" Kindred Spirits "

Written By: Debs-dragon

Disclaimer: I don't own the DBZ crew, they belong to a rich Japanese man.

Rating: PG 13 for now.

Notes: This is a spin off story from the Trunk's & Marron fic "Could you Love Me?" This is the first attempt I have made to write Goten and Bra so if they appear OOC then that's my fault, live with it.

"Kindred Spirits "

June 2002 Debs-dragon

AN: For those hard core DBZ fans out there yes I know Pan is older in this fic than she is in the series. I wanted her that way in order to make the plot line work. Don't like it then deal with it.

Chapter 5

At precisely eight thirty on the Saturday morning Kauli pulled the sedan to a smooth stop outside the golden dome. Having picked up Pan on the way the three friends climbed out of the car and headed for the front door. Bra opened it and greeted her friends enthusiastically.

"Great you're here at last!" she said.

"Thought we had better make an appearance or else you would never let us live it down." quipped Goten.

"Come on lets forget the teasing for a bit and get the car loaded so we can get going." said Pan eagerly.

"Yes sir!" said Kauli as he clicked his heels together and raised his arm in mock salute.

Giving him a dig in the ribs Pan pushed past and disappeared into the dome to begin to drag out their stuff. It didn't take long before the boot was full and the four intrepid campers bade their farewells. After reassuring her father yet again that she would call, Bra managed to at last escape to the sanctuary of the car and the non stop teasing of her friends.

Kauli backed out of the driveway and they hit the road. The landscape changed from houses to wide open spaces as they sped along the highway. Music blared from the radio as the group sang along, albeit rather tunelessly but they didn't care, no one could hear them anyway.

After driving for an hour and a half they pulled into a service station. Bra and Pan were both in need of the rest room and Kauli thought it would be a good time to refuel.

Giggling the two girls made their way to the toilets. "So what do you think of Kauli?" asked Pan.

"I think he's rather sweet." replied Bra.

"Yeah, he's kinda cute too." said Pan dreamily.

"Not as nice as Goten though." Bra added.

"What! Don't tell me..."

Bra nodded. "Crazy huh? I didn't want to believe it myself at first either but now after lots of soul searching and reminiscing I think I feel something for him..... and if I'm not mistaken I think he returns the sentiment."

"That's great Bra! I do hope he does... I mean you two would make a great couple. Look at Trunks and Marron. Who would have guessed that they would get together? But it happened so there is no reason why it shouldn't work for you and Goten as well." said Pan with a genuine smile on her face.

"Well that's another reason I wanted to go camping. Not only do I get time to spend with Goten but it gives me the chance to see if he returns what I feel." said Bra lowering her eyes.

"Well I have a confession to make as well." said Pan staring at her friend.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I really like Kauli... I was kinda hoping I could get to know him a bit better too."

"Then we are just going to have to make sure we both achieve our goals then aren't we?" stated Bra and linking her arm through Pan's they left the rest rooms and returned to the car.

The boys looked up as they spotted the girls returning, noting the way the pair had their heads together Kauli looked at Goten and raised an inquiring eyebrow. Goten shrugged his shoulders in reply.

Passing the girls a soda each the boys opened their own and got back into the car. Soon the landscape changed again as the trees began to grow in size and density.

"It shouldn't be too much further." said Bra as she consulted her map.

"Knowing your map skills we could be in Africa by now." teased Goten.

Bra replied by whacking the black mop in the seat in front of her with the map. Refraining from making a comment she studied the map once more. "There should be an entrance road about half a kilometer up on the right." she said.

"Okay then, everyone keep your eyes open." said Kauli as he slowed the car a little.

"There it is." said Pan as she pointed to a break in the tree line.

Kauli slowed down and indicated his intention to turn. Swinging the vehicle to the right the small track wound ahead, they pulled over into the tourist bay. A small wooden sign to one side proclaimed the entrance to the state forest along with the rules and regulations. A small picture at the base indicated the way into the various camping areas. Bra checked against her map and noted that they both read the same.

