#not saying Violet is a bad mom but with eight kids you’re going to forget someone

[bookclub-reads]

The Bridgerton’s going on a family outing

Violet: I feel like I’m forgetting something.

Anthony: Well, if you don’t remember then it’s probably not important.

*leaves*

Francesca: “Okay, I’m ready to go”

*comes downstairs to an empty house*

“Hello?”

[vcg73]

Free Kurt - Past Kurt

I wrote one extra story for the Free Kurt, anti-proposal challenge, but it’s a little different. 😊

~*~*~*~*~

“What are you wearing?”

Kurt jumped at the sound of a young and judgmental voice speaking directly in his ear.

He was standing on a wide marble step within the hallowed halls of Dalton Academy, surrounded by dozens of friends, acquaintances, and strangers from the assorted western Ohio high schools that Blaine had brought here today to witness his proposal. A proposal that was currently proceeding from the step below his own, and which Kurt was feeling increasingly pressured to accept in spite of his own very real misgivings.

And while it was a very distracting scene, he had not noticed anyone sneaking up behind him. He turned his head slightly, attempting to pay attention to Blaine’s words while simultaneously taking a quick peripheral peek over his right shoulder.

Kurt nearly jumped out of his skin when the voice spoke again, this time right next to him on the left. “Wait, are we getting proposed to?”

Whipping his head to the left, Kurt frowned. Who was that? He didn’t see anyone.

Blaine faltered a little, apparently noticing his distraction. “Kurt?” he mumbled, hazel eyes darting about as his intended frowned and looked everywhere but at him. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t you hear that?” he asked.

“I’m very good looking in the future!” the voice observed, sounding pleased. “Tall too!  But that suit has got to go. Peacock blue brocade can be beautiful if used sparingly. Maybe a vest or a jacket against an all black suit. Though on second thought that might make it look like you were about to deal roulette in Vegas. But an entire suit?  And with a violet silk shirt to contrast? I know this is just a dream, otherwise I wouldn’t be watching myself, but what has happened to my fashion sense since I got old?”

The young voice was so utterly horrified that Kurt almost laughed in spite of the bizarre circumstance. For he recognized the speaker now. What was even stranger, he remembered now with a startling burst of clarity, that he had had this very dream when he was about 14 years old. Himself standing in what he had thought was a fairy tale palace, watching himself be proposed to by Prince Charming.

Had it not been a dream? For he did recall suddenly that it had occurred following a whack to the head brought about after one of the goon squad, who had already started targeting him in middle school, had aimed badly when shoving Kurt into a locker.  Kurt had told his dad that he’d been hit with a dodge ball during P.E.  His dad had skeptically bought it, not able to prove otherwise, but Kurt had been given a few days off of school that week, and he remembered being watched like a hawk the whole time.

He also remembered having a lot of strange half-remembered dreams that he had written off to concussion.

A little shiver went down his spine. Surely it was not possible that he had done some kind of astral time travel thing. Wasn’t that just a little too sci-fi for the real world?

And yet, he could not deny the voice that was apparently only in his own ears at this moment. For nobody else was reacting as if they heard a young teenager passing judgment on this whole affair.

“Actually, forget our fashion taste. What the hell is he wearing?”

Kurt bit down a smirk. He had forgotten how dramatically fond of italics he had been as a kid. But he focused, really focused for the first time, on that hideous banana yellow creation that Blaine had chosen, and had to give his alter ego a point on it. No doubt Blaine had wanted something that would force every eye onto him. It wasn’t like he had ever been able to stand not having 100% of the attention in any room turned his way.

Blinking, Kurt wondered where that harsh thought had come from. Sure, it was true, but shouldn’t his thoughts be focused toward how romantic this all was? Apparently listening to the point of view of his less inhibited younger self was sparking a little rebellion inside of him.

“He’s handsome, our boyfriend,” the young voice observed in a clinical tone that made his older self want to laugh. He remembered using it when deciding between two equally perfect outfits, trying to decide which would have more of a ‘wow’ factor. “But his fashion taste is terrible and I don’t like the hair. That slicked back Elvis retro thing is so 1995. It also makes him look like he’s pushing 30. Wait. Is he older than us? How old are we?  Are we 30?”

That age must seem ancient to a boy of 14, Kurt supposed. His conscience prickled at the remembrance of his own life plan having been to find someone and become husbands or domestic partners, depending on what the law dictated so far in the future, with him by 30. Before that, he had always expected to live a life of fashionable single fabulosity, with boyfriends by the dozen, while he conquered the career of his choice. It had not been until high school, developing his first bad crush on Finn Hudson, being swamped with insistent hormones, and being constantly surrounded by relationships, that he had started longing for a commitment. Not because he knew what to do with one then, but because he had hated being the only person who did not even have the prospect of a real relationship.

He knew better than that now. So why was he still so determined to do something he knew in his gut that he was not ready for? Even if their ‘teenage dream’ had been perfect, was he really willing to enter into a lifelong commitment before he even hit 20?

Apparently unaware of his thoughts, the voice of his young observer continued with relentless interest. “Oh, my god. Is that Rachel? Tell me you are not thinking of letting Rachel Berry be your attendant. She’s the most obnoxious girl in school!  And she’s dressed better than you! Maybe this is actually a nightmare. Oh, hey, there’s Dad. Hi, Dad!”

Kurt looked at his father, looking slightly confused a few steps below where he stood just behind Will Schuester. Burt looked around surreptitiously, as if he had heard the call, but knew it was not possible for it to be there.

“If he’s here at our proposal then he knows about us!” invisible Kurt said happily. “Did we come out to him, and he’s happy for us?”

The sound of a dreamy sigh made Kurt’s eyes unexpectedly prickle with tears. How well he remembered that feeling. That co-mingling of fear, dread, and hope that had gripped him every time he had considered biting the bullet, and telling his father that he was gay. Of course he would have thought he was dreaming all this, seeing his father in his every day attire in a place like this, while they were both surrounded by the glitter and formality of dozens of smiling peers. Friends were another thing that young Kurt had never been sure he would actually experience in real life.

“If this is a dream, does that mean Mom is here too?” the invisible speaker asked, this note of longing in his young voice going straight to Kurt’s heart. He had heard that question deep inside himself for so many years. The small childish part of him that had never entirely accepted that someone as wonderful, fun-loving, and tenderly understanding as his beautiful mother could just be snuffed out of his world after only eight short years.

“No,” he said softly. He knew suddenly that if his mother had been here, she never would have approved of this. She had held the safety and happiness of her only child as a sacred trust from the day he was born until her very last day on Earth. He had always been able to talk to her about anything, and this would have been no different.  Mom never would have allowed him to compromise his heart and his future for a dream that he already knew did not live up to reality. “I’m sorry.”

He had been speaking to past-Kurt and to his mother, but when he said the words, it caused Blaine to stop mid-sentence with a look of shock. “What do you mean, no.”

Kurt blinked. Suddenly he knew that while he had not meant those words for Blaine, a part of him had actually wanted to say them out loud ever since he walked in the building.

“Kurt, what are you doing?” Blaine said, his voice more annoyed now as Kurt brushed past him to walk down a few steps, looking around at the crowd and realizing for the first time how few of these people he actually knew. “You’re embarrassing me!  I don’t what you’re looking for, but it doesn’t matter. Can we just get on with this thing?”

Kurt turned to look at him, frowning at the irritated question.

“This thing?” he repeated, eyes narrowing. “You mean the thing where I’m missing my flight home so my ex-boyfriend who’s still in high school can ask me to agree to spend the rest of my life with him, even though we’ve only been casually back together as a couple for a couple of days? The thing where we’re both supposed to agree to love and be faithful to one another forever? That thing?”

Apparently he had not entirely lost his love of italics after all. His tone was biting, the reminder of his own youthful hopes and expectations making him feel angry and betrayed all over again.  

