#and I really hate olitz

[rulerofsilence]

Binging Scandal for the first time ever and I really really really hate the president!!!

Hes toxic, manipulative, mean, childish and narcissistic.

Both of my queens Mellie and Olivia deserve better.

Also David Rosen you are my baby and i love you! Plus Queen and Huck i sense a ship coming and im in.

[zalrb]

i HATE how scripted delena's porch kiss looks. it's meant to be this spontaneous, "i just can't take it anymore" moment where he kind of catched her off guard and sweeps her off her feet. yet it just looks like nina is waiting for ian to finish his lines and then walk to her so that they can hold their lips together for the count of 10. it bother's me so much. if you're gonna do it, do it right. olitz is coming up on the blog recently and i HATE them too but at least they do this shit RIGHT

Yep. The blatantly scripted/contrived nature of DE scenes has been talked about quite frequently on here. I find the most egregious to be the shirt rip in 5x16:

The thing about ripping clothes for me is that it’s hardly ever done in a way that seems realistic or natural, like there’s no reason for why Elena couldn’t just take off his shirt

with the rain kiss being a close second:

It was random AF. They were just outside and it started raining and they stayed in the rain for literally no reason. It was such a contrived kiss, like it was clearly made to be fan service instead of there actually being any kind of context.

Like Nathan for Haley in the rain because he wants her so much

With Scott and Kira, there’s a storm and they just have to see each other anyway after spending a summer apart 

The O.C. was purposefully trying to recreate an iconic kiss with Summer and Seth

Pam and Jim, it happens to be raining, they’re at a gas stop, it’s not the most romantic environment but Jim can’t put off proposing to Pam anymore, he has to do it now 

and DE it’s just … she purposefully stands outside in the rain for ... WHAT reason? The aesthetic??

Then there's the egregious bridge dance

just throw it all away.

Delena being bad at the "just can't take it" vibe has also been discussed

[bohemian-nights]

People love to reminds Aegon is a rapist but totally ignore that Rhaenyra is a woman clearly illed of Stockolm syndrome cause she end up loving the people who hurt and betray her. Alicent included, i hate Rhaenycent idc sapphic or not, it's toxic, and then she is in love with Daemon and marry him. A man who manipulated her, exploited her, and abused her even after the miscarriage of their own child! Incest is the last of the problems in their relationship...I think Daemyra shippers suffer of the same syndrome cause sees love from Daemon where there isn't. Nyra is terribly naive and they worship her like if she is great ruler or something, but the truth is that she's incapable even of recognize her enemies. How a woman like this can be the rightful heir lmao she's no better than Aegon!

I actually understand liking a little bit of toxicity in a ship. Lol, all of my favorite ships except for one(Olitz, Dramione, Jane Eyre Mr. Rochester, Dettles, and Zutara) have some measure of problematic behavior in them, but when you get to physical abuse and abandonment, I’m out 💃🏽

It’s not even a toxic romance anymore, it’s straight-up abuse.

Rhaenyra has been choked out, abandoned, and her kid's lives have been threatened(which is why I laugh every time I see a Rhaeicent Stan come for Dettles, you guys ship a ship where they want to kill each other's families 🙃)by her love interests but that’s okay. She still wants them and Rhaenyra gets what she wants because she’s the best. They didn’t mean it. Everyone should love her, why don’t you love her 🫠

She really isn’t better than her brother. She’s an overly indulged woman with poor decision-making skills who is constantly putting her safety and that of her children in danger. Then when things don’t work out her way(again she’s constantly putting herself in harm's way) her answer to things is violence🙃

[katrinapavela]

what is your favourite season of scandal for olitz?

I’ve thought about this since I saw the question last night, Anon. After I did a rewatch of the series once I submitted my dissertation, I felt really free and open. I had gained some distance since the show ended in 2018 (I refused a rewatch for 3 years). There have been so many moments in each season which ate (as the children say).

But as a season, a record label and a crew? I can confidently say it was S7 for me. It gave me a little of everything Olitz, including some key progress AND what I’ve been dying to hear Olivia say: she’s the drama! Lol.

The Olitz relationship was not viable so long as Olivia tethered herself to the Republic as the most important thing in her life because of the compulsion and addiction it fed in her. Also, that world was incredibly abusive and chaotic. How does love survived there? She needed to blow up the story of herself she’s been telling herself since she was in high school. I think she was afraid to cast off that identity. Leaving the White House and that world allowed her world to open up in front of her. I loved when she answered Mellie’s question of ‘what will you do’ with ‘whatever I want’. Because, truly, she is capable of anything, including having and loving the man/bestie she’s always wanted: Fitzy. And I think the ending was leading us in that direction.

As for my dear Fitzington, I think he needed to be away from Washington and the support system he’d leaned on for so long. He found renewed purpose that didn’t rely on Olivia. In fact, it allowed him to lend her support when she needed it most.

Lastly, I hate the shit out of him, but S7 is when Rowan finally reconciled that Olivia and Fitz loved each other, and that he was never going to destroy them because it’s REAL. Secondly, that reconciliation and recognition facilitated Olivia’s ability to fully embrace Fitz because she wouldn’t need to sacrifice her relationship with her father to do so.

Byeeeee,

[mermaidsirennikita]

Have you sean any Shonda shows aside from Bridgerton? I'm tempted to watch but I'm told they get bad after a few seasons

I have seen... most Shonda shows aside from Bridgerton, I'm afraid lol.

Grey's Anatomy--Obviously has been on for a million years, I have been watching with some off and on periods (currently off but I check in) since... season 2. Grey's Anatomy is a BEAST. It's obviously her biggest show (Bridgerton stans I'm sorry baby but y'all can and probably never will stand up to the cultural BEHEMOTH that is Grey's, which has been on for ALMOST. TWENTY. YEARS. Ugh choke me.) In a lot of ways, Grey's is a standard medical soap, much like E.R. In other ways, it is both better and worse. I will not lie--the DRAMA of the early seasons is amazing. Season 2 of Grey's Anatomy is kinda legendary. Season 1 ending on "and you must be the woman who's screwing my husband?"

Like, whatever you feel about Meredith and McDreamy (they are... something............) the Meredith/Derek/Addison love triangle is something I don't think a lot of shows would attempt today because everything is boring and Cheating Is Evil, which means all of the people in that triangle are Evil and Bad and We Can't Like EvilBad People. Addison is one of my favorite characters on TV, which is why I also watched the entirety of the spinoff, Private Practice, which isn't anything to write home about and they kinda botched Addie at points, but she gets her HEA and I'm good with that part. It has some really emotional moments.

Also, the Denny Duquette arc in season 2 is kind of the sort of TV that everyone should at least watch for like, the history of it all. Cristina Yang is one of the greatest TV characters of all time, imo. (Cristina and Burke... whatever Isaiah Washington is irl, Cristina and Burke were a VERY compelling ship to me back in the day lol. She was his mentee??? He was her boss???? They were both kinda cool operators except they fell in love? It was toxic but it was good.

Scandal is... again, iconic TV, but damn did it fall off. I mean lol, the first two seasons were incredibly compelling TV. I'd watch them again. High drama. I hate Olitz as a couple, but I mean. There was some weird stuff happening in that show, and I did kinda eat it up. B6-13 was weird, but it did bring me Papa Pope, and I loved that nutjob. THE SMARTEST GUY IN THE ROOM. EVIL DAD.

Still Star-Crossed is bad, don't listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise, it should've been cancelled when it was lol.

I hate Inventing Anna. I'm glad that the Julia Garner hype seems to be dying a bit, I do not see it for her as this Great Talent at all lol.

How to Get Away with Murder.... Not something she wrote, but it has Shonda all over it. Viola Davis gives the type of performance that like, took the innovation of Olivia Pope to another level. Both were obviously something we really didn't see a lot of on mainstream primetime TV before this, and I think Shondaland does deserve props for making it prominent--the true Black antiheroine, and honestly in both Olivia and Annalise's cases, borderline villainous heroines. Also, it gave me Wes, who I love so much, and Alfie Enoch was so good in this role, and Wes and Annalise's relationship was so like... pseud-maternal/filial, but I also felt like they could kiss at any moment? The kind of dynamic usually reserved for white characters with an older man/younger woman. Season 3 really uhhhh screwed me lol, but the first two seasons, especially the season 1 arc? OOOH COMPELLING.

[midnightsslut]

this is off topic but i need to know what was your first reaction to Olitz not really ending up together in the end?? i should’ve known they were riding off into the sunset together in end but man i was locked in for it that last season anyways lol

so I just think the ending was really shitty in general. my interpretation is that their relationship restarts on a clean slate now that they’re no longer vying for power or trying to keep it, so you could see that as them ending up together if you think they’d be able to make it work (which, who knows). the problem is that we got no closure whatsoever. I understand that the nature of their relationship meant that they would never truly leave each other or commit for various reasons, but the hi was lazy writing with a touch of fan service. we deserved an actual resolution. at least there’s hope for them, idk. it’s the least egregious part of that finale tbh (and I don’t hate season 7 as much as season 6).

[dontfrget]

[anincorrectpetunia]

addressing random questions and concerns from Eps 11 & 12

I want to go back and read Fitz’s chapter to sync up. I’m feeling hopeful for Liv and their future. Excited to see where this goes. These updates are such a treat and a respite from my day to day — thank you. I’m truly grateful.--@mm2009

Yes, definitely go back and read them together. It can only enhance the experience. I wrote them to sync up, which is why it was challenging lol.

Why did Fitz feel the need to go to her apartment after she begged him to leave her alone and let her breath? And better yet, why did she feel like Fitz was suffocating her when in reality he had not seen her but once?--@Olitzloverforever

I think you're asking this about when Fitz dropped off the gardenia plant. He purposely did the drop early in the morning because he didn't want her to think he was pushing up on her. Olivia's letter to him asking to 'breathe' came well after they actually talked at her apartment.

Olivia felt suffocated by the idea of Fitz. What he represented in her life. Because she was not ready to confront it, though she harboured it deep in her fantasy life. He's always there even when he's not there. That's why she expresses in her mind 'oh to be free of this man!'

Anyway, I think a lot of the above (from Episode 12, part I) is now moot since Part II of Olivia's chapter dropped?

P .S. I do wish I hadn’t learned that they are now married with a baby on the way, only because I love the suspense when it comes to Olitz. However, with this story, I get so much into it I sometimes I forget that they are presently together.--@Olitzloverforever

I'm glad you get into the flashbacks that you forget the relative security of the present. I think other's expressed the same sentiment after Episode 10 when Liv says 'yes' to Edison.

But to the first part of your P.S. It's not a spoiler that they are married and expecting a child. It's an intentional decision to start at a turning point in the Olitz relationship. I specifically wanted to explore how these two characters would be in a marriage, and how their pasts are always shaping their present. This particular flashback is the most extensive one you will have, but it will not be the only one that will provide context and meaning for the Olitz present.

Please allow her to put in some work if she eventually see that she does want a life with him… I know this is still part of the flashbacks but it still needs to be clear. Also, during the flashbacks, I thought Eli did not like Edison? This chapter made it seem like they at least “seems” to like each other. --@dendardendan

at the bold. lol. You and a couple of others are very insistent on an active Olivia when it comes to Olitz. Just trust ya girl like you've been trusting me. I have a plan.

As for Edison and Eli. I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that Eli did not like Edison. That's not part of the present storyline or flashback. Recall that in Episode 10's flashback Eli had the Smithsonian event invitation sent directly to Edison. Liv didn't even know they were going to that event until they got there. Also, in Episode 7 (present), Olivia mentions that Eli was disappointed to give up his Jack and Jill fantasy for Olivia and Edison.

