Aftermath part 3
Chapter 88
Amid the comfortable confines of Stark Tower, the day was unfolding with its usual blend of excitement and laughter.
The sun, casting warm, golden rays through the windows, created a cozy ambiance within the living room.
It was the kind of day that made you want to savor every moment, and that's precisely what the teens and kids were doing.
Goten, Trunks, Videl, and Gohan were gathered around the large flat-screen television for an intense round of Mario Kart.
Their faces were filled with determination as they gripped their game controllers, ready to engage in a fierce competition.
Goten, his small frame perched at the edge of the couch, leans left and right, steering his virtual kart with exaggerated movements. He grins at the screen, shouting, "You guys are in trouble now! Goten's going for the gold!"
Trunks, mirroring Goten's movements on the opposite edge of the couch, equally immersed in the game responds with a cocky grin, "In your dreams, Goten! The gold's all mine!"
Videl, her competitive spirit shining through, joins the playful banter. "Don't forget about me, boys! You twerps won't know what hit you when I'm in the lead."
Goten, Trunks, and Videl continue to trash talk each other as the race began. Their laughter and taunts filled the room, adding to the friendly rivalry.
Each maneuver, every power-up, was met with shouts of triumph or groans of frustration.
However, as the race progresses, Gohan, who has been quietly focusing on the game, began to gain the upper hand.
He skillfully navigates his kart through the twists and turns, slowly inching ahead of the others.
Goten, noticing his older brother's progress, can't resist joining the fray. "Hey, Bubba, you think you can just sneak ahead of us like that?"
Gohan's grin was as mischievous as it was confident. "Well, when you've got skills like mine, it's hard to resist."
As Gohan surges into the lead, the trash talk intensifies.
Goten, Trunks, and Videl redouble their efforts to catch up to him, determined not to let him win without a fight.
To the untrained eye, it might have seemed like a simple video game, but to them, it was an epic competition, a contest of wills between the young warriors.
In the midst of their race, Tony enters the room. He leans against the doorframe, a fond smile tugging at his lips as he watches the kids.
Steve stands beside him, his blue eyes sparkle with amusement as he observes the intense Mario Kart showdown.
He rests a hand on Tony's shoulder, and the two share a fond look, a silent acknowledgment of the wonderful chaos that blesses their lives.
As the race in Mario Kart reaches its thrilling conclusion, it's Gohan who emerges victorious, his virtual kart crossing the finish line with a triumphant flourish.
He can't help but grin as the victory music played, and the words "First Place" flash on the screen next to his character.
Goten, Trunks, and Videl aren't about to let Gohan's win go unchallenged. Almost in unison, they declare, "Rematch! We're not letting you off that easy!"
Their competitive spirits were far from satisfied, and they were determined to claim victory for themselves in the next round.
But just as they were about to begin their rematch, Tony, who's been observing their gaming session with amusement from the sidelines, decides to intervene.
With a playful twinkle in his eye, he reaches over and plucks Goten off the couch, lifting him into his arms.
Goten squirms and giggles as Tony's fingers tickle his sides. "Daddy! What's the big idea?!"
Tony continues to tickle Goten, his deep voice laced with mischief. "Goten, my darling, little Monkey, I hate to interrupt your quest for racing glory, but do you know what time it is?"
Between laughter and gasps for breath, Goten manages to stammer out a response. "What...time?"
With Goten securely in his arms, Tony reminds the kids about the important video call they had scheduled with Peggy. "Video call time with Grauntie Peggy!" Tony exclaims, his voice full of enthusiasm. "She's waiting to see all of you."
It was a weekly tradition, one that brought joy and comfort to the young boy's heart.
Goten's eyes widen with realization, and he stops squirming. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Let's go, Daddy!"
Tony grins at his excitement. "Alright, gang, let's go set up the call." He leads the way to the cozy corner of the living room where JARVIS had a holoscreen waiting for them. The screen displayed a picture of Peggy from a previous call, her radiant smile frozen in time.
With a chorus of agreements from Gohan, Trunks, and Videl, they all make their way to the designated video call area, their friendly rivalry momentarily put on hold.
They all know how important these weekly calls were not just for Peggy, but for Goten as well, a way to help him cope with the changes in their beloved Grauntie.
Tony holds Goten in his arms, and the others gather around the screen, ready to share their day's adventures with Peggy.
Peggy's familiar face soon appears on the screen, and the room lights up with her presence.
Goten's excitement was palpable as he beams at the image of his Grauntie Peggy. "Grauntie Peggy! Grauntie Peggy! do you still remember us?" he asked with his usual, innocent enthusiasm. Though his eyes held a hint of worry.
Every one of their calls so far has begun this exact same way, with Goten asking Peggy that question, a child's way of understanding Alzheimer's.
Goten is exceptionally bright for his age, (Tony wouldn't expect anything less from his baby boy) but he is still his age.
After explaining Peggy's diagnosis to Goten, Tony and Pepper coordinated with Peggy to have these calls with her at least once a week to help the boy cope and give him as much time with her as they can while she's still able.
The assurances Peggy gives are soothing balm for Goten's anxiety about her fate.
Peggy's smile was a gentle embrace, her eyes brimming with fondness. "Oh, luv, how could I ever forget you and the rest of our family?"
