Chapter 9
"MISSION COMPLETED"
"HEY! Hey Gohan!" Trunks ran after Gohan and Goten the next day afterschool.
The brothers turned around and waited for Trunks to catch up to them. He ran in front of them, and then doubled over catching his breath.
"What is it Trunks? I really have to drop off Goten so I can pick Videl up," Gohan rushed his friend.
Trunks collected himself and pulled the letter Vegeta had given him out of his bolero pocket, "Veggie-chan sends his reguards."
"What?" Gohan exclaimed taking the letter, "This is from Vegeta?!"
Trunks stopped Gohan as he began to open it, "Vegeta said you can read it, but only AFTER Bulma has."
"That figures," Gohan snuffed sticking the letter in his pocket.
"Promise not to read it Gohan," Trunks said seriously.
"Yeah, yeah," Gohan looked at his watch, "AWWW MAN!!! I'm so LATE! Videl's gonna be pissed!!!"
"Well I could take Goten home if you want," Trunks offered, "it might save you some time."
"Really?! Thanks Trunks! Bye guys!" Gohan exclaimed, handing Trunks back the letter, and without any other reply he took to the air and flew off.
The otherwise disgruntle Goten glared up at Trunks, until an idea dawned on him. He hadn't been able to get Gohan to take him back to the Son house, but Trunks was so gullible, surely he would.
"Hey Trunks..." Goten began innocently as they started to walked back down the street to Vegeta's motorcycle.
"Yeah Gohan?" Trunks looked down at the little boy.
"Do you think we can go back to my house, I mean, my old house?" Goten asked, "I really miss it...and it'd be so cool to see it again!"
"Well..." Trunks looked at the time.
"Please Trunks?" Goten hugged Trunks leg.
"Well, alright," Trunks beamed patting Goten on the head, "Anything for my lil' amigo."
"Thanks Trunks," Goten smiled.
"De nada," Trunks winked putting on his helmet and handing Goten the helmet he used for his hoverboard.
Goten ran into the old Son house. It was dark and dust was already beginning to collect. He looked around for the perfect spot to leave the letter. He finally decided the kitchen table would be the best spot and left.
"Ready?" Trunks asked looking down at Goten as he came out of the house.
"Yep," Goten nodded to Trunks who was leaning up against the house with his arms crossed.
"Cool," Trunks grinned hopping on the bike.
See you soon Mom, Goten thought as they took off back home.
Bulma watched TV and laid her head on Goku's shoulder as they sat on the couch. Only, she wasn't really watching TV, she was thinking of the future...or an alternate future, where Goku was her husband and they had three sons Vegeta, Gohan, and Goten. Even though they were married, Goku and Bulma were as much in love as they were the day they said "I do." Gohan'd probably grow-up to be a secret service agent, Goten a lawyer or some sleezy business profession, he had the brains for it. Vegeta...well, Vegeta would be one of those rock hard rebels who never seems to get any older. Maybe he'd become a security guard to keep back all the crazy groupies at rock concerts.
They'd have more children if Goku was up to it, Bulma knew she was. As long as it was with Goku. The next one would be a girl, Bulma hoped, with Goku's attitude and Bulma's looks she'd be able to take over the world if she wanted! But wouldn't, because she'd be against imperialism.
Bulma was so caught up in her dream world she hadn't noticed Goku trying to nudge her off his arm.
"Hey Bulma," Goku said softly, "I know you like the company, but I've really gotta go!"
"Oh," Bulma sat up, getting off of Goku, then giggled a bit, "sorry Goku."
Goku jumped up and ran to the bathroom, just as the sound of a motorcycle pulled up into the driveway.
"HUH?!" Bulma stood up suddenly, she remembered that sound, the same engine she heard that day Vegeta went away. It seemed so long ago now, but it couldn't be...she ran out of the living room crying, "Vegeta!"
Trunks parked the black motorcycle in the driveway of the garage, got off, and took off his helmet shaking out his hair. He then helped Goten down and with his helmet.
"Well here we are," Trunks put the spare helmet in the back compartment of the bike just as Bulma ran out of the house looking around frantically.
Goten cocked an eyebrow as she looked at the blue-haired lady, "Bulma?"
Trunks turned around, "Oh hey Ms. B!"
Bulma blinked, "Tr-Trunks right?"
"Yep," Trunks beamed, "howdja know?"
She looked at Trunks' hair and thought back to the McDonald's incident, "Lucky guess."
