Familial Expansion

Marvel Cinematic Universe Dragon Ball
F/M
M/M
G
Familial Expansion
author
Summary
Between the Avengers Team officially going public, Gohan balancing his time with his Family, Superhero Duties, and Schoolwork, Goten becoming a Super Saiyan, (at age 4 and a half!) and Tony beginning a romantic relationship with his childhood hero & now close friend Steve Rogers, the Stark family's lives have become far more complicated than they could have ever imagined. But they wouldn't have it any other way.
Note
Just shy of 6 months between wrapping up phase 1 and finally starting phase 2.I'm really sorry it took so long. I was stuck on how to kick off phase 2, so I went back and revised phase 1 while thinking it over, then before I knew it, I had revised the entirety of phase 1 without having a solid plan yet. But I think I've got one laid out now.
All Chapters Forward

Aftermath part 2

Chapter 87


Tony slowly awoke from his peaceful slumber, only to be abruptly jolted awake by a tiny foot being shoved into his face. Guess it was a fair trade-off, considering the tranquility of his sleep.

Reluctantly, he cracks one eye open and discovers that Trunks had tossed and turned so much during the night, he'd transitioned from snoring into his ear to propping his foot against Tony's face. Surprisingly, the kid still clung onto one of Goten's hands.

Tony couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as he observed the two boys sleeping. Thankfully, the older of the two is wearing a pair of Goten's Pokémon slippers. Though the adorable sight can only compensate for his face being used as a makeshift doormat by the runt for so long.

With utmost care, Tony lifts Goten off his chest, places the boy beside his best friend, and sits up to stretch.

Steve's arm, previously wrapped around Tony, shifts as he gradually wakes.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty." Tony greets him.

"I believe Sleeping Beauty was awakened by a kiss," Steve quips.

"Apologies, my dear," Tony chuckles, leaning over Steve to plant a peck on his lips.

Steve reciprocates the gesture, kissing Tony leisurely. "You're forgiven."

Before Tony can retort, another occupant of the pillow fort interjects, "Ugh, you two are so disgustingly wholesome."

Both Tony and Steve glance over at Videl as she exaggeratedly gags.

Tony playfully scoffs, remarking, "I wouldn't talk if I were you, sweetheart."

Videl raises an eyebrow, and Tony gestures for her to look beside her.

When she does, she finds Gohan peacefully snoozing in very close proximity, with an arm draped over her midsection.

Her face flushes with embarrassment, she lets out a startled yelp and hastily pushes Gohan away from her.

Despite the extremely jarring movement, the teenage Saiyan remained blissfully asleep, but he's jolted awake when a pile of pillows forming one of the fort's walls tumbles onto his head.

"Huh? What? What's happening?" Gohan groggily mumbles. "Is it time for breakfast?"

The mere mention of breakfast stirs the other Saiyans in the fort.

"Breakfast?" Trunks asks, still half-asleep.

In contrast, Goten is instantly wide awake and shouts, "I want breakfast!"

Steve chuckles, and Tony tells the kids, "We'll have as much breakfast as you want once we've dismantled our pillow palace."

Goten springs to his feet, tightens his grip on Trunks' hand while grabbing onto one of Gohan's hands, and tugs on them repeatedly. "Come on, get up already! I'm hungry!"

The youngest Stark assumes the role of a mini taskmaster, enlisting his friend, brother, and pet dragon to disassemble the fort and return every pillow and piece of bedding to its original place.

Goten proves to be an efficient leader (or dictator), leaving Tony and Steve with little time to do more than prepare a couple of bowls of cereal.

Fortunately, JARVIS informs them that Pepper, Happy, and Bruce have prepared a hearty breakfast for several Saiyans and Super Soldiers, awaiting them on the communal floor.

As the kids eagerly dig into their meal, Pepper, Happy, and Bruce engage in conversation with Tony and Steve about the ongoing reconstruction efforts, intermittently teasing the couple for details of their date from the previous day.

Once the last of the plates had been cleared, Gohan signals to Videl and the boys, pushes his chair back, and tells the rest of the family, "We're heading over to Mount Paozu to train with Piccolo for a while."

"Alrighty," Tony replies, rising from his chair. He plants a kiss on Steve's cheek, then walks over to Gohan, tousles his hair, and turns to Goten, opening his arms wide. "I need my hug fix before I head down to the lab, Monkey."