Goten's grin radiates relief, and with his worries eased for the time being, he's unable to contain his bubbling joy, practically vibrating as he quickly changes the subject. "Guess what, Grauntie Peggy? During training today, Trunks turned Super Saiyan!"
Suddenly being put in the spotlight, Trunks face heats up. He averts his gaze from the screen and abashedly rubs the back of his head as he clarifies, "I did, but I could only hold it for about a minute."
Peggy's eyes light up, her genuine excitement warming the digital connection. "My, that's wonderful, Trunks!"
Steve, Tony, and Gohan exchange proud glances as they listen to the conversation unfold. Though soon enough they each join in, exchanging banter and stories as Peggy asks about the reconstruction efforts and teasingly prods the couple about their date the previous day.
As Goten and Trunks tell the elderly woman about the amazing pillow fort they built, watched movies in, and slept inside of together after getting caught spying on Tony and Steve's date, Videl is reminded about finding Gohan asleep next to her, practically spooning her and shakes her head in a futile attempt to forget.
Peggy's shrewd gaze catches Videl's distressed demeanor. Swiftly, Peggy weaves an excuse, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Boys," she looks to Steve, Tony, and Gohan, "how about we continue this call in the tower gym? Our future Superheroes here can demonstrate the moves they've learned for me, while you supervise."
The boys eagerly agree and Trunks books it to the elevator, Goten jumps out of Tony's arms and chases after his friend while the others follow behind them, Tony, Steve, and Gohan fondly shaking their heads at the boys' antics.
The backround on Peggy's side of the call shifts from the communal floor living room to the vibrant training area, its polished floors reflecting the illumination from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Laughter echoes in the spacious room as Goten and Trunks ready themselves to demonstrate their moves, a mix of excitement and pride filling the air.
Tony, Steve, and Gohan stick close to the boys just incase they're needed to rein them in if they get too wild, leaving Peggy and Videl alone for a moment.
"Dear, you seem to have a lot on your mind. Care to share?" Peggy gently inquires, her voice a soothing presence.
Videl's lips curve into a rueful smirk, she should've known she wouldn't be able to hide this from Peggy. "It's Gohan," she admits, her voice a hushed confession. "We've known each other for so long, and now suddenly, I think I'm starting to see him differently."
Peggy's nods in understanding. "Ah, the heart's labyrinthine paths. They can surprise even the most stalwart of us."
Videl's eyes meet Peggy's, vulnerability in her gaze. "But what if exploring these feelings ruins our friendship?"
As much as she claims not to be the sentimental type, Videl can't deny Gohan is her best friend, the best friend she's ever had. She couldn't bear losing the good thing they have now because of an unrequited crush.
Peggy's smile holds a wealth of wisdom, the lines on her face a testament to a life well-lived. "My dear, love is a bond that can weather even the most formidable storms. It's not unusual for feelings to evolve in unexpected directions. Trust your instincts and your heart. Afterall, the strongest relationships often blossom from deep friendship."
Videl's heart begins to feel a bit lighter, as if Peggy's words have lifted a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying. "I'll try. Thanks, Peggy."
"Anytime, my dear. Just remember, life is a series of fleeting moments. Seize them, cherish them, and let your heart guide you."
As Peggy had been talking with Videl, Goten and Trunks, cheeks flushed from their lively exchange of blows, couldn't contain their enthusiasm. Their animated faces, still charged with excitement, turn toward the screen, their eyes bright with anticipation.
"Grauntie Peggy, did you see that?!" Goten's voice erupts with youthful exuberance.
Peggy, her own smile mirroring the boys' excitement, responded with genuine admiration, "I did indeed, lads! You both are becoming quite the little warriors. I'm impressed."
As the boys take Peggy's attention, Gohan, catching a moment between the action-packed exchanges, approaches Videl with a gentle, concerned expression.
"Are you okay, Videl?" Gohan asks, his voice a soothing presence.
Videl's heart warms at Gohan's genuine worry. She responds with a reassuring smile, wanting to alleviate his concern, at least for the time being. "I'm fine, really," she assured him. "Just some personal stuff to sort out, nothing major."
Gohan nods, accepting her words, but his caring nature presses him to offer more. "You know, Videl, you can always talk to me if you need to. I'm here for you."
Videl's gaze softens, touched by Gohan's unwavering support. She playfully punches his shoulder and says, "I know, Gohan. You've always been there for me. Thanks."
Gohan's concern and support deeply touch Videl, and she knew there was something more to her feelings than just friendship. However, she also realizes that these feelings were complex, and she needs time to sort through them.
As she watches Goten and Trunks excitedly talk with Peggy, Videl makes a silent resolution. She'll take some time to reflect on her emotions, to understand them better, and to ensure that whatever path she chooses won't jeopardize the strong friendship she cherishes with Gohan.
Videl knows that matters of the heart were delicate, and rushing into things could lead to unintended consequences.
She wants to be certain of her feelings before she broached the topic with Gohan. After all, their bond was too precious to risk without careful consideration.
For now, she'll continue to be there for him as he has always been there for her, offering support, friendship, and the unwavering trust that has defined their relationship for so long.