Eli was chummy with Edison, definitely. There's something that will make Eli's thinking very explicit in the next episode.

But WTH is wrong with Liv who is clearly not in love with Edison and his assistant telling Liv she cannot go to Kennys and be seen with that man...DAFUQ...--@IAMASCANDALLOVER

Meena didn't tell Liv she could not go to Maroon. Liv had already been avoiding it because she didn't want to run into Fitz. Meena just approached Liv with the knowledge that she knew Liv had been playing fast and loose down there.

So Liv broke up with Edison because she realizes that she does not want a future with him not because they want different things in life but because she does not love him and was not willing to forgo love and settle for less after having felt what it means to be in love—at least that’s what she knows to be true but I suppose she couldn’t just come out and tell him the truth. --@olitzloverforever

No, to tell Edison the truth would be too much. Sometimes withholding things is just kindness. Plus, Olivia didn't know what she was going to do, at the time, about her feelings for Fitz. I think she really needed some space--free of obligation to both Cyrus and Edison to know herself and how love is going to fit into her life...or not.

There was a line here-I forget where-where Liv's inner voice muses on Edison and Eli being two-sides of the same coin in terms of planning out her life for her without her input. Nothing to add, I was just happy to see it.--@jilyandbambi

I think you mean this part?

or this one?

In either case, thank you.

Thinking of Fitz while living out her fantasies with Edison was wild. Poor dude thought it was all for him..LOL I hated it, but at least it showed where her mindset is. No more sex scenes with Edison. Thank you for spring us the sex scene with Fitz and Lillian, but I think it would have been the same for Fitz thinking of Liv while riding Lillian..LOL--@dendardndan

I knew that some people would feel a way about that hotel fantasy scene. Thanks for being a good sport. It was meant to be wild because Olivia is...wildin! But, I did my best to convey that she's physically with Edison, but she is experiencing what it might be like with Fitz because ultimately her emotional connection with Edison has been severed and she's playing house. She's on that season 2 Mellie: pretending is what's real.

Anyway, y'all won. I don't have plans for non-Olitz sex scenes...for now.

[douxbebearchives]

Meet the Author: Jayismz

Hi, J / Jayismz!

Stories can be found here.

Twitter.

Wattpad. 

__________

When did you start writing Olitz? I started writing Olitz a year ago around December 2019. 

Tell us about yourself! What do you want readers to know about you? I want the readers to know that I’m a pretty humble, easy going guy who loves writing & wants to one day make a career out of it. It’s become a passion of mine. I dislike unnecessary drama & disrespect, & I’m obsessed with fruit snacks. I’m also very easy to talk to, so don’t hesitate to reach out. 

What drew you to Olivia and Fitz? It wasn’t the immediate connection for me. It was the drama between them that pushed & pulled them apart. To see them triumph over all the darkness to show each other a love they never experienced was beautiful.

What made you want to write about them? Honestly? I didn’t plan on writing them but my girl Muses pushed me to do so and I don’t regret it. I love being able to bend and shape them how I please. In ways that the show didn’t.

How would you describe your writing? Drama, Romance, Action, Adventure. Angst as well, depending on the storyline. It’s easy to follow, too. Some points are a bit more subtle but if you read for the sake of the story & not just for olitz smut/fluff then you’ll get the fully painted picture. 

What inspires you to write / create? Honestly? That’s a difficult question. Sometimes watching certain episodes of the show will give me an idea/inspire me. Other times, it’ll be late night inspiration, when I’m supposed to be asleep or life in general. My mind never stops creating, but every idea that I have doesn’t make the site. Also music. That’s heavy inspiration, too. 

Favorite movies, shows, music?

Favorite movies? 1. Dawn of the Dead. 2. The Halloween film series minus one. 3. Jennifer’s Body. 4. The Incredibles film series. 5. The Friday the 13th film series. 6. Insidious 1-2. 7. The Avengers / X-men film series. Even the bad X-men films give me something. 8. Call Me By Your Name. 9. 4th Man Out. 10. Mulligans. 

Favorite shows? 1. The 100. 2. The Witcher. 3. American Dad. 4. Scandal. 5. Kingdom. 

Music? Alternative, pop, electronic, hip hop and r&b, soundtrack, dance, rap, light rock. A little bit of everything.

How long does it take you to write a chapter? I used to be on a once a week schedule but that doesn’t give people time to miss a story and digest the current chapter(s). So, now I wait until I’m ready. Sometimes it takes a week to write, other times it’ll take longer. Depending on how tired, busy and inspired I am. Time limits stress me out. 

Did the show’s themes and plots encourage you or discourage you from writing? The themes I looked for always inspired me. 

Writing AU or Canon? AU.

Reading AU or Canon: some canon is really good, but mostly AU.

________

A favorite line, scene, or paragraph you’ve written.

Though there are many moments I love from all of my stories. The speech Ryan gave to Olivia in Herstory is one of my favorites. 

Ryan: "Option three, we let them bicker and whine and panic because it's you who calls the shots. You are the leader of the free world. You make the tough decisions that mold and shape the world. You break down the barriers of what it means to be president." He slowly strides around the office.

"You're not like the countless men who came into this office and paraded their power as if they were some Gods here to bless us with great fortune and progress only to leave us with broken promises and lies. No, you are Olivia fucking Pope. You are light and you... have more guts than any man I know." Words unwavering, filled with fire.

"Babying everyone with an opinion is not how I see you running this White House. Your White House. So, what's it going to be?"

Reason being is because he sees her for the woman she is here. There’s no underestimation or denial of her skills. Just pure, unadulterated passion and the will to stand by her side knowing that she’s going to make history.

________

Fave Olitz moments? The season 7 conversation when he asked her if he crossed the line. The trail, of course. The lawn kiss in season 6. And also the deleted scene from season 6 where she was leaving the residence and they talked about him having two weeks. OH! And the dug the phone out of the trash moment.

Fave Olitz fanfic moments? I read too much to remember all of them, omg. Don’t hate me y’all 😭. But everyone I follow in the site gives me some of the best moments and they inspire me to write in all honesty.

________

Do you like it when readers engage with you via comments / social media? Of course! It helps. 

Story Reviews: Love them, hate them? I’m indifferent about them. Sometimes they’re so negative but other times, they’re good— constructive even. I read them once every so often before expressing how grateful I am to have people still enjoying my works. Negative ones get deleted without a thought. 

What advice would you give to a new Olitz writer? Just write! Perfection should only matter to you and you only. If it’s perfect to you then I’d say you’ve done a good job. Also, write the story that you want to tell. People tend to scream that something’s not good if the idea they had in their mind doesn’t happen. Stay true to yourself and never let anything dictate the words you write. 

Outside of your fics, do you have any fave Olitz stories or authors? Anything by Musesoftheminds, labellebeaucoup, sweetness04fj, anonolitz, glamour02, loveoverpride, annnnd Keke thegoddess. 

Do you talk to other Olitz authors? If so, do you like the camaraderie? I talk to a good 4 of them. Muses I talk to almost everyday off Twitter, of course, but the other three I’ll reach out and check in or they will. I do like it— the camaraderie. It makes me feel wanted here which means a lot. 

Have you made friends (people you talk to outside of fanfic) because of Olitz / Scandal fanfic? I have, yes.

Before you go, anything else you’d like to share?

Yes. To those that read my stories and newcomers. I’m glad you enjoy my work and I’m happy to continue writing for you all. I know it was a big change with me adding new characters and turning the tides a bit but the reception to them has been so heartwarming.  

I’m happy Ryan has been received well in the fics. He’s an extension of me if I were to put myself in those settings. I used to be so afraid to admit that but it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Adding myself or a fraction of myself in some way pushed me to continue with writing these stories. It’s like I become one with the character thing. Plus, it makes for good dynamics. 

As far as other characters, I tend to use people I know as blueprints as well as other celebrities. For example, Rose / Viper is based on my girl Musesoftheminds if she were in those settings. In When It All Falls & its sequel, Danny is portrayed by actor Marcus Rosner. In Hunted, Walker is portrayed by Charles Melton & Mike is portrayed by Trevante Rhodes. In Herstory, August is portrayed by Henry Cavill and Rose’s husband is portrayed by Jason Mamoa. She picked him herself, LOL. 

And if anyone wants to be in a story of mine, let me know! If it works with the story, we can make it happen now that you know my process. 

Lastly, I want to thank the community for being so open and accepting of me and my ideas. I was afraid that me being an openly gay man and incorporating every facet of that from presentation to relationships to sex would’ve pushed people away, but you’re still here and it means the world to me. And to the writers I speak to personally, thank you for always having my back and for encouraging me to continue. You’ve been nothing but kind & I love you. 

Thank you to DouxBebeArchive for this writer’s spotlight, for always being kind enough to share my works and for being a kind soul. 

xoxo, J

________

Thank you, J, for allowing us to feature you!

[elisajdb]

Life With You: XXII

Part Twenty-Two:

 Namek: Part One

 Goku exhaled as he tried to steady himself. His closed eyes flew open at the sudden pull. Pace yourself Goku told himself. Get control. His body grew taut at the sudden force. Whoo. He was so out of shape. A year ago he could pace himself, draw it out but now his out of shape body was giving up way too easily.

 A sudden jolt forced him to bury half his face in the pillow. His cast covered hands were useless. They momentarily flailed as he couldn’t get a firm grip on anything. To be this vulnerable, Goku would hate it if he was with someone he despised or didn’t trust. With someone he loved, Goku absolutely loved it.

 Hips thrust up but firm hands forced him down as relief came. Goku’s lower body felt like jelly but the rest of him felt like a satisfied cat getting that elusive itch scratched. He wasn’t completely satisfied but it was enough to tide him over until he could go there.  

 ChiChi’s petite body slid up from under the covers. She rest her head against his still rapidly rising and falling chest. “Feeling better?”

 “Yeah…. that last one did the trick.” As much as he needed some relief, Goku knew ChiChi needed it, too. It’s been a year for both. Also…. he could smell her. “Your turn.”

 “My turn?”

 His cast covered hand poked a breast. His hands couldn’t do anything but his mouth could offer some relief. “If you open your dress I can do something. If you wanna lay down or sit on me….”

 ChiChi laughed into his chest. “No. I had to hide under the covers to do this here. I’ll be too vulnerable any other way. It’s not home, Goku. Besides, you’ll be out of the hospital soon.” She snuggled against him. “It’s a couple more weeks. A month at the most. I’ll… manage.”

 During the day, Goku received visits from Master Roshi, Dr. Briefs, Gyu-Mao, Aki, Mr. Olitz and Mr. Lupp. With frequent visitors and check-ins by the nurse and doctor on staff, there wasn’t a chance for Goku and ChiChi to really talk to one another. Those moments were saved on the nights ChiChi stayed over. Tonight, a few kisses and touches led Goku to desiring something he hadn’t felt in a while. It was ironic since Goku didn’t see tonight leading to this moment after the tense talk he had with ChiChi earlier. 

A soft pillow slapped Goku across his face. “You let Vegeta go?!”

 At least it wasn’t Master Roshi’s staff. “Uh, yeah. I’ll defeat him before he hurts anyone on Earth. I promise. It’s me he wants a rematch with, ChiChi.”

 “Oh, Goku,” ChiChi groaned. “I know you’ve been hungry for a fight with a strong opponent but this is too much.”

 “I know it’s selfish but I can’t help it. I want this fight. I thought I was invincible after King Kai’s training and Vegeta showed me I wasn’t.”

