As usual, I own nothing. I just love to write.

Gohan and Piccolo sit under a tree in our front yard. We're finally taking a break from training for the androids, and I'm supposed to be fishing for our dinner. But I can't stop watching them; this amazing friendship formed between my son and my former arch-enemy.

So I stand with my ki lowered to almost nothing, giving the impression that I am in fact at the lake, but I think I could be powering up and the two wouldn't give an inch. They're absorbed deep in conversation and suddenly Gohan is laughing hysterically and Piccolo smiles, ruffling his hair.

It's just as Oolong said, Piccolo never lets his guard down around anyone but Gohan. And I am eternally grateful they have found each other. They both impacted one another so drastically. Piccolo has become a great and loyal ally and Gohan, I can hardly believe his strength and courage now. He had always been so frightened, but now, he is as brave as any of the other fighters. And I have Piccolo to thank for that.

In fact, I owe my son's life to the Namek. Piccolo has saved Gohan's life more times than I can count. I've tried to thank him before, but he always growls and shrugs it off, saying it's nothing. He doesn't like people to know he has a soft spot, but we all, even Vegeta, know he loves my son as his own.

Gohan is in hysterics again as he tries to tackle Piccolo from his sitting position. Piccolo catches him easily by the collar of his gi, an almost exact replica of his own. He scowls at him, but my son is unfazed, smiling broadly. Piccolo flips him around and plops him in his lap. Gohan sighs contentedly and leans back heavily against Piccolo's chest and closes his eyes. Piccolo floats up into his customary meditating position, his eyes closed as well. Their ki level out to resting state and I know Gohan will be out for at least an hour.

I suddenly feel like I'm intruding on something that was never meant to be seen. With one last glance at them, I turn to leave for the lake.

"Goku," Piccolo's voice pipes up quietly from behind me, just loud enough for me to hear, but not enough for Gohan to wake. I freeze. I'm in trouble.

I poke my head out from behind the tree that was hiding me. "Yeah?"

He opens his eyes just a fraction of a bit so I can see the threat behind them. "You tell anyone about this, and I will personally kill you before the heart virus or androids can."

I give him my best reassuring smile. "Would never tell a soul!" And I won't, because I know he'll hold true to his threat and I don't want anyone else to know about this. I feel so privileged to have been allowed to see this. So this stolen sight of their great friendship will stay our little secret.

Piccolo closes his eyes again. Gohan sighs and stirs a little in his lap before stilling. He gives a little snore and a slight smile passes over Piccolo's face. With one last glance, I turn and finally head for the lake.