Chapter 3: Returning the Favor
Author's Note:
0w0 hello~ me again, since this is a slow burn story I'm trying to make it as realistic as possible for the two to fall in love.
In this chapter, we have Bulla expressing her gratitude to Goten, and returning the favor somehow. Also, we'll be seeing some of Chichi and Gohan in this chapter. Goku is with Vegeta and Bulma on 17's island…. Wonder what they're working on!
Also, the brunette's identity has been reviled, granted most of you probably already knew who it was. :3
As always, thank you for supporting and I hope you stay tuned for the next chapters.
Bulla's head felt heavy and her throat parched. Her eyelids opened and she realized she was in an unfamiliar room, and something or someone's head was resting near her thighs. She jumped up as she recalled the events that happened a couple hours ago.
"Goten-kun, wake up… oh no… what time is it now?," she said as she held her head in worry. The boy was so sound asleep there was drool coming out from his mouth. "GOTEN-KUN GET UP!"
"AHHHH WHO?! WHAT?!" Goten yelped as his head sprang up, if he had been a normal human that would have caused a massive amount of whiplash. He then turned to Bulla who was a little annoyed, and gave his biggest smile. "Oh, glad to see you're up and running Bulla-chan."
"Goten-kun, what time is it the sun is already beginning to set? Ugh… my mom is going to kill me, you have to think of a cover… oh right, yeah I was with you and Trunks. I'm sure Papa will say that's fine," Bulla started as she began to reach for her phone and text her parents.
"Hmm, and Yamcha-san can vouch for you! Come on let's get you out of bed and I'll walk you home," Goten said as he helped Bulla out of the bed.
The two did not engage in much convo on the way out, they made their way towards the lockers and Goten went to fetch his vomit dripped Jersey and school bag. Bulla was right beside him and she broke the silence, "I'm really sorry Goten-kun, I can wash that tonight… and as for the baseball boys, I'll pass. I'm not really interested in any of them."
"Hmm man Bulla-chan you're a hard cookie to please. And don't worry about the Jersey, I'll wash it tonight, I kind of need it by tomorrow anyway." Goten turned to the blue haired girl and smiled. He placed firm hand on her shoulder and reassured her, "I'll find someone for you, I promised right?"
"Who knew you were so reliable? But enough about me, tell me about that girl in the courtyard." She said teasingly as mischievous smile plastered her face.
He laughed nervously and scratched his head, "Oh you saw that, now?"
"Spill Goten-kun…" Bulla urged as she inched closer to him.
He cleared his throat and his cheeks were flushed with the cutest shade of pink that reached to his ears. "Yes, she is someone on my radar… I've been asking Trunks-kun to hook it up. But he just tells me to drop it whenever I bring it up. He insists I have to focus on being the baseball ace after he graduates this year."
"Oh…" Bulla said intrigued. Then a suddenly a memory flashed through her mind, that brunette was the same girl that she saw her brother with on the first day of school. She decided to hold back on this thought. She was happy Goten told her about his crush and it was then she decided that she would return the favor and help him succeed in getting with her.
"Anyways, Bulla-chan let's go home, ok? You had a long day, and I'm sure Vegeta-san and Bulma-san are worrying where you are by now." Goten and Bulla began to walk towards the direction of the West City Metro. He could have easily flown her home, but they were trying to keep a "low-profile" and every step of caution counts.
"Actually, Papa said I can eat with you and Onii-chan before I head home tonight. Said it might be better since he and Mama have an event tonight on 17-san's island, he doesn't know when they'll be back." Bulla confessed, also a small part of her didn't want to part from Goten yet. Even when she was young, she always hated parting with Goten.
"Oh, is that so? No dinner at the Brief's household? That's a shock!" Goten said teasingly. He then added, "Actually Trunks-kun has a date today, so he can't join us, let's take the train all the way up and then we can fly to my house for dinner. It should be fine since not a lot of people live on that route. Also, I'm sure my mom won't mind one more, she usually prepares enough to feed a village."
Bulla beamed, she followed Goten as he led the way to his house.
-xxxxxx-
"Tadaima! Okaa-san, I brought Bulla-chan over, she's going to be joining us for dinner since there is no dinner at the Brief's household tonight." Goten announced.
"Okaieri you two, get washed up Okaa-san is just about done cooking," Gohan said gently. Unlike Trunks and Goten, Gohan was more of the studious type, he was accepted to a top university and was visiting for the weekend since his father was hardly home and he wanted to make sure his brother and mother were doing well.
"Ahh Onii-chan, I didn't know you were home!" Goten said excitedly as he cleaned up and sat down at the dinner table. No matter how old the Son brothers got, the two were still as close as ever.
