After the battle with the giant ape the previous night, Goku had finally gotten proper rest.
The soft scent of Chi-Chi's hair helped, something floral. It was almost 11 AM when his eyes finally cracked open.
Something was squeezing his torso. Tight.
He looked down and saw her, Chi-Chi, still asleep, arms wrapped around him like she was afraid he'd disappear if she let go. One of her legs was tangled between his, pinning him in place.
He smiled slightly. Then tried to sit up.
She came with him.
Her grip was so firm that as he rose, she lifted off the mattress with him, still clinging. He adjusted, turning so he was above her, hands planted on either side of her head.
Her eyes fluttered open. She stared at his collarbone for a moment, then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his face.
A blush crept across her cheeks.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up, pressing her lips to his in a soft, lingering kiss. She closed her eyes, gently caressing his lips with hers.
Goku didn't respond. Just let her have the moment.
She broke the kiss and locked eyes with him, her face still flushed.
"Good morning, honey," she said, testing the words like she was trying them on for size. Playing house. Playing wife.
Goku gave her a small corner smile. Then he stood up, pulling away from her warmth. Chi-Chi watched him from the bed, her eyes tracing every line of his bare torso. He was still wearing Dr. Briefs' pajama pants, nothing on top. The morning light caught the definition of his muscles as he stretched.
"I need to find some clothes," he muttered, heading toward the door.
Chi-Chi shifted to sit on her knees atop the bed, blanket pooling around her. "By the way," she called after him, genuinely curious now, "where are your clothes? Your stuff in general?"
She'd seen him in multiple outfits over the past few days, but he'd never changed them at Capsule Corp. No luggage. No personal belongings.
He paused at the door, opening it slowly while listening for sounds in the hallway.
"They're at home," he said simply.
"Home?" Chi-Chi tilted her head, confused. What did he mean by *home*? Wasn't he staying here?
Before she could ask, he slipped out.
Goku stepped into the circular corridor of Capsule Corp, moving quietly toward the entrance. The mansion was still mostly asleep, or at least quiet.
Then he spotted Dr. Briefs, already awake as usual, cigarette dangling from his lips, coffee mug in hand.
"Oh! Goku!" the doctor called cheerfully. "How was the beach yesterday?"
Goku sighed. "Hey, Doc. Yeah, it was cool. We had fun."
"Oh yes, I heard!" Dr. Briefs chuckled, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Little Kakarot transformed into a giant ape, and you took her away! Quite the phenomenon, aren't you?"
He reached out and squeezed Goku's bare bicep, testing the muscle.
Goku's hand moved.
So fast that Dr. Briefs didn't even see it coming, Goku's palm snapped up and slapped the doctor's hand away with a sharp crack.
Dr. Briefs blinked, startled. "What the-?"
"I train a lot," Goku said flatly.
Dr. Briefs rubbed his hand, chuckling awkwardly. "Right. Anyway, if you're looking for Bulma or the girls, they're not here. If you're looking for Panchy, she'll welco-"
"They're out?" Goku cut him off. "Then let me grab something to eat before I go."
Dr. Briefs nodded, and the two headed toward the kitchen.
Meanwhile, in the city. Under a bright blue sky, three beautiful women sat at a café terrace, Bulma, Mai, and Lunch.
Mai and Bulma were silent, lost in their own thoughts. Lunch glanced between them, sensing something was off.
Bulma's mind was racing. She was thinking about Goku, where he'd gone, if he'd helped Kakarot, if he was okay. But more than that, she was thinking about that kiss on their practice date. And about Yamcha.
She needed to figure out how to break up with him. Cleanly. Without drama. And if she ended up with Goku afterward... well, she needed it not to be awkward.
Her expression kept shifting, sometimes relaxed and happy, then frowning as doubt crept in.
Lunch watched her, then turned her attention to Mai.
Mai was smiling. Blushing. Lost in a memory.
She was still in that shower. Still feeling Goku's body pressed against hers in that cramped space, still feeling his breath on her neck, still-
She stopped herself, face burning. It was too embarrassing. But the smile lingered.
Lunch had enough.
"What's wrong with both of you?!" she demanded.
"Nothing!" Bulma and Mai said in unison.
They looked at each other. Bulma narrowed her eyes.
"By the way," Bulma said sharply, "what did you and Goku do when you went to wash the salt off? You two took your sweet time."
"Yeah!" Lunch leaned forward eagerly. "I want to know too!"
Images of being tangled with Goku flashed through Mai's mind. Her face turned crimson. She opened her mouth but couldn't form words.
"You're blushing!" Bulma pointed accusingly. "Talk. Now."
Lunch's eyes went wide. "There's no way...!"
"I know!" Bulma said, leaning in.
"No, look behind you," Lunch said quietly.
All three women turned.
And there he was.
Yamcha. Sitting at a table across the street. On a date. With another girl.
