Gomen, gomen. I know it's been awhile, please forgive me. The school
year is winding down and everything is topsy-turvy. There's no guarantee
these things will get out with any semblance of regularity. Please be
patient with me.
Chapter 16
Everyone watched Vegeta closely for his reaction after hearing the explanation for the return of the Saiyan race. The prince's hard, coal black eyes stared without seeing at the air in front of him.
"They're all back?" Goku asked, not in shock. "Wow, that's so weird! To think that by us making that wish..."
"You made the wish Kakarott?" Bardok asked.
"Huh? No, I was busy fighting Frieza when the wish was made. Dende did it-any wish on the Namekian dragon has to be in the Namekian language anyway." A wide smile broke out on his face. "Wow! This is really wild!"
"If Vegetasei is back, then that means my father..."
"Yes, my prince." Esparrago answered. "His highness, the king is alive as well. We all assumed, however, that you too had been killed while on Earth."
Vegeta snorted and was about to make a rude retort when Goku decided to answer for him. "Oh, I wouldn't kill Vegeta." He said cheerfully. "We're friends!"
"We are not, Kakarott!"
"Wha? What do you mean? Sure we are!"
"Why in hell would I choose to be friends with a no count baka like you? I am the prince of all Saiyans, I have more important things to do than make friends-" Vegeta continued ranting, although Goku appeared to no longer be listening. Usagi, sitting next to Vegeta, appeared embarrassed.
Finally she put a hand on his arm. "Vegeta, that's enough. We've all been assured of your macho-ness, so cool down."
Grumbling, he did as he was told. (Whipped!)
Usagi diplomatically turned to the Saiyans.
"What now?" She asked calmly. "If you try to destroy the Earth to sell it I will personally destroy you." She smiled sweetly. "And you can just forget about getting revenge on Goku-he's too strong. So, what now?"
"We haven't been slacking off in the HFIL, I'll have you know." Raditz protested. "We've been training hard. Personally, I am a lot stronger now than I was when I died."
"Uh huh, that's nice. But I'm telling you now, unless you've-by some miracle-reached the level of Super Saiyan, you don't stand a chance."
The Saiyan group began to laugh. "Prince Vegeta, you really shouldn't teach your mate fairy stories." Nappa laughed idiotically.
"They aren't fairy stories." Vegeta growled. "And since my planet is back, I could very well be justified for destroying you for disrespect!" He'd always been touchy when made fun of for his belief in the legendary Super Saiyan.
"Why don't you give them a demonstration." Usagi suggested. "All of you, straight to your highest power. That's level two for everyone but Goten and Trunks, and they're really close." She smiled at their shocked looks.
"That's a great idea!" Goku answered enthusiastically.
"Fine." Vegeta sighed, smirking.
Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Goten and Trunks all began to power up. The visiting Saiyans continued to laugh until, with simultaneous screams, each of the earth-bound Saiyans were engulfed by a yellow aura. Their hair stuck farther up than in most cases it already was and went blonde. Their eyes went to a startling blue-green.
Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan each continued to be surrounded by the aura even after the burst of power. (SSJ2)
There was no more laughter.
_______
Raditz slowly began to grin and carelessly slapped the slack jawed Nappa on the shoulder.
"It's a trick." He laughed, inclining his head toward Goku. "Nice try, little brother, but I wasn't brought back from the dead yesterday. Surprisingly clever of you to bring that gorgeous she-wolf into this, you almost had me fooled."
It was Vegeta's turn to look shocked. "You honestly think that fool Kakarott would have enough presence of mind to think up an elaborate prank purely for your benefit?"
"So you thought up the trick, Prince Vegeta?"
"It isn't a trick!" Vegeta roared. When Usagi shot him a "please chill" look he calmed himself and powered down.
"If it isn't a trick, then why did you change back? Wouldn't you want the extra power to fight us with?" Esparrago asked pointedly, crossing his arms and trying to take control of the situation.
"We wouldn't need it for you weaklings." Chibi Trunks mumbled.
Vegeta crossed his own arms. "I feel no need to prove my power, or the power of my son, to a group of disrespectful, cowardly, low-class assholes."
Usagi cleared her throat.
Vegeta actually gave a slight jump and looked at her guiltily. He cleared his throat as well. "A group of disrespectful, cowardly, low- class...idiots." He amended.
Usagi began to smile. Trunks discreetly made the sound of a whip under his breath and Goten began to giggle.
Esparrago saw his duty as commander of the mission to restore the peace. Besides that, he knew Vegeta had been agitated enough and, though he had no idea what the prince's power was really like, he didn't want to spur him to an act of violence.
