An- Sorry for the long-awaited return! I burned myself out trying to write two stories at the same time and at the rate at which I was writing them, I lost vision for my stories and a bit of drive to keep writing. After a break and finding my groove again, I'm back and to not burn myself out again I will update once maybe twice a month! 

--

The lookout was bathed in the gentle glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the ancient stone structures. The air was serene, with only the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant sound of birds returning to their nests. Y/n walked alongside Gohan, who had spent most of the day training and meditating under Piccolo's watchful eye. The peace of the lookout was a stark contrast to the turbulence he felt inside.

As they descended the stairs and began their journey back to Gohan's home, Y/n noticed the young boy's shoulders were slumped, and his usually bright eyes were clouded with worry. She sensed something was bothering him and decided to break the silence gently.

"You seem quiet, Gohan. Did something happen at the lookout today?" Y/n asked, her voice soft and encouraging.

Gohan glanced at her, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "No, nothing happened at the lookout. It's just... I don't really want to go home."

Y/n furrowed her brow in concern. "Why not? Isn't home supposed to be a place where you feel safe and happy?"

Gohan sighed, his steps slowing as he struggled to put his feelings into words. "It's complicated. Things at home aren't the way they used to be. My mom, she's been changing a lot."

Y/n stopped walking and turned to face Gohan, her eyes filled with empathy. "That sounds really tough, Gohan. Do you want to talk about it?"

Gohan nodded slowly, relieved to have someone willing to listen. "Yeah, I guess I do. Mom used to be overprotective, always pushing me to study and become a scholar. It was annoying sometimes, but I knew she cared. After Dad defeated Cell and came back, things were good for a while. But over the past year, she's been acting strange. She gets angry easily and spends most of her time away from home. She doesn't even care about my studies anymore."

Y/n listened attentively, her heart aching for Gohan. "I'm really sorry you're going through this, Gohan. It must be hard to see your mom change like that. Do you have any idea why she might be acting this way?"

Gohan shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe she's just tired or stressed out. But it's like she doesn't want to be around us anymore. Dad tries his best, but even he seems lost sometimes."

Y/n reached out and placed a comforting hand on Gohan's shoulder. "It sounds like you're carrying a lot on your shoulders. It's okay to feel upset and confused. You're not alone in this, Gohan."

Gohan managed a small smile, appreciating Y/n's kindness. "Thanks, Y/n. It helps to talk about it."

Y/n returned his smile, her mind racing with ways to help. "Is there somewhere else you'd rather be right now? Maybe a place where you feel more comfortable?"

Gohan thought for a moment, his gaze distant. "Actually, could you take me to Capsule Corp? I always feel welcome there, and Bulma and Trunks are great to be around."

Y/n glanced over at Gohan. "So, to Capsule Corp, right?"

Gohan nodded eagerly. "Yeah, if that's okay. I think it'd be nice to spend some time there."

Y/n smiled warmly. "Of course, Gohan. I'd be happy to take you there. But you'll have to show me the way."

Gohan chuckled softly. "No problem. Follow me."

As they continued their walk, the landscape gradually shifted from the serene surroundings of the lookout to the bustling outskirts of West City. Gohan pointed out various landmarks, guiding Y/n through the familiar territory. 

 Along the way, Gohan glanced up at Y/n curiously. "Can I ask you something, Y/n?"

"Sure, Gohan. What's on your mind?"

"What about your parents? You never talk about them."

"My mom died when I was young. I'm not quite sure what happened, because my dad hid most of the details from me. 

Y/n's expression softened, a touch of sadness in her eyes."Well, my mom died when I was really young. I don't know much about what happened because my dad kept a lot of the details hidden from me. He said it was to protect me, but sometimes I wish I knew more."

"I'm sorry," Gohan said quietly. "That must be hard."

"It is," Y/n admitted. "But I had my dad, and he tried his best to raise me. It was just the two of us after that, but I guess we all have our struggles, huh?"

