Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters
I finally have some good news going on with my family after...ages. My cousin got engaged. That girl is like my sister, so now it's time for wedding planning and I'm just insanely excited. Who knows? It might give me ideas for my BXV fics...hint hint ;) ...Even though they're already married in this one (paves the way for some new ideas XD)
The beach trip had passed so quickly, and it was back to the daily grind of life. Amazingly, school seemed to get easier for everyone as the end of the semester rushed their way. Classes started to become review sessions, making it easier for the group to coordinate schedules. What was even better was that finals were just a week away. Sure, the studying was keeping everyone slightly stressed, but it just meant that in a week, or less than a week depending on when their last finals would be, they'd be free. The only thing concerning Vegeta was that his father was demanding his presence at the family beach house with Bulma and Sara. He didn't know how he felt about that after the last encounter.
His father hadn't really spoken to him since they ran into each other at the beach. Vegeta was still concerned about the man learning about Tarble, not to mention Bulma calling him out on his feelings and actions. It was justified, seeing as his father may have been taking out his frustrations out on Bulma. All Vegeta knew was that he didn't care what his father thought; it was what his father would do that made him nervous.
That night, Kakarot was out on a date with Chi Chi, and he was planning on staying over at her place. The two of them had been taking turns staying at each other's apartments. They were starting to become inseparable. Vegeta knew that Bulma was so overjoyed that Kakarot had found someone, "just like she had" she would say.
Having the house to themselves wasn't really new to them, but when they did Vegeta made sure to remind Bulma she was his and meant so much to him. Sometimes he would cook for her, and sometimes he'd order food in. The two of them would then spend the whole night with each other and their daughter and, after putting Sara to bed, would be with each other the rest of the night.
"Hey," Bulma said as she entered the apartment. She was looking at the mail they had received while closing the door. She placed it on the lamp table before going towards the kitchen to find her husband. He turned to her when he heard her soft footsteps and grinned. She returned his smile before running over to him. When he wrapped his arms around her, she asked, "How was your day? And where's Sara?"
Vegeta smirked at her. "Sara is with her grandfather for the night," he told her, "which means I have you all to myself."
Bulma laughed lightly and hugged Vegeta. He didn't want to let her go, but he had to finish dinner. She stood near him after he released her and watched him cook the rest of their meal. The two of them ate in silence, holding each other's hands, just enjoying each other's company. When they finished, though, they moved into the living room and watched the television together.
Vegeta held Bulma close to him, gliding his hand across her back and side before resting it on her stomach. Bulma couldn't be happier just lying in Vegeta's arms but, out of nowhere, something strange hit her. She felt slightly lightheaded and nauseated. "Vegeta," she said hurriedly causing her husband to look at her, "let me go for a minute."
He did as asked and his wife shot off the couch, running to the bathroom. Concerned for her, Vegeta followed closely behind her and found her throwing up when he got to her.
"Bulma, are you all right?" he questioned as he sat down behind her. She had enough of a reprieve to shake her head as she breathed rapidly, but seconds later continued her episode. Vegeta didn't know what to do other than hold her hair back. Bulma rarely ever got sick, so this was surprising to both of them. Eventually, Bulma finally stopped vomiting, but the two of them continued to sit there.
"This isn't the first time today," Bulma admitted to him as she leaned against his shoulder.
Vegeta wrapped his arm around her and sighed. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have made something a little less heavy for you to eat."
"I was able to eat lunch and that was pretty heavy," she explained. "Maybe I'm getting a bug or something. It'll probably pass by tomorrow."
He wasn't entirely convinced that it was a bug, though, but he couldn't be sure. Searching through his memories, Vegeta remembered his mother's pregnancy with Tarble and that she had been really sick in the beginning. With his father working all of the time, Vegeta was the one to look after his mother. The signs seemed to be the same, but Bulma could be right about it being a bug. There was just more than one option.
"Is there a chance you could be pregnant?" he asked her keeping his voice steady, though all of his memories of his mother left him feeling even more concerned.
Bulma sat back to look him in the eye. Her face displayed her surprise of the idea. The thought had never crossed her mind before he said that. She tried to think back over her cycles and realized that she couldn't remember her last. "I don't know," she whispered. "Maybe. I can't remember my last cycle. Do you think I should go to the doctor?"
Vegeta wanted to scream "yes," but continued to force out a calm demeanor. "We could go tomorrow," he told her. Classes were ending and his was only going to be a review. Bulma's last class had already passed, so both of them would be free all day, and Vegeta didn't want her to go alone.
Bulma nodded against him and closed her eyes. Though they weren't comfortable sitting on the bathroom floor, Bulma felt too ill to stand up. She settled for resting against her husband and, when he heard her soft snores, he carefully lifted her up and carried her to their room. That night, he stayed up thinking about his mother and the possibility of Bulma being pregnant. The one thing he was sure of was that what happened to his mother would not happen to Bulma. He would not force her to hide her pregnancy or skip doctor's appointments. She would be fine. It was something he would have to keep reminding himself of over the next few months.