Goten happily obliges, leaping into Tony's embrace and wrapping his small arms around the older Stark's neck.

Tony playfully squeezes Goten to his chest and plants a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"Well, if we're giving out hugs," Pepper chimes in, "Uncle Happy and I could use some before we head to the office."

Tony smirks and adds, "Don't forget Uncle Bruce and Uncle Steve."

After Goten had shared hugs with all the adults and everyone agreed to reconvene for lunch, Pepper and Happy departed for the Stark Industries office floors, Bruce and Tony headed to their respective labs, Steve left the tower to assist at the remaining salvage sites, and Gohan led Videl and the boys to his lab to activate the beacon and rendezvous with Piccolo.

Before the portal even had a chance to close, Videl pulls Piccolo aside for some one-on-one sparring.

Throughout the morning, Gohan noticed his friend's unusual behavior. Her face reddened whenever their eyes met during breakfast, and she only offered brief responses when he tried to engage her in conversation.

Had he done something to upset her? He couldn't fathom what it could be, as he couldn't recall any offense he might have caused.

Besides, Videl had never hesitated to speak her mind if something was bothering her.

"Gohan, let's get started!" Trunks impatiently groans, itching to begin his Super Saiyan training.

With an eager half-Saiyan on his hands, Gohan could see the anticipation building up, ready to burst if they didn't start right away.

Gohan nods, making a mental note to talk to Videl later. "Alright, alright," he acquiesces. "Let's get to work."

Turning to his younger brother, Gohan asks, "Goten, could you transform for us, please?"

Goten enthusiastically nods. "Okay!" He effortlessly shifts into his Super Saiyan form, just as he had during their previous training session.

"Very good," Gohan praises. "Now, can you try to describe how it feels compared to powering up normally?"

Goten tilts his head, his finger on his chin, attempting to find the right words. "It's like a tingle, then a pop, and a HA!"

Gohan stifles a laugh as Trunks' awe turns into confusion. "Huh?"

Chuckling to himself, Gohan turns to Goten and suggests, "Why don't you tell Trunks what it was like the first time you transformed?"

Goten's smile fades, and he casts his gaze downward. 

"What's wrong, Goten?" Trunks asks, concerned by the sudden mood shift of his friend 

"The first time was different... I was scared, sad, and angry," Goten begins, his eyes shimmering with innocence and a hardened wisdom far beyond his years. "All those feelings hit me all at once. I was sad for Aunt Peggy, angry that she was sick, and scared because I thought we had lost Daddy. The fear of losing my family made the power burst out of me."

Gohan solemnly nods, recalling that day when they sat Goten down to explain Peggy's diagnosis. Goten's heartbreak had been so overwhelming, he almost transformed out of sheer grief. "That's right, you can't just power up and become a Super Saiyan. It comes from pure, raw emotion."

"So, I need to be really scared, mad, or sad?" Trunks inquires.

"In a sense," Gohan replies. "But you can't force it. The emotions have to be genuine. The best approach is to tap into the pain of loss."

"I have to lose something?" Trunks asks, furrowing his brow.

"Not necessarily. The power comes in response to a need, not a desire. If you can vividly imagine losing something or someone you love and genuinely feel the need to prevent that, it can unlock the power within you," Gohan explains. "It's how I did it."

Trunks mulls over the information, his gaze fixed on Goten, who had now regained his cheerful demeanor.

"Do you have any advice, Goten?" Trunks asks, seeking guidance.

Goten scratches the back of his head, considering his response. The best answer he can come up with is, "You'll know it when you feel it, and when you do, just go with it."

Trunks nods, taking Goten's vague advice to heart. "I'll remember that. Thanks, Goten."

Gohan smiles, recognizing the potential within the two young Saiyans, sensing the dormant strength waiting to be awakened.

"Alright, guys," Gohan says, his voice filled with determination. "Let's get to work."

Goten and Trunks eagerly stand at attention, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Right!"

"We'll begin with some one-on-one sparring," Gohan announces, creating a clone of himself using the Multi-Form technique. "Goten, you'll spar with this handsome devil."

Ignoring the boys' poorly stifled giggles, Gohan continues with his instructions. "Trunks, we'll stay back here and focus on preparing you to achieve Super Saiyan."

Straightening back up, Trunks salutes the older Saiyan. "Yes, Sir!"

As Gohan's clone leads Goten to the opposite side of the forest, Trunks excitedly asks the original, "So, where do we start?"

