Not An Exact Copy [Gohan x OC]

Ch. 26

"Nachi—"

"I said no! if you're going to be running around playing hero, you'll need something that actually gives respect."

An aggravated sigh. "It really isn't that big of a deal..."

"Suddenly, I cannot hear."

Gohan grunted when the shorter girl shoved him back onto the sofa in Bulma's lab, her tail curling in annoyance as she analyzed him with critical eyes. He squirmed uncomfortably under her gaze.

"Hmmm..." She murmured, eyeing him up and down. "The boots can stay, along with the spandex underneath. I'll ask Bulma to put a design on the chest so it won't be left blank... gloves can stay too, I suppose." Her eyes narrowed. "The cape and helmet are going."

Gohan whined, "Come oonnn! I really like the cape!"

"Hmph. Too bad. I'm saving your image!"

With that, the girl turned back to Bulma and Trunks, who were watching the little one-sided argument in amusement. "Bulma, we're redesigning this thing."

Bulma giggled and nodded. "Sure, Nach'. Come around the computer and you can tell the design you had in mind."

The two women huddled over the computer, as Bulma raised her head and said, "Gohan, you can go wait out if you want. It'll be another while before it's finished."

Gohan smiled and nodded, standing from the couch as he pressed the button of the wrist watch and the costume instantly sucked in, leaving him in his school clothes. He placed the wrist watch on the counter, then left the lab with Trunks following along.

"I gotta say," Trunks crossed his arms behind his head, looking up at the older teen. "Big sister is saving your butt from a horrible wardrobe malfunction."

Gohan chuckled. "I liked the design, but I'm sure whatever Nachi has in store for me is in her best interest."

"Speaking of that," Trunks narrowed his eyes. "Why do you let my sister boss you around?"

Gohan tilted his head to the side. "I don't." He stated matter-of-factly. "But, you have to choose your battles. I knew arguing against your sister on this would be like talking to a brick wall," he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Plus, I wouldn't want to make her upset over a small thing."

Trunks's eyes narrowed even further into slits. "It's almost as if you like her or something..."

"Well, yeah," Gohan commented. "She is my best friend. It wouldn't be this way if I didn't."

"No, I mean a different kind of like." Trunks stopped in the hallway, coming to a realization. "Oh Dende, you like my sister?!"

Gohan abruptly turned around to the boy, his cheeks pink. "W-W-What?! No, Trunks! Not at all—"

"Liar!" The little boy barked. "I am not like big sister where I'm oblivious to everything concerning romance!"

"R-Romance?!"

Trunks huffed. "When I'm bored, I come bother Nachi and watch her silly soap operas with her. Unlike her, I picked up the difference between platonic and romantic love. Which brings me back to my point. You like big sister! You want her as your lover!"

Gohan's eyes swirled at the term. "Take it easy, Trunks!" Gohan exclaimed. He took a deep breath and exhaled, instantly calming down. "I admit, I do harbor special feelings for your sister. I have for a while... but I can't act on them. Not anytime soon, anyways."

The two resumed their short walk back to the living room, where Gohan plopped himself onto the couch as if he was exhausted from the day. "Why not?"