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A hot summer breeze rustled the leaves above him. The shade that cooled him off danced and fluttered and allowed the sun to peak through the barrier that the leaves gave. The grass underneath tickled his fingers as he dug them into the earth, but it helped keep him cool on this hot summer day. It was a long day of training and nothing felt better after than sittin’ under that tree. The soreness of his muscles had time to relax. Beads of sweat that had accumulated over the training sesh had finally cooled his lightly burned skin. It was...nice. Not having his little brother climb all over for an hour or two did help too. He loved Goten unconditionally but sometimes you need some time alone for yourself.And, of course, it was his favorite time of day. When his mother was making tonight’s dinner. No delectable smells had wafted to where he was sitting yet. It was too early in her ‘cooking progress’ but it was just as fine right now.He could see his mom in the window. Waddling from cabinet to cabinet as she prepared her meal. Taking out pots and pans and just about every utensil in the kitchen. Vegetables were piled high for chopping and meat primed for slicing. She was taking note of everything she took out for use. Pointing at each item while her other hand gently stroked her growing stomach.He smiled wider just at the thought. Another sibling. Another person to dote on and love with all of his being. And Mom, his mom, actually looked at peace during this pregnancy. No more crying over his Dad in the dead of night so that, hopefully, he didn’t hear.
But he always did.No more worrying if there would be enough food to feed them or stressing if chores would get done. And he felt more relieved too. He didn’t feel pressured to do more chores or eat less out of guilt. No skipping training or studying to help his mother in any shape or form, even when she insisted time and time again that she didn’t need help. And...and no more wondering if your new little sibling would know what it’s like to have a father. He didn’t have to be afraid of any of that this time around.And, almost as if on cue, Piccolo walked in. Arms crossed but absent of his weights. Ready to assist any way his mom wanted or, in most cases she would refute, needed. He, his mentor, walked into not only his own life but his family’s lives. Piccolo just came in to help after he saw how much stress his student was under. Unlike Goku, Piccolo was just as stubborn as this house wife. This man was going to help this family whether his mom liked it or not. And half the time, well all of the time, she despised it. ‘How dare he treat her like an invalid!’ he remembered her saying a few dozen times. Always her ready to kill Piccolo with just a glare. That hardly scared that Namekian away.He stuck through. Even when he out loud said how terrifying this little woman was and how he had half a mind to just up and leave out of pure frustration. But, like before, he stuck through.At first, obviously, Piccolo stayed for mostly him. Easing his mother’s burdens and stress was just a byproduct of it. He’d keep his distance when he felt he wasn’t needed but not too far where, if something happened, it would take too long to get to the house. His mother liked it that way too...at first. But then something...happened down the line.They began to trust each other. He couldn’t say for certain when Piccolo started to stay for longer or when his mother allowed him to stay shelter under the roof but, gradually, by the time that he saw the change it was already implemented. His two parent figures were working almost like a team. A team that would bicker and mock each other on a daily basis but still a team nonetheless. But that wasn’t the end of it. Even that dynamic changed when Goten was born. And this time he wasn’t oblivious to how the two began to feel towards each other.How their touches, as simple as a hand on a shoulder or knees brushing against the other’s, would linger. How their eyes, no matter the height, had stared more longingly into the other. That Piccolo would just sit with his mom, alone, with nothing else there as an excuse. That his mom would fine excuses just so she and Piccolo would go into town to shop or into the woods for meat even when she went shopping just the day before. Goten never had to yearn for a father, like he did.He loved Goku. He truly, truly did. It was hard not to love his aloof nature and pure good that was held in that man’s heart. But he learned, even from a young age, that Goku wasn’t meant for this family. Goku would always be his dad, that couldn’t be debated, but his family deserved more. Someone who wouldn’t leave at any given chance. Someone who could balance family life with a warrior one. Someone who would share the responsibility of keeping a household together. Maybe it had to come from someone who never had a family to begin with.Piccolo, in the most bizarre way possible, was perfect for his family. For his mom. That man could be more confusing to read than computer captions but the love for his mom was obvious. Real. And he loved Goten and himself without question. Not once fazed that they weren’t related by blood. Didn’t stop his mentor from claiming that they were his sons, even if Goku was in the sentence.There he, Piccolo, was. Carrying pots of water like it was nothing and observing intently on how to cook from his wife. Willing to taste a spoon of sauce or a bite of onion, never mind that he hardly ate even half of what his mom ate. Her, Chi-Chi, willing to hear criticism or approval with little backlash to return. Instructing him to move pots or food without a hint of embarrassment but instead replaced by adoration. Her hand on her belly with Piccolo’s on top. This was what they needed. Even if no one understood. Even if they are continually questioned until the end of time. Even if his Dad came back tomorrow. This family needed to exist. Needed to need each other. “GOHAAAAAN!!!” He heard his little brother yell, his little head peeking out from behind the door. “COME PLAAAYYY WIF ME!!!”He restrained a laugh as he saw, from the window, Piccolo wincing at Goten’s shrill voice. Mom snickering behind her hand. He shook his head and stood with a groan. Stretching out his dormant muscles.“Be right there Goten!” He rubbed his neck as he strolled up to the doorway. The toddler beaming up at his big brother. “But don’t scream, okay? Hurts Piccolo’s ears.”