Instead of understanding, Blaine actually rolled his eyes. “Not that again. I told you, I thought we were over when that happened! And didn’t I promise I would never ever do it again? Isn’t that enough? Why can’t you just get over it?  It’s not like it meant anything, Kurt.”

That injured way he said Kurt’s voice, the way that usually deflated whatever outrage Kurt felt and caused him to guiltily give in, enraged him this time.

“No, Blaine. I can’t just get over it. Because we weren’t anywhere near over when it happened, and you know it. It’s called a long distance relationship, and what you did was horrible. Our being boyfriends meant everything to me. The fact that you could throw what we had away on a stranger after just a few weeks apart, because I couldn’t devote all of my attention to you while I was starting a new life in a different state? That meant something to me. It meant that I couldn’t trust you anymore. I don’t trust you, and I can’t forget that happened, so I guess I was wrong about being able to forgive it too. I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. I don’t want to spend my whole life with a guy that I don’t believe will keep a vow to honor and cherish me.”

Blaine sputtered. “But, but I . . . what about all this?” He gestured frantically around them as if he could not conceive of such a scene not magically wiping away whatever doubts Kurt had.

“This is all very beautiful,” Kurt said, glancing around at the streamers, balloons, and startled faces that filled the room, “but it’s only a child’s dream. The real world isn’t a pretty song and a lot of smiling faces. It’s hard work, and compromise, and shared joys, and making sacrifices for each other’s happiness. That’s what a real commitment means, Blaine. It means being there for the people you love even when conditions are not ideal. Even when they’re so bad that you don’t know what to say or how to move forward, but you keep trying because you love them too much to ever want to cause that person pain. It means being your best self and making good times for the two of you even when the worst things are happening.”

“I don’t understand,” he admitted, flopping his hands helplessly. “Where is all this coming from?”

Kurt looked at his dad, who was dashing away tears from eyes that carried mingled pride, regret, and new understanding.

“I was reminded on the way here about how much my mom and dad loved each other, and how deeply committed they were to each other. Even when my mom was dying, they never stopped trying to make each other smile. They never would have cheated on each other, or tried to pressure each other into making a decision that they knew was wrong. And when it was just Dad and me, he did the same for me. He wanted me to always know that I had a safe space with him, a home where I could be myself and try to block out all the pain of the outside world. And I did the same for him, even when I was a little clumsy about trying to protect him.”

Burt nodded, his smile wry as he was clearly remembering some of of the awkward, uncomfortable, but always deeply loving moments they had shared together

“I want that again,” Kurt said, turning back to his would-be fiance. “It’s been a long time since I had a place where I know I can always be myself without having to hide half of the things that make me who I am. A place where I can feel safe because I always know that I’m loved and respected. A home where I can be with someone wants to make sure that I’m happy, just because knowing that makes him happy. Because I deserve that, Blaine.  And because I’ll do the same for the man that I’ll agree to spent my life with one day.”

“And I’m not that man?” he asked, sounding genuinely sad.

Kurt looked at him, smiled, and gently kissed his cheek. “No. I hope you will be that man for somebody one day, but we both know deep down that it can’t be me. Our relationship started right here in this hallway three years ago. It’s appropriate that it ends in the same place. Good luck, Blaine.”

They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment, Blaine reading the truth in Kurt’s steady gaze. “I’ll miss you. I’ll always love you, Kurt.”

“Goodbye. Dad, I’ll meet you out at the car.”

Holding his head high, Kurt walked down the steps and past the shocked crowd of onlookers.

“Thanks, Kurt,” he whispered, no longer able to sense his younger self, who had probably awakened from his dream at the same time his present self had ended the swirling nightmare of his unwanted proposal.

Pushing past the great double doors of Dalton Academy, Kurt smiled and stepped out into the sunlight, leaving the past behind him.

THE END

[joan-frias]

Back to Earth

A Gohan x Videl Fanfiction

.

EAST DISTRICT, MOUNT PAOZU

Chi-Chi is yelling inside their house as their family is getting ready for the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Her loud voice can be heard outside as she calls out her two sons.

CHI-CHI: Gohan! Goten! What's taking you so long?

GOHAN: Coming, Mom!

Chi-Chi goes out of their house carrying a large furoshiki turned into a handbag. She's wearing a yellow cheongsam with violet bandana around her shoulder.

Gohan is behind Chi-Chi, and Goten is the last to come out of the house. The two boys are ready to fight, as Goten is wearing his usual orange gi over a blue long-sleeved undershirt, and Gohan is on his Great Saiyaman costume, but this time, with his white bandana and sunglasses. The older Saiyan is carrying a duffle bag.

GOHAN: Flying Nimbus!

The yellow fluffy cloud flies in, stopping in front of the three. Gohan helps Chi-Chi climb the cloud.

CHI-CHI: Let's get going!

Nimbus starts flying as the two Saiyan brothers follow at either side.

.

CAPSULE CORPORATION, WEST CITY

The Son family arrives at Capsule Corporation. On the compound was a big airship and beside it are Bulma, Vegeta and Trunks. The three landed beside the airship, with Gohan helping his mother climb down Nimbus.

BULMA: Hey guys!

CHI-CHI: Are we late?

BULMA: You're actually quite early.

Bulma is wearing a red dress with a yellow scarf around her neck. Vegeta is wearing an all-black outfit, while Trunks is on his mustard hoodie and green shorts. The father and son are carrying bags containing their fighting clothes.

TRUNKS: Hey Goten! Mom allowed me to go join the tournament with Dad.

GOTEN: Really?

BULMA: As if I have a choice! Your dad was the one who insisted.

VEGETA: It's time to show us the fruits of his training.

GOTEN: Mom, can I join, too?

CHI-CHI: Goten, that might be dangerous.

BULMA: My words, exactly.

VEGETA: You told me Kakarot was also a kid when he started joining.

BULMA: He was twelve, not eight!

VEGETA: What's the difference? Besides, being a Saiyan, we are trained to fight even at a young age.

BULMA: Well, this is Earth and not the Planet Vegeta you once ruled. Things go differently here.

VEGETA: I know my son's capabilities and I know he has a fair chance on this tournament. Might start them at a young age to hone their fighting skills as soon as they can.

BULMA: I swear, if something happens to my Trunks you will sleep outside the room for the whole month.

Vegeta could only grumble in disagreement. Gohan and Chi-Chi grin at the couple's conversation.

GOTEN: Can I really not join, Mom?

CHI-CHI: Goten, I told you. You cannot.

Goten pouted in disappointment.

GOHAN: Come on, Mom. I've trained with Goten and I'm pretty sure he can hold up his own on that tournament. He's actually strong.

CHI-CHI: Gohan, don't back up your bother.

GOHAN: I'm not. I'm telling my actual observation during these past weeks we've trained together. If given the chance to train more, I actually think these kids might surpass me.

VEGETA: You sound like your father during the Cell Games when he was talking about you.

GOHAN: (quite embarrassed) I'm just... telling the truth. (laughs nervously)

Chi-Chi looks at Goten who is still looking at her with his eyes being hopeful. In the end, Chi-Chi surrenders.

CHI-CHI: Fine!

Goten is filled with glee.

GOTEN: Thanks, Mom!

CHI-CHI: But if you got matched up with Vegeta then you should quit the fight, okay?

VEGETA: (quite offended) And why am I being singled out?

CHI-CHI: Because I know you won't be merciful against my Goten. It doesn't help that he looks a lot like Goku.

VEGETA: I'm not dumb enough to blow my chances into fighting Kakarot!

BULMA: Are you even sure you and Goku will get to fight against each other?

VEGETA: I will make sure it's us in the end.

BULMA: Don't forget Gohan and the others.

VEGETA: Why do you think I've been training hard all this time? I'll win against them and I will win over Kakarot.

BULMA: (exhales deeply) I sometimes wonder if I have to be jealous with that obsession of yours over Goku.

