A/N: Right, thank you for reviewing the previous chapters. There are two
more chapters to come, so please keep on reading. I was hoping that some
of the readers would understand where I was coming from with this fic, and
that you would know me by now and know that I would never put anything in
this fic if it wasn't intentional. I think you will be very surprised with
the out come at the end. It will be a sad, yet happy ending, but you'll
have to wait and see what I mean... ^_^
To The Crazy Cricket: ~grins~ Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to put in the whole 'misunderstanding' cliche. That's just not me... hehe. Expect a twist in upcoming chapters!
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Standing up slowly this time, he looked down at the small old woman.
"How far is Wou Dhan from here?"
He needed to get back to Jade Forest.
He needed to see Bulma.
*****
Shinta stared back at the vivacious young man. "Wou Dhan is not very far from here..." She said slowly.
Vegeta saw her hesitation to speak and pounced on it. Gritting his teeth, he spoke with annoyance, "Exactly how far?"
Shinta shrugged. "About six days of travel."
"Then I shall leave now." He clenched his fist tightly.
The old woman stared back reflectively at his sharp handsome features. "Do you know what a seer is, Vegeta-san?"
Now this was new. Vegeta looked at her for several moments, thinking her question might be a trap. "A seer?" He echoed.
"Yes," gently, she placed a hand upon his shoulder and pushed him gently back down onto the low bed. In his weakened condition, he was in no state to go traveling.
The ever baring frown on Vegeta's face deepened. "Get on with it you old bag!"
Shinta chuckled, "Now, now. It's not nice to call people names."
"Get on with a it." He demanded, becoming increasingly impatient.
A sigh escaped her dry, chapped lips. "Very well." Pulling up a stool next to the bed, she looked at him intently, resting her tired feet. "A seer is a spiritualist that can determine the future, or 'see'. Are you following me so far?"
Vegeta snorted, "I have no time to believe in you idle superstitions!"
"Call it what you want, it is the truth. Now I know you don't believe in it, but you must not return to Wou Dhan in the next eleven years. Terrible tragedies will befall you if you do. Everything happens for a reason, Vegeta-san."
The blood in Vegeta's veins began to slow its flow. Her voice revealed nothing of a hidden lie, or anything of the kind. But she couldn't be telling the truth? Her voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Now, if you do go, there is nothing I can do to stop you. But you have been warned, young warrior. I have done my part." Standing up slowly, she motioned him to lay back. "Think about it. And deliver your answer to me tomorrow."
He watched her shuffle out of the small room. The thumping drum roll in his head would not decease. Why did life have to be so complicated? In defeat, he slumped back into the chair. A seer? His mind still comprehend that she was a seer. Of all the stupid superstitious gabble, she went and pulled that one on him? The woman must have been going senile to believe that. And so Vegeta made his decision, to return to Wou Dhan in the next week. In slow motion, his eyes closed heavily, an aggravated sigh parting from his mouth as he drifted off into the land of dreams.
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Bulma's heart ached.
Not did it just ache, but it was fading slowly. Like the colour of the jade leaves had done in past autumns. Cradling her young child, she smiled delicately at the chubby features that Kami had blessed him with. He looked exactly like his father...
His father. Vegeta.
Another tirade of emotions washed over her. She closed her eyes in hope of depleting them. She missed him with all her heart. She had no idea when her need for him turned into a new found love, but it had and she was powerless to stop it.
Another summer was arriving upon Jade Forest. The leaves that grew on the wise trees of the forest signified the beginning of a new life, not just for her but for everyone in Wou Dhan. Currently, she was sitting by the serene surroundings of the lake that was present in Jade Forest. It was the only place where she had at least a moments worth of piece, and this was where she bonded with her son. The cool summer breeze swirled around them, singing their own lullaby to the timid little boy in Bulma's arms.
It was the beginning of a new chapter. Peace was finally restored to Japan, mercifully. But no one knew how long it would last.
As her eyes grazed over the porcelain skin of her baby boy, she smiled into his crystal blue eyes. Yes, in many ways he did look like Vegeta, had it not been for his colouring. The baby she had prestigiously named Trunks, smiled up at her. He was oblivious to what was happening around him, as were all innocent young children. Their minds had not been tainted by the world's corruption, but it would happen sooner or later.
