Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z or Sailor moon.
Surrender Sweet Prince: Chapter One
Serena's eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly at the bright sunlight that filtered through the tree leaves above her. Where was she? She lifted her arm and pushed the sleeve of her jacket down to consult her wrist watch on the time. Eleven thirty. She hadn't slept that late in a long time.
Rolling over, she pushed herself up and brushed at the leaves and dirt that clung stubbornly to her jeans. "I wonder where I am?" She thought out loud, looking around. Tree's surrounded her but she could hear the faint sounds of city traffic.
"Welcome to Satan City Princess."
Serena whirled around and smiled. "Pluto!"
"Hello Serena." The older woman said softly, embracing the small blonde.
"So where am I now?"
"You are in Satan City. It is in an entirely different dimension so things will be a little bit different here." She raised her staff, clearing a path through the dense forest and lead Serena through it until a large city came into view. "Here, Princess is where your destiny awaits."
Serena regarded her friend skeptically. "You know something, don't you?"
Pluto smiled serenely. "All in good time Princess." She stepped back and a time portal opened behind her. "I must leave you now."
"Wait! Before you go." Serena reached down into the side pocket of her bag and pulled out her letter. She held it out to Pluto. "Here. Make sure the Inners get this. There's one for Luna and Artimus in there too." She handed them over, tears forming in her eyes. "Um.tell Amara and Michelle that I love them and.tell Rini." Serena paused to draw a shuddering breath. "Tell her mommy's proud of her and one day I'll be back."
"Tell her yourself."
Serena looked up in shock as her daughter stepped out of the time portal. Wide eyes regarded her and Serena felt her resolve crumble. What if she was doing the wrong thing? No, Pluto had said her destiny was here. The Sailor Scout of Time did not lie about these things. Serena knelt and opened her arms to her daughter, allowing the pink haired child to fly into them and collapse against her.
"Mommy." Rini cried, wrapping her arms painfully around Serena.
"Hush darling, everything will be okay. I will come back for you Rini. I promise." She whispered her vow in Rini's ear, holding her close. "You make me so proud Rini. Be strong. Be strong for me, okay?"
Rini continued to sob, but nodded.
"That's my girl." Serena whispered.
Rini finally stopped crying and stared up at Serena with solemn eyes. "I know what Darien did. I don't want him to be my daddy anymore."
"He's not your daddy." Serena stated with conviction. She was surprised at how right the words felt to say. Something inside her screamed that it was the truth. Darien wasn't Rini's father! Serena glanced up into Pluto's knowing eyes.
"All in good time." The Scout mouthed.
Serena nodded and turned her attention back to her daughter.
"When are you coming back?" the child asked.
"I'm not sure Rini."
"Well, I hope you find what you're looking for soon so I can have you back, meat-ball-head."
Serena laughed. "I hope so too. You stay with Pluto, Amara and Michelle. They'll know how to find me. And don't speak to the others of this, okay?"
Rini nodded. "I promise."
"Come small lady. We must go now." Pluto called.
The child clung to Serena once more. "I'll miss you mommy."
Serena could not stop the tears from flowing even if she wanted to. "I'll miss you too, my little angel. Take care of Luna, okay?"
Rini pulled back and smiled through her tears. "I will. Hey!" The girl stepped back and perched her little fists on her hips, tilting her head slightly. "I just realized something. I can't call you meat-ball-head anymore!"
Serena raised a self-conscious hand to her severed locks. "I suppose you can't. Do they look okay?"
"I like it. It's really pretty."
Serena smiled. "Thank you." She tried to keep her chin from trembling, as well as her hands, as she handed her daughter over to Pluto. "Okay kido. You take care. Listen to the Outers. And don't get into too much trouble."
Rini and Pluto both waved good-bye and the time portal closed around them. Serena squared her shoulders, refusing to give into the urge to cry. She was a born ruler. She had to be strong, like she had told Rini to do. But how many rulers said good-bye to their daughters not ever when they would ever see them again, and were cheerful about it? Her shoulders slumped and her body shook with silent sobs. "Oh Rini." She wished things could be different but in her hear she knew that this is what needed to be done. The Inners would survive without her. She would find her destiny and then she would bring Rini home.