The others also started arriving. Krillin and his family arrived with Master Roshi and Oolong. Yamcha arrived with Puar. Even the Ox-King is there to join them.

All of them aboard the airship that will take them to the tournament's venue. Bulma is the one driving. Beside her is Vegeta, and behind her are Master Roshi, Oolong and Gohan. On the other side were Krillin and his family. Behind them are Yamcha and Chi-Chi, and on the other side are Goten, Trunks and Puar who are watching the surroundings they passed on through the window of the airship. The Ox-King is behind them all.

BULMA: Are you sure Goku is really coming back?

GOHAN: That's what he said. You know Dad never breaks his promise.

YAMCHA: He even married someone because of a promise.

All of them laugh.

CHI-CHI: By the way, Yamcha, are you also joining the tournament?

YAMCHA: Nah! I would not like to embarrass myself fighting these powerhouse fighters.

VEGETA: It's good for you to acknowledge that.

YAMCHA: But... how about Tien and Chiaotzu? Aren't they coming?

GOHAN: I wasn't able to inform them. I don't know how to reach them.

YAMCHA: Yeah... haven't seen them, too, since the Cell Games. For sure they will be happy to see Goku again.

KRILLIN: And Goku will be happy to see them, too.

GOHAN: I'm sure Dad won't recognize you, Krillin.

KRILLIN: Yeah... I figured that out, too.

MASTER ROSHI: It's been a long time since we've seen him.

OX-KING: It sure is a long time since you've all been together.

GOHAN: By the way... Vegeta, Tunks, and Goten, I think it's better if we don't turn to Super Saiyan.

VEGETA: And why is that?

BULMA: Of course, it's obvious! Not only is being a Super Saiyan already an odd occurrence here on Earth, but if you turn blond people might recognize you as those people who were on the Cell Games. And with all the media around the venue, it sure will blow up. I can only imagine those reporters in front of my house trying to get a story. That will be chaotic!

VEGETA: Then I'll just kill them all.

BULMA: Oh, Vegeta! Will you behave?

VEGETA: Fine! I won't turn to Super Saiyan. It doesn't matter anyway. I'll win no matter what.

TRUNKS: And I won't turn into Super Saiyan, too.

GOTEN: Me, too!

GOHAN: Thanks, guys.

BULMA: Oh! I think we finally arrived.

PAPAYA ISLAND

In front of them is Papaya Island, the venue of the tournament. Lots of airships are also coming to that island, not only for the guests but also for the media as well. The group arrives on a jam-packed tournament venue. Lots of people are on the island, and there are also a lot of stalls and shops around the place where people can buy food, refreshments and other things such as collectibles and memorabilia connected to the tournament.

KRILLIN: Wow! I don't remember the tournament being this crowded.

BULMA: Times sure changed in here.

KRILLIN: It actually feels like a festival in here.

YAMCHA: I wonder if Goku is here already.

Suddenly, the people come rushing into the entrance of the venue. There lands a big airship with the logo 'MR. SATAN' on it. Everyone started talking about it, being excited about the arrival of their world champion.

KRILLIN: It looks like the world champion has already arrived.

BULMA: He sure does know how to do an entrance.

Mr. Satan goes down his ship.

MR. SATAN: Yeah!

The people cheer in glee. Some even chanted his name. The reporters rush in to interview him.

REPORTER #1: Mr. Satan, what are the odds of you winning this year?

MR. SATAN: A hundred and twenty percent! They might as well deliver the prize to my hotel room.

He laughs proudly. The people cheered more.

Videl goes down the airship, quite annoyed at the display of his father's conceit and the crowd's pleasure on it.

REPORTER #2: Ms. Videl, we've heard you're joining the senior division this year, with the possibility of fighting your own father. What will your strategy be if you are faced with him in the finals?

VIDEL: (quite annoyed) Maybe I'll punch and kick him. What do you think?

Mr. Satan just laughed at his daughter's sarcasm.

YAMCHA: Wow! It seems like Mr. Satan is really into this celebrity business.

GOTEN: Mr. Piccolo is here!

Piccolo is seen under a palm tree. Gohan goes to him.

GOHAN: Piccolo! You came!

Piccolo smiles.

GOHAN: Have you seen my father yet?

PICCOLO: Not yet, but he will come.

Piccolo notices Gohan's costume.

PICCOLO: Are you really going to compete with that outfit?

GOHAN: Why? It's cool, right?

Piccolo looks at him, as if he's about to say something. In the end he just stays quiet.

CHI-CHI: Oh, where could Goku be?

KRILLIN: I'll go look for him.

YAMCHA: Me, too!

Suddenly, the long awaited Saiyan appears. Goku arrives with Fortune Teller Baba.

GOKU: Hey guys!

EVERYONE: Goku!

Krillin is about to cry as he looks at his best friend. Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong are smiling widely.

Bulma is tearing up. Vegeta is just staring, as well as Trunks who have never met Goku before (he was still a baby during the Cell Games). Android 18 is also just staring, with a clueless Marron beside her.

Even Piccolo is smiling, as well as the Ox-King and Master Roshi. Chi-Chi has started crying. Goten is just staring at the man who suddenly appeared making everybody suddenly overjoyed.

GOHAN: Dad...

It was Gohan who first rushed to Goku.

GOHAN: Dad!

Gohan ran to his father as if he was the same nine-year old kid he was when Goku left them and decided to stay in the other world. He gives his father a tight embrace, which Goku reciprocates.

GOKU: Whoa, Gohan! You've grown so much!

Gohan laughs at his father's remark, though tears are also present in his eyes.

The others also come rushing to Goku. Krillin who is crying, Yamcha, Oolong, and Puar. They all surround Goku.

GOKU: Wow! Everyone is here! It's nice to see you all, guys. You've all changed a lot.

After that, Goku comes to Master Roshi.

MASTER ROSHI: Welcome back, Goku. It's been a while.

GOKU: It sure, is. Looking good, Master.

MASTER ROSHI: Getting old is not bad at all.

Goku smiles. Then he looks at Bulma.

GOKU: Bulma!

BULMA: Hey, Goku! How's it going?

GOKU: Fine... You cut your hair.

BULMA: Yeah... Being a mother is quite a lot.

Goku looks down at Trunks.

GOKU: Trunks has really grown up.

Trunks just stares at him.

GOKU: Vegeta!

Vegeta just nods.

Goku turns around and finds Chi-Chi.

GOKU: Hey, Chi-Chi...

Goku comes closer to the teary-eyed Chi-Chi.

CHI-CHI: You're late...

Goku holds her by the shoulders.

GOKU: I'm sorry...

CHI-CHI: Oh Goku...

Chi-Chi collapsed in his arms, crying gently on his chest. Goku kisses her head, calming her down while stroking her back. He smiles at the Ox-King who is watching them, and the big guy smiles back at Goku. After a few moments, Chi-Chi lets go and wipes her tears away.

CHI-CHI: Okay... this has to stop. I have to stop crying.

With a little more effort Chi-Chi was able to fully stop crying. She smiles at her husband who looks lovingly at her.

Goku then notices a small boy with black spiky hair behind Chi-Chi. The small guy seems surprised at the sudden attention. He moves back to his grandfather, the Ox-King, and hid behind his big leg.

GOKU: Hey, Chi... were you...

Goku looks at Chi-Chi, who seems to know what's going on with her husband's head. She nods as confirmation, then smiles.

CHI-CHI: I found out two months after the Cell Games.

Goku gapes at her, amazed at what he heard. He looks at the small tot, who is still looking bashfully at the taller version of him.

CHI-CHI: Goten, go meet your Dad.

Goten looks at Chi-Chi who gave him a reassuring smile. He then looks back at Goku, still unsure as he clings tightly on his grandfather's huge leg.

OX-KING: Come on, Goten. Don't you want to meet your Dad?

Goku sits down, still amazed at what he's seeing.

GOKU: Hey... I'm Goku.

Goten looks shy, but answers anyway.

GOTEN: I'm Goten...