Bulma lightly tapped her index finger against his young button nose, earning a tinkling giggle from the little boy.
"Oh Trunks.." She breathed, silently wondering what it would have been like to have Vegeta in their lives.
"Bulma!" A voice broke the tranquil setting, causing a few birds to fly from their comfortable nests.
Bulma rolled her eyes at her son. "Looks like we have company," she muttered. Changing her demeanor, she placed a false yet brilliant smile upon her face. "Yamcha," she said back, happily.
The young man smiled at her in warmth. He had finally found her. Looking around his surroundings, he secretly wondered if this was where she spent most of her time, when she was not busy working and healing the trainee warriors of the Vejita-han school. "What are you doing here?"
Bulma gritted her teeth, her smile faltering a little. "Nothing much, Yamcha." Sighing in irritations, she made a face at Trunks, who giggled in return. Sure, Yamcha was a very sweet young man, but he was driving her completely nuts! She now wished that she had never agreed to his plea to help her.
It wasn't that she didn't like him, it was just that he was so... Whiny! He could also be very annoying at times, not that she minded. Much. She knew that if he didn't back off one day, she was going to explode. Standing up abruptly from the rock she had positioned herself on, she brushed off the excess debris from her kimono. Placing Trunks against her hip she smiled at Yamcha.
"I guess I should be heading back now anyway. Thank you for coming to get me." Before he could reply, she swiftly made her way back to the school area.
Yamcha simply stared at her retreating back. Shaking his head, he wondered if she had multiple personalities. He contemplated on whether he would ever become something more to her than just a friend.
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In the night, Bulma always managed to sneak out of their hut to return to the serene lake. Even though it wasn't very safe to do so, she did. It was night time that she found the most suffocating. It was the time when she had more time to spare on her thoughts, which she needed to part from. Taking her sleeping child out of its baby cot, she quietly walked out of the hut and made her way down to her safe haven. The lake.
Sitting down upon her usual place, she cradled Trunks to her chest and hummed a soothing tune. During her nightly visits, never once did he stir from his peaceful slumber. She looked up at the moonlight and a smile twitched at the corner of her mouth. As the shining stars burned down, causing their reflection in the motionless lake, Bulma couldn't help feel at ease. It was the only time when she truly felt happy, with her son and the memories of the one she had once loved.
Tilting her head, she looked around, feeling the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She only felt this when... "Vegeta?" She whispered out into the darkness.
A voice from behind her spoke. "What the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night, woman?"
Bulma held her breath as she stood up from her seat. Turning around slowly, still cradling Trunks, she let out a gasp as she looked at the form of the man she had thought to be dead. Half of his muscular figure was bathed in the brilliant moon light, whilst the other was completely shrouded in darkness. "Vegeta..." She breathed again.
"Who did you think it was, a ghost?" He asked sarcastically, stepping closer to her. He had been watching her for some while now, well ever since she left the house in the middle of the night. He had ventured upon Wou Dhan and Jade Forest a few hours before. Not wanting to interrupt their sleep, he remained sheltered outside of the huts, that is until he watched Bulma leave the hut, cradling some sort of package. So now he stood, watching as she sat by the lake, strange new feelings drowning him in their sorrow and joy of the woman standing before him. Yes, a woman. No longer the young girl he had left, but a mother and a woman. He looked at the child cradled in her arms.
Bulma stood frozen as he walked up slowly towards her. The words that came from her mouth began to slur and stutter. "H-how? I thought, but you-"
Placing a finger upon her lips, he looked at her features that were bathed in the milky moonlight. "You babble too much woman."
Bulma's mouth snapped shut, pulling away, she looked at him angrily. "Where were you all this time?" She screeched, daring to wake up their young son.
"I will explain everything, once you have explained this," he motioned his hand towards the child.
Bulma frowned and looked down at her sleeping son. "I think it explains everything pretty well already, don't you?" She had been drowning in sorrow for Kami knows how long, and then suddenly he has the gall to turn up! Just who did he think he was?! For all this time, she had been left alone to suffer with thoughts of him, thinking he were dead. And yet, here he stands before her as peachy as the day he left Jade Forest!
"Now, tell me what has been going on!" She demanded.