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Daimao Clarinet.That was the name Chi-Chi had settled on for her first, and probably only, daughter.Clarinet.The name flowed off her tongue like sweet milk. Her little half human, half Namekian baby girl.Chi-Chi had wanted to give a nod to Piccolo, name the child after their father, and Clarinet had fit perfectly. A woodwind instrument. Keeping his family's tradition of instrument names, despite not having a very...nice family linage.She couldn't wait to tell Piccolo the name she decided on.But she was content, now, in watching him hold the tiniest little baby she'd ever seen. A little green bean of a baby. Piccolo could probably hold her in one hand if he wasn't so careful. Cautious of this new delicate life.Everyone was so, so afraid this baby wouldn't make it. Sayians were close enough, DNA wise, to form full, healthy babies. Add the fact that Sayians were a sturdy race and -bam- you make a durable baby. But Namekians were a tricky one. Namekians weren't weak by any means, but if the genes didn't fit, then...well... In any case, Chi-Chi never had any complications throughout her pregnancy and for every checkup, either from Dende or one of Bulma's friends, everything turned out fine. Even the birth itself was the easiest birth she'd ever gone through. Goten having been the worst despite Gohan being her first born.Who ever said that your first one was the hardest could go straight to hell.Clarinet was green, much to no one's surprise. A lovely shade of emerald on her baby smooth skin. Big, pointy ears that were too big for her face sat on either side of her head. A small mop of jet black hair sat upon that little head of hers yet she sported no eyebrows. At least, as of yet. More curious things have happened to normal human babies. Below her hair were her antennae. A small and cute set sitting above her eye ridges. Of course, and most importantly, she sported a pair of lungs, screaming right when she was born. Ready to take the world head on.The only deformities, that they could see right then anyway, were her fingers. Her pinkies that she had grown had been far shorter than it should've been if she were human. About a third of the length a pinkie was suppose to be. Yet, she'd probably be like her father. Working just fine without those little digits.Piccolo was looking down at her the same looked he gave when looked upon Goten for the first time when he was born. With awe and wonder and maybe a little bit of fear. She was dangerously small. Would almost be too easy to lose her. Just set her down and -poof- she'd go missing.Chi-Chi rubbed Piccolo's arm. The two of them absolutely transfixed on their daughter. "Want to know of the name I came up with?" She whispered. Not wanting to wake this little bean up."Hmm?""Clarinet." She sighed and traced a finger over the little babe's face, "Isn't it perfect?"Piccolo smiled softly as he let out a soft chuckle, "An instrument name?""Of course." Chi-Chi beamed at her husband, "Who else would I name her after?"Piccolo grew a few shades of purple and averted his gaze back to his daughter. His fingers tracing her little arms and hands. Marveling, still, that this happened. At how small she was. "Clarinet." He tested. The name flowing from his lips easily. He nodded, "Yeah. Clarinet is a good name for her."Chi-Chi gave a small laugh, "And guess who's right. Yet again?" She gave him a playful light shove.Piccolo snorted. Shaking his head. As much as he wanted to joke about how that statement wasn't true, he didn't want to risk ruining this moment. He looked up at the door and realized they had two more boys waiting patiently outside. Well, one of which was probably very patiently. The other about to combust in his seat. "We should introduce her to the boys."His wife greedily reached for her daughter without a second word. Nestling the babe securely in her arms. "You go get them. I want a few more moments looking at her." Chi-Chi swelled up with pride again as she gazed down at her daughter. So happy to finally meet her.Piccolo kissed the top of Chi-Chi's head briefly. Grinning into her hair, "I'll be right back then."Chi-Chi watched Piccolo get up and leave the room. Leaving her alone with Clarinet. To finally hold this little wonder was a relief all in it's self. No more worrying or stressing if she was doing or eating the right things. If the worse things to come out of this was short pinkies then they lucked out. Chi-Chi peered down at her and remembered how excited she first was though. Not only to be a mother to a baby again, but share a baby with her husband. Her sons were Piccolo's sons, of course. Without a doubt. He would be happy if it were just the four of them and so would she. It was never a plan for her to have a third, but Clarinet was a wonderful surprise.But it was nice to...nice to show how much adoration she and Piccolo had for each other.Grabbing the boys shouldn't've taken too long, Chi-Chi then realized. Just grab them from the hallway and usher the two inside. Yet there still wasn't a sign of them a few minutes in. She wasn't nervous, per se', just...concerned. Both of her boys were ecstatic to be big brothers. Goten especially. At least, they were. Wonder if they were having cold feet about the fact? Gohan stressing about another little one in the house or Goten scarred of not being the baby any more.As if they knew she was fretting over the whole thing, the door opened. Gohan was the first to step in. The teen full of smiles and didn't hesitate to stride over to his mother side. Peaking behind his mother's arm in anticipation. Looking up at his mother excitedly before looking back down at his sister. His grin only widening at her little face. Gohan presented his arms just how his mother taught him when Goten was born.Chi-Chi shifted the infant in her arms so she could transfer her to her big brother's arms.Gohan held her so carefully yet so protectively that Gohan started to become misty eyed. "What's her name? Piccolo didn't say."His mother beamed up at her son, "Clarinet."He gave a big laugh, rousing the baby to open an eye to try and find the cause of what woke her. Gohan grinned, "I love it!" He cooed at the little baby, "Look how cute you are. I'm your Big-Big brother. Biggest brother ya got." The baby opened both her eyes and blinked at this stranger. "You're so small!"Piccolo came in soon after. Holding a teary eyed Goten in