Trunks smiled and pat Goten on the head, "Well, I brought your pip squeak back. Sorry it took so long, we took a detour."
"YOU had Goten?" Bulma came over and took Goten's hand, "we thought Gohan had let him tag-a-long on his date."
"Like THAT would ever happen," Goten snorted, "dates are boring."
Trunks chuckled and looked at Bulma, he saw her staring with furrowed brows at the bike, "Somethin' the matter Ms. B?"
"Isn't that...Vegeta's bike?" Bulma blinked continuing to examine the bike.
"Oh yeah," Trunks remembered the letter and handed it to her, "Vegeta wanted me to give you this."
"What?!" Bulma snatched the letter seeming to be rude with all her excitement and immediately opened it, "You're in contact with Vegeta?!"
"No, this was just a favour I owed him," Trunks looked down, "Last time I saw him he was ready for this Sayian spaceship to land."
Bulma read the letter, her excitement slowly fading away into a sad somber look. Her eyes glazed.
"Bulma," Goten tugged on her pajama bottoms concerned.
Bulma sniffled and stifled tears with a smile she gave to Trunks, "Thank you very much Trunks."
Without a hint of curiousity Trunks bowed his head and flipped his hoverboard and helmet from the back of the motorcycle, "Twas nothin' Ms. B. Now I better go! I havta watch Bra tonight!"
Bulma nodded and patted Goten on the head, "Come Goten, you don't have to go to bed until Gohan comes home, but you should get ready."
"Okay, hold on," Goten said as Bulma went in the house. He ran over to Trunks, "Hey uhm...Trunks."
"Yeah?" Trunks looked down at him as he jumped on the hoverboard.
"Can you bring Bra over tomorrow? I don't have anyone my age to play with and it gets real boring around here."
Trunks smirked, "No problem kid."
Bulma looked at the clock on the cable vcr, it was almoset 12 o'clock and Gohan wasn't home yet.
"Goku," she turned to Goku concerned, as Goten sat sleepily in her lap, "does Gohan usually stay out this late on dates?"
Goku shrugged, "I trust him, he's a samrt kid and besides, this is why I only let him go out on Fridays."
"But what if something happened to him?" Bulma asked concerned.
Goku tapped his head and winked, "I can sense his ki remember, I'll know."
"Hmm," Bulma sat back skeptically, then looked at Goten who was slowly falling asleep in her laugh, "how 'bout I tuck you in?"
"No," Goten crossed his arms spitefully sitting up as if he were wide awake, "I'm not tired."
"Well, then I can read you a story," Bulma hugged him, "isn't that better than watching all these boring old shows."
Goten looked up at her, "You'd read me a story?"
"Sure," Bulma smiled, "any one you want."
"Really?" Goten asked excited.
"Yeah," Bulma replied, "I have a whole bunch of them from when Vegeta was little. Most of them are adventure types because he refused to listen to any others...he refused to go to bed too, but that changed when I told him he wouldn't get any breakfast if he slept late."
Bulma giggled and Goku began to laugh, "A Saiyan Prince being told bedtime stories! Now THAT'S funny!"
"So how 'bout it Goten?" Bulma smiled warmly at the little boy.
Goten sat dumbfounded as he stared into Bulma's motherly blue eyes, in all his eight years he had never once been read a story. Never once been tucked into bed either.
He grinned and nodded, "Yeah, okay, s'long as I pick the story."
"You got it," Bulma beamed patting him on the head, then helping him off of her so she could stand up, "say g'night to your Dad before you leave."
"'night Dad," Goten took Bulma's hand and together they walked out of the living room.
Goku chuckled and leaned back once they left.
"...the end," Bulma finished and looked over at Goten. He was in a deep sleep snuggled under his blankets. She smiled and stood up placing the book on her chair. She then tucked him in and kissed his forehead, "goodnight Goten, sweet dreams."
She shut off the light and left. She left the door open a crack so that it left a slither of light across the floor. Once Goten felt the coast was clear he opened his eyes and allowed them to adjust to the darkness. He pulled his journal and a flash light out from under his pillow.
He held the flashlight in his teeth as he wrote.
Dear Journal;
With the help of Trunks I was able to plant the letter. Now all I have to do is wait for mom and tear Bulma and my father apart. I've been thinking though...maybe kicking Bulma out isn't nessasary. I mean, she's not SO bad. She did read me this cool story about a band of pirates who went out in search of lost treasure, and she did tuck me in and kiss me goodnight. She let me sit in her lap too...mom doesn't really like to be touch. Bulma isn't such a bad cook either...she can stick around and be a nanny or something when mom returns. I feel kind of bad for her, with Vegeta going away and all, she and I can relate. She cares about Vegeta a lot, you can tell...