Goku smiles at him, and after staring for a few more moments, Goten finally seems to warm up on him.

GOTEN: Daddy!

Goten rushes to Goku, the latter almost falling down with the impact.

GOKU: Whoa! You don't only look like me. You're also as strong!

Goku stands up and carries Goten. He smiles joyfully at his kid, who seems overjoyed into finally meeting him.

GOTEN: I'm joining the tournament as well.

GOKU: Really?

Goku gives Chi-Chi a questioning look.

CHI-CHI: Oh, it can't be helped! He's your son after all.

Goku laughs at what Chi-Chi said.

GOKU: Were you training hard?

GOTEN: Yes! I'm training with Gohan back home.

GOKU: Wow... So that's why you're so strong.

GOTEN: And also Mom, too.

Once again, Goku looks at Chi-Chi, quite impressed at what he just learned. His wife just shrugged.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: Goku!

Goku looks at the fortune teller.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: Remember, you only have twenty-four hours here on earth.

GOKU: I will. Thanks, Baba.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: I'll go now.

The fortune teller leaves.

GOTEN: That woman looks strange.

GOKU: She is a little strange, but she's nice.

Goku once again smiles at Goten, obviously amazed of the surprise that's been handed to him.

But the group needs to proceed with what they really came here for. It was Piccolo who reminded them that.

PICCOLO: We must go in and register, or else we'll be late.

GOKU: Right!

All of them goes to the registration booth. It was a long line, but after some time of waiting they had their turn to register.

GOHAN: The Great Saiyaman!

REGISTRAR: Great Se... what is that again?

GOHAN: The Great Saiyaman!

REGISTRAR: Okay... (writes on the list) Next!

GOKU: What is that Great Saiyaman?

GOHAN: It's my superhero name.

Trunks is next in line.

REGISTRAR: Oh! Another one for the junior division.

TRUNKS: What is that?

REGISTRAR: All the contestants under 15 years old will compete in a separate Junior Division match.

TRUNKS: Goten! They said we can't fight with the adults.

BULMA: That's not in the rules before. Guess they changed it since last time.

CHI-CHI: I think that's better.

TRUNKS: But I want to fight with the adults!

REGISTRAR: I'm sorry, but rules are rules. Next!

Trunks was not able to alter the registrar's resolve, which makes him grumpy.

After registration, the fighters included in the tournament all proceed to the competition hall.

GOKU: Alright! Let's go, guys!

CHI-CHI: Do great, Honey! And you too, Gohan and Goten.

GOKU: We will. See you in a bit!

BULMA: Do your best, guys!

Android 18 gives Marron to Master Roshi.

MASTER ROSHI: Don't worry. I'll take care of her.

ANDROID 18: You better.

MARRON: Bye Mom and Dad! Good luck!

KRILLIN: Bye, Sweetie! We'll be back soon, okay? Stay close to Master Roshi and the others.

All of them walks to the venue. 

The preliminary assessment will be done first. All the participants who registered are taken to a wide open space near the arena.

KRILLIN: Wow! Look at all these people!

GOHAN: Is this how it usually is?

KRILLIN: Yeah... But I think there are a lot more this year.

The World Tournament Announcer comes to them.

ANNOUNCER: Wow! It really is you!

Goku and Krillin look at the announcer.

GOKU: Hey!

KRILLIN: It's been a long time!

ANNOUNCER: It sure is! I never thought I will see you again, though I am always hoping I would... (moves closer and whispers) By the way. It's not Mr. Satan who really beat Cell, right? It was you, right?

Goku and Krillin just laugh.

GOHAN: (on his mind) It sure is nice to see someone recognize Dad for how strong he really is.

ANNOUNCER: To be honest, this tournament has been totally lame since that last fight you were in. Mediocre fights, you know. No fun at all. But now you're all here, and I'm excited to see amazing fights later.

The announcer notices Android 18 and Vegeta.

ANNOUNCER: Are they with you also?

GOKU: Yes.

ANNOUNCER: That's great! This really is a great day. (notices Piccolo) So, can you promise to not destroy the ring this time?

PICCOLO: I'll try not to.

ANNOUNCER: (laughs) That's what I'm talking about... (notices Goku's halo) Hey, what's the deal with that thing on your head?

GOKU: Oh, this? (points at the halo) Actually, I've been dead since my fight with Cell. I just came back today for this tournament.

ANNOUNCER: You know, I've witnessed a lot of weird things involving you, so I'll buy that.

The person in-charge of the preliminary announces the start of the competition.

ANNOUNCER: That's my cue! See you in a bit, guys!

GOKU: See ya!

The World Tournament Announcer leaves.

IN-CHARGE: Today, we have 194 contestants who registered for this competition. Only 16 will have the chance to go to the semi finals. Mr. Satan, as the defending champion, will automatically move in, so only 15 among you will move on after this preliminary competition… As for the junior division, there will be no elimination round. All of the contestants for the junior division, please come this way.

The children fighting in the junior division all went to the person in-charge. They were then escorted outside the venue. After that, a punching machine was wheeled in.

IN-CHARGE: We will use this punching machine to select the top 15. The 15 highest scorers will move on to the next round.

KRILLIN: A punching machine?

GOHAN: What is that?

IN-CHARGE: For a little demonstration and to set the bar, here is our world champion, Mr. Satan!

Mr. Satan comes in, and again the people cheered and rejoiced for him.

KRILLIN: These people cheer not knowing they might even be stronger than him.

Cameras flash as the media covering the event capture the moment of the world champion. Piccolo, being annoyed himself, does his magic trick paralyzing all the cameras around.

GOHAN: Piccolo?

PICCOLO: All the cameras not only of those here but also those who will watch has all been destroyed. No one will find out about you so you can fight properly.

GOHAN: Thank you, Piccolo.

The media were all frustrated, and Mr. Satan is also quite annoyed. Still, he continues to show them what to do with the punching machine.

The world champion got a decent score of 137, which awed everyone, except for the Z Fighters of course. After the display, Mr. Satan leaves the venue and the competition starts.

It was that time when Gohan suddenly remembers something.

GOHAN: Dad, I'll just go look for a friend.

GOKU: Huh? Okay...

Gohan looks around, trying to find someone from the crowd that started to line up for their turn in the punching machine. As the crowd rush to the machine, he was able to single out the person that made him join the competition in the first place.

GOHAN: Videl!

Videl looks at him.

VIDEL: Gohan!

She suddenly remembers the disguise he wears and the reason behind it. She nervously covers her mouth.

VIDEL: I'm sorry...

GOHAN: It's okay... How's it been?

VIDEL: Great! I trained enough for me to beat you.

Gohan laughs.

VIDEL: How about you?

GOHAN: Great as well. I've trained enough, maybe I might be able to beat you?

Both of them laugh. Then suddenly, Videl seems awkward as she starts to blush.

VIDEL: Did you miss... I mean, of course, you miss school... going to class, you know...

GOHAN: Yeah... but this is about to end so I guess after this, everything will be back to normal.

VIDEL: Yeah... as you say...

Videl seems a little disappointed, which makes Gohan frown in confusion.

GOHAN: (on his mind) Is there something wrong? Did I say something bad?

The Z Fighters are now about to have their turn in the punching machine. Android 18 is the first to try it. She got 774 points, shocking everyone around except those who really knows how she really is.

VIDEL: That is impossible...

GOHAN: (laughs nervously) Maybe something's wrong... he he...

After Krillin's reproach Android 18 repeats the act, earning a lower score of 203, which is still high as compared to the bar set by Mr. Satan. It still shocked others, but it was the trend as the other Z Fighters follow suit. Krillin got 193 points, Goku got 188, Piccolo got 210, and Vegeta... well, his impatience got to him that he destroyed the punching machine in just one punch.

GOHAN: Oops! (on his mind) Trust Vegeta to not hold back his strength.

