Chapter Text
“I can’t believe summer’s almost over already,” Gohan said.
“I know… we’re going to have to go back to school,” Videl said.
“It’s going to be nice not being pregnant at school though,” Gohan said.
Videl snorted.
Gohan sighed. “But how are we going to go through our day without Zucchi?”
“He’s growing up so much already,” Videl said, pouting. “We’re going to miss out on things!”
“Too bad we can’t just take him with us,” Gohan said, pouting as well.
“I don’t think the teachers would like that.”
Gohan frowned then he chuckled. “Can’t you walk in there all I’m Videl Satan and my dad saved the world twice?”
Videl blinked. “Gohan, I’m appalled. Using my dad’s fame to get things?”
Gohan chuckled.
“I mean seriously,” she said, standing up and putting her hands on her waist. “What would he think of you using the fame he stole from you to get Zucchi to be able to come to class with us?”
Gohan bit his lip as he kept laughing.
“In what world would that be appropriate and…”
Gohan was full on rolling on the floor as he laughed now.
Videl giggled. “I mean it would probably work. But we would be so distracted with him there…”
“Yeah,” Gohan said, finally calming down.
Zucchi made a soft noise in his sleep and rolled over.
“But he’s going to get so big while we’re at school,” Gohan said, pouting.
“Gohan, you know just as much as I do how excited my dad and your mom specifically are about getting to watch him all day.”
Gohan nodded. “Yeah, I mean them more than most. Bulma too until she found out she was pregnant…”
“And your dad too?” Videl asked.
Gohan shrugged. “Sure. Though not as much as my mom. I’m sure grandpa will be over a bunch too. And Piccolo.”
Videl giggled. “He is becoming a regular over at your house.”
“And his excuses are hilarious,” Gohan said. “Just making sure I’m still training. Uh huh… That’s why you’re coming to check up on us when Zucchi’s with us and not when we actually are training.”
“He’s going to be his best protector.”
“Yeah,” Gohan said softly. “Zucchi will be just fine while we’re at school… but…”
“I’m going to miss him,” Videl said.
“Yeah,” Gohan agreed. “Like… what if we miss things? Like when he starts to crawl or walk or talk or…”
“I think that’s still a fair way down the line,” Videl said.
“I know but…”
“Well, we can get whoever is with him to take a video,” Videl said.
“Piccolo doesn’t know how. And I honestly don’t know if my dad does either…”
“Goten could,” Videl said. “Or your mom.”
“Yeah,” Gohan said.
“He’s going to be fine. And we’re going to be fine. And we’ll get through school and then be done with it.”
“What about university? Or college? You think my mom’s letting me go without that?”
“Isn’t it about what you want?” Videl asked.
“I mean I guess but not really?” Gohan said.
“What do you want to do?” Videl asked.
“I mean… I kind of want to continue studying after high school. I do enjoy it. But I also need to keep up my training to make sure I keep growing stronger. I need to be able to take care of any threats to the Earth.”
“And you will, then. Of course you will.”
“What do you want to do, Videl?”
Videl shrugged. “Honestly, I never really put too much thought into it yet. Being Zucchi’s mom is kind of awesome, though.”
“Yeah,” Gohan said with a smile.
“I mean… I don’t have to decide what I want to study now, do I? We still have a fair amount of school left.”
“That is true,” Gohan said.
“So let’s table that discussion for now and just focus on our last few days of summer vacation.”
Gohan grinned. “That I am good with.”
Zucchi continued sleeping contently and Videl grinned at Gohan.
“Hey Gohan?”
“Yeah?” he asked.
“Where did your family go again?”
“Mom went to buy some groceries. Dad’s out training with Vegeta. I think Goten is visiting Trunks, why?”
“Because I was just confirming it’s just us.”
“Yeah. Just us. You know they finally trust us to be alone with Zucchi now… despite us being his parents…”
“I just meant… Zucchi’s sleeping pretty soundly.”
Gohan blinked.
Videl moved closer, biting her lip.
“Videl,” Gohan said, eyes darkening.
“It’s been a pretty long time, Gohan,” she mumbled.
“But Zucchi…”
“He’s sleeping. We’re here if he needs us.”
“In front of him, though?”
“Sleeping.”
“What if he wakes up.”
“Gohan…”
“What?”
“Just kiss me,” Videl said, leaning in.
Gohan held Zucchi in his lap and watched as Zucchi sucked on his hand. The more time passed, the more Gohan was astounded at how much Zucchi was changing and growing.
He was sitting up now, starting to babble… he was a proper baby now. It was crazy how fast he was growing over the last few months.
Gohan was sure he’d start crawling soon.
He glanced in front of him as the screen finally connected and Trunks’ face came into focus.
“Hey!” Gohan called out.
“Hey, Gohan! Hi Zucchi!” Trunks exclaimed.