his arms. The toddler grasping onto Piccolo's collar while sucking on his thumb. A habit he only does in time of stress. The child had clearly had a breakdown and Chi-Chi had a feeling it had something to do with this new arrival."Oh Goten! What's wrong baby?"Goten only rubbed his face into his father's shoulder. Too upset at whatever had happened in the hallway to speak.Piccolo pressed his lips together. Humming while walking to Gohan's side. "He wants to be the youngest again," Piccolo said simply. Restraining to roll his eyes.Gohan smiled up at Piccolo, almost like he forgot that his brother had a tantrum. "Did you see her ears!" He asked excitedly.His mentor smiled down at the kid and ruffled his hair with his free hand. He then poked Goten's arm to gain the boy's attention, "Look Goten. Your brother has your new sibling."Goten shook his head no.Piccolo rolled his eyes that time but Chi-Chi only gave the both of them a patient smile. Holding out her arms so she could take the burden off of Piccolo, she murmured, "Here."Her husband nodded once and gave the toddler to his mother.At first, Goten gave a high-pitched groan. Ready to start another tantrum. Yet Chi-Chi wasn't going to have that. "Now, now Goten." She held her son tight in her arms. Squeezing him tight to her chest, "Look at Gohan. Isn't Gohan such a good brother?"Goten rested his head on her chest as he looked over at his brother. He nodded quietly."Do you see how he's holding her? Don't you want to be a good brother like Gohan?" She moved so Goten could get a better look, "Look how small she is. You use to be this small and Gohan still held you. Do you want to be like Gohan and hold your sister?"Goten's eyes grew wide with interest. Goten was basically his brother's shadow so all you had to do to get that boy to do (nearly) anything was show him that Gohan could do it.Even then, he looked hesitant. Like he was fighting himself about being the only baby but he could also be a big brother like Gohan. The boy pursed his lips, obviously weighing his options. As if he a choice in the matter. Chi-Chi hoped Goten didn't think he had a choice about the matter.Thankfully, Goten looked up to his mother and gave her a determined nod, "I wanna be a big broder. Like Gohan.""There you go Goten!" Gohan encouraged. "Here! I'll show you how to hold her!"Chi-Chi moved Goten to the edge of the bed. Piccolo then took the reins and guided the boy's arms so he could hold her properly. Chi-Chi was so thankful that she taught that big green dork how to do that with Goten. Gohan then murmured before placing their sister in the other brother's arms, "Now you have to be real gentle. She's little and fragile. So you have to hold her real good, okay?"They didn't even need their mom for this, Chi-Chi thought smiling.Goten looked like he paled a little but he nodded his head vigorously, "I'mma do it!"Ever so carefully, Gohan transferred Clarinet into Goten's arms. Even though she was the tiniest baby ever, she still looked huge in the kid's arms. But Goten wasn't deterred. Supporting her head like the best of them and keeping her secure in his arms. Even so, Piccolo and Gohan stood by. Just in case.Goten's eyes grew ten times wider and his mouth was caught hanging ajar on his face. Clarinet's eyes, too, were focused on Goten's. Gohan smiled proudly on and you could hear Piccolo mutter, "Thank god." Chi-Chi brushed her littlest son's hair back. So proud that he little man made through the hurdle of envy. "Her name's Clarinet." She murmured to him."Clari..." Goten whispered, pressing his face closer to his sister's. He gave her a sweet little kiss, right on her nose.
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Warm rays of sun kissed his cold, green skin. The rich blue, summer sky didn’t have a cloud in sight and speckled with migrating birds that sang above them. A light breeze swept by, disturbing his cape with the lightest of ruffling. Any disappointment with not training with Gohan that morning had dissipated with the wind long ago. This day was too good of a day to remain in a sour mood for too long. Sitting in nature, just admiring the tranquilness of it, was enough. With the hectic nature of the house, Piccolo had remembered that he could always find a sense of calm outside. Where he spent the majority of his life. On top of it, it gave him an excuse to spend time with his littlest one.As Piccolo sat lazily on the grass, Clarinet was toddling around him. Running her fingers through the coarse, wild weeds. He and Chi-Chi had wondered how fast their half-alien offspring would grow. Namekians weren’t known to have very long childhoods. Hell, by the time he had turned four he was already at the equivalence of a human teenager. Yet she seemed to grow as fast as her human counterpart. Somehow, though, she remained fairly small. After seeing both Namekian and human children, they concluded that she was....smaller than normal. That fact didn’t dissuade his daughter.Even now, she was waddling around with no assistance despite that she was just a hair over three years old. Clarinet had even decided to learn how to run. If she fell, she pulled herself back up with an even wider smile on her face. It swelled Piccolo’s heart up with pride. The stubbornness to not back down would be strong in this kid, he knew. Even now, her eyes held the same spark he’d seen in her mother (hopefully that wouldn’t bite him when she grew older). He couldn’t wait till she was old enough to train how to fight and see what she could accomplish. “Dada!” The toddler waddled up to his lap. Slapping his knee to gain his attention. Her large, inquisitive gaze studied him. Managing to drag a smirk to creep onto Piccolo’s face. He hummed in response. Placing a hand on her head to ruffle her hair. His palm nearly covering the top half of her head.Her teeny green hands pulled his hand off and pulled it down in front of her face. Erupting into a fit of giggles, she put one of her hands in front of that hand. His paw clearly dwarfed hers. “Dada big!” “Heh. I am. You’ll be big too, one day.” Even he didn’t believe that. No doubt she’d be as tall as Chi-Chi is. Well, small. Although, having her taller than her mother would be funny to him. What with her hoping she wouldn’t have to look up at of her children and Clarinet was the best bet on that.Clarinet’s attention snapped to a bug fluttering the air. Not paying attention to what she had been doing or to what he