Vegeta sat on the beach, watching the buoyant waves crashing onto the nearby rocks. The sun was setting, painting the sea's azure surface in soft pink and orange hues. The skies were clear, and a subtle warm breeze brought the salty aroma from the sea.
Vegeta scooped up a a handful of sand, watching it running through his dry, calloused fingers, soft and airy. He was fascinated by the sand's bright white color. Drops of water crawled down his tanned, muscular neck and spine, but he wasn't bothered by this.
A tide reached his bare feet, fresh and cold. Vegeta curled his fingers, peering off to the horizon. The sun changed its color from yellow to blazing red, touching the sea. Vegeta took a deep breath, and the gruff voice of Nappa rang in his ears:
"Your highness, it's time to return to the palace! The King requires you to attend the festival!"
Vegeta shook his head, and a sad smile touched his lips. He recalled his home planet oases, surrounded by mahogany-colored karsts. Here and there grew moss-green chaparrals and ajisa trees from planet Namek. The sand next to the inland sea was charcoal-black and heavy. Under the black layer, the sand was crimson-red.
The inland sea's water was fresh yet scarlet-red because of the high blood moss concentration. Those who visited Vegetasei weren't eager to swim in it, but the locals spent their weekends on the shores, cooling their heated and weary bodies.
Vegeta hugged his knees, resting his chin on them. Despite Earth's beauty and the wide variety of the planet's landscapes, he missed his home planet. However, he grew to love Earth and considered it as his home as well.
"Vegeta!"
He raised his head and turned towards the voice. Bulma ran to him, waving her hand. A cherry-red bikini clung to her slender, curvy body, and her light teal strands pulled into a high ponytail. She stopped next to him, scowling, "Where have you been all this time? I was looking for you all over the beach!"
Vegeta smirked, "Don't tell me you thought I drowned."
Bulma rubbed her temples, letting out an annoyed huff, "You are impossible. Hell, I left Trunks with mom to have some rest and quality time with you. And you? You cut and run." She kicked a pebble.
Vegeta gave her a wicked grin, "Your chatty nature can be tiresome. Thus, for everyone's sake, I need a break from it."
"Hilarious." Bulma sneered, "All hail Vegeta, the prince of sarcasm!"
She slumped next to him, crossing her legs, "So, it's time to go back to the hotel to get ready. The dinner starts at 7, and from what I heard, they'll be serving a giant squid as the main dish!" She nudged him with her elbow, "Isn't that awesome? They are a rarity here."
"If you say so." Vegeta turned his gaze back to the sea, biting his nail. Bulma drew her eyebrows together, resting her palm on his back, "Hey."
Vegeta bit his cheek, staying still. Bulma nodded, "Do you want to talk about it in the hotel?"
Vegeta flinched, rubbing his forehead. Bulma patted him on the shoulder, "I hope it's not something serious, like three nights ago."
Vegeta shook his head, "Look at the sea, Bulma. Listen to it."
"Oh. Okay." She rested her head on his broad shoulder, closing her eyes.
They sat on the beach, listening to the waves and wind.