perform Some tests I'm sure your wife wouldn't want you to see." She turned on her heel and headed toward Videl's room.
But Gohan stood rooted to his spot. "Wife?" he mumbled quietly. The nurse thought that they were married? That just convinced him that his decision was right.
Chi-Chi's hand on his arm brought him out of his reverie. "C'mon," she said, gently tugging on his arm, "let's sit down and wait, okay?" Gohan nodded and followed his mother to two empty chairs and sat down next to her. He laid his head on her shoulder like he used to when he was little, and she stroked his hair until he fell into the deep abyss of sleep.
Almost two hours later, Chi-Chi shook her son awake. "You can go in and see Videl now," she told him. He jumped out of the hard chair, but when Chi-Chi remained seated, he turned to her.
"Well, aren't you coming?" he asked, bewilderment evident in his voice.
She shook her head. "The doctor already talked to me, but Videl wanted to tell you alone. You go. I told Videl that I'd call her father."
Gohan knew something was wrong if Videl wanted her father contacted. He rushed down the halls to Videl's room. He knocked softly before sticking his head in the door. He surveyed the room quickly. There was no other door, no window, and one bed, occupied by Videl. Videl herself was hooked up to and IV and some other monitor. Her chin-length hair had been pulled into a half-ponytail and she was wearing a hospital gown and covered with a thin blanket. There were tear tracks all down her cheeks.
Videl motioned Gohan in and he pulled a chair over to her bedside. He took her hand in his and looked into her eyes.
Videl saw the question in his eyes and countenance. She closed her eyes, hoping to stop the flood she knew was coming, but failed. She finally gave up and looked a Gohan through teary eyes.
"I'm pregnant," she said quietly, but knowing that he'd hear her.
It took a moment, but what Videl had said finally registered in Gohan's mind. His eyes became as wide as saucers before narrowing in anger. He pulled his hand away from Videl and stood up so fast that his chair flipped over.
"Why that..." Gohan began angrily. "I'll kill him! I'll--"
"No!" Videl's outburst quieted Gohan. "Gohan, sit down." When he had complied, Videl continued, "You're not going to kill anyone. The police already have Billings in custody. He's already been charged with rape. He's going to jail for a long, long time. Killing him won't change anything. I'll still be scarred for life and pregnant."
Gohan looked up at Videl guiltily. He had been put in his place, and they both knew it. He took Videl's hand again.
"So I guess my first child won't even be mine," Gohan said. It was Videl's turn for her eyes to be like saucers. "I know this isn't the best time to ask, but I don't think that I can wait any longer." He slipped off his chair and onto his knees, still holding Videl's hand. "Videl, would you consent to be my wife?" He pulled in a breath and waited.
Videl stared down at Gohan, but couldn't summon her voice. Gohan seemed to be getting more and more nervous with each and every passing second.
Videl finally managed to croak out, "Get up." When Gohan had settled back in his chair, Videl continued, "It wouldn't do it you had a cold at our wedding."
Gohan's face erupted into a goofy grin. He moved to sit on the edge of Videl's bed and embraced her. Suddenly, there was a commotion from out in the hall behind them. The newly engaged couple turned to look. Chi-Chi was out in the hall, dancing with Videl's doctor, while caroling, "I'm gonna be a grandma! I'm son's getting married!" Gohan and Videl laughed at Chi-Chi's exuberance.
Gohan turned to look at Videl. "I don't have a ring yet, but we'll get you one as soon as you're outta here. You see, Mom and me were going to pick it out today."
Videl laughed at Gohan's perky attitude, but sobered quickly. "Gohan, this is going to be tough," she told him. "Unless we get married soon, everybody's going to know that this baby is not yours."
"We'll get married as soon as your dad gets back, which I have a feeling will be soon, " Gohan told her. "Mom was out calling him when I came in."
"He'll know about all of this, but no one else will, okay?" videl asked. Gohan nodded. "It'll take at least two weeks to get everything together, but I think two weeks from today sounds like a beautiful date."
Gohan agreed. June 17. It would be beautiful. "I'll go get the doctor so we can get outta here." He quickly kissed Videl and headed out the door. Once he was in the hall, Videl heard an enthusiastic "Woohoo!" from Gohan. She laughed in spite of herself.
The two weeks before the wedding passed in a blur. The whole deal with Billings was settled quietly, out of court, and everyone had agreed to keep quiet about it. No one who didn't already know the baby's true parentage would know, except maybe the child, when he or she was old enough.
Chi-Chi was great during this time. She had Videl's dress made with plenty of time to spare. She had also volunteered to make all the food, including the cake, and decorate.