Bulma's eyes widened.
Lunch clenched her fists. "How can he?!"
But Bulma stood up. Silent. Calm.
"Bulma?" Mai and Lunch called after her, confused.
Bulma ignored them, walking steadily across the terrace until she reached Yamcha's table.
He noticed her a second too late. His eyes went wide.
"Bu-Bulma?! I- What are you doing here? Listen, I can explain-"
She raised her hand, cutting him off.
Then she lifted her head, looked him straight in the eye, and smiled. Her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness.
"Yamcha!" she said brightly. "Now we're even!"
"Even...?" he stammered.
"Let's break up. Amicably, okay?" She grabbed his hand and shook it like they were closing a business deal.
Yamcha didn't even have time to process before she turned on her heel and walked back toward Mai and Lunch.
"Let's go, girls!" she called cheerfully.
Mai and Lunch sat frozen, stunned.
But Bulma's heart was light. The universe had handed her the perfect excuse. Clean. Simple. No guilt.
And now, if she fell for someone else, say, a certain spiky-haired, annoying, cynical dude, it would feel completely natural.
She smiled to herself as they left the café.
Freedom had never felt so good.
Bulma, Mai, and Luunch walked back toward Capsule Corp, Bulma practically glowing with her new freedom.
"I can't believe you just shook his hand like a business deal," Lunch said, still in shock.
Bulma laughed. "Clean, simple, done!"
Mai remained quiet, still lost in thoughts about the shower. Finally, she spoke up. "Bulma... what are you going to do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"About Goku."
Bulma stopped walking. "What makes you think-"
"You kissed him," Mai said quietly. "During the practice date."
"How did you know that?!"
"Wait, WHAT?!" Lunch spun to face Bulma. "You kissed Goku?!"
"It was just-"
"So did I," Mai admitted, her face turning red.
"You WHAT?!" Bulma's eyes went wide.
Lunch looked between them, then her head lowered, eyes falling into shadow. "You all... did it? I was waiting... I kept saying we should all consult each other about it before... before doing anything..."
Mai began sweating nervously. She'd done more than just kiss, but both she and Bulma felt guilty seeing Lunch's expression.
"Lunch..." they said softly.
A moment of heavy silence hung between them. Then Lunch suddenly dashed off, running like a woman possessed.
"Wait, what?! Lunch!" They called out, running after her.
---
Back at Capsule Corp, Goku and Dr. Briefs were in the kitchen. The doctor sat casually in his chair, coffee on the table before him, while behind it stood a mountain of empty dishes.
"Panchy wanted to make you breakfast today," Dr. Briefs mentioned.
"She still can. I'm not full yet," Goku replied between bites.
"You being full isn't the problem... it's more the lack of remaining ingredients," the doctor muttered, getting up to refill his coffee. "Goku, what are you planning to do? Getting married requires a roof over your head. If you want to live here, you're welcome. Plus, Panchy would be extremely happy to have you around."
Goku stopped eating. "Getting married? To who exactly?"
"To whomever you want!"
Goku stared at his fork, seeing his reflection in its surface. His own face stared back, Goku's reflection.
*Who am I?*
The thought of being asked about something as grounding as marriage made him think of his past self, the one he was starting to forget. Marriage meant giving up on his past self to embrace this current one. Was he ready to give that up?
Suddenly, muffled sounds echoed from the corridor.
"Sweetie! Stop, would you?!"
"Kakarot! Stop now!"
Goku and Dr. Briefs heard the commotion approaching. Curious, the doctor moved toward the door.
BOOM!
The door burst open, slamming Dr. Briefs between it and the wall. Standing tall in the doorway was Kakarot, naked and dripping wet. Hanging onto her body was Panchy, equally naked and wet. Behind them, Chi-Chi stood panting heavily.
Goku saw them and immediately stood up. "What the hell is happening? Where are your clothes?!"
"I thought Kakarot and I would take a bath and clean each other's backs!" Panchy explained cheerfully, finally letting go of Kakarot and sitting on the ground with one arm covering her chest and a hand between her thighs.
Kakarot stood tall, completely unbothered by her state. From behind, Chi-Chi was attempting to preserve her modesty by cupping her hands over Kakarot's chest.
"I entered the bathroom and found them like this," Chi-Chi explained, exasperated. "Then I mentioned you and what happened yesterday, she got all excited and just ran here! We tried to stop her but she's too strong!"
"Goku!" Kakarot exclaimed, clenching her fists with sparkling eyes. "Was I really strong yesterday when I transformed? I think that's why Grandma told me I shouldn't look at the full moon!"
"First, go put some clothes on-" Goku started.
CRASH!
The entrance to Capsule Corp burst open. Lunch charged in, with Mai and Bulma running after her. Without hesitation, Lunch sprinted toward Goku and leaped at him, crashing her lips against his in a fierce kiss.
Mai, Bulma, and Chi-Chi's jaws dropped in unison.