Reverently, Serena collected herself. Checking that she had her wallet, she started off in the direction of the large city. Her destiny awaited her there, some where in that city.along with, hopefully, a good restaurant. With those thoughts in mind, Serena quickened her pace.
She had found a cute little restaurant on a corner. The kind with the red-checkered drapes that served any calorie infested meal you could think of. Serena sat in a small both in the corner with a window facing the busy street and had a paper laid out in front of her, two empty plates sitting off to the right.
She scanned the help wanted section, having already decided during her long walk into the city that a job was essential in her new life; although, to her dismay there weren't many to choose from. Many housekeeping positions with room and board were available but Serena wasn't much on cleaning. There were no nanny jobs with room and board. She was about to give up when a discreet ad in the far bottom corner caught her eye.
"Wanted; Energetic young woman to be personal assistant. Must me friendly,
Good with people and fearless. Room and board provided. Apply in person."
Serena looked over the ad again. It was definitely strange, but it was also something she couldn't pass up. She checked the address and having no clue where Capsule Corporation was, left a nice sized tip on the table and went to ask the waitress at the counter for directions. The waitress had advised her to take a cab most of the way and then follow her instructions from there, so she did and thirty minutes later was standing on a walkway leading up to a large dome shape building with Capsule Corp. painted across it in large blue letters.
Serena pulled the ad from her back pocket and read through it one more time to help boost her confidence. How was she supposed to go about doing this anyway? She had never even thought about getting a job let alone actually having one before. She had been way too busy with school, Scout business, and Darien. Darien. Just the thought of him put a bitter taste in her mouth. She crumpled up the ad in her hand. She would get this job and if the Inners ever found her she would make sure they knew just how much their "klutz Princess" could do on her own.
Determination moved her forward until she was standing in front of the door with her hand poised to knock.
SMASH!!!
The sound of shattering glass broke the silence of the calm afternoon. Serena snatched her hand back as if she had been burned and stepped back. The front door flew open and an incredibly angry looking boy ran out and plowed into Serena, taking them both down.
"Shit.I'm sorry miss. I didn't really see you there." The lavender haired boy said, getting to his feet and holding out a hand for Serena.
"Oh, that's okay. No harm done." Serena brushed aside his apology and graced him with a kind smile. "Is ahh.everything okay in there?" she asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
The boy rubbed the back of his head and blushed. Serena figured he was around Sammie's age. His lavender hair hung over beautiful clear blue eyes that held a certain amount of cynicism that made the boy look much older then he was. 'You know.if he was just a little bit older.' Serena thought to herself then laughed softly.
"My parents aren't really getting along." The boy said, bringing Serena's attention back to the present. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Actually, do you know anything about the job opening?"
The boy nodded.
"Well, I'm here to apply. My name is Serena."
"Hi Serena. I'm Trunks." They shook hands, smiling warmly at each other. "My mom's probably the one you want to talk to. Come on in. I'll take you to her."
Serena started to follow Trunks inside but ended up coming to a dead stop after less then three steps. Somewhere, very close, a Ki signature was raising drastically. It was so intense and unlike any energy that Serena had felt before. This power called out to her with a pull so alluring that she was tempted to go to it. It swept through her body, leaving a fiery trail of yearning in its path. Then it was gone, leaving Serena feeling feverish and achingly empty.
"Serena.are you okay?"
Serena's gaze snapped down to Trunks. "What? Oh, yes. I'm fine." She reassured him. "I'm a little nervous, that's all."
Trunks studied her, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay." he said at length. "It's this way."
Again Serena started following Trunks inside. While walking through the massive house, she was constantly on her guard. She didn't let it down until Trunks lead her through a set of doors that closed immediately behind them with a metallic clank.
"Trunks.honey? Is that you?" A woman's voice called out from underneath what appeared to be a large yellow aircraft.