"Yeah," Gohan agreed, feeling a little closer to Y/n after hearing her story. 

 "But it made me stronger, too. My dad did his best to take care of me, and I learned a lot from him."

Gohan nodded, thinking about his own family and how different their experiences were. "I guess every family has its own struggles."

"That's true," Y/n agreed. "But it's how we face those struggles that define us."

As they neared Capsule Corp, Gohan's spirits lifted slightly. They approached the large, high-tech building, and Gohan pointed to the entrance. "That's it. We're here."

Y/n guided them to the front door and knocked firmly. From inside, Gohan heard a familiar voice yell, "Vegeta, get the door!"

A gruff reply followed, "FINE."

The door swung open to reveal Vegeta, who looked at Y/n with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing.

Before Y/n could respond, Vegeta's gaze shifted to Gohan. "Brat, what do you want?"

"I'm Y/n," she introduced herself, maintaining her composure. "I'm dropping Gohan off. Goku didn't come to the lookout to get him, so I thought I'd take him home. But he doesn't want to go home."

Vegeta raised an eyebrow, glancing between Y/n and Gohan. With a sigh, he stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in."

Gohan gave Y/n a quick hug and a grateful smile. "Thanks, Y/n."

"Anytime, Gohan," Y/n replied, waving as she turned to leave.

As Gohan stepped inside, Vegeta followed him, his curiosity piqued. "Where's your dad?"

Gohan shrugged. "I'm not sure. Last time I saw him was at home this morning."

 Vegeta followed Gohan into the living room where Bulma was sitting with baby Trunks, watching TV and playing with him. Bulma looked up and smiled brightly at the sight of Gohan.

"Gohan! What a nice surprise. What brings you here?" Bulma asked warmly.

Vegeta answered for him. "Some girl dropped him off. He doesn't want to go home."

Gohan nodded, a sad smile on his face. "Yeah, that was Y/n. She's been training up at the lookout."

Bulma made an understanding expression. "Ohh, I see. Well, I'd love to meet her sometime. In the meantime, why don't you join us? We're about to watch a movie."

Gohan's eyes lit up as he saw baby Trunks gurgling happily. "Sure, I'd love to."

As Gohan got distracted by playing with Trunks, Bulma mouthed to Vegeta, "Go get Goku!"

Vegeta rolled his eyes but nodded, understanding the urgency. He turned and made his way out of the room, heading towards the door.

Meanwhile, Gohan settled down with Bulma and Trunks, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was grateful for the warmth and hospitality of Capsule Corp, a stark contrast to the tension he felt at home.

--

Later at Capsule Corp, when the movie had ended, and Gohan was feeling a bit more relaxed. Bulma's company and Trunks' playful antics had done wonders for his mood.

 Just as he was about to suggest another movie, a familiar energy signature caught his attention.

"Dad's coming," Gohan said, looking towards the door.

A moment later, Goku landed outside Capsule Corp and hurried inside. He found Gohan in the living room with Bulma and Trunks, relief washing over him as he saw his son safe and sound.

"Gohan, I'm so sorry," Goku began, his voice filled with regret. "I lost track of time while training. Are you okay?"

Gohan nodded, a small smile on his face. "I'm okay, Dad. Y/n brought me here, and Bulma's been taking care of me."

Goku turned to Bulma with gratitude. "Thank you, Bulma. I appreciate it."

Bulma waved off his thanks with a smile. "No problem, Goku. Gohan's always welcome here."

Goku looked back at his son, his expression softening. "Ready to go home, Gohan?"

Gohan hesitated for a moment, then nodded, trusting his father. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Bulma gave Gohan a reassuring hug. "Remember, Gohan, we're always here for you."

Gohan smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "Thanks, Bulma."

With that, Goku and Gohan left Capsule Corp, flying towards their home. As they approached their house, Goku couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the conversation he knew was coming with Chi-Chi. 

But he was determined to face these challenges head-on, for the sake of his son.