"Wha- WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Bulma shrieked.
"GET OFF HIM!" Chi-Chi shouted.
Mai trembled with embarrassment and shock. Kakarot smiled, though a faint hint of jealousy flickered across her face, she wanted to pull Lunch away, but didn't know why. Panchy, still sitting on the ground, traced her own lips with her finger and pouted. "Not fair~"
Finally, Lunch broke the kiss, breathing hard as she stared intensely at Goku.
"I won't play fair anymore."
Thirty Minutes Later
Everyone had scattered to their various occupations. Kakarot had returned to her grandmother's house, while Mai and Chi-Chi remained in the kitchen, scolding Lunch for her impulsive behavior.
Meanwhile, in Bulma's room.
Goku sat on the edge of Bulma's bed, his weight making the mattress dip slightly. She was at her desk, hunched over something, tools scattered around her workspace. The afternoon light filtered through her window, catching the blue sheen of her hair.
"Damn, it's been a long time since I was here," Goku said, laying back with his hands behind his head. "Everything feels smaller now."
Bulma didn't respond, her attention completely absorbed by whatever she was working on. The only sound was the quiet whir of her tools and the distant chatter from the kitchen below.
"What's up with you?" he asked, still staring at the ceiling.
Still no answer. Just the methodical sound of her work.
"Are you mad about something?" He sat up again, studying her back.
"FINISHED!" Bulma shouted suddenly, throwing her arms up in triumph.
Goku jumped, his hand flying to his chest. "Scared the shit out of me..." he muttered.
"What did you finish?" he asked, recovering.
She pivoted on her chair, spinning to face him with a flourish. Her arm extended, and in her hand was a round device with a green screen.
"This!" she said with a proud grin.
Goku looked at the device, then back at her, his expression flat. "The Dragon Radar?"
"Yeah! I want to gather the Dragon Balls again!" Her excitement was palpable.
"Why? Still want that perfect boyfriend?" He smirked. "You know you're really a freak to ask for something like that-"
"NO! I'M NOT GONNA ASK FOR THAT!" she interrupted, her face turning red.
"Then what?"
She turned her head to the side, mouth pouting, cheeks still flushed. "It's a secret..."
"I guess." He laid back on her bed again, dismissive.
She pushed with her feet, rolling her chair forward until it hit the bed, positioning herself between his legs. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she grabbed his thighs, shaking them slightly.
"Say! Come with me like old times!" she pleaded.
"I can't. I have things to do," he said, still staring at the ceiling, deliberately not looking at her.
"Come oneeeee! Plus, I need someone to protect me!" She leaned forward, still holding his thighs.
"I said I'm busy." His tone was casual but firm. "Besides, you have a boyfriend who can go with you. And he's strong enough."
A little smile traced across her lips. *Here we go.*
"I broke up with him."
Goku twitched, his whole body going still for a moment. Then he sat up quickly, now face to face with her.
"You broke up with him? Yamcha? When? Why?"
*Gotcha,* Bulma thought, keeping her expression carefully neutral.
"Yeah, he cheated on me," she said simply.
"Yamcha? Cheating?" Goku's eyebrows shot up. "That's crazy. But then again... it's always the innocent ones who-"
He stopped mid-sentence, studying her face. Then he leaned forward, putting his forehead against hers, their noses touching at the tips. Bulma's breath caught.
"So... let's... go... search... them..." she was saying, her words becoming disconnected as she looked between his eyes and his mouth, losing her train of thought completely.
"I said I have things to do," he murmured, his breath warm against her face. "If you want, I can gather them myself. Would only take me a few hours alone."
"What?!" She pushed against his forehead, breaking the moment. "Then we won't be toget- No! I want to gather them myself!"
Goku sighed, pulling back. "Okay then. But give me two weeks."
"Two weeks?! Why?"
"Doesn't matter." He stood up, stretching. "Anyway, I have to go get my clothes."
"From where? Where do you keep your stuff?" she pressed.
"For now, I keep them at that woman's place. The one you saw the other day at the coffee shop."
Bulma's jaw dropped. Her eyes went wide, then narrow, then wide again as she processed this information.
"You- Wha- You stay at her house?!"
"Yeah, for now," Goku said casually, already heading toward the door.
"Well, see you around-"
CLICK. WHIRRR. CLANG.
The door's lock engaged electronically. Metal curtains dropped from hidden panels, sealing the exit completely.
"What the-" Goku turned back to Bulma, who stood there with a remote in her hand, her eyes shadowed by her hair.
She pressed another button on the remote, and he heard additional locks engaging.
"With the others is one thing..." she muttered, her voice low and dangerous. "But with a stranger..."
"Bulma, there's nothing happening with he-"
She moved fast. She grabbed his arm and pulled. Goku, curious about where this was going, let himself be pulled, then pushed onto the bed.
