Father and Son

The sun hasn't yet risen when I sense a familiar ki signature approaching Capsule Corporation.

It's Gohan - his energy calm and controlled, yet unmistakable to me despite the relative newness of my ability to sense such things.

I'm on the rooftop terrace, meditating as the stars begin to fade from the pre-dawn sky, trying to reconcile the three distinct sets of memories that now occupy my mind - Goku's, Vegeta's, and my own from a world where all of this existed only as entertainment.

I remain in position, eyes closed, as I hear him land softly on the terrace behind me.

"You're up early," I observe without turning around. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," Gohan replies. "Bulma mentioned you've been exploring the cities. I thought I'd stop by before heading to my interview."

I open my eyes and turn to face him. Gohan stands in formal attire - neatly pressed slacks, button-up shirt, and a tie that looks slightly uncomfortable on him.

It's a far cry from the battle gi he wore as a child, or even the casual clothes he adopted as a teenager. Seeing him in person is still a bit jarring - a character I once watched on a screen now standing before me as a flesh and blood person.

"Interview?" I inquire, rising to my feet.

"At Orange Star University," he explains, adjusting his tie nervously. "For a research position in their physics department. I just finished my graduate degree last month."

"I was actually in Orange Star City yesterday," I tell him. "I saw your name in the university's distinguished alumni display.

Your professor - Toma, I believe - mentioned energy conversion equations from your thesis they're still trying to replicate."

Gohan smiles, a hint of pride in his expression. "I'm not surprised. I had to be careful not to reveal too much about ki manipulation in my research.

Hard to explain that your equations are based on personal experience with energy that most scientists don't believe exists."

"I imagine that would raise some questions," I agree.

An awkward silence falls between us. Despite having Goku's memories of raising Gohan, I know I am not his father.

Yet those memories trigger genuine emotions within me - a strange, almost paternal pride when I look at this young man who overcame so much.

It's confusing to feel such connection to someone I've only truly known for a short time.

"Bulma tells me you've been exploring Earth," Gohan says finally. "How's that going?"

"It's... illuminating," I reply. "There's much of this world that I'm experiencing firsthand for the first time, despite having memories of it through Goku and Vegeta's eyes."

Gohan nods. "I can't even imagine how disorienting that must be - having memories of places you've never actually been."

"Would you like some coffee?" I offer, gesturing toward the terrace door. "I've been told I make it too strong, but that might be a benefit for someone with an important interview."

"That would be great, actually," Gohan accepts. "I could use the extra boost. I was up late reviewing research papers."

In the kitchen, I prepare coffee while Gohan sits at the counter, watching me with curious eyes.

There's something he wants to say - I can sense it in his ki, a subtle fluctuation that betrays his hesitation.

"Something on your mind?" I ask as I hand him a steaming mug.

Gohan takes a sip, then sets the mug down carefully. "It's strange," he admits.

"Looking at you, hearing your voice - there are echoes of both of them, but you're clearly someone else entirely."

"I understand the dissonance," I acknowledge. "I have their memories, but I'm neither of them. I'm... someone else who's been given their combined form and memories."

"That's what makes it complex," Gohan continues. "When I look at you, part of me sees my father - or at least, someone with all his memories. But you're not him."

The words strike a chord. Since my transmigration into this fused body, I've been navigating the complicated reality of possessing Goku's paternal memories toward Gohan without actually being his father.

It's a peculiar form of emotional echo - having memories of teaching him the kamehameha, of feeling pride when he first became a Super Saiyan, of anguish at sending him against Cell, of guilt at choosing to remain in the afterlife and leave him fatherless.

These aren't just cold data point - they trigger genuine emotional responses within me, as if these events somehow happened to me personally.

"I remember teaching you to fly," I say quietly. "Your first Kamehameha. Training you for the Cell Games.

But those aren't my experiences - they're Goku's. I wasn't there. And yet..."

"And yet?" Gohan prompts.

"And yet they feel real to me," I admit. "Not just like watching someone else's memories, but like... echoes of experiences that evoke genuine emotions.

When I see you now, successful and confident, I feel proud - not just Goku's remembered pride, but my own, despite having no right to such feelings."

Gohan studies me intently. "That must be incredibly confusing."

"It is," I nod. "With Bulma or Chi-Chi, it's different - I have Goku and Vegeta's memories of their relationships, but they don't trigger the same emotional response in me.

