ElisaJ

“I will go,” Vegeta secured his bag of cookies, cheesy noodle casserole and turkey legs he swiped from the hot pan. “But I'll be back tomorrow.” Vegeta turned to see Raditz watching him. From his cold stare and crossed arms, Raditz didn’t hide his feelings toward Vegeta who responded with a smirk Raditz longed to punch off his face. “Raditz, you've been so quiet. It's a rare moment I'm in a room with you and your lips aren't flapping.” Chi-Chi was aware of the silence. Goku got like that when Raditz talked to her. Interesting how alike they were. She intervened, knowing one wrong word would trigger Raditz to attack Vegeta. “Raditz’s keeping an eye on how much food leaves with you. He and Goku are always fighting over it.” Vegeta’s lips turned up in a cocky smirk. “Freeloaders can't be picky.” “Raditz isn't a freeloader. He works on the farm with Goku.” During his visit, Vegeta made slick comments here and there. Raditz pushed off how each quip tempted Raditz to slam Vegeta’s face against the stove. He would do it now but the stove top was covered with food. He wouldn’t do anything to taint the delicious meals Chi-Chi prepared. However, Raditz wasn’t shy to push back. He and Vegeta worked together for years. There were secrets between them that no one other than Nappa knew. It was easy for him to think of a remark to get under Vegeta’s skin. “Freeloaders who live off their rich, abusive woman, never changed diapers, never hug their son and walk around missing a cock stuck up their ass should be careful of accusing others of freeloading.”

Vegeta curling his fists was the reaction Raditz wanted.

“Raditz.” Chi-Chi worriedly eyed Vegeta. The last thing she wanted was to referee a fight between these two. Breaking up fights between Raditz and Goku was enough to deal with.

Though his eyes flashed with anger, Vegeta kept his cool. Even he knew it would be foolish and a detriment to him to fight in Chi-Chi’s kitchen. He’d be banned for life if he brought any damage to her home and, more importantly, ruin her food.

The entire Son Family would be on my ass for that one. Vegeta wasn’t scared. He could handle Gohan and Goten and even the musclehead so-called head of the household, but Vegeta didn’t want to trigger Chi-Chi, for her rage will trigger Bulma’s rage and that came with privileges revoked he didn’t want to be without.

“Your choice to bring up that visual implies who’s truly in mourning.” Awareness flashed in their eyes. Both questioning the other if they want to go there and dredge up memories of their past they prefer to keep buried.

Vegeta said nothing more and left. Chi-Chi had questions but decided it’s best not to ask. She turned off the stove and opened the cabinets above her.  "Does he visit often?" Raditz thought with a mate of his own Vegeta wouldn't come by unless to challenge his brother to a fight or a world-ending scenario where they join forces. "If he's hungry or to bother Goku." Chi-Chi reached for the glass containers, only for Raditz to grab them and hand them to Chi-Chi. "Thank you. Vegeta isn't a threat, Raditz. I'm safe around him." Raditz knew that. If his brother felt the need to pound him into the ground if he flirted with Chi-Chi, Raditz knew Vegeta would suffer a similar fate.  "Can't be too sure." Chi-Chi began storing the cooling food into the glass dishes. "Goten!” she called for her son upstairs. “We have to go to the market before it closes." They went to the market two days ago. There should be enough food to hold them for a week. Goten came down as ordered and went to the door to put on his shoes.

"You went two days ago." Raditz remembered because he went with Chi-Chi. He carried many bags for her. "With Vegeta coming, I want to have enough food." Chi-Chi closed the containers of the stored food and carried the empty saucepans and skillets to the sink. "We're also low on eggs and a few other things. I thought I bought enough eggs."

Raditz flinched. Last night, he had a craving for egg soufflé and made it while everyone slept. Unfortunately, his brother’s addiction to food lured him to the kitchen. Feeling entitled to the dish Raditz prepared, Goku ate it. It angered Raditz but instead of causing a fight that would awaken Chi-Chi, damage the kitchen and ban them from breakfast, Raditz simmered his anger and made another soufflé for himself.

Only for Goku to eat that, too. Only when Raditz made soufflé pancakes while making another egg soufflé for himself did his brother allow him to eat. But all those eggs used lowered Chi-Chi’s supply for the family.