I probably won't make Bulma and Dad HATE each other, just not LOVE each other. Bulma's a nice person and a good friend. I think after this is all over I want her to still be around to talk to. She makes me feel...well I don't know...iloved/i
Well, I think I'm going to catch some Zs.
Later Journal!
Son Goten.
"You have a real way with kids Bulma," Goku took Bulma's hand and pulled her into his lap as soon as she walked back into the living room.
She smiled and said, "well after raising Vegeta as long as I did, it feels like I've been raising a whole school of children."
"That is why Saiyans and Humans don't mix," Goku told her knowledgably.
She blinked and looked down, "Oh they don't huh? So I guess there's no chance for you and me."
Goku smirked and kissed her on the cheek, "Just because I have the blood of a Saiyan, doesn't make me one. Kakkorot died a long time ago. If anything could keep us from being together, it's that damn bitch."
Bulma's eyes darkened, "Goku."
"What?" Goku held back the angry thoughts of his run-a-way wife, by looking at Bulma.
"You cursed," Bulma she said softly.
Goku covered his mouth, "sorry."
"No biggy," Bulma smiled at him, Goku noticed that the corners of her eyes were slightly moist like she was holding back tears. She began to get up, "well it's late and I'm tired, see you in the morning."
"Hold on," Goku grabbed the back of her pajama bottoms and pulled her back down.
"Goku!" Bulma exclaimed pulling up her pants as she sat on Goku's lap.
"Now what's wrong?" Goku asked disreguarding her surprised tone.
"Nothing's wrong," she turned her head away.
"Liar," Goku hugged he around the waist, "c'mon Bulma, you can tell me."
"Goku," Bulma said again, this time more irratated. She stood up, eyes darkened, "I just wanna go to bed okay?"
Goku blinked puzzled, then nodded. Bulma descended from the room and ran to hers leaving Goku alone and confused.
What did I do? Goku wondered shutting off the tv. He stood up and stretched, deciding to go outside and wait for Gohan. He was surprised to find Gohan sitting on the stoop when he got outside.
"Oh hey Gohan," Goku sat beside his oldest son, "how long have you been out here?"
"Not to long," he whispered and looked up at the sky, "I went in and came back out. The sky was just too majestic to pass up tonight."
Goku nodded looking up at the clear starry sky, then quickly realized something, "oh, you came in? I didn't hear you."
"Yeah," Gohan looked down at his hands.
"Something wrong Gohan?" Goku questioned innocently.
"Do you love Bulma Dad?" Gohan looked at Goku as if he was pained by the idea.
"Why?"
"Because..." Gohan turned away, "I just don't want you to make the same mistake twice."
Goku raised his eyebrows, "same mistake?"
"You know," Gohan shrugged, "I just don't want to go through this again."
"What again, Gohan?" Goku wasn't comprehending.
"This, all this," Gohan replied getting annoyed.
Goku sighed and shrugged, "Yes I do love her Gohan."
"Are you sure?" Gohan gave him the look again.
"Yes, I'm sure," Goku nodded.
"But how can you be? I mean, how can you know?" Gohan questioned.
Goku shrugged, "You just do."
"But...you thought you loved mom right? So...how can you be sure that you love Bulma?"
"I did love your mother Gohan," Goku looked down, "or rather...I loved the person I thought she was."
"Huh?" Gohan tilted his head cruriously.
"It's a hard thing to explain Gohan," Goku said, "hopefully you'll never have to understand."
Gohan blinked, then looked back at the stars, "Well, how do you know it's not the same with Bulma?"
Goku leaned against the door, "I just do."
"But how?"
"You'll understand one day," Goku replied.
Gohan shook his head childishly, "but I want to understand now!"
Goku sighed, "Videl, you love her don't you?"
Gohan's cheeks turned bright red as he averted his eyes to the ground quickly, "well...yeah."
"Does she love you back?" Goku folded his arms behind his head.
Gohan nodded.
"How do you know it's true?"
Gohan shrugged, "I dunno...the feelings I have for her in my heart I guess."
"Exactly," Goku smiled resting his eyes.