Soon, Videl was standing with her father in the doorway of the Son home. The ceremony was being held there, with Dende himself presiding. Videl peeked out the door to see the two dozen guests seated. She nodded to the string quartet, who started to play. Chi-Chi was escorted to her seat by Gohan, who took his place next to Dende. Marron and Goten walked down the aisle arm-in-arm. The eight-year old girl looked adorable in a plain peach dress, made by Chi-Chi, and Goten looked absolutely dashing in his tuxedo.
The wedding march started, and Videl turned to her father. "Are you ready Daddy?"
"No, but let's do it anyway," he told her, forcing a smile. The truth was, he would never be ready to marry off his only child. But she was ready, so he was going to carry out his part.
Father and daughter walked out into the early evening sun. Everything had been set up so that Dende's back was to the sun and the effect was breathtaking. Mr. Satan escorted Videl down the aisle and kissed her cheek at the end of their short walk. He gave her hand to Gohan and moved to sit down next to Chi-Chi.
The ceremony went beautifully and without a hitch. Goten remembered the rings, Marron never tripped on her high heels, and Chi-Chi didn't cry too loudly. The ceremony consisted only of vows, the exchanged of rings, and a short spiel from Dende.
Finally, Dende announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The kiss was short and tender. The newlyweds turned towards the crowd and Marron bent to arrange Videl's train so she wouldn't trip on it. Gohan and Videl walked down he aisle and to the waiting car that would take them to the reception at Capsule Corp. Marron slipped her arm through Goten's and they followed, getting in the same car. Dende just disappeared, presumably back to the lookout. Everyone else got in a vehicle and made their way to Capsule Corp.
The reception was nothing but fantastic. The entire ballroom had been decorated with peach- and cream-colored flowers. The table settings were made up of fine china and silver. The dance floor had been roped off with cream-colored ribbon.
Chi-Chi had outdone herself with the food. She had been cooking and baking for a week straight. She had filled up twenty buffet tables with home-made food. All the Saiyajins stared and drooled until they were given the go-ahead.
Once dinner was done, the newlyweds had their dance. For the next song, they danced with their parents. The next song, Marron and Goten were called out, and Chi-Chi and Mr. Satan danced together. Finally, the dance floor was opened to everyone.
Once the evening was over, Gohan and Videl said their good-byes. Gohan scooped his new bride into his arms and flew off to an undisclosed place for their honeymoon.
Chi-Chi watched them go, teary eyed. She sighed dreamily and clasped her hands together. "I'll have grandchildren soon," she murmured dreamily.
"Ahem," Bulma called out loudly. "The night is still young! Let's keep this party going!"
As the party continued at Capsule Corp, another celebration started, far away: a celebration of a new life together and of a new life that would enter the world soon. It was a celebration of a new beginning.
~*~
Author's Notes: Please don't flame me! Fire scares me! I don't think I'm done with this story yet, I have the idea for another chapter in my head. All I have to do is get it down on cyberpaper. I might have it done by the end of the week, but I make no promises. Okay now, please review!
Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who answered my questions! I really appreciate it! Thanks again! Anyways, this is just my take on a subject I don't think many people have done. So don't flame me for trying!
~*~
Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...
The alarm clock exploded in a ball of light after Gohan threw a small ki blast at it. The young demi-Saiyajin opened his eyes, fully prepared to close them against an onslaught of light. What he saw, though, wasn't the glare of the sun, but a head of messy black hair.
Gohan closed his eyes with a sigh as the previous night's events cam rushing back. He hadn't even noticed that Videl was snuggled into his chest until he saw her. He was so comfortable like that that he hadn't even realized she was there. It was just so natural.
Gohan groaned, not wanting to get up because when he did, he couldn't be this close to Videl. He buried his face in her hair, trying to will himself to sleep. He had almost succeeded when his door burst open and Goten came rushing in. The holy terror leaped from five feet away and landed right on Gohan and Videl.
Videl screamed and kicked at Goten blindly. Goten, stunned to immobility by this turn of events, was flung to the floor. The eleven year old sat flat on his rump in the middle of the floor as Videl sat bolt upright, looking like she didn't know where she was. Her eyes landed on Goten and she scrambled out of the bed and over to him.
Videl hugged Goten tight. "I'm so sorry," she apologized. "You just scared me. That's all. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so, so, so sorry!" She let go of the boy.
"Aww, you couldn't hurt me Videl," Goten told her, scratching the back of his head and flashing the famous Son smile. "You just caught me off guard with a move like that. I barely even felt it."