The next day, Vegeta and Bulma were up early, avoiding Kakarot until they knew for sure. Bulma had another bout of sickness leaving Vegeta to be the one to call Bardock to let him know Bulma was sick and they were going to the doctor's. Bardock was willing to go into work late and watch Sarah for the next few hours. Vegeta thanked him and rushed off the phone. He knew it wasn't fair to let his father-in-law think Bulma was seriously sick, but he didn't want to jump the gun before they themselves knew for sure. Once they did know with one-hundred percent certainty, Bardock would be the first person Vegeta would call.
The obstetrician had had a long day dealing with many young and unprepared couples. It had been quite draining and, when he saw two more young people in his examination room, he was more than frustrated. Normally he was neutral on these matters, but the last patient he had lacked so much common sense that he wasn't expecting this situation to be any different. He knew it obviously showed in his greeting when the girl's boyfriend glared at him. It didn't really matter to him. He just wanted the day to end.
Vegeta could tell from the doctor's expression that he was judging them. It bothered him greatly, not because he was worried about whatever the doctor thought, but he didn't want Bulma to be subjected to an idiot who held any kind of judgment. He was about to request a different doctor when the man spoke up and asked, "So, Bulma, it says you are here for a pregnancy test. Have you already taken a test and just came to confirm it?" Bulma shook her head. "When did you and your boyfriend suspect it?"
"Husband," Vegeta corrected making the doctor's eyes widen.
"Come again?"
Vegeta's eyes narrowed as the words left the doctor's mouth. "Yes, I am Bulma's husband. Is there a problem?"
The doctor check his charts again, and noticed her status on her chart and chuckled awkwardly. "Forgive me," he replied with a rueful smile, though Vegeta still held his glare, "it's been a very long day. I didn't mean to jump to conclusions."
Bulma simply nodded, a small grin on her face. "It's okay," she assured him as she placed a hand on Vegeta's shoulder. "How long will the test take?"
The doctor could sense that the two were eager. "Not long," he replied. "I just need a sample of your blood to run the test. Why do you suspect it, again?"
Blushing, Bulma realized that she hadn't even told the doctor her symptoms. "I've been getting sick," Bulma explained, "and I don't remember the last time I had my cycle." She left it at that. There really wasn't anything more to say than that. She knew that normally, people would go through the process of a home pregnancy test; however, Vegeta would have been anxious during that process if he knew for sure she was pregnant. He would want her to go to the doctor immediately, so it was better to just get it all done in the beginning. Her husband would feel calmer if he knew she was taking her health into consideration.
"Are you sure you don't just have a virus?" the doctor asked as he got the materials to draw blood. Bulma cringed slightly at the sight of the needle. Both she and her brother hated needles, though Kakarot's reactions were much worse than hers. "Why come here first?"
Bulma's eyes flickered to Vegeta's and, like when she had gotten sick, she could see the hurt and worry embedded deep in his irises. She was about to answer when Vegeta spoke up. "I wanted her to." He paused for a moment before adding, "My mother experienced complications when pregnant with my brother after not having the proper care. I didn't want it to happen to anyone else." The last part, "to anyone else I care about," was left unspoken, but the doctor understood.
"Responsible," he said with approval, "but everything will be fine. Even after this first step, don't panic. As long as you stick to your appointments...provided you're pregnant, that is, everything will be fine." He removed the needle that Bulma hadn't even felt him inject and injected the blood in a tube. "I'm just going to have this sample run. It shouldn't be long before you two have an answer. Just stay relaxed."
That was easier said than done in Vegeta's mind. Don't get him wrong; he would be thrilled if Bulma was having his child. He already knew she was a loving and amazing mother, watching her with Sara. Even though he would have never thought of being a father years before, he was definitely okay with the concept. He loved Sara as his own, and he was sure he would love any child Bulma gave him just as much.
As he was thinking, he felt Bulma take his hand and squeeze it in reassurance. "Vegeta," she cooed softly bringing his attention to her, "I'm going to be okay. I won't hide it if I turn out to be pregnant, and I know you'll make sure I go to every appointment. I promise you nothing bad will happen."
Vegeta nodded, but said nothing as he thought, If only I could believe that.
Kakarot nearly shot out of his skin when he heard his father's ringtone, especially when he had been engaged in a heated make out session with his girlfriend. Chi Chi chuckled at his deer-in-headlights expression. Rubbing his arms, she whispered softly, "It's okay; answer it." Kakarot nodded and pulled away to reach for his phone.
"Hello?" he greeted into the cell phone. "What's up, dad?"
