Gohan x Piccolo Apples

Chapter 3: The Necessary Hunger

"Okay...I love you too"Gohan sat in stunned silence, had Piccolo really said that? The Namek before him was still also, eyes patient but tense, Gohan could see no trace of acting, his breathing slow and having to think to keep calm, that majestic throat gulped nervously, which in many ways reassured the demi-saiyajin, were Piccolo putting on an act he might be more stone like, but in is numb and nervous sate he still whispered "you mean it?" in more of a support to his minds disbelief.Piccolo looked to those open vulnerable eyes and only felt a greater strength gather within him, even though his own world had just flipped and this idea of being in a relationship at all, and with Gohan of all people, it was just the most unexpected and mindboggling thing to happen in his life, but for once in his life he was going to command his bravery and accept it. "You did ask for my honest answer, so...there it is" he answered softly and Gohan's breathing became shallow as warmth exploded in his chest, Piccolo had said yes, he'd said YES!The teen couldn't contain himself then, it was real, it was happening, Piccolo had accepted his feelings, his breath leaving him as the tears glistened in his eyes, and looking at his beautiful beloved next to him and, though he would normally have been more careful around the Namek, resolve braking he had to embrace his love. Piccolo watched as the teen reacted, as though a tremor of emotion was enveloping him, and saw those eyes shine overwhelmed with joy, such a reaction making Piccolo feel heated too, a great relief in the man's joy, Then Gohan turned slightly towards the Namek and seeing the movement he knew Gohan was reaching out to him in a sort of hug.He wasn't used to 'hugs' or touching of any kind other than fighting really, but Gohan had embraced him like this before when younger, though Piccolo often quickly removed the tot; Piccolo's natural reaction would have been to say 'get off' but by accepting Gohan's feelings, Piccolo was also allowing the man passed all his barriers, past his cold exterior and the layers, plus considering this young man was giving him his love and his faith the least he could do was accept the hug. Plus, Piccolo couldn't explain it, but he felt shaken, what had just happened, he suddenly felt vulnerable and, strangely he wouldn't change his predicament, though he was just that, vulnerable, and found the strong arms encircling him comforting.Gohan's muscular arms embraced his partner gently around his waist, careful of the still healing hip and their torso's pressed together, the heat of their flesh somewhat surprising as Gohan's skin tingled at being allowed such close contact. Looking up to Piccolo's face looking for reassurance he was not crossing a line or making his love uncomfortable and saw those eyes, while anxious were eased somewhat, glittering like he'd never seen before and knew Piccolo had been completely honest with him. The nervousness more than understandable, Gohan hadn't expected Piccolo to just instantly melt into place as his lover, Piccolo didn't know much about these things, and as a person who's most defining moves lay in his cunning, being at a lack of information left him at a great disadvantage. This actually made Gohan's heart flutter more thinking of the trust Piccolo was putting into the teen was staggering, Gohan was so proud of Piccolo then, feeling the Namek's own heart beats as they were pressed against each other and that elegant face awash with his rare kindness "thank you" the teen whispered.Piccolo blinked looking down at the young man who was so close his breath tickled over his neck ad jaw, skin soft and muscles dependable "I just told the truth" he replied as tough he didn't understand the need for thanks, especially when the Namek himself was grateful. The main thought that allowed him to accept was actually something else, despite all his unflattering views on himself he knew one thing, he knew he would do anything for Gohan, and if he could trust anyone to stand by the teen it was himself; he needn't worry of loyalty or the like; they were absolute."I know, but...I don't know how to explain it..." Gohan said softly, smiling uncontrollably, after all those fears and dreams of disasters the great relief was euphoric and to be able to hold his love like this blew his mind. Piccolo nodded slowly, the last time Piccolo had heard Gohan say that he was trying to define the meaning of the word 'love', a memory when in hand with the truth was now becoming rather precious and as Gohan sat himself up straighter though still hugging Piccolo's waist, just looser, Piccolo found his own lips curling into a smile.For the longest time they just looked at