It had been two days since that time Vegeta saw something he could hardly make sense of. During that time, his mind was consumed with the deed and he bugged Bulma to death with questions he knew she couldn't answer. More research was required, she would tell him. They simply didn't have enough information. As cold and scientific as she could be at times, she was not willing to gather information from a guy who could hardly move from his bed. Malachi had seemed so powerful when he'd fought him on that fateful night certainly someone like that would be able to recover a bit quicker yet there he remained. Bra was guarding him like a hawk; he could not speak with him without her being nearby. Vegeta supposed he understood her vigilance, but it did little to help matters.
Today, however, was different. Bra had finally left his side, deciding Jensen was getting a bit stir-crazy from being in the house all the time so she announced that she was taking him to the playground—the large one that was nearly a thirty-minute drive to get to. By default, she would be taking Machi with her. Bulma decided to go with her and then at a strange turn of events, Bunny wanted to come along as well. It was practically a girl's day out were it not for Jensen. Vegeta declined their invitation which wasn't strange in itself, but he had an ulterior motive as well.
Vegeta wondered for a moment Bra's relationship with Jensen. He hadn't been there when she first met him nor when she either figured out or was told who he was. Jensen was practically a question mark and Bra seemed to have no qualms with him. She didn't seem to dote on him like she did Machi, but he'd not seen any tension between them. Jensen preferred Malachi for obvious reasons though it was uncanny all the same. Today, however, he'd been pried away from him by Bra herself. Perhaps they were still trying to get used to one another. Maybe her decision to take him out had an ulterior motive as well. Whatever was the case, it was good timing. Now he could approach Malachi without having to look over his shoulder.
He waited until the women were well on their way to their destination before he climbed the stairs and came to the room Malachi occupied. The door had been left open. Inside, Vegeta could see that the other was fully under the covers just as he had been the last time he'd attempted to speak to him. He was trembling as if one afraid, but it was a subtle movement. Vegeta sensed that he was awake despite what it seemed so he barked out his name successfully startling him with a jolt.
"What is it?" Malachi asked drily, his voice was somewhat muffled being under the covers.
"As if you don't know," Vegeta said with arms crossed, impatience creeping into his tone.
"No, seriously," he said back with obvious weariness.
"Save the act—I know you were awake last time."
"Hm, of course. Yet you decided to not push the issue."
"Unlike you, I know how to choose my battles," Vegeta retorted.
Vegeta was met with silence from the other indicating more than what words could have.
"Just leave me be—I have nothing to say to you," Malachi said after a while.
"You will talk to me and you will do so not hiding away, but face to face to with me."
Vegeta received no further response from Malachi which irked him a bit. Who did he think he was as if ignoring him was even an option? He walked further into the room and attempted to pull the covers from him with no avail—he'd not been using much strength and clearly the other was actually holding them down. Having no patience for such things, he quickly ripped them off revealing a disheveled Malachi. Having no other options, Malachi finally looked up at him. He'd had his head buried into the pillow, but now he was sitting up with the sudden intrusion. His eyes were bloodshot and there were stains of old tears that ran down his face.
"You just can't take no for an answer, can you?" Malachi said in utter irritation with furrowed eyebrows.
Vegeta was taken aback by his appearance. He didn't look well, not even close. "Have you not been recovering at all?" he asked.
"I have," Malachi answered after a moment, "It's just…" He looked down and bowed his head as a hand reached up to press against his forehead clearly in pain. "I can't seem to get rid of it—it's always there day and night." His hand which held up his head shook ever so slightly. "I can hardly hear myself think for all the pain."
"I see," Vegeta said taking mercy on the man, "We'll talk later." He turned intending to leave, but he was stopped.
"No, wait," Malachi said with some urgency to his tone. Vegeta looked at the other once again. "You want to talk, then let's do it. It would be a nice…distraction. Ask me anything."
Vegeta watched the other for a moment. He looked incredibly fatigued along with his reddened eyes and the evidence of tears being shed. It was indicative of someone who had not found restful sleep for a while. Malachi had raised his head and now looked at him unabashedly. "That time when we sparred the first time, you kept going on and on about a plan you wanted to adhere to—what was the plan?"
Malachi grinned at the other. "I was bluffing. There was no elaborate plan. I'd never seen you fight before so there was no way I could anticipate what I was in for. I just wanted to know how strong I'd become. I felt that things had changed within me and there was only one way to find out if it was true. I needed to know."
"Changed in what way?" Vegeta pushed.