"Enough." He decided. "This...planet's gravity is too...uh...low for anyone to want to buy it."
"What in the worlds are you talking about?" Nappa asked.
"There's no point in exterminating the life on this dust-ball. It wouldn't be profitable to New Vegetasei nor wise for us if this place is indeed under the protection of our prince, his majesty Vegeta."
"Quit trying to kiss up to me, you pathetic loser." Vegeta seethed. "And yes, this pitiful planet is under my protection." He cast a glance at Usagi.
"It is?" Goku asked.
Vegeta glared at him. "What kind of Saiyan would refuse to defend the home of his mate?"
A stupid grin spread across Goku's face, but he didn't comment. Meanwhile, a very surprised Usagi was almost glowing with pleasure, her shining eyes locked on her mate as she held their son close.
"Why don't we all go somewhere to talk?" She finally suggested in her quiet voice. The group filed into Capsule Corp.
_______________
As soon as everyone was awkwardly settled in the living room, Bulma pulled Vegeta and Usagi aside, a thoughtful look on her face.
"Is something wrong, Bulma-san?" Usagi asked, concerned for her friend.
Bulma bit her lip. "Not exactly wrong." She said, finally. "More like...well, I've been thinking and-"
Vegeta snorted. "You? Thinking? Something is wrong."
"Shut up you arrogant baboon and let me speak. I'm about to tell you something that's going to help you, you should at least pretend to be interested. As I was about to say, I was thinking and I suddenly remembered all those stupid rules of mating you were always sprouting off, Vegeta, and it occurred to me that the Saiyans probably won't understand that you've had two mates-both of whom are alive and well."
"So maybe I should destroy you."
"Vegeta!" Usagi snapped.
"That isn't what I was saying." Bulma clenched her fists in agitation. "Can I please continue?" When there was no answer she went on. "It's already been established to them that Trunk's has Saiyan blood, even if they don't believe he went Super."
"What are you getting at?" Usagi asked slowly.
"Also, because you kept his tail, it's very clear that Veggie has Saiyan blood as well. They already know that Veggie is your son, Usagi, and that you're Vegeta's made. So...in order to not raise any questions...I want you to pretend that Trunks is your son, too."
Vegeta shrugged dismissivly. "Fine." He declared, leaving.
Bulma looked to Usagi only to find that she had grown very, very pale and was staring at her with an unbelievable expression on her face.
"What's wrong?"
Usagi guiltily snapped her gaze away. "Bulma, you know I love Trunks to death-as much as I love my own son but...I've never tried to replace you and it just seems like..."
"I'm the one who thought of it, not you. It's not like you're trying to replace me-no one will think that. You'll do this, won't you Usagi? The Saiyans won't understand that Vegeta has had two mates. Trunks won't mind, we both know he adores you. Besides, lots of kids call their stepmothers "mom." Please say you agree. Usagi?"
Usagi looked down, her hair falling like a veil across her face. After a few moments of silence she looked up, eyes set stubbornly, and pushed her hair out of her face.
"I won't lie, Bulma. We can let them think he's mine, but if anyone ever directly asks...I won't lie."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from an amazing person like you." Bulma smiled. "You won't need to lie. He can still call you "mom" though, right? That isn't a lie."
Usagi nodded, then walked away.
One by one everyone was told that way no one would show shock when Trunks began pretending Usagi was his mother. Trunks himself was very happy to play along.
There was an awkward silence when everyone was in the same room at last, a silence which all felt.
"Now what, captain?" Kyuuri asked finally, looking toward Esparrago.
Esparrago closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to remember what he'd been taught during the leadership training when he was younger. When finding comrades stranded on a distant planet...
"Prince Vegeta and Kakarott shall return to Vegetasei with us." He said slowly, opening his eyes. "That is, of course, with Prince Vegeta's consent...?"
There was silence again.
"I go nowhere without my mate." The Saiyan prince said finally, startling everyone. "Or my brats."
"Of course, you can bring anyone you want, your majesty."
"So can Goku." Usagi spoke up. Everyone stared at her. "It's only fair that he take his family, too. He's been separated from them too often. I mean, he was dead for a whole year when Gohan was four, didn't meet Goten until the boy was seven, and now he has an infant daughter, Goshin. He doesn't need to be separated from his family right now."
Esparrago rolled his eyes. "Kakarott should be glad he gets to go at all and shouldn't even ask-"
"He should be glad for the privilege to go to a planet he doesn't remember, meanwhile leaving his family once again?"