"Yeah, it's me." Trunks said.
The woman rolled out from underneath the machine revealing a friendly face, blue eyes, and short teal-colored hair covered by a backwards hat. "Good. Because if it was your father I was going to tell him to go straight to hell-o dear!" the woman amended quickly upon seeing Serena.
"Hi." Serena replied cheerfully.
"This is Serena. She's here for the job." Trunks said.
The woman's eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh damn. I'm a complete mess. Tell you what," she stood up and put an arm around Serena's shoulders, pulling her back out the doors she had just come in and out into the hallway. Trunks followed slowly behind. "I'm going to put you in the office while I go and freshen up. Just sit tight and make yourself at home. I wont be long. There's hot water on the counter, tea in the cupboard and magazines on the table. Be back in a bit!"
Serena tried to keep her mouth from dropping open. This woman could give Mina a run for her money.
"Mom, can I go over to Gotens?" Trunks asked.
"Sure hun. Have fun, drive Chi Chi nuts. Oh, I'm Bulma, by the way. Be back in a bit."
And with that they were gone leaving Serena alone with her amusement. "That was strange." She muttered. She walked to the cupboard and took out two mugs and a jar of tealeaves that smelled deliciously of mind and oranges.
While she poured steaming water into the two mugs she thought of Bulma and Trunks. They reminded her so much of Mina and Sammy. Bulma with her talking and Trunks with his short attention span. She adored them already. But what was the father like?
Suddenly feeling as if someone was watching her Serena turned around. There was nothing there. Funny, for a brief second she had felt that same sensual energy again. With a shrug she went back to making tea. She was placing one of the mugs on the desktop for Bulma when the phone rang. Serena stared at it momentarily. "Ah, what the hell. No one else is here to answer it."
Reaching over, she picked up the phone. "Capsule Corporation, how may I help you?"
There was a pause on the other line, then a sputtering male voice replied. "Hi.ahh.is Bulma there?"
"She's upstairs right now. Can I take a message?"
"Who is this?"
Serena smiled. "This is Serena Tsukino. I'm applying for the job as personal assistant. How am I doing?"
The man on the other end laughed. "You're doing great. Hey, I don't suppose you would know where Trunks is would you?"
"He left for Goten's house about five minutes ago."
"Really? Good. That's all I wanted to know. I'm Goku, Goten's dad. All the boys are over here tra.uhh playing. So I just wanted to call and check to see if Trunks was coming. But it was nice talking to you Serena. Good luck on your interview."
"Thanks. It was nice talking to you too, Goku."
She hung up and Bulma walked in. "Was someone on the phone?" she asked.
"Yeah. I hope you don't mind. I didn't think anybody was going to answer. It was Goku asking if Trunks was home."
"Thanks for taking care of that. Is this for me?" She gestured towards the mug and Serena nodded, taking one of the seats that faced the desk.
Bulma leaned against the desk and sipped at her tea. "Mmm. This is just perfect. Thanks a ton. So, what is your name?"
Serena stood up and held out her hand to shake Bulma's and smiled. "My name is Serena Tsukino. I'm kind of new in town. I almost didn't see your ad in the paper and thought I should try my luck."
Bulma laughed. "Yeah, it's kind of small, huh. Well, Serena, welcome to Capsule Corp. My name's Bulma Briefs. You've met my son of course, bundle of joy that he is. He's getting to that impossible age." She sighed dramatically and Serena chuckled.
"Oh, I know what you mean. My brothers about his age."
"You poor thing. I promise you wont have to put up with him that much."
"Oh no, that's okay." Serena protested. "I love kids really. I was just.wait." She looked up at Bulma in surprise. "I got the job?"
"Of course you did! I can tell right now that you're perfect for it." Bulma exclaimed. She sat in the seat next to Serena. "I would love to have you work with me. There are a few things that are a bit out of the ordinary, but you don't look like you scare easily. Trunks' father is a little.mmm.eccentric."
Serena nodded. "You're husband."