Kakarot was silent for a minute before grinning. "Oh, sure, we can come over for dinner. See ya later."
Chi Chi beamed with enthusiasm when Kakarot hung up. "So, dinner at your dad's place?"
"Mm-hm," Kakarot replied. "He said Bulma and Vegeta have some news they want to tell us."
"Wonder what it could be," Chi Chi mused.
"I guess we'll find out later," he murmured softly before pulling her to him. "Now, where were we?"
Vegeta kept true to his mental promise to tell Bardock first, and he agreed to keep it quiet from Kakarot until dinner that night. The proud father could not keep the smile off his face. Sure, he already considered himself a grandfather, and Bulma and Vegeta were already excellent parents. He was already proud of them, but the fact that this was his daughter's first time having a child made him even prouder. His little girl was growing up, had been growing up, and was finally living a life that made her feel joy. That was all he ever wanted for either of his children.
His joy wasn't easy to conceal as he strode into work, but he just couldn't help himself. Not even a year ago he didn't know how his daughter was and definitely didn't expect to see her any time after that. Now, he got to watch her turn her life around, his strong, loving little girl that was now a grown woman with a family of her own.
"Well," a sultry voice snapped him out of his musings, "someone looks pleased with himself. Crack a big case?"
Normally, Bardock avoided his co-worker, Fasha, especially since he still held some guilt for his past. He had been turning down her date invitations and try to ignore her flirting as he had when Bulma had visited. His daughter had given him advice, advice that he had been ignoring. Even after his daughter had encouraged him, he had rarely spoken to the persistent woman. Today, he was too excited to care. Maybe his daughter was right and he needed to let go of the past and continue towards the future like she had. "No, nothing like that," he said with a smirk. "When my daughter and her husband came to pick up their daughter, they told me my little girl was pregnant."
Fasha smiled at her colleague. Since his son-in-law was in the public eye, everyone pretty much knew Sara was their adopted daughter, though no one really thought it mattered. "You must be so proud," she told him. "I know how much you love your kids and granddaughter."
Bardock blushed slightly, but still held a smile. "I think we need to find a new word beyond 'proud,'" he replied. "I'm over the moon right now."
"You must want to celebrate," Fasha answered. "Drinks tonight?"
Bardock shook his head. "We're having dinner tonight so her brother and his girlfriend can be told, but maybe tomorrow."
"It's a date, then," Fasha agreed before heading to her desk. The day went on as usual, though he and Fasha exchanged a few glances here and there. For the first time in a long time Bardock didn't feel too upset about that.
Meanwhile, Nappa had overheard. He couldn't believe that Bulma was pregnant. Knowing his friend, he would not be happy. He decided he'd keep the pregnancy a secret until it came out in the press. Until then, he would hope for the best and listen to Bardock for updates. If he didn't know how Vegeta and Bulma were doing, he knew he'd lose it especially after Vegeta had made it clear what his plans were for his son's girlfriend back when they visited. He had yet to make his move. I really hope he doesn't.
The next stop for Vegeta and Bulma that day was the Swifts' place. Vegeta couldn't wait to tell Tarble. The little boy was out in the yard playing around in the grass with some action figures of his. "Veggie!" the little boy exclaimed as he ran from his toys on the front lawn. He clung to Vegeta so the older brother picked him up off the ground.
"Hey, kid," he greeted softly, Bulma smiling at him. She loved seeing how he was with children. What he had done for her and Sara was amazing and not many people were willing to take on something so complicated. She never knew how she'd be able to thank him, and now she was carrying his child, their child. It astounded her at all turns, but she wouldn't have asked for anything different.
Vegeta carried his little brother into the house and set him down. Ronda was busy cleaning the living room, but smiled and stopped when she saw Bulma, Vegeta, and Sara. "I thought you two had classes today."
"I thought Tarble did, too," Vegeta retorted playfully earning an eye-roll from Bulma.
"Half day!" Tarble cheered making the others laugh.
"I remember those days," Bulma agreed. "Half days were always fun."
Ronda smiled at the girl. "Could I offer you guys some lunch?"
"We actually came because we have some news," Vegeta answered.
"And then we have to go to the store for some groceries," Bulma added. She was going to dive into the healthy diet montage of a pregnant woman. The doctor had told her what foods to get, as well as vitamins. The couple planned on following all the suggestions given to them.
"Oh?" the older woman replied. "Good news, I hope."
Bulma chuckled. "Yes, good news," she assured the woman. She took Vegeta's hand and they shared contented smiles before Bulma's attention went back to Ronda and Tarble. "I'm pregnant."
"That means you're having a baby, right?" Tarble interjected before his mother could respond.
Vegeta nodded. "Yes," he stated softly. "You're about to be an uncle to two little ones. How do you feel about that?"
"I think it's awesome!" Tarble said enthusiastically.