"Laputa's presence physically changed me in more ways than one. He was so…powerful. I'd never felt anything like it. When he was gone, that feeling never left. I suppose I was compensating, but I couldn't be sure. It was all suppositions until I could fight someone like you."
Malachi leaned against the backboard with closed eyes. Vegeta wondered if it was a good idea to keep grilling the other, but he seemed willing, at least now he did. "So that entire thing was based off of a hunch?"
"A good hunch," Malachi said with another grin, "One that would bother me if I never tested it out."
The man was reckless, but that wasn't news to Vegeta. He'd known it on the day he'd visited him in the hospital after Bra's mishap. He'd known it on the day he showed him his Super Saiyan form. "And that stunt you pulled during dinner—just another hunch you're working off of," Vegeta stated matter-of-factly.
"I can't really recall what was going through my head, just that I didn't want you to hold back and that I wanted to prove you wrong." He spoke still with his eyes closed.
"If you wanted to, could you recreate what you did during that fight? Or do you remember it at all?"
"Oh, I remember it," Malachi said. "Now I do. But it's hard to process everything. I don't even think it's possible as I am now. But, yes, that feeling, whatever you want to call it, I could most certainly do it again. I mean, I think I can though I haven't tried. I can just…picture it in my head."
"A reassuring answer if ever I heard one," Vegeta said with subtle sarcasm.
"If I can do it once, I can do it again, right? Isn't that how it goes? But…even if it is possible, I'm not sure if I would want to go through with it again."
"Cold feet?"
Malachi gave a short laugh. "It's just that…I don't think I'm in complete control of myself. I don't like that. I've spent so long with it being that way—I'm in no rush to have that happen again. As a last resort, I might consider it, but other than that…"
Vegeta had a feeling that this was the case, but hearing it from Malachi himself confirmed his suspicions. There were so many unknowns. Perhaps it was better to simply leave the whole thing be. But morbid curiosity wondered what Malachi was now capable of doing and how long he could hold such a form.
"Was there anything else, you wanted to know?" Malachi asked when the other was silent for some time.
"I'm done," Vegeta said singularly this time really intending to exit the room.
"Good," Malachi said with a sigh.
It didn't take him long to move back under the covers and there Vegeta suspected the other would remain for a good part of the day. Judging from the state he had found him in earlier, he likely wouldn't fall asleep—it was a miserable existence that Vegeta did not envy.
The house was quiet now and it was a rare occurrence these days. The gravitron still was out of commission so nothing immediate came to his mind when he thought of something to do. He made his way downstairs to the living room, but after only a minute he realized he was in no mood to watch television. Then he remembered a book he'd managed to pick up a while a go by a certain Terri McLaughlin; the third book in a series that he'd admittedly been waiting for. He hadn't gotten around to reading it as he was either not in the mood or otherwise preoccupied. This seemed like the perfect time.
Vegeta made himself a simple sandwich from the kitchen and then found a quiet place in one of the many sunrooms at the estate to read the book. This being a little over three-hundred pages in medium font, he supposed he could finish it in one sitting given enough time and depending on when everyone came back home.
He wasn't sure how many hours passed before his cell started ringing, but he'd at least made it halfway through the book. This time, he did pay attention to the caller ID.
"Speak of the devil," Vegeta said to himself before he answered the call. "Yes?"
"Hi, Vegeta," came the cheerful voice of Terri McLaughlin. "It's been so long and I wasn't sure if I should call you."
"Did something happen?" Vegeta asked before she got carried away. He was already starting to get a bad feeling from her impromptu call.
"Well," she began with the first hint of hesitancy, "First of all, thanks for helping him out with the interviews—that was really helpful. For everyone, really."
"Is that right?" Vegeta said to her with mild interest.
"Oh, yeah," she confirmed enthusiastically, "So far, I haven't heard him mention anything about it so I guess all is well there."
"Then what is the purpose of your call?" Vegeta asked hoping that he'd actually kept the impatience from his tone. At the very least, he was a little interested in what Trunks was up to these days. Keeping in contact with him was often a chore or pretty much impossible. Were it not for Terri calling, he'd really have no connection to his life whatsoever—an unsettling thought.
"Ah, well, you see, Trunks and I, we've been spending a lot more time together. I thought it would be a good idea if we joined you guys for dinner this evening. I didn't want to just show up and I haven't suggested it to Trunks yet, but would you be…interested?"
Vegeta wasn't exactly used to setting up things like this. For some reason, Terri had felt the need to ask him of all people as if he was the final say on whether this should happen or not. She'd placed the decision in his hands and he simply rolled with it as if it were a normal thing. He hadn't seen Trunks in a while and it would be nice to have him over, but there were other things he had to consider, namely Malachi who likely wasn't on good terms with him.