“Did Daddy and Uncle eat too much again?” “You include yourself and Gohan, too.” Chi-Chi cleaned dishes. “Vegeta will come for Kansha-sai dinner tomorrow. I want to make sure there’s enough food.” With the dishes clean, Chi-Chi removed her apron. “Give me a moment to change and I’ll be back.”

When Chi-Chi left, Raditz asked Goten, “What's Kansha-sai?”

“It’s a holiday where we give thanks and family and friends eat a really big meal together.”

Raditz heard of the holiday in passing but under a different name.

*****

Raditz accompanied Chi-Chi and Goten to the market, where it was filled with busy and aggressive shoppers. Raditz came weekly with Chi-Chi and never saw the market so congested before. Raditz smiled. It was familiar. Seeing frazzled and tired faces of adults and bored, whiny faces of children reminded Raditz of the markets on Planet Vegeta.

Raditz scrunched his nose up at the group of Saiyans walking around. The market teemed with people. Raditz didn't mind going to the market. Food was everywhere and being so young, he is always offered a free snack. There were also children he played with. Today, there were more big people instead of little people like him. That and the patrons not offering free snacks left Raditz wanting to be home. "Just a few more items, Raditz," Raditz heard his mother say, "and we'll be home." "I wanna go home now!" "We can't. I need more food. Your father will be home today. I am making a big meal for him." Raditz was used to his father coming and going into space and away from home for months at a time. His mother’s excitement confused him. His father was returning as always. Why the excitement? Why the need to celebrate? Oh, sure, he was excited when he could remember his father’s first return after a long trip but several trips have passed since then. Father left and came back. Why get excited over a menial routine? Why was his mother excited and fretting over a meal for him?

It was years later on a planet exterminated of its people with Vegeta and Nappa laughing over the people they killed while he ate stale rations, Raditz understood his mother’s excitement. He longed for having another welcome home dinner with his parents. He longed to be with his family.

Those days were gone to time and could never be recovered but seeing his brother’s wife and nephew gather food for the family dinner inspired Raditz to recreate what he had with his parents.

He needed meat and Raditz wanted to hunt meat. It was the Saiyan way but the animal of the meat that closest replicate the meat on Planet Vegeta had gone into hiding during this season. It would take hours to hunt, properly skin and drain the blood. He settled for two large boned boars and added them to Chi-Chi’s shopping cart with two bags of potatoes and thyme leaves.

“I have enough meat, Raditz.” Chi-Chi wanted Raditz to return the meat but something in his eyes had her asking, “What’s this for?”

Raditz grinned. “My contribution to Kansha-sai.”

****

The next morning after breakfast, the preparation for Kansha-sai dinner was underway. While Chi-Chi handled the food, the rest of the family took care of the house. Gohan volunteered to clean the breakfast dishes, kitchen and living room. That left laundry to be taken care of. Raditz watched Chi-Chi do it enough times that he felt he could do it, but when he went to the laundry room, he nearly fell over seeing his brother sort clothes while Goten climbed half his body into the front opening of the washer to dig out the bath towels. Raditz didn’t think Goku knew how to separate clothes or where the laundry room was located. He’s lived here for months and hasn’t seen his brother fold any clothes or go in the direction of this room.

“You know how to do this, Kakarot?”

“All empty, Daddy.” Goten finished removing the towels from the washer.

Goku ignored his confused brother as he dumped Goten and Gohan’s clothes into the washer. “I don’t like this type of work but I do it when Chi-Chi’s busy.” He looked at the chart on the wall with instructions (for Goku) on how to use the washer. He followed the instructions, adding detergent, softener and using the proper water temperature. “I used to handwash clothes but this gadget makes it easier.”

The special tablecloth and napkins used for the holidays were still in the dryer, so Goku carried the basket of towels upstairs to the new level of their home that had a balcony where Chi-Chi kept a clothesline. Unbeknownst to them, Chi-Chi cleaned her personal clothes this morning and put them on a thick rack of the rotary clothesline.

Under the mild autumn air, Chi-Chi’s bras, panties, boy shorts, tank shirts and nightly apparel hung.