"We," Gohan plops down onto the ground, crosses his legs, and cups his hands together, "are going to meditate."

Trunks' enthusiasm instantly plummets. "Seriously?!"

Gohan unapologetically confirms his previous statement. "Seriously."

Trunks groans in annoyance but reluctantly takes a seat across from Gohan, mirroring his posture.

Although Gohan and Piccolo had guided him and Goten through meditation exercises numerous times, it never seemed to get any easier for Trunks.

Closing his eyes, Trunks attempts to calm his racing thoughts, but he struggles to remain still.

Observing Trunks' challenge, Gohan places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Relax, Trunks. Meditation is about finding inner peace and connecting with your energy. It may not be as exhilarating as a sparring match, but it is an essential part of reaching Super Saiyan."

Trunks sighs, making a conscious effort to calm himself. Once again, he closes his eyes, embracing the stillness surrounding him.

As minutes ticked by, Gohan guides Trunks through deep breathing exercises, helping him focus and tap into the wellspring of power within.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Goten engages in an intense sparring match with Gohan's clone. The two Saiyans swiftly maneuver through the trees, their movements fluid and precise.

Goten's energy surges as he unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, while Gohan's clone effortlessly dodges and counters with calculated strikes.

The training session showcased Goten's remarkable growth, even when compared to just the previous day. His Super Saiyan form radiates with power, his attacks becoming more refined and controlled. Gohan couldn't help but beam with pride as his younger brother pushed himself to new limits.

As their sparring continues, Gohan's clone gradually increases the intensity, testing Goten's endurance and his ability to sustain the Super Saiyan state. Goten's determination doesn't waver, his resolve fueling his strength.

Back at the meditation spot, Trunks struggles to quiet his mind. Thoughts and distractions flood his consciousness, making it difficult to find the inner peace that Gohan spoke of. Frustration wells up within him, threatening to undermine his progress.

"This is pointless!" Trunks growls, flopping onto his back and glaring up at the sky.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Trunks." Gohan attempts to soothe him. "Meditation takes time and practice. It's about finding balance within yourself."

"How is this supposed to help me feel what I need to feel to turn Super Saiyan?" Trunks questions.

"On its own, meditation won't directly trigger the transformation." Gohan answers. "However, it will prepare you for the next step."

Confused, Trunks asks, "What do you mean?"

"It'll be easier if I show you rather than tell you. Just trust me and follow my instructions, okay?"

Trunks sighs and nods, making a renewed effort to let go of his frustrations. He focuses on his breathing and the gentle rustle of leaves around them.

Gohan guides Trunks through the breathing exercises again and establishes a telepathic connection between their minds.

Slowly but surely, the chaos in Trunks' mind begins to settle. He embraces the calmness that envelopes him, feeling a newfound connection to his inner energy.

Gohan hasn't engaged in this level of mental training since the month he spent in space traveling to Namek with Krillin and Bulma. Drawing upon that experience, he was certain that Trunks would respond well to image training.

Recalling the steps Krillin had taught him all those years ago, Gohan leads Trunks in constructing a mental space for them to enter.

Once the groundwork is laid out, Gohan enters the mental landscape and brings Trunks along with him.

"You can open your eyes now, Trunks."

Trunks does, and as soon as he registers their surroundings –or lack there of in this unending expanse of nothingness– he stumbles backward in shock, landing on his backside. "Where are we?!"

"It's okay," Gohan assures the boy. "We're still right where we were on Mount Paozu; we're just doing some image training."

"'Image training'?" Trunks questions.

"Yep, in this space, we can go all out without risking injury, and since it's a mental technique maintained by both of us, you'll experience your emotions at a much deeper level than usual."

"Wow," Trunks remarks, awestruck.

"Yeah," Gohan chuckles as he helps Trunks back to his feet. "It also has a few other benefits."

"Like what?" Trunks inquires.

"I'll show you." Gohan conjures up illusions of all his past enemies, except Vegeta, for obvious reasons.

Bewildered, Trunks asks, "Who are all these guys?"

"They're bad guys I've gone up against over the years," Gohan explains.

"So many," Trunks marvels.

"Yeah," Gohan agrees. With all his heart, he hopes that Goten and Trunks won't have to face anywhere near as many foes as he did in his own childhood.