"Humans have no business on Vegetasei."
"His mate's a human, yeah, but his children are all half Saiyan. He's spent the last seven years in otherworld, he deserves to be with his family."
"You may be the prince's mate, but I won't stand to be spoken to in that way, even by you."
"It isn't fair. I refuse to go to Vegetasei unless San Goku is permitted to bring his family." She said evenly. Vegeta began to smirk. He couldn't care less whether or not his all time rival could take his family, but Usagi was always amazing at standing up for what she believed was right.
Esparrago would not win the argument.
Usagi cast a glance at Vegeta and, seeing his smirk, knew he would support her.
"I've been defending justice all my life," She continued. "And I won't stop now. You don't frighten me, and you aren't all that impressive. Tell me what I want to hear or you'll be returning to Vegetasei on your own." It wasn't until a few moments later that it was realized she'd spoken in Saiyago.
______________
"How did she do it?" Bardok muttered under his breath in wonder as he watched the spaceship's many, many passengers load. Prince Vegeta, his mate, both his sons, Kakarott, his mate, all three of his children, his oldest son's girlfriend, her father, a Namekian, a short human man with black hair, his wife-an elegant blonde woman, and their daughter were all accompanying the original Saiyan party.
Bardok was just thankful the annoying blue-haired woman and her not- so-smart boyfriend weren't coming as well.
He still wasn't sure whether Kakar-Goku knew Bardok was his father yet. He probably didn't, he wasn't the most...perceptive person, although he was impressive with his standard and the implied power he seemed to hold- though there was no proof of that yet.
"Everyone....everyone take a seat!" Esparrago ordered, uneasy with the fact that he was no longer the commander of his ship-Prince Vegeta was. Not only was he uneasy, but he was taking pains to impress the prince with his diplomacy, intelligence, and leadership skills. Perhaps the prince would recommend him for a higher position and social status.
Kyuuri was already in his place at the navigations desk, visibly trembling. He was the youngest of the original party and thus not as experienced. He was especially scared of making a stupid mistake while the now legendary Prince Vegeta was on board.
Nappa and Raditz didn't seem to take the prince very seriously, perhaps because they had all grown up together on Frieza's ship. They weren't quite disrespectful enough to bring on the Prince's wrath, but they were casual enough around him to thoroughly annoy him. And Esparrago had, on more than one occasion, caught them saying things about Vegeta's mate that would anger anyone.
When they got caught, no one would feel sorry for them.
After the ship was in space, Kyuuri set the coordinates straight for Vegetasei and everyone retreated to the cabins-the residentiary floor of the ship. Luckily the ship was large enough that everyone who wanted their own room could have one, of course, the mated couples chose to stay together. The adults decided to put all the children in one room, although Trunks and Goten didn't appear to appreciate that.
When he was sure-due to camera surveillance-that everyone was in their rooms and on their beds, Esparrago set the sleeping gas. He set his own to wait five minutes, giving him time to get to his own bed. They would all awaken a week before reaching Vegetasei.
Esparrago was glad to be going back home, he had a mate waiting for him. As he fell asleep his eye fell across the monitors. The last thing he saw before succumbing to sleep was both Kakarott and Prince Vegeta, asleep with their mates in their arms.
Yes, it would be good to be getting home.
________________
Usagi woke slowly, giving herself time to remember just where she was and where she was going. With a small smile she snuggled closer into Vegeta's embrace and began to drift back to sleep. A couple more minutes wouldn't hurt, and the intercom would go off if her son or stepson needed her.
She was awakened again when Vegeta suddenly jerked. She looked up at him to find him wide eyed, staring around their room. He'd forgotten where they were.
"It's ok, Vegeta." She said softly, sitting up enough to look at him. She lovingly traced the strong line of his jaw, watching as his endless, coal black eyes calmed. "We're going to New Vegetasei." She told him, making her voice as soothing as possible.
He frowned darkly. "I knew that." He growled.
Usagi smiled, she was used to him being a little grumpy when he woke up and thought nothing of it. Vegeta wasn't dangerous, he was a teddy bear.
The intercom in their room clicked on.
"Prince Vegeta? You two awake in there?" Esparrago asked cautiously, fearful of angering the severely intimidating prince.
"Why are you even asking? I know very well that you have monitors in your room so you can watch everybody!" Vegeta grumbled, getting up. He was wearing only a pair of black spandex shorts. (sigh, I could get used to this...) "Turn them off." He ordered sharply.