Momentarily surprised Chi-Chi’s intimates were on display, Goku recovered with a side glare to this brother. “Don’t look.”

“She’s not wearing them now!” 

Goku shook a thick towel and hung it on a line. “It ain’t for your eyes!”

“It’s clothes, Kakarot.” This was very annoying. Raditz thought Chi-Chi attractive but he had no intentions toward her. Raditz thought that, after all this time, that sunk into his brother’s thick head.

Goku quickly put up the towels but Raditz noticed one of Chi-Chi’s bras. He plucked a satin bra from the line and stared at the cups. “Damn.” Goku snatched the bra from Raditz’s hands. “She’s not in them!”

Goku tossed the bra over his shoulder and went back to putting up the towels. His fierce eyes meant business. “It ain’t for your eyes!”

Raditz rolled his eyes and wordlessly mocked Goku’s words. “I thought we settled that, Kakarot. You know I don’t want your wife.”

“I know.” It came out knowing yet frustrated.

Raditz could feel his brother struggling. He knew he believed him but he still didn’t like him close or knowledgeable of anything related to Chi-Chi. Raditz understood. His brother was protective of his wife. It was a trait his brother shared with their father. Raditz understood but he couldn’t help teasing his brother about it. His brother was stronger than him. It was embarrassing. He’s the older brother. He knocked his brother down with one blow as he rightly should, but his younger brother has the upper hand now. Baby brother can kick his ass but so can his sons. Raditz needed an upper hand somewhere.

That was teasing his brother with his wife.

A gentle breeze tickled Raditz as if wanting in on the teasing. Something black and lacy waved in her peripheral. Raditz smirked. He shouldn’t. He really shouldn’t.

But he couldn’t help himself.

Raditz plucked the lacy garment. Slim in the waist, big in the chest, with a thin strip in the back implying exposed butt cheeks, with a design advertising the frontal assets. “Kakarot, what did you do to deserve your wife to wear this for you?”

****

Vegeta was early, but he was eager for even a crumb of Chi-Chi’s cooking. The woman was a witch and her dishes were spells she cast to control anyone who ate her cooking. He heard from others, mainly Bulma, that Chi-Chi’s cooking was divine. She teased that it’s how Chi-Chi kept Goku in line. Vegeta thought that was an exaggeration until, at a party Bulma hosted, his lips tasted what would be the first of many dishes from Chi-Chi. He was addicted. He dropped by Goku and Chi-Chi’s house when Bulma came over for baby Trunks to play with Goten. Bored was his excuse for coming. Then he’d drop by saying it was on his way home. Another visit was to check on Gohan and Goten’s power level. Each time he visited, Vegeta ate. Cookies. Ramen. Sandwiches. Casserole. Rice balls. Juicy seasoned meat. Chi-Chi caught on and always had extra plates of food waiting for him when he visited.  

Chi-Chi made her best meals for Kansha-sai and with Goku’s return, Vegeta knew it would be her best feast yet and he wasn’t going to miss it.

As he descended, he noticed Raditz in the backyard cooking on the grill. Raditz didn’t acknowledge him but Vegeta noticed a dark circle around Raditz’s left eye. Vegeta grinned, knowing Raditz’s mouth got him in trouble again.

Raditz caught Vegeta’s grin. “Shouldn’t you be home with your family for Kansha-sai dinner?”

“There’s an Earth tradition one travels to different homes for a plate of food on Kansha-sai day.” He touched Raditz’s face to get a better look at the darken eye. “Kakarot?”

Raditz slapped Vegeta’s hand away. “He has a stick in the ass with no sense of humor. You’d think with this soft planet, Kakarot would be bursting with happiness.”

He always is but Vegeta knew Raditz got under Goku’s skin and he loved it! For years, he dealt with that optimistic, happy-go-lucky clown. Always smiling. Always feeling superior to him. Finally, Goku was enduring karma for that uncharacteristic Saiyan behavior.

“It was a joke,” Raditz complained as he turned the meat over. “He knows I don’t want his wife but he’s damn sensitive with her.”

Who knew all it takes to get under Goku’s skin is go after his wife?