Raditz, Nappa, the Ginyu Force, Frieza, Android 19, Dr. Gero, Cell, Broly, Obadiah, Blonsky, Bojack, Garlic Jr, Dr. Lychee, Hatchiyak, Vanko, Loki, and the Chitauri. Gohan has confronted a multitude of enemies alongside his friends and family. And he can only guess how many more challenges lay ahead in the future.

Gohan harbors so much resentment toward every single one of these past adversaries. However, he intends to utilize the experiences gained from each battle to prepare Goten and Trunks for whatever enemy or obstacle they might face in the future. He's determined to equip them with the necessary skills and resilience to overcome any adversary.

As he observed the illusions of his past enemies, a mixture of anger and determination filled Gohan's eyes.

Each confrontation had tested his limits and pushed him to discover new depths of power within himself. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to pass down those lessons to the next generation.

"These enemies," Gohan speaks with a firm voice, "each one of them threatened our world and the people we love. But with every battle, we grew stronger, and we never gave up."

Trunks listens attentively, his eyes fixed on the illusions before him. He could sense the weight and severity in Gohan's words.

"Okay, Trunks, pick from any of these guys, and I'll create a simulation for you to fight them."

Trunks practically vibrates with excitement. "Awesome!"

He dashes over to the illusions, eagerly scanning his potential opponents with the same wide-eyed enthusiasm that Goten would display in the candy aisle of a grocery store.

As he evaluated the options, his initial exuberance waned, replaced by a more serious demeanor.

Turning his gaze towards Gohan, Trunks wears a determined look on his face as he asks, "Which one of these guys is Loki?"

Anticipating Trunks' interest, Gohan knew that Loki would undoubtedly be among his top choices. The opportunity to take down the one who had hurt his best friend was simply too tempting for the young half-Saiyan to resist.

With a simple wave of his hand, Gohan dispels the illusions of the other adversaries, leaving only the imposing figure of Loki and a relentless horde of Chitauri standing before them.

To enhance the realism of the mental training session, Gohan manipulates their surroundings, transforming the blank landscape into a faithful replica of New York City.

The illusion of Loki, with his trademark smug grin and mischievous eyes, effortlessly floats above the ground, ascending to the pinnacle of Stark Tower, serving as the ultimate target for Trunks. Meanwhile, the Chitauri disperse throughout the streets, their presence permeating the simulated city, ready to engage in battle.

"Alright, Trunks, your goal is to reach Loki and beat him. However, you're gonna have to fight your way through the Chitauri forces that stand in your way." Gohan explains, his voice filled with a mix of guidance and challenge.

Trunks, brimming with confidence, responds with a hint of bravado, "Sounds like a piece of cake to me."

"Oh really?" A mischievous smirk dances across Gohan's face as he swiftly snaps his fingers. In an instant, a portal materializes above Stark Tower, and from its depths pours an overwhelming swarm of Chitauri soldiers and monstrous Leviathans. "How about now?"

The sheer magnitude of the threat leaves Trunks wide-eyed and mouth agape. "Woah, this is what you, Goten, and the others had to deal with that day?"

Gohan nods, a hint of solemnity in his expression. "That's right, Trunks. Now imagine having to fight off an army like this, with thousands of people relying on you to keep them safe from these monsters, all while the coward behind the attack has Goten held hostage and under mind control."

Trunks' expression hardens, and he glares toward the top of Stark Tower where the illusion of Loki awaits.

"And this is just one of the battles we've had to fight." Gohan informs him. "It's important you take the challenges that lie ahead seriously. Never underestimate the enemy, and never overestimate your abilities." He needs to make sure neither Goten or Trunks make the same mistakes he has.

The stage is set, the stakes are high, and Trunks stands ready to face the daunting task before him. The chaotic simulation of New York City and the formidable presence of Loki and the Chitauri serve as the crucible in which Trunks will forge his path, refine his skills, and unearth the depths of his untapped potential.

With Gohan's guidance and determination burning in his heart, Trunks readies himself to prove his worth as a warrior, worthy of his Saiyan heritage.

Gohan watches intently as Trunks surveys the illusory enemies before him. "Are you ready?"

With a stubborn glint in his eyes, Trunks locks onto his primary target, Loki. "Yeah!"

"If things get overwhelming, just say the word, and everything stops, alright?"

"Got it!"

"Alright, ready, set," Gohan raises his arm, pausing for a brief moment before swiftly swinging it down. "Go!"