said. Dropping his hand, she went in pursuit of the creature.Shaking his head, he let his hand drop back to the grass. Digging his claws into the soil ever so slightly. Clarinet chased that thing around. Grabbing at the air.It seemed only like yesterday she was learning to crawl. It seemed fast even though she grown up faster than this. Maybe he was just relieved she was growing at all. Neither of them, or Dende, would know how she would be. Unlike anything alive now.To know she’d be on her own for so many issues was...well...he’d basically raised two half-Sayians. Right? It’ll...it’ll be like that.Just...figure it out along the way.It was then his antenna twitched from behind his turban. Clarinet, too, looked up with a blinking expression as her own antenna twitched. Piccolo smirked to himself that his offspring could sense energy so soon. It wasn’t long lived as he then wondered why his seven year old son was looking for him and not at Trunks like he was supposed to be.He closed his eyes as Goten’s energy rocketed closer to their position. Not three months later and Goten had mastered flying fairly well, yet he wasn’t to be flying on his own without either parent being told of the destination first. “You flew here alone, Goten?” Piccolo inquired as Goten landed clumsy. Face planting as he tripped over his own footing. And that was the reason for him not flying alone.“Hrueimf. Wws hais.” Goten muffled into the earth.Rolling his eyes, Piccolo extended his arm to lift his son by the collar of his shirt and brought the boy to sit in front of him. Goten spouted out dirt and bits of grass as Piccolo dusted off the kid’s face and hair. Grumbling, Piccolo said, “Again. Goten.”Behind the smudges of dirt on his face, Piccolo could see Goten’s face flushed and eyes puffy with dried tears on his cheeks.Goten took a deep intake of breath and then spewed out what Piccolo could hardly describe as coherent:“IwaswithTrunksbutthenTrunks’sdadwastalkingtouseventhoughwewereplayingandthenTrunk’sdadwassayingthatthetournamentwasreallyreallyreallysoonandthatweshouldtrainmoreand...andthen...and...and…”Goten ran out of breath as he gasped for air.Piccolo opened his mouth to tell the boy to slow down, but was stopped when he noticed tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.“He *hic* he said my...said Goku was...coming back….for it.”Piccolo released an annoyed sigh.He knew he shouldn’t’ve decided to wait so long to tell him.Waving the boy over, Goten didn’t hesitate to take the invitation to crawl into his father’s lap. Crawling over the Namekian’s legs, he clutched onto Piccolo’s gi. Rubbing his wet face into it.Clarinet had decided to take notice and waddled over too. Thinking this was just a reason to cuddle.“I...knew about Goku. We, your mother and I, were planning on telling you tonight.” He explained as he helped his daughter climb into his lap too. “Why are you upset with Goku returning?”Goten looked up at him with watery eyes and an even watery nose, “B-B-because he’s my...my...bi...bilog...bolog...boila….”“Biological.” Goten nodded, “Bi-o-logkal Dad and-and-and…”“Goten. Deep breaths.” Piccolo instructed.Taking in enormous gulps of air, Goten blurted, “ANd I DON’T WANT HIM TO BE MY DADDY! YOU’RE MY DADDY!” Piccolo blinked in honest astonishment. Goten had been calling him his ‘father’ since he could talk. There was no denial nor confusion that he was Goten’s ‘father’. Yet he, Chi-Chi, and Gohan had reminded Goten plenty of times that his ‘biological father’ was dead and that was why he and Gohan didn’t look, well Namekian. Wasn’t a problem. Until now.Didn’t think it would affect the boy this much. Piccolo rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m still your dad Kid. I’m not going anywhere. He’s just your other…”“No!” Goten screamed, “I don’t want another Daddy!”How did this kid end up being just as dramatic about this whole thing like Chi-Chi was? Like mother, like son he guessed. “I don’t want him to repace you…”Goten whispered.“Goten.” Piccolo waited for his son to pry his head away from his body to look up at him. Assuring he had his full attention, he pulled out his hand to show the brass ring he wore.Piccolo never meant to wear it as much as he did now. Chi-Chi understood and never pressured him to yet he found that he...liked to wear it. Look at it and realize...he didn’t have to be alone. Eh, all these emotions were making him sick.“You know what this is, right?” Piccolo tapped the ring with his thumb. Goten nodded quietly, “That means your mother chose me. You got that? No one’s replacing me.”Goten wiped his eyes, “But...Vegeta said Mama married Goku first...and Goku might be...mad.”It took all of his strength not to go kick the Royal-Pain-In-The-Ass’s ass. Talking to his son like he knew a goddamn thing in this world.“Goku died and decided to stay dead for the good of Earth. Secondly, Goku’s not known to have malice towards anybody. Not me. Not your mother. He always wanted what was best for everybody.”Now silent, Goten looked over to his sister. Watching her chest rise and fall as she slept. “I...I don’t know...if I want to call him Daddy….would you get mad if I do?”Piccolo released a long breath.That was the question he was asking himself since they heard the news. A little part of him did feel selfish in that regard. Goku had his chance and, in the end, Piccolo won out. Yet here he was, talking about Goku’s return with Goku’s youngest son. He didn’t have any malice towards Son Goku, after all. Not anymore. Why should he get jealous if Goku’s own son wants to call him ‘dad’? “You can call him whatever you want to kid.”Goten frowned, but more in a sense of thought than anger. He nodded slowly, letting it all sink in, “Okay. Buut….you’re still my Daddy!”“Well...good.” Piccolo couldn’t think much else to say as he fought down a blush, “Let’s go. Your *ahem* mother should be done with dinner soon.” Adjusted his grip on Clarinet, Piccolo stood to his feet. Going to stretch out his legs only to find Goten firmly attached to his hip. Refusing to unlatch himself from his caretaker. Piccolo rose an eye ridge and asked, “Are you going to fly on your own home?”Goten shook his head ‘no’.Piccolo flared his nostrils.Couldn’t have the boy like this when he got home. Chi-Chi was already so on edge about this whole Goku thing that just by her standing near you, that you could feel the suffocating, anxious air around her. And her stressing was causing him to stress, even though he'd told her time. And. Again. That everything would be fine.Didn’t need Goten’s fear adding fuel to fire.Would like to spend two seconds without her constant ‘what ifs’.