Bulma jumped onto the bed after him, positioning herself above him on hands and knees, caging him in.
"Déjà vu," Goku said, looking up at her determined eyes, eyes that were trying so hard to be brave.
Then she crashed down, crushing her lips against his in a desperate kiss. Her eyes were squeezed shut, as if closing them tight enough might make her less nervous. Goku's eyes remained open, watching her face, the furrow in her brow, the tension in her jaw.
She pulled back, gasping for breath, her chest heaving.
"Consent isn't exactly popular around here," he said with his smirk.
"Shut up," she breathed.
She shifted, sitting properly on his hips now, and with trembling hands reached for the bottom of her shirt. Her fingers shook as she lifted it, revealing pale skin. She pulled it over her head, her blue hair cascading back down around her shoulders.
She sat there, vulnerable in just her bra, unable to meet his eyes. Her whole body trembled slightly, like a leaf fighting against wind.
"I'll allow you," she said, her voice shaking despite her attempt at authority.
Goku knew exactly what she meant, but something in him, that cynical, probing part, needed to hear her say it clearly. Or perhaps he was giving her an out.
"Allow me what?"
She twitched, her trembling intensifying. Still shaking, she put her hand on her chest and lifted her head with that familiar princess-like attitude, chin up, looking down at him despite being the one exposed.
"I'll allow you, and be honored, I chose you to be the one who... who I grant my first time to."
The words were confident, regal even, but the tone betrayed everything. Her voice wavered, cracked, gave away all the uncertainty her posture tried to hide.
Of course Goku didn't feel right about it.
He reached for her small hand, cupping it gently in his larger one. With his long fingers, he started playing with her delicate ones, tracing each finger, intertwining them.
The shaking started to diminish.
"Are you trying to force yourself?" he asked quietly.
"What?! No! I just-" She stopped, frustrated. "It's not that easy to... now I admire Mai for her courage." Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I want to. I really want to."
He sat up, keeping her seated on his thighs, her legs wrapped around his hips. She looked up at him, fingers clutching his shirt.
He smiled. "You really want to? Not because you're competing with the others?"
"Competing?! For you?!" She huffed indignantly. "Who do you think you are?"
"I'm me. The one and only."
"Hmph." She placed her hand on her chest dramatically. "You don't know how many men I have to reject. It's exhausting."
"Those were probably salesmen," he said dryly.
"No they were NOT!"
And just like that, without noticing, her shaking was completely gone. Her usual confident demeanor had returned in full force.
"Then why were you still with Yamcha all this time?" Goku asked. "It was evident you two weren't meant for each other."
"BECAUSE I WAS WAITING FOR YOU TO ASK—"
The words tumbled out before she could stop them.
Her hands flew to her mouth. Her face flushed crimson. Steam practically rose from her head as she crashed her face against his chest, burying herself between his pecs.
Goku smiled. "Bulm-"
"I'm not here!" she cut him off, voice muffled.
"Come o-"
"Don't talk to me!"
She tried to disappear into him, to become invisible.
Goku stopped talking. He could feel her breath against his chest, quick, embarrassed, warm.
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, still buried in his torso, she asked quietly:
"Say... who am I to you?"
Goku stared down at her.
He knew exactly what words to say. He could manipulate her right now, twist her emotions, make her dependent on him, break her down and rebuild her into whatever he wanted. He knew how to create that kind of bond, that psychological trap. He'd seen it done. He'd done it before.
But he didn't want to.
The question made him think of his past self again. Of who he used to be.
His hands gripped the bedsheets tightly. The thought disgusted him.
"You're my first friend," he said finally.
She squeezed him harder.
"Wrong answer."
She pulled back slowly, lifting her head to look into his eyes. Her face was red, flushed with emotion. Her gaze flickered to his lips, then back to his eyes. She was breathing hard.
On the other side of that gaze, Goku wore his usual expression, that small smile, those piercing eyes. Just a facade. Like always.
"The right answer is your whole world," she whispered.
He chuckled softly. "Don't be greedy."
"That's my quirk..."
She leaned up and kissed him, pushing him down onto the bed.
The kiss intensified. Her body was responding, heating up, coming alive. She was about to give her first time to the man she was apparently deeply in love with. Her face showed everything, eyes shut tight, eyebrows furrowing and lifting with waves of emotion, vulnerability written across every feature.
But Goku's face was blank. Emotionless.
His eyes remained open, staring up at her with those same piercing, hollow eyes. The facade held firm.
Just like when Chi-Chi kissed him.
Just like when Mai kissed him.
Just like when Lunch kissed him.
Just like when Kakarot kissed him.
Like he was feeling nothing at all.
Bulma broke the kiss, breathing hard, face burning. She couldn't look at him, too flustered, too exposed.
She grabbed his hand and guided it to her body, placing it on her breast. A soft moan escaped her lips as her head began to spin with sensation.