Bulma balked at the statement. "Oh god no. We tried that. Didn't work. He doesn't have a home anymore so he stays here. He's a good man. He's just not my type. So, want to see where you'll be staying?" she asked cheerfully.
With a quick tour of the house from the kitchen to the weight room and everything in-between, Serena was quickly settled into her own room. It was like a furnished one bedroom apartment. By the time Bulma had left her with promises of shopping in the morning, Serena couldn't believe her luck. She walked around her apartment style room. There was a small kitchen, bathroom, living room and a separate spacious bedroom with glass patio doors leading outside. The colors were muted, making the rooms feel cozy and inviting. It was absolutely perfect.
After unpacking what little belongings she had, Serena stepped outside, her bare feet padding softly across the wooden patio. The sun was setting, casting its rich hues out upon the city. Serena watched with tears in her eyes. She had a new home, new friends, however she had never felt so lonely. Her heart broke further with every inch the sun sank. "Damn it." She whispered, whipping hastily at the few stray tears that drifted down her face. She cried for her Inners. They may have had little trust in her but they were still her friends. She cried for Pluto and Amara and Michelle. They had been her mentors, her support through the past few years. But most of all she cried for Rini. Her lovely daughter that she would not see again for a very long time.
It was in the middle of her crying that she felt the strange energy from earlier that day pass through her, filling her with a warmth she had never known until now. The tears stopped and she sighed softly. It was somewhere near by. Where though? Opening her eyes Serena slowly turned around, feeling the power out. Her eyes drifted across the yard, searching. Where was it coming from? Lifting her gaze, Serena finally found the source and gasped.
Standing on a balcony, with his arms crossed arrogantly over his muscular chest, was one of the most gorgeous men she had ever laid eyes on. The energy inside her increased, making her feel as if her skin was burning. She tried to tear her gaze from the man but found it impossible. All she was capable of doing was drinking in the very sight of him. He had black, spiky hair, incredibly defined muscles, all outlined by the tight fitting clothes he wore. Blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a deep red vest. He was perfection.and he was staring right at her.
Surrender Sweet Prince: Chapter One
Serena's eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly at the bright sunlight that filtered through the tree leaves above her. Where was she? She lifted her arm and pushed the sleeve of her jacket down to consult her wrist watch on the time. Eleven thirty. She hadn't slept that late in a long time.
Rolling over, she pushed herself up and brushed at the leaves and dirt that clung stubbornly to her jeans. "I wonder where I am?" She thought out loud, looking around. Tree's surrounded her but she could hear the faint sounds of city traffic.
"Welcome to Satan City Princess."
Serena whirled around and smiled. "Pluto!"
"Hello Serena." The older woman said softly, embracing the small blonde.
"So where am I now?"
"You are in Satan City. It is in an entirely different dimension so things will be a little bit different here." She raised her staff, clearing a path through the dense forest and lead Serena through it until a large city came into view. "Here, Princess is where your destiny awaits."
Serena regarded her friend skeptically. "You know something, don't you?"
Pluto smiled serenely. "All in good time Princess." She stepped back and a time portal opened behind her. "I must leave you now."
"Wait! Before you go." Serena reached down into the side pocket of her bag and pulled out her letter. She held it out to Pluto. "Here. Make sure the Inners get this. There's one for Luna and Artimus in there too." She handed them over, tears forming in her eyes. "Um.tell Amara and Michelle that I love them and.tell Rini." Serena paused to draw a shuddering breath. "Tell her mommy's proud of her and one day I'll be back."
"Tell her yourself."
Serena looked up in shock as her daughter stepped out of the time portal. Wide eyes regarded her and Serena felt her resolve crumble. What if she was doing the wrong thing? No, Pluto had said her destiny was here. The Sailor Scout of Time did not lie about these things. Serena knelt and opened her arms to her daughter, allowing the pink haired child to fly into them and collapse against her.
"Mommy." Rini cried, wrapping her arms painfully around Serena.