each other, Piccolo was afraid, so was Gohan, if Gohan pushed to far too fast he would hurt Piccolo and the Namek would probably do his best not to let on how he felt, and Piccolo was afraid because, well, he was just afraid. He didn't exactly feel like he had any footing over his situation anymore, but it was okay, Gohan was a protector, he had been in the Cell games, in his life and now, in that room, they were together and everything would be fine. "This doesn't feel real," Gohan chuckled lightly "am I awake?" Gohan said with a glint in his eyes and Piccolo's smile only widened though still private but the teen didn't miss how the side of his lips wavered slightly as something in his mind surfaced for a second. "What's wrong?"Gohan asked suddenly feeling panicked his eyes naked, was Piccolo regretting it; was he upset? Said eyes glanced to the side and the teen sighed sorrowfully.The teen's worry making him rise up protectively, he shifted to kneel on the bed, sinking slightly at in the thick quilts beneath him and whispered "please tell me" as he moved his hands up to cup either side of his beloved's face, eyes locked and the Nameks' slightly wide while the teens' were searching. Piccolo felt Gohan looking at him, he had shown a slight waver, he wished he'd been better at it since he didn't want to worry him, he just he wasn't used to anything like this and there was one insecurity that clawed about his nerves. He had to say it now, he couldn't let Gohan go on thinking there was a chance of regret or the like, "why me?""What?" Gohan replied automatically as he felt his mind draw a blank, what was piccolo asking him exactly?Piccolo gulped quietly and became very sensitive to those manly hands and fingers fitted to the sides of his face, how the dull fingertips would press into the soft panels of his face gently but firmly and the Namek found himself strained to look at the young man, for some reason the question summoning an inner burning "why me of all people?" his voice quiet due to their close proximity and the silence of the room, smooth and deep as Gohan's ears pricked, slowly the cogs in his mind turning to process those words, a spike in the teen's chest when Piccolo continued to say "...there are so many better people out there..." and as the Namek was about to continue Gohan felt an anger flame up inside of him. It wasn't directed at anyone in particular, certainly not at Piccolo, he was protective of his mate, loved him, and to think Piccolo felt less than he was...it hurt Gohan though it wasn't a concept that was strange to him. Hands moved and arms wrapped around Piccolo completely, chests pressed together and muscular arms over Piccolo's own and burly hands pushed slightly against the fabric and skin as he held the Namek tightly, Gohan's head over Piccolo's shoulder, facing that elegant neck and, even though he had confessed his love, he had many more things to say and now was the time. Without moving from his position, embracing his love so closely, his voice vibrating next to the sensitive ears and breath flirting over emerald flesh, he began to speak of his real feelings "Piccolo," he said making Piccolo's nerves spark at the surprisingly strong voice, a sense of conviction and even passion as he declared his truths "I think you're perfect" he said with a sweetness and Piccolo blinked, he knew the teen respected him as a fighter but...perfect? Surely he's exaggerating, fanciful and so on; the Namek really didn't understand such a description. But those arms, those hands and that hitched breathing told Piccolo that Gohan was deadly serious. Taking in a sharp breath taking in Piccolo's scent, Gohan continued "I mean it, I do...everything you do, how you move, how you talk, you're beautiful, Piccolo" and he felt Piccolo's body tense and knew his love's eyes were wider, a disbelief claiming the Namek even more so than before. Gohan refused to stop talking, there was much the glorious man had yet to hear "I love your skin, how you've worked so hard and it's always so smooth and pure" Gohan's face heated up a blush invading his skin but he marched on, "I love your eyes, they don't judge but are still so wise and cunning. Your eyes are guarded, as much as I'd like to see you more carefree I feel so special when you look at me, and you're smile, how it's so private" he rambled, meaning every word and Piccolo was stunned, relieved the teen couldn't see his face; yet there was more. "There's the way you fight, you have no idea how incredible a warrior you really are and how you're ready to sacrifice so much for the world and its people even though..." the teen struggled here, a deep breath was heard as he moved.Moving back to his previous position, hands on either side of Piccolo's