"Goten, why are you in here?" Gohan asked his brother bluntly. Videl glared at him for his rudeness, but he ignored her.
"Mom wanted me to get you guys for breakfast," Goten told him. "Pancakes, French toast, and waffles." His eyes glazed over and he started to drool. Videl looked worriedly at Gohan, who only shrugged. Videl looked back to Goten, who hadn't moved at all. She waved a hand in front of his face, snapped in his face, and even slapped him, to no avail.
Then, an idea stuck her. She got up off the floor and moved to sit on the bed next to Gohan. "Goten, breakfast," she said, and even before the last word was completely out of her mouth, Goten was gone in a cloud of dust, headed for the kitchen.
Gohan laughed at his little brother's antics. He slipped off his bed, the hardwood floor cold on his bare feet, and offered his arm to Videl. "Care to join me for breakfast, milady?" his asked gallantly.
"Why, dear sir, I would be honored," Videl answered, smiling. She stood and slipped her arm through Gohan's. The couple walked down to the kitchen, arm-in-arm. Chi-Chi looked up when she heard the two enter and smiled, knowing that grandchildren would be coming soon. She sighed dreamily, visions of grandchildren dancing through her head.
Breakfast went by normally. Gohan and Goten each ate enough for a small army, Videl had two plates, and Chi-Chi had one plate. When Chi-Chi got up to take care of the dishes, Videl got up also and helped her. While the women washed dishes, the two Son boys went to change and get ready for the day.
When they came back down to the kitchen, Chi-Chi turned to her youngest son. "Goten, why don't you take Nimbus and go to Trunks' for the day? I'll call Bulma and let her know that you're coming."
"Cool!" he exclaimed. "Thanks Mom!" The energetic demi-Saiyajin rushed our of the house, called Nimbus, and was off.
"I'm going to call Bulma, and then you two can explain to me what happened last night," Chi-Chi told Gohan and Videl. "I'll be just a minute." She went to the living room to use the phone in there.
Videl returned to the table and sat in a chair next to Gohan. Gohan took her left hand in his right and stared at their entwined fingers. Or, more specifically, at Videl's bare, third finger.
Chi-Chi returned all too soon it seemed to Gohan. She sat down across from her son. "Well, I've arranged for Goten to be gone until tomorrow afternoon." She shifted her gaze to Videl. "Now, I'm not trying to pry or be rude, but why did you show up at my house in the middle of the night?"
Videl looked to Gohan for support. He nodded and squeezed her hand, silently telling her it was okay. Videl turned back to Chi-Chi, took a deep breath, and told her what she had told Gohan the night before. Tears streamed down her face the entire time, but she didn't break down once until she was done with her story.
When Videl finished, Chi-Chi just sat there, shell-shocked. When she had regained her wits, she moved around the table quickly and embraced Videl. The sobbing girl cried all the more at the tenderness evident in Chi-Chi's eyes. When Videl quieted, Chi-Chi finally spoke up.
"Videl, honey, have you told the police yet?" Chi-Chi asked. The young woman shook her head "no". "Come on then," Chi-Chi said, standing up. "We're taking you to the hospital to get checked out. And you're going to talk to the police about this."
Videl nodded numbly. Chi-Chi took off her apron and hung it on a chair. She then grabbed her purse and keys and headed out the door. Videl and Gohan followed her. Videl was shivering, so Gohan grabbed her a jacket out of the closet. The demi-Saiyajin, shut and locked the door behind him and put his arm around Videl, leading her to the car.
The car ride into the city was quiet. The only sounds heard were the engine and the tires on wet pavement. Gohan sat in the back, his arm wrapped around the shivering Videl. After ten minutes, Videl was lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sounds coming from the car.
Chi-Chi concentrated on the road, but occasionally stole glances in the rear-view mirror at Gohan and Videl. Gohan's head rested against Videl's, his eyes closed. Chi-Chi sighed as her mind began to wander.
I know Gohan's thought about asking Videl to marry him, Chi-Chi thought. He talked to Mr. Satan before he left on his tour. And we talked about it last weekend. I was going to help him pick out the ring today. I hope that this whole deal doesn't make him change his mind.
She glanced back at her son and Videl again. They were sleeping peacefully in each other's arms. Gohan was smiling contentedly and Videl's face looked untroubled.
No, he hasn't changed his mind, Chi-Chi thought. He just might ask her sooner than planned though. Videl might have to pick out her own engagement ring. Chi-Chi smiled, knowing that she would have a daughter-in-law within a year.