Zucchi looked at him and sent a gummy smile at him, drool dripping from his hand as it dropped from his mouth.
“Oh look at you! He’s even bigger than before!” Trunks exclaimed.
“We called you like two days ago,” Gohan said.
“Yes, and he’s still bigger,” Trunks said.
Gohan chuckled. “How’s construction going?”
Trunks groaned. “We almost rebuilt the west wing of the building now. You know… I wish every time we fought someone they didn’t destroy half of our city. At this point I doubt we’ll ever get the place fixed.”
“But it wasn’t too hard a fight this time… you said…”
“No, but they still exploded half the building!”
Gohan smiled. “You’ve gotten stronger. Any new forms I should know about?”
“Since two days ago, no. I don’t think any of us are ever going to reach your level, Gohan.”
Gohan chuckled and Zucchi reached a wet hand out to the screen.
“And how are you, Zucchi?” Trunks asked.
Zucchi started babbling random sounds.
“He is very happy to see his father, isn’t he?” Gohan said.
Zucchi grinned, leaning back against Gohan’s chest.
“Man, I miss you so much. I need to come visit again soon,” Trunks said.
“Well, definitely for his birthday, right?”
“Gohan, that’s months away.”
Gohan chuckled. “Yeah, but…”
“And how are you doing? How’s school?”
Gohan groaned. “I know it’s not the same as you not seeing him but even those hours away at school are torture. I really don’t know how you do it.”
Trunks sighed. “I’m sorry I can’t be there.”
“Hey, this will be enough. It has to be.”
Trunks frowned. “I just don’t want him to think I abandoned him or…”
“He won’t think that. We will continue to call you all the time. And talk about you. He will know his father is a hero of his world.”
“And you’re the hero of your world.”
“Yeah well…”
They were quiet a moment.
“How’s Videl?” Trunks asked.
“Great. She’s started training with Piccolo again. That’s where she is now. Honestly, I think Piccolo’s very impressed with her. They’ll probably both be back soon and Piccolo will stand very close and stare at Zucchi until I place him in his arms. He never asks, but he always looks so pleased to hold him.”
Trunks laughed. “Piccolo, the big softy.”
“How’s Mai?” Gohan asked.
“Good,” Trunks said, smiling as well. “She’ll join us for the next call. She was busy in the city. But more importantly… how’s my mom over there?”
Gohan grinned. “She is both excited to have another baby and pissed off at Vegeta for going through with it. I think it depends on the day… she blames it on being older now and having a baby.”
Trunks chuckled. “I’m honestly afraid to call her sometimes. Depending on her mood.”
“That’s fair. I think Vegeta’s been spending a lot of his time training or avoiding her. Though, Bulma did say he’s been oddly attentive when he is there. More so than he had been when she was pregnant with you.”
“They weren’t even on speaking terms when she was pregnant with me. Well, not really,” Trunks said.
Gohan shrugged. “They’re good. They’re all good. I think the little you is more worried than anything about becoming a big brother. But he looks excited. He keeps telling everyone how he’s going to keep the baby safe. At least this has taken his focus away from Zucchi.”
“He’s not being weird anymore?”
Gohan shook his head. “No. I mean… I think he loves Zucchi in his own way but… he’s very much now not thinking of him as his child. More of as a nephew which is better.”
“Good,” Trunks said. He sighed as he watched them, waving a hand at Zucchi. “I can’t wait until he starts talking…”
“Yeah,” Gohan said. “It will be crazy when he can do that.”
There was a shout in the background of Trunks’ call and he sighed. “I guess I should be going. Speak again soon?”
“Yeah, of course,” Gohan said. “We will call back real soon, isn’t that right, Zucchi?”
Zucchi yawned and settled into Gohan’s chest.
“Guess so. Guess that means Zucchi is tired of the call anyway,” Trunks said.
Gohan grinned. “Nap time. I’ll talk to you later, Trunks.”
“See ya, Gohan,” Trunks said.
The screen shut off and Gohan pressed a kiss to Zucchi’s head. “You want to sleep in your crib?” he asked.
Zucchi snuggled in more.
“Yeah, didn’t think so. Let’s go have a nap together,” Gohan said, and made his way to the couch.
Honestly, Gohan thought it would have leaked sooner.
He and Videl sat on the couch at her house as reporters kept banging at the door trying to get in.
Videl groaned. “Sorry,” she said softly.
“I mean… it’s lucky that no one noticed until now?” Gohan offered.
“Dad will fix it,” Videl said softly.
“It’s not like we were hiding. We’ve been out with Zucchi in public. Both of us. And people have been speculating about us since the tournament,” Gohan said.
“Yes, but now they’re wondering even more. Because at the tournament you had a giant pregnant belly and I didn’t. And that’s… kind of confusing.”
Gohan chuckled. “Yeah, guess so.”
Zucchi scooted along on the floor in front of them, just on the verge of crawling.
