Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

She couldn't believe she had to say goodbye.

Well, that was a lie. She knew what to expect, but she wasn't mentally prepared for it. She spent the whole night lying in her bed, awake. Bulma probably only slept for a handful of minutes which probably wasn't the best idea considering the ordeal she had been in and the baby in her womb. Still, she could not bring herself to sleep as she remembered the feeling of her own bed. While Vegeta slept, she slipped out of bed admiring the sunrise, the final Earth sunrise she'd ever see. Yet to her, it wasn't signaling a new beginning. It was signaling a final goodbye.

Bulma hated goodbyes.

She didn't realize that Vegeta had awoke or that he had noticed her admiring the view out her window. He frowned, knowing what the woman was thinking, yet he felt powerless to stop it. His father would not revisit a treaty with Earth. Even if Vegeta planned to when he father abdicated the thrown, it could be decades. He wanted to do more for her. He really, truly did.

She was sacrificing her home for him, for their son.

He left the comfort of the bed to glide behind her and wrap his arms around her. His movements startled Bulma, but she rested her arms against his and leaned back against his bare chest. A sigh was released before Bulma shook her head. "I hate this," she admitted in a soft whisper.

"I know." Vegeta wasn't exactly happy with the turn of events either. He practically despised her father, but he hadn't minded coming back to Earth with Bulma in the future. There were times they talked about escaping both their lives, but they knew they couldn't now. Unfortunately, they needed to face this situation head on no matter how undesirable it was.

"I can't say goodbye to her," Bulma murmured. "I don't even know what to say to him, but I can't leave without getting some closure."

"He won't give it to you," Vegeta growled. "I tried. He refuses to explain what he was thinking, why he listened to the bastard."

Bulma sighed in frustration and turned to face Vegeta, his arms still wrapped around her. "I just wish I had answers. I wish none of this had to happen. It's not fair."

"Life isn't fair," Vegeta answered in a quiet voice. He wasn't saying that to be mean or berate Bulma, but Vegeta hated how unreasonable this all was. "I promise, though, that the second we take the throne, Earth will be back in the alliance regardless of what my father wants. I made a deal with him, but we won't be able to run away together like we wanted."

Bulma's eyes betrayed her shock as they furrowed. "You…why would you do that for me? I know how much pain being on Planet Vegeta causes you sometimes. I know we all want to return there most days, but I thought you didn't want to…"

"Bulma," the prince interjected, holding her a bit tighter, "you're making the biggest sacrifice for me. No, I didn't want to fully immerse us into my planet's politics, but it honestly felt like home again when you were there. I don't care about what I agreed to as long as we benefitted, too. I don't know when my father will abdicate the throne, but when he does, you are of Earth. You should know that sometimes royals marry each other off to benefit the two planets. I have no qualms with Earth. I'm pissed at your father, but I know he was lied to, whatever it was. It won't happen again, but my father can't see that, and with Cooler still out there we may have problems in the future.

"That's the reason this is happening. My father is afraid now, because he wasn't prepared for Cold. I was, and I'll be prepared for Cooler, also, if the time ever comes." He could see Bulma's fear at the mention of the last Arcosian royal. "I promise you, Bulma, nothing will happen to your home or the people you care about. I worked that out, too."

"Y-You did?"

He nodded curtly. "I did. We will be able to communicate with your mother and Kakarot and his family. If there is ever any trouble here, invasion or otherwise, I demanded my father let us take action. He agreed, only me and whoever volunteers to go to Earth. I will find a way to win the loyalty of the army so that there will be plenty. My father wants me and you to take active roles as royals, fine, but he won't know what hit him when I have the entire army volunteering."

Bulma smiled at her mate and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him in for a kiss. Vegeta didn't fight her, didn't even care about fighting her for dominance. He simply let the kiss be and held his mate as if she were precious stone.