Everyone is shocked and kind of frightened by what Vegeta did, as well as the high scores that the participants before him got. And because the punching machine was destroyed, they have to replace it disrupting the flow of the preliminary assessment.

GOHAN: Ah, Videl, how is your flying skill? Has it improved?

VIDEL: Gohan! Aren't you shocked at what you just witnessed?

GOHAN: Huh? Ah... Ha ha! W-Well, y-yeah...

VIDEL: That man just destroyed the machine! I can't believe it!

Vegeta went to the other Z Fighters.

VIDEL: That group... they are incredible! They surpassed the score that my father set earlier. All of them got 200 points or close. It was amazing! Incredible...

GOHAN: Well, yeah...

Since it will take some time to get the replacement of the punching machine, those who are done with their turn are advised to wait for the result. Goku and the others decided to go see the junior division competition.

VIDEL: They're coming this way... Look at them walk...So confident and... so sure. Who are these people?

Goku stops upon seeing Gohan. Videl is shocked not only because he's one of those contestants who had unbelievable scores in the punching machine.

VIDEL: (on her mind) This man… it can't be!

GOKU: (looks at Videl) Is she the friend you mentioned earlier?

GOHAN: Uh... yeah...

KRILLIN: Friend, or girlfriend?

Krillin gives Gohan a teasing smile. Gohan gives him an awkward smile.

GOHAN: Krillin, you're embarrassing me.

GOKU: We'll go check on the junior competition.

GOHAN: I'll go after we're finished.

GOKU: Okay... see yah!

The group leaves.

VIDEL: (bewildered) You know those people?

GOHAN: Well, yeah... Actually, that guy in orange gi is my father.

Videl is shocked, and it's because her guess was confirmed.

VIDEL: But... I thought your father is dead!

GOHAN: He is. See that halo above his head? He just came back to join the competition today.

VIDEL: (more confused) What kind of people are you?

Gohan finally realizes what the conversation has turned into. He suddenly does not know how to answer Videl's question. He just looks at her, praying that he did not appear much more strange than he thinks he already seems to her.

At that moment, Videl is finally being able to grasp Gohan's peculiarity a little.

VIDEL: Gohan... there are a lot you haven't told me yet, right?

GOHAN: B-But... what do you want me to tell you?

VIDEL: I don't know... you tell me...

Gohan looks down.

GOHAN: All I can say is that... things that happen in my life and the people around me are not usually what other people experience. Our life is quite different than yours...

Videl looks at Gohan, who is obviously worried. She kind of feels guilty. To console Gohan and somehow fix the situation, she holds his hand.

VIDEL: Different is okay. It's not necessarily bad. Sometimes, it's actually amazing.

Gohan looks at Videl, who smiles at him. He suddenly feels a lot better he was able to smile back.

Videl feels good that Gohan's mood has improved. She likes that he smiled back at her. She likes it a lot it warms her heart. Though it gives her that unexplainable feeling inside her that makes her a little confused and distracted - the feeling that only Gohan was able to give her.

She starts feeling that again, and it makes her feel alarmed. She looks away trying to shake the feeling off, realizing she can't because she can feel her hand holding Gohan's. She lets go of his hand.

But Gohan has other plans. He instead holds her hand, more tightly than she did. Videl looks at their hands holding, then looks at Gohan giving him a questioning look. Gohan grins at her, quite awkwardly, obviously shy, definitely pleading he lets him hold her hand. Videl felt that. She smiles and lets him hold her hand while they wait for their turn in the preliminary assessment.

[internaljiujitsu]

F*%! FEAR: 6 Steps To Becoming Fearless

I lived in fear for forty years. It felt like weakness — as if there was something wrong with me that made me more scared than everyone else. My mother would always tell me about how sickly I was when I was born. How I stayed at the hospital for a month afterwards and how my aunt just barely saved me from dying once (so I guess I was kind of on borrowed time). I hated eating as a kid and was really skinny, adding to my weak mystique. In school, what I now know was anxiety would create psychosomatic illnesses. I’d feel sick, but it was all in my head. Stomach aches, dizziness, shortness of breath  —  It frustrated my dad — especially when he’d have to come pick me up from school again because I was freaking out on the inside.

We grew up watching the crack epidemic take over our neighborhood. The drug dealers did their business out of the fourth floor of our building. My brother and I would sweep up crack vials on the weekends to get our allowance from the superintendent — our dad. The tiny plastic cylinders with colorful caps filled the dustpan as we swept the roach infested vestibule leading down to the spooky, filthy basement.

Several young immigrants that had just arrived from Mexico were found dead over the years in the building next door, where Dad was also the super. Death from unnatural causes was a very real thing where we lived. Around age eight or nine, my alcoholic uncle, who lived in a storage room in the aforementioned basement (and would sometimes walk me to school), was killed when he fell while trying to climb a building to get to his ex girlfriend. I was about ten when our close family friend’s son, a squeaky clean kid visiting from the marine corp, was murdered defending a girl in the playground. At eleven or twelve, I watched my best friend’s dad kill a guy in an argument over a prostitute.

When I was fourteen, I was mugged at gunpoint around the corner from my family’s apartment. My big brother, wielding a large, rusty machete, took me around the entire neighborhood that night looking for the robber. The dude had worn a mask, so my brother put the blade to every thug’s neck that we passed on the street and asked me to look him deep in the eyes. They all knew my brother and respected him. They pleaded for mercy. Thankfully, we never found the guy.

That kind of shit was common in my old neighborhood. Baseball bats were swung in search of skulls and group rumbles were still a thing. I had family members snorting coke in front of me by the time I was in the fourth grade (and immediately making me promise I’d never do the same). Forty ounce bottles of beer were smashed over people’s heads in street fights. My crackhead cousin once robbed a dude using my favorite toy gun. He confessed to me when I found the gun broken and complained to him about it. Bullets fired from roof tops for fun whizzed through the ganja heavy air. It feels like we fought every day at school. That big yellow bus was like the fucking octogan.

We finally moved out of that neighborhood when I was sixteen after a gunfight forced our entire family to jump behind a parked car for cover. That shit was stressful. I was jumpy as hell. It didn’t help that Mom and Dad were very old school disciplinarians, if you know what I mean. There were fights outside and fights inside — all the time. I was always scared.

And that’s how I continued to grow up — I just didn’t show it, or let it stop me from fighting. When it was time to throw down in the street or at school, I always did. Partially because I knew my badass big brother would disown me if he heard I punked out. Backing down meant you were a victim. I once accidentally stepped on his buddy’s shoe and apologized. I’ll never forget what the guy said, “You never say sorry. It makes you look weak.” But a man’s sneakers were sacred in the hood, and I sure as hell never looked for a fight — unless I was channeling big brother.

He loved throwing the first punch and bragged about knocking guys out cold at night clubs — until a near death experience and one hundred and fifty stitches thanks to razor blade slashes made him reconsider his life choices. I’ll never forget when the call came in the middle of the night. I don’t remember why I answered the phone instead of my parents, but the voice on the other end is clear as day, “Your brother has been stabbed.” At that moment I thought the worst, and was relieved to see him gingerly walking through the door later that morning, battered, bruised and slashed to bits — but alive.

When I pretended to be my brother, I wasn’t above throwing a preemptive strike. We all had it in us. Hell, my dad was known to go into some destructive ass kicking rages when people pissed him off. I certainly tried my best not to get on his sizable bad side. Mom and sis aren’t exactly shrinking violets either.

My recurring nightmare as a child was of me walking down a beautiful tree lined street, the very one I always wanted to live on. It was only a few blocks from our shithole, but felt like a world away. In the dream, as I reluctantly step, there is the overwhelming feeling that someone is hiding in the shadows, waiting to attack. I’m petrified to move forward, but I keep going — slowly heading toward the inevitable. It was terrifying torture.