“Look at you, little man,” Videl said. “Getting so fast.”
Zucchi looked up at her and grinned before scooting along farther. He used his tail to help push him and Gohan chuckled.
“He’s going to make it out of the room so soon… we’re going to have to keep a close eye on him.”
There was a slam of a door from the front of the room and Mr. Satan walked in, wiping sweat off his face.
“Is everything okay, Dad?” Videl asked.
Mr. Satan sighed and nodded. “I don’t know why they won’t just back off. I can usually scare them off with a few fighting poses, but apparently the news that you’re a mother while still in high school is too juicy.”
“What did you tell them?” Videl asked.
“I mean… I hope it’s okay I told them he’s your son… both of your son. I didn’t want them to get any wrong idea and to harass you in public about why you have him.”
“Of course it’s okay,” Gohan said.
“They just had a lot of questions about how he…came to be. Which isn’t any of their business,” Mr. Satan said.
“No, it’s not,” Videl said.
“And uh… how I could let my baby have a child in high school,” Mr. Satan said.
Videl blinked. “Okay, so firstly, that wouldn’t even be on you. And secondly…”
Gohan put up a hand to stop her. “I’m the one who got pregnant, not you. So you shouldn’t be getting any of this. I guess explaining that I’m part alien and didn’t know it was possible isn’t a great idea?”
Videl stared before she laughed. “Probably not.”
“Thought so,” Gohan said.
“They might just come after you guys for a while when you go out…” Mr. Satan said.
Gohan shrugged. “Not much we can do about that.”
“You could have Bulma make a statement,” Videl said.
Gohan laughed. “Yeah. Right. She’s never supported your father publicly, why would they believe her. Actually… maybe that would take the focus off of us… though she’s been pretty sick lately with the baby.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re right. Let’s not bother her,” Videl said.
“We can handle it,” Gohan said.
“This is what you didn’t want at the beginning,” Mr. Satan said, sighing. “All the attention.”
Gohan shrugged. “I’m older now. I have my family now. My dad’s back. We’ll make it work.”
“We sure will,” Videl said, leaning over and giving him a kiss.
Zucchi pouted, staring at them before he scooted back to them and raised his arms.
Gohan picked him up and Zucchi lifted his head.
“Is he asking for a kiss?” Videl asked.
“I think he is,” Gohan said.
He leaned in and gave Zucchi a kiss who then turned to Videl, who chuckled and gave him a kiss as well.
And then Zucchi wiggled until he was put down again.
“Aww, no kisses from your grandad?” Mr. Satan asked.
Zucchi turned to him before he scooted to him as well and Mr. Satan picked him up, pressing kisses all over his body.
Gohan chuckled, letting Mr. Satan take Zucchi for a bit.
“It will blow over,” Videl said.
“Yeah,” Gohan said.
“I mean everyone at school knew anyway… and now they’re okay with it.”
“Since you threatened them,” Gohan said.
“I still think it’s funny how you won’t…”
“That’s not what my power is for.”
Videl sighed. “We will get through this. And then get through high school. And then we can… I don’t know… get our own place or something.”
Gohan blinked. “Our own place?”
“I mean… yeah. Don’t you want to? It’s not sustainable for us to always be swapping between my place and yours. Zucchi needs somewhere stable to live. And as much as having our parents nearby is nice, don’t you want a little independence? Once we graduate of course.”
Gohan nodded. “Sure. Though… we don’t really have the money for it and…”
“Gohan,” Videl said, raising an eyebrow.
“How do we sustain ourselves if we move out?”
“We have money,” she said softly.
“Your dad has money.”
“His money is our money. It’s really your money, you know. So it’s fine. You deserve it for saving the world.”
“Aww, I dunno…” Gohan said.
“You do,” she said.
Gohan sighed but nodded as Videl leaned against him. “Once we graduate.”
“Once we graduate,” he agreed.
“For now, let’s take advantage of the babysitters.”
Gohan chuckled. “Yeah, for sure.”
There were banners strung up and food being wheeled in on carts. Gohan and Videl looked around as everything was just about perfect.
“How are you one already?” Gohan asked, staring at Zucchi who was toddling around in front of them.
Zucchi glanced up at them and grinned. “Da!”
“Yeah, Da,” Gohan said.
“Thank you for hosting,” Chi-Chi said to Mr. Satan.
“Aww, of course, Chi-Chi. We have a lot of guests coming and it’s nice to have the event here.”
“Okay, I think that’s the last banner,” Goku said, as he and Goten flew back down to the ground.
Chi-Chi spun around. “I think that’s good… okay now go get the gifts.”
“Mom, we said not too many,” Gohan said.
“It’s not too many,” she said.
Gohan sighed and turned back to Videl, who leaned down and picked Zucchi up. He spun his head around, looking at everything but didn’t seem too interested.
“This is all for you, Zucchi. Look a little more excited,” Gohan said with a chuckle.
