Why do I do this to myself? It's not like my stare is going to tear him away from that God-damned laptop any faster.
Maybe if I sigh a little louder?
Nothing. Damn you, Gohan, can't you even look at me?
Of course not. He never looks at me anymore. He's too busy - with work, with school, with Pan - with everything and everyone. Well, everyone except me. And why should he pay attention to me? I'm only his wife, after all... Damn, it's already midnight. It's too late to do this to myself right now. I give up. I'm going to sleep.
Finally! His eyes have finally managed to leave his lap and look at me. Maybe... I hear the soft knock at the door. Figures.
"I'll get it," I offer in response to his silent plea. I can't sense energy levels like my husband, but I don't need to this time. I already know who it is. We rarely have company that isn't family, and there's only one who's ever come after nine P.M.
Looks like Chichi's on the warpath again.
His attention's already back to whatever he was working on before the interruption. One of these days I'm going to have to get someone to teach me how to throw a ki blast. Maybe that would get his attention.
I slip on my robe and slippers before standing up stiffly. Damn, I'm getting old. Maybe that's why Gohan doesn't want me anymore. Oh well, I better not leave Goku waiting on the doorstep. God knows he's probably been through enough today as it is.
I make my way carefully down the stairs until I'm at the door. Through the small window I see the shadow of spikes jutting every which way. I open the door, and I can't help the smile that forms on my lips. He hasn't changed since the first time I met him almost fifteen years ago. Damned Saiyajins. The man is over fifty years old, and there is not one wrinkle or gray hair or less than perfectly toned spot on his body. I swear, if he wasn't my father-in-law, I'd hate his guts for being so God-damned flawless.
He spins around and flashes me the goofy grin that seems to be permanently plastered to his face, and I wonder, not for the first time, if that expression is genuine or more of a habit.
"Hey Videl. Sorry... I know it's late..."
"Come on in," I interrupt as I move to the side so he can enter. "We were still up."
He walks in tentatively, which I find quite amusing. I mean, he's the strongest being in the known universe, and he's afraid of walking into his own son's house. Of course, I know how much he hates doing this. I still remember the first time Gohan brought his father over after one of their arguments. Correction: one of her arguments. I've seen a few in my time, after all, and they've always been one-sided. It's sad really. Chichi flies off the handle about whatever bothers her that day, and Goku just sits there and takes it. Or he apologizes a lot. Considering the time, I can guess what this fight was about. It wouldn't be the first time she's sent him away from her bed by throwing him out of the house. It's enough to make me want to choke the menopausal wench. She just doesn't know how lucky she is.
Maybe that's why Gohan has no interest in sex. Perhaps it's genetic; he gets it from his mother. That would be my luck.
Goku used to stay in the woods when Chichi would kick him out. Of course, when Gohan found out, he insisted his father stay here instead. It doesn't bother me any. I know Goku can take care of himself, but he's family. He shouldn't have to camp out in the forest. I wonder if Gohan would have been so generous if he had known at the time just how often Goku would end up staying over. Hell, he lives here just as much as he does the house next door these days.
I lead him to the kitchen instead of the guestroom like I normally do. He usually ends up here anyway, and this way I don't have to worry about him fumbling through the cabinets after everyone's asleep. Besides, it's detrimental to the health of my appliances to ask him to fend for himself and cook. I thank God for my foresight when I hear a soft rumble behind me. I turn and he gives me an apologetic smile as his hand rubs his stomach. It makes him look so young and innocent despite everything he's endured in his life. It's actually quite adorable.
