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Goku could crack every joint in his body at will. Audible pops as muscles and ligiments popped little bubbles under his skin. His knuckles? Crack. Neck? Crack. Back? Pop, pop, pop. He'd stretch above his head and it would be like fireworks were going off under his skin.
For most people, it might have been annoying. Gross, maybe. But for Chi-Chi, it was endearing. A sound she found an odd sense of comfort in because it was so distinctly Goku.
The first time she heard those little pops was at the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. It was during the preliminaries, when Earthlings of all shapes and sizes were crammed into shacks that had been converted into sparring arenas, that she had spotted him. He had grown so spectacularly that she almost didn't recognize him. But that hair, as crazy and unkempt as she remembered, was a dead giveaway.
If only he had recognized her. Infuriated and above all hurt, she stormed away. In a corner, Chi-Chi glowered at him, teeth gritting together. Had he purposefully made a fool of her? Was there someone else who had caught his fancy? But when they were kids he seemed so honest…
Through the crowd of martial artists, her eyes remained on a single orange gi. Even he had't been purposeful in making her feel ridiculous, there was no doubt that she was ridiculous that even now her heart was being guided by a childhood crush that had developed into more.
Goku was talking to his friends, smiling. And despite her anger, she couldn't help but smile to.
Time seemed to zip by and before she knew it, Goku was in the ring to fight King Champa. Chi-Chi continued her observation in a stoic silence. While he was stretching, loosening up for the match, he looked beautifully calm as Champa threw heated words of revenge at him. "You have the worst of luck. You won't pass the first round this time."
As if in stark defiance, Goku fell his opponent in a single hit. Chi-Chi's face burned and her eyes widened at the display of utter strength. He was totally collected the whole time, as if he knew exactly how the match would play out. It was stupidly attractive.
She watched as he almost weightless jumped from the raised ring to the floor. His friend, the short bald one she thought was named Krillin, congratulated him with a toothy smile and raspy laugh. "Good job Goku! That was crazy!"
Goku laughed, his shoulders bouncing up and down in a way that made his hair bristle just right, and Chi-Chi's blush deepened. "Eh, was no big deal." Unexpectedly, he brought his fist up to his own cheek and carefully pressed his knuckle into his skin. Each press resulted in a rapid pop sound. From where she was, it was just barely audible over the idle chit-chat of the tournament.
Krillin visibly shivered at the demonstration. "Eugh, three years of not hearing that wasn't long enough."
"What?" Goku tilted his to the side like a lost puppy.
"That… popping thing!" Krillin waved his hand and stuck out his tongue. "It's freaky!"
Chi-Chi frowned. Was it freaky? She thought it was kind cute, honestly.
"What, this?" Goku swung his neck to the right, causing another crunchy-popping sound. He had a mischievous smile on his face.
"Gah! Stop it Goku!"
Goku laughed again and raised his arms up over his head. His shoulders rotated in a way that didn't seem possible and his back arched into a deep stretch. Chi-Chi found herself staring at the way his muscles rippled with his movement. They were finely tuned and prominent, but didn't overtake his lean figure. She had to force herself to look away. He was gorgeous.
His laughter faded as he and Krillin walked farther into the building, leaving Chi-Chi steaming not with anger, but with a new found purpose. She had to make him remember her. She had to see those muscles move again as th glisten with sweat. She had to see that radiant smile every morning. She wanted to hear that laughter, smoother than any song ever had been.
Her match was up soon. She cracked her knuckles and walked forward, waiting for her announcement.
The bed they shared together creaked under their combined weight. The only light that filtered in was from the stars outside. Outside, a chorus insects and nightlife serenaded the couple.
Much to Chi-Chi's shock and delight, they had discovered that he was good at this. And for Goku, who hadn't been entirely sure what this was, he liked it maybe a little too much.
Not that she was complaining. Just the opposite in fact. She kissed his face and he panted into her ear.
The bed threatened to crack under their movements.
"Are ya sure this is safe?" Chi-Chi was worried sick about today. "M’ sure m’ daddy wouldn't mind accompanyin' you two. I mean, I can go too."
Goku shook his head resolutely. "I told ya Chi-Chi, Gohan n' I'll be fine. Ya deserve a day off."
She sighed because her dumb oaf of a husband was right. Having a 4-year old in the house, as smart as that 4-year old may be, was exhausting. Having a Goku in the house was doubly exhausting. Cooking, cleaning, reading to Gohan, playing with Gohan, teaching him to write… she had been spread thin.
But as she stood there and looked at her husband's smile and the gentle way he held Gohan, the anxiety knot in her stomach tightened. What if something happened? Her sweet baby boy had never been away from her, not like this.
Chi-Chi placed a hand on her son's cheek. Gohan smiled at her and Chi-Chi almost melted. He had the same smile as his father. She looked up at Goku and sighed. "Please be safe."
"Safe's m' middle name." Chi-Chi wasn't sure he even knew what the word meant.
She kissed Gohan on the forehead, Goku on the cheek and watched as he placed his knuckle to his cheek. Pop. Pop. Pop. One of her favorite sounds and she stepped back with a resigned smile.
She watched them on the Flying Nimbus until they were swallowed by the horizon.
The house was catastrophically empty. The river outside seemed to run still. The wind stopped its whispers and even the insects were quiet. The only sound was the running of the tap and soap on glass.
Chi-Chi had lost count of how many days it had been since she lost her boys. What was the point of keeping track? It wouldn't bring them back any sooner.
A photo in the kitchen of Goku holding an infant Gohan stared at her. It mocked her. A reminder of a life that no longer existed.
Her husband was dead. Her child taken away from her.
The plate in her grip cracked, cutting her palm as tears poured down her face.