Vegeta rolled his eyes. This wasn't the welcome he had been hoping for. Women, always the dramatic ones. "Stop behaving so childishly Bulma!" He hissed, growing tired of her attitude. This can't be the same person he had left, could it? Motherhood had changed her dramatically.
Bulma sighed, she caught him eyeing Trunks warily. She made a move to speak, "Vegeta this is our son... Trunks."
The name reverberated in his mind. "That is no name for a warrior!"
"Oh and Vegeta is?" She snapped back. She had worked damn hard to pick out a name for THEIR son and he goes and dogs it?
"Of course Vegeta is a warrior's name!"
She snorted, "Don't think so! Sounds more like a vegetable if you ask me."
Vegeta scowled at her. "We are not calling him Trunks."
"Then what do you want to call him?" She snapped back.
"We shall call him Bejita."
"No way!" She scowled, wasn't Bejita just another way of saying Vegeta?
"It is not up for discussion, woman!" He caught the pained look on her face and decided to admit his defeat. This was one battle he was never going to win. "Fine." He said in annoyance. He forgot how troublesome women could be.
Bulma smiled in triumph. "Now tell me what happened to you." She asked in a much quieter tone.
"Sit," he ordered her. He was about to sort this out once and for all.
Obeying his commanding voice, she sat down cautiously facing him.
And so Vegeta began his story.
*****
"Niko!" Bulma gasped as she gazed into the raging fire that had been previously built by Vegeta.
"Yes. Him." He said, his eyes darkening in anger.
Bulma clutched the tiny form of her baby to her. Her mind reeled at the information. Such an unforgivable act! Vegeta had informed about the war and all its troublesome antics. In the final battle against the Hans, she could not believe the graphic details he described. He had left nothing to imagination, and now she was thoroughly depressed. How could Niko, a trusted student, commit such an act of cowardice.
"He knocked you unconscious?"
A simple nod from Vegeta caused her stomach to knot. Still gripping Trunks, she scrambled over to his side, shivering. "How could he do such a thing?" She whispered.
"Because he is a coward." Vegeta's anger at that moment was unrivaled. But as he gazed down into her shining eyes, some of that anger melted away. Pulling her up into his lap, his voice remained quiet. "I will have my revenge."
"How? He's not back at the school, your father said he must have also died in the war.."
"No, that fool is very much alive. When we next cross paths, I shall show no mercy!"
"Vegeta.." She spoke hesitantly.
"What."
"I know you want your revenge and it is plausible, but must you always answer everything with fighting?"
The question caught him off guard. "It is who I am."
Bulma understood where he was coming from. "How will you find him?"
Vegeta smirked cruelly as he looked into the flames, "I do not have to find him. Once he learns of my survival, he will come to me. A great warrior never chases his enemies. They let their enemies come to them. Be it twenty or thirty years, I will wait."
Bulma nodded mutely and rested her head against his solid chest. The subject of Niko was closed. The anger she felt for him before had drained away and now she was emotionally exhausted. It just felt good to have his arms around her once again.
*****
As the sun began to rise over the hill Jade Forest was situated upon. Bulma sat frozen to the spot. She shivered at the tale that had just been told by Vegeta. Who knew war could be so... Horrific? And he did not leave one ounce of information out, even explained the gritty gory details which Bulma would have gladly skipped, but she asked for it. And boy did she get it.
She looked at the lake, enjoying the show of tiny ripples that graced the surface. What had Vegeta once told her about the lake? That if you died whilst in the lake of Jade Forest, an old ancient legend would become truth. The legend was, that whomever died in the lake, would be reincarnated and reborn. Bulma secretly wondered if that were true. For if it were, she would happily die in the beautiful lake, knowing that she would be reborn. A second chance at life. How wonderful it all seemed. But currently, she was happy with her present life.
Now she sat, curled up in his warm lap with her head resting lightly on his chest that was upright, a faint smile dancing on her lips. Trunks was positioned carefully in her arms, giving the trio a graceful aura around themselves. The raging fire that had previously burned so brightly, faded away with the night, only to let a placid tail of smoke to rise up from its ashes.