face, cupping that beauty in now trembling hands, dark eyes looking down at his love and saw the Namek's widened eyes, so vulnerable for once and Gohan only loved him more, "I know how the world sees you..." he said, the anger bubbling, hating how the masses felt against the 'demon king' despite how they knew fuck all about the hero they were so distasteful about, "...but they're wrong," his eyes shimmering with conviction and Piccolo's did too, in awe as he listened to what was the most unexpected speech imaginable. When he had asked Gohan the question it had simply been that the one detail was the part Piccolo couldn't summon himself, an insecurity not allowing himself to believe until hearing it from the teen so forcefully, to see that handsome face and see absolute confidence. "You're so kind, so patient and...there aren't words, the very fact that 'they' treat you so badly yet you're willing to die for them shows how good you are, I'm honoured to be the one you trust and go to, I just wish you'd be more willing to depend on someone else," Gohan's breath dancing over the Namek's face, it smelled sweet, like apples, "...I'm here and I want to be yours and I want to be there for you. You are wonderful."For the longest time Piccolo sat there wondering how his ears could be deceiving him so well, his senses the masters as they presented sight holding a man that looked just like Gohan, hearing what sounded like Gohan's voice and feeling hands and energy that was just like Gohan's...Gohan really felt these things, he really saw him like that? And then the teen hammered it home, "don't you ever feel like you're anything less, okay Piccolo?" those eyes looking down in pure adoration and love, and Piccolo blinked before gulping and then heard that heart warming declaration yet again and it never lost its ring "I love you, I know you're beautiful, I can't stop thinking about you, when we would train together I couldn't help but stare, I desire you like I didn't know possible" came the surprising move in the speech and Piccolo couldn't contain or even fully understand the blush that stained his flesh, feeling very hot under that gaze "you are the most perfect person in the world to me," Gohan whispered then, his face so close to the Namek's, unable to stop himself, he wasn't even embarrassed of how he was confessing so much, Piccolo deserved to know, he needed to know these things. "I see it in everything you do, even when you're at your coldest, when you're temperamental" he smiled fondly as he said that "whatever you're doing, I've hungered for you for so long, and I've loved you for longer" he completed. Piccolo felt as though there was an explosion inside his chest and sending electric shocks down to his curling toes, his eyes stinging and breath catching in his throat and he nodded dutifully in a silent promise to Gohan, that he wouldn't surrender to such thoughts, he may have them, he was entitled to his insecurities as much as he was allowed any confidence, it was his, but he wouldn't fall. Gohan watched the Namek's movement, following that face with his hands and was so proud. But once all was said and settled, taking stock of his position and their closeness, Gohan felt a great fire within himself, Piccolo's breath caressing him and that soft skin blessing his touch and those eyes, that scent, his everything; he needed him."Piccolo?" the demi-saiyajin whispered, so close to his desire he was unable to think clearly, but he forced himself to stay still and patient, such a thing could not be forced or imposed."Hmm?" Piccolo replied just as quietly, a low hum making Gohan shiver and his entire body tighten.Here he goes, it was quite amazing how Gohan could tell the man he loved him, why and how he was desired but this question made him nervous too, something so simple yet a step that he was unbelievably hopeful of, one that had taken all of his dreams and fantasies by storm; simply...their first kiss. "Can...can I kiss you"? Gohan asked softly, eyes half lidded gliding over Piccolo's defined cheekbones, elegant pointed chin, and those lips, so soft, so luxurious. the room suddenly feeling hot and Piccolo felt something inside of himself then, something he'd never felt before, and Gohan had used just the word only moments ago. A hunger.