Vegeta knew he had done right by her, even if they had to sacrifice most of their freedom as a bargaining chip. It didn't matter, because he had given the Earthling hope, hope that they would one day return to her home world, though hopefully from it being re-assimilated and not because of an invasion. He also got her access to see her mother at least, and the woman would be able to see her grandchild. Of course, Vegeta would still be able to consult with his best friend. It wasn't a complete win for them, but it was at least a small victory.

It would be enough.

Saying goodbye to everyone was a horrible feeling. Vegeta normally didn't let himself get close to others, especially after Frieza, but Bulma had opened his heart up once again. He always treasured Kakarot and Nappa, but now he felt connected to their Earthling friends as well. Not only that, but his mother-in-law did care about him and respect him, and he did her for she was always in his and Bulma's corner.

He watched as his mate hugged the two human females they had befriended, all the women in tears. When she was hugging Chi Chi, Kakarot had joined them in a casual group hug that conveyed his emotion and respect for the princess, his best friend's partner. Vegeta could only nod to Yamcha his respect and thanks. Yamcha and Maron hadn't had to help them establish trust among the Earthlings, but they chose to speak out for the Saiyans. They facilitated the treaty, and he would always have gratitude towards them and treat them as his own allies.

Trunks tried to remain off to the side, but his grandmother wouldn't have him left alone. Instead, she walked up to him and handed him a gift bag, which the boy stared at distrustfully. Vegeta couldn't help but shift his attention to watch what his son would do.

"I…figured you would like some more comfortable clothes," the blonde said warmly, but softly. "I went to the store this morning and tried to find some for you. I figured that, even when you go back, you'd like something to remember your visit here to Earth. I can only imagine what condition Earth is in there, but just in case…"

"Why-?" Trunks began to ask before silencing himself. It wasn't that he didn't trust his grandmother, but he didn't know how to react to being given a gift. His mother would always try to give him gifts for his birthday or Christmas, but they didn't have a lot to work with or give. This was new to him, and he didn't feel like he deserved it.

Trunks looked down at his own clothes and realized just how dirty he felt. The spandex clinging to him had blood stains here and there, and the armor he wore was in even worse shape. Sighing, he took the gift and went inside to change. Vegeta couldn't take his eyes off the door to the house, and about ten minutes later, Trunks came out in baggy, gray sweatpants, a black t-shirt, yellow boots, and a blue jacket sporting the Capsule Corp. logo. He didn't miss small smile on the teenager's face, maybe because he looked like a normal Earthling teenager and not a warrior hardened from his experience. He walked over to the woman, his gift bag in hand containing his armor, and stood before her murmuring a quiet "thank you" before walking away.

Everyone had said their goodbyes, but Dr. Briefs was nowhere to be seen as Vegeta had expected. All eyes were on Bulma as she went back into the house, yet no one followed her. They knew she needed to do this alone.

Dr. Briefs sat in his office, waiting to hear those remaining on Earth flocking through the halls. He knew that his daughter would be gone then. He couldn't face her, couldn't face what he had done and almost put her through. He had torn her down so much because of his own anger and guilt, and he had almost destroyed her. No amount of "I'm sorry" would ever fix things. He couldn't fix things.

"Daddy?"

The man froze in his seat, his heart stopping before thumping loudly in his chest. The way she had called out to him…it reminded him of when she was a hopeful little girl and not the brave woman she had grown into. He didn't respond. He couldn't.

"I know you don't want to see me, or talk to me, and it's okay," he heard her continue. "I just want you to know that I do believe you had your reasons, even if they were misplaced. I wish you would tell me what happened, but I know you need time. Thankfully, we have time…sort of. Vegeta worked it out with his dad that we can communicate with you by video, so we can still see each other, and when we take the throne, Earth will be back in the alliance."

Dr. Briefs's mouth nearly fell open. When Vegeta had come to him last night, was this already in place? Had he truly just wanted answers for Bulma and not for himself? Would a Saiyan really plead to the king to accept a traitorous man again one day? If what she was saying was true, then Vegeta really only had Bulma's best interest in mind. Still, he wasn't ready to face her.