Bulma could just imagine how they looked if viewed from another point. After he had told her his story, all was forgotten and forgiven. Even though the slight awkwardness between them was still there, Bulma knew it would fade in time. She didn't know if he loved her, he had never spoken the words to her, but it was enough that he was here, with her and her son.
He had returned, and so that meant surely that he had an ounce of feeling for her. She had forgiven him. He was finally back and nothing would tear them apart.
Nothing.
Vegeta looked down as he held the tiny woman in his arms. Who would have thought that he was a proud and ruthless warrior? Not many people, if the were looking upon this sight. The trio looked positively beautiful as they sat by the lake.
Vegeta looked down at his sleeping son. The knowledge that he had a son was still... Odd, to him. It was not something he could easily accept. But sure enough, deep down he knew that the boy was his son and that he would have to do everything to look after both of them.
As he watched the sun peak out from behind the jade trees, he knew his marriage to Bulma was inevitable. His father would make sure of that. But he just wasn't sure of the commitment that he could give to their union. He was proud, that much is established, and so he would try his best to uphold the union. After all, they did have a son in the picture.
Bulma shifted from her position, and he looked down upon her tiny form. It was such a funny sight to watch. A strong proud warrior, over come by two of the most weakest people he knew. And yet, he knew that no one held more power of him, than them.
He looked deeply into her bright cerulean eyes. She smiled up at him uncertainly. "I guess we better go share the good news with everyone else?" She mumbled, looking away as she felt Trunks shift in her arms. The young boy woke up, gurgling noises coming from his tiny mouth. She smiled at him, he was going to have a father after all.
"Do we have to go back? Can't we just stay run away from all those idiots." He breathed in the lavender scent of her loose hair.
Bulma held back a laugh. He sounded like a little boy. "Vegeta," she scolded.
Vegeta frowned, he secretly guessed that he would have to get used to her ways with him. "Very well." He stood up, picking her with him. Earning a gasp from her, and a squeal from their son. Gently placing her down on the rough soil.
Before he could pull away from her, Bulma gently pressed her lips against his, savouring the taste. "It has been a long time.." She whispered.
Vegeta was surprised that she had initiated the contact. For some reason, he thought that she would not want to engage in any form of close contact with him. "Woman," placing his hand on her shoulders, he pushed her a fraction away.
Bulma looked up into his dark obsidian eyes. A faint blush rose to her cheeks, it did seem to have been a long time since she had touched anyone that way.
Vegeta smirked as he caught the reddening of her cheeks. His brow furrowed momentarily as he looked at the bundle in her arms. "Put the boy down," he said slowly and almost slyly.
Bulma gasped quietly as she caught the hidden meaning in his voice. "I didn't mean.. Now." She spoke in utter embarrassment, turning her face away in shame.
"Afraid someone will catch us?" He teased, knowing full well it would get her riled up.
"NO!" She cried, "I just.. Don't think now is the appropriate time, that's all."
Vegeta held back a chuckle as he trapped her in her flustered mood. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her bowed head. "You are easily aggravated" He stated, as if it were something new to him. Taking the tiny baby from her arms, he gently placed the boy down onto the soft bundle of his satchel. Chibi Trunks yawned, and closed his eyes at the comfortable position he was in.
Vegeta stood up and turned around, still smirking.
Bulma backed away slightly and as he claimed her lips with his, she couldn't help but feel part of their old chemistry spiraling back into her blood, igniting it with all its fervour. Never had she felt so alive! It was as if the sleeping flame within her had once again been given grace to blaze and course through her entire being. She smiled devilishly against his lips in reckoning. As his arms entwined around her waist, she couldn't help but feel at ease once again. All the emotions that weighed down on her suddenly lifted, making her soar upwards as his lips traveled south of her neck, in ardour.
"You asked for it, woman." He mumbled into her neck. Bulma found her voice stagnant in her throat.
She didn't know what the future would bring. All she knew, was that she would be happy. In the arms of the man she had ardently fallen in love with.
Vegeta didn't know when it all began, but he was secretly glad. Even though he knew he could never bring himself to voice his new found revelation, he would be by her side through the good and bad. And now that they had a son to think about, he was gracious towards the Heavens for allowing him to live through the war. For they had been the reason he was with his family at the very moment.
That was the depth of their love.
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A/N: There you have it! Ok, please review and let me know what you thought. Yes I know.. Major OOCness, but hey, it is an A/U...