A surge of raw energy courses through Trunks' veins, his muscles tightening as he releases a powerful battle cry. His aura engulfs him, and without a moment's hesitation, Trunks launches himself toward the illusory Loki.

With lightning-fast agility, Trunks deftly evades, counters, and obliterates the Chitauri soldiers that attempt to swarm him.

Each strike he delivers carries an overwhelming force, sending shockwaves throughout the simulated cityscape.

Trunks' blows land with explosive impact, decimating the illusions of Chitauri soldiers and Leviathans that dare to impede his progress. His unwavering focus is fueled by an unyielding desire for payback against the man who hurt his best friend.

As the illusory enemies crumble beneath Trunks' relentless assault, he ascends to the top of the tower, ready to confront Loki.

Yet, before he can charge him, a mirage of Goten materializes between them, his eyes unsettlingly glazed with an icy blue hue.

"Goten?!" Trunks' heart races at the sight of his friend, wearing that eerie, vacant gaze.

The situation further intensifies as Trunks' Mother and Grandparents materialize around Loki, their eyes and stares mirroring Goten's unsettling gaze.

"Mom?! Grandma?! Grandpa?!"

Trunks grits his teeth and tightly clenches his fists as a torrent of turbulent emotions courses through him. Fear, anger, and unwavering determination converge, fueling his resolve to overcome this challenge. 

Without a moment's hesitation, he launches himself towards the illusions, his aura ablaze with an intensified brilliance. He tries to blitz past his family and Goten to land a decisive blow on Loki. However, his path is intercepted as the illusory Goten morphs into a Super Saiyan and blocks Trunks' attack.

Before Trunks can even register the swift movement, the mirage of Goten strikes him square in the gut, sending him crashing to the ground.

Gasping for air, Trunks struggles to regain his footing, his body trembling with exhaustion. Every breath is a struggle as he forces himself upright once more.

A single blow pushed Trunks to the brink, his forehead glistened with beads of sweat, and his breath grew ragged. But despite the massive power gap, he refuses to give up. He can't allow himself to if he ever wants to protect anyone.

With a desperation he's never felt before, Trunks lets off a mighty roar.

In a breathtaking display, a surge of power erupts from within Trunks, propelling him off the ground. His hair, now a resplendent shade of gold, dances in the air as his eyes gleam with unwavering determination.

He actually did it, he became a Super Saiyan.

As Trunks endeavors to harness the might of his Super Saiyan form, an explosive surge of energy cascades forth, causing the illusory Loki, Chitauri soldiers, and Leviathans to shatter like fragile glass.

The sheer force generated by his newfound power causes the simulated reality to crumble, and the mindscape dissolves into oblivion.

The sudden rupture jolts Trunks and Gohan out of their immersive mental training, and shoots them back into their physical bodies.

Blinking rapidly, Trunks readjusts to the abrupt transition from the intense battle. His gaze sweeps around, momentarily disoriented by the return to their physical surroundings.

As Trunks and Gohan regain their bearings, Trunks' Super Saiyan power continues to surge uncontrollably. Golden energy crackles around him, causing the ground to tremble under its immense pressure.

Vividly remembering his first Super Saiyan transformation, Gohan quickly realizes the situation and steps forward, his voice filled with urgency.

"Trunks, listen to me! You have to calm down and regain control of your power!" Gohan exclaims, his eyes locked on Trunks as he tries to maintain a reassuring tone.

Despite Trunks' best efforts, the sheer magnitude of his unrestrained energy makes it difficult for him to focus. His emotions are running wild, a mix of excitement, confusion, fear, anger, and raw power coursing through his veins.

Beads of sweat trickle down his forehead as he struggles to contain the overwhelming force within him.

Gohan extends a steady hand toward Trunks and attempts to coach him through the process. "Take deep breaths, Trunks. Visualize your energy flowing through you, but don't let it consume you. You're in control."

Trunks tries to follow Gohan's instructions, desperately fights to rein in the surging energy. His aura flickers with bursts of golden light as he wrestles with his Super Saiyan form.

But as hard as Trunks tries, the power proves to be too much for him to handle in his current state. Sweat-soaked strands of hair fall onto his forehead as his Super Saiyan aura wavers. Slowly, the golden glow fades, and Trunks returns to his normal state, gasping for breath.

Gohan places a comforting hand on Trunks' shoulder, concern etched on his face. "It's okay, Trunks. Harnessing your Super Saiyan power takes time and practice. You made incredible progress today, we just have a bit more work to do."