 “Maybe if you didn’t spend six months running to King Kai’s place and if you had that extra month training, things would’ve been different.”

 “I don’t know,” Goku disagreed. “Vegeta was really strong.”

 ChiChi fluffed Goku’s pillow. As long as he didn’t say anything else ridiculous, ChiChi wouldn’t smack him with it again. “Look at what you’ve accomplished in five months. Imagine if you had an extra month or two. Maybe it wouldn’t have been a strain on your body to push it to Kaio Ken times four.”

 ChiChi had a point. While he lived with King Kai, even he wondered how much more training he could’ve gotten in eight months or even eleven. It took him a day to get from King Kai’s planet to the check in station with King Yemma. If he had a whole year with King Kai, his friends wouldn’t have died. He would’ve been on Earth waiting for Vegeta and Nappa.

 “Goku, did you also spare Vegeta because he’s a Saiyan like you?”

 That question threw him. “No. Why would I do that?”

 ChiChi shrugged. “After Gohan was born, you started wondering about your family. There were times you questioned your parents and where you came from. Raditz didn’t live long to tell you anything. Maybe deep down you’re hoping Vegeta will.”

 Goku snorted. He wasn’t thinking that deeply when he spared Vegeta but now that he had time to think about it, maybe he could ask Vegeta about the Saiyans. Who was he kidding? So far the Saiyan race he’s come to know were evil, blood thirsty people. There wasn’t anything redeeming about them. “Maybe it’s a good thing that meteor destroyed my birth planet. Maybe the universe is a better place without Saiyans.”

 “Maybe but you have to come to terms to what your people were.” ChiChi caught Goku’s curious stare. “Oh, you can say you’re a Saiyan raised on Earth to distance yourself from them; to exclude yourself from what Saiyans have done but you still have to accept your people, Goku.”

 “How can I accept people who were ruthless murderers, ChiChi?” Goku argued. “My brother kidnapped our son. Even when I showed him mercy, he double crossed me.”

 “I’m not saying you should condone what they’ve done but because of their ways, you were sent to Earth. You came into my life and we created a family. Everyone has a past they are not proud of or have that family skeleton in the closet you want to ignore but we have to accept it. My father wasn’t always a good man. I was very angry, embarrassed and guilty when I learned all the wicked things he did. It took a long time for me to accept my heritage.”

 “Guilty?” Goku questioned. “But you didn’t do anything.”

 “I know but I still felt guilt for what he did. Maybe you don’t feel guilt for what Saiyans have done but you do feel anger you come from a race that have done so many wicked things when you have spent your life doing the opposite. Why else do you say you’re a Saiyan raised on Earth if not to distance yourself from what they did?”

 ChiChi and King Kai were the only ones he talked to about being a Saiyan. With King Kai, Goku expressed curiosity in Saiyan culture but he always emphasized he’s happy to have grown up on Earth. Leave it to ChiChi to pierce the heart of the matter. “You know me well. But I can’t accept myself as simply ‘Saiyan’ right now. Maybe some time in the future but not now.”

 “I know,” ChiChi understood. Going through a similar experience herself, she knew time was needed. With that settled, ChiChi moved on to another topic. “I still think it’s foolish you let Vegeta go. Didn’t going soft on Raditz teach you anything? You lost your life and year from your family.”

 “I know but it was worth it that I met King Kai.”

 ChiChi slapped him across his face with the pillow again. “It’s not worth it you lost a year from us!”

 “No, but I did get stronger. I thought I reached my limit but King Kai pushed me further. Now that I fought Vegeta, I know I can go even higher. I’m probably nowhere near my limit, ChiChi. I need to keep training until I reach it.”

 Reach his limit? “You’re already the strongest in the world, Goku. What are you trying to prove?”

 “Being the strongest on Earth ain’t enough, ChiChi. I need to be stronger.”

 “As in the universe?” What unattainable goal was Goku trying to reach? “That’s impossible, Goku.”

 “It’s not impossible if you think it can happen and I know it can, ChiChi.”

 This was madness, ChiChi thought. “It can’t, Goku. We’re now discovering there’s life on other planets. That means there are people different from us; there could be people stronger than you.”

 “Then I’ll get stronger than them.”

 “But, Goku—”

 “I have to be stronger!” Goku snapped. “I can’t protect you and Gohan when I’m weak like this! That fight with Vegeta shouldn’t have ended like it did. I should’ve defeated him without breaking my body! I wasn’t strong enough to defeat Raditz on my own and he took Gohan! I wasn’t strong enough to defeat Vegeta on my own! I’m still stuck in this hospital because I’m weak, and since I’m weak, Gohan has to go in space without us. Bulma and Krillin will look out for him but I should be with him! I hate feeling weak and no one’s gonna stop me from getting stronger!”

 It wasn’t often Goku yelled and ranted but when he did, ChiChi listened. She heard everything he said; understood his helpless. She had similar feelings when her husband and son were away from her. She understood Goku’s need to be stronger but he was desiring for the impossible in her eyes.  

 “To be the strongest in the universe, that’s almost godlike status, Goku. That’s not you. You’re not an Earthling but you are still a mortal. You can bleed, get hurt and die like us. This desire to be the strongest, this thirst for a fight is the Saiyan in you. Maybe you’re getting closer to accepting your heritage sooner than you thought.”

 Goku wasn’t sure about that. He still saw himself as a ‘Saiyan raised on Earth’ and not ‘Saiyan.’ ChiChi was worrying over nothing.

 Goku poke his head outside his hospital room. He spotted a couple of nurses sitting at the nursing station. He couldn’t leave this way. He thought with it being five in the morning they wouldn’t be here. He closed the door, leaned against it and sighed. He had to get out of here. Thirty days in the hospital. Goku knew he healed enough for a real training session. Since walking out of the hospital was no good, he’ll sneak out the window with Nimbus.

 It was the sound of the phone ringing that woke ChiChi from her sleep. She went to bed late after spending hours preparing meals she will take to the hospital. Her face pressed against the pillow as a hand slipped out of bed to answer the ringing phone. ChiChi pulled the receiver to her ear. “Hello?” she mumbled. ChiChi listened to the woman on the other end spoke. “Mm-hmm,” she sleepily responded.  

 ChiChi’s eyes flew open. She immediately sat up. “How long has he been gone?!” ChiChi’s hand tightened on the phone. “I’ll find him and I’ll bring him back!”

 ChiChi slammed the phone down so hard it bounced. “That foolish man,” ChiChi snarled. “Breaking out of the hospital so he can train? He’s gonna need those dragon balls after I’m done with him!!”

 Dawn broken over the horizon an hour ago. He should’ve returned to the hospital but Goku refused. Initially, he enjoyed the freedom of being out but after testing his body, Goku was also disappointed.

 “This is pathetic. I know I’m still recovering but I should be stronger than this.”

 Without his bandages, he was flexible but slow. His bones weren’t broken but his body was still sore. There were spasms that flared up but the pain was temporarily. After thirty days in the hospital, Goku expected to be in better shape than this. He wasn’t going back to the hospital until he got a proper workout.  

 “Goku!”

 Uh-oh. That voice. Goku looked up to see ChiChi flying down on Nimbus. He was a dead man. ChiChi got upset with him when she caught him exercising in the hospital. Breaking out to train guaranteed his death.

 “How did you find me?”

 ChiChi stepped off Nimbus. She smirked as she patted his cloud. “Your friend brought me here.”

 Goku slapped his forehead. He didn’t think ChiChi would use Nimbus to find him. He didn’t think Nimbus would betray him.

 “Goku, are you crazy?! You escaped the hospital! You’re not recovered from your injuries!”

 “I’m going crazy lying in bed all day, ChiChi. It’s been a month! Bulma’s Dad should have my ship ready any day now. He told me it will get me to Namek in six days so I need to be ready to go when he’s finished.”

 ChiChi knew all about that but it wasn’t justification for Goku to break out of the hospital. “Then wait for the senzu beans to be ready! You’re only making your recovery longer training while you’re still hurt.” She grabbed his arm. “Come on! We’re going back!”

 Goku broke from ChiChi’s grasp. “No! I can’t leave yet, ChiChi. Just pretend you didn’t see me. Give me an hour or two to test myself out. Please!!”

 Goku expected ChiChi to yell at him, force him on Nimbus and drag him back to the hospital kicking and screaming. Instead, she smirked again and crossed her arms over her chest.

 When ChiChi smirked, Goku knew he was in serious trouble.

 “All right, Goku. I’ll make a deal with you. If you can defeat me, I’ll let you train.”

 Wait, what?

 Goku blinked. Surely he heard wrong. “You want me to spar with you?” ChiChi nodded. “You’re not joking. You mean it?” ChiChi’s second nod left Goku laughing at her. “That’s not fair, ChiChi.”

 His laugh annoyed her. “Think you’ll defeat me?”

 “Well….” Wasn’t it obvious? “Yeah.”

 “You’re still weak,” she pointed out to him, “and I’ve gotten stronger in the last year. I’ll be more of a challenge than you think.”

 Goku laughed again. ChiChi was overconfident as always. It reminded him of their first fight. “So, once I defeat you, you’ll let me train? You promise you won’t stop me?”

 “Yes.”

 This should be fun. He and ChiChi haven’t sparred together in a year. Sure, he was still injured but he was confident he had enough strength in him to defeat his wife. He can measure where he stands in terms of strength with this match. This was a win in more ways than one.

 “On three.” Goku prepared himself. “One… two…” As expected, ChiChi started before he said three. She always did that; jumping a second early in hopes of getting the upper hand. It never worked.

 This time was different.

 ChiChi’s speed was unexpected. So were the string of slaps across his face with the final one sending Goku flying back several feet. Before he could get his bearings, ChiChi was hot on his tail, using Nimbus to fly to him.

 Goku blocked her punch but not her kick to his gut. Either he was weaker than he thought or ChiChi really did get stronger. Maybe it’s a combination of both. That kick to his stomach rattled his entire body.

 Though slow in his reflexes, Goku quickly picked up ChiChi’s strategy. ChiChi relied on a distraction to get the upper hand and speed with the rest.

 It worked. With his weakened strength and slower reflexes, he wasn’t moving fast enough to block all of ChiChi’s strikes and ChiChi wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down. A flurry of punches and kicks struck his chest, legs and back. Goku jumped in the air using a familiar tactic during their first match. Goku expected ChiChi to jump in the sky. Unlike her, he could maintain flight. ChiChi could get a few hits in but she’ll have to come down while he stayed in the air. When she jumped again, Goku would use the same technique he used to defeat her. From his height, he will create enough wind in his punch that’ll slam her to the ground. It’ll hurt and he hated that but it will be enough for submit ChiChi to defeat.

 Once again, Goku underestimated ChiChi. Instead of jumping in the air, ChiChi used Nimbus to fly to him.

 “What the….” He blocked what would’ve been a direct punch to his face but missed the kick to his side. How did she learn to move so fast? How did ChiChi enable herself to use Nimbus so fluidly? He helped her fly Nimbus but ChiChi was still timid at times. Now she used his cloud as a weapon. She circled him and slipped in sneak attacks. He blocked a few but the hits she got on him were painful. Raw instinct told him to strike back but Goku couldn’t. As many times as they sparred, as many times ChiChi told him to not go easy, Goku never hit her. He always won dodging and blocking ChiChi’s strikes or subduing her by pinning her arms, legs or body on the ground or against his.