After an eternity, they finally reached the Satan City Hospital. Chi-Chi parked as close as she could to the emergency entrance. She turned around in her seat, intending to wake up Gohan and Videl, but almost couldn't. They seemed so peaceful. She hated to bring them back to harsh reality. She gently shook Gohan, hoping he'd wake up. Gohan moaned and groggily opened his eyes, to find his mother staring at him.
"We're at the hospital," she told him in a whisper. "Could you wake up Videl?" Chi-Chi turned back around in her seat, pulled the keys from the ignition, and got out of the car.
Gohan turned slightly and gently shook Videl awake. She looked around groggily and Gohan informed her that they had reached their destination. She nodded while opening her door and pulled herself out of the car. Gohan followed and encapsulated the car, handing it to his mother. She stuck it in her purse.
Videl was still in Chi-Chi's pants and Gohan's sweatshirt. She looked like a little girl playing dress-up as she trudged across the parking lot towards the emergency entrance. Gohan easily caught up with her and she slipped her arm through his, clinging to him like a child would.
Videl looked up at Gohan, her violet eyes fearful. "Gohan, I'm scared."
Gohan didn't need to ask what she was afraid of. He knew. She was afraid of the shame, afraid of having some disease, but most of all, she was afraid that Billings got away and would do this to other girls.
Once inside, Chi-Chi took care of all of the paperwork. When the nurse finally called Videl's name, Gohan wanted to go with her, but the nurse stopped him.
"I think you should stay our here," she told him. "This is a very embarrassing and shameful incident. We have to ask some very personal questions and perform Some tests I'm sure your wife wouldn't want you to see." She turned on her heel and headed toward Videl's room.
But Gohan stood rooted to his spot. "Wife?" he mumbled quietly. The nurse thought that they were married? That just convinced him that his decision was right.
Chi-Chi's hand on his arm brought him out of his reverie. "C'mon," she said, gently tugging on his arm, "let's sit down and wait, okay?" Gohan nodded and followed his mother to two empty chairs and sat down next to her. He laid his head on her shoulder like he used to when he was little, and she stroked his hair until he fell into the deep abyss of sleep.
Almost two hours later, Chi-Chi shook her son awake. "You can go in and see Videl now," she told him. He jumped out of the hard chair, but when Chi-Chi remained seated, he turned to her.
"Well, aren't you coming?" he asked, bewilderment evident in his voice.
She shook her head. "The doctor already talked to me, but Videl wanted to tell you alone. You go. I told Videl that I'd call her father."
Gohan knew something was wrong if Videl wanted her father contacted. He rushed down the halls to Videl's room. He knocked softly before sticking his head in the door. He surveyed the room quickly. There was no other door, no window, and one bed, occupied by Videl. Videl herself was hooked up to and IV and some other monitor. Her chin-length hair had been pulled into a half-ponytail and she was wearing a hospital gown and covered with a thin blanket. There were tear tracks all down her cheeks.
Videl motioned Gohan in and he pulled a chair over to her bedside. He took her hand in his and looked into her eyes.
Videl saw the question in his eyes and countenance. She closed her eyes, hoping to stop the flood she knew was coming, but failed. She finally gave up and looked a Gohan through teary eyes.
"I'm pregnant," she said quietly, but knowing that he'd hear her.
It took a moment, but what Videl had said finally registered in Gohan's mind. His eyes became as wide as saucers before narrowing in anger. He pulled his hand away from Videl and stood up so fast that his chair flipped over.
"Why that..." Gohan began angrily. "I'll kill him! I'll--"
"No!" Videl's outburst quieted Gohan. "Gohan, sit down." When he had complied, Videl continued, "You're not going to kill anyone. The police already have Billings in custody. He's already been charged with rape. He's going to jail for a long, long time. Killing him won't change anything. I'll still be scarred for life and pregnant."
Gohan looked up at Videl guiltily. He had been put in his place, and they both knew it. He took Videl's hand again.
"So I guess my first child won't even be mine," Gohan said. It was Videl's turn for her eyes to be like saucers. "I know this isn't the best time to ask, but I don't think that I can wait any longer." He slipped off his chair and onto his knees, still holding Videl's hand. "Videl, would you consent to be my wife?" He pulled in a breath and waited.
Videl stared down at Gohan, but couldn't summon her voice. Gohan seemed to be getting more and more nervous with each and every passing second.
Videl finally managed to croak out, "Get up." When Gohan had settled back in his chair, Videl continued, "It wouldn't do it you had a cold at our wedding."