Trunks looks at Gohan, disappointment in his eyes. "I tried so hard to control it, Gohan. I really really did."

Gohan smiles warmly, understanding Trunks' struggle. "I know you did, Trunks, it's ok. It might take some time, but I promise we'll get you there."

Trunks inhales deeply, greatly discouraged by his perceived failure. "I should have been able to do it."

Gohan's voice resonates with empathy as he responds, "Don't beat yourself up, Trunks. The first time I transformed, it was far from a controlled experience. And I was twice your age and had been working towards it for months."

Trunks momentarily finds solace in Gohan's words, but then he raises a valid point. "But Goten didn't have any problem with it, and he's a year younger than me."

Gohan considers his response carefully, contemplating how to address the complex truth with his young friend. "You see, Trunks, Goten is a bit of a special case."

Curiosity sparks in Trunks' eyes as he asks, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Gohan pauses, searching for an appropriate way to phrase his response for a 5 year old. "Goten is the only one of us half-Saiyans who was 'made' by a Super Saiyan."

Trunks' inquisitive nature is evident, but before he can fire off his multitude of follow-up questions, Goten's voice rings out, drawing their attention. "Hey!"

Goten and the duplicate of Gohan assigned to watch over him approach, the young Saiyan bubbling with excitement. "I felt your Ki get really huge, Trunks! You did it, didn't you?"

As Gohan reintegrates with his duplicate, Trunks dispondently confides in Goten, "I did, but I couldn't control it."

Sensing his friend's dejection, Goten beams with reassurance. "That's okay, Trunks! You'll get the hang of it. You're already halfway there."

"Maybe," Trunks murmurs, his optimism dwindling.

"Don't worry, Trunks." Goten wraps his arms around his friend in a comforting embrace. "I know you'll do it."

Curious, Trunks questions Goten's certainty. "What makes you so sure?"

Goten's innocent eyes meet Trunks', and he replies with unwavering certainty, "Because you're Trunks, and you're awesome." His statement hangs in the air, as if the answer were the most obvious truth in the world.

A genuine laugh escapes Trunks, the weight of his disappointment lightening. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"I'd say you're both pretty awesome." Gohan remarks, his face adorned with a warm smile. With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he playfully slings Trunks over his shoulder, eliciting a surprised burst of laughter from the young Saiyan.

Gohan then scoops Goten up with his free arm, their laughter blending together. "But you know what? I think you can prove it even more after we've had some lunch!"

Goten nods with excitement, and Trunks grins. "Yeah, let's eat!" 

Gohan turns towards the direction where Videl and Piccolo were engaged in sparring. Carrying Trunks and Goten along with him, he makes his way over.

As they approach the scene, Videl's smirk emerges, no trace of the odd behavior she displayed this morning. "I felt that enormous surge of Ki from you, Bowlcut. Are you officially a secret blonde now too?"

Trunks' smile momentarily falters, but he quickly regains his cheerfulness as he replies, "Not yet, but I will be soon."

"That's right!" Goten exclaims in agreement.

The boys exchange a fist bump, and Gohan tells Videl, "We've made great progress, but it's almost lunchtime, so I thought we'd call it a day."

After sharing a few more words, Gohan activates the beacon, and in an instant, they're transported back to the safety and familiarity of the tower.

As they reappear in the comforting embrace of their living room, Gohan gently sets Trunks and Goten down, allowing their feet to meet the plush carpet. He affectionately ruffles their hair before turning to face Videl.

"I was thinking, after lunch, if there's anything on your mind, we could hang out, talk, and maybe play some video games." Gohan suggests with a warm smile.

A hint of a blush momentarily tinges Videl's cheeks, and she averts her gaze from Gohan. However, she quickly regains her composure and playfully retorts, "Nope, absolutely nothing on my mind, but I'll gladly kick your ass in Mario Kart."

Gohan senses that there might still be something bothering Videl, but he understands that pushing her won't help. All he can do is respect her boundaries.

"Mario Kart?" Trunks interjects. "Count me in!"

"Ooh, ooh, me too!" Goten eagerly adds.

"Alright, all challengers are welcome," Videl proclaims, happy for the distraction. She turns to Gohan, seeking his agreement. "Right, Gohan?"

Acknowledging the situation, Gohan responds with a playful grin, "Absolutely! Let's do it!"

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