 Fighting in the sky was more of an advantage for ChiChi and not him so Goku returned to the ground. At least the playing field was even. ChiChi must’ve thought so, too, for after a round of blocks from him she nailed a high front kick that perfectly hit Goku’s chin and sent him soaring in the sky. The blow was painful and left Goku feeling he had no choice but to strike back. He’ll go easy. One hit will daze her enough for him to pin her down until she gave up.

 “…..hame…..”

 What? Goku caught himself in midflight. ChiChi was flying towards him on Nimbus. Her hands. No. She couldn’t be.

 “Ha….me…..”

 A ball of energy formed in ChiChi’s hands. She knew how to create one but this wave was the biggest he’s seen from ChiChi. He could also feel the Ki behind it. It was never this strong from her before. ChiChi wasn’t bluffing. She really did train hard in this year alone!

 “HA!” ChiChi thrust the Kamehameha Wave on Goku at full force.

 “Oh, sh—”Goku put his hands out to catch the wave. He pushed back to revert it but ChiChi wasn’t budging. Dammit! His competitive blood was stirring. He could not lose this match! He summoned his hidden reserves. If he lost, then he couldn’t train until the senzu beans were ready. Thirty days already passed. How much longer would he have to wait?  

 Yes! Yes! He could feel it! ChiChi was falling back. She exerted herself with that speed attack earlier.

 “Give up!” Goku didn’t want to her hurt. He didn’t want ChiChi attacked by her own Kamehameha Wave.

 “You give up!” ChiChi yelled back. “You’re too injured to fight. You’re gonna hurt yourself!”

 Oh, she was stubborn. He was, too. He pushed back harder showing ChiChi he had the upper hand in this. As soon as ChiChi felt the power of the wave, she pull back. She’ll give up. At least he hoped so.

 ChiChi refused to give up. Catching her own second wind, ChiChi shoved the wave back at Goku. The wave edged closer to consuming him. This woman. She was frustrating him but boiling his competitive blood at the same time. It was exciting but infuriating to think he might lose. Digging deeper, Goku scraped the bottom of his reserves and retaliated. Yes. He could feel ChiChi falling back again. Victory was his.

 The first spasm shot up his right arm. The second went up his back into his neck. It was paralyzing; his strength dropped enough for ChiChi to gain victory and push her Kamehameha Wave on him in a direct attack that swallowed him whole.

 Goku felt the Kamehameha Wave burn through his body. His screamed echoed over the mountainous terrain as his skin and insides burned. ChiChi had full control of the wave. She used enough of the power from the wave to hurt him but not kill him.

 Goku’s body plummet to the ground. There was nothing he could do to stop himself from slamming against the rocky pavement hard. Luckily, ChiChi jumped in the air, caught him in her arms and brought him down for a smooth landing.

 ChiChi held Goku in her lap as she waited for Goku to recover. Even though the fighting was over, Goku wouldn’t admit defeat. He pulled himself out of ChiChi’s grasp and stepped away from her. “I’m….not giving…up…” he slurred and stumbled. He couldn’t admit defeat. Losing meant he couldn’t fight anymore. Losing meant he will have to wait for the senzu beans. “I will…..” He fell forward and crashed into ground face first.

 ChiChi was at his side immediately. She turned Goku over and rest his head in her lap. “I’m sorry,” ChiChi apologized in a whispered apology, “but it was for your own good.”

 Seeing ChiChi’s soothing gaze, feeling her fingers caress his face, Goku’s exhausted and frustrated face turned into a smile. Oh, well. It was an uncontested defeat. He couldn’t be angry. ChiChi was right. He was pushing himself too far. Perhaps, he should feel embarrassed his wife defeated him but he felt the opposite.

 He was proud and aroused.

 His hand cupped the back of ChiChi’s neck. He pulled her down to press her lips against his. ChiChi allowed the kiss but pulled back before he wanted her to. “You’re so strong,” he slurred while caressing her neck. “How did ya…..”

 “Without a husband and son to care for, I had a lot of time on my hands,” ChiChi was happy Goku wasn’t angry at his loss. “I remembered our lessons and applied myself. I trained and pushed myself when I wanted to stop. I even climbed Korin’s Tower. I thought if I found Gohan I would use my new strength on Piccolo.”

 Goku pulled her down again for another kiss. “Korin’s Tower,” Goku repeated when ChiChi broke from him. “You climb…?”

“I did.”

 Goku grinned. “I like it. My wife is so strong.”

 Goku pulled ChiChi to him for a third kiss but she stopped him. Goku was delirious and needed treatment. ChiChi retrieved a capsule from her pocket and tossed it. An airship appeared from the puff of smoke. “Come on, Goku.” ChiChi picked up her husband. She carried him inside the ship. “Let’s get back to the hospital.”

 The sofa of the airship was reclined. ChiChi thought it would be more comfortable for Goku to lie here than on the floor. As she prepared to strap Goku in, Goku grabbed ChiChi by the collar of her dress and yank her down on him.

 “Goku! What…..” Her lips collided with his; one arm came around her waist while the other gripped her backside to massage her front against his. ChiChi’s eyes grew wide, her cheeks flush as she felt what Goku wanted. What was Goku thinking?!

 ChiChi broke the kiss. She pulled up only to have Goku pull her down again. “Goku,” ChiChi froze as she caught the raw need in his eyes. That look. She knew that look. When he looked like that… No! No she told herself. They couldn’t do this. “Have some decency!” she gripped his chest and pulled up. “You’re still recovering!” One hand reached up to open her cheongsam. ChiChi slapped his face. “Stop that!”

The slap aroused Goku even more. Such fiery spirit in his wife. “Ah, ChiChi, you know how I get when we spar.” He tugged the front clip of her bra. Her breasts bounced free. “Let’s fool around before we go back. We haven’t in a year.”

 ChiChi’s eyes shut close. Her hand gripped the sofa as Goku grabbed a teat and suckled hungrily. “Wait….” ChiChi panted. This wasn’t right. It felt so good to be touched this way after a year but it wasn’t right. Goku was hurt now and needed a doctor… despite his need for intimacy. Ooo. He was pinching and squeezing the other one. Maybe it could work. Goku was eager and if she was careful on top of him. Maybe…

 Teeth sank in her breast as Goku suddenly grunted in pain. Those damn spasms. Grimacing in her own pain, ChiChi pushed Goku’s face from her breast and jumped off the sofa. She spotted Goku rubbing his lower back while she rubbed her tender breast. “Damn spasm,” Goku grumbled. When the pain subsided, he noticed ChiChi adjusting her bra. “What are you doing?”

 “I’m getting dressed and taking you back to the hospital.”

 “No, wait,” Goku whined. “We can still do it.” He rose but the pain flared up again. He settled back on the sofa. “We’ve done it with you on top.” He waved her over. “Come on.”

 ChiChi buttoned up her cheongsam. Her breast still stung. The mood was gone. “Goku, we’re not gonna have our first time in a year like this. Don’t you dare pout after what you did!” She left him to sit in the pilot’s seat. “The senzu beans should be ready in a few days.” She rolled her eyes at his whining. “Oh, stop it. It’s not like we have to wait another year.”

 Goku felt he was in time out. Ever since his escape from the hospital, ChiChi kept a sharp eye on him. The hospital staff didn’t argue against ChiChi moving into Goku’s room. At night, ChiChi made sure Goku didn’t escape. During the day, ChiChi got a break from the doctors and nursing staff and also visits by Aki, Mr. Olitz and Mr. Lupp.

 Goku was growing impatient. Korin told him the senzu beans would be ready in a month. It’s been forty-four days. What was taking so long? Was Yajirobe sneakily eating them behind Korin’s back?

 “I really can’t work on this now.” ChiChi had been knitting all morning. Yesterday, she knitted a scarf and gloves for Gohan. Today she worked on a set for Goku. ChiChi dumped the round yarn balls and needles in her knitting basket. “My mind can’t concentrate. I can’t stop thinking about Gohan.”

 “Gohan?”

 “It’s been thirty-four days. We should’ve heard something by now.”

 “Yeah.” Goku kept up with the days, too. Master Roshi told him Bulma left him with a radio. She promised to radio in once they’ve landed. Each passing day, Master Roshi visited with no news and Goku grew increasingly worried.

 “I wish there was a way to contact them.” ChiChi got up and went to the window. “Even if they haven’t reached Namek yet, they should call in to say they’re fine.”

 Goku kept from ChiChi the knowledge of the radio. He knew ChiChi would visit Master Roshi’s island everyday trying to talk to Gohan. Given the tension between his former teacher and wife, Goku thought it wise to keep them at a distance. Even when Master Roshi dropped by, ChiChi made an excuse to leave the room. Goku wasn’t sure if the two would ever get along.

 “You’re bored,” Goku told her. ChiChi was getting stir crazy being in the hospital most of the day and all night. If he could get her to leave, ChiChi could relax and he could exercise. “Why don’t you go shopping? You like doing that.”

“I know what you’re doing.” She turned to him. That innocent look. She was onto him. “You’re trying to get me to leave so you can escape again.”

 “I promise I won’t escape.”

 Maybe not, but ChiChi knew Goku will do something she didn’t approve of. “But you’ll sneak in some exercises.”

 “That’s better than escaping.” ChiChi rolled her eyes. “I’ve been really good, ChiChi. I haven’t exercised since I came back. I’m growing soft because of it.”

 “You’re healing.”

 “Take a break, ChiChi,” Goku suggested. “An hour or two. Get out of the hospital. Breathe some fresh air.” Goku tried to think of something that will appease ChiChi. “Shopping!” Yes, ChiChi liked that. “There are shops here you can go to. Come on. I know you’re bored. I hate seeing you unhappy.”

 ChiChi sighed. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to leave for an hour or two. She’s never shopped in West City. There were nice things here. Maybe it will take her mind off Gohan and Goku for a while. “There’s a mall near the hospital so I won’t be far away.” It was a warning to him in case he did try to escape the hospital.

 “I’ll be here when you come back.” He was almost bouncing watching ChiChi pick up her purse. Finally, he’ll exercise again! “Whatcha gonna get?”

 ChiChi shrugged. “I don’t know. I might window shop.”

 “Get something for me?” Goku requested hopefully.

 ChiChi chuckled. “What do you want?”

 “Food.”  

 ChiChi laughed. “Why did I ask? All right. I’ll be back soon.” With a quick kiss on his lips, ChiChi departed.  

As soon as ChiChi left, Goku sat on the floor to do sit-ups. Goku only had an hour alone before his doctor and nurse checked on him. They didn’t approve he wasn’t following orders again. Master Roshi dropped in as he was carried back to bed.

 Master Roshi looked around cautiously. “ChiChi, isn’t around, is she?” When Bulma explained what was happening on Namek, she made it very clear to him ChiChi shouldn’t be told what’s going on. Master Roshi had his doubts about following Bulma’s orders but the closer he got to the hospital he realized Bulma was right. ChiChi didn’t need to know. She was already upset with Gohan going to Namek. Last thing he needed was an ‘I told you so’ or an angry ChiChi attacking him Gohan was stranded on Namek with Vegeta.

 “She stepped out for a while,” Goku told him.

 That was good to hear. After frisking the nurse, Master Roshi informed Goku of the dreadful news. “Bulma, Krillin and Gohan made it to Namek safely but they’re not alone. Vegeta’s there, too.”

 “Vegeta?!” Goku echoed. “He’s recovered already?!” It was always a possibility but Goku hoped Vegeta’s recovery would take longer than his.  

 “He’s not alone,” Master Roshi warned Goku. “There are at least ten comrades with him. They destroyed our group’s spaceship and they’re stranded.”