“Well that’s a shame. Thought we could have a race home.” He tilted his head. Waiting for Goten to take the bait.“A-A race?” Goten’s large, innocent eyes looked up at him. Piccolo nodded once. “Can….can I have dessert if I win?”Piccolo snorted. Not surprised that a race the thought of sugary treats would help distract him. “I’ll see what I can do...”Before he could even finish that sentence, Goten was off. Releasing a low chuckle, Piccolo moved his cape to shield a snoring Clarinet and took off after his son. Catching up easily enough but keeping enough of a distance to let Goten think he was out racing his old man. Goten’s mood as he crashed landed in front of the house was a stark contrast from before. Giggling and laughing as he rolled onto his back to point up at Piccolo. Squealing, “I win! I win!”Snorting, Piccolo touched down and let his cape fall back behind him. Revealing a now wakeful Clarinet. As soon as she saw her brother, she began laughing and reaching for her big brother.“Ten! Ten!”Strolling his way up to the house, he reached down and scooped his son on the way to the door. Which opened to reveal Chi-Chi to welcome them home. A soft smile doting her face as she wiped her hands on her apron.“Oh! You picked up Goten too?” Chi-Chi asked as she took her daughter into her arms and Piccolo let Goten stand on his own two feet.Goten jumped up and down, “Daddy and I raced home and I won so he said I could have dessert today!”Chi-Chi arched her brow as she gave her husband a knowing look, “Did he now?”Piccolo averted his gaze and shrugged, “He won.”His wife, ever the inquisitive type, narrowed her eyes real hard at the stoic Namek before popping back to her cherry self, “Well, I’ll see what we have for that. Maybe some rice pudding,” She addressed her baby boy, “But first…”“Han! Han!” Clarinet was reaching over Chi-Chi’s shoulder. Nearly climbing on top of her.Clarinet was stolen away from Chi-Chi’s arms by Gohan himself. Swinging his sister in the air. “I haven’t seen you all day!” Gohan exclaimed. Laughing as he spun around in a circle. “Hey Pic! Goten!” Gohan greeted them quickly so as not to waste time doting on his sister.Goten yelled, “HI GOHAN!” Causing Piccolo to wince.Chi-Chi shook her head, “Goten, inside voices. Gohan, dinner’s almost ready. Could you wash your sister up? Goten, you wash up too.”Gohan blew a raspberry on Clarinet’s cheek, earning him a squeal, “Sure thing Mom. C’mon Goten. I bet you had an awesome day!”Goten didn’t hesitate to run after his brother, exclaiming, “I get dessert!”As their children became out of sight, Chi-Chi went up and wrapped her arms around her husband’s waist. Standing on her tiptoes to receive a chast kiss from him before grabbing his arm and pulling him into the kitchen. Where the most amazing smells were coming from. Nearly every pot in the kitchen was in use tonight and Piccolo wondered what the hell she had in stock for the family that night.“And why does Goten get dessert tonight?” Chi-Chi inquired. Eyeing her husband dangerously. Desserts were special occasions so as to not spoil the boys too much. “He needed a win today.” Piccolo replied. Moving around her to the cabinets to retrieve the plates and silverware they would need.Placing a hand on her cocked hip, Chi-Chi prodded further, “A win? Why? What happened?”The soft clang of the dishes as he set the plates down oh so carefully on the table rang out until Piccolo’s arms were empty. Mostly to waste time putting his words together, “Vegeta is what happened.”Instantly, Chi-Chi flared red, “What. Did. That ass…”“Easy,” His rich rumble soothed the growing rage within her, “It was what he said. Not did.”Chi-Chi crossed her arms and wrinkled her nose, “That doesn’t make it better.” Yet she waited for the Namekian to continue. “He told him about Goku.” Chi-Chi’s face paled, “Goten was upset, had some concerns, and I calmed him down. The dessert was just to cheer him up.” Piccolo walked up to his wife and gently let his fingers brush against her elbows. “I told him what I’ve been telling you…”“What if he gets mad?” She blurted. Her eyes wide and full of fear. “Then he gets mad.” Piccolo unwrapped her arms and pulled her to him, “But I don’t think he’d even get mad about this. Us. It’ll be fine.”Chi-Chi released a sigh and he could feel the pent up stress she’s been carrying for these past few weeks, “Okay…okay. I’ll...try to be calm.”Piccolo rubbed her arms, “I’ll be here, too. It’ll be fine.” He snorted, murmuring under his breath, “So dramatic, my wife. Goten gets it from you, you know.”Chi-Chi chortled, “Oh? Who was too nervous to let Goten go to preschool? Or got scared Clare didn’t cry for a week? Hmm?”A lavender blush reached far pass Piccolo’s ears, “Yeah...well...who was so afraid of flying they wouldn’t let go of my hands?”It was Chi-Chi’s turn to blush a bright crimson, “I could’ve fell!”"I wouldn’t’ve let you.” A smile was being pulled against his lips now. His head bending down closer to hers.“Ugh! Get a room!” Gohan teased with a smile on his face as he entered the kitchen with the two little ones trailing behind him. Gohan held onto his sister’s hand tightly as he rambled on about…something with frogs with her seemingly genuinely interested.Chi-Chi kissed Piccolo anyway as she muffled her laughter, “You’re the one who matched us together.” Chi-Chi reminded him.“And I don’t regret a bit of it!” He looked down to his baby siblings and announced, “Alright! Are we all ready for dinner? I helped so it’s even better than usual!” “Hey! All you did was chop a few vegetables!”“And it will elevate the dish! How I chopped those onions so thinly will certainly make that dish pop!”“You watch Chopped too much!”Piccolo shook his head as he picked up the kids to put them in their respective chairs. Why Goku spent so long away from his family was beyond him, but he had it now. There was nothing to worry about.