They're more like watching a movie starring someone else.

But with you, with Goten and Trunks... the paternal memories seem to align with something in my own nature, creating a connection that feels authentic despite its artificial origins."

"I've been thinking about that," Gohan says.

"About what it must be like to suddenly have memories of being someone's father without actually being their father." He takes another sip of coffee. "It can't be easy."

His perception surprises me. I had expected discomfort, perhaps even resentment at the strange position I occupy in relation to him. Instead, he's showing empathy for my situation.

"It's complicated," I admit. "With Goten and Trunks, it's different - they're young enough to simply accept me as a third entity related to their fathers. But with you..." I trail off, unsure how to articulate the complex emotions.

"With me, there's history," Gohan finishes. "Years of experiences that you have memories of but didn't personally live through."

"Exactly." I lean against the counter, grateful for his understanding.

"I find myself wanting to ask how your studies are going, or if you're keeping up with your training - questions that feel natural because of Goku's memories.

But I'm not him, and I don't want to presume a relationship that isn't mine."

Gohan is quiet for a moment, considering. "You know, when Dad died fighting Cell and chose to stay in the afterlife, I had to figure out who I was without him.

I was just a kid who suddenly had to be the man of the house, with a mother who needed support and eventually a little brother who would never know his father."

His voice is reflective, without bitterness. "In some ways, I had to redefine myself - not just as Goku's son, but as my own person."

The parallel to my situation isn't lost on me. "You're suggesting I'm facing a similar challenge."

"In a way," he nods.

"You have the memories from two different sources - Goku and Vegeta. You need to define who Vegito is beyond those inherited experiences." He smiles slightly.

"For what it's worth, I think you're handling it well."

His words are unexpectedly reassuring. "Thank you. That means a great deal, especially coming from you."

Gohan glances at his watch. "I should get going soon. My interview is in an hour, and I don't want to be late." He hesitates, then adds,

"But I was wondering if you might be interested in joining us for dinner tomorrow. Videl and I, I mean.

She's only met you briefly when we made the wish to Shenron, and she's curious to know you better."

The invitation catches me off guard. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose."

"You wouldn't be," he assures me. "It was Videl's idea, actually. She thought it might be good for all of us to get to know you better - not as an extension of Dad or Vegeta, but as yourself."

The thoughtfulness of the gesture touches me deeply. In my original life, I never had children, though I'd always wanted them in the future.

Perhaps that's why Goku's paternal memories resonate so strongly with me.

"In that case, I'd be honored," I reply.

"Great," Gohan smiles. "Around six? We're still getting settled in our new place, but there's plenty of room."

After Gohan departs for his interview, I find myself contemplating our conversation as I return to the rooftop terrace.

The sun has risen now, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Below, West City is coming alive with morning activity.

The invitation represents something significant - an acknowledgment of my separate identity and an opportunity to establish a relationship with Gohan that is uniquely mine,

not merely an echo of Goku's fatherhood. It's both liberating and daunting.

I spend the day continuing my exploration of West City, but my thoughts repeatedly return to the upcoming dinner.

By the time evening falls, I've made a decision - I'll bring something despite Gohan's assurance that it isn't necessary.

It seems like the right gesture, not as Goku or Vegeta, but as Vegito establishing his own connections.

The following evening finds me approaching an upscale residential building in Satan City.

Gohan and Videl's home is on the top floor - a spacious penthouse with panoramic views of the city.

I can sense two ki signatures inside: Gohan's steady presence and Videl's more subdued energy.

I knock gently, conscious of my strength against the elegant door. Moments later, Gohan opens it with a welcoming smile.

"Vegito, glad you could make it," he greets me. "Come in."

The apartment is impressive - high ceilings, modern furnishings, and expansive windows that showcase the city lights below.

It's tastefully decorated, blending luxury with comfort in a way that speaks to Videl's influence rather than the ostentatious style her father is known for.

Despite the obvious wealth on display, there's a warmth to the space - academic books sharing shelf space with framed photographs, a blend of sophistication and personal touches.

Videl emerges from what appears to be the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. I've only seen her once before, on the day of my creation when Shenron granted our wishes.

She was understandably preoccupied then, her attention focused on the extraordinary events unfolding rather than on me specifically.

"Hello," she says, approaching with a smile that contains both warmth and a hint of curiosity.