 Gohan. Dammit. I should’ve let Krillin finish off Vegeta when he had the chance. If my recklessness cost Gohan his life…..

 “Among the ten there’s one who’s Ki exceeds Vegeta.”

 “No…” The bad news wouldn’t stop coming. Master Roshi had to be wrong. Gohan can’t be stranded on a planet with Vegeta. There can’t be someone stronger than him. “No…. no….” I can’t stay in the hospital. I don’t care if my body is still broken, I’m going to Namek now. Dr. Briefs better have that ship ready.

 Hope came in the unexpected arrival of Yajirobe. Korin’s senzu beans were finally ready. After popping one in his mouth, Goku’s body immediately heal. He jumped out of bed and broke out of his cast, shocking his doctor and nurse of his quick recovery.

 No time to waste. Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta go. Goku ripped off his hospital gown and dressed in a fighting gi King Kai sent him. As he dressed, Goku felt himself brimming with excitement. He was on his way to Namek to rescue Gohan, Krillin and Bulma but he also felt a twinge of excitement in seeing the one stronger than Vegeta. What would it be like to fight him? “Namek, here I come!”

 After swiping the remaining bag of senzu beans from Yajirobe, an explanation to Master Roshi how Dr. Briefs built him a second ship, Goku summoned Nimbus, jumped out the window and headed for Bulma’s house.

 Halfway to Bulma’s house, Goku slapped his forehead as he suddenly remembered. “ChiChi!” She was at the mall. She should know what’s going on. ChiChi’s Ki wasn’t far away but he needed to get to Namek now. As much as he wanted, he couldn’t drop off at the mall and tell her what’s going on.

 “Master Roshi will tell ChiChi,” Goku told himself. “He wouldn’t keep this from her. Not after our talk.” Goku was sure of it. ChiChi would be worried but she will take comfort knowing he’s on the way to save their son.

 Master Roshi remained in Goku’s hospital room waiting. Yajirobe called him nuts and left after learning why Master Roshi remained after Goku left. The baffled doctor and nurse left to resume their rounds checking on the other patients on the floor. Master Roshi thought he was fool, too, but he rather handle this now than have an angry ChiChi coming to his island demanding answers like she did a year ago.

 “I’m back, Goku!” ChiChi cheerfully announced as she entered the room with a few shopping bags in her hands. “I got you something from the food court and----“ she froze. The door swung shut behind her. ChiChi spotted Goku’s empty bed. With eyes darting around the room, her husband was nowhere to be found. The only one here was Master Roshi.  

 The betrayal! He told her he will be here. ChiChi balled her fists. How dare her husband lie to her so he could run off to train again! ChiChi marched to the old martial arts master, grabbed his tie and yanked him forward. “Where’s Goku?!”

 “He left.”

 “I’ll find him!” ChiChi snarled, releasing Master Roshi. “I’ll drag him back to wherever he’s training and chain him to the bed! How dare he lie to me! He sent me away so he could fly off to train!”

 “Actually, he’s on his way to Namek.”

 “Namek?”

 “Yajirobe dropped off the senzu beans. Goku healed and didn’t waste time flying to Bulma’s house. He said Dr. Briefs built a second spaceship. It will get to Namek in six days.”

 “I know that!” ChiChi shut him up. She knew about the ship and the updates Dr. Brief gave Goku. ChiChi knew Goku will leave but she hoped to convince Goku to take her with him. If the trip was as safe as Bulma projected, ChiChi didn’t think anything wrong in her tagging along. “He could’ve waited until I got back to let me know this. Goku knew I wasn’t gonna be gone long. Why was he in such a rush to leave?”

 “No reason,” Master Roshi lied. “He just wanted to get to Namek. Oh!” he snapped his fingers. “Bulma, Krillin and Gohan have arrived safely on Namek, too. The Nameks are helping them. They’re nice like Kami. Since Goku’s ship will get to Namek in six days, they’ll ride back with him. They’ll be home in two weeks.”

 “How long has Goku been gone?”

 “About thirty minutes.”

 “Goku will need Dr. Briefs to teach him how to fly that ship. He could still be there.” ChiChi rushed out the room so fast the door nearly flew off its hinges! “Hold that elevator!!!”

 “Wait, ChiChi!” By the time he reached the door, he saw ChiChi slip in the elevator at the last second. “This isn’t good!” Master Roshi rushed to the phone at the nurses’ station. “I need to make a call!” he screamed at the nurse at the desk. “It’s a life and death emergency!” Ignoring the irate nurse, Master Roshi dialed the direct number to Bulma’s house.

 After a couple of rings, Dr. Briefs answered the phone. “Hello, Dr. Briefs? It’s Master Roshi. Is Goku there? Five minutes ago?” Master Roshi listened as Dr. Briefs rambled how Goku was in a rush to leave and didn’t want to wait for him to install the speakers. “Goku’s wife is on the way to your house. No, it’s not a good thing! Whatever you do, don’t tell her Gohan is stranded on Namek and the Saiyan Vegeta is on the planet, too.” Master Roshi listened as Dr. Brief responded. “No! She shouldn’t know! This is your daughter’s order! She told me to let everyone know what’s going on Namek but Goku’s wife!” Master Roshi rolled his eyes. The old scientist wasn’t listening. “Didn’t Bulma tell you what happened after Goku died last year? No? Goku’s wife can’t handle the truth. So, when she gets there, let her know everything is fine on Namek. Okay. Got it. Good.” Master Roshi hung up the phone.

 He exhaled. That was too close.  

 “And once again, I’m without my husband and son.” ChiChi shook her head as she sipped her tea. “I swear someone likes to play cruel jokes on me.”

 Gyu-mao didn’t agree but admitted it was a terrible twist of fate for Goku and Gohan to be gone again. Father and daughter were in the courtyard of Gyu-Mao’s castle drinking tea after dinner. ChiChi came here after speaking with Dr. Briefs. She just missed Goku by half an hour.

 “The good news is Goku and Gohan won’t be gone for a year. With the Nameks helping, all the dragon balls will probably be collected by the time Goku arrives. They’ll wish our friends back and return home. It’s another two weeks, ChiChi. You can wait that long.”

 “I suppose.” ChiChi stared at the setting sun and sighed. “Two weeks. It’s gonna feel like another year.”

 They’ve been on Namek for a few hours and Krillin saw nothing was going as planned. Last thing Krillin expected to find on Namek were Vegeta and beings stronger than him looking for the dragon balls they needed to bring their friends back. If their ship wasn’t destroyed Krillin would’ve joined Bulma and returned to Earth. Gohan would want to stay but the child was naïve. This was Gohan’s first adventure. He was full of idealism and hope. Krillin and Bulma had a few more adventures under their belts. They knew when to throw in the towel and wait for Goku. Even with the news of Goku arriving in six days, Krillin worried if they could hold out that long.

 Right now, all three were taking a break in Bulma’s capsule home. Krillin and Gohan returned from a Namek village where all were killed except a Namek child called Dende. Right now, Gohan and Dende were currently exploring the capsule home while he and Bulma were in the kitchen gathering lunch for everyone.

 Bulma pulled out three microwaveable lunch trays from the refrigerator. “Will this be enough?”

 “Those three may be enough for Gohan. He is Goku’s kid. One tray should be enough for me and Dende.”

 “Right. Sometimes I forget that kid has Goku’s stomach.” Bulma placed two trays in the microwave. While they heated up, Bulma pulled out two more lunch trays for Krillin and Dende. “I’ll be so glad when Goku gets here.”

 Goku. Now they had a moment alone, Krillin thought to bring up something that bothered him since Bulma called Master Roshi. “Bulma, why did you tell Master Roshi to tell everyone but ChiChi what’s going on here?”

 “She’ll overreact as usual. Besides, why get her worried when there’s nothing she can do? Sometimes ignorance is bliss.”

 Maybe but Krillin didn’t think ChiChi should be kept in the dark again. “You remember what happened the last time we kept something from her? Remember how Goku reacted in the hospital?”

 “It’s different this time. No one’s gonna be away for a year. Goku’s on his way and instead of two months, we’ll all be home in a couple of weeks.”

Krillin insisted, “ChiChi should still know.”

 Bulma rolled her eyes. “Well, if you want to get yelled at by her, then by all means tell her everything when we get back.”

 The microwave dinged. Krillin eyed Bulma suspiciously as she took the two trays out and placed two more in. “You’re not doing this because you’re jealous you didn’t get Goku first, are you?”

 Bulma slammed the microwave door shut. “Where the hell did you get that idea?”

 Krillin jumped back, fearful of the fire in Bulma’s voice. “Just a theory.” It was only a theory but there were things he knew he didn’t feel inclined to speak about until now. “Oolong told me you wouldn’t stop talking how attractive Goku grew up to be when we reunited at the 23rd Tournament. Even after Yamcha showed up, you kept talking about Goku.”

 Bulma scoffed. “You believe that panty stealing pig?”

 “It’s not only that. That night we all ate at the restaurant, you pushed me out of the way to sit next to Goku. I thought you just wanted to sit down. You kept trying to talk to Goku while he ate.”

 Bulma blew off Krillin’s suspicions. “I wanted to catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in three years. Goku is my oldest friend you know.”

 Krillin wanted to catch up, too, but he wasn’t trying to monopolize Goku’s time like Bulma. There was something else, too. “Master Roshi confirmed what Oolong told me.”

 “What?”

 “It makes sense you would feel that way. You were always drooling over attractive guys. Remember Commander Blue? But you always yelled at Yamcha being unfaithful.” Krillin could never remember Yamcha looking at another girl but Bulma’s eyes did wander. “I guess it makes sense you will be drawn to Goku once he grew up.”

 “You’re insane!” Bulma protested. “That has nothing to do with it and that was years ago!”

 Krillin noticed Gohan and Dende suddenly looking their way. He made a gesture telling Bulma to keep her voice down. Gohan did not need to hear this. “After Goku left with Chichi, you did question if Goku made the right decision.”

 “That’s because he was marrying a person he didn’t know. Marriage is a big deal and Goku didn’t know what he was doing.”

 “It’s not the first time Goku left on his own to do something. He left to find his grandpa’s dragon ball. He left us to train on his own without Nimbus. Each time we thought Goku was insane. Face it. We’re wrong. He’s still married; whatever Goku has going on with ChiChi is working for him to be happy and snap at us for how we treated her. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

 Bulma nearly yanked the microwave door off its hinge as she pulled out two more trays and shoved the last one in. “Believe whatever you want. I know better and you’re making something out of nothing.”

 Gohan approached the two looking concern. “Is everything all right?”

 Bulma kept her back to Gohan while Krillin forced a smile. He grabbed three of the hot trays and passed them to Gohan. “Go eat. We need to keep our strength up to what’s going on around here.”

 “Oh.” Gohan looked from Bulma to Krillin. “Okay.” Whatever was going on, it was clear to the five-year-old they didn’t want him to know. Sometimes his parents became quiet when he entered the room, too. Perhaps it was one of those situations.

 Krillin waited until Gohan join Dende on the lounge sofa before speaking again. “That kid has too much of his Dad in him.”

 “That’s a good thing, Krillin.”

 Krillin half shrugged. “You wouldn’t have said that if you were with us. He almost got us killed saving that Namek child. He exposed us to that Freeza character. Now he knows there are other people here besides the Nameks. It won’t be an easy six days waiting for Goku to get here.” Krillin sighed. “I don’t know. I admire Gohan’s bravery but I think ChiChi was right. We shouldn’t have brought him. We should’ve waited until Goku got well.”