He never expressed a deep interest in her. Not that Vegeta expected Goku to. Saiyans are guarded with their mates. It protects against exposure of vulnerability but one didn’t need that on a planet as peaceful as Earth. Vegeta noticed Goku’s lack of acknowledgment to Chi-Chi and what Bulma told him of their relationship, he suspected Goku didn’t deeply care for the woman. He played the clueless fool so well it fooled him.

“Is that why you are out here? Making something to get on Kakarot’s good side?”

“No. This is my contribution to the Kansha-sai dinner. This is the closest I can think of a meal from home.”

Vegeta inhaled the meat oozing from the grill. “It does smell similar to javali” He broke off a piece of the hot and juicy meat and ate it uncaring of Raditz’s glare. “Taste like it, too.”

Raditz wanted to punch Vegeta for that. They weren’t subjected to being treated by class on Earth but between them, the harsh tradition continued. Vegeta always saw himself above Raditz. He took what Raditz had and intrude his space. Raditz noticed Vegeta didn’t carry that same attitude with Goku.

“You know of javali? Didn’t think you ate third class cuisines.” When they traveled together, Vegeta mocked Raditz’s simple taste and lack of knowledge of gourmet meals.

“Food is food.” Vegeta broke off another piece of meat. “And this is good.” He knew this bothered Raditz but he was conditioned not to react. “Are you aware of the traditions for Kansha-sai dinner?”

“It’s a family dinner.”

“Yes, but there are traditions during the dinner.”

“Such as?”

“Expressing what you are thankful for. Kakarot’s family always ask each other what they are thankful for each year.”

Raditz thought he could participate in that without angering his brother. He was thankful for this chance to get to know his brother’s family. He, Goten and Chi-Chi got along well. Gohan was slowly warming up to him. His relationship with his brother ranged from hot to cold depending on his brother’s mood.

“Always compliment the chef.”

“I can do that.”

“Really compliment her, Raditz. Speak of all things you like. Even Chi-Chi’s physical attributes. Be very blunt.”

“If I do that, Kakarot will kick my ass.”

A smile tugged at Vegeta’s lips. “That’s part of Kansha-sai tradition. There’s always a fight. The bigger the fight, the better the dinner.”

Raditz’s forehead puckered. This felt like a trap. “I don’t remember reading…..”

“You’ve read the tradition, Raditz. I’ve lived it for years. It is strange but we are a warring race. We always fight. Earthlings regulate fighting to events: boxing, wrestling; Tenkaichi Budokai and Kansha-sai dinners.”

That could be true. Perhaps a planet as soft as Earth do purge aggressions during sports and an annual family dinner. But Raditz was suspicious. Highly suspicious. Why would Vegeta help him? “And what do you get out of this?” Raditz knew there was a catch for this information. “You don’t have a kind heart to do this without a price.”

“True,” Vegeta gave a half-smile. “I’m here for Chi-Chi’s food. I can be a saint for that.”

That was a legitimate reason. Chi-Chi’s food was very addictive. “She’s a cooking sorceress.”

“Indeed,” Vegeta agreed. “I tolerate Kakarot’s presence for her food.”

“Chi-Chi keeps Kakarot in line. He turns into a scared baby if she threatens to take food from him.”

Damn. She’s like Bulma taking my training room away from me. “Then you must honor the Kansha-sai tradition.”

“I don’t know.” It sounded tempting, but Raditz didn’t want to risk it. He pointed to his black eye. “This came from this morning when I teased him with his wife’s lingerie.”

“You antagonized him before dinner. You have to do it during dinner. Kakarot honors the tradition then. I did it last year.”

“You did?”

“I praised Chi-Chi’s cooking and complimented her dress. She has physical appeal, does she not?”

“Yeah,” Raditz agreed. “She has a really nice set of tits.” Raditz opened his hands and squeezed as if holding invisible melons. “I don’t think my hands can hold all of them. How did Kakarot get so lucky?”

Vegeta’s smile slipped. He was under the impression that Raditz didn’t want Chi-Chi and Goku’s paranoia was in his mind. “Do you want Kakarot’s wife?”