But Goku's mind was elsewhere.
*Son Goku,* he thought. *Talk to me. It's your body. I've controlled it since birth. I've used it without consideration for anything or anyone. I'm not planning to change, but I just wanted to know... is it supposed to happen like this? Am I following your footsteps?*
*Please tell me yes.*
*So I can feel less guilty about feeling nothing for these girls who would cut ties with their loved ones for me...*
He chuckled bitterly at himself.
"What am I doing..." he muttered under his breath.
"I'm doing it," Bulma breathed, determination and desire mixing in her voice.
She reached down toward his pants…
—
After a few hours inside the room, Goku sat on the edge of the bed, thinking. Still naked. Silent.
Behind him, Bulma slept, laying naked with only a thin sheet barely covering her. Her face looked exhausted, like she'd fought an intense battle. Hair messed up, sweat still glistening on her skin. But her face wore a smile. Content. Satisfied.
Goku stood up and walked to the bathroom. The shower ran hot, steam filling the space. He stood under the water, letting it wash over him, his mind elsewhere.
When he emerged, he pulled on those tight pants Dr. Briefs had lent him and moved toward the door.
He paused, looking back at Bulma one more time. Still sleeping. Still smiling.
Then, with a single finger, he bent the metal lock like butter and slipped out of the room.
---
A few days later, she found him training alone. She walked in without hesitation, locked the door behind her, and made her intentions clear.
Unlike Bulma's emotional confession or Mai's nervous vulnerability, Chi-Chi was direct. Confident. She knew what she wanted, and she took it.
---
The weeks that followed blurred together.
Goku came and went from Capsule Corp like a ghost, appearing for a day, then vanishing again. Sometimes he'd eat with everyone. Sometimes he'd sit quietly and say nothing at all.
Four weeks passed.
Bulma sat in the kitchen, pale and nursing a glass of water. She felt terrible, her stomach had been churning since she woke up.
The door opened. Mai walked in, looking equally miserable.
"You look horrible," Bulma said flatly.
"I return the compliment," Mai replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down carefully. "I've been throwing up all morning."
"Same here." Bulma took a small sip of water. "Chi-Chi too?"
Mai nodded. "I heard her in the bathroom earlier. She sounded awful."
"Did we eat something bad?" Bulma frowned, trying to think back to yesterday's meals.
"I don't know... Lunch is fine, though. She was bouncing around this morning like nothing's wrong."
"Weird." Bulma rubbed her temples. "Mom got sick too. But Dad's perfectly fine. He's always fine, somehow."
"Maybe it's a bug going around?" Mai suggested weakly.
Chi-Chi walked in a moment later, also looking pale and exhausted. She went straight to the sink, ran cold water, and splashed her face.
"You too?" Bulma asked.
"Yeah." Chi-Chi grabbed a towel and dried her face. "Whatever this is, it's hitting hard."
The three women sat in uncomfortable silence, too sick to puzzle it out.
"Where's Goku?" Chi-Chi asked finally.
Bulma shrugged. "Haven't seen him in almost two weeks. You know how he is lately."
"Typical," Chi-Chi muttered.
Mai said nothing, just held her stomach and tried not to be sick again.
Goku arrived at Capsule Corp and pushed through the front door.
"Hey, Doc!"
Dr. Briefs jumped, nearly dropping his coffee mug. He turned to see Goku standing there.
"You spooked me, son!" He chuckled, catching his breath. "You're in a good mood."
"You think?" Goku shrugged. "Anyway, where are the girls?"
"In the kitchen. But they look sick."
"Sick?!" Goku immediately pulled his shirt up over his nose and mouth.
"Yep. All of them, except me and Lunch."
Goku walked toward the kitchen, still holding his shirt over his face like a makeshift mask. He pushed the door open carefully.
The girls were there, Bulma, Chi-Chi, and Mai, sitting slumped at the table, heads resting on their arms, looking miserable.
"What's up," Goku said quietly.
They heard his voice and lifted their heads, turning to look at him. Surprise lit up their pale faces.
"Son-kun?!" Bulma said.
"Goku!" Chi-Chi followed.
"Where have you been?!" Bulma continued, sitting up straighter. "It's been more than a week!"
Mai stood up and moved toward him, arms reaching out for a hug.
Goku sidestepped smoothly, dodging her embrace while keeping his shirt pulled over his face.
"Yeah, I was busy," he said from behind the fabric. "But I finished what I was working on, and I came here to show you... but it seems like I need to postpone it."
For weeks, Goku had been telling them he was working on something. Something important. They'd been curious, but he'd never given details.
"You finally finished what you've been telling us about?" Chi-Chi asked, trying to stand up.
"No! Don't postpone it!" Bulma said urgently. "Let's go!"
Goku looked at them skeptically. "Where's Lunch?"
"Still in her room," Mai said.
"Okay then." He nodded. "Go get ready. I'll get Lunch, and then we're off."