I don’t remember ever actually seeing the attacker. I’ve attached a bunch of meaning to that dream ever since, but at the root was my fear. For most of my life I moved forward, steadily but fearfully. I did things that made me want to shit my pants and forced my way through, hating every minute. In retrospect, these all helped build toughness and character, as did my old neighborhood, but the fear persisted. I became a bouncer, champion bodybuilder and an expert martial artist, but felt like a fraud for the unease that was my base level.

It wasn’t until I took these seven steps that terror’s grip on me loosened. Fear doesn’t have to be your enemy. If you learn how to use it, it will energize your actions and help you break past limitations. But first, you have to acknowledge that it’s there.

Accept that you and everyone you know will die. There’s no way around it. Yeah, it’s bleak, but if you wanna live in denial of death, you’re liable to swallow a bunch of bullshit to ease your mind. At its core, all fear is fear of death. When I was a kid, I hated when anyone brought up dying, especially my parents. The uncertainty was too overwhelming. There’s nothing more worthless than fear of the inevitable. It took me a couple of years of suicidal depression, meditation and time in sensory deprivation tanks to get comfortable with the idea of not existing. The tank feels like you’re floating in the womb. It’s pitch black, soundproof and the water is the same temperature as your body, so it feels lke there’s no separation. You and the enviornment become one. It’s blissfully peacful. Sure, I don’t want to die right now because I’m loving life, but I know it will happen one day — and I hope to enjoy that ride as much as I’m enjoying this one.

You’re not your personality. It’s easy to feel like a single, solitary soul drifting in a vast sea of faces. Valuing our individuality as we do, many of us strive to be unique while others do their best to blend into the collective. The way I see it, we’re all the current that powers these appliances we call our bodies. I feel like I’ve lived several separate lives filled with rich, distinct experiences and at the end of each, I mourned the death of an identity. While it feels like I was different people, the throughline was the same. The real me didn’t change. Our personalities are just things made up by our circumstances. They’re the features of the toaster. We’re the electricity that makes it work. I had to lose everything I had built to figure that one out. Once my marriage, home, business, students, money and identity were gone, it was just me — I had to be OK with that.

Your ego is not your life. Learning how to lose isn’t about being resound to failure. Losing is vital because it’s the only way to discover that life will go on when you do. The first time I lost something when I was sure I’d win was devastating. Everything I believed about myself was shattered. My invincibility was gone. Once I realized that defeat wasn’t death and the people that mattered would love me either way, I began to enjoy every aspect of competition instead of only focusing on the result. It wasn’t until I stopped giving a shit that things clicked. Being afraid of the embarrassment of failure is guaranteed to keep you from enjoying success.

Forgive your fear. Far worse than being afraid was my sense of shame. I hated that I wasn’t brave, like the thugs in my neighborhood. To me, being tough meant never being scared. As I became dedicated to martial arts and more interested in understanding fear, I realized that all those guys were probably just as scared as me. It would have been abnormal for me not to be afraid. The environment was so consistently charged with the potential for violence that I frequently lived in a survival state. Getting out unscaved would have taken a level of psychopathy I didn’t possess. When I forgave the little kid I was for being afraid, the shame melted away and the residual fear soon followed.

Whatever happens, everything always works out. You always know you’re in the right place because that’s where you are. No matter what, the world will keep moving on. It will do the same thing it’s doing now when you’re gone. You don’t need to worry quite so much about making the wrong choice when you accept that it doesn’t really matter what choice you make. Yes, of course you matter, your family will miss you and you’re a beautiful soul — all that jazz. But in the end, the world will continue to unfold, and the Earth will be incinirated by the sun — so fuck it. Embrace the experience but don’t cling to any result.

Step up. A sure fire way to kick fear’s ass is to look it in the eye and blow it a kiss. Fear is a bully. It’s all talk. It will try to shout you down until you grovel your way back to mediocrity. Pick something you’re afraid of and do it! Don’t try to not be afraid. Be afraid and do it anyway. But here’s the important part: Smile while you’re doing it. For me, it was roller coasters. I hated them as a kid. They terrified me, and each time I got on one, I regretted every click up to the top. The thought was always the same, “Why did I get talked into this? Let me off!” I never enjoyed the ride, closing my eyes tight and clenching my body until the hellish few seconds was over. One day, I decided that roller coasters represented the fear I wanted to conquer, so I got on the legendary Cyclone. It’s the old, rickety wooden monster at Coney Island in Brooklyn. The thing screeched a death knell and I loved it! I forced myself to smile from the moment I sat in the seat. I told myself that if that car came off the track, I was gonna soak in my final moments. I was sick and tired of being afraid of fear. My mindset shifted, and the click clack became excitement and anticipation instead of anxiety and fear. Funny how those can feel the same.

If you wanna take it a step further, start embracing pain. It may sound a little masochistic, but I like to stare at the needle when it goes in at the doctor. I like going to the dentist. They both used to scare the shit out of me. Even though I had always sought out the painful burn of a brutal workout, it was the pain I deemed unwanted that I sought to relabel. Smiling at the dentist or laughing after my knee was popped back into place in training were not ways to prove to myself that my body was tough, but that my mind was strong. The anticipation of pain is normally much worse than the physical sensation. Change the way you see pain and the way you interpret the sensation will transform

Of course, no one is fearless — unless they’re a psychopath. Fear will always be with you. It’s what you do with it that determines how far you go. The fluttering in your belly is a sign to take action that scares you because it will force you to grow. The quicker your pulse, the bigger the potential change. Don’t deny your fear. Jump on, throw your hands up and enjoy the beautifully terrifying thrill ride.

[captainoftherollyjoger]

Future Planning

It's Roland's birthday and the group are going on a trip to the zoo. Killian isn't too sure what to think. Throughout the day, Emma thinks about the future she might have with Killian, if only she could find the right words. 

   A few innuendos, a bit of humour, teeny bit of angsty. Over protective mother mode from Emma. Thanks to my bestie @thatwolfbookgirl for suggesting this idea! I say suggesting. More demanding.

Ao3

 “Henry! Hurry up!” Emma shouted up the stairs, he was still in the shower. They had two bathrooms and it still took them ages to get ready. As much as she loved her life, after all, she was married to a man who would go to the end of the world for her, and she had a smart son, she sometimes missed the ease that came with a lonely life. She could grab a coat and walk out the door. Not anymore.

 “What’s the rush, love?” Killian walked into the lounge. He was wearing some grey sweatpants and a black t-shirt, a coffee in his hand.

 “Killian! Why aren’t you dressed?” She stressed. “We’re meant to be meeting the gang at nine! It’s eight thirty.” He just smirked at her. He placed his mug on the table and sauntered over, he snuggled into her neck. “No. You can’t just do this everytime I’m mad.” She stepped back. “Go upstairs, march your arse into our shower, and get changed.”

 His eyebrow raised, “I think you should join me, love. Seems you have a little bit of tension to relieve.”

 “I’ve showered. I’m tense because I promised we wouldn’t be late. As usual! For a pirate captain, you’ve really got lazy.”

 “What can I say, you’ve tamed me.” He walked slowly out the room.

 “Walk with a bit more purpose, Hook.”

 Henry was sitting on the couch, finally. One down, one to go. She had heard Killian shut their bedroom door, at least he was getting somewhere.

“Have you got enough entertainment for the journey? It’s two hours remember.”

“It will feel even longer if you and Killian always make eyes at each other.”

“Stop listening to your mother, we don’t make eyes.” What on earth was he doing? She stomped upstairs. She barged into their room, he was sitting on the bed in his towel. “What are you doing?”

 “I’m tired, Swan.” He lay back on the bed. “I can’t be bothered going out. I can think of much better things to do. Why don’t you join me?” He smirked.

 “Killian, this trip has been planned for a month! Get your clothes on.” He blew his fringe from his eyes. “You need a haircut.”

 “I could get one today.”

 “No, we’re going to the zoo today. Come on, it’s Roland’s birthday. You know how much he loves you.” Killian groaned, he really liked the little lad. She climbed next to him on the bed, he pulled her on top of him.