 It was clear to Bulma Krillin lost his mind. “Are you crazy? What do think the situation will be if we waited? Vegeta or this Freeza character might have all seven dragon balls by the time we got here. We’ll have to wait a year to bring Yamcha and everyone back.”

 “We all can be dead in six days, Bulma. You weren’t out there with me and Gohan. Freeza and his gang are ruthless. They killed the adults and children. How do you think Goku will feel if Gohan is killed? What do you think ChiChi will do to us if we survive and Gohan doesn’t?”

 Bulma blew off his concerns. “You’re worrying over nothing. Goku will be here in six days and he will take care of everything as usual.”

 Krillin gave up. There was no convincing Bulma. Krillin grabbed his and Dende’s lunch trays while Bulma carried a tray of cups and juice for everyone. Krillin wished he had Bulma’s optimism but he had a terrible feeling the next six days will be the hardest in their life.  

 During lunch, Dende learned more about Krillin, Gohan and Bulma. When he discovered the three strangers could help his people, Dende offered to take Krillin to the Grand Elder. While Krillin and Dende were on their way to the Grand Elder’s home, Gohan was on a mission of his own. Bulma spotted a lone dragon ball not far from them. Realizing the dragon ball’s in the same spot they felt Vegeta’s Ki earlier, Gohan investigated. It was possible Vegeta never found the dragon ball. With the one Krillin will bring from the Grand Elder’s home and the one Gohan expected to find, this will bring their collection of dragon balls to two.

 Gohan’s heart dropped at the grim site of the Namek village. Namek homes were damaged; several men and children laid dead. No mercy was given to these poor people. Necks were broken; burn marks reveal where Ki blasts proved fatal. Gohan shut his eyes seeing an adult Namek unsuccessfully shield his body over a child’s.

 So much death and violence of peaceful people. Just like Dodoria, Vegeta was ruthless in killing innocent people. Gohan felt the least he could do for these people is give them a proper burial.

 “It wasn’t suppose to be like this,” Gohan talked to himself. “It was suppose to be an easy trip. Get the dragon balls and wish our friends back. No one else was going to die.” Gohan dropped the shovel and placed a Namekian in the hole. After he was buried, Gohan dug another hole. He sniffed as he fought back tears. “These people shouldn’t have died. All the Nameks except for Dende and the Grand Elder are probably dead.”

 Gohan wondered about the person named Freeza. Gohan never imagined anyone’s Ki being as high as what he felt from Freeza. It was impossible. After their ship was destroyed, Bulma and Krillin wanted to go home. Gohan wanted to stay but after feeling Freeza’s Ki, Gohan wondered if they all were in over their heads.

 His father’s impending arrival gave Gohan hope but he was still scared.

 Gohan buried the next Namekians. An adult male and boy. Covering their bodies with dirt, Gohan thought of his mother. Mom said the trip will be dangerous. She forbid him to go but Gohan was too determine to come here to listen. He had to bring Piccolo back.

 “I wished I spent some time with Mom before I left.”

 On the journey here, Gohan spent more time thinking about his Dad than his mother. He was annoyed she didn’t approve of this trip and found her fussing over him overwhelming. He didn’t even hug her before he left. What he will give for his mother’s hugs now.  

 “Don’t think about that,” Gohan told himself while digging another hole. “I need to keep alert for Vegeta or any of Freeza’s goons. Dad would want me to be strong. So will Piccolo. Focus on the mission,” Gohan told himself. “Focus on the mission.”

 After burying all the Nameks, Gohan found the dragon ball in the lake nearby. Returning to Bulma, Gohan ran into Vegeta. Even though he deceived the Saiyan he had a dragon ball, it didn’t stop Vegeta from kneeing him in his stomach and pressing his dirty boot on his head while saying disparaging things about his father.  

 Gohan had the last laugh fooling Vegeta the dragon ball radar in his hand was a watch. When he reunited with Krillin and Bulma, they moved to a new hiding spot. It wasn’t a cave. It was too cramp to open a capsule home which angered Bulma but it was a safe spot to leave her while he and Krillin went to the Grand Elder’s home to awaken his inner power.

 For four days, Gohan and Krillin flew with their Ki suppressed to avoid Vegeta’s detection. They weren’t at the halfway point but with Goku’s impending arrival and thinking they were too far for Vegeta to detect them, Krillin and Gohan increased their Ki and flew full speed to the Grand Elder’s home.

 Though far away, with a handful of living creatures on Namek, it was easy for Vegeta to pick up the high Ki of Gohan and Krillin. He hunted them down within an hour’s time. Krillin stalled Vegeta while Gohan flew the rest of the way to the Grand Elder’s home.

 The Grand Elder obliged Gohan’s request to increase his power. Gohan thought now that his power matched his father’s, he and Krillin will team up against Vegeta, take the dragon ball in his possession and hide out until his father arrived. That was the plan until Dende warned them of an unknown power coming to the planet.

 The irony of it all.

 Four days ago, Vegeta cheap shot him, threatened to return to Earth to kill his father and everyone on the planet. Now he and Krillin were joining forces with Vegeta to stop the Ginyu Force. Whoever they were, they even scared Vegeta.

 That alone frightened Gohan on who they were facing.  

 Gohan shook in the presence of the Ginyu Force. All five had enormous Ki and were very fast. Two captured the dragon balls Vegeta and Krillin possessed before they could get rid of it.

 With all seven, the leader, Captain Ginyu, left to take the dragon balls to Freeza. The remaining four argued who will fight. It was decided the tall red head named Recoome will fight Vegeta and the short green one name Guldo will fight Gohan and Krillin.

 Guldo was weak but his ability to control time put him on even ground against Gohan and Krillin. If Vegeta hadn’t intervened to cut off his head, Guldo would’ve killed them.

 With Guldo perished, Recoome stepped up to fight Vegeta. Before the fight Recoome warmed up with a strange yet animated pose that infuriated Vegeta and confused Krillin. It puzzled Gohan, too, but he also thought there was something appealing about Recoome’s odd posing.

 This is just fucking great! Of all the members of the Ginyu Force he had to battle first, why did he have to fight Recoome? Fighting Burter or Jeice wouldn’t be easy but he rather start off with them than the brute Recoome. He was a monster.

 It was a long shot but going after Recoome with all his strength and speed was the best way to defeat him. Maybe with his new power he could put a dent in Recoome before Recoome retaliated to pummel him senseless. That could give the bald one and Kakarrot’s son a shot in finishing him off.

 Like hell. Recoome is gonna beat all our asses but if that jackass Kakarrot is on his way, then all four of us can beat him together.

 Speed and strength was Vegeta’s strategy. One mega punch knocked Recoome off his feet. Vegeta retaliated with more punches to his face and body until he cracked Recoome’s armor. Another strike sent Recoome to the ground. Vegeta dived on Recoome like a missile before swinging him around and tossing him into a mountain. Not finished, Vegeta fired off one massive Ki after another that was a direct hit on Recoome with the final one resembling a mega bomb. Krillin and Gohan dived to the ground to avoid getting in the crossfire.

 That assault took out a lot of Vegeta and only to the surprise of Gohan and Krillin, it had little effect on Recoome.

 Shit.

 Smoking, with tatter clothes, Recoome chuckled at the weak assault. “That was a good warm up, Vegeta. Now let’s get started.”

 Fuck, this is gonna hurt.

 “Recoome Kick!!!” Though bulky, Recoome’s speed was too much for Vegeta. In a blink of an eye, Recoome’s knee smashed into his neck. Vegeta soared but flipped himself on a rock. Flying back to Recoome the two engaged in a battle of punches.

 Asshole is toying with me. He’s blocking all my punches. I can’t land any on him.

 An elbow to his back knocked Vegeta down but he was fast on his feet again until Recoome knocked him into the water. This, Vegeta cockily thought, was Recoome’s error. Swimming until he gained enough momentum, Vegeta rocketed out of the lake.

 I’m putting everything I got into this.

 Vegeta plowed into Recoome’s stomach. Hearing Recoome’s scream ringing in his ears, Vegeta knew he broke through the barrier of Recoome’s strength. Vegeta smack punch after punch against Recoome. He’ll keep pounding until that steel stomach of Recoome’s gushes with blood.

 Recoome grabbing his waist stopped Vegeta in mid punch. The brute Ginyu force member flipped Vegeta so he hung upset down. With a steel grip on him, Recoome plunge them both to the ground. Vegeta tried but he couldn’t break free from Recoome. He knew in moments, he will plow head first into the ground.

 Oh, shi---

 The impact created an earthquake. Vegeta felt half his body submerged into the ground with his legs dangling lifeless like a dead insect. His entire body ached. He couldn’t move. His head throbbed, his ears rung. He didn’t have a chance to gather himself before Recoome pulled him out of the rubble. Vegeta blast a ball of Ki in Recoome’s face. It was all he had but it was enough to knock Recoome away from him.

 For Recoome, it was a tickle.

 He put everything he had into this fight and it was for nothing. He killed Dodoria. He killed Zarbon and now he will soon meet his end as Recoome’s plaything.

 Krillin and Gohan watched from the sidelines. Both couldn’t believe the beating Vegeta took. How was he still alive? “We’re gonna have to step in, Gohan. Vegeta doesn’t have anything left.”

 “Okay,” Gohan shakily agreed.

 Krillin hated this. There was no way they could beat Recoome. As soon as they get involved in the fight, they were as good as dead. Sorry, Goku. ChiChi. I can’t protect your boy. We’re gonna die but we’re going out fighting. “We’re not gonna beat him, Gohan. I doubt Goku can stop this guy.”

 While Recoome showed off with another ridiculous pose, Krillin prepared himself to strike. “Vegeta can’t move, Gohan. When Recoome attacks, I’ll create a distraction while you get Vegeta.”

 When Recoome fired his Eraser Gun technique at Vegeta, Krillin slammed his knee on Recoome’s head while Gohan grabbed the defenseless Vegeta and carried him away from before Recoome’s Eraser Gun technique struck him. Instead of the massive explosion of Ki hitting Vegeta, it hit a mountain and reduce it to rubble. Gohan shielded Vegeta as the explosion created another earthquake over the area.

 “Get out…. of my way,” Vegeta snarled at Gohan as he rose. He gripped his broken left arm. “Did I… ask for your help?”

 Gohan wasn’t expecting a thank you but he thought Vegeta would be a little appreciative he saved his life.

 Instead the Saiyan Prince cursed Gohan. “Idiot!! If you had… time to save me… why didn’t you attack Recoome?! Sentimentality,” Vegeta gagged. “Makes me sick.”

 Recoome rose and dusted himself off. Except for missing teeth, he was unharmed again. With one kick, Recoome took down Krillin. Gohan flew to his side, begging his father’s friend to say something. Krillin’s body was completely broken. One kick and he couldn’t move. Even with his power heightened by the Grand Elder, it was nothing against Recoome. Krillin saw this as their end but Gohan still had hope.

 Daddy was coming.

 Last one standing, Gohan faced off against Recoome. His anger rose; his power rose. Krillin gave up but Gohan refused to. They needed the dragon balls to revive their friends. His father was on the way. Even if it’s only him, Gohan vowed to hang on until his father arrived.

 You’re gonna have to stand in for me, too. When I looked for dragon balls with Bulma and Krillin, they depended on my strength to get them out of tough situations. That falls on you now. I know it’s a lot but can you handle that, Gohan?

 I won’t break my promise, Daddy. I’ll hold on until you get here.