Gohan's face erupted into a goofy grin. He moved to sit on the edge of Videl's bed and embraced her. Suddenly, there was a commotion from out in the hall behind them. The newly engaged couple turned to look. Chi-Chi was out in the hall, dancing with Videl's doctor, while caroling, "I'm gonna be a grandma! I'm son's getting married!" Gohan and Videl laughed at Chi-Chi's exuberance.
Gohan turned to look at Videl. "I don't have a ring yet, but we'll get you one as soon as you're outta here. You see, Mom and me were going to pick it out today."
Videl laughed at Gohan's perky attitude, but sobered quickly. "Gohan, this is going to be tough," she told him. "Unless we get married soon, everybody's going to know that this baby is not yours."
"We'll get married as soon as your dad gets back, which I have a feeling will be soon, " Gohan told her. "Mom was out calling him when I came in."
"He'll know about all of this, but no one else will, okay?" videl asked. Gohan nodded. "It'll take at least two weeks to get everything together, but I think two weeks from today sounds like a beautiful date."
Gohan agreed. June 17. It would be beautiful. "I'll go get the doctor so we can get outta here." He quickly kissed Videl and headed out the door. Once he was in the hall, Videl heard an enthusiastic "Woohoo!" from Gohan. She laughed in spite of herself.
The two weeks before the wedding passed in a blur. The whole deal with Billings was settled quietly, out of court, and everyone had agreed to keep quiet about it. No one who didn't already know the baby's true parentage would know, except maybe the child, when he or she was old enough.
Chi-Chi was great during this time. She had Videl's dress made with plenty of time to spare. She had also volunteered to make all the food, including the cake, and decorate.
Soon, Videl was standing with her father in the doorway of the Son home. The ceremony was being held there, with Dende himself presiding. Videl peeked out the door to see the two dozen guests seated. She nodded to the string quartet, who started to play. Chi-Chi was escorted to her seat by Gohan, who took his place next to Dende. Marron and Goten walked down the aisle arm-in-arm. The eight-year old girl looked adorable in a plain peach dress, made by Chi-Chi, and Goten looked absolutely dashing in his tuxedo.
The wedding march started, and Videl turned to her father. "Are you ready Daddy?"
"No, but let's do it anyway," he told her, forcing a smile. The truth was, he would never be ready to marry off his only child. But she was ready, so he was going to carry out his part.
Father and daughter walked out into the early evening sun. Everything had been set up so that Dende's back was to the sun and the effect was breathtaking. Mr. Satan escorted Videl down the aisle and kissed her cheek at the end of their short walk. He gave her hand to Gohan and moved to sit down next to Chi-Chi.
The ceremony went beautifully and without a hitch. Goten remembered the rings, Marron never tripped on her high heels, and Chi-Chi didn't cry too loudly. The ceremony consisted only of vows, the exchanged of rings, and a short spiel from Dende.
Finally, Dende announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." The kiss was short and tender. The newlyweds turned towards the crowd and Marron bent to arrange Videl's train so she wouldn't trip on it. Gohan and Videl walked down he aisle and to the waiting car that would take them to the reception at Capsule Corp. Marron slipped her arm through Goten's and they followed, getting in the same car. Dende just disappeared, presumably back to the lookout. Everyone else got in a vehicle and made their way to Capsule Corp.
The reception was nothing but fantastic. The entire ballroom had been decorated with peach- and cream-colored flowers. The table settings were made up of fine china and silver. The dance floor had been roped off with cream-colored ribbon.
Chi-Chi had outdone herself with the food. She had been cooking and baking for a week straight. She had filled up twenty buffet tables with home-made food. All the Saiyajins stared and drooled until they were given the go-ahead.
Once dinner was done, the newlyweds had their dance. For the next song, they danced with their parents. The next song, Marron and Goten were called out, and Chi-Chi and Mr. Satan danced together. Finally, the dance floor was opened to everyone.
Once the evening was over, Gohan and Videl said their good-byes. Gohan scooped his new bride into his arms and flew off to an undisclosed place for their honeymoon.
Chi-Chi watched them go, teary eyed. She sighed dreamily and clasped her hands together. "I'll have grandchildren soon," she murmured dreamily.
"Ahem," Bulma called out loudly. "The night is still young! Let's keep this party going!"
As the party continued at Capsule Corp, another celebration started, far away: a celebration of a new life together and of a new life that would enter the world soon. It was a celebration of a new beginning.
~*~
Author's Notes: Please don't flame me! Fire scares me! I don't think I'm done with this story yet, I have the idea for another chapter in my head. All I have to do is get it down on cyberpaper. I might have it done by the end of the week, but I make no promises. Okay now, please review!