Gohan looked over at Goku, many more questions floating in his head, "if this is true, and you've always loved Bulma, then why wait until now? Why didn't you just dump mom and go to Bulma?"
"It wasn't that easy Gohan," Goku replied shortly.
"Yes it is, all you had to say was 'screw you bitch I love Bulma,' and then that's it."
Goku opened his eyes with a sad expression, "that's not what was hard Gohan. I was afraid."
"Afraid? You?" Gohan blinked in astounishment.
"Yes," Goku said in a low tone, "I was afraid that if I confronted Bulma she wouldn't feel the same and would be too ashamned to be my friend anymore."
"That's stupid," Gohan interrupted bluntly, "true friends don't do that."
Goku's cheeks flushed a little with anger, "yeah well, there was also the fact that i wasn't sure if I truly loved her...I am a guy you know."
"What has that gotta do with anything?"
"Guys don't appreciate what they have until it's gone," Goku stood up, "everyone knows that."
"BS!" Gohan exclaimed standing up, "That's not true at all!"
"It is for me," Goku went inside, "but I'm looking to change that."
Gohan followed and locked the door behind him.
"Hey Gohan," Goku began, "why did you ask all those questions?"
Gohan glanced at his father then back at the door to make sure he had bolted all the locks, "I've been picking up vibes between you, and Goten told me that he caught you guys kissing, not to mention the fact you were flirting with her just a few minutes ago." He turned and started upstairs to his room, "If you're trying to hide your affection, you're not very good at it."
Goku chuckled, "I was never really good at keeping secrets."
"I sugggest you just do it Dad," Gohan looked at his father from the top of the stairwell, "I mean, if you love her as much as you say there's no point in trying to hide it for me and Goten's sake. You only live once right?"
Goku smirked, "I suppose you're right."
Gohan smiled and headed to his room, "'night Dad."
"'night Gohan," Goku answered.
Bulma laid awake in the darkness of her room, she hugged her pillow tight and snuggled her head into trying to sleep. All she could think about was Goku though. How could he be so stupid? How could she be so stupid? How could he ask her what was wrong when he knew very well what the problem was?
They could never be together, never, and it was all because of that damned wedding band around his finger. She squeezed her eyes tight trying to hold back the stinging feeling. If he loved her so much, why hadn't he given her his heart? Why had it been that other woman? Did he really find it easier to commit his love to some stranger than his one true love?
Unless, Bulma's eyes widened, unless the only reason he was showing her this affection was because he was on the rebound.
"No!" Bulma squealed grabbing another pillow and smushing it against her head, as if that could block out the wicked thoughts that vexed her.
He wouldn't have said those things, he wouldn't have kissed her, he wouldn't look at her the way he did if that were true...would he? No...he couldn't. If his intentions were untrue, she'd know. She'd known Goku way too long to not be able to tell when he was lying.
But would her own feelings blind her from the truth?
"Stop it!" Bulma cried out unable to hold back her tears any longer, "Stop! Stop! Stop!"
Light filled the room as a voice whispered, "Bulma?"
Bulma was sobbing now.
"Bulma!" the voice exclaimed and ran to her, before she knew it she was in Goku's arms crying on his bare chest, "Bulma, what's wrong?"
She sniffled and hugged him as tight as she could, Goku held her close trying to comfort her.
After awhile she was able to speak, "please Goku, please don't use me."
"Use...you?" Goku repeated baffled rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her down, "but Bulma I would never--"
"Goku," she croaked, her throaty now itchy from all her crying, "just promise me."
"I promise, that the day I do wrong to you Bulma is the day I prey King Enma steals my soul and throws it into HFIL," Goku swore.
Bulma smiled faintly with a little sniffle.
"Better?" Goku whispered.
Bulma nodded and Goku let her lay back in bed. He stood up to leave, but Bulma stopped him, "please don't leave me...I'm afraid to be alone with myself."
Goku turned to her cocking an eyebrow, "Are you sure that's a smart decision? Letting a guy stay in your bedroom, better yet, your bed?"
"I trust you," Bulma answered in a raspy voice.
"You're smarty than that Bulma," Goku smirked.
"I just need someone to protect me from myself."
Goku sighed and laid down beside Bulma hugging her, "you're intitled to kneeing me in the balls if I get any wise ideas."
"I'll remember that," Bulma laughed and snuggled in close next to Goku soon falling asleep.
Goku kissed her forehead and soon fell asleep himself.
NOTE: Don't worry, this IS NOT going to turn into a lemon!