Read on to find out what happens next. Major twists and turns up ahead for our favourite couple!
The next chapter will be skipped ahead. Ten years have passed.
To The Crazy Cricket: ~grins~ Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to put in the whole 'misunderstanding' cliche. That's just not me... hehe. Expect a twist in upcoming chapters!
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Standing up slowly this time, he looked down at the small old woman.
"How far is Wou Dhan from here?"
He needed to get back to Jade Forest.
He needed to see Bulma.
*****
Shinta stared back at the vivacious young man. "Wou Dhan is not very far from here..." She said slowly.
Vegeta saw her hesitation to speak and pounced on it. Gritting his teeth, he spoke with annoyance, "Exactly how far?"
Shinta shrugged. "About six days of travel."
"Then I shall leave now." He clenched his fist tightly.
The old woman stared back reflectively at his sharp handsome features. "Do you know what a seer is, Vegeta-san?"
Now this was new. Vegeta looked at her for several moments, thinking her question might be a trap. "A seer?" He echoed.
"Yes," gently, she placed a hand upon his shoulder and pushed him gently back down onto the low bed. In his weakened condition, he was in no state to go traveling.
The ever baring frown on Vegeta's face deepened. "Get on with it you old bag!"
Shinta chuckled, "Now, now. It's not nice to call people names."
"Get on with a it." He demanded, becoming increasingly impatient.
A sigh escaped her dry, chapped lips. "Very well." Pulling up a stool next to the bed, she looked at him intently, resting her tired feet. "A seer is a spiritualist that can determine the future, or 'see'. Are you following me so far?"
Vegeta snorted, "I have no time to believe in you idle superstitions!"
"Call it what you want, it is the truth. Now I know you don't believe in it, but you must not return to Wou Dhan in the next eleven years. Terrible tragedies will befall you if you do. Everything happens for a reason, Vegeta-san."
The blood in Vegeta's veins began to slow its flow. Her voice revealed nothing of a hidden lie, or anything of the kind. But she couldn't be telling the truth? Her voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Now, if you do go, there is nothing I can do to stop you. But you have been warned, young warrior. I have done my part." Standing up slowly, she motioned him to lay back. "Think about it. And deliver your answer to me tomorrow."
He watched her shuffle out of the small room. The thumping drum roll in his head would not decease. Why did life have to be so complicated? In defeat, he slumped back into the chair. A seer? His mind still comprehend that she was a seer. Of all the stupid superstitious gabble, she went and pulled that one on him? The woman must have been going senile to believe that. And so Vegeta made his decision, to return to Wou Dhan in the next week. In slow motion, his eyes closed heavily, an aggravated sigh parting from his mouth as he drifted off into the land of dreams.
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Bulma's heart ached.
Not did it just ache, but it was fading slowly. Like the colour of the jade leaves had done in past autumns. Cradling her young child, she smiled delicately at the chubby features that Kami had blessed him with. He looked exactly like his father...
His father. Vegeta.
Another tirade of emotions washed over her. She closed her eyes in hope of depleting them. She missed him with all her heart. She had no idea when her need for him turned into a new found love, but it had and she was powerless to stop it.
Another summer was arriving upon Jade Forest. The leaves that grew on the wise trees of the forest signified the beginning of a new life, not just for her but for everyone in Wou Dhan. Currently, she was sitting by the serene surroundings of the lake that was present in Jade Forest. It was the only place where she had at least a moments worth of piece, and this was where she bonded with her son. The cool summer breeze swirled around them, singing their own lullaby to the timid little boy in Bulma's arms.
It was the beginning of a new chapter. Peace was finally restored to Japan, mercifully. But no one knew how long it would last.
As her eyes grazed over the porcelain skin of her baby boy, she smiled into his crystal blue eyes. Yes, in many ways he did look like Vegeta, had it not been for his colouring. The baby she had prestigiously named Trunks, smiled up at her. He was oblivious to what was happening around him, as were all innocent young children. Their minds had not been tainted by the world's corruption, but it would happen sooner or later.
Bulma lightly tapped her index finger against his young button nose, earning a tinkling giggle from the little boy.
"Oh Trunks.." She breathed, silently wondering what it would have been like to have Vegeta in their lives.