"It's good to meet you properly. That day at Capsule Corp was so chaotic, I don't think we were even introduced."

"It was an unusual first meeting," I acknowledge, extending my hand. "Thank you for inviting me into your home."

She shakes my hand, her grip firm despite the obvious size difference between us. "I've been hearing about you from Gohan.

I had to meet the person who has both Goku and Vegeta in his head and still manages to function."

Her directness is refreshing after navigating the complex social dynamics of my new existence. "Some days are more functional than others," I admit.

"I brought this." I offer the bottle of wine I selected - an item Bulma assured me would be appropriate for a dinner invitation.

"You didn't have to bring anything," Videl says, accepting the gift. "But thank you, this is perfect with what I've prepared."

There's an initial awkwardness as we settle in the spacious living area - the elephant in the room being my unusual existence and relationship to Gohan.

But Videl, with remarkable social grace, navigates past it.

"So, Gohan tells me you've been exploring Earth," she begins, her tone curious. "What's been your favorite discovery so far?"

The question opens a comfortable conversation about my travels, leading to Videl sharing her own experiences growing up in Satan City and traveling for martial arts tournaments.

She's straightforward but thoughtful, with a sharp intelligence that complements Gohan's more scholarly approach.

"I never had much time for sightseeing during tournaments," she explains.

"It was always about the competition. But now Gohan's teaching me to appreciate the cultural aspects of the places we visit."

"And Videl's teaching me that there's more to life than just studying and training," Gohan adds with a fond glance at her. "We're learning from each other."

"The best partnerships involve mutual growth," I observe, noting the way they exchange smiles at this comment.

Dinner itself is excellent - served in a formal dining room with a view of the city skyline.

Despite the elegant setting, the meal is comfortingly traditional, prepared with obvious care.

The conversation flows naturally, touching on Gohan's research, Videl's work with the police department, and my own observations about Earth's diverse cultures.

There's a comfort to the interaction that I hadn't expected, a sense that I'm being accepted as myself rather than as an extension of either Goku or Vegeta.

"How did your interview go?" I ask Gohan as we enjoy the meal.

A smile breaks across his face. "Actually, I was going to share the news tonight - they offered me the position. I start next month as a research associate in the physics department."

"That's wonderful," I reply sincerely. "Congratulations."

"It's a junior position," he explains modestly, "but it comes with lab access and the opportunity to continue my research while teaching a few undergraduate classes."

"He's being humble," Videl interjects. "The department chair told him his energy conversion theories could revolutionize the field if they can be practically applied."

"If only they knew," Gohan chuckles.

As the evening progresses, I notice subtle cues between Gohan and Videl -

the way their hands occasionally brush, the shared glances, the comfortable way they move around each other in the spacious apartment.

Their relationship is clearly new but deepening rapidly. 

After dinner, we move to a comfortable seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The conversation turns more reflective.

"I hope this isn't too personal," Videl begins, "but I'm curious - with Goku and Vegeta's memories, how do you sort out which reactions are genuinely yours versus echoes from their experiences?"

The question is perceptive and cuts to the heart of my daily struggle. I consider my response carefully, mindful not to reveal the existence of my original life and memories.

"It's most challenging with emotional responses," I explain. "When I look at Gohan, for instance, I have Goku's memories of raising him, teaching him, protecting him.

Those memories trigger genuine paternal feelings in me - pride, concern, a desire to see him succeed. Are those feelings mine, or echoes of Goku's? Both, I think."

"And with others?" Gohan asks.

"It varies. With Bulma or Chi-Chi, I have Goku and Vegeta's memories of their relationships, but they don't evoke the same emotional response in me.

I remember intimacy with them both, but don't feel romantic attachment to either - which makes those memories somewhat awkward to possess." I pause, choosing my words carefully.

"But with you, with Goten and Trunks... the paternal memories align with something in my nature, creating a connection that feels authentic despite its complicated origins."

"It's like the fusion didn't just combine physical attributes and fighting techniques," Gohan muses. "It created a new consciousness with its own emotional responses to those shared memories."

"Exactly," I nod, appreciating his insight. "Where there's alignment between my nature and either Goku or Vegeta's experiences, the emotional echo is strongest."

A comfortable silence falls, broken only by the ticking of a clock and the distant sounds of the city beyond the windows. It's Gohan who eventually speaks.