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Chop the carrots.Cut the onions. Check the broth and then the soup. Stir the rice and turn the pork.Check the roast in the oven.Go wash the dishes in between...“What smells...Mom?! Why are you cooking…” Gohan looked up at the clock that hung over the archway, “At four in the morning?” The young teen rubbed at his eyes as he stumbled into the kitchen. Eyes shooting wide open at the array of food around him. On every counter surface and all along the table was just plates upon plates of food. Some food even stacked on other food. His mom had to have used everything in the pantry.“Jeez Mom. This is...a lot of food.” He knew his brother and himself ate but even this seemed like much.Chi-Chi waved him off as she finished drying her hands to check on something simmering under a pot, “Well I want to make sure my big growing boys are well fed before the big tournament today! I haven’t been to one since before you were born!”Gohan could see the dark, heavy bags under her eyes. Like this wasn’t the only sleepless night she had. Her hair was half-haziardly thrown into a bun with strands of hair sticking out from every which way.“How long have you been up making this?” He tentatively asked.His mother pulled a plate down to place a piece of meat to rest. Another question he now just thought of was how many plates did this house have? “Oh, just a few hours.” She responded casually. Like it was normal for her to do so. Even though the tournament wasn’t till noon. “Mom…”“It’s nothing. Really.” The dismissal of the whole situation only caused him to worry more. Stress cooking was a common theme with his mother and they both knew that she wasn’t fooling anyone. That didn’t mean she couldn’t try, though. He guessed.It made him upset to think about, but he knew she was worried about Dad coming back. Let's just say he’d overheard Piccolo and his Mom talking. He didn’t understand her worry. Dad was pretty gentle, if not aloof, kind of guy. Sometimes he’d hurt something or someone on accident, but never out of malice. Maybe she felt...guilty? Mom seemed pretty sure of herself on dating his old teacher. Then marrying him. Having his sister with him. Heck, he seemed pretty sure about it too. Didn’t seem like Goku even would come back. It’s been almost eight years. Sighing, Gohan knew he had to do what he did when his mother was like this.Walking over to the stove, he turned all the switches to ‘off’. “Gohan!” Chi-Chi groaned in annoyance, “Those weren’t do-…”“Mom.” Gohan interrupted firmly, yet kindly. He gently took a hold of her hand and led her out of the kitchen and into the living room. She didn’t put up a fight. Defeated, she let her son drag her to the couch and slowly allowed her to sit down upon it.Without letting go, he sat next to her and placed his other hand on the same one he was holding, “Mom. Why are you so afraid?”Chi-Chi’s eyes looked up to meet his. Her mouth opened for a split second before closing again. Probably knowing that she couldn’t bull-crap her way to her eldest son. Not any more. She looked down in thought. Furrowing her brows.He let her have all the time she needed.“I...I don’t know. Gohan.” She heaved a deep and heavy sigh. “I thought I was afraid of Goku just....going Super Sayian over the whole ordeal but after thinking about it for nights on end... I know I’m not scared. Not of him. He’s so sweet. Silly of me to even think he would be. I thought...I think…” She released a shuddering sigh.Gohan rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. Encouraging her.“I think I’m afraid of making him sad. I’ve never really seen him sad before. I...I know I don’t love your father the same way I used to. That’s for Piccolo now...I mean. I do, more or less, love him but more of a close friend. I suppose.”Nodding, Gohan looked up to the mantle above the fireplace. There the family pictures stood. New ones mixed with old. In the middle were the three of them: his mother, father, and a little baby him.He wouldn’t try and say he knew his father well. But he knew him well enough.“Even if he is sad,” Gohan started as he moved to look at his mother’s tearful eyes, “I think he’d understand.”She released a watery laugh, “I think your right.” She wiped away tears from her face, “He always did want us safe.”“And happy.” They heard a snort behind them, “Took me four weeks to tell her that and you do it in one sentence.”Behind them stood Piccolo. Holding a sleeping Clarinet as he smirked down at his ridiculous wife.Chi-Chi sniffled, “I didn’t wake you up, did I hun?”“No. The bed was cold.” He looked over to Gohan, “Go take your mother to bed. Then come back down to help me with all this…” He looked behind him to already see a small fraction of the mess in the kitchen, “Food.”“No...I can…!”“Nope.” Gohan shook his head, “You’re taking either a long nap or a short sleep. We’ll wake you up when we need to get ready.”That tired glare she tried to muster ended up turning into a defeated grimace. Huffing, she responded, “Fine. But save everything you don’t eat and put it in what we’ll bring to the tournament!” “Got it!” Gohan kissed her cheek, “Now lets you get to bed.” He laughed, “I sound like you now!”Even that earned Piccolo a chuckle.--Turned out, Chi-Chi needed that rest. She was night and day when they headed to the city where the tournament took place that year.“What luck!” She announced as the bustling city came into view, “It’s such a nice day!”The sky was blue and the air was crisp with the sun warm on their backs.Piccolo grunted in agreement. Adjusting his hold on Clarinet just enough as she fussed about being swaddled in his cape for too long. So he let his cape fly freely behind him, allowing her to see the ground as they flew.An enthusiastic cheer came from her. Chi-Chi could see the fondest smile resting on his husband’s face. A warm feeling rushed through her body and she grinned as wide as she could. Any hangups about today flying far behind her. The grand tournament arena came into view. Bustling with patrons arriving to eagerly find their seats. To watch grown adults fight each other to near death.It brought back a rush she hadn’t felt since she was a teenager. It was time for them to descend.Two familiar hairstyles came into view.Bulma’s blue hair was easy to spot. Vegeta’s spikey mop next to her. Trunks peeking up from behind them. A grin spread across his face as he saw Goten.Goten laughed as he landed down faster than the rest of the family to tackle Trunks. The two began to chase each other. True to form, they babbled on about how they were going to ‘beat every single person up in the tournament’. The three of them landed not too long after. Piccolo put out his hand for his wife. Accepting it gratefully, Chi-Chi used him to balance herself as she planted her feet on the ground. The whole landing thing was still a bit difficult for her.Clarinet whined as she noticed her brother and his friends were playing without her. Wiggling out of her father’s arm, she flopped out from his grasp only to be caught again by the hem of her shirt.Piccolo snorted as he gently placed her on the ground. Rolling his eyes as Clarinet only squealed and ran over to the boys. Hands reaching out as the pair tried to avoid her. Flying just a hair farther than the girl could reach. The children giggling at their own antics.Bulma grinned down at the children, “Wow! He’s getting big! And so is...Clair.”Piccolo snorted. Chi-Chi rolled her eyes but knew why her husband thought that wasn’t true. She laughed anxiously, “No, we know. She’s not growing nearly as fast as we thought she would.”The three of them watched as she chased after the boys with a giddy smile on her face. “That doesn’t stop her, though. Obviously.”