"Okay, we follow this road along until we see the sign for the track that will take us to the Lakeside camping area." she said.

Once more Kauli sent the car on its way. Opening all the windows the occupants breathed in the mountain air. It was rich with the scent of pine needles, rotting wood and vegetation. Shortly they spotted the sign that indicated the turn to the camping ground. Kauli turned the car in and followed the track for a small way before it opened out into a large sheltered parking area.

"This is as far as we can go with the car." he stated as he pulled the car to a halt.

"Okay, according to the map we leave the car here and the campsite should be about a kilometer down that trail." said Bra and pointed to a small track that disappeared into the foliage.

They all clambered out and removed the packs from the boot. Shouldering their various burdens they passed the remaining few items amongst themselves and prepared to hike. Kauli locked the car and with Goten in the lead they set off along the small trail.

It was a pretty walk, the ground was fairly even and although the track was narrow it was still wide enough to navigate comfortably. Kauli brought up the rear and with Pan walking in front of him it gave him the perfect opportunity to study the girl better.

He hadn't had a proper chance to fully appraise Goten's niece, sneaking the odd glance here and there wasn't the same as being able to study the form properly. Hungrily he let his eyes wander over the slender form that swayed enticingly as she walked. So lost in his study of her he missed the question from Bra.

"Sorry... What was that again?"

"I said, are you enjoying the scenery?" Bra called again.

"Yes. It's really fascinating." he didn't add that the scenery he was interested in was walking just in front.

Bra however had noticed Kauli's eyes wandering over Pan and knew where his mind was.

After walking for half an hour they found the track widening out into a large clearing. They all stopped and stared around at the site. It was perfect. Large open spaces dotted with trees and here and there were scattered wooden tables with benches. Down the far end stood a small building made from wood and blending in with the forest.

"That must be the shower block." stated Bra.

"So... where do you suggest we pitch the tents?" asked Pan as she gazed around in delight.

Kauli and Goten scanned around. "Lets have a wander and see where would be the best spot."

"Good idea, I would think over that way would probably be the best." said Kauli.

They moved into the area and while Goten and Kauli hunted around for the best place to pitch the tents Bra and Pan took in the sheer beauty of the forest.

"Isn't it just perfect." said Pan dreamily.

"Not quite." Bra replied.

Pan looked at her friend and noted the gleam of mischief in her eyes. "Well we will just have to make sure we use the right bait to catch the right fish and make it perfect." she grinned.

"My thoughts exactly." laughed Bra. "Come on, lets see if Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum have sorted out our housing arrangements yet." and the two of them returned to where the boys had deposited their packs.

Kauli and Goten had scouted about a bit and finally agreed on a spot. It was close enough to the shower block for them to make a quick enough dash if anyone got caught short but far enough away for privacy. The ground was even with a gentle slope to it that if it should decide to rain on them a trench could be dug around the tents to off set any possibility of flooding.

A large tree spread its branches above offering shelter from the sun and a picnic table stood just to the side. It looked as if other campers had used the same spot before as a small campfire pit had been dug and the rocks that ringed it were still there.

Spotting the pair Bra and Pan headed across.

"This where we're going to set up?" asked Bra.

"Yup."

"Okay then lets get the stuff and get started then." Pan said.

The four moved back to the pile and began to haul the tents out of their protective coverings and lay them on the ground. Bra and Pan took the one while Goten and Kauli took the other.

Studying the mass of dark green material that lay before them Pan and Bra looked at each other and then back to the tent. "How does it go together?" asked Pan scratching her head.

"Ummm.... good question." replied Bra as she reached for a couple of metal poles. Picking them up she stared at them as if they could provide the answers.

Pan also picked up a couple of poles and some rope. "It can't be that hard." she muttered.