He slipped out of the kitchen before they could argue.
As he walked down the corridor, Goku's thoughts drifted. *Maybe I'm overthinking...*
Then he heard it, a soft moan from Dr. Briefs and Panchy's room.
He stopped, approached the door, and knocked lightly before entering.
"Panchy? Are you alright?"
She was in bed, looking exhausted and pale. He walked over and squatted down beside her to face her at eye level.
"Hun, I feel sick today~" she said weakly.
"I came here to show you all something," Goku said gently, "but I don't think you'd enjoy it like this. Next time, okay?"
He reached out and rubbed his hand against her forehead, then her cheek. She leaned into the touch, eyes closing.
"I look forward to it~" she whispered.
He stayed there until her breathing evened out and she drifted off to sleep. Then he stood, left the room quietly, and headed for Lunch's room.
He knocked on the door before pushing it open.
"I SAID STAY BACK! I DON'T WANT YOUR GERMS!" Lunch shouted from inside.
Then she saw it was him.
Her face lit up instantly. She jumped out of bed and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Goku! It's been so fucking long! Where were you?!"
He grabbed her shoulders and gently pulled her back. "Get ready. We're going somewhere."
She grinned. "Hell yeah!"
A few minutes later, Goku stepped outside to find the girls already waiting in Bulma's capsule airplane. Bulma sat in the pilot's seat, hands on the controls.
"What are you doing?" Goku asked.
"What?" Bulma looked at him. "I'm piloting it."
"No, you're not. Lunch is driving. Go sit in the back."
Bulma puffed her cheeks indignantly but climbed out of the seat and moved to the back.
Lunch came running out, still grinning with excitement. She hopped into the pilot's seat, and everyone piled into the aircraft.
The engines roared to life, and they blasted off into the sky.
During the flight, Chi-Chi leaned forward from her seat.
"Where are we going? And it's just the five of us?"
Goku sat near the window, his leg bouncing nervously, making the whole plane vibrate slightly.
"Kakarot will join us there," he said without looking at her. "And you'll see what it is when we get there."
Tap. Tap. Tap. His leg kept shaking.
The girls exchanged glances. They'd never seen him this nervous before.
They traveled for fifteen minutes, the cityscape giving way to the outskirts of South City, endless rolling green hills and open landscapes.
"Land here, Lunch," Goku said.
The girls pressed against the windows, looking down.
At the bottom, they saw Kakarot sitting on the grass with a huge bag on her back. She looked miserable.
They landed, and everyone climbed out.
"You're sick too?!" Chi-Chi exclaimed, rushing over.
Kakarot nodded weakly, staring at the ground.
"What the hell is happening?" Bulma asked, genuinely concerned now.
Goku had seen Kakarot just two days ago, and she'd been fine.
*Still overthinking?* he asked himself.
"Fuck..." he whispered under his breath.
"There's a lot of green here," Bulma said, looking around at the landscape.
"I love it," Chi-Chi said, taking a deep breath. "I don't know how people survive in those suffocating cities."
"Yeah, and look," Mai pointed toward a structure in the distance. "That mansion looks beautiful."
It was modern but grand. Clean lines. Large windows. Multiple floors. Surrounded by gardens and trees.
Goku stepped forward and clapped his hands.
Too strongly.
A shockwave rippled out with a deafening CRACK.
"OUCH!" the girls shouted in unison, covering their ears.
"Sorry," Goku said quickly.
Then he positioned himself in front of them, the massive mansion visible over his shoulder.
"So, listen," he began, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I've decided to settle down. I'm not going into details, but... I wasn't sure what I wanted before. Still kind of not sure, honestly. But anyway," He gestured behind him. "I built myself a house."
The girls followed his gesture and stared at the enormous mansion-castle behind him.
Their eyes went wide.
Their minds raced.
*Goku's house.*
*I need to live there with him.*
*Knowing him, I'll have to push for it.*
They opened their mouths, ready to argue their cases, ready to fight for a place-
"And I wanted to ask you all," Goku continued, scratching the back of his head and looking away slightly, "if you want... you can come live with me."
Silence.
Then, like lightning striking all four girls simultaneously, a realization hit.
Their eyes went WIDE.
They looked at each other.
"Is that-?" Bulma started.
"Yes, I think it is," Chi-Chi said.
"No way!" Mai whispered.
And then, in perfect unison, they shouted:
"A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL?!"
Goku blinked. "Huh?"
"How did you all come to that conclusion-" he started.
It didn't matter what he was going to say.
They launched themselves at him, all four of them trying to find space to hug him at once. Arms around his neck, his waist, his shoulders. A chaotic pile of excitement and joy.
In the background, Kakarot jumped to her feet despite feeling sick.
"Why are you all so happy?!" she shouted. "Me too! Tell me what's happening!!"
They weren't listening to Goku anymore.