“No!” First his brother and now Vegeta. Why did they think he wanted Chi-Chi? “She’s Kakarot’s wife.” Vegeta’s single raised eyebrow told him he couldn’t be fooled. “If she wasn’t, I would pound town that ass daily but I’m not going after my brother’s woman. I don’t take other men’s women.” He looked up from the grilling meat with his eyes pinned on Vegeta. “That’s your territory.”

Vegeta’s arm crossed unamused. “She made the first move.”

“Uh-huh.” Raditz resumed basting the meat, happy he shut up Vegeta.

Vegeta let Raditz have this victory. His payback will come during dinner.

****

Gyumao arrived near three that afternoon. He ate an early meal with his staff before making a trip to have dinner with his daughter’s family. As always, the large, burly man arrived with gifts for his grandsons. With the extra guests of Raditz and Vegeta, Chi-Chi decided it was best for the Kansha-sai dinner to be outside. Even with the upgrade of their home, it wasn’t big enough to have a meal with three adult Saiyans and her giant father.

Raditz wiped down the picnic table that will hold most of the food. He aided Goten with laying the tablecloth on the table while Goku carried out the dinner tables and chairs from the house. Gohan decorated the table with the holiday cloth, napkins and fine dishes Chi-Chi uses on special days. The weather wasn’t too cool but Gohan turned on the fire pits while Goku and Vegeta help Chi-Chi bring out the food.  

With the tables set, everyone took their places at the table with Goku and Chi-Chi at the head. Gohan and Goten sat with Chi-Chi while Gyumao settled between Raditz and Goten with Raditz and Vegeta at the opposite end near Goku.

Chi-Chi opened the special dinner with a small speech. “This is a special Kansha-sai dinner. It’s Goku’s first after seven years and it’s Raditz’s first. Raditz, it’s a Son Family tradition we share what we are thankful for. I’m thankful my husband has returned to our children and me. I am thankful for my wonderful sons and my dearest Papa. I am also thankful you have changed, Raditz. It’s been wonderful getting to know you and I’m eager to taste this javali you’ve made for us.”

Goten was next. “I’m thankful for Momma, Big Brother and a Daddy and Uncle to play with. I’m thankful Uncle Raditz isn’t a freeloader and isn’t fighting with Daddy anymore.”

Vegeta hid his malicious smile behind his wine glass.

Gohan kept his thanks simple. “I’m thankful Father has returned and the new friends I’ve made in school.”

“Like Videl?” Goten puckered his lips and made kissing sounds.

A magenta blush bloomed on Gohan’s face as he hissed at his younger brother. “Be quiet, Goten.”

Goten wouldn’t. “I heard you on the phone the other day. ‘I like talking to you, Videl. That was a pretty dress you wore to school.” He giggled. “You wanted to kiss her so bad.”

“Goten!” Gohan reached forward to grab Goten but Chi-Chi jumped from her seat.

“No!” Chi-Chi raised her voice at her sons. “Goten, don’t tease your brother. Gohan,” she put her hand on his shoulder and forced him into his seat. “Behave.”

Goten continued with his kissing face. “Goten,” Chi-Chi warned, “if you keep this up, you won’t get dessert.” Goten clamped his hands over his mouth.

Raditz studied the exchange between siblings. Was this the fight Vegeta hinted at?

Gyumao took the attention off Gohan and Goten. “I’m thankful my health has lasted to see Goku return to my daughter and grandsons. I’m also thankful for the new addition to the family. I was a bad man once, Raditz. I’m glad you’ve changed, too. I hope you and Goku can build a strong brotherly relationship.”

Eyes were on Raditz to give his thanks. His eyes briefly shifted to Vegeta. Gohan and Goten’s argument gave Vegeta credit but Raditz hesistated. What if this sets him back? His brother was a powder keg, ready to blow at anything Raditz could do to anger him. He touched the eye his brother punched hours ago. If I say anything, he’ll hit me again.

Vegeta saw the hesitation. He wouldn’t let Raditz back down. “Old Man, you weren’t so thankful when you were pushing that man on Chi-Chi when Kakarot was dead.”

Raditz didn’t know the name but he knew of a man pursuing Chi-Chi while Goku was dead for seven years. Checking on his brother, Raditz saw a flash of anger briefly in Goku’s eyes.