"I just got in this morning, and I'm staying for the weekend. Bulla-chan don't be shy we've got plenty of food, so just treat this place like your own. Also, thanks again to your mom for providing us with the newest model of tractor. Okaa-san said we've been able to increase our productivity by 1000% this season." Gohan said, as the younger blue haired girl slowly began to eat.
It's no secret, but ever since they were young, Bulla really admired Gohan. He was 5 years older than her, but always acted like a parent for all the kids. She wasn't sure if it was a crush or admiration but she always held Gohan in high regard.
"Is that so? This food is super delicious Chichi-san, thanks for having me." Bulla said. She was taught to be as polite as possible, even though the Son family was like her own family she still tried to maintain her role.
"Oh you, this is actually the food we grew ourselves. If only my sons were as polite as you Bulla-chan." Chichi began. "Actually, Goten tells me you're starting at Orange Star High? How do you like it? Do you have a boyfriend now?"
"Okaa-san, stop being embarrassing,"Gohan scolded as he noticed Bulla turn beet red. "That's a sensitive subject that you don't ask so casually."
"Gohan, stop being a prude. I am like Bulla's second mother, I've changed her diapers countless times, and I've seen her grow up. Someone has to ask the hard questions, and it won't be you, right mister?" Chichi barked. "Besides, what about that girl you're seeing Gohan, when are you bringing her home?"
In order to avoid this convo, Gohan quickly finished his food and clasped his hands together, "Gochisousama-deshita." He then proceeded to take his dishes to the sink and head toward their living room.
Bulla couldn't forget the expression on Gohan's face. It was engraved in her mind, had Gohan fallen in love? Just watching him made her embarrassed, and excited to find her own love. She sneakily eyed Goten, who was oblivious to the whole scene and scarfing down bowls of rice. 'Ugh, if I find love it will definitely not be him', she thought to herself.
The remain three carried on normal dinner conversation, and much to Bulla's relief Chichi never harped for an answer on Bulla's relationship status.
-xxxxxx-
After dinner, Goten offered to take Bulla home, but he was stopped by Chichi who said he needed to focus on his studies and do his homework, she then insisted Gohan do it instead.
This was a pleasant surprise to Bulla, as much as she loved Goten's company. She really missed spending time with Gohan, especially after he went to college 2 years ago. Also, this gave her the opportunity to pry and find out more about love.
"Ok Bulla-chan, let me change into my outfit and we can head to your house together." Goten said as he quickly put on his Saiyaman outfit and the two rushed out. This left Bulla a little embarrassed but she was determined to ask about his girlfriend.
"So Gohan-kun, how did you start dating your girlfriend?", Bulla didn't beat around the bush, she needed answers.
"Oh funny you ask Bulla-chan, actually we were classmates at Orange Star High, and I thought she was a little weird and aggressive. But the more I got to know her the more I like her, we have a set of similar values, and she's also very pretty." Gohan sported a faint blush as he praised his girlfriend.
"Ohh that must be nice, Gohan-san. I can't wait to find my own love." Bulla said in a dream-like voice.
"I'm sure you're having a great time at Orange Star High right? So when did you and Goten start dating?" Gohan asked with a smile on his face.
"WHAT?! Me and Goten-kun?!" Bulla spat. "No, no, we aren't anything."
"Oh really? Maybe I was reading the vibe wrong…" Gohan said. "Anyway, I missed his birthday this year due to exams, and I really want to surprise him with something special this year, so I bought a pair of tickets to the sold out ice rink in West City."
"Oh, why would you want to go there? You can save that for you and your girlfriend. If Goten-kun wanted to go skating for his birthday I'd take him to a private Capsule Corp Resort in the Arctic, you know?" Bulla said casually, she let out a small smile and said, "Besides, there's something I think Goten-kun would want more!"
"What?! Really?" Gohan was curious now, "What is it?"
She began to explain about the brunette girl at school who had Goten's attention, and her plan on how to bring them together. Gohan, would was a veteran at love also said he would help Goten in courting this girl from school. The pair arrived to Bulla's house shortly after, and parted ways. Gohan gave Bulla a wave, as he sped off into the night.
Shortly after, her moment of peace was interrupted by her brother, Trunks.
"Ahh Bulla, there you are! I was wondering if Goten kidnapped you in his love chamber." He teased as he ruffled her head.
"Onii-chan stop!" She begged, "What are you doing here anyways?"
"Oh Papa and Mama aren't coming home for a bit so they told me to keep an eye on you. But who would have known, you'd go back to Goten's house, then have Gohan-san drop you off… boy Bulla, you've got a way with the Son brothers," Trunks joked.
"Onii-chan BAKA! I'm going to shower!", as she stomped into house towards the bathroom.