 “See, isn’t this much better?” He smirked. He went to kiss her but she dodged. She leant down to his ear.

 “Get changed, and I’ll make sure Regina has Henry tonight. I’ll make it up to you then.” She smirked, she kissed his neck as a promise. She got up and he immediately started getting changed. “That’s a good boy.” She laughed and left the room. “Make sure you pick up Roland’s present off the counter.”

 The three of them finally arrived at the Loft. 09:01. Not bad.

 “Killy!” Shouted Roland, the little boy ran up to him and jumped into his arms.

 “Woah! Hey, little thief.” He lifted the boy into the air. “Happy Birthday! Now, tell me, how old are you?”

 “Seven!”

 “Yay! You’re nearly as tall as your daddy.” He smiled. Robin walked over.

 “Roland, put your coat on.” Killian placed the boy down and he did as he was told. Emma walked over to him.

 “How can a seven year old do what he’s told, yet you can’t?

 “I’m a rebel. Like in that Star Wars thing that Henry always talks about.”

  Roland had his coat on and walked back over to Emma and Killian.

 “Hey, Roland. Killian’s got your present.”

 “No, I haven’t.”

 “I told you to pick it up. Did you forget?” At least he had the decency to look guilty. “For goodness sake Killian. I asked you to do one thing.” She sighed and walked off.

 “Wives.” Laughed Robin. “She doesn’t look too happy with you.”

 “Aye, I’ve not been the best today. Admittedly.”

 “Captain Hook scolded by a woman, who would have thought that day would occur?”

 “I’ve been scolded by many a woman, Rob. However, Emma actually matters. I’ll fetch your son’s present over later.” He smiled.

 “Don’t worry about it. He’s got plenty.”

 They finally got on the road. They had to go in different cars. Mary-Margaret, David, and Neal in the truck; Robin, Regina, and Roland in her car; and Emma, Henry, Violet, and Killian in the bug. Violet had met them at the Loft, Henry had invited her along for some company. Emma hadn’t spoken to Killian since she stormed off. Violet and Henry were chatting away in the back of the car, but Killian just sat feeling sorry for himself. Emma looked annoyed. Henry had bought Killian a new phone for his birthday, they decided to upgrade him to a smartphone and introduced him to SnapChat. Most of the town had regretted that. He took his phone out of his pocket, Emma was too busy concentrating on driving and being mad at him, he took a silly picture and sent it her. Even if she wouldn’t see it yet. He rested his head on the side.

 Emma was feeling quite annoyed with her husband. They were pulling into the services, there was only so far a seven year old’s bladder could go. Killian was sleeping on the door, she may have gone over a speed bump harsher than she had to. His head lifted and smacked back on the door. He woke up immediately.

 “What’s wrong, bang your head?”

 “Urm, yeah.” He rubbed it better. They got out of the car and headed for some food. Violet and Henry ran off to McDonalds, but Emma and Hook opted for Burger King. They sat opposite each other on a small table, Emma was checking her phone. A snapchat from Killian. She opened it. He was pulling a funny face with a caption Sorrrrrrryyy, I love youuuu ;D. She laughed and looked up at him, he was stuffing his face with his burger.

 “What’s so funny, Swan?” He asked after he swallowed his large bite.

 “You. You’re a goofball.” She smiled. “Sorry for being grumpy.” She leant over the table and kissed him. "I've just been thinking about something."

 “Sorry for being a pain. I’ll be on my best behaviour. Care to share?” She shook her head.

 The whole group arrived at the zoo. Roland was jumping up and down in excitement.

 “What are we seeing first, daddy?” Robin smiled and handed him a map.

 “Up to you, you’re the birthday boy.”

 “So, Swan. What is this place?” Asked Killian, who was now holding Emma’s hand. Henry had mimicked a gagging motion towards Violet, when they started being lovey dovey again.

“It’s a zoo. It’s where we can see wild animals. Some people disagree with them, some think they’re cruel, caging animals up. Others think they’re useful, they have breeding programmes and such, plus they’re educational.”

 “What kind of animals? Like dogs?”

 “They don’t have dogs at zoos, Killian.” Laughed Henry. “They have lions and stuff.”

 “Lions? What’s a lion?”

 “You’ll see.” Emma patted his chest.

 “I want to see the elephants!” Shouted Roland.

 “Elephant?”

 “You can’t miss them, Killian.” Smiled Violet.

 The group headed straight to the elephant enclosure. There was a whole range of sizes of elephant. Killian looked terrified.

 “Swan, they are huge. What’s that thing on it’s face.”

 “It’s nose, Killian.”

 “It’s nose? It could give August a run for his money.” He found his joke hilarious, as did Robin. Emma gave him a stern look. “I’m kidding around, love.”

 “Stop being mean to August. Just because you’re jealous of him.”

 “No I’m not!”

 “You so are, Captain.” Laughed Regina. Killian shot her a nasty look.

 “Daddy! Giraffe’s next!” The little boy ran off and they all followed.

 “What the hell is wrong with that things neck? Has it been tortured? It’s taller than the bloody beanstalk I’ve had to climb. Twice.” He smirked at Emma, always fond of remembering their first adventure together. “If I’m not wrong, Dave. That’s where you called me son.” He smiled, smacking the prince on the shoulder.

 “I regret it more and more each day.” He sighed.

 “Killy!” Roland was being asked to be picked up. “It’s a giraffe! They come from Africa.” Killian put the boy on his shoulders.

 “If you keep growing anymore, you’ll be just as tall, lad.” Emma laughed at him. “What else do you know about them?”

 “They have a blue tongue to stop them from getting sunburn!”

 “Wow, that’s very cool. You’re much more clever than your father.”

 “Hey!”

Killian kept Roland on his shoulders for a while, he demanded to see the lions next. Henry and Violet had disappeared, they wanted to go watch the parrot show. Killian was completely against that idea. Parrots he was well aware of. No thank you.

 “Why do these animals have such a big cage around them? They looked harmless, Swan.” He was watching the large male lion dozing in the sun.

 “I can assure you, hubby. You don’t want to mess with a lion.” She chuckled. “They look harmless, but honestly, they’ll kill you.”

 “Hmm, I think I know someone who reminds me of a lion.” He smirked, he leaned in and kissed her.

 “Ew! Killy! Stop it.” Roland yanked his head back by his hair.

 “Ow! That hurt.”

 “Then don’t kiss people in public.”

 “She’s my wife!”

 “Who cares? Take me over there.” He rolled his eyes and did as the boy commanded.

  Mary Margaret walked up to Emma’s side, David was holding Neal and pointing at the lions, he had just started walking.

 “They’re cute together.” Smiled her mother. “Roland and Killian.”

 “Yeah, they are.” She smiled. Her mother gave her a big smile. “No, mom. This is not the time for that conversation.”

 “Is it so bad for a mother to want her child to be happy?”

 “I am happy.”

 “I know, dear. But, I know what would make you happier. You’re ready, and you know it.” Emma rolled her eyes. “He’s ready.”

 “He’s been ready for a while.” She admitted.

 “It would make him extremely happy.”

 “Hook is extremely happy anyway, especially with Henry opening up more and more with him. He keeps asking him loads of questions about Violet.”

 “Is romantic advice from Killian what you want Henry to be hearing?”

 “He won me over, didn’t he?”

 “Eventually.” Emma sighed. “Can we just have a nice day out? I don’t want to think about anything serious today.”

 “What are we queuing for?” Whined Killian. “We’ve been standing here for ages.”

 “Stop moaning.”

 “But, Swaaan. I’m hungry, when’s lunch?” He hugged her around the back and rested his head on her shoulder, he let out a large animated sigh.

 “Five minutes.”

 The five minutes passed quickly and their group was shouted up. Henry and Violet had returned to them. They were having a group picture taken, it was pirate themed, Killian was not impressed.