</p><p>Piccolo had never been kissed by anyone before, Gohan may not have had romantic kisses but his cheek had been graced by so many, family and friends, he had grown up loved and expressed himself so. Piccolo wanted then to be kissed, something so unfamiliar to him, so foreign and strange, but he did want it, he wanted to be kissed; because it was Gohan and because it was love. "Yes" Piccolo breathed, barely audible but understood between them, his eyes switching between looking at Gohan's glittering eyes and fetching lips. Their minds became blurred as soon as permission was given and Gohan looked into Piccolo's eyes, hanging on to whatever sobriety was left, making sure, absolutely sure, and he saw those obsidian orbs in a way beyond all of his fantasies. Piccolo was waiting and wanting; Gohan steeled his nerves and closed the gap between them. One hand remained on the Namek's cheek while the other slid down to that neat chin and angled Piccolo's face to his, eyes fluttered closed and as their lips touched a spark ignited shattering all rational thought and focus, Gohan having to focus his tension into his arms to keep himself from moaning; his dreams finally coming true. He was kissing Piccolo, PICCOLO, and he wanted him back. The small flash of thought reminding him that this was Piccolo's first ever kiss, while this was Gohan's first romantic kiss, Piccolo didn't know this contact at all, and Gohan was blessed to be the one, the only one and the first which only made the fire inside his soul flare even more, their innocences shared.Piccolo was unable to think properly, especially Gohan moved one of his hands, the pressure left his chin and traced its way down and curled around his waist like earlier, those strong fingertips pressing into the fabric and flesh in a supportive motion helping to calm Piccolo's nerves slightly, the foreign feeling making green flesh tingle and his hands feel unbearably idle, an electricity thrumming through his fingertips as they had to hold something. Gohan was a little surprised as he felt Piccolo's hands moved up to the back of his neck, slightly in his hair, those long tails making him more sensitive and his chest fluttered excitedly, his mind only blurring even more so as he deepened the kiss. He kept his tongue behind his own lips, their passion more than enough, however the feel of Piccolo's plush ones slightly parted made an almost inaudible growl grumble in the demi-saiyajin's throat and the teen worried for a moment Piccolo might retract from him but the Namek stayed strong.Piccolo heard that growl, the vibration over his sensitive hearing, while unfocused the noise seemed to embrace him just as Gohan's arm the noise seemed to embrace him just as Gohan's arms did, Gohan's broad body above him yet those hands keeping him feeling secure, that pleasurable presence all around him that was Gohan and his love. Piccolo had never felt like this before, such fire and those wonderful shivers that kept coursing through him relentlessly, his toes curling on their own accord and Gohan's hair so soft and thick between his own fingertips and an odd surprise as he felt a sharp pleasure down his spine when his antennae threaded into Gohan's hair gently, feeling embarrassed at how sensitive they had become; a blush deepening.Gohan tasted sweet, he had obviously been eating apples, that sinful essence making Piccolo's mind fill with images of their lives, their pasts and just how much they meant to one another, wondering what he had done to be blessed with such a wonderful man in his life and he only shivered more when that powerful hand left his face and reached down to hold his hand reassuringly. Gohan loved Piccolo's hands, they were so soft, so beautifully sculpted and regal, without looking he entangled his fingers with his love's and felt a tightness in their grip, a passion and a tension throughout both beings and being shared in the air around them, the room suddenly searingly hot causing both the feel even more flushed.Gohan relished in Piccolo's scent, an earthy scent suddenly more alive and powerful than he had ever remembered to grace his senses before, their bliss deafening they knew nothing of the world around them anymore, and bringing his hand up to feel over the panels of Piccolo's hand and wrist, moving from the softness to trace over the different grooves and markings of his love's arms, textures playing with the teen's exploratory senses and Piccolo's nerve endings as the teasing hand caressed and travelled with a sincerity and hunger. Piccolo didn't fear this hand or those lips which still kissed him fiercely and ravaging his soul breathlessly, the Namek's throat struggling not to express itself in the form of a moan; the odd mute gasp or smothered pant being his idiom.Gohan felt his attraction and pleasure run through his entire body and he feared he may be unable to control himself but his tongue stayed back and, while he felt great need between his legs he was able to suppress his manhood, his desire enough in this precious moment as he only felt himself falling more and more in love. It was a wonder Piccolo had allowed him this far and with such a welcomed response, he had thought with their first kiss