Piccolo walked by with a tray of food, putting it down on the table.
“He probably has no idea this party is for him,” Piccolo said.
“Even so, it’s exciting. He’s one!” Gohan exclaimed.
Piccolo nodded and wandered off.
Goku came back and swiped Zucchi from Videl’s arms for a moment. “One years old! Woo! Such a big boy now!”
“Dad,” Gohan said, laughing.
“He wants to fly, doesn’t he? Flying through the air!” Goku exclaimed as Zucchi giggled in his grandpa’s arms.
“Gohan! Videl!” Ox-King said, as he entered.
“Hi Grandpa!” Gohan said, walking over to greet him.
“And where’s my great grandson?”
Ox-King walked over to Goku and Videl, going to greet them and Zucchi.
Gohan turned back to the door as more people arrived.
Bulma, Vegeta, Trunks, and the new baby, Bulla, came next, and then everyone was crowding around Bulla to say hi. Bulma’s parents were there as well, chatting with Chi-Chi on the way in.
They’d had a small party at Bulma’s for Bulla too, but beyond that, this was the next time everyone was together again.
It really was so much better to get together in happy times like these.
After that, Krillin, Eighteen, and Marron arrived. And then Master Roshi, Puar, Oolong, Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu.
And just about everyone was there.
And the rest filed in shortly after. Erasa, Sharpner, Dende…
It really was a full house.
Everyone was catching up, talking with each other. Greeting Gohan and Videl and Zucchi. Greeting Bulma and Bulla.
Gohan kept looking around though.
“He said he was going to be here, right?” Videl asked.
Gohan nodded. “Yeah. Trunks said he was coming.”
“Maybe he’s running late? Can you run late when time travelling?” Goten asked, shoving food into his mouth.
Gohan raised an eyebrow. “Are you supposed to be eating yet?”
Goten blushed. “Probably not?”
Gohan chuckled. “It’s fine. And… he should be able to set the device for whenever.”
“Maybe he got the wrong time and date,” Trunks said, wandering up to them. “Wow, Zucchi… you’ve gotten big, huh?”
Zucchi reached for Trunks, pulling on his hair.
“Oww… hey.”
Gohan chuckled. “And how are you liking being a big brother?”
Trunks shrugged. “It’s fine. She cries a lot. Like a lot. Is that all babies are?”
“For the first bit,” Gohan said. “They get more fun to play with later on.”
Zucchi squirmed in Videl’s arms and she put him down, letting him run around. There were enough people watching that he wouldn’t go far.
Plus, Gohan caught Piccolo’s gaze never leaving Zucchi’s form. He was super safe.
They all gathered, chatting, and Gohan glanced at his watch again.
“Still nothing?” Videl asked.
Gohan shrugged. “Maybe he couldn’t make it. Should we call?” he asked.
And then the door opened, and everyone turned to stare.
The future Trunks was there and he blushed at the attention, Mai standing there with him. “Uh… hello,” he said. When everyone continued to stare he said. “You guys didn’t mention where the party was. We went to your place first, Gohan, and then Capsule Corp.”
“Uh… sorry,” Gohan said.
“Why didn’t you just search out our ki?” Vegeta asked with a scoff.
Trunks blinked and shrugged.
And then Gohan smiled, running up to him. “Hey! So glad you made it. And Mai! Great to meet you in person and not just through a screen.”
“Great to meet you as well,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d join Trunks but… he convinced me to visit.”
Gohan grinned.
“Where is the birthday boy, huh? I haven’t held him in so long!” Trunks exclaimed.
Gohan glanced back. “Running around. Look at him go now. Just a couple weeks ago he was still falling over.”
Trunks grinned, tears in his eyes.
“Come on,” Gohan said. “Zucchi! Come here,” he called out.
Zucchi turned to him and waddled over grabbing onto Gohan’s leg.
“Look who it is? It’s your father!” Gohan said.
Zucchi stared at Trunks and frowned.
Trunks bent down. “Hey, Zucchi. Can I get a hug?” Trunks asked.
Zucchi didn’t move.
“Come on,” Gohan said softly, “Go give him a hug.”
Zucchi just stared at Trunks. “Da,” he said.
“Yeah. He’s your Da just like I’m your Da.”
Zucchi shook his head.
“You talk to him all the time, come on, Zucchi, what’s the problem?”
Trunks sighed. “He probably… doesn’t really know who I am.”
Mai put a hand on Trunks’ shoulder.
“Zucchi, you know him. Come on,” Gohan said softly.
Zucchi hesitantly walked up to Trunks and stared at him. He blinked as he got closer and then his nose scrunched up, sniffing. His eyes lit up and he threw his arms around Trunks.
Trunks’ mouth dropped open. “What?” he asked.
Gohan shrugged and Zucchi nuzzled into Trunks.
Trunks didn’t hesitate and picked Zucchi up, cuddling him close.