"Bulma!" A voice broke the tranquil setting, causing a few birds to fly from their comfortable nests.
Bulma rolled her eyes at her son. "Looks like we have company," she muttered. Changing her demeanor, she placed a false yet brilliant smile upon her face. "Yamcha," she said back, happily.
The young man smiled at her in warmth. He had finally found her. Looking around his surroundings, he secretly wondered if this was where she spent most of her time, when she was not busy working and healing the trainee warriors of the Vejita-han school. "What are you doing here?"
Bulma gritted her teeth, her smile faltering a little. "Nothing much, Yamcha." Sighing in irritations, she made a face at Trunks, who giggled in return. Sure, Yamcha was a very sweet young man, but he was driving her completely nuts! She now wished that she had never agreed to his plea to help her.
It wasn't that she didn't like him, it was just that he was so... Whiny! He could also be very annoying at times, not that she minded. Much. She knew that if he didn't back off one day, she was going to explode. Standing up abruptly from the rock she had positioned herself on, she brushed off the excess debris from her kimono. Placing Trunks against her hip she smiled at Yamcha.
"I guess I should be heading back now anyway. Thank you for coming to get me." Before he could reply, she swiftly made her way back to the school area.
Yamcha simply stared at her retreating back. Shaking his head, he wondered if she had multiple personalities. He contemplated on whether he would ever become something more to her than just a friend.
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In the night, Bulma always managed to sneak out of their hut to return to the serene lake. Even though it wasn't very safe to do so, she did. It was night time that she found the most suffocating. It was the time when she had more time to spare on her thoughts, which she needed to part from. Taking her sleeping child out of its baby cot, she quietly walked out of the hut and made her way down to her safe haven. The lake.
Sitting down upon her usual place, she cradled Trunks to her chest and hummed a soothing tune. During her nightly visits, never once did he stir from his peaceful slumber. She looked up at the moonlight and a smile twitched at the corner of her mouth. As the shining stars burned down, causing their reflection in the motionless lake, Bulma couldn't help feel at ease. It was the only time when she truly felt happy, with her son and the memories of the one she had once loved.
Tilting her head, she looked around, feeling the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She only felt this when... "Vegeta?" She whispered out into the darkness.
A voice from behind her spoke. "What the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night, woman?"
Bulma held her breath as she stood up from her seat. Turning around slowly, still cradling Trunks, she let out a gasp as she looked at the form of the man she had thought to be dead. Half of his muscular figure was bathed in the brilliant moon light, whilst the other was completely shrouded in darkness. "Vegeta..." She breathed again.
"Who did you think it was, a ghost?" He asked sarcastically, stepping closer to her. He had been watching her for some while now, well ever since she left the house in the middle of the night. He had ventured upon Wou Dhan and Jade Forest a few hours before. Not wanting to interrupt their sleep, he remained sheltered outside of the huts, that is until he watched Bulma leave the hut, cradling some sort of package. So now he stood, watching as she sat by the lake, strange new feelings drowning him in their sorrow and joy of the woman standing before him. Yes, a woman. No longer the young girl he had left, but a mother and a woman. He looked at the child cradled in her arms.
Bulma stood frozen as he walked up slowly towards her. The words that came from her mouth began to slur and stutter. "H-how? I thought, but you-"
Placing a finger upon her lips, he looked at her features that were bathed in the milky moonlight. "You babble too much woman."
Bulma's mouth snapped shut, pulling away, she looked at him angrily. "Where were you all this time?" She screeched, daring to wake up their young son.
"I will explain everything, once you have explained this," he motioned his hand towards the child.
Bulma frowned and looked down at her sleeping son. "I think it explains everything pretty well already, don't you?" She had been drowning in sorrow for Kami knows how long, and then suddenly he has the gall to turn up! Just who did he think he was?! For all this time, she had been left alone to suffer with thoughts of him, thinking he were dead. And yet, here he stands before her as peachy as the day he left Jade Forest!
"Now, tell me what has been going on!" She demanded.
Vegeta rolled his eyes. This wasn't the welcome he had been hoping for. Women, always the dramatic ones. "Stop behaving so childishly Bulma!" He hissed, growing tired of her attitude. This can't be the same person he had left, could it? Motherhood had changed her dramatically.