"You know I hate goodbyes," she said, and he could hear her sniffling outside the door, breaking his heart. "But it's just a temporary goodbye. I…please, work on whatever issues you have. When you're ready, the communication device will be there. I'll listen to whatever you have to say. I…I love you, daddy, despite everything. I just want you to be happy."

He heard nothing else except the footsteps of someone walking away. His daughter's words really hit him, and a lone tear streamed down his face before he buried his face in his hands and wept. He would always regret what he had done, even more so now.

Travel to Planet Vegeta was as expected, smooth but quiet. There were times when Trunks and Bulma would converse, or Vegeta would teach Trunks about flying the ship as he had his mother. Believe it or not, Trunks was like Bulma in that regard, genuinely curious when it came to technology. Bardock had spent the whole trip brooding in his room, but Raditz and Peppan were always out and about the ship. She would tell him their stories and, though he didn't remember them fully, he certainly remembered the feelings those stories evoked. Their relationship was re-establishing itself well.

No one talked about Earth, the alliance, the future, or anything that could send everyone into their rooms quietly for the trip. Everyone was afraid they'd upset Bulma, Vegeta, or Trunks. They were the ones who were truly taking everything hard, but Raditz knew it was because Vegeta signed up for something he never wanted to begin with. One thing was discussed, though, and that was when Vegeta told Raditz he wanted him as his second-in-command. He had accepted the roll, though was willing to pass it over to Kakarot when Earth was once again in the alliance. The prince was thankful to already have someone on his and Bulma's side.

They were greeted by the queen when they disembarked the ship. Vegeta was not surprised. When he spoke with his mother, he felt her fear and heard it in her voice. Him fighting Cold had terrified her. The relief she felt when she heard Bulma's voice was also noticeable. She had been worried for his mate as well.

"I'm so glad you are all right, all of you," Kalina spoke calmly, but her raging emotions spoke volumes to Vegeta. He was thankful that he somehow managed to reform a bond with the woman. Being around her was much easier since.

The woman's eyes caught sight of the lavender-haired teen and her curiosity and confusion grew before she turned to her son. "Who is our guest?"

Vegeta looked his mother in the eye, stating, "Our future son. He came back to warn us what was to happen which is why I requested the unmarked pods. Cold planned to kill me en route."

A jolt of shock passed through the queen, her hand moving over her heart. To hear that her son would have been killed by King Cold left her feeling chills and emptiness a mother should never feel. Still, he was standing before her with his mate and a future son. It meant only one thing. Bulma was pregnant with her son's heir at that precise moment.

Despite her horror at her son's words, she found herself smiling to the teenager who looked at her with distrust and slight fear. Her smile became sad, but persisted. The boy there reminded her so much of how her son at looked at her with that same distrust. She slowly approached her grandson, but did not move further than a few feet. "Welcome, my grandson. Please treat this palace and planet as your home for as long as you stay."

"Um, thank you," Trunks hesitated, but blushed and attempted to force a smile.

Bulma noticed his discomfort and placed a comforting hand on the teen's shoulders. She gave him a reassuring squeeze before suggesting, "Why don't your father and I show you to your room? It's the same place I stayed when I first visited the planet."

Trunks's expression seemed to brighten and become more enthusiastic. "Sure," he said a bit too quickly. "I mean, I'd like that. Can we?"

The question was addressed to Vegeta whose expression seemed to darken, making him nervous. "You two go ahead. I will meet you there. I have to report in with my father."

He seemed to be trying to control his anger as he made the statement. Trunks didn't understand why his father was so bothered at the thought of seeing his own. He looked to his mother for an explanation, but she just looked frozen in place before she flashed the older prince a reassuring grin. "We'll be waiting for you," she promised before motioning for Trunks to join her.