Vegeta walked up to them. “So, you made it.”
Trunks nodded, still holding Zucchi close. “Hi dad. This is Mai… who you would know if you joined our calls…”
Vegeta looked at her and nodded once.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Mai said to him.
“Sure,” Vegeta said. “He knows your scent, huh? I told you, children made the Saiyan way have stronger instincts,” he said, turning back to Gohan.
“Yes, you did say that. But then explain me and Trunks, huh?” Gohan asked.
Vegeta shrugged. “Whatever. When you’re done with your child, come meet your sister,” Vegeta said to Trunks.
Trunks blinked. “Oh… Right. I… wow…” he said.
Gohan laughed. “Just a world of surprises for you here, huh?”
Trunks nodded.
“Mai, you want to meet everyone properly?” Gohan asked.
“That would be nice. I think Trunks is going to be a little distracted here.”
“Probably,” Gohan said.
Mai leaned over to see Zucchi. “He is quite adorable,” she said.
“Yeah,” Trunks said, kissing his little head.
They were about to move further in the room until Marron ran up to them.
“Can I say hi to Zucchi?” she asked.
“Sure,” Gohan said.
“Lift me, lift me,” she said.
Gohan picked her up so she was more at Zucchi’s level in Trunks’ arms.
“HI Zucchi. Happy birthday!”
Trunks blinked at her. “Who’s this?”
“Oh,” Gohan said, and his eyes widened. “Uh… this is Krillin’s daughter.”
“No way!” Trunks exclaimed. “Krillin has a kid? How come you all never mentioned that?”
“Uh…” Gohan said, glancing around.
Videl saw his look and approached them. “Hey, you guys want to come in? We have food and drinks and…”
“Long time no see, Trunks,” Eighteen said, grinning at him as she approached.
Trunks full on froze. Clutched Zucchi closer to him until he started to whine.
“Hey, Trunks, let go. It’s okay,” Gohan said, trying to pry Trunks’ hands away. He let Gohan take Zucchi immediately and reached for his sword.
“Hey hey stop!” Krillin said, running up to them. “Uh… Eighteen is good now. She’s… she’s my wife. Mother of my child. Uh… please don’t attack.”
Trunks stared. “What?”
“Did we never mention that?” Videl asked.
“I guess not,” Gohan said.
“I almost had a heart attack,” Trunks said.
Gohan laughed awkwardly as Eighteen, Marron, and Krillin walked away and sighed. “Sorry.”
Zucchi wiggled again in Gohan’s arms and Gohan put him down before he was running off.
“Is he okay to just… run around?” Trunks asked.
“Piccolo’s watching him like a hawk,” Gohan said. “Plus, there’s a ton of people here.”
Not a moment longer, Bulma was approaching Trunks and Mai, grabbing them to introduce them to Bulla and get to know Mai.
Gohan focused back on Videl.
“What a crazy party, huh?” Videl asked.
“Yeah,” Gohan said.
“Gohan! Videl!” Erasa said, coming over.
“Hey! You made it,” Videl said, giving her a hug.
“Hey,” Sharpner said, nudging Gohan.
“Hey!” Gohan said.
“Can’t believe you two have a one-year-old! Feels like just yesterday Gohan was complaining about how big he was.”
“Oh shut up,” Gohan said, blushing. “But I know what you mean. He’s growing so fast!”
“Where is he?” Erasa asked.
“Running around,” Gohan said. “Or maybe with Trunks.”
Erasa blinked, turning to Videl.
“Yeah, he’s here visiting.”
Erasa and Sharpner looked around immediately and Videl pointed him out.
“Wow! He really does look like an older version of well… Trunks.”
“That’s because he is,” Gohan said.
Then Erasa giggled and she nudged Gohan. “Nice.”
“What?” Gohan asked, eyes wide.
Sharpner and Erasa just laughed.
A little while longer they were all settled in for cake and Zucchi had made a disaster of his, digging in with gusto. He certainly had the Saiyan appetite.
He managed to get icing all over himself. In his hair, on his clothes, on his tail.
A ton of pictures were taken, and some gifts opened. Most of them things Zucchi would grow into more. Some toys, some clothes. He seemed incredibly happy, though getting worn out.
Gohan and Videl sat in the corner of the room as Zucchi was talked to by just about everyone.
He was getting so big and Gohan could only imagine what their future would bring.
“You think he’s going to be super strong?” Gohan asked softly.
“Yeah, for sure. Take after you,” she said.
Gohan grinned. “As long as he is safe. I don’t want him to ever have to deal with what we had to.”
“But he might have to… so preparedness?”
“I know,” Gohan said softly.
People started clearing out eventually, leaving just family. Which ended up being the majority of the guests.
They stayed later, chatting.
Gohan watched as Trunks and Mai sat with Zucchi, trying to engage him with his new toys.