“Vegeta,” Gyumao wasn’t ashamed of what he did but felt this wasn’t the time to bring this up. “It’s not…”

“It’s the perfect time to bring it up,” Vegeta raised his wine glass towards Raditz. “Kansha-sai Day is known for fighting.”

There it was. The proof Raditz needed. That wicked glint in Vegeta’s eyes. That salacious smile.

That son of a dick.

He’s seen that look before and every time, he got his ass kicked. How close he was to making a foolish mistake! Raditz didn’t know why Vegeta tried to trick him. Perhaps he gets off watching him and his brother fight. Perhaps this was a ploy for Chi-Chi to ban him and his brother from dinner and leave Vegeta to eat their servings. Whatever it was, he wasn’t falling for it and he had a plan for Vegeta. Raditz stood, ready to speak. “I am thankful to be living with my brother and his family and not the prison Vegeta’s mate kept me in.”

Vegeta’s smile slipped from his face.

Suck on that. Punk ass.

“I am thankful for Goten and Chi-Chi. They’ve welcomed me and treated me as family.”

“Oh?” Vegeta interrupted. “They kidnapped you?”

Raditz bit his tongue. He wouldn’t let Vegeta’s words get to him. “They treat me well even though I’ve done things that should make them hate me forever. Goten humbles me with his strength and fascinates me with his happiness and optimism. Chi-Chi…..” he smiled at her. “You are a woman of beauty. You are an excellent cook and feisty. Strong, too. You have to be to stop Kakarot and me from killing each other. You carry many Saiyan traits. I understand why Kakarot is drawn to you. I’ve seen you practice your fighting skills. Your form is good. You keep saying no, but one day, we will spar.”

“Never,” Chi-Chi politely declined with a kind smile. “I only spar with my husband.”

Vegeta leaned towards Goku and whispered, “Are they flirting in front of us?”

Goku didn’t answer but he kept a curious gaze on his brother as he went on. “That word isn’t in my vocabulary. Do you know what declining a spar against a Saiyan does to him?” A sharp kick under the table caused Raditz’s left leg to buckle and him to grab the table to stay upright. He looked at his brother whose eyes flickered teal. “Kakarot knows that well. Chi-Chi,” Raditz gritted her name as another kick struck his calf. The pain! It traveled up his leg! He gripped the table with his left hand and clenched his right fist. He will not get banned from this meal because of his jealous, insecure brother! “I’m thankful to meet you but your flaw is marrying my brother.”

Suck on that, Kakarot!

As Raditz was ready to sit, Vegeta interrupted. “That’s it?” Vegeta expected more. “Don’t you have more to say, Raditz?”

Raditz noticed the shift in Vegeta’s tone. He was mad but Raditz knew the game Vegeta played and wasn’t falling for it. “No.”

Vegeta glowered. Raditz caught on. He wouldn’t let this setback stop him. “I thought you’d praise Chi-Chi more. You told me you admire Chi-Chi’s breasts and if she wasn’t married to Kakarot, you’d….” he tapped his lower lip, recalling Raditz’s words, “what did you say? Ah, yes. You’d pound town that ass daily.”

It was the loudest silence as Raditz felt all eyes on him.

“What’s pound town?” Goten questioned before Chi-Chi covered his ears. “Momma, what are you doing? I can’t hear.”

“Raditz,” Gyumao tried to save him, “you didn’t say this.”

“He did.” Vegeta saw the shock on Chi-Chi’s face and the anger on Goku and Gohan’s faces. This was going to be good. “He told me while we were at the grill. Didn’t you?”

“Well….” His brother and eldest nephew rose from the table. “I did, but it’s not what--- shit!” Raditz jumped from back as Goku and Gohan began approaching him. “It sounds bad but it’s not what you think! Vegeta tricked me!”

Vegeta began loading food onto his plate. “Don’t pull me into your twisted desire for Kakarot’s wife.” He suppressed his laughs at Raditz surrounded by two Saiyans ready to kill him.

“Goku. Gohan,” Chi-Chi rose from her seat. “I don’t like what Raditz said but no fighting today!”

Gohan grabbed Raditz’s hands and pinned them behind his back. “Dammit!” Raditz pushed back, failing to break Gohan’s hold. “Let me go!”  