"Fine," Vegeta said tiring of his thoughts that were only complicating matters. "But it's just me and Malachi here. Everyone else decided to go out."
"Oh, I see," she said thoughtfully. "Hmmm….I heard Malachi could cook, well, actually Bra told me before. Do you think—
"He won't be feeling up to it," Vegeta said cutting across her. "Better off just ordering something or going elsewhere."
"That's perfect," Terri said with, Vegeta could only imagine, a smile. "There's a new restaurant that just opened up that I've been dying to try out. We could go there. And it's not far from you. How about we meet up at your place?"
"That's fine with me," Vegeta said.
"Great! I'll text you if all goes well. He'll be home soon."
Vegeta hung up after this, but wondered if he should have said something further before doing so. It was too late anyway. He'd already said he was fine with her plans—that should be enough. Funny, how they were making plans and neither of them had yet to ask the other participating party.
He closed his book and headed off to Malachi's room once again to see if his condition had improved at all. Whatever he found, however, Vegeta was fairly certain he'd agree to needing to eat. Coming to think about it, Malachi likely hadn't eaten anything at all that day.
The door was open and the room was dark. Malachi was once again not asleep but his position had not changed from under the comforters.
"You hungry?" Vegeta asked loud enough for the other to hear.
"…Maybe," Malachi said back not even attempting to raise his voice. "But I don't feel like—"
"We're going somewhere with Terri and Trunks."
Malachi took another long moment to respond. "What?"
"Get dressed. They'll probably be here soon."
"Okay," Malachi answered with an exasperated sigh. "I'll be out there…soon enough."
That was all the confirmation Vegeta needed before he left the other to his own devices. He didn't exactly feel like returning to the book so he moved downstairs and finally turned on the television for the first time that day. He couldn't decide on what he wanted to watch so he flicked through channel after channel. He didn't look up when he heard Malachi traversing down the stairs nor when he joined him in the living room though opting to stand up instead of sitting down on the couch with him.
"Discovery channel?" Malachi suggested after a while of watching how indecisive he was.
Vegeta didn't respond, but when he went through all the channels again, he stopped on this one. That was when Vegeta afforded the other a glance and he was immediately taken aback. Malachi was wearing a green scarf obscuring most of his hair, tufts of it hung from the sides. His eyes were blue instead of black and he wore a white T-shirt beneath black jacket and blue jeans. Catching the other looking, Malachi afforded him a grin. Not only was he hiding his identity, but also the bandages he wore underneath likely trying to avoid talking about it to anyone else. On Vegeta's part, he simply looked at him with a raised eyebrow, but then returned to the television.
"You feeling any better?" Vegeta asked.
"Well enough. Besides, I'm starving," Malachi answered.
They had surprisingly little to say to one another, but it wasn't too much more longer before the doorbell was rung—Terri had forgotten to text him it seemed, then again, he wasn't exactly used to that sort of thing. Malachi tailed him though not closely as he went to answer the door. Sensing it was them behind the door, Vegeta opened it wide and unabashedly.
"Good evening!" Terri said happily before anyone else which was just as well since it quickly broke the awkward air between all of them and perhaps she knew this in advance.
Trunks stood beside her dressed in a business casual attire with hands in pocket. He hadn't changed his hair since he'd last seen him, remaining in the same style he'd worn since he was a child. "Hello, Father, Malachi," he said as his eyes went from him to Malachi who now stood beside him.
Trunks was taller than him, but matched Malachi's height. Trunks' eyes stayed on Malachi the longest probably caught off guard by his get-up.
"Likewise," Malachi said answering their greetings. "No need to draw unwanted attention," Malachi said promptly with a smile when he noticed Trunks looking.
"Right. Because a scarf doesn't scream that you're trying to hide something."
"Maybe you should get out more, friend, if you think scarves are always worn to hide something," Malachi countered easily. This granted the other an annoyed looked from Trunks. Terri's smile seemed to have a permanent fixture on her face and it was starting to look a bit forced.
Vegeta was already starting to second guess his decision to do any of this as he noticed things already starting off on the wrong foot. He'd agreed because he'd wanted to see his son. At the very least, he'd accomplished this.
"What's this restaurant you wanted to go to?" Vegeta asked wanting to get this over with already.
"It's a fusion restaurant and it's highly rated so far," Terri said with delight in her voice, "It's in that new shopping center they opened up in West City."
"Good, somewhere close," Malachi said, "Let's go before we all drop dead from starvation."