At the same time, Bardock descended the ship platform. He watched as the prince left his son and daughter-in-law with the queen. Raditz seemed a bit frustrated, and Bardock could only assume that Vegeta was going to speak with the king. Though the third-class didn't know what his sons and the prince asked of the king, he knew it involved the relationship with Earth. Bardock knew how the king operated. Most likely he wanted to gain control of his son, force him to take up the responsibility as a prince. Bardock sneered. He did not agree with the king's tactics at all, though he had to admit he had given Kakarot and Raditz both a hard time. The king just wanted his son to surrender.

Well, the joke would be on the king, especially after Bardock was plagued by visions of the future. His expression dimmed as he thought of the events to unfold, the lives they'd affect. At least there was one truth that wouldn't be so bad.

Earth would not be left behind forever, but they still had quite a way to go.

Bulma had brought Trunks to the side of the palace where Vegeta's room was and showed him the room where she had stayed. Her teenaged son seemed so shocked by the size of the room. She caught him looking around, the tail he had kept hidden finally revealing itself and swishing around excitedly. "This whole room is really for me?" he asked, sounding more hopeful and outgoing than he had been during all of their interactions.

Bulma smiled at the boy. "Of course, silly. You didn't think we'd put you in a closet, did you? You're a prince, after all."

Trunks tensed for a moment before flashing his mom and thankful yet sad smile. "You and Kakarot were the only ones who ever said that without mocking," he explained, "so it really means a lot to hear it. I promise, I'll get Kakarot out of that hellhole and I'll do what Piccolo said and find the Dragon Balls. Your sacrifice won't have been in vain."

"Trunks," Bulma called out softly, walking over to her son. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked him in the eye. It made him nervous, the way she seemed to be peering into his soul. "I have just as much faith in you as I did for your father yesterday, but do not put the fate of the worlds on your own shoulders. I know you can defeat Cold, but don't put an insane amount of pressure on yourself. I guess you get that from your father, though."

Though the boy nodded his agreement, he was already planning what he wanted to do. First, he'd have to train with his father to get control of this new transformation. Clearly, the transformation was powerful enough to defeat Cold, though it took a lot of focus to control. Both his father and Kakarot had had difficulty against the tyrant. The teenager knew it would be a while before he could face his tormentor even with the Super Saiyan transformation on his side.

Bulma frowned at the boy's silence, though she was thankful he was settling into the place. A sad smile graced her as he sat down on the soft bed and then sighed in relief once he laid back. He had been through a lot in his young life, experienced something no boy should experience. He hoped that his time with them would help him fight the demons of his own past, both the real and emotional monsters.

Vegeta stood face to face with his father, angered. The king, likewise, was not happy with his son and his demands. Where the king was elated that Vegeta was going to take his role as a prince more seriously, he knew he would still rebel against him. He did not hold Vegeta's respect or trust, but the king could not fully blame Vegeta for that.

Once Vegeta got off the topic of Earth, the king regretted agreeing too quickly. Had he been able to keep a debate going, his son would have never broached the topic that had haunted the king for nearly two decades.

"Why did you lie?"

Bunny had pulled Vegeta aside before they left informing him of what Baba had told her and her husband, the fact that his father lied to him about Frieza's defeat. When the king stared blankly at his son, Vegeta's eyes narrowed, and his energy grew with his anger. "For years, I tried to make sense of your story. Frieza was a bastard, but he was no fool. When he had three races against him, with all his men defeated, he wouldn't have been cocky regardless of the average power levels. But you assured me that he never transformed, and you never told me you had."

King Vegeta sighed and stood up motioning for Vegeta to follow him to the window overlooking the docking bay. Vegeta felt strangely aware that he and his father had once stood there before Vegeta was sent to Frieza. "Truthfully, son, I never wanted you to know," the man admitted. "Not because I didn't believe you could achieve it, but because of what it took to get there, great loss."