Goku pulled a fist back, ready to punch his brother. “Sorry, Chi-Chi, but I gotta do it.”

While Gyumao and Goten joined Chi-Chi in convincing Gohan to release Raditz and Goku to not punch him, Vegeta was ready for it. When they traveled together, it was a fun pastime to pick on Raditz and set him up for ass kicking. It was a bonus he could resume that and trigger Goku to do it.

When Goku swung his fist, his body made a shocking turn to him so fast that he could not block the punch that landed on his face. Vegeta felt his body separate from his chair and his face slammed against the grass. Shock reverberated over his body as he processed what happened. Jumping to his feet, Vegeta screamed at Goku. “What the hell are you attacking me for?!”

That punch was for Raditz. Not him! But the way Goku, Gohan and Raditz looked indicated that wasn’t true.

“Because you started it!”

Vegeta’s eyes shifted from Goku to Raditz and then Gohan. All three Saiyans looked angry at him. “What the hell is going on?!”

“Raditz asked Gohan about Kansha-sai dinner and fights.”

Dammit. He didn’t expect Raditz to follow up. In the past, Raditz accepted Vegeta’s words as the truth.

“When Gohan explained, I figured out what you were up to.” Raditz smirked. “I came up with this plan.”

Chi-Chi put together the act between Goku, Raditz and Gohan against Vegeta. “Why, Vegeta?”

“Because he’s an ass—”

“Raditz!” Chi-Chi clamped Goten’s ears again.

“That’s part of it,” Gohan agreed and held up the other reason. Vegeta’s plate. “Your food, Mother.”

Chi-Chi looked at Vegeta, expecting him to deny it but when he didn’t, Chi-Chi giggled. “You did this to get more of my food?” Instead of angry, Chi-Chi was flattered. “Aw, Vegeta. That’s sweet you like my food so much.”

“Mother!” Gohan knew his mother was flattered that everyone loved her cooking but this was too much!

“You’re right, Gohan. This isn’t the time.” Gohan shook his head. His mother said the right words but she still had that sparkle in her eyes. She secretly loves this. “That wasn’t nice, Vegeta," she spoke as if lightly punishing a child. "You can only have three plates of food.”

“Three?!” Raditz balked at the light sentence. He deserved none in his eyes. “This jackass—”

Goku placed a hand on Raditz’s shoulder. He shook his head as a warning. “Chi-Chi’s got this,” he whispered.

Raditz didn’t see how. Moments ago, she was flattered by what Vegeta did. He wanted to keep protesting but he trusted his brother and let this play out.

“Three?” Vegeta rejected the offer. “I can’t have three. I need at least ten plates before I’m satisfied but since I caused a disruption, I’ll take eight.”

Chi-Chi kept her smile but Raditz noticed a dark aura from Chi-Chi. Her eyes. They spoke. Don’t try me her eyes said. “You can have none and I’ll tell Bulma what you tried to do.”

Vegeta swallowed. He knew what that would entail. His training room shut down. Possibly no baths for a month. “Fine.”

“Now,” warmth radiated from Chi-Chi but Raditz was scared of the power she exuded. “If Goku gives his thanks, we can eat.” Everyone returned to their seats.

Goku wasn’t a fan of these moments. It’s why Chi-Chi left him to give thanks last but this year was special and he did have a lot to be thankful for. “I’m thankful for Chi-Chi, Gohan and Goten.” Goku looked at his brother who settled in his seat again. He didn’t look at him. His eyes were on the food. His head was slightly bowed. He looked sad, as if knowing he’s not one his brother is thankful for.

He’s annoying. Sometimes I see him and I want to hit him. I don’t like he’s so nice to Chi-Chi. I don’t like Goten likes him.

But there were things Goku did like.

I do like his stories about our parents. He’s told me some of the things he’s been through. It helps me understand him. It even helps me pity him.

“I’m thankful to see Raditz again.”

Raditz looked away from the food to Goku. His eyes didn’t believe his ears. Then a small smile touched his face. “Really?”

He still wanted to punch that face but he meant what he said. “Yeah.”

One word. One compliment brought a smile between the brothers.