"Always the dramatic one," Trunks said. "Might as well fly there."
In fact, they did wound up flying there instead of using a car. Trunks had flown Terri to their house anyways. They would have had to squeeze into one of Bulma's cars if they desperately wanted to use a vehicle. Vegeta kept an eye on Malachi but he seemed to have enough energy to keep up with them. They flew at a leisurely pace for Terri's sake. At the moment, she wore black jean capris and a flowery blouse with long flowing bell sleeves instead of a dress which would not have been conducive for flying.
This being the middle of the week, the restaurant wasn't crowded and they were shown to their seats upon stepping inside. Trunks sat beside Terri and Vegeta beside Malachi by default. Their menus were placed on the table by the waitress soon after. Terri was the first to pick up hers still trying to exude a pleasant air hoping it might change the atmosphere. Trunks, however, seemed more interested in Malachi than anyone else.
"You two are still training," Trunks stated matter-of-factly.
"Why? Does it bother you?" Malachi said back smoothly.
"No, I was only curious. I suppose you've given my father some hobby to pass the time."
"Tch, hobby?" Malachi repeated just when the waitress came back inquiring what their drinks would be.
Malachi and Vegeta opted for some water, but Trunks ordered a Coke and Terri ordered something a bit stronger. The restaurant had a friendly, welcoming air. Vegeta could tell from the pricing or lack thereof on the menu that it was upscale. Music was playing overhead and it sounded like something one might hear off the radio. Vegeta suspected that these were simply popular songs that a good number of people knew. When his eyes passed over the place, he began to notice that every table featured a small device which allowed one to choose the next song playing overhead. He'd never seen the like, but Vegeta supposed that this was how the restaurant was trying to standout from all the others.
Just then, a Malachi song started playing. Vegeta knew immediately because he recognized his distinct voice—his singing style was unlike anything Vegeta had heard from his own growing collection of music. Malachi was one of a kind. But Vegeta need not even know that it was his song on at the moment, because Malachi's smile was proud and bright.
"Of course," Trunks said entirely unamused by the coincidence.
"How was work?" Terri asked trying to change the subject as the song continued to play in the background.
"I don't want to talk about that," Trunks said looking over at her. "But you knew that already—I say the same thing every time."
"Yeah, I know," Terri said leveling with him, "But I didn't suggest we come all the way out here just so you can be in a pissy mood the whole time. So excuse me for trying to lighten the mood."
"How was your work today?" Malachi asked to Terri before Trunks could respond. "I heard that you're an author?"
Heard was putting it lightly, Vegeta thought to himself. He was quite sure that Malachi possessed her entire collections of works in his personal library.
"I am. I'm always writing, always researching, and always staring at a computer screen. I'm sure that must sound pretty boring to a guy like you, but I do enjoy what I do. I made good progress today."
"To each their own is what I say especially if it makes you happy," Malachi said, "You ever take any breaks from all that writing?"
"I do, anytime Trunks deems it necessary to visit me," she said with a smile giving Trunks a playful nudge.
The waitress came back with their drinks. Vegeta noted that their water was ice cold and it tasted quite fresh. Dinner was off to a good start as far as Vegeta was concerned. He'd said nothing since he came in and he still had nothing to add. He simply observed the other three. For whatever reason despite the awkwardness of the situation and the tension, he felt at ease. He was utterly unbothered by what was taking place. Malachi was being Malachi and Trunks, well, he was being just like he'd been at the party. Perhaps it had something to do with his proximity to Malachi…
As Malachi's song ended, another one of his songs began much to Trunks irritation—it was written all over his face. It did much to bolster Malachi's already inflated confidence.
"I've always wanted to ask you," Terri began as Trunks simply sat back in his seat. "Do you ever write your own music?"
"Me?" Malachi asked, "Not very often. There's so many other people that are really good with that sort of thing—I tend to refer to them and there are a lot of songwriters all too eager to share their ideas with me."
"Oh, I bet," Terri said with a laugh, "You're never lack of new songs to make."
"The hard part is having a theme, a vision that you want to present to everyone. Everything has to make sense, but not too much sense."
"I'm not sure I understand, but I'm not the one who does that for a living," she said.
"It becomes less about does everything sound good on paper and more about does it sound right with the music, do the vocals fit, things like that."
"I can't imagine all that coming together easily," Terri commented.
"Sometimes it does. Sometimes everything just clicks. Just like for you, I assume, some days are better than others."