The blinking red light in the camera on the ceiling immediately went black. Vegeta smirked.
"Just to inform you, your highness, a meal will be served on the second level in ten minutes." Esparrago said quickly. Then the intercom shut off.
"I think you scared him." Usagi accused with a small laugh as she unself-consciously changed from the spaghetti strap tank top and baggy silk pants she'd worn to sleep in into a pair of jeans and an oversized sweatshirt.
"Hm. Who cares?" Vegeta forced himself to look away from his mate and pulled on his Saiyan armor. The sudden thought struck him that Usagi would look very good in Saiyan armor...he'd have to demand some for her when they reached New Vegetasei, there was no way he'd pass up that delightful opportunity.
Instead of heading straight to the dropshafts that would take them to the level food was on, Usagi turned in the opposite direction. At first Vegeta thought she was confused, but he understood when she stopped and knocked on the door to the boy's room.
Trunks answered it and immediately threw his arms around his stepmother. She gave a laugh and reached out to hug Goten-standing shyly off to the side-as well.
"You boys sleep ok?" She asked finally, letting them go and walking into the room. They both immediately launched into long explanations of everything they'd dreamed. As a smile touched onto his mouth Vegeta looked away from the two brats and his mate.
His eye fell on the cradle where his youngest son had slept. The boy was sitting up, looking around with his wide blue eyes-so much like Usagi's. Before he knew what he was doing he had walked to the cradle and was staring at the boy.
Chibi Veggie blinked up at his father, then giggled and reached for him, pudgy hands grasping, begging to be picked up. Seeing that that wasn't likely to happen, Veggie's bottom lip began to tremble. (Manipulative, at his age!)
Vegeta looked desperately to his mate, still distracted by the two young half Saiyans. The Saiyan prince's eyes roamed around the room searching for help.
He didn't want the brat to cry!
Kakarott's youngest brat, Goshin, was now watching him and it was obvious that if Veggie started to cry, so would she.
"Curse you, Kakarott!" He growled under his breath, desperately searching for a way to keep the two children from crying.
Usagi looked up from Trunks and Goten, to see Vegeta standing awkwardly by the cradles, Goshin and Veggie held in each arm. Veggie's tail was wrapped around his father's wrist, and both children were tugging on the Saiyan Prince's hair. The expression on Vegeta's face was priceless.
"Don't just stand there, Onna!" He roared when he spotted her watching him. "Do something!"
"You can handle it." She teased. "You're Vegeta, the prince of all Saiyans! You're the best there ever was or will be. Are you telling me you can't hold two babies? Not even when one is your own son and the other is the daughter of your best friend?"
"Kakarott is not my friend!" He roared.
Both babies began to cry and a panicked look crossed Vegeta's face. With a laugh Usagi took Goshin from him, calmed her down quickly, and put her back in her cradle.
She then put her hands on her hips and faced Vegeta. "That there in your arms is our son." She informed him matter-of-factly. "And he already looks like you. You two should get along. I leave it to you to get him to stop crying."
Trunks stared at her, was she trying to get his hald brother killed. "Usa-I mean, momma," He whispered. "I don't think you should-"
"Hush now, Trunks. Come on Vegeta, it isn't hard. I'll instruct you. He likes to be cuddled so-"
"Cuddled?" He demanded, horrified.
"Don't tell me you don't know how to do that, because I know you do. Hold him close to your body, real tight, but not too tight. You know how to do that. And quit scowling. That's better."
Slowly the crying abated. Vegeta's face took on a look of shock as Chibi-Veggie began to laugh and gurgle, trying to speak.
"He...he quit."
"Good job, Vegeta." Usagi said with a loving smile.
Suddenly Goten looked very scared. "Oh no! We've taken too long! My dad and my brother are going to eat all the food! I've been asleep for too long to miss breakfast-I'm gonna starve!"
"Calm down, Goten." Trunks rolled his eyes. "I swear, you're such a baby sometimes."
"I am not a baby! Have you ever seen my dad eat?"
Usagi laughed. "All right, you two run and get the drop shaft ready."
Goten hesitated. "What about my sister?"
"I'll get Goshin, and Vegeta will take Veggie." Usagi frowned as she lifted the black haired baby back into her arms. "They better have high chairs down there." She grumbled as the boys left hurriedly. She looked up and caught Vegeta staring at her. "What? Don't tell me you're embarrassed to carry him."
"My son? Never." He growled, continuing to stare.
She smiled brightly and left, him following. She could never guess how much he wanted to tell her he loved her at that moment.