“Thank you, Goku.” Chi-Chi could feel the tears around her eyes. They still have a ways to go but Chi-Chi saw this as a big step forward between the brothers. “Now…. let’s eat.”

Kansha-sai dinner resumed without any fights. Because he was limited, Vegeta piled twice as much food on his plate. Love and laughter surrounded the dinner with Chi-Chi laughing at how greedily Goku, Raditz and Vegeta ate and fought over the food. Goten teased Gohan and Gohan playfully took his brother’s plate. Gyumao shared stories of past Kansha-sai dinners in Goku’s absence and the first ones with Chi-Chi and Gohan. Chi-Chi gathered the empty containers and returned to the kitchen to begin cleaning. Gohan had one helping of dessert before he gathered empty dishes and assisted Chi-Chi with the cleanup. Goten lay on the grass with a swollen belly. Gyumao napped at the table after four plates. This left the Saiyans to continue eating.

Raditz had four heavy servings of dinner before eyeing the desserts on the picnic table. Raditz filled his plate with two slices of cake and three slices of pie. He went to Goku, who was adding the remaining dinner servings onto his plates. “Again? Don’t you want room any dessert, Kakarot?”

Goku eyed the sugary sweets for a moment before going back to add meat and vegetables to his plate. “I don’t eat a lot of sweets.”

“Why?”

Goku shrugged. He didn’t have an answer other than not liking them. “I grew up on mostly meat with Grandpa. I ate some vegetables when I lived with other people but I didn’t like them. Chi-Chi’s cooking made me like vegetables. I can eat that and rice and meat but cookies, pies and cake…” he shrugged, lost to answer….”tastes too sugary. I like fruit.”

Raditz gave him a slow nod. “Maybe you take after our mother.” He broke off a piece of apple pie with his fork. “I don’t think she liked sweets either.”

This new information excited Goku. It was always nice to hear he had a connection to his parents. “She didn’t?”

“I think so. I remember our father coming home with food. He always tried bringing something back after he went to planets to….” Raditz caught himself. “There’s a planet Saiyans stop at for food, recreation and recharging our ships. Father brought something you would call cake. I remember it had a sweet taste but mother didn’t like it. Maybe that’s why.”

“Chi-Chi thought since I went years without sweets, my tongue ain’t used to sweet stuff but that ain’t true. I like some sweet stuff, otherwise I wouldn’t lick….”

Goku quickly caught himself but Raditz picked up what his brother was going to say. This would be a perfect time to tease him but Raditz showed restraint. This was a moment to bond with his brother. Not fight. “We work well as a team, Kakarot. We taught Vegeta a lesson. Imagine what we can do if we always get along.”

Goku checked on Vegeta. He ate slowly, savoring his smaller portions. “He did it to get more of Chi-Chi’s cooking. I can’t be mad at him.”

“He did it so we fight. He’s a sadist.”

Goku agreed but what Vegeta said about Raditz and Chi-Chi, didn’t sound improvised. The words he used felt in line to what Raditz would say. “About what Vegeta said….” Goku needed to know. “Did you say that about Chi-Chi?”

“The pound town?” Raditz vaguely recalled having finished his apple pie slice. “I said it, but I didn’t mean anything about it.”                                                                                                                       

He knew that was a mistake as soon as it left his lips. Slowly, Raditz put his plate down. If he was going to get into a real fight with his brother, he didn’t want to lose his food. “Kakarot,” Raditz smiled at his brother. “You know I say these things but I don’t mean anything about it.”

Goku lowered his plate. Oh, this was not good.

“Come on, Kakarot. You know me now. I will never do anything with Chi-Chi. Be happy you have an attractive wife and men compliment her. Not many men have that, and sadly for her, she only wants you.” Raditz clicked his tongue. “Such a shame because if she was open to me…..”

From his spot on the grass, Goten had a front row seat to his father punching his uncle. Goten covered his mouth to stifle his laugh at the swiftness and force of the punch. His uncle soared before crashing on the grass near him. While his father gathered his plates and returned to the table and Vegeta swiping food unsupervised, Goten checked on his uncle. He lay very still, luckily, not dead but there was a growing result of his father’s punch to his uncle’s other eye.