"MISSION COMPLETED"
"HEY! Hey Gohan!" Trunks ran after Gohan and Goten the next day afterschool.
The brothers turned around and waited for Trunks to catch up to them. He ran in front of them, and then doubled over catching his breath.
"What is it Trunks? I really have to drop off Goten so I can pick Videl up," Gohan rushed his friend.
Trunks collected himself and pulled the letter Vegeta had given him out of his bolero pocket, "Veggie-chan sends his reguards."
"What?" Gohan exclaimed taking the letter, "This is from Vegeta?!"
Trunks stopped Gohan as he began to open it, "Vegeta said you can read it, but only AFTER Bulma has."
"That figures," Gohan snuffed sticking the letter in his pocket.
"Promise not to read it Gohan," Trunks said seriously.
"Yeah, yeah," Gohan looked at his watch, "AWWW MAN!!! I'm so LATE! Videl's gonna be pissed!!!"
"Well I could take Goten home if you want," Trunks offered, "it might save you some time."
"Really?! Thanks Trunks! Bye guys!" Gohan exclaimed, handing Trunks back the letter, and without any other reply he took to the air and flew off.
The otherwise disgruntle Goten glared up at Trunks, until an idea dawned on him. He hadn't been able to get Gohan to take him back to the Son house, but Trunks was so gullible, surely he would.
"Hey Trunks..." Goten began innocently as they started to walked back down the street to Vegeta's motorcycle.
"Yeah Gohan?" Trunks looked down at the little boy.
"Do you think we can go back to my house, I mean, my old house?" Goten asked, "I really miss it...and it'd be so cool to see it again!"
"Well..." Trunks looked at the time.
"Please Trunks?" Goten hugged Trunks leg.
"Well, alright," Trunks beamed patting Goten on the head, "Anything for my lil' amigo."
"Thanks Trunks," Goten smiled.
"De nada," Trunks winked putting on his helmet and handing Goten the helmet he used for his hoverboard.
Goten ran into the old Son house. It was dark and dust was already beginning to collect. He looked around for the perfect spot to leave the letter. He finally decided the kitchen table would be the best spot and left.
"Ready?" Trunks asked looking down at Goten as he came out of the house.
"Yep," Goten nodded to Trunks who was leaning up against the house with his arms crossed.
"Cool," Trunks grinned hopping on the bike.
See you soon Mom, Goten thought as they took off back home.
Bulma watched TV and laid her head on Goku's shoulder as they sat on the couch. Only, she wasn't really watching TV, she was thinking of the future...or an alternate future, where Goku was her husband and they had three sons Vegeta, Gohan, and Goten. Even though they were married, Goku and Bulma were as much in love as they were the day they said "I do." Gohan'd probably grow-up to be a secret service agent, Goten a lawyer or some sleezy business profession, he had the brains for it. Vegeta...well, Vegeta would be one of those rock hard rebels who never seems to get any older. Maybe he'd become a security guard to keep back all the crazy groupies at rock concerts.
They'd have more children if Goku was up to it, Bulma knew she was. As long as it was with Goku. The next one would be a girl, Bulma hoped, with Goku's attitude and Bulma's looks she'd be able to take over the world if she wanted! But wouldn't, because she'd be against imperialism.
Bulma was so caught up in her dream world she hadn't noticed Goku trying to nudge her off his arm.
"Hey Bulma," Goku said softly, "I know you like the company, but I've really gotta go!"
"Oh," Bulma sat up, getting off of Goku, then giggled a bit, "sorry Goku."
Goku jumped up and ran to the bathroom, just as the sound of a motorcycle pulled up into the driveway.
"HUH?!" Bulma stood up suddenly, she remembered that sound, the same engine she heard that day Vegeta went away. It seemed so long ago now, but it couldn't be...she ran out of the living room crying, "Vegeta!"
Trunks parked the black motorcycle in the driveway of the garage, got off, and took off his helmet shaking out his hair. He then helped Goten down and with his helmet.
"Well here we are," Trunks put the spare helmet in the back compartment of the bike just as Bulma ran out of the house looking around frantically.
Goten cocked an eyebrow as she looked at the blue-haired lady, "Bulma?"
Trunks turned around, "Oh hey Ms. B!"
Bulma blinked, "Tr-Trunks right?"
"Yep," Trunks beamed, "howdja know?"
She looked at Trunks' hair and thought back to the McDonald's incident, "Lucky guess."