Bulma sighed, she caught him eyeing Trunks warily. She made a move to speak, "Vegeta this is our son... Trunks."
The name reverberated in his mind. "That is no name for a warrior!"
"Oh and Vegeta is?" She snapped back. She had worked damn hard to pick out a name for THEIR son and he goes and dogs it?
"Of course Vegeta is a warrior's name!"
She snorted, "Don't think so! Sounds more like a vegetable if you ask me."
Vegeta scowled at her. "We are not calling him Trunks."
"Then what do you want to call him?" She snapped back.
"We shall call him Bejita."
"No way!" She scowled, wasn't Bejita just another way of saying Vegeta?
"It is not up for discussion, woman!" He caught the pained look on her face and decided to admit his defeat. This was one battle he was never going to win. "Fine." He said in annoyance. He forgot how troublesome women could be.
Bulma smiled in triumph. "Now tell me what happened to you." She asked in a much quieter tone.
"Sit," he ordered her. He was about to sort this out once and for all.
Obeying his commanding voice, she sat down cautiously facing him.
And so Vegeta began his story.
*****
"Niko!" Bulma gasped as she gazed into the raging fire that had been previously built by Vegeta.
"Yes. Him." He said, his eyes darkening in anger.
Bulma clutched the tiny form of her baby to her. Her mind reeled at the information. Such an unforgivable act! Vegeta had informed about the war and all its troublesome antics. In the final battle against the Hans, she could not believe the graphic details he described. He had left nothing to imagination, and now she was thoroughly depressed. How could Niko, a trusted student, commit such an act of cowardice.
"He knocked you unconscious?"
A simple nod from Vegeta caused her stomach to knot. Still gripping Trunks, she scrambled over to his side, shivering. "How could he do such a thing?" She whispered.
"Because he is a coward." Vegeta's anger at that moment was unrivaled. But as he gazed down into her shining eyes, some of that anger melted away. Pulling her up into his lap, his voice remained quiet. "I will have my revenge."
"How? He's not back at the school, your father said he must have also died in the war.."
"No, that fool is very much alive. When we next cross paths, I shall show no mercy!"
"Vegeta.." She spoke hesitantly.
"What."
"I know you want your revenge and it is plausible, but must you always answer everything with fighting?"
The question caught him off guard. "It is who I am."
Bulma understood where he was coming from. "How will you find him?"
Vegeta smirked cruelly as he looked into the flames, "I do not have to find him. Once he learns of my survival, he will come to me. A great warrior never chases his enemies. They let their enemies come to them. Be it twenty or thirty years, I will wait."
Bulma nodded mutely and rested her head against his solid chest. The subject of Niko was closed. The anger she felt for him before had drained away and now she was emotionally exhausted. It just felt good to have his arms around her once again.
*****
As the sun began to rise over the hill Jade Forest was situated upon. Bulma sat frozen to the spot. She shivered at the tale that had just been told by Vegeta. Who knew war could be so... Horrific? And he did not leave one ounce of information out, even explained the gritty gory details which Bulma would have gladly skipped, but she asked for it. And boy did she get it.
She looked at the lake, enjoying the show of tiny ripples that graced the surface. What had Vegeta once told her about the lake? That if you died whilst in the lake of Jade Forest, an old ancient legend would become truth. The legend was, that whomever died in the lake, would be reincarnated and reborn. Bulma secretly wondered if that were true. For if it were, she would happily die in the beautiful lake, knowing that she would be reborn. A second chance at life. How wonderful it all seemed. But currently, she was happy with her present life.
Now she sat, curled up in his warm lap with her head resting lightly on his chest that was upright, a faint smile dancing on her lips. Trunks was positioned carefully in her arms, giving the trio a graceful aura around themselves. The raging fire that had previously burned so brightly, faded away with the night, only to let a placid tail of smoke to rise up from its ashes.
Bulma could just imagine how they looked if viewed from another point. After he had told her his story, all was forgotten and forgiven. Even though the slight awkwardness between them was still there, Bulma knew it would fade in time. She didn't know if he loved her, he had never spoken the words to her, but it was enough that he was here, with her and her son.