Zucchi was pretty attached to Trunks and Vegeta confirmed it later. He did recognize Trunks’ scent. He knew him as his father through it, so he was quick to be friendly with him.
As the night wore on, Zucchi grew more and more cranky until it was time to put him to bed.
Gohan and Videl approached Trunks and Mai and Trunks looked heartbroken.
“I…” he said softly.
“I know,” Gohan said.
“These few hours aren’t enough,” he said softly.
“Do you want to stay longer?” Mai asked.
“Can we?” he asked.
She bit her lip. “A little while.”
Trunks nodded. “No, that’s not... we can’t… but…I don’t know how to leave again. I… just seeing him now… how big he’s gotten…”
Zucchi whined and ran to Videl, pulling at her pants to be let up. She picked him up and he snuggled into her arms.
“Want to help put him to bed?” she asked.
Trunks nodded.
Mai stayed back and Gohan, Videl, and Trunks went to put Zucchi to sleep.
Trunks watched him a moment longer. “He didn’t really recognize me until he smelled me. Through a screen… he doesn’t know me.”
“He’s just too small right now,” Gohan said.
“He’s going to grow so fast… and I won’t be here,” Trunks said.
Gohan sighed.
Videl looked at them. “What do you want us to do?” she asked softly. “We can have more calls or…”
Trunks just turned away. “We call pretty often already. Am I making the right decision, though? Staying there? And not being here with him?”
Gohan shrugged. “You made the call to be there for the Earth… over your son. But you still talk to him all the time. You’re here for his birthday, when it matters. You are doing the best you can do. He loves you. He will love you more still.”
Trunks sighed. “I’m going to visit as often as I can. Especially as he gets older. If he wants to see me, you tell him he can see me whenever he wants. And call me whenever he wants.”
“Of course,” Gohan said.
Trunks nodded, pressing a kiss to Zucchi’s head again before they left the room.
And then he stared at Bulma.
“And I can’t believe I have a sister here. That’s wild.”
Gohan and Videl chuckled. “Yeah, I can only imagine,” Gohan said.
After that, Trunks went to talk to Mai and then to Vegeta, Bulma, Bulla, and the little Trunks. And then Gohan could see them saying their goodbyes.
As much as Trunks wanted to stay… this wasn’t his world.
The party was basically wrapped up now, everyone cleaning up. The Briefs left next, and then it was just Gohan and Videl’s family.
Goku and Goten and Chi-Chi were the last to leave, knowing they’d see them the next week at their place.
And then Gohan and Videl sat there, staring at all the gifts.
Mr. Satan and Buu were also there, chatting in the background.
“That was a perfect birthday party,” Gohan said.
“It really was,” Videl said.
She leaned over and kissed him. “I can’t wait for the next one.”
“Next birthday?” he asked.
Videl giggled. “Sure.”
“What? Videl… what are you talking about… what does that mean?” Gohan asked, walking after her as she left the room.
Epilogue:
Gohan walked through the house, picking up some clothes off the floor.
“Zucchi, stop leaving your gi on the floor. Someone’s going to trip over them,” Gohan said.
“Dad, no one’s gonna trip. We can all fly.”
“Your sister might trip on them.”
“Pan can fly too, Dad,” Zucchi said, poking his head around the corner.
“But you should still pick up your clothes. Your father’s coming to visit and the house shouldn’t be dirty,” Gohan said.
“Now you sound like grandma,” Zucchi said.
Gohan chuckled. “Well, maybe you should listen to her sometimes.”
Zucchi groaned before he grinned, running up to Gohan and hugging him around the waist.
Gohan grinned back at him, placing a kiss on his head. “I can’t stay mad at you.”
Zucchi let go but then let his tail reach out to grab onto Gohan’s. Gohan gave Zucchi’s a squeeze and then wandered through the house, to find the others.
“There you two are,” Videl said, as they wandered into the room.
“Daddy!” Pan exclaimed. “Look! Look what I can do now!”
She took off into the air, doing a somersault.
Gohan blinked. “Good job!”
“Pan…” Videl said softly. “Is that from Piccolo’s training?”
“Yup. We’re learning how to dodge.”
Gohan blushed, looking away. “Anyway…”
Pan flew up to Gohan, making grabby hands at him and Gohan chuckled, picking her out of the air and placing her on his shoulders. She wrapped her hands around his head and kicked her legs happily.
“Grandpa was showing me some fun moves too!” she exclaimed.
“I’m still stronger,” Zucchi said.
“You’re a lot older,” she said.
Zucchi shrugged. “So, I’m stronger.”
“I’m stronger than Bulla!” Pan said.
“That’s cus she doesn’t train much at all,” Zucchi said.
“Okay, okay, break it up,” Videl said.
There was a knock on the door and Videl went to open it.
“Hey,” Future Trunks said on the other end.
“Hi, Trunks. Come on in. Hi Mai, welcome you two.”
“Thanks for having us,” Mai said.