Trunks smiled and pat Goten on the head, "Well, I brought your pip squeak back. Sorry it took so long, we took a detour."
"YOU had Goten?" Bulma came over and took Goten's hand, "we thought Gohan had let him tag-a-long on his date."
"Like THAT would ever happen," Goten snorted, "dates are boring."
Trunks chuckled and looked at Bulma, he saw her staring with furrowed brows at the bike, "Somethin' the matter Ms. B?"
"Isn't that...Vegeta's bike?" Bulma blinked continuing to examine the bike.
"Oh yeah," Trunks remembered the letter and handed it to her, "Vegeta wanted me to give you this."
"What?!" Bulma snatched the letter seeming to be rude with all her excitement and immediately opened it, "You're in contact with Vegeta?!"
"No, this was just a favour I owed him," Trunks looked down, "Last time I saw him he was ready for this Sayian spaceship to land."
Bulma read the letter, her excitement slowly fading away into a sad somber look. Her eyes glazed.
"Bulma," Goten tugged on her pajama bottoms concerned.
Bulma sniffled and stifled tears with a smile she gave to Trunks, "Thank you very much Trunks."
Without a hint of curiousity Trunks bowed his head and flipped his hoverboard and helmet from the back of the motorcycle, "Twas nothin' Ms. B. Now I better go! I havta watch Bra tonight!"
Bulma nodded and patted Goten on the head, "Come Goten, you don't have to go to bed until Gohan comes home, but you should get ready."
"Okay, hold on," Goten said as Bulma went in the house. He ran over to Trunks, "Hey uhm...Trunks."
"Yeah?" Trunks looked down at him as he jumped on the hoverboard.
"Can you bring Bra over tomorrow? I don't have anyone my age to play with and it gets real boring around here."
Trunks smirked, "No problem kid."
Bulma looked at the clock on the cable vcr, it was almoset 12 o'clock and Gohan wasn't home yet.
"Goku," she turned to Goku concerned, as Goten sat sleepily in her lap, "does Gohan usually stay out this late on dates?"
Goku shrugged, "I trust him, he's a samrt kid and besides, this is why I only let him go out on Fridays."
"But what if something happened to him?" Bulma asked concerned.
Goku tapped his head and winked, "I can sense his ki remember, I'll know."
"Hmm," Bulma sat back skeptically, then looked at Goten who was slowly falling asleep in her laugh, "how 'bout I tuck you in?"
"No," Goten crossed his arms spitefully sitting up as if he were wide awake, "I'm not tired."
"Well, then I can read you a story," Bulma hugged him, "isn't that better than watching all these boring old shows."
Goten looked up at her, "You'd read me a story?"
"Sure," Bulma smiled, "any one you want."
"Really?" Goten asked excited.
"Yeah," Bulma replied, "I have a whole bunch of them from when Vegeta was little. Most of them are adventure types because he refused to listen to any others...he refused to go to bed too, but that changed when I told him he wouldn't get any breakfast if he slept late."
Bulma giggled and Goku began to laugh, "A Saiyan Prince being told bedtime stories! Now THAT'S funny!"
"So how 'bout it Goten?" Bulma smiled warmly at the little boy.
Goten sat dumbfounded as he stared into Bulma's motherly blue eyes, in all his eight years he had never once been read a story. Never once been tucked into bed either.
He grinned and nodded, "Yeah, okay, s'long as I pick the story."
"You got it," Bulma beamed patting him on the head, then helping him off of her so she could stand up, "say g'night to your Dad before you leave."
"'night Dad," Goten took Bulma's hand and together they walked out of the living room.
Goku chuckled and leaned back once they left.
"...the end," Bulma finished and looked over at Goten. He was in a deep sleep snuggled under his blankets. She smiled and stood up placing the book on her chair. She then tucked him in and kissed his forehead, "goodnight Goten, sweet dreams."
She shut off the light and left. She left the door open a crack so that it left a slither of light across the floor. Once Goten felt the coast was clear he opened his eyes and allowed them to adjust to the darkness. He pulled his journal and a flash light out from under his pillow.
He held the flashlight in his teeth as he wrote.
Dear Journal;
With the help of Trunks I was able to plant the letter. Now all I have to do is wait for mom and tear Bulma and my father apart. I've been thinking though...maybe kicking Bulma out isn't nessasary. I mean, she's not SO bad. She did read me this cool story about a band of pirates who went out in search of lost treasure, and she did tuck me in and kiss me goodnight. She let me sit in her lap too...mom doesn't really like to be touch. Bulma isn't such a bad cook either...she can stick around and be a nanny or something when mom returns. I feel kind of bad for her, with Vegeta going away and all, she and I can relate. She cares about Vegeta a lot, you can tell...