Piccolo might have only indulged briefly but the moment they had touched something just overtook the pair, stripping them of barriers and the like. Gohan had to be careful however, this was all completely new to Piccolo, not just the action but the notion as well, Gohan made sure only their upper bodies were touching, trying his best to contain his excitement but feeling the familiar tug in the pit of his stomach just to be safe. The feeling like a drug, their lips touching alone was incredible and the teen's world spun.Gohan had such an unexpected influence on Piccolo's feelings, is almost made him feel like tearing up, but out of joy, he tensed in ways he didn't understand, the blood rushing in his ears, his stomach was tight, his toes wouldn't stop curling and shivers ran down his spine and legs like he couldn't believe, how could such a kiss affect him so much? and he was seeing Gohan totally now, as though before the kiss calling him a lover was miles away from language, Piccolo was accepting Gohan as a lover, but he hadn't been amerced in the reality of it until just then, how this man was making him feel, sharing in a bliss they created and gave together, Piccolo even became aware of a burning heat between his own legs he wasn't used to. He had a distant memory of such a feeling when he was younger, experiencing puberty over a week as he had been forced to grow up so quickly, he didn't even know his own body in all honesty, he'd never explored or pleasured himself, he had just felt a warmth and pressure, like an irritation and previously used his efforts to ignore it. But it had never felt like this before, never like this, never so hot or fierce, so dangerous.Piccolo felt a clawing over his body, he wasn't ready for this to progress, not yet; Gohan didn't want Piccolo to lie to him and he didn't want to hurt him and Piccolo knew that now, sacrificing himself as a lover was going against everything their love was meant to be, which is why he was partly glad although also disappointed when Gohan pulled away slowly. Feeling oxygen running low Gohan felt like screaming as he separated their lips suddenly panting for air quietly, missing those lips at even the thought of withdrawing lips though he only moved a hairsbreadth away from them. Both breathed heavily and eyes slowly opened to look at each other in the blur of sensuality and Gohan growled an "I love you" as though he was speaking from his very soul and Piccolo smiled amongst his pleasured tremors still echoing about his flesh. The demi-saiyajin near melted at the sight before him, Piccolo's skin blushed and antennae raised curiously, lips swollen and slick from their activities tempting Gohan and sending crashing feelings of desire though him, that just moments ago, before Gohan, had been virgin lips.Obsidian orbs glittered, beaming upwards in a slight daze at the teen as he replied "I love you too" in a whisper, unafraid of such a truth, willing to wear it with pride as both collected themselves and their breathing as best they could, Piccolo loosened his hands from behind Gohan's neck, the ticklish movement making the teen shiver and Gohan sat back upright allowing Piccolo room to do the same, still close and the Gohan's arms came to rest loosely around his love's wait yet again, enjoying its shape. Hearing those word's from the Namek's lips music to the teen's ears and heart speeding up, a wave of euphoria exciting his soul. The Namek felt slightly dizzy and wondered if Gohan felt the same, surely kisses couldn't be that powerful, but Piccolo couldn't deny what that kiss had done to him. Gohan then smiled, so wide, kind of goofy, a Son smile which amused the Namek amongst his daze, "What is it?" Piccolo asked softly, voice adding to the hum present in the young man before him, enjoying seeing such an expression over his...boyfriend? yes...his boyfriend's face.Gohan chuckled breathlessly as he experienced a cuddling warmth around his soul, his heart indescribably happy, and spoke in mumbled joy which in their close proximity could be heard sweetly, "we can do this...this is going to work" Gohan said more to himself that anything else, his eyes so happy then, as though the stars would be ashamed to show as they would be upstaged by such a light, and they looked so deep into Piccolo's the older man felt like Gohan had grabbed him though it was just in a glance and his words making his own heart seem to jump, the teen's happiness the most stunning sight possible."To think you doubted it" Piccolo said with humour, not one to joke in larger companies but between himself and Gohan is was more or less automatic, finding the strength in his voice once more, echoes of the kiss still far too vivid and alive in his memory and flesh. Their minds