"Oh Bulla, before I forget, Marron is going to be staying with us for a while. Her parents are still at Kame house on that island, but they thought it would be great if she started enrolled into Orange Star High with us.", Trunks shouted as his sister disappeared upstairs. He heard the door slam, and he knew she heard.
-xxxxxx-
After Bulla finished showering she put on her favorite fuzzy hoodie and a pair of cream shorts. She wrapped a towel around her shoulders and began to dry her hair as she ran down to grab a drink of water.
Her brother was sitting at the counter, smirking deviously at a message he just read. 'Oh great, now Onii-chan is going to run out like a dog to some girl's house for a late night bootycall after I fall asleep.' She rolled her eyes out of habit and scoffed.
"Hey Onii-chan, you know how it was Goten-kun's birthday recently right?" Bulla said, then she took a huge gulp of water.
"Yeah I know, it past a couple days ago but we were so busy with school and the Baseball team we didn't get to celebrate properly. I've planned a surprise birthday this weekend…," Trunks stopped and smirked. " What's with your obsession with Goten lately? Don't tell me you like him?" Trunks said curiously.
"Onii-chan, stop it," Bulla felt her cheeks turn red. She didn't like Goten and this was the 2nd misunderstanding regarding him in the last hour.
"Oh… so that's how it is", Trunks said with a devilish grin. "Anyway, I already planned a party for Goten at this house. I guess you can come if you want, but just don't make a scene and don't go losing your virginity to nobody. And since you're so keen, I'll task you with the job of bringing Gohan here tomorrow night."
"Ugh, Onii-chan, you're so annoying. I will let you know, that I am looking for love, not just another lay. Also, that's fine, I already was planning to telling Goten-kun to come over.", Bulla said as she wrinkled her nose turned her face away from him.
"Yup, I got it! Just don't go leading little Goten on, he's a pure hearted boy who thinks with his dick.", Trunks said.
"Oh speaking of which, Onii-chan I have a favor to ask.", Bulla said, completely ignoring Trunk's previous comment.
"Anything for my precious little sister." He said half-teasingly.
"Ok, so actually for Goten-kun's present, I want to orchestrate a lovely date for him and a girl he likes. I actually have Gohan who's going to help me plan the special day, but I'm not sure who the girl is, actually. I think you might know her Onii-chan, she was the one that Goten-kun was talking to in the courtyard, and the one who came out of the closet with you." Bulla said as she eyed her brother.
"Oh… is that so? Ahh that Goten, I told him she's no good for him. She's the type of girl who is so clueless that it hurts. Like she had a boyfriend and she slept with Goten, then me and then told her boyfriend she didn't know who to choose. It wasn't vicious, she is just more on the slower end." Trunks sighed. "Kind of a mess, but a hot mess, anyways, after Goten hooked up with her, he can't seem to get it out of his head."
" Yikes! Sounds like a mess, I want Goten-kun to be happy, but she sounds like trouble…", Bulla admitted.
"No actually, Valese, is just more naïve than vicious. She's just had a really strict up bringing, and actually she can't come to the party because her parents have her on a strict curfew, granted she doesn't see them much. Also, her past boyfriends aren't exactly nice, one of them actually struck her, and she was sporting a large bruise for a week. That's kind of how she and Goten started talking." Trunks admitted.
"Ok, that's one thing, but why was she sleeping with you?!", Bulla was still not convinced Valese, was a saint.
"Oh yeah, at first, I was just testing her to see if she was really with Goten. It wasn't hard, I just asked her if she wanted to have a good time, and she completely went with the flow. I don't think she has it in her to rebel or question authority. Probably was the way she was raised." Trunks shrugged. "She's got a cute face, and is a good lay, plus she doesn't run her mouth like most girls, so I hit it a couple times..."
"Onii-chan you pervert! Pig!", Bulla said disgusted, she hit him on the shoulder, hard enough to make a noise and leave a small sting.
"I've been telling him no, but if it's a request from my cute little sister, looks like I've got to help out", he sighed in defeat.
Bulla had to admit, as much as her brother annoyed her, she hated to admit she could depend on him for anything. A part of her wanted to protect her Goten from this woman, but another part of her wanted to see him happy. She knew how keen he was on Valese, and it would be so special for him.
A thought suddenly hit Bulla, her brother was never this talkative about girls. She suddenly asked, "Onii-chan, do you like Valese?"
That must have struck a nerve, Trunks face went into shock, "I'll be clear and never say this again, but the only women I care about are, Obaa-san, Mama, Tights-baa-chan, and you."
With the help of her brother and Gohan, she was sure she would be able to return the favor to Goten. Instead of focusing on her love story, she was playing matchmaker for her precious childhood friend.
Japanese words:
Tadaima- I'm home.
Okaeri- Welcome back.
Okaa-san - Mom
Gochisousama deshita - thank you for the meal.
Obaa-san - Grandma