“I can see that.” Bulma looked up at Gohan and her grin was only wider, “Gohan! Wow! Look how big you are!” She placed her hands on her hips as she looked at a now bashful Gohan over, “I remember when you were at my ankles!”Gohan smiled bright despite the blush on his cheeks, “Yeah. Mom says I’m almost as tall as Dad now.”Bulma nodded as she surveyed his height, “I’d say you’re about there, yeah. But you’ll have a reference here soon!” “I know! I’m so excited!” Gohan chirped, “There’s so much I want to show him. Tell him. It’s been so long.”“Hopefully he’ll be here long enough before the tournament,” Piccolo remarked. Crossing his arms in his usual way.“Sooo…” Bulma tapped her chin, “You’re obviously in the tournament, right Piccolo?”He nodded, “As far as I can go before I face him.” He nodded over to Gohan.Bulma gasped, “You’re fighting in the tournament?!” Chi-Chi understood her surprise. Everyone knew how Gohan felt about fighting. When he announced he would be in the tournament too it had caused a quiet shock throughout the house. The house being Piccolo, herself, and her father.Gohan shrugged, “Yeah. Figured I’m rusty. Wouldn’t hurt to spar with Dad again either.”Chi-Chi shook her head. She knew the reason why he wanted in the tournament. Goku’s been gone for years now. The most time Gohan and his father had together was when they were training. She hoped that it brought him the relationship he’d hoped to find with Goku.“Han! Han!” Clarinet cried. They turned to see Clarinet run up to her eldest brother. Gohan didn’t hesitate to bend down and scoop her up. Holding her up into the air. They looked over to see that the boys were now running over to where the signup booths were. Going far too fast for Clarinet to catch up.“Looks like they ditched ya, huh Clair-bear?” Gohan asked his sister. She nodded and crossed her arms like Piccolo would. Frowning at the two people she thought she was playing with.Gohan snickered, “Let’s go see what they’re doing then.” He hoisted her up to place her on his shoulders. He waved at his parents before jogging over to where Goten and Trunks were. Clarinet laughing and telling him to go faster.Vegeta rolled his eyes and followed after. Not bothering to look at either the Namekian or his wife.Bulma huffed as she crossed her arms, “Sorry about him. He’s been in a mood all morning.”“When isn’t he in one?” Piccolo asked with a smirk on his face.“Hmm. Fair.” Bulma shook her head, “I better follow to make sure he or Trunks don’t-” She grimaced, “Cause a scene. Be back in a bit!”Chi-Chi sighed. Placing her hands on her hips, “I don’t know how she dealt with that man for so long.”“You’re guess is as good as mine.” He looked down at her with a grin, “But if I had to guess, probably how you deal with me.”She laughed as she pushed him with her hip, “You’re not nearly as bad, hun.”Piccolo chuckled. Chi-Chi stood on her tiptoes as she grinned up at her husband. Piccolo complied and bent down to give her a quick kiss.Gohan returned with the kids in tow not too long after. Each holding one of their brother’s hands. Sort of. Clarinet was too little to walk with him and hold his hand so she just sort of...hung from him like a monkey. While Goten just held on tight. Ranting about how they wouldn’t let him and Trunks sign up for the adult team.It wasn’t surprising. Chi-Chi tried to explain that there was an age limit to these tournaments but Goten wouldn’t have it. Although, with how Piccolo was training him now, he would probably do well in the adults team. For a while.She was just thankful he was denied. She didn’t want him fighting against other people just yet. “Papa!” Goten whined as he unlatched from Gohan and ran up to his dad. “They won’t let me fiiiight!” “So I heard.” Piccolo probably could hear that from when the whole debacle was happening.“And because me and Trunks weren’t happy and messed up the booth they won’t let us fight on the kids one!” Goten stomped his foot on the floor. Unhappy as ever.Their little brat.Piccolo chortled, “Probably for the best. You’d wipe the floor with those other kids.”“R-Really?” Goten’s eyes sparkled.“With how I train you? No doubt. What is there to prove if there is no real fight?” Goten looked over to where the arena was and then grinned wide, “Yeah! I don’t want to fight a bunch of babies anyways! I only wanted to fight Trunks. But I can do that later!”Just like that, Piccolo defused what was probably going to be a huge tantrum. And he looked smug as hell about it too. She didn’t know how he did it, but it both infuriated and amazed her that he could defuse a situation like that in a heartbeat. Saved her a lot of frustrating arguing matches. Clarinet let go of her brother’s hand to run and ‘tackle’ her other brother. Goten ran just enough out of the way to avoid his sister’s attack. The two began chasing each other in a form of tag as they waited for the rest of the Z fighters to arrive. Piccolo took the time to take the pack of snacks for in between matches off of Chi-Chi’s back and placed it on the ground. Gohan was already rummaging through it by the time it left Piccolo’s fingers. No doubt looking for a pregame meal.It was a little under two hours before the event began.They had nothing but time to wait, and eat, if they so choose. It was then that Piccolo’s spine straightened when he felt a very familiar presence. An old but welcomed one. He looked at the sky with his eyes narrowing to find something. Or someone.“He’s here.”