Vegeta glowered, his expression dark as he regarded his father's words. "What loss did you experience?"

"To be honest, I believed I had lost you, at the time my only son," the king admitted, Vegeta's head turning fast to face him. King Vegeta tried not to be hurt by his son's shock. "Yes, you, Vegeta. Frieza had me believe you were dead. I take it you believed you lost Bulma."

"How did you-?"

"When I boarded the ship, I found the blood and then Frieza returned. He looked so proud of himself in that fourth form of his, smug…demonic. His eyes were so filled with mirth as he told me that my rescue attempt was in vain for you were already dead, that he killed you earlier. With our bond broken, I couldn't feel you. Your energy had been low, most likely from receiving a beating from the bastard and losing consciousness. I…I never meant for you to experience any of it.

"When Frieza told me you were gone, told me it was my fault, I lost it. I had never felt rage like that, pain like that. It was the worst thing I had ever felt, even after being nearly defeated by Frieza.

"Luckily for me, that third-class had also transformed, had a bone to pick with Frieza. The two of us did defeat him together as I said. Bardock and I hated each other, but I honored him by honoring his sons. Raditz had been with you and Nappa in that hell. I made sure he was taken care of, and allowed you to train with Kakarot. The boy was good for you, matched well and completely opposite from the world you had experienced. I thought he might help you get through it."

"He did," Vegeta remarked casually. "However, this lie just gives me another reason that supports me cutting my mental ties with you. How could I trust a man who lies to me and is imprisoning me in this deal?"

The king glared at his son. "This 'deal' was your idea, Vegeta! You know the penalties for Dr. Briefs's crime. It's unfortunate that it's your mate's planet, but she made her choice and you made yours. She chose to accompany you, leaving her home behind, and you agreed to remain here with your mother, brother, and me."

"You know nothing of the sacrifices Bulma and I have made," Vegeta snarled, his fists clenched. "You could never understand. You're so narrow-minded, thinking only of politics and keeping peace, but you nearly sacrificed us all by not believing Cold was up to something. You hardly ever listened to my warnings, saying I was paranoid. I agree that I was paranoid, but on one thing and one thing only. I thought you'd be the one to come after me. That's paranoia, father. Cold…that was just common sense."

King Vegeta was stunned into silence as his son stormed out of the room. He had known the prince hadn't trusted him, but hadn't known just how deep it had run. To hear his eldest child had believed he would ever harm him, even after he admitted to what led to his transformation, had struck the king so deep. All the other words flew out the window, and now the king could see Vegeta's perspective on what was going on.

He really had imprisoned him on their planet all those years. He mandated he go to Earth, not giving him a say. Luckily, Earth had yielded a woman to him that had changed his countenance, and now the king was mandating they never return. Vegeta mentioned sacrifice, and the king realized the Earthling woman was giving up a great deal for his son's happiness. Vegeta, in turn, was sacrificing his own happiness for Bulma to have hope.

What had the king started?

Bulma settled into Vegeta's room still trying to process everything happening around her. Travelling with Vegeta and their son had been nice, but she realized it was the last bit of freedom Vegeta would have. Part of her felt like it was her fault that he had to cater to his father, but Vegeta reminded her that it was his fault she had to leave home. Had he not pursued her, she would have been free to remain with her family.

Would that have made her happy?

Despite all the chaos and animosity around her, Bulma did feel happy. She was with the man she loved with all her heart, and they were having a baby who would eventually grow up into a wonderful and brave man, just like his father. Bulma knew she made the right choice despite how difficult it was. After a while, she and Vegeta would fall into a routine. She was sure of that. She'd make sure to share in his burden. He would not be in this alone.

Vegeta entered their room and she could already tell that speaking with his father had not gone well. She never asked Vegeta what he and his father discussed each time, but she knew he was always left feeling sour after. "Hey," she greeted, "you okay?"