"I'm so happy for you both," Ronda spoke up. "I can't wait to tell Robert. Have you told your brother or Bardock yet?"
"We told my father when we picked up Sara. Tonight we're having dinner to tell Kakarot and Chi Chi."
"Sounds like a great night," Ronda said with a smile.
"Can I come too?" Tarble asked flashing his big, bright eyes at his mother.
"I don't see why not."
"He can stay over at the apartment," Vegeta offered. "I can take him to school tomorrow."
Ronda answered him with a smile and nod. The middle-aged woman was always impressed with how active Vegeta wanted to be in Tarble's life. Once before, Tarble had told her that he overheard Vegeta tell Bulma just how much he had been willing to take on when the boy was born. He had been willing to act as Tarble's caretaker and parental figure back when he was a nine year-old boy. The young man had always been prepared to be a father, and now he would have two young children to parent with a partner instead of on his own.
"I'll go pack my bag," Tarble said hurriedly before he left the room. Ronda sighed happily. It was so nice to hear Vegeta chuckle in amusement.
Bulma and Vegeta arrived to Bardock's early to help prepare for dinner. While Bulma volunteered to help her dad with the cooking, Vegeta got to watch his little brother playing with Sara, making the little girl laugh. He was so happy that he was put in the position to help reunite Bulma with her sister as she had for him and Tarble, but he was even happier that he could give both girls the lives they truly deserved. Though he was worried about the pregnancy, the one thing he knew for sure was that he would be able to take care of Bulma in ways he couldn't have for his mother when he was a child.
"Hey Vegeta!" Kakarot exclaimed as he and Chi Chi entered the apartment. "How's it going?"
Vegeta couldn't stop the smirk from appearing on his face, though he said nothing. Kakarot's brow raised in question before he looked over to Chi Chi who shrugged.
In the kitchen, Bulma clutched the strainer full of salad as she heard her brother's voice and let out a breath. "Are you all right, princess?"
Bulma shared a smile with her father and nodded. "Yeah, just a little nervous I guess."
"Why would you be nervous about telling your brother you're pregnant?" Bardock questioned.
"I don't think that's the reason," she shared with him. "More of, I know everything's going to change. I know Vegeta's going to be more overprotective and Kakarot is going to pile on. I just don't want to keep him from living his life."
Bardock couldn't help but laugh. "Bulma, he's not some rowdy, teenaged boy who cares about partying and all of that kind of stuff. He got to be on his own the majority of his life. He loves being able to help you, especially with Sara. He tells me that all the time. He always says he wishes he could do more because he loves spending time with you after missing out on so much. Besides, you aren't keeping him from living his life. He's always been about his family, and he always will be. Plus, he really loves that girlfriend of his. As long as he gets to spend time with her and us, he's a happy soul. Don't ever think you're taking anything away from him."
"I guess that was a silly thought," Bulma replied, blushing a little. "I guess I still have issues letting others take care of me. I'm really working on that."
"I know you are, princess," Bardock said softly, "but you have to realize you're going to be doted on by a lot of people over the next nine months."
"Yeah, I got the lecture from the doctor today, and Vegeta is already being, well Vegeta. We spent the whole day getting the right foods and stuff. My loving police officer...no offense, dad."
"I know, Bulma," he laughed. "I know."
"So, what's the big news?" Chi Chi asked. "Or are you planning to keep us in suspense longer?"
Bulma stuck her tongue playfully at her friend. "Well, with Kakarot stuffing his face, it makes it harder to strike up conversation."
Kakarot quickly swallowed his food and pushed his dish away, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, sis, but you and dad made really good food. So, what's going on?"
Vegeta glanced around the table, observing each member of his true family. Tarble was making funny faces at Sara while trying his hand at feeding her saying he wanted the practice. Bardock simply wore a proud smile on his face as he continued to take small bites of his food while Kakarot and Chi Chi were eyeing him and Bulma expectantly. Bulma took his hand and, like when they told Ronda, the two of them smiled brightly that everyone in the room could feel their joy.
Bulma looked over to her little brother and his girlfriend, softly and contently saying, "We're pregnant."
Chi Chi's mouth dropped open in surprise while Kakarot's eyes widened. "No way," he whispered out before jumping out of his seat and nearly tackling his sister in a hug, though he was a lot more careful. "Congratulations, you two!" he exclaimed. He released Bulma only to pull the unsuspecting Vegeta into a hug. "Congrats, buddy! You must be ecstatic!"
Bulma couldn't help but laugh along with the others in the room when she got a look at Vegeta's face. He was trying to push his friend off of him. "Kakarot, let go," he growled, though he was wearing a small smile on his face that only Bulma noticed. She knew that secretly he was over the moon and that he didn't mind the affectionate hug from his best friend and brother-in-law. He may have done a good job of hiding it, but those who knew him would always know.
He was happy.