“Wow.” Already? That was...faster than she expected. She looked up to where her husband was looking. Waiting, searching, for a dot to appear in the sky. Her stomach tying itself in knots. But, instead, he just....appeared.“Dad!” Gohan tackled Goku as soon as he materialized. The two laughed as they took turns lifting the other up. Goku remarked that his son had gotten taller and stronger and all that.Chi-Chi stood fast next to her husband. Hand clutched in Piccolo’s like a death grip. Although she wasn’t nearly as nervous as she was that morning, it helped to have something anchor her emotions. Piccolo’s cool skin was a good anchor.The kids ran to Piccolo. Startled at the sudden appearance of a strange man.Goten peeked out from under Piccolo’s cape and behind his leg when he was sure he was undercover. His sister next to him, holding her brother’s hand. They’d normally play around his legs like he was just a tree, but they were much too aware right now. Looking just as anxious as she felt.It wasn’t long when the two had let go of each other and stood there talking. Gohan rubbed the back of his neck while Goku laughed at something her son had said. It was then that Goku noticed them. Smiling brighter than ever, he waved at the pair. He jogged over, Gohan close behind.“Chi-Chi! So glad to see you!” Goku stopped before the two of them. Just a beam of sunlight, this man. “Piccolo! Good to see you too!”“Hi Goku.” Chi-Chi smiled warmly at her ex. His joyful demnor infectious, “Glad you’re back.”“Good to be back!” He looked between the pair again, smiling wider. Looking like he was about to burst at the seams with giddy anticipation. Like he was holding a secret he desperately wanted to spill, “Sooooo, where’s the kids?”The couple stared blankly at Goku.“The...kids?” Chi-Chi asked.“Yeah! Go...Goten, right?” Chi-Chi nodded slowly, “And yours!” Goku gestured to Piccolo, “Where are the little tykes?” He looked around, trying to find the kids he was referring to.Chi-Chi gawked, “You know about Clarinet? And....” She looked up at Piccolo, “Us.”Goku laughed, “Of course I do! I check up every once in a while. And I’m so happy for you guys! I’m glad you found happiness after I died! Both of you! I know it’s not easy when I’m, well, gone most of the time.” All the nervousness and self-doubt she’d been harboring finally released in a big wave of relief. The first, genuine grin crossed her face as she went and hugged Goku. “Oh Goku! Thank you!”He returned the hug but seemed puzzled by it, “You’re welcome?” He looked up to Piccolo for answers but Piccolo only shook his head. Chi-Chi pulled away and brushed a stray hair back into it’s bun. Clearing her throat, she looked over to Piccolo’s legs and announced, “Goten. Clair. Come on out babies. Come meet Goku.”No one appeared. Piccolo rumbled, “Goten. Clarinet. Listen to your mother.”Goten peaked his head out from behind his father. Hands balled up in his father’s pant leg while looking up at Goku. The kid blinked as he saw a near replica of himself but older. Then he scrunched up his face.“You don’t look very strong.” Goten remarked bluntly.Goku erupted into a laugh. Holding his stomach as he folded over. Gohan laughed too. Rubbing the back of his head in slight embarrassment as he sometimes forgot his brother couldn’t keep his mouth shut.“Don’t be rude Goten!” Chi-Chi chastised. Piccolo chuckled. Bending down to pull the boy out completely. Patting the kid on his head in secret hopes that he’d know that his father approved.Goten still stayed close to Piccolo, however. Cautiously staring up at the man who was supposed to be his biological father.Wiping a tear from his eyes as his laughter died down, Goku squatted down to meet the kid at eye level. He smiled at the boy and ruffled the kid’s hair, “Well look at you! So big now. You really do look just like me,” Goku sniggered, “I don’t know how, but you have Piccolo’s scowl!” The action only reaffirmed his point when Goten scowled deeper at him.“He must really look up to you!” Goku addressed Piccolo, “If he acts like you so much.”Chi-Chi bit her lip to stifle a giggle as Piccolo’s face turned plum. He turned his head away from them to try and hide it. “Yeah,” Chi-Chi said, “He does.”“I do!” Goten barked, “He’s the best Daddy and I wanna be like him!”Goku’s face softened. A sad look flashed over his face for a brief moment. What that look was, Chi-Chi wasn’t sure, but he bounced back from it in a heartbeat.“I’m sure he is.” Goten’s eyes widened at his affirmation. Looking back and forth from Piccolo and Goku. No doubt rethinking the assumptions he’d made about this man.Then, someone else had caught Goku’s eye. “I see you there.”Chi-Chi blinked as she looked down again.Clarinet was peeking out from behind Piccolo now. Looking up at this stranger. Her attanae twitched as her eyes widened in awe. Slowly, with each step, she walked out from between Piccolo’s legs and stood in front of Goku.This tiny, half-Namekian toddler staring up at this fighter she only saw in pictures and heard in stories. Goku gasped.“Oh. My. Gosh.” Goku slowly reached out and picked up the toddler. His eyes wide with awe. Surprisingly, there was no fuss. “YOU’RE SO SMALL!” Goku shouted at full volume as he stood to his full height and held the girl out in front of him to get a good look at her, “I never thought she’d be this small!”Clarinet’s lips began to tremble and water started welling up in her eyes. “Oh Goku,” Chi-Chi gently cooed, “She has sensitive ears, Dear.” Piccolo reaffirmed it with a disgruntled nod. Rubbing at his own ears.Goku’s eyes widened as he hugged the kid close. Rubbing his face on hers, “Oh Clair-Bear! I’m so sorry!” He pulled her away again, noticing tears starting to trickle down her face anyway.Panicked, Goku decided to do the only thing he remembered from when Gohan was a baby when he was fussy: he stuck out his tongue. Made every face the man could make.It was simple yet effective to get the toddler back to good spirits. A smile was back on her face. Tears drying up in moments as she laughed at his silly faces.“There we go!” Goku laughed, “I’m sorry Clarinet! Uncle Goku didn’t mean to make ya cry.” “Goku!” Clarinet patted his face. “He he. Good job.” Chi-Chi wrapped an arm around Piccolo’s as they watched Goten tentatively walk closer to Goku. Seeing this, Goku plopped himself down. Bouncing Clarinet while asking a now timid Goten if he was going in the tournament and how his training was going. It made her wonder why she felt so worked up in the first place.