 Recoome standing with his hands on his hips left Gohan to attack first. His kick to the redhead brute felt as if he struck a steel wall. Recoome caught Gohan’s fist and flung the five-year-old in the air before flinging multiple Ki blasts in his direction. Gohan retaliated with Piccolo’s Masenko attack.

 Nothing. Not even a dent on this behemoth.

 As Recoome approached, Gohan prepared himself. He saw what he did to Vegeta and Krillin. Recoome’s blows will be painful but Gohan was ready for it. Piccolo beat him down every day. He was ready for this.

 Or so he thought. None of the kicks and punches from Piccolo hurt this bad. Three strikes including an ass smack left Gohan writhing in pain. His entire body ached but Gohan refused to give up. Piccolo needed him. His father was counting on him. He wouldn’t let them down.

 Rising, Gohan fired a massive Ki at Recoome only for him to blow it back on him like a boomerang. Gohan jumped to avoid his attack which left him perfectly open for Recoome to chop at his throat. Gagging, Gohan slammed into to the ground again.

 Gohan could hear Recoome’s laughs over him as he pushed himself to his hands and knees. Coughing, blood spurted from his mouth. It hurts everywhere. I can’t…..I can’t do this. No….. I can’t stay down. Piccolo wouldn’t want me to give up. Daddy wouldn’t want me to give up.

 “Daddy,” Gohan whimpered. Raising his head, Gohan looked at the green sky. Daddy was coming. He needed to give Daddy more time. Putting a hand on one knee, Gohan forced his shaky legs to stand.  

 Daddy wouldn’t give up. I won’t either! Gohan charged like a bull to Recoome before leaping and delivering a thundering punch. The giant toppled leaving Gohan to pounce with endless punches to Recoome’s face. Come on! Something’s got to break this guy.

 Recoome merely laughed at the child’s punches. It felt like feathers. “Is this the best you can do, kid?” One punch rattled Gohan’s bones as he bounced into a pit.

 His body told Gohan to stay down but his mind told him to get up. I won’t be beaten. Panting, Gohan crawled out of the hole. “I have to defeat you…. for Piccolo… for Yamcha…. Tien…. Chaozu. They’re counting on me.”  Gohan launched himself against Recoome again. “I will bring them back to life!”

 Recoome leapt from his seat on a boulder. The kid spunk. He was entertaining but it was time to wrap it up. “Recoome Bomber!!”

 An array of Ki blasts rained down on Gohan. Each exploding like bombs when they reached the ground. Gohan jumped, flipped and bounced around avoiding each one. Just as he thought he was in the clear, Gohan felt two massive blows on his back and stomach. Bones cracked, some were broken and more blood splattered from him.

 Still, Gohan refuse to give up. Bleeding with a broken arm, one eye shut while the other blurred, Gohan limped with each step. He could hear Krillin telling him to give up, to stay down. Gohan wouldn’t. It was not the Son Family way. It wasn’t in his Saiyan blood.

 “I’m the son… of Son Goku….the warrior…. I won’t…..” his body swayed. “I won’t…..” He could hear Recoome mocking him. Gohan let that fuel him as he tapped into the remaining strength left in him. This is for everyone!

 This was it Gohan told him as he drove to Recoome for one final attack. “I WON’T LET YOU BEAT ME!!” Recoome leapt out of the way, avoiding Gohan’s fist. He struck a fatal kick to Gohan’s neck.

 Gohan heard a snap and knew something was wrong. His body dropped to the ground with a thud. Gohan tried to will movement from his body but only his right leg, which twisted the wrong way, twitched. His arms and left leg wouldn’t move. He couldn’t even turn his head. Around him, Gohan heard the faint voices of Recoome talking to Burter and Jeice on delivering the final blow to him, Krillin and Vegeta. Their voices faded away as he focused on his own thoughts.

 I can’t move. I can’t…..

 I’m dying, aren’t I? I feel so weak.

 Piccolo…. Yamcha…. Tien…. Chaozu… I’m sorry. I tried my best….but I failed to bring you back. Forgive me.

 Daddy…. I’m sorry. I tried.

 Mommy. I want Mommy.

 Gohan’s eyes blurred. His sight was going but in his mind he could see his mother. She stood in the kitchen of their home smiling at him with open arms. “Gohan. Mommy loves you so much.”

 Mommy. I’m so sorry, Mommy. I should’ve listened to you. I’m sorry for I’m not coming home.

 Mommy. Daddy.

 A breeze brushed over Gohan. Did someone suddenly arrive? Gohan’s vision was foggy but he thought he saw black spikes standing over him.

 Did someone call his name?

 “Krillin, I’ll bring you some senzu right away!”

 That voice. Those black spikes.

 Daddy. Daddy, is it really you?

Part Twenty-Three: Namek: Part Two

 AN: Goku’s first day in the hospital, Korin told him the senzu beans will be ready in a month. Bulma, Krillin and Gohan left for Namek ten days later and it took them another thirty-four days before they reached Namek. Goku left the hospital the same day Bulma radio Master Roshi the news on Namek Makes me wonder if Yajirobe was snacking on some of those beans.

 Bulma did gush how attractive Goku grew to be in the 23rd Tournament and even in the Namek arc when Goku returned she wondered if she blew her chance with him. Very awkward considering Goku is married with a child. It’s interesting how it was never brought up even though some had to suspect like Master Roshi and Oolong.

 Sadly in the manga, ChiChi was unaware of the dangers of her family because Bulma told Master Roshi to let everyone know what was going on Namek except ChiChi. Ouch!

 Though it was never explained why Gohan did those poses as Saiyaman, I always thought the Ginyu Force subtly influenced him.

[babybemydownfall]

Here’s the first 1000 words of a new story I’m writing. 

It’s Olitz, it’s fluffy, it’s a little bit sexy - and best of all, it’s almost finished. I won’t post any chapters officially until it’s complete, because I know I’ve done that recently and I hate letting people down. I should be writing Four or BMD but this came to me and I had to go with it. I’m sorry to those of you waiting for updates - I hope I can provide them soon.

But for now, please enjoy this sneak peek:

PART ONE

 Fitz

 They were set up by Savannah, a mutual friend. She and Fitz had worked together in Silicon Valley; had both left around the same time two years ago to move to New York. For Savannah, it was a return to the city she grew up in - to her family, her oldest friends. But for Fitz, it was an entirely new adventure. He’d never lived outside of California before, except for bouts of travelling when he was younger. At thirty-six, with a perpetual string of nice-but-going-nowhere relationships and one of the best CVs in the tech industry, accepting the offer to work as a software consultant for a large East Coast rival was a no-brainer. It was flexible, very well paid and, most of all, he knew he desperately needed the change. He worried every day that forty was approaching; that he had never met a woman he’d wanted to settle down with; that he was still childless, when starting a family had always been his biggest dream.

 New York was the best distraction. He loved his Manhattan apartment, his local neighborhood; loved the history, the architecture, the soul. Savannah took him under her wing at first: introduced him to her friends, invited him to bars and brunches and Broadway shows. She tried to set him up on dates and occasionally he accepted, mainly just to get her to stop pestering him. The truth was, it felt good to finally focus on himself and not on the constant struggle to find true love.

 It wasn’t long after his thirty-eighth birthday that Savannah persuaded him to go on a date with one of her high school friends, Olivia Pope. He’d heard her name mentioned numerous times: she was a detective in the NYPD, and always seemed to be too busy to come to any of the events Savannah asked her to.

 “Fitz please,” she’d begged one evening over dinner. “Liv is one of the most amazing people I know. She’s thirty-six, she’s smart, she’s funny-”

 “And hot,” added David, Savannah’s husband. “Don’t forget hot.”

 “She is,” Savannah had agreed seriously. “And I’ve been working on her for months to let me set her up with someone, and she’s finally agreed - so please say you’ll go? For me? I think you’ll really like her.”

 Fitz hated himself for even thinking this question, let alone voicing it out loud, but over the years he’d learned that sometimes he had to: to spare himself. “If she’s so amazing, then why is she single?”

 Savannah had looked at him over her wine glass. It was the exact same question Olivia had asked her of Fitz the previous week, when she was extolling his virtues. And she gave the exact same answer:

 “Because she’s just like you, Fitz. She’s fed up of dating. Now, she’s looking for The One.”

 II

 Two weeks later, with a monumental amount of expectation on their shoulders, Fitz and Olivia met in a cocktail bar on a warm Friday evening in June. Savannah had shown him a photo of her so that he’d recognize her, but his first thought when she entered the bar was that it was a woefully inadequate reflection of her.

 In reality, she was absolutely breathtaking.

 Petite, curvy, confident; pristine white dress, silver heels, glossy lips. And her skin. God. He’d dated black women before but the color of Olivia’s skin, how soft it looked, how toned her muscles were beneath it - she was something else. She would stand out in any crowd, on any day, in any place in the world.

 It was fair to say that he was taken with her from the very first moment he saw her.

 Her dark eyes scanned the busy room as she walked towards him, taking everything in: inquisitive, clever and slightly suspicious (an occupational hazard, no doubt). When it was his turn to be appraised, he found himself flushing. She made him nervous in a way he’d never felt before with a woman. Nervous, and desperate to please.

 When she finally held out her hand and smiled at him, he noticed there was something shy about it, just at the edges - and looking back now, Fitz thinks he probably fell a little bit in love with her right then and there.

 It wasn’t hard.

 She was full of contradictions: the tough detective, the trailblazer; unlucky in love, tired of searching for the right person to share her life with. She opened up easily, like a flower that had been biding its time, waiting for the sunlight to break through the clouds again. Over one drink, and then two, and three, they commiserated over how miserable the dating game was; told each other their best worst stories, laughed until they couldn’t breathe.

 “I hate it,” she sighed eventually, looking down into her espresso martini. “I hate feeling so… vulnerable. You know? Putting myself out there, hoping someone will see me. Over and over again. It’s…”

 “Scary. Exhausting. Hopeless, sometimes.”

 “Yes.”

 “What about tonight?”

 He watched as a smile curved her lips; lifted her exquisite cheekbones. “You…” Her eyes met his and a thousand possibilities burst to life between them. “You are very easy to talk to, Fitz.”

 He wanted to hold her hand; to feel her delicate fingers curl around his. “You are very trusting, for a cop.”

 She frowned. “Yeah. That’s weird. I’m usually much, much quieter on dates.”

 I feel it too, he wanted to say, to fill the space inside her where all her questions were fighting one another. This feels special to me, too.

 But she changed the subject, and he realized he didn’t need to verbalize it. The fact that she barely recognized herself told him all he needed to know about her and their date and them.

 “Shall we go and get some food?” she suggested. “I don’t think I’m ready for this evening to be over just yet.”

 He nodded, his pulse racing. Call it naivety, call it fate; call it the foolish hope of a helpless romantic - but Fitz already knew he would never be ready for his time with Olivia Pope to be over.

II

[makingjaminvermont]

I just saw the deleted/extended Olitz scenes from season 6. Shonda really hates us, doesn’t she? So much of what needed to be explained was cut. Fitz didn’t just leave without thinking about Olivia and more importantly, Olivia didn’t want him to leave without her. She was expecting him to ask her to go with him. Maybe she would’ve tried to split her time between D.C. and Vermont, had he given her the option? It would’ve been so nice to see that moment of vulnerability from her and complete understanding and support from him.

Ugh, my heart hurts.

[zalrb]

Speaking of the 50 shades dialogue... is there any dialogue that you really like in seduction scenes that don’t just come off as straight up corny lmao?