To be continued
I'll try to get 17 out soon. Bear with me, I promise I intend to finish this.
Chapter 16
Everyone watched Vegeta closely for his reaction after hearing the explanation for the return of the Saiyan race. The prince's hard, coal black eyes stared without seeing at the air in front of him.
"They're all back?" Goku asked, not in shock. "Wow, that's so weird! To think that by us making that wish..."
"You made the wish Kakarott?" Bardok asked.
"Huh? No, I was busy fighting Frieza when the wish was made. Dende did it-any wish on the Namekian dragon has to be in the Namekian language anyway." A wide smile broke out on his face. "Wow! This is really wild!"
"If Vegetasei is back, then that means my father..."
"Yes, my prince." Esparrago answered. "His highness, the king is alive as well. We all assumed, however, that you too had been killed while on Earth."
Vegeta snorted and was about to make a rude retort when Goku decided to answer for him. "Oh, I wouldn't kill Vegeta." He said cheerfully. "We're friends!"
"We are not, Kakarott!"
"Wha? What do you mean? Sure we are!"
"Why in hell would I choose to be friends with a no count baka like you? I am the prince of all Saiyans, I have more important things to do than make friends-" Vegeta continued ranting, although Goku appeared to no longer be listening. Usagi, sitting next to Vegeta, appeared embarrassed.
Finally she put a hand on his arm. "Vegeta, that's enough. We've all been assured of your macho-ness, so cool down."
Grumbling, he did as he was told. (Whipped!)
Usagi diplomatically turned to the Saiyans.
"What now?" She asked calmly. "If you try to destroy the Earth to sell it I will personally destroy you." She smiled sweetly. "And you can just forget about getting revenge on Goku-he's too strong. So, what now?"
"We haven't been slacking off in the HFIL, I'll have you know." Raditz protested. "We've been training hard. Personally, I am a lot stronger now than I was when I died."
"Uh huh, that's nice. But I'm telling you now, unless you've-by some miracle-reached the level of Super Saiyan, you don't stand a chance."
The Saiyan group began to laugh. "Prince Vegeta, you really shouldn't teach your mate fairy stories." Nappa laughed idiotically.
"They aren't fairy stories." Vegeta growled. "And since my planet is back, I could very well be justified for destroying you for disrespect!" He'd always been touchy when made fun of for his belief in the legendary Super Saiyan.
"Why don't you give them a demonstration." Usagi suggested. "All of you, straight to your highest power. That's level two for everyone but Goten and Trunks, and they're really close." She smiled at their shocked looks.
"That's a great idea!" Goku answered enthusiastically.
"Fine." Vegeta sighed, smirking.
Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Goten and Trunks all began to power up. The visiting Saiyans continued to laugh until, with simultaneous screams, each of the earth-bound Saiyans were engulfed by a yellow aura. Their hair stuck farther up than in most cases it already was and went blonde. Their eyes went to a startling blue-green.
Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan each continued to be surrounded by the aura even after the burst of power. (SSJ2)
There was no more laughter.
_______
Raditz slowly began to grin and carelessly slapped the slack jawed Nappa on the shoulder.
"It's a trick." He laughed, inclining his head toward Goku. "Nice try, little brother, but I wasn't brought back from the dead yesterday. Surprisingly clever of you to bring that gorgeous she-wolf into this, you almost had me fooled."
It was Vegeta's turn to look shocked. "You honestly think that fool Kakarott would have enough presence of mind to think up an elaborate prank purely for your benefit?"
"So you thought up the trick, Prince Vegeta?"
"It isn't a trick!" Vegeta roared. When Usagi shot him a "please chill" look he calmed himself and powered down.
"If it isn't a trick, then why did you change back? Wouldn't you want the extra power to fight us with?" Esparrago asked pointedly, crossing his arms and trying to take control of the situation.
"We wouldn't need it for you weaklings." Chibi Trunks mumbled.
Vegeta crossed his own arms. "I feel no need to prove my power, or the power of my son, to a group of disrespectful, cowardly, low-class assholes."
Usagi cleared her throat.
Vegeta actually gave a slight jump and looked at her guiltily. He cleared his throat as well. "A group of disrespectful, cowardly, low- class...idiots." He amended.
Usagi began to smile. Trunks discreetly made the sound of a whip under his breath and Goten began to giggle.
Esparrago saw his duty as commander of the mission to restore the peace. Besides that, he knew Vegeta had been agitated enough and, though he had no idea what the prince's power was really like, he didn't want to spur him to an act of violence.