I probably won't make Bulma and Dad HATE each other, just not LOVE each other. Bulma's a nice person and a good friend. I think after this is all over I want her to still be around to talk to. She makes me feel...well I don't know...iloved/i
Well, I think I'm going to catch some Zs.
Later Journal!
Son Goten.
"You have a real way with kids Bulma," Goku took Bulma's hand and pulled her into his lap as soon as she walked back into the living room.
She smiled and said, "well after raising Vegeta as long as I did, it feels like I've been raising a whole school of children."
"That is why Saiyans and Humans don't mix," Goku told her knowledgably.
She blinked and looked down, "Oh they don't huh? So I guess there's no chance for you and me."
Goku smirked and kissed her on the cheek, "Just because I have the blood of a Saiyan, doesn't make me one. Kakkorot died a long time ago. If anything could keep us from being together, it's that damn bitch."
Bulma's eyes darkened, "Goku."
"What?" Goku held back the angry thoughts of his run-a-way wife, by looking at Bulma.
"You cursed," Bulma she said softly.
Goku covered his mouth, "sorry."
"No biggy," Bulma smiled at him, Goku noticed that the corners of her eyes were slightly moist like she was holding back tears. She began to get up, "well it's late and I'm tired, see you in the morning."
"Hold on," Goku grabbed the back of her pajama bottoms and pulled her back down.
"Goku!" Bulma exclaimed pulling up her pants as she sat on Goku's lap.
"Now what's wrong?" Goku asked disreguarding her surprised tone.
"Nothing's wrong," she turned her head away.
"Liar," Goku hugged he around the waist, "c'mon Bulma, you can tell me."
"Goku," Bulma said again, this time more irratated. She stood up, eyes darkened, "I just wanna go to bed okay?"
Goku blinked puzzled, then nodded. Bulma descended from the room and ran to hers leaving Goku alone and confused.
What did I do? Goku wondered shutting off the tv. He stood up and stretched, deciding to go outside and wait for Gohan. He was surprised to find Gohan sitting on the stoop when he got outside.
"Oh hey Gohan," Goku sat beside his oldest son, "how long have you been out here?"
"Not to long," he whispered and looked up at the sky, "I went in and came back out. The sky was just too majestic to pass up tonight."
Goku nodded looking up at the clear starry sky, then quickly realized something, "oh, you came in? I didn't hear you."
"Yeah," Gohan looked down at his hands.
"Something wrong Gohan?" Goku questioned innocently.
"Do you love Bulma Dad?" Gohan looked at Goku as if he was pained by the idea.
"Why?"
"Because..." Gohan turned away, "I just don't want you to make the same mistake twice."
Goku raised his eyebrows, "same mistake?"
"You know," Gohan shrugged, "I just don't want to go through this again."
"What again, Gohan?" Goku wasn't comprehending.
"This, all this," Gohan replied getting annoyed.
Goku sighed and shrugged, "Yes I do love her Gohan."
"Are you sure?" Gohan gave him the look again.
"Yes, I'm sure," Goku nodded.
"But how can you be? I mean, how can you know?" Gohan questioned.
Goku shrugged, "You just do."
"But...you thought you loved mom right? So...how can you be sure that you love Bulma?"
"I did love your mother Gohan," Goku looked down, "or rather...I loved the person I thought she was."
"Huh?" Gohan tilted his head cruriously.
"It's a hard thing to explain Gohan," Goku said, "hopefully you'll never have to understand."
Gohan blinked, then looked back at the stars, "Well, how do you know it's not the same with Bulma?"
Goku leaned against the door, "I just do."
"But how?"
"You'll understand one day," Goku replied.
Gohan shook his head childishly, "but I want to understand now!"
Goku sighed, "Videl, you love her don't you?"
Gohan's cheeks turned bright red as he averted his eyes to the ground quickly, "well...yeah."
"Does she love you back?" Goku folded his arms behind his head.
Gohan nodded.
"How do you know it's true?"
Gohan shrugged, "I dunno...the feelings I have for her in my heart I guess."
"Exactly," Goku smiled resting his eyes.