"Art in a nutshell," she said with a grin. "Yet if you want to make a living off of it, sometimes you don't have the luxury of waiting for everything to click. There's deadlines, there's everyone else's expectations, there's making sure you're even satisfied with what you've made."
"Hmm, that last part sometimes has to take a backseat to everything else," Malachi said sagely.
"Are you not satisfied with your own music?" Terri asked curiously.
"I wouldn't say that. Only that perhaps things don't always turn out the way I want it to. I remember a particular song I detested at first—which I won't name—ended up growing on me especially after radio had their way with it. What about you?"
"My publisher is pretty lenient with me after the success of my previous series so I pretty much have free reign over what I write. The moment they try to shortchange me, however, I'll have someone else publish. It's so easy to get that done these days and I think they know that."
"Must be nice having so much control."
"Do you not?" she asked.
"There are a lot of working parts. Many people that I have to work with, many who I prefer to work with which in some ways limits what I actually can do."
"You ever thought of starting your own recording label?" she asked in a slightly lower volume.
"More than once, but the one I'm with hasn't pissed me off enough to do that."
"I wonder," Terri said thoughtfully, "If it wouldn't make more sense to do something like that while you're at the peak of popularity. Timing is everything as they say."
"Ms. McLaughlin, didn't realize you were an expert in the entertainment industry—maybe I should hire you on."
Terri laughed at this. "Sorry, have I overstepped my boundaries?"
Malachi didn't look overly annoyed so Vegeta hardly thought the other was offended. Trunks was utterly unconcerned with the entire conversation. One would have thought business talk would be right down his alley.
"Not at all," Malachi said smoothly, "But what about you? Why haven't you taken advantage of the E-book market? I've only ever seen hardback editions of your works."
She smiled as if she'd just discovered something, "Why, I had no idea you were such a fan. You're right; I only want printed copies of my stories to be sold."
"Why is that?" Malachi asked.
"Because that's the best way to experience them. Quality ink and paper is used for every book and I especially love the binding. I take great care with the way my books are made."
"Something against technology?" Malachi asked.
"Well, maybe only a little. Experiencing a book is far better than reading it from a screen."
"I see," Malachi said thoughtfully, "Meanwhile, you're limiting your potential audience. Does it matter so much the tactile experience or the passing of your words onto others? If it's the latter, then perhaps your personal preference is denying an entire section of people who either cannot or will not buy hard copies."
"Cannot?" Terri asked suspiciously, "If you can get an E-book, then you can get a real book."
"What about the libraries that do not have copies of your books? What about the person who cannot afford it or who would have no place to put a book once bought? Let me tell you this, however," he began with a grin, "you're encouraging others to pirate or otherwise profit from your works. It wouldn't take much effort to simply upload the story and resell it as an E-book. Even people who want the legal version of it wouldn't be able to as it doesn't exist."
"I hadn't thought of it like that. I just want everyone to have the best product possible."
"I can tell you take great pride in your work. I had to go out of my way to find actual legal copies of your book. You realize bookstores are far and few in between and libraries now have more access to E-books than to actual books. Devices that can access E-books are dirt cheap so people prefer this way of experiencing books. It might even be safe to say that it's the standard way that the vast majority of people read leisurely."
Terri's eyes had widened at this. "Now who's the expert in a completely unrelated industry?"
"Did I overstep my boundaries, Ms. McLaughlin?" he asked with the beginnings of a grin.
"Oh, please, just call me Terri—everyone else does. How about this? I might consider changing things if you consider what I suggested."
"Fair enough," he said, "It wouldn't be a terrible move if I suddenly started my own label. Other artists with far less prestige have done so successfully. The difficulty would be in finding other talent for the label and I've not come across anyone like that lately."
Just then another Malachi song was played soon after the one playing ended. This drew an exasperated sigh from Trunks. Vegeta, in fact, knew all the music selections that had been played so far, but he certainly wouldn't be disclosing this fact to them. Malachi didn't need to think any more highly of himself. At times, he was quite full of himself and sitting down in a restaurant listening to a nonstop stream of his own music that other random people had chosen was not helping matters.
While they'd been talking, he'd picked up the menu and started browsing through it. Nothing looked familiar. He'd looked through the entirety of the menu thrice before realizing this.
"Does anyone have any idea what these dishes are?" Vegeta finally asked.
"Not at all," Trunks answered. He'd been looking through the menu as well.
"It's a fusion restaurant, guys," Terri explained. "It's combining the two or more cuisines to make something completely different."
"I guess the descriptions are all we have to work with," Malachi said who had just then opened his menu.