"Enough." He decided. "This...planet's gravity is too...uh...low for anyone to want to buy it."
"What in the worlds are you talking about?" Nappa asked.
"There's no point in exterminating the life on this dust-ball. It wouldn't be profitable to New Vegetasei nor wise for us if this place is indeed under the protection of our prince, his majesty Vegeta."
"Quit trying to kiss up to me, you pathetic loser." Vegeta seethed. "And yes, this pitiful planet is under my protection." He cast a glance at Usagi.
"It is?" Goku asked.
Vegeta glared at him. "What kind of Saiyan would refuse to defend the home of his mate?"
A stupid grin spread across Goku's face, but he didn't comment. Meanwhile, a very surprised Usagi was almost glowing with pleasure, her shining eyes locked on her mate as she held their son close.
"Why don't we all go somewhere to talk?" She finally suggested in her quiet voice. The group filed into Capsule Corp.
_______________
As soon as everyone was awkwardly settled in the living room, Bulma pulled Vegeta and Usagi aside, a thoughtful look on her face.
"Is something wrong, Bulma-san?" Usagi asked, concerned for her friend.
Bulma bit her lip. "Not exactly wrong." She said, finally. "More like...well, I've been thinking and-"
Vegeta snorted. "You? Thinking? Something is wrong."
"Shut up you arrogant baboon and let me speak. I'm about to tell you something that's going to help you, you should at least pretend to be interested. As I was about to say, I was thinking and I suddenly remembered all those stupid rules of mating you were always sprouting off, Vegeta, and it occurred to me that the Saiyans probably won't understand that you've had two mates-both of whom are alive and well."
"So maybe I should destroy you."
"Vegeta!" Usagi snapped.
"That isn't what I was saying." Bulma clenched her fists in agitation. "Can I please continue?" When there was no answer she went on. "It's already been established to them that Trunk's has Saiyan blood, even if they don't believe he went Super."
"What are you getting at?" Usagi asked slowly.
"Also, because you kept his tail, it's very clear that Veggie has Saiyan blood as well. They already know that Veggie is your son, Usagi, and that you're Vegeta's made. So...in order to not raise any questions...I want you to pretend that Trunks is your son, too."
Vegeta shrugged dismissivly. "Fine." He declared, leaving.
Bulma looked to Usagi only to find that she had grown very, very pale and was staring at her with an unbelievable expression on her face.
"What's wrong?"
Usagi guiltily snapped her gaze away. "Bulma, you know I love Trunks to death-as much as I love my own son but...I've never tried to replace you and it just seems like..."
"I'm the one who thought of it, not you. It's not like you're trying to replace me-no one will think that. You'll do this, won't you Usagi? The Saiyans won't understand that Vegeta has had two mates. Trunks won't mind, we both know he adores you. Besides, lots of kids call their stepmothers "mom." Please say you agree. Usagi?"
Usagi looked down, her hair falling like a veil across her face. After a few moments of silence she looked up, eyes set stubbornly, and pushed her hair out of her face.
"I won't lie, Bulma. We can let them think he's mine, but if anyone ever directly asks...I won't lie."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from an amazing person like you." Bulma smiled. "You won't need to lie. He can still call you "mom" though, right? That isn't a lie."
Usagi nodded, then walked away.
One by one everyone was told that way no one would show shock when Trunks began pretending Usagi was his mother. Trunks himself was very happy to play along.
There was an awkward silence when everyone was in the same room at last, a silence which all felt.
"Now what, captain?" Kyuuri asked finally, looking toward Esparrago.
Esparrago closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to remember what he'd been taught during the leadership training when he was younger. When finding comrades stranded on a distant planet...
"Prince Vegeta and Kakarott shall return to Vegetasei with us." He said slowly, opening his eyes. "That is, of course, with Prince Vegeta's consent...?"
There was silence again.
"I go nowhere without my mate." The Saiyan prince said finally, startling everyone. "Or my brats."
"Of course, you can bring anyone you want, your majesty."
"So can Goku." Usagi spoke up. Everyone stared at her. "It's only fair that he take his family, too. He's been separated from them too often. I mean, he was dead for a whole year when Gohan was four, didn't meet Goten until the boy was seven, and now he has an infant daughter, Goshin. He doesn't need to be separated from his family right now."
Esparrago rolled his eyes. "Kakarott should be glad he gets to go at all and shouldn't even ask-"
"He should be glad for the privilege to go to a planet he doesn't remember, meanwhile leaving his family once again?"
"Humans have no business on Vegetasei."