Gohan looked over at Goku, many more questions floating in his head, "if this is true, and you've always loved Bulma, then why wait until now? Why didn't you just dump mom and go to Bulma?"
"It wasn't that easy Gohan," Goku replied shortly.
"Yes it is, all you had to say was 'screw you bitch I love Bulma,' and then that's it."
Goku opened his eyes with a sad expression, "that's not what was hard Gohan. I was afraid."
"Afraid? You?" Gohan blinked in astounishment.
"Yes," Goku said in a low tone, "I was afraid that if I confronted Bulma she wouldn't feel the same and would be too ashamned to be my friend anymore."
"That's stupid," Gohan interrupted bluntly, "true friends don't do that."
Goku's cheeks flushed a little with anger, "yeah well, there was also the fact that i wasn't sure if I truly loved her...I am a guy you know."
"What has that gotta do with anything?"
"Guys don't appreciate what they have until it's gone," Goku stood up, "everyone knows that."
"BS!" Gohan exclaimed standing up, "That's not true at all!"
"It is for me," Goku went inside, "but I'm looking to change that."
Gohan followed and locked the door behind him.
"Hey Gohan," Goku began, "why did you ask all those questions?"
Gohan glanced at his father then back at the door to make sure he had bolted all the locks, "I've been picking up vibes between you, and Goten told me that he caught you guys kissing, not to mention the fact you were flirting with her just a few minutes ago." He turned and started upstairs to his room, "If you're trying to hide your affection, you're not very good at it."
Goku chuckled, "I was never really good at keeping secrets."
"I sugggest you just do it Dad," Gohan looked at his father from the top of the stairwell, "I mean, if you love her as much as you say there's no point in trying to hide it for me and Goten's sake. You only live once right?"
Goku smirked, "I suppose you're right."
Gohan smiled and headed to his room, "'night Dad."
"'night Gohan," Goku answered.
Bulma laid awake in the darkness of her room, she hugged her pillow tight and snuggled her head into trying to sleep. All she could think about was Goku though. How could he be so stupid? How could she be so stupid? How could he ask her what was wrong when he knew very well what the problem was?
They could never be together, never, and it was all because of that damned wedding band around his finger. She squeezed her eyes tight trying to hold back the stinging feeling. If he loved her so much, why hadn't he given her his heart? Why had it been that other woman? Did he really find it easier to commit his love to some stranger than his one true love?
Unless, Bulma's eyes widened, unless the only reason he was showing her this affection was because he was on the rebound.
"No!" Bulma squealed grabbing another pillow and smushing it against her head, as if that could block out the wicked thoughts that vexed her.
He wouldn't have said those things, he wouldn't have kissed her, he wouldn't look at her the way he did if that were true...would he? No...he couldn't. If his intentions were untrue, she'd know. She'd known Goku way too long to not be able to tell when he was lying.
But would her own feelings blind her from the truth?
"Stop it!" Bulma cried out unable to hold back her tears any longer, "Stop! Stop! Stop!"
Light filled the room as a voice whispered, "Bulma?"
Bulma was sobbing now.
"Bulma!" the voice exclaimed and ran to her, before she knew it she was in Goku's arms crying on his bare chest, "Bulma, what's wrong?"
She sniffled and hugged him as tight as she could, Goku held her close trying to comfort her.
After awhile she was able to speak, "please Goku, please don't use me."
"Use...you?" Goku repeated baffled rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her down, "but Bulma I would never--"
"Goku," she croaked, her throaty now itchy from all her crying, "just promise me."
"I promise, that the day I do wrong to you Bulma is the day I prey King Enma steals my soul and throws it into HFIL," Goku swore.
Bulma smiled faintly with a little sniffle.
"Better?" Goku whispered.
Bulma nodded and Goku let her lay back in bed. He stood up to leave, but Bulma stopped him, "please don't leave me...I'm afraid to be alone with myself."
Goku turned to her cocking an eyebrow, "Are you sure that's a smart decision? Letting a guy stay in your bedroom, better yet, your bed?"
"I trust you," Bulma answered in a raspy voice.
"You're smarty than that Bulma," Goku smirked.
"I just need someone to protect me from myself."
Goku sighed and laid down beside Bulma hugging her, "you're intitled to kneeing me in the balls if I get any wise ideas."
"I'll remember that," Bulma laughed and snuggled in close next to Goku soon falling asleep.
Goku kissed her forehead and soon fell asleep himself.
NOTE: Don't worry, this IS NOT going to turn into a lemon!