Vegeta hadn't run into too many foods that he didn't like so he decided on something completely random that he could barely pronounce and he suspected the other three did the same. The waitress came over soon after and they quickly gave her their order. Another song from Malachi's vast selection was played and Vegeta wasn't personally put off by this, however, he was quite aware of Trunks growing irritation.
"Careful, you may not be able to fit out the door with how big your head must be getting," Trunks said to the grinning Malachi.
"Hey, I didn't choose the venue or the music playing. Why don't you just request something different? I think every table can pick something."
"I did, ages ago," Trunks replied, "Everyone else must have had the same idea well before I ever stepped in."
Malachi could only shrug at the other.
"I'm surprised no one's recognized you at this point—a poor disguise if you ask me," Trunks said.
"It's the subtle changes that count. Besides, no one would think I'd actually be here eating."
While they waited for the food, they listened to several more songs, two of which was not one of Malachi's; it did little to ease Trunks' frustration.
"I swear, if another one of your songs come on…" Trunks said almost to himself, but he didn't finish the sentence.
There were a number of things Trunks could do in this instance being a Saiyan. Vegeta imagined his irate son completely demolishing the nearby speakers. Though Trunks had never been one to do things rashly, all sense was thrown out the window if he was annoyed enough. Vegeta waited for the other's breaking point. Trunks, as did he, sat on the outside; he could easily get out of the booth.
The food seemed to be taking an exorbitantly long time to come out. It was a full house despite there not being a line to get in. They must have come in at the right time before the crowd came. Terri's salad came and she wound up being the only one with something to eat. She offered her plate to the other three, but they declined. Vegeta didn't feel like dealing with a meager portion of salad and opted to wait for the main course. He'd already finished his water twice.
Then another song by Malachi came on. Vegeta looked over at Trunks who was quickly unraveling the folded napkin that held the silverware. This was one of the songs that had an instrumental intro that went on for over a minute, Vegeta knew exactly which song this was. He wasn't sure what Trunks was going to do, but certainly not what he did next.
Using the handle of the fork as a microphone, he started singing right when the verse finally began after he climbed out of the booth. Though the restaurant was more high-end, it was a small personable area with only a few booths and tables perfect for Trunks' sudden need for some vocal exercise. Vegeta was too stunned to do more than stare as his son held nothing back. This was not karaoke, but something a bit more serious.
There's a chance for everybody
So I took my chance on loving you (no!)
Just no one man can make you happy
You wanna have your cake and eat it too (ho!)
He knew all the words and along with that, he seemed to know all of Malachi's mannerisms. It was a smooth mid-tempo song; one that could easily get stuck in someone's head. Other people were at first surprised, but then they quickly warmed to him with shouts of approval. By the time, he got to the hook, Vegeta was able to move again.
You won't give up your Buttercup
You say you love too but one is givin' up
'Cause he can't stay
You won't give up your Buttercup
You're plenty for one, but two you're not enough
So I can't stay (oh!)
Rump pump pa, pumpah pah dahbah
If Vegeta had less control of himself, he might have started clicking his fingers, but he didn't. Terri did that for him. As for Malachi, his eyes were fixated on Trunks as if he was analyzing the entire spur of the moment endeavor in a petri dish. Vegeta couldn't be sure if he was actually enjoying it at all.
I've a right to my opinion
Feeling we'd be better, off as friends (ho!)
'Cause you can make no one man happy
When you're spreading yourself much too thin (ho!)
People were clapping their hands with the song as it was clear that Trunks was going to sing the entire song. He didn't miss a beat and he didn't seem at all uncomfortable—as if this was something he did on his free time. He didn't stay in one spot, he made sure that everyone was able to get a good view of him. Vegeta wasn't sure if anyone was even concerned about the slow food service at the moment and the waiters and waitresses seemed to be at a standstill to watch the spectacle. Trunks went right back into the hook and this time everyone else had joined in as well. Clearly, the audience was filled with people who knew the song well enough to know at least this part. There wasn't always a third verse, but when there was people tended to know this one the most.
There's a chance for even losers
'Cause I will find a love that's pure someday (ho!)
You will be the one who's bluer
Because your game of love, no one will play
Then the hook went on twice more. All the while, the innocent bystanders now actively engaged in this grew more and more raucous as they were able to shout off the hook more than once. By the time, it got to the last part of the song, Trunks could hardly be heard over all the noise. When it was all over, he thanked the receptive crowd for indulging in his antics and graciously sat down again amongst his flabbergasted group. Ironically, the next song played was non-Malachi related and Vegeta had a feeling they'd finally reached the end of a long span of Malachi songs that people had requested. Terri was smiling from ear to ear and gave him an approving kiss on the cheeks before taking it upon herself to embrace him wholeheartedly.