In those words- *come live with me*-they'd understood exactly what they wanted to hear. And maybe, just maybe, that's what he'd meant too.
"Wait, wait-" Goku tried to speak, but they weren't letting go.
"I think I'm gonna be sick," Bulma said suddenly, her face going pale.
"Huh?" Goku looked at her.
"Oh no, me too," Chi-Chi said, hand flying to her mouth.
"Mister Goku..." Mai whispered, holding her belly.
Kakarot froze mid-celebration. "Wait, I feel it too—"
"No! Wait!" Goku shouted. "Let's find a place first! NOT MY SHOES! WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE SHOES?!"
Too late.
Inside the mansion, Goku sat barefoot on a stair in the enormous living room, furiously scrubbing at his shoes. The space was massive, floor-to-ceiling windows on every side, letting in natural light that made the whole room glow.
Lunch lounged on the couch in the center, taking a sip of tea with her pinky raised dramatically.
"Honey! How did you get this mansion?" she asked cheerfully.
"Don't call me that," Goku said, mildly annoyed, still focused on his shoes.
She chuckled, in too good a mood to be deterred. She came over, knelt behind him, and leaned against his back, wrapping her arms around him with her chin resting on his shoulder.
"I wonder why they're sick and not me," she mused. "We did exactly the same things. We even slept together this week."
Goku continued scrubbing the leather. "They're not sick."
"What do you mean?"
He rubbed the shoe faster, harder, so hard the friction created smoke rising from the leather.
"They're pregnant."
"Ah, I see. Preg—PREGNANT?!" Lunch's voice shot up several octaves. "WITH WHO?! YOU?! WHEN?! CHEATER! CHEATERS! ALL OF YOU!"
She started punching his back repeatedly.
"Yeah, I know..." Goku said quietly.
He leaned to the side suddenly, making her fall forward. He caught her smoothly and pulled her into his arms, holding her like a princess while still sitting.
She looked up at him, pouting.
"Why?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Why did you sleep with them and not me?"
His eyebrows rose slightly. "Well... because I didn't start it. They 'forced' me. And I didn't refuse. You never did that, so..."
She placed her hand on his cheek and leaned her face closer to his.
"Then I have to force you," she whispered.
Their faces were inches apart—
"Sorry about your shoes, Mister Goku!" Mai's voice called from the entrance, breaking the moment. "It's so embarrassing..."
"It happens," Goku called back, not moving.
"You can buy new ones." Bulma said.
"How can you be so self-centered, Bulma?!" Chi-Chi's voice followed.
Lunch pulled back and sighed. "Moment ruined."
Goku set her down and stood up, leaving his shoes behind.
The four girls, Bulma, Chi-Chi, Mai, and Lunch stood in the entryway, looking around the mansion with wide eyes.
Goku walked over, hands sliding into his pockets. "So... what do you think? You wanna live here?"
Bulma stepped forward first, crossing her arms with a confident smile. "Obviously. This place is huge, and you clearly need someone with brains to help organize it. Plus, I can set up a lab. So yes, I accept."
Chi-Chi was next, hands on her hips. "I'm moving in. Someone needs to make sure you eat proper meals and don't destroy this place with your training. And if we're doing this, we're doing it right."
Mai blushed, fidgeting with her hands. "I... I'd like to stay, i will stay!."
Lunch crossed her arms "Of course! "
Goku looked at them, then down at the floor. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Wait," Bulma said, looking around. "How did you even get this place? And the money to build it?"
"I have a friend who promised to help me… and gave me a good share of his company"
"Who?"
"Doesn't matter." He waved it off. "Point is, it's done."
"So!" Bulma clapped her hands together. "If we're all living together, we should make it official. A wedding."
"A wedding?!" Mai's face went bright red.
"Obviously," Chi-Chi said. "We're not just going to live together without making it proper."
"But... a wedding with all of us?" Mai asked nervously.
"Polygamy," Bulma said bluntly.
Chi-Chi frowned. "That's... unconventional."
"Do you have a better idea?"
Chi-Chi opened her mouth, then closed it. "...No."
"I'm fine with it!" Lunch called from the couch.
"Me too!" Kakarot said cheerfully.
"I don't mind," Mai added quietly.
Bulma turned to Chi-Chi. "So?"
Chi-Chi sighed. "Fine. But I'm planning the ceremony. You'll just make it too flashy."
"Excuse me?!"
And so the planning began.
Goku was in the corner of the room arms crossed hand over his face embarrassed and blushing "This shit sound so unreal.
---
Few days passed.
The mansion's garden was transformed.
Lanterns hung from trees. Tables were set up with food and drinks. A small stage had been erected for the ceremony. Everyone had gathered, friends, family, and a few unexpected guests.
Roshi stood near the food table, sunglasses on, nodding approvingly, reflection on his shades on every pair of breasts. "The boy did good. Real good."