"His mate's a human, yeah, but his children are all half Saiyan. He's spent the last seven years in otherworld, he deserves to be with his family."
"You may be the prince's mate, but I won't stand to be spoken to in that way, even by you."
"It isn't fair. I refuse to go to Vegetasei unless San Goku is permitted to bring his family." She said evenly. Vegeta began to smirk. He couldn't care less whether or not his all time rival could take his family, but Usagi was always amazing at standing up for what she believed was right.
Esparrago would not win the argument.
Usagi cast a glance at Vegeta and, seeing his smirk, knew he would support her.
"I've been defending justice all my life," She continued. "And I won't stop now. You don't frighten me, and you aren't all that impressive. Tell me what I want to hear or you'll be returning to Vegetasei on your own." It wasn't until a few moments later that it was realized she'd spoken in Saiyago.
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"How did she do it?" Bardok muttered under his breath in wonder as he watched the spaceship's many, many passengers load. Prince Vegeta, his mate, both his sons, Kakarott, his mate, all three of his children, his oldest son's girlfriend, her father, a Namekian, a short human man with black hair, his wife-an elegant blonde woman, and their daughter were all accompanying the original Saiyan party.
Bardok was just thankful the annoying blue-haired woman and her not- so-smart boyfriend weren't coming as well.
He still wasn't sure whether Kakar-Goku knew Bardok was his father yet. He probably didn't, he wasn't the most...perceptive person, although he was impressive with his standard and the implied power he seemed to hold- though there was no proof of that yet.
"Everyone....everyone take a seat!" Esparrago ordered, uneasy with the fact that he was no longer the commander of his ship-Prince Vegeta was. Not only was he uneasy, but he was taking pains to impress the prince with his diplomacy, intelligence, and leadership skills. Perhaps the prince would recommend him for a higher position and social status.
Kyuuri was already in his place at the navigations desk, visibly trembling. He was the youngest of the original party and thus not as experienced. He was especially scared of making a stupid mistake while the now legendary Prince Vegeta was on board.
Nappa and Raditz didn't seem to take the prince very seriously, perhaps because they had all grown up together on Frieza's ship. They weren't quite disrespectful enough to bring on the Prince's wrath, but they were casual enough around him to thoroughly annoy him. And Esparrago had, on more than one occasion, caught them saying things about Vegeta's mate that would anger anyone.
When they got caught, no one would feel sorry for them.
After the ship was in space, Kyuuri set the coordinates straight for Vegetasei and everyone retreated to the cabins-the residentiary floor of the ship. Luckily the ship was large enough that everyone who wanted their own room could have one, of course, the mated couples chose to stay together. The adults decided to put all the children in one room, although Trunks and Goten didn't appear to appreciate that.
When he was sure-due to camera surveillance-that everyone was in their rooms and on their beds, Esparrago set the sleeping gas. He set his own to wait five minutes, giving him time to get to his own bed. They would all awaken a week before reaching Vegetasei.
Esparrago was glad to be going back home, he had a mate waiting for him. As he fell asleep his eye fell across the monitors. The last thing he saw before succumbing to sleep was both Kakarott and Prince Vegeta, asleep with their mates in their arms.
Yes, it would be good to be getting home.
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Usagi woke slowly, giving herself time to remember just where she was and where she was going. With a small smile she snuggled closer into Vegeta's embrace and began to drift back to sleep. A couple more minutes wouldn't hurt, and the intercom would go off if her son or stepson needed her.
She was awakened again when Vegeta suddenly jerked. She looked up at him to find him wide eyed, staring around their room. He'd forgotten where they were.
"It's ok, Vegeta." She said softly, sitting up enough to look at him. She lovingly traced the strong line of his jaw, watching as his endless, coal black eyes calmed. "We're going to New Vegetasei." She told him, making her voice as soothing as possible.
He frowned darkly. "I knew that." He growled.
Usagi smiled, she was used to him being a little grumpy when he woke up and thought nothing of it. Vegeta wasn't dangerous, he was a teddy bear.
The intercom in their room clicked on.
"Prince Vegeta? You two awake in there?" Esparrago asked cautiously, fearful of angering the severely intimidating prince.
"Why are you even asking? I know very well that you have monitors in your room so you can watch everybody!" Vegeta grumbled, getting up. He was wearing only a pair of black spandex shorts. (sigh, I could get used to this...) "Turn them off." He ordered sharply.
The blinking red light in the camera on the ceiling immediately went black. Vegeta smirked.