They set to work. Goten and Kauli meanwhile had slotted the poles into their various holders in the canvas and begun to attach the guy ropes and position the pegs. With one positioned at each end they hauled the tent up and secured the end ropes. It was only a matter then of pulling out the side ropes and attaching to the pegs before hammering them securely into the ground.

Once done they stood back to admire their work. Kauli unzipped the front and folded back the netting to walk inside. He then rolled up the covering on the small 'window' before returning to Goten.

"Looks good." he said.

"Yep. Home for the next few days. Lets get the packs and get the stuff stashed." said Goten and he turned to retrieve his backpack.

"How are the girls doing?" asked Kauli as he glanced across to see a tangle of poles and rope with Bra and Pan somewhere in the middle of it.

"Not too good by the look of it." chuckled Goten.

"Think we should give them a hand?"

"Nah.. If we offer now they will only get mad, let them try for a while and when they have had enough they will ask." and Goten picked up his pack and went into the tent to spread the ground sheet and secure it.

Watching the girls for a moment longer Kauli picked his own pack up and followed Goten.

"Damn this stupid thing." cursed Bra.

"I thought you said you knew how this tent went together?" growled Pan.

"Well I haven't actually had to put it up before, Trunks always did it." huffed Bra.

"Yeah well I hate to tell you this but Trunks isn't here." snapped Pan as she hauled once more on the guy rope. "Why don't we ask Goten and Kauli to help us?"

"No! They will just think we are totally helpless if we can't even pitch a tent between us."

"But at this rate we will be still trying when it's dark." complained Pan.

"No I don't want their help." stated Bra flatly.

"Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

"I'm not stubborn!"

"Yes you are, if you would let me get Goten this thing would be up by now!"

"We can do this by ourselves. We aren't weak you know."

"But I can't see how asking for a little male help is being weak." responded Pan as she pulled again on the one end.

Bra hauled on the other end and the tent slowly pulled up into a wobbly stand. "Yes! " shouted Bra in triumph. "Now all we need to do is pull out the side ones and then we're all done."

Pan eagerly helped Bra to pull out the side ropes and secure them. As they got to the rear of the tent so Pan pulled the rope taunt. The structure suddenly began to tremble.

"Uh..oh..." thought Pan.

Bra looked up as she felt the rope begin to slacken and found herself eyeballing a sheer green curtain.

With a rustle the tent gracefully collapsed on top of the two girls. Goten and Kauli watched from inside their own tent and tried desperately to squash the laughter that burst forth.

Underneath the pile of canvas Bra felt herself sigh.

"Now can we ask the boys to help us?" came Pans muffled question.

Swallowing her pride Bra agreed. "I think maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea."

* * * * * *

Under Kauli and Goten's skilful hands the girls were rescued and the obstinate tent soon erected. Bra and Pan laid out the ground sheet and their sleeping bags before tucking away the rest of their belongings into the backpacks in the corner. Goten and Kauli did the same within their own tent. Meeting out the front they brought the rest of their stuff and sorted through it, setting up the small camp stove and arranging the few utensils with it. The food supply was sorted through and stored neatly in the girls tent. They elected to put it there as opposed to the boys tent knowing full well what Goten's appetite was like and his uncanny ability to want midnight snacks.

Once the campsite was in order they decided to wander down and check out the shower block and collect some wood for the fire.

"Talk about primitive." exclaimed Bra as she laid eyes upon the washing facilities.

"Yeah, not exactly four star is it?" Goten said.

"What did you expect?... gold handled taps and a spa?" quipped Kauli.

"I would just settle for a screen." sighed Pan.

The block consisted of a bench along the one wall. Facing opposite were two toilets and then three shower stalls. Each stall was partitioned off from the next and contained shower head, drain and small shelf for you to place your soap, shampoo etc. The only doors were on the two toilets and the showers were open ended. A small machine stood at the end for you to place your coins in to have access to hot water... no coins and it meant a cold shower.

Bra shivered at the thought and was grateful she had brought some change with her.

"Well I suggest that when we take our showers one of us stands guard." said Bra.