"I've been thinking about something since our conversation yesterday," he says. "About memories and identity."

I nod, encouraging him to continue.

"When Dad first came back for the World Tournament after being gone for seven years, it was... strange," Gohan continues.

"I'd grown up, changed. He hadn't. He still saw me as the child he left behind, not the person I'd become." He pauses, collecting his thoughts.

"But you - you have his memories of me as a child, but you're seeing me with fresh eyes. You're not bound by his expectations or preconceptions."

The insight strikes me as profound. "I hadn't considered that aspect," I admit. "But you're right.

I remember you through Goku's eyes, but I'm seeing you through my own - informed by those memories but not limited by them."

"That's what makes your existence so unique," Gohan says. "You have the foundation of their memories, but you're building something new on top of it. Something that's entirely Vegito."

"It's a gift, in a way," Videl adds. "How many of us get to start with the wisdom of two lifetimes and still have the freedom to chart our own course?"

Their perspective offers a new way of viewing my situation - not as a burden of conflicting memories and emotions, but as an unprecedented opportunity to build something unique from an extraordinary foundation.

"Thank you," I say simply. "Both of you. This evening has meant more to me than I can adequately express."

When I eventually take my leave, Gohan walks me to the building's entrance. The night is clear, stars visible despite the city lights.

"You're welcome anytime," he tells me. "Not as an echo of my father, but as yourself - as Vegito."

"I appreciate that," I reply sincerely. "More than you know."

He hesitates, then adds, "Earlier, you mentioned feeling hesitant to ask about my studies or training - questions that would come naturally to Dad.

I want you to know that you can ask those things. You don't need to walk on eggshells around me."

His words catch me by surprise. "I wouldn't want to presume a relationship that isn't mine," I explain. "You already have a father."

"Yes, I do," Gohan acknowledges. "But in some ways, you are also my father - you have his memories, his feelings toward me.

Rejecting that connection would be... cruel, both to you and to myself." He meets my gaze directly.

"I'm not asking you to be Goku. I'm just saying that you don't need to suppress the parts of you that care about me because you're afraid of overstepping."

The permission he's offering touches something deep within me - releasing a tension I hadn't fully acknowledged. "Thank you," I say quietly. "That means more than you know."

"And for what it's worth," he continues, "I think Dad would be proud of how you're handling all this. Vegeta too, though he'd never admit it."

The comment warms something within me - a need for approval I hadn't fully acknowledged, perhaps partially inherited from both Goku and Vegeta's memories, but also stemming from my own original nature.

"That means a great deal, coming from you," I tell him.

As I prepare to depart, Gohan places a hand on my shoulder - a gesture of connection that feels significant in its simplicity. "Good luck with your explorations."

I nod, then rise into the night sky, my ki leaving a brief trail of light as I accelerate toward West City.

Below, the landscape unfolds - cities giving way to countryside, rivers gleaming like silver threads in the moonlight.

The beauty of this planet strikes me anew, reinforcing my commitment to protect it while I'm here,

even as I hope to someday find a way back to my original world and family - a hope I keep private, locked away with the memories of my former life.

But tonight has shown me something important - that protection isn't just about power and battle readiness.

It's about connection, about understanding what makes this world worth fighting for. In Gohan and Videl's home,

I glimpsed something that resonated with values from my original life - the profound strength found in genuine partnership and everyday moments of connection.

As Capsule Corporation comes into view, I realize I'm smiling.

The evening has given me something precious - not just acceptance from Gohan and Videl, but a clearer vision of who I might become.

Not merely a warrior fused from two great fighters, but a being with the potential to integrate the best of both sources while becoming something entirely new.

The memories of fatherhood I carry may be borrowed, but the emotions they evoke are genuine.

And perhaps, in time, I'll build new memories - not just as anyone's father, but as well as a unique presence in the lives of Gohan, Videl, and the others who form this extraordinary world.

It's a start at least. A good one at that.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Do tell me how you found Gohan and Vegito's relationship.

Yeah, since he is still Goku and Vegeta combined in body, and part soul that he absorbed from them, Gohan is still biologically his son - evoking paternal instincts.

Bulma and Chichi though attractive to Vegito, aren't people he feels anything romantic to since yes he respects them and their situations, but doesn't find their personalities one he is looking for in a wife.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)