"Hush darling, everything will be okay. I will come back for you Rini. I promise." She whispered her vow in Rini's ear, holding her close. "You make me so proud Rini. Be strong. Be strong for me, okay?"
Rini continued to sob, but nodded.
"That's my girl." Serena whispered.
Rini finally stopped crying and stared up at Serena with solemn eyes. "I know what Darien did. I don't want him to be my daddy anymore."
"He's not your daddy." Serena stated with conviction. She was surprised at how right the words felt to say. Something inside her screamed that it was the truth. Darien wasn't Rini's father! Serena glanced up into Pluto's knowing eyes.
"All in good time." The Scout mouthed.
Serena nodded and turned her attention back to her daughter.
"When are you coming back?" the child asked.
"I'm not sure Rini."
"Well, I hope you find what you're looking for soon so I can have you back, meat-ball-head."
Serena laughed. "I hope so too. You stay with Pluto, Amara and Michelle. They'll know how to find me. And don't speak to the others of this, okay?"
Rini nodded. "I promise."
"Come small lady. We must go now." Pluto called.
The child clung to Serena once more. "I'll miss you mommy."
Serena could not stop the tears from flowing even if she wanted to. "I'll miss you too, my little angel. Take care of Luna, okay?"
Rini pulled back and smiled through her tears. "I will. Hey!" The girl stepped back and perched her little fists on her hips, tilting her head slightly. "I just realized something. I can't call you meat-ball-head anymore!"
Serena raised a self-conscious hand to her severed locks. "I suppose you can't. Do they look okay?"
"I like it. It's really pretty."
Serena smiled. "Thank you." She tried to keep her chin from trembling, as well as her hands, as she handed her daughter over to Pluto. "Okay kido. You take care. Listen to the Outers. And don't get into too much trouble."
Rini and Pluto both waved good-bye and the time portal closed around them. Serena squared her shoulders, refusing to give into the urge to cry. She was a born ruler. She had to be strong, like she had told Rini to do. But how many rulers said good-bye to their daughters not ever when they would ever see them again, and were cheerful about it? Her shoulders slumped and her body shook with silent sobs. "Oh Rini." She wished things could be different but in her hear she knew that this is what needed to be done. The Inners would survive without her. She would find her destiny and then she would bring Rini home.
Reverently, Serena collected herself. Checking that she had her wallet, she started off in the direction of the large city. Her destiny awaited her there, some where in that city.along with, hopefully, a good restaurant. With those thoughts in mind, Serena quickened her pace.
She had found a cute little restaurant on a corner. The kind with the red-checkered drapes that served any calorie infested meal you could think of. Serena sat in a small both in the corner with a window facing the busy street and had a paper laid out in front of her, two empty plates sitting off to the right.
She scanned the help wanted section, having already decided during her long walk into the city that a job was essential in her new life; although, to her dismay there weren't many to choose from. Many housekeeping positions with room and board were available but Serena wasn't much on cleaning. There were no nanny jobs with room and board. She was about to give up when a discreet ad in the far bottom corner caught her eye.
"Wanted; Energetic young woman to be personal assistant. Must me friendly,
Good with people and fearless. Room and board provided. Apply in person."
Serena looked over the ad again. It was definitely strange, but it was also something she couldn't pass up. She checked the address and having no clue where Capsule Corporation was, left a nice sized tip on the table and went to ask the waitress at the counter for directions. The waitress had advised her to take a cab most of the way and then follow her instructions from there, so she did and thirty minutes later was standing on a walkway leading up to a large dome shape building with Capsule Corp. painted across it in large blue letters.
Serena pulled the ad from her back pocket and read through it one more time to help boost her confidence. How was she supposed to go about doing this anyway? She had never even thought about getting a job let alone actually having one before. She had been way too busy with school, Scout business, and Darien. Darien. Just the thought of him put a bitter taste in her mouth. She crumpled up the ad in her hand. She would get this job and if the Inners ever found her she would make sure they knew just how much their "klutz Princess" could do on her own.
Determination moved her forward until she was standing in front of the door with her hand poised to knock.
SMASH!!!