slowly drifted back into the world around them, though it wasn't the same; their world was forever changed, they were a couple; they were together, at that moment they both shared a small, private and identical pair of smiles. Though as Gohan came to rest in reality he was still numbed and as Piccolo did, he came into a slightly more aware state relevant to his cunning mind.Piccolo's smile faded, not starting but Gohan still felt a prickling of concern and whispered "what?" to invite the Namek to explain whatever had just occurred to the man.Glad to see the teen wasn't too skittish now, an eased air between them as he spoke "umm...Gohan," his voice slightly more like normal, soft but gruff and smooth, "it's 2am in the morning."Gohan's brow quirked confused at that, his mind still not fully functioning "and?"Piccolo suppressed the rolling of eyes and clarified his thinking process with a question "and does your mom even know you're here?"Mom? Gohan's mind suddenly felt as though it was tracking through mud, realisations slowly trudging into the forefront of his brain, the attack after school meant Gohan hadn't returned home or contacted at all, he'd been so worried with Piccolo being injured and then his reoccupation and then...well...this. The comprehension seemed to smack him in the face, striking with a force incomprehensible. "She's going to kill me" he grumbled with dread.Piccolo did roll his eyes that time, the teen's antics terribly showful; "I take it she doesn't know about this either?" he asked, head somewhat bowed between them, experiencing feeling through his body still, not sure how to place himself after feeling such a way and doing such a thing, gesturing to them as a couple. Gohan's mind became invaded by visions of the screeching woman, gallows and Hell fire; then he came into the knowledge that he had to tell his mom about him and Piccolo, she had no idea of his feelings, and for all understandings she seems to hate Piccolo, oh Hell he hadn't thought about that at all!The teen's face suddenly went very white and Piccolo felt sorry for the poor guy, "I should go," Gohan said softly, not really wanting to leave his love and definitely didn't want to face her "the longer I am the more pissed she'll be" he rationalised with himself and Piccolo nodded. Both made their way into a standing position next to the bed, Piccolo's hip stinging slightly but not enough to really affect him anymore, his mind was much more involved with the coming to see just how intimate the setting had been, the crumpled sheets and dishevelled fabrics which Piccolo came to realise mirrored his own gi top and he failed to defeat the invading blush and walked to the door swiftly.As the Namek opened the heavy door, Gohan caught up to him and took Piccolo's hand causing both to glance at each other, the spark an echo of their earlier ignition as their hand's touched, and neither said anything though Piccolo caught the small grin over Gohan's lips and the cheerful glint in his eyes. Cheeky. Piccolo found his own lips curl slightly at the young man's antics and rolled his eyes yet again and the two began to make their way, hand in hand, down the corridor: Gohan barely able to hear Piccolo move and felt his footsteps sounded oafish and clumsy in comparison, their time blissfully timeless yet all too short as eventually the duo reached the edge of the lookout.The night's air crisp though without a breeze so high up above the clouds, nipping and dancing over still heated skin, the quiet caressing them as the blood continued to pulse and their hands locked in love and acceptance. As the new couple reached the edge of the lookout Gohan turned to face his love fully, not letting go of that elegant hand seeing for the first time that the Namek's gi top was crumpled in a way that could only be described as debouched and that deep purple blush that decorated that glorious face. Suppressing a growl at his own handiwork, enjoying the knowledge of Piccolo's flustered appearance and that he was slowly claiming his love; Gohan looked into Piccolo's eyes, they were unsure but calm, that balance he was thankful for, Piccolo's eyes held trust and desire, they were braver; they held love."Do you want me to go with you, tell her together?" Piccolo asked; a strange flutter in his chest at the word together, though Gohan could tell h thought of the act like heading into battle which was kind of cute. Gohan couldn't lie, he was afraid to tell her, she sure was mean with that frying pan of hers."No, it's best I tell her, she'll listen more if it's just me" he replied and his love nodded though he felt like he was sending Gohan out on a suicide mission, but it made sense, Piccolo's presence always made the woman more crabby anyway and that