"Fine," Vegeta grunted, choosing to sit next to her on the bed. "I just can't stand him or the lies."

Bulma frowned. She had been beside Vegeta when her mother told them the truth about Frieza's defeat. The prince had taken it so hard from what Bulma felt. His father must have tried to justify the lie, thinking he was doing right by his son but pushing him away like her own father had done with her. "I understand," she replied, taking one of his hands.

Vegeta was reluctant to uncross his arms. He felt bare, unprotected, but he knew with Bulma he could let his guard down freely and let her pull his appendage away from his torso. "Is the boy settling in?"

A smile lit her face. "Yeah, he's probably asleep right now. He was pretty shocked by the size of the room and bed."

The prince nodded. "That's how I felt when I returned home, however, I had grown up here for years. Our son did not get that chance and is probably more shocked than I was at a great many things."

"I can't believe what would have happened, or what has happened for that matter," Bulma remarked, leaning on her husband's shoulder. "To be honest, I feel so drained right now…"

"You're probably hungry," Vegeta stated. "Our son is taking a lot of energy and nutrients away from you. You may feel like this for a while." He noticed her expression darken, and she seemed very angry and far away. "What's wrong?"

"I…" Bulma started before clamping her mouth shut. She didn't have the heart to tell Vegeta that Zarbon referred to their child as a parasite. Being reminded that the baby was taking from her reminded her of that fact, but she knew Vegeta had meant nothing by it.

"Bulma, talk to me," Vegeta ordered. "We are not going to start keeping secrets now that we're here. You, me, our son…we have to be able to trust each other. Yes, there are many we can trust, but in this palace, only the three of us and my brother can be fully trusted. What is wrong?"

"I was just reminded about that bastard, Zarbon, calling our baby a parasite," Bulma admitted, growling. "I could never think that way, even if he is taking my energy. How could anyone call a child that?"

Vegeta chuckled, scoffing at the words. "You're talking about a vile creature who served Frieza for years and nearly killed me a handful of times while he tortured me as a child. His opinion doesn't matter."

"I know," Bulma responded calmly, sighing in frustration a moment later. "It's just wrong. Even how he treated you. I don't know if you'd understand this feeling or not, but mom always said women were always very sensitive to the wrongs done to children, mainly because they wouldn't want their own children to suffer. It drives me crazy just knowing he hurt you and would have hurt our son, and did hurt our son the teenager in the next room."

"Trust me, I understand and I am not happy with it either, but Zarbon is gone now. First, defeated by you and then taken out by Cold himself."

Bulma only nodded as Vegeta approached her. He stopped in front of her, hesitating for a moment, before he extended his right arm and pulled her to him. She let him embrace her and coax her towards him. She felt so tense, but started to relax in his grip and laid her head against his chest. The Saiyan's expression softened considerably, his grip tightening only slightly. He could feel all of Bulma's raging emotions, which nearly matched his.

With a sigh, he whispered, "I'll have the maids bring something for us. You need to eat, but we both need rest. We should follow our son's lead."

Her smile reassured him. It wasn't sad or forced, just very relaxed. "When we all get some rest, we should go to that restaurant. I bet Trunks would love it."

Vegeta answered with a nod and a smirk, placing a gentle kiss on her temple. He was not one for displays of affection, but he didn't mind it so much with Bulma. She was his everything, giving him a son and her loyalty. He hadn't expected to ever find what he did in her. For that moment, he felt like they'd be okay. "Get some rest, woman," Vegeta ordered softly. "Food will be here when you wake up."

The prince stood up, about to leave when her hand swiftly reached out for him and caught him. He stopped in his spot feeling a jolting fear that was not his own. "Please," Bulma murmured, "please don't leave. I'll eat later; I promise. Please, just don't leave me alone for right now."

He couldn't deny her. Vegeta knew that well.

He ended up kicking off his boots and cradling her in his arms and they both got their well-deserved rest.