"Where the hell did that come from?" Malachi asked with an unamused look on his face.
Vegeta knew immediately, that Malachi must not have enjoyed any of what just happened.
"Oh, lighten up!" Terri said cheerfully. "We were all having a little fun—I think even Vegeta liked it."
Vegeta decided not to make a comment opting instead to look as annoyed as possible.
Malachi's expression had not changed as he looked over at Trunks. "You expect me to believe that you've suddenly taken time out of your life to learn all the words to that song and notice all the nuances? That was pretty much pitch perfect, by the way. Mr. I'm-too-busy-to-call-my-sister has time to do all of that? I doubt it."
"Malachi, jealousy doesn't become you," Trunks said after Malachi finished his explanation. "Maybe things just come easy to me."
"Or maybe you're not who you say you are," Malachi said back darkly.
"You're losing me," Trunks replied, "But then I guess I shouldn't be surprised," he said with an amused look.
"Don't try to play it off anymore—I know who you are," Malachi bit out.
"Oh, well, do tell," Trunks said in a confused tone. He glanced over at Terri who only shrugged.
Right before Malachi opened his mouth to answer the other, Vegeta realized what he was getting at and immediately he disagreed.
"Laputa, you've chosen your new host," Malachi said slapping a hand on the table and then standing up.
Both Trunks and Terri stared at him flabbergasted.
Vegeta very easily pushed Malachi back down. "Trust me, I think you've missed the mark on that one. What proof do you have? The last time this happened to you, it was very obvious."
"That was last time," Malachi frowned with crossed arms, "Obviously, he's gotten more acquainted with us, with earthlings in general. He's someone who's always learning—you think he'd do it the same way as last time if you already know about it? That wouldn't be a great idea on his part."
"What are you two talking about?" Terri asked.
"Laputa," Trunks said singularly, "You told me about him," he said indicating Vegeta. "You think I've been 'taken over' somehow. Let me assure you—that is not the case." Vegeta was looking at him now. "I've not seen or felt anything out of the ordinary. Whatever Laputa is doing now, I have no idea."
"Please," Malachi spat, "You'd say anything to keep up your charades. The real question is, why do you feel the need to hide if you already have someone like Trunks? There must be something or someone that you're after."
Trunks expression remained amused. "Are you really going to keep carrying on like that?"
Malachi sat back in the seat. "Yes," he said stubbornly.
Vegeta began to secretly consider what Malachi was saying as he began to pay closer attention to Trunks' ki signature. He knew it quite intimately to the point that he could pinpoint his mood and condition. He seemed genuinely annoyed sprinkled with a bit of fear. Such findings were inconclusive. Perhaps being accused so openly could be fear inducing if one considered what was done with Malachi once he was taken over. But nothing felt out of place with Trunks.
"Father, you can't really be considering him," Trunks said as he must have noticed him gazing at him a bit more intensely than usual.
"Laputa is an unknown and we should consider all possibilities, but…" Vegeta paused as he analyzed the other further though still not finding any red flags. "Everything appears fine."
"That's just what he wants you to think," Malachi continued. "He already had a good working knowledge about Saiyans and he knows that you can sense ki. He's an expert in manipulating ki and tricking the senses—I should know."
"This is ridiculous," Trunks said with a laugh, "You have an answer for everything, don't you? With your logic, you can trick yourself into thinking everybody is possessed by this Laputa."
"Maybe you're not too far from the truth," Malachi answered.
"Guys," Terri said cutting into the conversation, "Why don't we just enjoy this evening together without thinking somebody's going to wantonly kill the next person? Doesn't my opinion count for anything? I've gotten to know Trunks quite a bit since we've been together, and I'm certain nothing's amiss. Trunks is just a closet fan of yours." Trunks looked away embarrassed at her proclamation. "Is that so hard to believe instead of jumping to farfetched conclusions?"
"Alright," Malachi said as his gaze stayed on Trunks, "Let's enjoy this evening—you're bound to slip up again, Laputa."
"Is this really what you have to deal with on a regular basis?" Trunks said with an exasperated sigh to Vegeta.
"He gives my patience a nice workout almost every day," Vegeta said back with a grin.