was the last thing Gohan needed. "I really don't know how I'm going to say it though" he smiled sheepishly though dread was threaded through his expression."She hates my guts so whatever happens isn't going to be pretty" Piccolo chimed, not to help but not to sugar coat either.Gohan thought of his mom's most likely reaction; she could scream, yell, faint, she would call Piccolo a monster and a whole range of names, ranting about how she wanted grandkids and so on, how the stress would give her wrinkles and..."You really need to watch when you're speaking out loud" Piccolo spoke flatly, though amusement at the teen's silliness didn't go unnoticed."What?" Gohan blurted in surprise, his face obvious and open.Piccolo refused to roll his eyes again, thinking if he didn't repress the urge now he'd find himself doing it constantly in their relationship, all of the Son boys often earning such responses. "The monster thing I can't help with" tired of the woman's repetitive attitude but paid it little mind "but as for her wanting grandkids, how is that an issue?""What do you mean?" Gohan asked dumbfounded, his mind beyond boggled at just the day's school events, then the attack, the dream, the confession and that kiss, and now...he slowly began working out that Piccolo was hermaphroditic but had gender of some unknown description, the teen still completely unaware of just how Namekian anatomy was 'down there', but he knew they were capable of self reproduction and there was genetic variation amongst his species, by having gender and by Piccolo accepting his feeling, finding some pleasure in the contact..."You're mumbling to yourself again," Piccolo spoke slightly more gruffly than usual, a streak of Purple strong over his features and Gohan's body was suddenly engulfed in a shameful crimson, how could he had said such things aloud? Ooh yeah...he was a lovesick fool. Piccolo with difficulty shook off the teen's word though couldn't forget some of them, "and I don't think you need the detailed description right now, but you've figured out the main part."The demi-saiyajin blinked several times, words ghosting about his mind in wonder "so, in the future...me and you could...""Have children, yes" Piccolo nodded in confirmation, doing his best to think in forms of facts only.All of Gohan's dreams were coming true; he was felt slightly saddened wondering if Piccolo could only asexually reproduce and was male externally, that even if Gohan had the one he loved, biologically he'd never be a father. He'd love any child of Piccolo's as his own but now it just seemed as though some higher power was writing the world just for his heart. Life really could be wonderful and Gohan had more faith than ever in it now. "Well that's something my mom won't be able to argue over" he smiled, a little relief and his chest swelling with joy.He then gently guided Piccolo into another embrace, one hand still holding Piccolo's hand to their side and the other glided up to Piccolo's cheek, their bodies close their clothes touching, "I'll come by again some point in the week, you know, if my mom doesn't destroy me" he laughed lightly, tough his nerves showed through, and he thought Piccolo might insist he go with him, but instead, something world shatteringly amazing happened. Gohan felt his biggest worry leave him. Piccolo leaned down quickly, swiftly and silently and was the one then who kissed him. It was gentle and brief, like air Gohan almost hadn't believed it happened. In a sign of comfort Piccolo had kissed Gohan. Simple. But Gohan knew then, for sure and for always, Piccolo wasn't just passively allowing Gohan to do as he wished, he wanted to be able to comfort Gohan in such a way, to be his lover. Piccolo had seen Gohan's nerves and done what felt natural: to kiss him better.The Namek was standing just as he had been, as though nothing had happened at all but they both knew, and he nodded, and Gohan gazed upwards with a greater focus than before, knowing their night together was drawing to a close Gohan's neck arched back and with his hand guided Piccolo into another kiss, a goodnight kiss; not as quick but just as gentle as Piccolo's had been, never wanting their time together to end, afraid he might wake up at any moment and cry himself into a stupor. Drawing back Gohan couldn't contain the hugest smile, "bye" he whispered and charged his ki, the energy caressing his clothes and hair and playing with Piccolo's gi and antennae cutely, and Piccolo gave him a smile, that private smile, and the teen took off, beginning his journey home, smile never leaving his face and as he moved into the distance he still saw his love standing there lips curled too.A/N: hope you enjoyed, please review Next chapter is called "Our Romantics"