"Just to inform you, your highness, a meal will be served on the second level in ten minutes." Esparrago said quickly. Then the intercom shut off.
"I think you scared him." Usagi accused with a small laugh as she unself-consciously changed from the spaghetti strap tank top and baggy silk pants she'd worn to sleep in into a pair of jeans and an oversized sweatshirt.
"Hm. Who cares?" Vegeta forced himself to look away from his mate and pulled on his Saiyan armor. The sudden thought struck him that Usagi would look very good in Saiyan armor...he'd have to demand some for her when they reached New Vegetasei, there was no way he'd pass up that delightful opportunity.
Instead of heading straight to the dropshafts that would take them to the level food was on, Usagi turned in the opposite direction. At first Vegeta thought she was confused, but he understood when she stopped and knocked on the door to the boy's room.
Trunks answered it and immediately threw his arms around his stepmother. She gave a laugh and reached out to hug Goten-standing shyly off to the side-as well.
"You boys sleep ok?" She asked finally, letting them go and walking into the room. They both immediately launched into long explanations of everything they'd dreamed. As a smile touched onto his mouth Vegeta looked away from the two brats and his mate.
His eye fell on the cradle where his youngest son had slept. The boy was sitting up, looking around with his wide blue eyes-so much like Usagi's. Before he knew what he was doing he had walked to the cradle and was staring at the boy.
Chibi Veggie blinked up at his father, then giggled and reached for him, pudgy hands grasping, begging to be picked up. Seeing that that wasn't likely to happen, Veggie's bottom lip began to tremble. (Manipulative, at his age!)
Vegeta looked desperately to his mate, still distracted by the two young half Saiyans. The Saiyan prince's eyes roamed around the room searching for help.
He didn't want the brat to cry!
Kakarott's youngest brat, Goshin, was now watching him and it was obvious that if Veggie started to cry, so would she.
"Curse you, Kakarott!" He growled under his breath, desperately searching for a way to keep the two children from crying.
Usagi looked up from Trunks and Goten, to see Vegeta standing awkwardly by the cradles, Goshin and Veggie held in each arm. Veggie's tail was wrapped around his father's wrist, and both children were tugging on the Saiyan Prince's hair. The expression on Vegeta's face was priceless.
"Don't just stand there, Onna!" He roared when he spotted her watching him. "Do something!"
"You can handle it." She teased. "You're Vegeta, the prince of all Saiyans! You're the best there ever was or will be. Are you telling me you can't hold two babies? Not even when one is your own son and the other is the daughter of your best friend?"
"Kakarott is not my friend!" He roared.
Both babies began to cry and a panicked look crossed Vegeta's face. With a laugh Usagi took Goshin from him, calmed her down quickly, and put her back in her cradle.
She then put her hands on her hips and faced Vegeta. "That there in your arms is our son." She informed him matter-of-factly. "And he already looks like you. You two should get along. I leave it to you to get him to stop crying."
Trunks stared at her, was she trying to get his hald brother killed. "Usa-I mean, momma," He whispered. "I don't think you should-"
"Hush now, Trunks. Come on Vegeta, it isn't hard. I'll instruct you. He likes to be cuddled so-"
"Cuddled?" He demanded, horrified.
"Don't tell me you don't know how to do that, because I know you do. Hold him close to your body, real tight, but not too tight. You know how to do that. And quit scowling. That's better."
Slowly the crying abated. Vegeta's face took on a look of shock as Chibi-Veggie began to laugh and gurgle, trying to speak.
"He...he quit."
"Good job, Vegeta." Usagi said with a loving smile.
Suddenly Goten looked very scared. "Oh no! We've taken too long! My dad and my brother are going to eat all the food! I've been asleep for too long to miss breakfast-I'm gonna starve!"
"Calm down, Goten." Trunks rolled his eyes. "I swear, you're such a baby sometimes."
"I am not a baby! Have you ever seen my dad eat?"
Usagi laughed. "All right, you two run and get the drop shaft ready."
Goten hesitated. "What about my sister?"
"I'll get Goshin, and Vegeta will take Veggie." Usagi frowned as she lifted the black haired baby back into her arms. "They better have high chairs down there." She grumbled as the boys left hurriedly. She looked up and caught Vegeta staring at her. "What? Don't tell me you're embarrassed to carry him."
"My son? Never." He growled, continuing to stare.
She smiled brightly and left, him following. She could never guess how much he wanted to tell her he loved her at that moment.
To be continued
I'll try to get 17 out soon. Bear with me, I promise I intend to finish this.