He had returned, and so that meant surely that he had an ounce of feeling for her. She had forgiven him. He was finally back and nothing would tear them apart.
Nothing.
Vegeta looked down as he held the tiny woman in his arms. Who would have thought that he was a proud and ruthless warrior? Not many people, if the were looking upon this sight. The trio looked positively beautiful as they sat by the lake.
Vegeta looked down at his sleeping son. The knowledge that he had a son was still... Odd, to him. It was not something he could easily accept. But sure enough, deep down he knew that the boy was his son and that he would have to do everything to look after both of them.
As he watched the sun peak out from behind the jade trees, he knew his marriage to Bulma was inevitable. His father would make sure of that. But he just wasn't sure of the commitment that he could give to their union. He was proud, that much is established, and so he would try his best to uphold the union. After all, they did have a son in the picture.
Bulma shifted from her position, and he looked down upon her tiny form. It was such a funny sight to watch. A strong proud warrior, over come by two of the most weakest people he knew. And yet, he knew that no one held more power of him, than them.
He looked deeply into her bright cerulean eyes. She smiled up at him uncertainly. "I guess we better go share the good news with everyone else?" She mumbled, looking away as she felt Trunks shift in her arms. The young boy woke up, gurgling noises coming from his tiny mouth. She smiled at him, he was going to have a father after all.
"Do we have to go back? Can't we just stay run away from all those idiots." He breathed in the lavender scent of her loose hair.
Bulma held back a laugh. He sounded like a little boy. "Vegeta," she scolded.
Vegeta frowned, he secretly guessed that he would have to get used to her ways with him. "Very well." He stood up, picking her with him. Earning a gasp from her, and a squeal from their son. Gently placing her down on the rough soil.
Before he could pull away from her, Bulma gently pressed her lips against his, savouring the taste. "It has been a long time.." She whispered.
Vegeta was surprised that she had initiated the contact. For some reason, he thought that she would not want to engage in any form of close contact with him. "Woman," placing his hand on her shoulders, he pushed her a fraction away.
Bulma looked up into his dark obsidian eyes. A faint blush rose to her cheeks, it did seem to have been a long time since she had touched anyone that way.
Vegeta smirked as he caught the reddening of her cheeks. His brow furrowed momentarily as he looked at the bundle in her arms. "Put the boy down," he said slowly and almost slyly.
Bulma gasped quietly as she caught the hidden meaning in his voice. "I didn't mean.. Now." She spoke in utter embarrassment, turning her face away in shame.
"Afraid someone will catch us?" He teased, knowing full well it would get her riled up.
"NO!" She cried, "I just.. Don't think now is the appropriate time, that's all."
Vegeta held back a chuckle as he trapped her in her flustered mood. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her bowed head. "You are easily aggravated" He stated, as if it were something new to him. Taking the tiny baby from her arms, he gently placed the boy down onto the soft bundle of his satchel. Chibi Trunks yawned, and closed his eyes at the comfortable position he was in.
Vegeta stood up and turned around, still smirking.
Bulma backed away slightly and as he claimed her lips with his, she couldn't help but feel part of their old chemistry spiraling back into her blood, igniting it with all its fervour. Never had she felt so alive! It was as if the sleeping flame within her had once again been given grace to blaze and course through her entire being. She smiled devilishly against his lips in reckoning. As his arms entwined around her waist, she couldn't help but feel at ease once again. All the emotions that weighed down on her suddenly lifted, making her soar upwards as his lips traveled south of her neck, in ardour.
"You asked for it, woman." He mumbled into her neck. Bulma found her voice stagnant in her throat.
She didn't know what the future would bring. All she knew, was that she would be happy. In the arms of the man she had ardently fallen in love with.
Vegeta didn't know when it all began, but he was secretly glad. Even though he knew he could never bring himself to voice his new found revelation, he would be by her side through the good and bad. And now that they had a son to think about, he was gracious towards the Heavens for allowing him to live through the war. For they had been the reason he was with his family at the very moment.
That was the depth of their love.
***************************************************************
A/N: There you have it! Ok, please review and let me know what you thought. Yes I know.. Major OOCness, but hey, it is an A/U...
Read on to find out what happens next. Major twists and turns up ahead for our favourite couple!
The next chapter will be skipped ahead. Ten years have passed.