Krillin was crying, grabbing Goku's arm. "I'm so happy for you, man! but five is too much!"
"Thanks… Krillin," Goku said, patting his friend's bald head awkwardly.
Yamcha stood off to the side, trying to look casual. A piece of food fell on Kakarot's foot as she sat eating. Yamcha picked it up quickly.
"I'll throw this away," he started, then looked around, blushed, and ate it himself.
Bulma caught him. "Did you just-?"
"Nothing!" Yamcha said quickly, walking away.
Panchy suddenly squeezed between Goku and Mai, wrapping her arms around Goku's waist with a bright smile.
"Mom!" Bulma protested. "You're already married!"
"I know, sweetie~" Panchy said cheerfully, not letting go. "But he's just- I couldn't help myself~"
Dr. Briefs chuckled from nearby, puffing his cigarette. "Let her have her fun."
Gyumao, Chi-Chi's father, stood like a mountain of a man, arms crossed but smiling. "Take care of my daughter, Goku."
"I will," Goku.
Pilaf and Shu approached Mai nervously. "Pilaf-sama... Go ahead!" Said shu, "I know don't force me!" Said pilaf "Mai... congratulations."
Mai smiled warmly. "Thank you. I'm glad you came."
Oolong tried sneaking toward the building where the girls were changing into their dresses.
Puar floated in front of him, arms crossed. "Don't even think about it."
"I wasn't doing anything!" Oolong protested.
"Sure you weren't."
Baba floated on her crystal ball near Goku, looking smug. "You finally kept your promise. Took you long enough."
"Yeah, yeah," Goku muttered.
"And more than just Kakarot, I see." She cackled. "You work fast, boy."
As the party continued, Puar floated over to Goku, who stood slightly apart from the crowd, watching everyone.
Goku looked down at the small shape-shifter.
"Have you forgotten about your old world?" Puar asked.
Goku was silent for a long moment, staring out at the garden, the people laughing and celebrating.
"I don't know, Puar," he said finally. "I thought... I thought building this would help. Thought it would make things clearer."
"And?"
"I'm more confused now than ever."
Goku looked back at the party, at Bulma arguing with Chi-Chi, at Mai laughing shyly, at Kakarot stuffing her face, at Lunch teasing Dr. Briefs, at Krillin still crying happy tears.
Krillin pulled out a camera and set it carefully on a tripod, adjusting the angle.
"Alright everyone! Group photo!" he called out.
The guests began gathering, finding their places. Bulma, Chi-Chi, Mai, Lunch, and Kakarot positioned themselves in front, looking back expectantly.
At Goku.
He stood slightly apart, hands in his pockets, watching them.
Each of the five girls looked at him with their own distinct expressions, Bulma with her confident smirk, Chi-Chi with determined warmth, Mai with shy hope, Lunch with wild excitement, and Kakarot with pure joy. All of them gesturing for him to join them.
*Come on.*
*Get over here.*
*You belong with us.*
For a moment, Goku just looked at them. At these women who had chosen him. At this life he'd somehow built in a world that wasn't his own.
Then, slowly, a genuine smile traced across his face.
"Maybe I will try," he said quietly.
He walked toward them.
The girls' faces lit up as he approached. They made space for him in the center, surrounding him with warmth and laughter.
Krillin programmed the camera timer and sprinted to squeeze into the frame.
"Everyone say cheese!"
*Click.*
The camera captured it, a beautiful moment frozen in time. All of them together. Friends. Family. A new beginning.
And in the center of it all, the stranger of this world, surrounded by the life he'd created.
---
Far Away
In a realm beyond mortal perception, within a room of pure white bathed in crimson light, a woman sat alone.
She was breathtaking. Ethereal. Dangerous.
Platinum blonde hair cascaded down past her shoulders like liquid moonlight. Her white ceremonial tunic left her sides exposed, her long legs crossed elegantly. Arms folded. Posture perfect.
But it was her eyes that held the room captive, piercing blue, intense, possessive.
Aionia.
Before her, a floating screen displayed the scene from Goku's world. The wedding party. The laughter. The photograph.
Him.
A small smile crept across her perfect face as she watched. Her long finger reached out and traced along the screen, caressing the image of Goku's face with tenderness that bordered on obsession.
"Yes, my love," she whispered to the screen. "I allow you to be happy without me. For now."
Her finger lingered on his cheek.
"Only because it will serve us in the future."
Her smile widened, but there was something dark beneath it. Something hungry.
"And soon..." she breathed, leaning closer to the screen, "we will fall into each other's arms. Without worries. Without interruptions."
The screen flickered, showing Goku smiling.
Aionia's eyes never left him.
"Soon. "
---
Time passed.
Five years of peace on Earth.
But far above Earth, beyond the blue sky and white clouds, beyond the atmosphere itself...
Something was approaching.
Coming to change everything.
—
Farewell Dragon ball, Welcome, Z