“Father!” Zucchi exclaimed, running for the door. “Did you bring gifts? Huh? Huh?”
“I sure did,” Trunks said.
Pan jumped off Gohan’s shoulders and ran for Trunks too. “Me too! Me too! Gifts for me father?”
Gohan chuckled. As much as they told Pan that Trunks wasn’t really her father, she kept saying if Zucchi had Gohan as his dad, Trunks as his father, and Videl as his mom, Pan could too. And really, they couldn’t argue with that.
They had told Mai if she wanted the kids could call her mom as well but Mai had shaken her head. She wasn’t as involved with them all, despite visiting most times Trunks did. So she was more of an auntie at this point.
Trunks kneeled and pulled some toys out of his bag for Zucchi and Pan who took them excitedly, running off to play.
“You know, if you keep bringing presents every time you visit, they’re only going to associate you visiting with more presents,” Gohan said.
“I can’t help it,” Trunks said, standing up. “It just feels so long since I’ve last seen them.”
“Father, it’s only been like two months,” Zucchi said, wandering back.
“Two months too long,” Trunks said.
“We talk on the phone all the time,” Zucchi said.
“That is true,” Trunks said.
“You two want anything?” Videl asked. “Food? Drink?”
“Oh, I’m good, thank you Videl,” Mai said.
Trunks stared at her. “Are you?”
Mai blushed, looking away.
“What does that mean?” Videl asked.
Trunks and Mai looked at each other. “We may have an announcement,” Trunks said.
“What?” Videl asked, lighting up.
“What announcement?” Gohan asked, wandering in after them.
Zucchi and Pan raced in too, staring at them.
“Um…” Trunks said, hesitating as the kids looked at him.
“Well, I’m uh… I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby,” Mai said.
Videl lit up. “Oh that’s wonderful!” she said, wrapping her arms around her. “Congratulations!”
“Wow!” Gohan said, leaning against the doorframe. “Congrats Mai, Trunks.”
“Yeah,” Trunks said.
Zucchi frowned. “So… does that mean I’m getting another sibling?”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Gohan said, staring at them.
“Definitely,” Trunks said. “Though, they will come visit with me and Mai when we come over, okay?”
“That’s fine. We are good just me and Pan here anyway,” Zucchi said.
Trunks snorted and Pan pouted.
“But I want a sister,” Pan said. “Make it a sister.”
Mai smiled softly. “You know, that isn’t something we can choose. But maybe you’ll get your wish.”
“Yay!” Pan exclaimed, running off with Zucchi once more.
Trunks chuckled, before he turned to the others.
Mai and Videl were deep in discussion talking about pregnancy, cravings, symptoms…
Gohan looked on at them in amusement.
“You don’t want to join the discussion?” Trunks asked.
Gohan shrugged. “Nah. Let them discuss it. Somehow I think it was slightly different for me.”
“Yeah?” Trunks asked. “Because I was going to ask you…”
“Yeah?” Gohan asked.
“You know you’re sending out pheromones again, right?”
Gohan blushed. “Dang… I thought I had that under control. Vegeta kicked me out of the house until I got a handle on it. He was worried about the other you. He’s getting close to Saiyan puberty, you know. And after a bit he said I’d gotten control of it.”
“So then it’s just me you’re trying to attract?” Trunks asked with a smirk.
Gohan sent him a glare and Trunks laughed.
“Oh shut it,” Gohan said.
“Hey, I am having a child with someone else this time. Sorry. I mean unless you really want another…”
“Go away,” Gohan said, waving him off. “I have way more self control right now and I am not doing that again, regardless of anyone’s ideas. I am with Videl now. You are with Mai. No more of our babies.”
“Just thought I’d mention it.”
“Fucking pheromones,” Gohan mumbled under his breath.
Trunks chuckled.
The girls tuned back in, staring at them both.
“What’s going on there?” Videl asked.
Gohan’s blush just deepened and he muttered to himself.
Trunks smirked. “Apparently, Gohan’s pretty fertile right now.”
“I said shut up,” Gohan said. “I’m working on dampening it!”
Trunks laughed.
Videl blinked. “I thought you got that under control.”
“Yeah well,” Gohan mumbled.
Videl grinned, nudging Mai. “What do you think? Should we get another baby out of the two of them? At this point that’s one for each of us, except for Trunks. Too bad he couldn’t carry the next one, right?”
“What?” Trunks asked, eyes wide.
Mai giggled. “Yeah, that would make life easier for us, huh?”
“I am not having any more babies,” Gohan said, blushing fiercely. “I am getting these pheromones out of control and… that is that.”
Trunks winked at him. “Yeah, I guess it is a good thing we both recognize what it is this time.”
“Shut up,” Gohan said.
At that moment, Zucchi and Pan ran back into the room, saving him.
“Father, do you want this?” Zucchi asked, holding up a teddy bear.