"Ohh you afraid someone might come in and try to pinch your clothes?" sniggered Goten.

"Lets say I wouldn't put it past some people." and she gave Goten a withering glance.

"Aww that's not nice.... Whatever makes you think I would do something like that?" he said trying to look hurt.

"I know you Goten, its just the sort of stunt you would pull."

Kauli laughed. He had a few ideas of his own stewing, all of them involving showers, water and fabric of some kind. He made a mental note to share his ideas with Goten later.

Pan interrupted the musings by announcing they should collect some wood for the fire and think about getting some lunch.

The next hour was spent gathering sticks and branches of varying thickness and length. Those that were too big Goten broke down to a more useable size. Soon they had a nice fire going and a large stack of wood piled nearby.

While the boys were busy getting the fire underway Bra and Pan had started on the lunch. They spread out a blanket on the picnic table and dragged out some plates. Having brought some bread and fillings with them they soon had a stack of sandwiches piled up in the middle of the table. Pan took the water container to the toilet block and filled it.

Returning she gave it to Goten who filled a small billy-can-come-kettle and placed it in the fire. Making sure it was secure he dusted off his hands and wandered over to the table. "Looks good Bra." he said as he sat himself down.

Kauli sat next to Pan and helped himself to a sandwich, opposite him Goten did the same. The bread had been cut into thick chunks and spread liberally with butter. Bra hadn't skimped on the fillings either.

Chewing on his mouthful Goten relaxed and sighed out loud.

Bra gave him a look. "What was that sigh for?" she asked taking another bite of her own sandwich.

"It's so peaceful and calm here." he replied.

"Yeah I agree with you there." said Pan.

"And you know what makes it even better?" he said gazing thoughtfully at the bread and meat in his hand.

"What?" the three said in chorus.

"This lunch Bra made is actually edible...."

Bra choked with rage on the piece she was chewing. "Why you!" she spat spraying everyone with crumbs.

Kauli felt the tears run down his cheeks he was laughing so hard.

Picking up the cup of water she had in front of her she poured the contents over Goten's head. "You can make dinner." she stated flatly.

Pan fell off the bench she was laughing so much. The sight of her uncle, hair dripping was more than she could stand. The goofy grin on his face as the water ran over his cheeks and down his nose was to say the least hysterical.

Kauli stretched out a long arm and offered his hand to Pan, she took it and allowed the man to pull her to her feet. She felt tingles race up her arm as their fingers touched and reluctantly she let go as she sat down once more.

The water came to the boil and Pan made cocoa for them all. They sat crouched around the table sipping the scalding liquid and planned out the afternoon.

"Lets do some exploring." said Pan.

"The lake shouldn't be too far from here so why don't we take a walk and find it?" suggested Kauli.

"That's a good idea, we can see if there are any good spots to swim and fish." Goten smiled.

"Okay then the lake it is." said Pan.

Bra stayed silent. She was still a little put out from Goten's comments on her sandwich making skills.

Sensing he had upset Bra, Goten thought he had better make his apologies and soon.

Packing the stuff away into the tents the four set off down the trail that led to the lake. Kauli and Pan walked ahead and Goten strolled behind with Bra.

Thinking it was now or never and noting that Pan and Kauli were occupied with their own chatter he reached across and took Bra's hand. "I'm sorry I teased you earlier about lunch." he said softly.

Bra allowed him to take her hand secretly enjoying the warm touch. "Why do you always have to tease me?"

"I ... I don't know Bra. It just seems I have always done it.... kinda like it's the natural thing to do." he felt his eyes drop. It was true, he and Trunks had always teased the girls. Maybe it was his way of hiding his true emotions he realized with a jolt.

Bra accepted this, knowing that Goten really couldn't explain the reason. Really she didn't mind, but it would be nice to be treated like a woman every now and then and not a communal whipping post of sorts. "Its okay Goten, I forgive you."

He smiled and continued to walk, leaving his hand entwined with Bra's.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Chapter 6
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