LOL me and initiumseries JUST had a conversation about this because I was saying one of the reasons why I just can't get super into romance novels is because the dialogue surrounding seduction or during a sex scene takes me right out of it and I end up rolling my eyes or laughing and I would rather just the steamy description in a book and the action onscreen, like if there is dialogue I respond to, it's not actually explicit dialogue, or seductive dialogue like, what was it in Bridgerton, "do you know all the ways a lady can be seduced?" ehhh, I respond to direct dialogue

or confident dialogue

like even when Stefan seduces Elena in 4x02, he's playing coy and being mischievous, the dialogue isn't all the things he's going to do or wants to do, it's him being like "Everything is heightened. Taste, smell, sight, touch" while he's doing this

and, like, even Olitz for instance who I hate and whose scenes bring up so many conflicting reactions in me, if I did ship them, I wouldn't care for the phone sex scene that they have but in 4x04 when he keeps going "Didn't you miss me?" I'd be like OK, sir, but again he's saying that while he's unbuttoning her blazer and feeling her up

so ... yeah, not big on the dialogue. Give me a scene.

[boombitxh]

#Scandal WYD?!

It didn’t have to come to this, but the show forced my hand. Wow, what a colossal waste of my time last night. I’m not sure why in the final stretch the writers decide to dive face-first into the characters we have been collectively hating for years. I’m talking about Jake & Mellie, I can’t even hate Cyrus because at the very least he knows who he is, and he owns it- the same can’t be said for those other two tasteless slugs/shapeshifters. I don’t even want to watch the next two episodes, in my mind there is nothing they could possibly do to satisfy what I believe the story deserves. This is how horrible I find it that I don’t even wanna make it to the finish line!

 We have been experiencing the identity crisis of Olivia for quite some time now, but I can’t care anymore if Olivia herself is unbothered about her own decisions. She has no conviction, she still wants to play dress up and straddle all the worlds and identities, without ever taking the time to reflect on anything. I gotta get off this train girl & I can’t root for you anymore. If you’re not interested in living a full life, then we can’t force it on you. She has been reduced to doing the dirty work of this lame ass, pathetic ass, stupid ass, mediocre ass, revisionist history ass administration. I DO NOT CARE ABOUT MELLIE. The show is not about Mellie, the show is about Olivia.

 I despise the fact that we got an entire episode about Mellie’s humanity. IDGAF. Bitch is inhuman to me and has been for some time. I don’t know why the writers are doing this seeing as to how it truly makes no sense. “Mellie, you’re better than all of us?” FITZ, WTF ARE YOU SMOKING? She is not better than anyone as evidenced by her supremely shitty track record… using Olivia to placate Fitz with sex so he can do his job? Check! Mellie totally sure about going through with Defiance? Check! Hypocritical emotional affair Mellie? Check! Using her rape as a bartering tool? Check! Mellie ok with the death of the jurors for her benefit? Check! Mellie firing Olivia and then proceeding to tar & feather her in the press? Check! And as her crowning achievement ladies & gents: asking Olivia to murder Cyrus!

 If the show had ever bothered to show me that Mellie has ever been an adequate leader then I wouldn’t be able to have anything to base all of this criticism on. But the show has her float on her mediocre ass all along and then wants to rewrite itself into the Mellie, or better yet the Mellivia sisterhood show. It is unconscionable to have Olivia in shambles without a set identity with two episodes left but we are being fed the Mellie humanity hour like they’re gonna turn us into foie gras. What about the humanity of the person this show is about- Olivia Pope?

 Also, what the hell are they doing with Marcus… and Melcus [wannabe Olitz by the window, I see yall!] Marcus is worried about Mellie but can’t be bothered to tell Fitz that it’s Olivia who is doing the dirty work? Some friend you are, Marcus. And once again Olivia’s humanity is ignored, but Mellie’s is considered sacred. GAG! Mellie is a waste of space, as an ineffectual president, and as an even worse person, I don’t understand this hardcore championing of her character. This faux feminism has tapped danced on my last nerve like a landmine. Marcus’ hypocrisy has done the same.

 As for the Olitz element- they should’ve kept it. First of all, they didn’t even have a conversation, this was pure escapism on Olivia’s part again. She shows up at his door without addressing any of the drama that is between them. I don’t care for the romance when they can’t even discuss reality between them. Their reunions, if we can even call them that, never have any permanence. I can’t take them seriously anymore. And it’s all based on a lie regardless because Olivia was just out about to murder Cy, so besides her not knowing who she is, well Fitz doesn’t have a damn clue either. Also, I never thought I would truly feel this way about Fitz, but he is beyond pathetic at this point. He hasn’t bothered to get an actual house, the hotel he lives in is a reflection of how he has no foundation – a home would indicate this- in his life. What does he do? Wait around to see when Olivia is gonna come by? Marcus mentions he’s haunted but I highly doubt that it has anything to do with his presidency- it’s the void left in his life when he and Olivia broke up in 509. Neither of them have truly bothered to move on, but they also don’t move forward, which is what makes them equally pathetic in my eyes. They’re wasting their lives, and each other’s, and the more they do this jumping into bed without a conversation… the more muddled the water gets. I am uninterested in a relationship without any communication, their toxicity continues.

 The show can’t really convince me that all of a sudden when the story needs him to… that he is going to feel guilty about Verna. Killing her was the solution to not only save his illegitimate presidency [LET US REMEMBER THAT HE HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH IT BTW] but also did it to save the fate of all involved, otherwise none of them would be walking around committing more crimes now. This was obviously resuscitated because the original sin of Defiance will rear its ugly head towards the finale.  The last two episodes have been more than disappointing for me, and I am at the point where I don’t see them doing anything that will right the course they’ve taken the show on. Next episode is more of the same Jake & Mellie hour. It’s so bad that I can’t even be bothered with the Olitz aesthetics, their inability to communicate like functional adults makes me hopeless for them, and in turn repulses me.

[katrinapavela]

I know it's late because scandal is over but I'm happy to found your blog. Obviously late into watching scandal and shipping olitz. I enjoy reading your posts because there are no positive or thoughtful articles about them as the media hates them and Fitz with a passion which makes me feel like I'm wrong for supporting them or even liking their story but thank you for being one of the few who makes good analysis of them. Happy New Year!

Hi, Anon! You’re welcome and Happy New Year!

You know what’s funny? Olitz wasn’t really ‘hated’ until Joke Bollard came into the picture, and tried to convince the audience that that Failure to Launch of a man ever made sense for Olivia, save for the fact that he appeared to be single.

However, as problematic as things got. Olitz still remained the favourite. Olakers just became bitter and extremely verbal, especially those in the media. Then, again, if you look at media hot takes of Mellie, Olivia, Joke and Fitz, they are all pretty shallow and gendered. 

[democrattotheend]

Scandal Finale Spoilers - Read at Your Own Risk

As promised, here is a summary of all of the spoilers or potential spoilers I have pieced together. Sorry this is long, but hopefully it has some useful tidbits. I don't work on the set, which is why I am allowed to disclose whatever I can find. All of this is out there if you really know what you're looking for. That said, read at your own risk, as some of these things could be big spoilers, including the potential fate of the Vermont house. 

Spoiler 1: David is the Law, and the Law is David

This might be old news, but I deciphered most of the lines from the clip Darby posted of the last take on the last night of filming. This is a scene at QPA with Liv, Quinn, Huck, Abby and David. Here's what I was able to make out. They filmed some of the lines multiple times so it may be out of order.

QUINN: [Something inaudible]

DAVID: In theory, yes.

LIV: David is the law, and the law is David. He wears the white hat. We can't ask him to take it off, not again. We didn't come this far just to escape. If we go to jail, we go to jail. So if anyone wants out, speak now, and speak up.

SPOILER 2: Quinn's Wedding Bouquet

On wrap night, Kathryn Coulliard, who is one of the second team members and also plays Sally Langston's production assistant (and Fitz's in the AU), posted an Instagram Story with a prop that was labeled "Quinn's wedding bouquet." The flowers do not appear to be the same as the ones used in the attempted wedding in 706, so this probably means Charlie gets out of prison and they get married.

I don’t have the screenshot of her post here, but I noticed after writing this that the flowers match the flowers Abby was carrying into what looks like a prison in one of the #peepingtom tweets. This is probably wild speculation, but now I am wondering if Charlie and Quinn get married while Charlie is still in prison so one of them doesn’t have the testify against the other. Parallel to 506 maybe?

SPOILER 3: Jake’s Grave?

Some people reported that Scott Foley briefly posted, then took down, a picture of a grave with Jake’s name on it. Take that for what it’s worth. I can’t believe Scott would have posted it even for a second if Jake actually dies, so I’m not getting my hopes up. (Sorry, I know some people on here like Jake but this is just my perspective).

Below is the biggest potential spoiler I have, which may break your heart, depending on where you stand. You’ve been warned.

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SPOILER 4: Why Vermont is (Probably) Not Happening

For the record, I am an olitz shipper who has never quite bought into the idea that Olivia would be happy living in Vermont making jam all day (although 710 made me reconsider a little), so this is written from that perspective.

The “Vermont” house is actually located in Ventura County, at 1350 W. Potrero Road. Fortunately for us spoiler hungry fans, Ventura County provides citizen access to real time records of applications for film permits. I am sad to report that the producers of Scandal did not apply for a permit to film there for the finale. The last time they filmed there was for 710.

This would seem to suggest that Olivia and Fitz will not end up in Vermont and that we won’t see the house again, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. In preparation to shoot 710, they applied for a traffic encroachment permit, which allowed them to block the road to film a FOR SALE sign in front of the house, according to the scene map they submitted with the application. 

Obviously, we have not seen a for sale sign in front of the house in 710 or any other episode, so there are two possibilities:

They cut this scene from 710 (more likely); or

This scene was filmed for the finale, and they did it that way so they wouldn’t have to rent the house again and bring the crew there just to shoot one scene.

Just to add yet another wrinkle to the saga, right around the time Scandal wrapped, Tim Ballou from ABC, the same locations manager who applied for Scandal’s permit for 710, applied for a permit to film a pilot called “The Fix” at 1350 Potrero Road. At first, I got excited, knowing the British name for Scandal is The Fixer. I thought perhaps he used a code name in case any fans thought to check Ventura County permit records. But then I found out The Fix is a real show that began filming about a week before Scandal wrapped, and based on the synopsis for the pilot episode the Vermont house would be a logical place to film. So most likely it was just a coincidence, but there is a remote possibility that they used it as a cover to avoid spoiling Scandal. Probably sounds crazy, but I know they took crazy security measures to fly Kerry and Scott to the island for 401 and avoid spoiling it, even though that wasn’t even really a spoiler since we saw them leave for the island in 318.

This was the application for Scandal for 710:

And here is the payment receipt for the permit for The Fix, which Tim Ballou (the same guy who applied for the Scandal permit) applied for two days before the official wrap date for Scandal:

Probably a coincidence, but I wouldn’t completely rule out them filming after the official wrap date (and using another ABC pilot as a cover) in order to avoid spoiling it.

SPOILER 5: No Georgetown Either?

Yesterday, the scandal makeup account on Instagram posted a shot of Georgetown, which got many of our hopes up, but then clarified that they didn’t film there, but were just staying there. It’s possible that they were lying because they realized it was a spoiler, or that they posted it not realizing people would get the wrong impression because they didn’t remember that part of the AU and didn’t realize Georgetown has significance to Olitz shippers.

Of course, they may have filmed Georgetown scenes back in LA, before the trip to DC, or they could still have that ending without actually filming a house in Georgetown. So I’m not losing hope yet (and people who hate Fitz shouldn't rejoice just yet).