“Oh uh…” Trunks started.
“Zucchi, that’s your favourite teddy bear,” Gohan said.
Zucchi looked away, nodding. “I thought maybe my brother or sister would want it.”
Videl smiled softly at him and said, “That’s so thoughtful of you, Zucchi. But you don’t have to give your favourite bear away.”
Zucchi pouted. “But what if I want to.”
“If you want to, you can. But you don’t have to,” Gohan said.
Trunks nodded. “Yeah. That is your bear. But if you want, you can help us pick out a bear specifically from you?”
Zucchi lit up, nodding. “Yeah! I wanna do that.”
“Me too!” Pan said.
“No, it was my idea.”
“But I can do it too!” Pan said.
Zucchi pouted. “I get to give it first.”
“Me too!”
“Okay,” Gohan said, getting in between them. “You can both give the baby a teddy bear.”
“Yay!” Pan said.
“Okay, fine,” Zucchi said. “Father? Come play with us?”
“Yeah, of course,” Trunks said, and then Pan and Zucchi were pulling him off into the other room.
Gohan looked at them fondly before returning to the girls.
“He’s an amazing dad,” Mai said. “I can’t wait to see him with this one. I just feel so bad he only gets to visit like this.”
“Hey, he’s doing his best. And the kids love him,” Gohan said.
“That’s true. They talk about him all the time. And they’re so happy to have three parents. Really four, if you’d accept your role,” Videl said.
Mai shrugged. “Maybe. I am just so excited for the future.”
They watched the kids and Trunks play for a bit.
“We’re going to Capsule Corp after to tell Trunks’ parents here. And I guess the other version of him and his sister.”
“They’ll love that,” Gohan said.
Mai nodded. “It’s crazy to come here and be part of this large family. Back home it’s really just us and Bulma.”
“Well, like we always say, you’re welcome anytime,” Videl said.
“Thank you. We really do appreciate it.”
A little while later, they were all settled around the dinner table, eating together.
“When are you visiting next, father?” Zucchi asked.
Trunks looked to Mai. “Probably a couple weeks. Not as long as last time. Why?”
“I wanna show you how strong I am now. I’ve been doing a lot of training!” Zucchi said.
“Me too!” Pan said.
Gohan chuckled,
“Oh yeah? Have you?” Trunks asked.
“Uh huh,” Zucchi said.
“They’ve been training with everyone,” Gohan said. “Me, Videl, my dad, your dad, Piccolo… even Goten and the other Trunks have helped train them. Which is funny, because they don’t fight or train much themselves anymore.”
“Wow,” Trunks said. “You two must be really strong.”
“Yup. We for sure are!” Zucchi said.
As the night headed to a close, Zucchi and Pan hugged Trunks and Mai tearfully.
“Hey, we said we will be back soon. Couple weeks and you’ll see us again,” Trunks said.
“And you’ll bring more gifts?” Zucchi asked.
“Zucchi,” Videl said. “They’re not here just to bring gifts.”
“I know,” he said. “I’ll miss you,” he said.
“I’ll miss you too,” Trunks said. “We uh… might take a bit of time away from visiting when the baby’s here but uh…”
“Well, then you’ll just have to take us with you to visit in your world,” Gohan said.
Trunks’ mouth dropped open. “Really?”
“I mean, we might as well repay the favour. You two come here all the time…”
“Well, it’s kind of dangerous for time travel and…”
“No, it isn’t. You guys have fixed any and all issues, haven’t you?”
“I guess we have.”
“Then it’s a plan. When the baby’s born, we’ll all come and visit.”
Trunks smiled, before he was giving hugs and kisses to the kids. And a cheeky smile to Gohan as he leaned in. “You sure? You smell awfully nice…”
Gohan playfully pushed him back, taking a step closer to Videl.
Trunks held his hands up. “I know, I know. See you all later.”
“Be back soon!” Mai said.
They all waved, and then Mai and Trunks were off.
Zucchi pouted, but he smiled after. “A new baby! That’s gonna be fun!”
“Yes, it will be,” Videl said.
Pan yawned and Videl went to pick her up, taking her to bed.
Zucchi and Gohan stood there a moment before Zucchi came close again.
Gohan grabbed him in a hug and squeezed him.
“You okay?” Gohan asked.
“Yeah,” Zucchi said. “I love you, Dad.”
Gohan grinned. “I love you, Zucchi.”
They were quiet another moment before Zucchi smiled. “Race you to bed?”
“You’re on,” Gohan said. “But I’ll let you know… you’re challenging the strongest fighter on the planet.”
Zucchi rolled his eyes. “Not for long! I’m gonna be stronger than you someday, Dad!”
“I don’t doubt it,” Gohan said.
And with that, Zucchi shot off down the hall and into his room.
As Gohan put Zucchi to bed, he smiled. He had never imagined this was how his life would go… but he would never change it for the world.
The End.