The sound of shattering glass broke the silence of the calm afternoon. Serena snatched her hand back as if she had been burned and stepped back. The front door flew open and an incredibly angry looking boy ran out and plowed into Serena, taking them both down.
"Shit.I'm sorry miss. I didn't really see you there." The lavender haired boy said, getting to his feet and holding out a hand for Serena.
"Oh, that's okay. No harm done." Serena brushed aside his apology and graced him with a kind smile. "Is ahh.everything okay in there?" she asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
The boy rubbed the back of his head and blushed. Serena figured he was around Sammie's age. His lavender hair hung over beautiful clear blue eyes that held a certain amount of cynicism that made the boy look much older then he was. 'You know.if he was just a little bit older.' Serena thought to herself then laughed softly.
"My parents aren't really getting along." The boy said, bringing Serena's attention back to the present. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Actually, do you know anything about the job opening?"
The boy nodded.
"Well, I'm here to apply. My name is Serena."
"Hi Serena. I'm Trunks." They shook hands, smiling warmly at each other. "My mom's probably the one you want to talk to. Come on in. I'll take you to her."
Serena started to follow Trunks inside but ended up coming to a dead stop after less then three steps. Somewhere, very close, a Ki signature was raising drastically. It was so intense and unlike any energy that Serena had felt before. This power called out to her with a pull so alluring that she was tempted to go to it. It swept through her body, leaving a fiery trail of yearning in its path. Then it was gone, leaving Serena feeling feverish and achingly empty.
"Serena.are you okay?"
Serena's gaze snapped down to Trunks. "What? Oh, yes. I'm fine." She reassured him. "I'm a little nervous, that's all."
Trunks studied her, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay." he said at length. "It's this way."
Again Serena started following Trunks inside. While walking through the massive house, she was constantly on her guard. She didn't let it down until Trunks lead her through a set of doors that closed immediately behind them with a metallic clank.
"Trunks.honey? Is that you?" A woman's voice called out from underneath what appeared to be a large yellow aircraft.
"Yeah, it's me." Trunks said.
The woman rolled out from underneath the machine revealing a friendly face, blue eyes, and short teal-colored hair covered by a backwards hat. "Good. Because if it was your father I was going to tell him to go straight to hell-o dear!" the woman amended quickly upon seeing Serena.
"Hi." Serena replied cheerfully.
"This is Serena. She's here for the job." Trunks said.
The woman's eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh damn. I'm a complete mess. Tell you what," she stood up and put an arm around Serena's shoulders, pulling her back out the doors she had just come in and out into the hallway. Trunks followed slowly behind. "I'm going to put you in the office while I go and freshen up. Just sit tight and make yourself at home. I wont be long. There's hot water on the counter, tea in the cupboard and magazines on the table. Be back in a bit!"
Serena tried to keep her mouth from dropping open. This woman could give Mina a run for her money.
"Mom, can I go over to Gotens?" Trunks asked.
"Sure hun. Have fun, drive Chi Chi nuts. Oh, I'm Bulma, by the way. Be back in a bit."
And with that they were gone leaving Serena alone with her amusement. "That was strange." She muttered. She walked to the cupboard and took out two mugs and a jar of tealeaves that smelled deliciously of mind and oranges.
While she poured steaming water into the two mugs she thought of Bulma and Trunks. They reminded her so much of Mina and Sammy. Bulma with her talking and Trunks with his short attention span. She adored them already. But what was the father like?
Suddenly feeling as if someone was watching her Serena turned around. There was nothing there. Funny, for a brief second she had felt that same sensual energy again. With a shrug she went back to making tea. She was placing one of the mugs on the desktop for Bulma when the phone rang. Serena stared at it momentarily. "Ah, what the hell. No one else is here to answer it."
Reaching over, she picked up the phone. "Capsule Corporation, how may I help you?"
There was a pause on the other line, then a sputtering male voice replied. "Hi.ahh.is Bulma there?"
"She's upstairs right now. Can I take a message?"
"Who is this?"