Just then their waitress arrived at their table to set out all their dishes. Each one was thankfully huge and steamy hot. As soon as they gave their thanks to the lady serving them, they all dug in without question. Terri was the odd man out when it came to eating. She went at her own pace and hoped she didn't hold them there for too long. She need not worry, however, because they collectively ordered two more of the same dish. As for Vegeta, he finished his plates in record time and then decided this was a decent meal, enough so that it sated his appetite. Vegeta looked about himself and noticed that Trunks and Malachi seemed to be in some sort of eating contest as one tried to finish the food off faster than the other. In the end, Trunks won and Malachi called it quits when he decided he couldn't fully go through the third helping.
They didn't stay too much longer after this. Trunks paid for Terri and Vegeta and Malachi had separate checks. Food was a good distraction. Vegeta noted that Trunks was in a far brighter mood and Terri was just as bubbly as ever. Malachi wasn't nearly as talkative, but Vegeta knew the other was fighting falling asleep right at the table.
The flight back to the Capsule Corp residence was just as uneventful as the flight out. Malachi was dragging behind and Vegeta kept an eye on him just in case he started plummeting through the sky to his untimely death. Once there, Vegeta noted the lack of cars in the driveway; the women and Jensen hadn't come back yet. By then, it was getting to ten o'clock in the evening.
They migrated to the dining room and lost Malachi along the way when he decided to take a seat in the living room as opposed to joining them. It was probably for the best—he didn't seem in the mood for conversation. Terri suggested a toast for an overall successful venture and eventually they each had tumblers in their hands. Vegeta was just enough in a good mood to consider joining them.
"Hm, take this to poor Malachi," Trunks said to Terri. He'd made a glass for him, but he smartly decided it would be better if she gave it to him.
"Alright, I'll be right back," Terri said cheerfully.
"Geez, does everyone always stay out this late?" Trunks said in an amused tone.
"I've been monitoring their ki levels—they're fine if not a bit exhausted," Vegeta answered.
"Just a spur of the moment thing, huh? They probably went shopping then," he said with a chortle. "Dragging those kids along as well."
He was probably right. It was long since established that Bulma was not the only shopaholic in the family. She'd inherited it from Bunny and it was passed down to Bra. It didn't bother him as much as it had in the past. As long as it brought a smile to Bulma's face, he was satisfied. Speaking of smiles, tomorrow would likely be a good day to mention the gravitron debacle. He might even avoid her ranting altogether if she was distracted enough with new clothes.
"Ugh, fine, we were just trying to be nice," Vegeta heard Terri's frustrated voice say from the living room.
Trunks looked at Vegeta knowingly and then shrugged as if to say "I tried and I'm done". Terri stepped back into the dining room with a smile on her face determined to not let her mood be ruined.
"Why don't you do the honors, Terri," Trunks suggested.
She raised her glass up, the other two did the same. "Here's to a salvageable evening in spite of and I hope to have many more with you and everyone else," she said as she smiled infectiously—it was enough to draw even a grin from Vegeta.
Vegeta wasn't altogether familiar with this custom, but he knew at least to tap the cups against everyone else's. There wasn't a lot poured into the cups so they finished them off quickly. Soon after since it was getting late, Terri and Trunks took their leave. Despite himself, he watched their departure into the sky as he looked through the blinds of the front window. Then he began to make his way to his bedroom stopping at the living room along the way.
Malachi was fast asleep. His head was bowed, hair spilling onto his face and his body was quite still almost not breathing. His ki was weak as well, but it was nothing that couldn't be explained away with exhaustion and his utter lack of sleep. Just like he did before, he felt some pity on the man and moved him into a more comfortable positon on the couch—he didn't plan on taking him back up to his room. Perhaps alcohol in this case was helpful in this situation. His tumbler was empty. This time, Vegeta received no feedback or random mumblings, he simply stayed there in his positon completely unaware of everything and everybody.
Vegeta knew the other was still in pain and probably more than what he was letting on. Perhaps, Vegeta thought further as he made his way upstairs, it could account for his sour moods as of late.
AN: Got a new laptop! Or more like my friend let me have her old one 'cus she just bought a new one for herself. Either way, I'm so excited. The keyboard even works without issue. I was struggling on my old one. Anyways, this chapter—I was blushing so hard trying to write this one. I'm still blushing right now at the spontaneous Trunks part. I'll be back next week, ladies and gentlemen with a brand spanking new chapter!
Wildheart44: Didn't respond to you on the last chapter—I totally uploaded it through my cellphone. I'd already written the chapter, but my laptop was literally dead and I just wanted to post it already. Hardcore Wildheart is back, I see. "He better suck it up and start adapting." I died laughing after reading that. But still, sound advice, I'd say. As for what happened in the last chapter when Malachi and Vegeta was fighting—more to be explained later.