“Who’s wearing the pirate hat?” Asked the photographer, he was too cheery for Killian’s liking,

“This one, here.” Laughed Emma, pointing at Killian.

“Here you go, sir.”

 “I am not wearing that.” The hat had a long black wig attached to it, similar to the Disney Hook. “You can offer me all the money in the world, I wouldn’t be seen dead in that.”

 “That can be arrange, Captain, put on the hat and make Roland’s day special before I do something you regret.” Spat Regina. He grumpily put the hat on. The man took the picture, but Hook refused to smile.

 “Would you mind smiling, captain?” Asked the photographer. Emma had her arm around him and pinched him.

 “Ow!”

 “Smile.” It was more a grimace than a smile, but they took it. He ripped the hat off and walked off.

 “He really doesn’t like looking like an idiot, does he?” Laughed Henry.

 “Doesn’t he look in the mirror everyday?” Asked Regina, they all laughed. Even Emma. He heard them and walked faster.

 “He gets hangry. If we feed him, he’ll be fine.” Said Emma.

 They had lunch in a large cafeteria, everyone was chatting nicely, Hook’s mood had improved now he had some chicken nuggets in him. Regina bought Roland a cupcake and stuck a candle in it. They sang happy birthday to him and everyone around them cheered. The next enclosure they ventured to was the lemurs and monkeys, the room was open, so they could walk through. Emma and Killian were chatting by a water feature, when he saw Emma eyeing up Henry. He turned and looked, the pair were holding hands and laughing together.

 “Now, now, Swan. It is his girlfriend. Calm your motherly wrath.” Killian was grinning like an idiot.

 “You enjoy it too much, you love seeing him get flustered over her.”

 “What can I say? It’s too funny, he gets all nervous and sweaty. Plus, he does so many embarrassing things in front of her, always dropping things, walking into things and such.”

 “You’re not always the dashing rapscallion you think you are. I seem to remember a certain deckhand who couldn’t even speak to me. Getting all nervous when I taught him to sword fight.”

 “Any man would be nervous with you and a sword near them. If I remember correctly, the first time we met you held a dagger to my throat.”

 “You were a different kind of nervous, you kept tripping over your words, you fancied me.” She teased.

 “Course I did, you defeated a dragon, plus you were the most beautiful woman I ever met. You always will be, Swan.” He smirked.

 “I know.”

 “Swan, why is that bird pink?”

 “It’s a flamingo.”

 “Why is it standing on one leg?”

 “Because if it stood on none, it would fall over.” Even she smirked at the speed of her response.

 “You think you’re sooo funny.” He ran over and started tinkling her sides.

 “Killian! No, don’t! I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have been funny, don’t. Stop. Stop. Please.”

 “Get a room.” Sighed Regina.

 “Speaking of which, will you have Henry tonight? If he agrees?” Asked Emma.

 “He told me he was staying at Violet’s.”

 Emma froze, “He’s what?” Hook smirked. “I don’t think so.”

 “Let the lad stay.”

 “Killian, he’s sixteen.”

 “May I remind you that by the time you were seventeen, you were pregnant.” Stated Regina.

 “Yes, that’s why I’m cautious. I don’t want any grandkids yet.”

 “Calm down, Swan. You’re overreacting. Let the lad stay, you trust him.” She nodded and sighed.

 “I don’t know what looks worse, the Dark One, or the real thing.” Killian was looking at the crocodiles in disgust. “Look at them. Ugh.” He felt Emma’s hand hold his.

 “Tick tock, pirate. You’ve been looking at them in disgust for ten minutes.”

 “They’re just so foul.” One of them moved unexpectedly, Killian jumped. “I’ve had enough.”

  Killian trudged into the living room, the last enclosure of the day had not been a successful one. He was never going to a zoo again. Emma followed behind him, grinning like an idiot.

 “No one told you to feed the goats, hubby.” Killian had seen the petting zoo and was just as keen as Henry and Roland to feed the goats, yet he didn’t know how desperate they were. The goat had taken the bag and Killian’s fake hand with it, he couldn’t get it back, so had to walk around with his brace empty for the rest of the day. “I warned you, they’re violent.”

 “I need a bath.” He ran his hand through his hair. “This day has been too traumatic.” She laughed at how pathetic he was being, but she guessed it would be a little strange for him.

 “Oi, you.” She said, gently. He turned around. “Come ‘ere.” She opened her arms out wide for him. He smiled and hugged her tight. “I’ll run you a bath, go and relax on the couch for a bit. Then I’ll make us some pasta. How does that sound?” She smiled.

 “You treat me too well,” he snuggled into her neck. “Honestly. I’d be lost without you, I love you.”

 “I love you too, now, go on. I’ll shout you when it’s ready.”

 Killian was lying on the couch, reading a book Henry had recommended. A guy who was called Hannibal, and he was a cannibal? Henry had odd tastes, but the boy seemed excited.

“Killian!” That was his cue. He stomped up the stairs, he was ready for this bath. He walked into the bathroom, Emma was lying in his bath.

 “I think we’ve brought back one of the animals from the zoo, love. There appears to be a swan in my bath.”

 “What’s wrong, captain? Scared of a bird.” He scoffed and joined her. He lay back on her and closed his eyes. “Can I speak to you about something?”

 “Aye, lass. Anything you want.” He was feeling relaxed and Emma was running her hands through his hair.

 “It’s… well, it’s a bit awkward.” He opened his eyes. “I just want your opinion if I’m being honest. It’s no certainty or anything.” She was glad he couldn’t stare her in the face with his big blue eyes, she would never have managed.

 “I’m worried, love.”

 “Don’t be. It’s just, we’ve been married for what? Nearly two years now.”

 “Aye, our anniversary is next month. Do you want to discuss plans?”

 “Sort of… I was just wanting to know your opinion of maybe extending the family?”

 “Is there another resident in town who has appeared? Another blonde claiming to be related to you?” His voice was full of concern. She slapped him playfully over the head. “Hey!”

 “You know for someone who claims to be quite perceptive, you ain’t half an idiot sometimes! I’m talking about having a baby, Killian!” He tensed.

 “A baby?”

 “Yes. I mean, I’m not certain I want one, and I’d have to speak to Henry, but I wanted to speak to you about it. After all, you’re kind of the necessary ingredient.”

 “I would love to have a baby with you, Emma.”

 “You would?”

 “Preferably two.” He smirked.

 “Two?”

 “A boy and a girl.”

 “You’ve thought about this?”

 “Aye. For a while now.” He admitted quietly.

 “Why did you never say anything?”

 “Because I thought you were happy with Henry, that you wouldn’t want to go through pregnancy again, it was so traumatic for you the last time. I know it scares you, I’m the one who comforts you when you wake up screaming about it.”

  “Surely, if we had a baby, or two.” She smiled. “Then I wouldn’t have to experience pregnancy like that again?”

 “You would be treated like a princess… even more than you already are. I’ll be there for you through anything, Swan.”

 “I love you, Killian. Tell me.”

 “Tell you what?”

 “About our kids, I assume you’ve thought about it?”

 “You don’t need to hear it,” He was embarrassed.

 “I want to.”

 “Okay, well, if I got my own way. I’d have a little boy first. With your permission, I’d like to call him Liam after my brother.”

 “Who would he look like? Me or you?”

 “I imagine him with lighter brown hair, slightly auburn, like Liam had. A bit curly. He’d have bright blue eyes.”

 “Would he have a middle name?”

 “David.... Or Charming, whichever you prefer.” He chuckled.

 “What about our second child?”

 “She’d be a little girl, spitting image of her mother. Stubborn.”

 “Of course.”

 “Gutsy, intelligent, she’d probably have me wrapped around her little finger.”

 “No doubt about it. What would we name her?”

 “I always liked Emilia. Emilia Rose perhaps?”

 “That’s beautiful, Killian.”

 “They would never be taken to the zoo though, I’m not putting our children in harm’s way.”

 “Of course. I love you.”

 “I love you too.”