Serena smiled. "This is Serena Tsukino. I'm applying for the job as personal assistant. How am I doing?"
The man on the other end laughed. "You're doing great. Hey, I don't suppose you would know where Trunks is would you?"
"He left for Goten's house about five minutes ago."
"Really? Good. That's all I wanted to know. I'm Goku, Goten's dad. All the boys are over here tra.uhh playing. So I just wanted to call and check to see if Trunks was coming. But it was nice talking to you Serena. Good luck on your interview."
"Thanks. It was nice talking to you too, Goku."
She hung up and Bulma walked in. "Was someone on the phone?" she asked.
"Yeah. I hope you don't mind. I didn't think anybody was going to answer. It was Goku asking if Trunks was home."
"Thanks for taking care of that. Is this for me?" She gestured towards the mug and Serena nodded, taking one of the seats that faced the desk.
Bulma leaned against the desk and sipped at her tea. "Mmm. This is just perfect. Thanks a ton. So, what is your name?"
Serena stood up and held out her hand to shake Bulma's and smiled. "My name is Serena Tsukino. I'm kind of new in town. I almost didn't see your ad in the paper and thought I should try my luck."
Bulma laughed. "Yeah, it's kind of small, huh. Well, Serena, welcome to Capsule Corp. My name's Bulma Briefs. You've met my son of course, bundle of joy that he is. He's getting to that impossible age." She sighed dramatically and Serena chuckled.
"Oh, I know what you mean. My brothers about his age."
"You poor thing. I promise you wont have to put up with him that much."
"Oh no, that's okay." Serena protested. "I love kids really. I was just.wait." She looked up at Bulma in surprise. "I got the job?"
"Of course you did! I can tell right now that you're perfect for it." Bulma exclaimed. She sat in the seat next to Serena. "I would love to have you work with me. There are a few things that are a bit out of the ordinary, but you don't look like you scare easily. Trunks' father is a little.mmm.eccentric."
Serena nodded. "You're husband."
Bulma balked at the statement. "Oh god no. We tried that. Didn't work. He doesn't have a home anymore so he stays here. He's a good man. He's just not my type. So, want to see where you'll be staying?" she asked cheerfully.
With a quick tour of the house from the kitchen to the weight room and everything in-between, Serena was quickly settled into her own room. It was like a furnished one bedroom apartment. By the time Bulma had left her with promises of shopping in the morning, Serena couldn't believe her luck. She walked around her apartment style room. There was a small kitchen, bathroom, living room and a separate spacious bedroom with glass patio doors leading outside. The colors were muted, making the rooms feel cozy and inviting. It was absolutely perfect.
After unpacking what little belongings she had, Serena stepped outside, her bare feet padding softly across the wooden patio. The sun was setting, casting its rich hues out upon the city. Serena watched with tears in her eyes. She had a new home, new friends, however she had never felt so lonely. Her heart broke further with every inch the sun sank. "Damn it." She whispered, whipping hastily at the few stray tears that drifted down her face. She cried for her Inners. They may have had little trust in her but they were still her friends. She cried for Pluto and Amara and Michelle. They had been her mentors, her support through the past few years. But most of all she cried for Rini. Her lovely daughter that she would not see again for a very long time.
It was in the middle of her crying that she felt the strange energy from earlier that day pass through her, filling her with a warmth she had never known until now. The tears stopped and she sighed softly. It was somewhere near by. Where though? Opening her eyes Serena slowly turned around, feeling the power out. Her eyes drifted across the yard, searching. Where was it coming from? Lifting her gaze, Serena finally found the source and gasped.
Standing on a balcony, with his arms crossed arrogantly over his muscular chest, was one of the most gorgeous men she had ever laid eyes on. The energy inside her increased, making her feel as if her skin was burning. She tried to tear her gaze from the man but found it impossible. All she was capable of doing was drinking in the very sight of him. He had black, spiky hair, incredibly defined muscles, all outlined by the tight fitting clothes he wore. Blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a deep red vest. He was perfection.and he was staring right at her.