Disclaimer: *sighs* I'm not even going into this with you again..
An: This chapter is dedicated to everyone that will be surprised and/or confused at the end of it.
* * *
Her eyes opened slowly as a thin ray of sunlight began streaming into the room. After a few moments of confusion, the events of last night came back to her and she smiled. With a content yawn, she stretched leisurely and snuggled down into her pillow. It was only then that she realized she was alone. Frowning, she rolled over to look around the room. She was more than a little relieved when she spotted him. He was leaning against the large bay window, dressed in his slacks and button down shirt. From the way he was watching her it was obvious he'd been waiting for her to wake. Extending her arms fully above her head, she stretched, smiling as his eyes immediately landed on the small amount of creamy white skin uncovered by the movement. When his eyes snapped back, hers chuckled and she put her arms down, hugging the sheet tight around her.
"Morning," she murmured on a half yawn.
"Morning," he answered, his tone particularly gruff.
She cocked her head to the side curiously. "Have you ever noticed you have a slight accent?" When he raised a brow at the comment she nodded. "You do. Now, that I think it, so do your parents. Odd," she finished thoughtfully.
He didn't say anything, only kept the same strange look of interest, which had held his features since she'd awaken. It was obvious he had something on his mind, but it was way too early for her to play guessing games with him. Yawning, she sat up, blanket still clutched tightly to her breast.
"Why are you up so early? Check-out isn't until eleven," she said running her fingers through her tangled locks.
His lip curled in amusement. "It's past noon."
She yawned again before his words sank in. After blinking in surprise a few times, she glanced at the window. "Oh," she finally said, drawing a soft chuckle from him. She pulled her knees to her chest, still hugging the sheet and smiled at him. "Something on your mind?" she questioned.
The smirk fell slightly as he crossed his arms thoughtfully. She thought he wasn't going to answer when finally he spoke. "Where are you going to school next year?"
Not seeing that one coming, she raised a brow. "Well, I haven't decided for sure yet, but I'm thinking CalPolytech, San Luis Obispo. It's in California and their engineering school is suppose to be pretty good," she said on a half shrug.
Nodding, he pushed away from the wall. "Time to go."
Sighing dramatically, she reached for her gloves on the table beside the bed. Inside the right one was a small hidden pocket where she'd placed a capsule. With a flick of the wrist she tossed it on the bed causing a small travel bag to appear.
She chuckled at his raised brow. "A girl always has to be prepared," she explained.
"Right," he said with a roll of the eyes.
She chuckled again then moved to get out of the bed. An unheard of moment of bashfulness washed over her as she remembered her nakedness.
"Uh," she started, her cheeks coloring at the amused expression on his face. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "Uh, Vegeta, um, do you mind?"
"No, not at all," he smirked.
Her eyes narrowed in a glare that could scare the dead. "Get. Out. Vegeta."
"Is there something I couldn't see in the dark that you're hiding now?" he questioned. If the upward twitch in his lip was any indication, he was enjoying himself immensely.
Growling, she lifted one of the pillows and shook it at him. "If you don't get out of here this instant, you'll be sorry."
"Oh?"
Not liking his snotty tone one bit, she chunked the pillow at him, missing by a mile. Chuckling, he picked up the pillow and tossed it back on the bed before heading for the door. "Make it quick," he tossed over his shoulder before closing the door behind him. Bulma waited a few moments to make sure he was really gone. Satisfied it was safe; she quickly hopped up and carried the bags into the small bathroom.
It took almost two hours before all their things were gathered and they could check out. Bulma babbled happily the whole trip to Capsule Corp. about everything from prom decorations to the hotel room, drawing neutral grunts from the driver. When they finally reached the domed building, Bulma kissed him deeply and hopped out with a promise to call. He watched until she slipped into the house with one last wave before he started the ignition again.
As he headed home across town, he let his normal scowl slip back into place. He had definitely gotten himself in deep this time. Even he, if only to himself, had to admit last night had been almost perfect. Almost. Until she had ruined it. She hadn't acted this morning as if she had known what she'd admitted the night before. He feared that was where her feelings were heading since the night of Juu's birthday party. Now he didn't know what to do. It was bad enough that she had said it, but his reaction was much worse. He hadn't felt upset in the slightest. In fact, instead of pushing her away, he'd pulled her closer.
He didn't have time for this love stuff. Even though things had been better lately, his parents had proven that love between a man and woman wasn't worth shit. All it brought was pain to everyone involved. The only truly happy couple he'd ever seen was Kakarot's parents. In the years he had lived with the Sons, he'd seen a very different side of the enigma he knew to be love. However, the crumbling of all the other relationships around him lead him to believe the Sons were a single exception to the rule. As he pulled the car to a stop in his driveway, he wondered if Kakarot knew how truly lucky he was.
Slipping out of the vehicle, he swung his jacket over his shoulder and hurried up the porch steps. As he entered the house, his first thought was food. He realized he hadn't eaten since noon the day before. He tossed the jacket over a chair as he headed for the kitchen. He had pushed the door just slightly when his father's voice drifted out, something in it causing him to pause.
"But I just don't understand. How could he?" the older man marveled.
A meaningful pause followed before his mother's soft voice answered. "Honestly, I don't know, Vegeta. But it's all there in black and white."
"But the legend-"
"I know what the legend said," Argana interrupted her husband. "But obviously we misinterpreted it. The fact is, Vegeta, that the legend did come to fruit. Frieza is dead and we can finally go home."
As his father fell silent, Vegeta frowned. Frieza? Home? What the hell were they talking about? His confusion was such that he didn't realize he had pushed the door a bit, causing it to creak. Argana pulled her hand away from the letter lying on the table between her and her husband, and turned at the sound.
"Vegeta, is that you?" she questioned.
Biting back a curse, he pushed the door fully open and stepped into the room. He eyed each of them carefully before crossing his arms over his chest. His father scowled at him as his mother smiled softly.
"How was the prom?" she asked.
"It was fine," he said simply.
"Well good," she answered with a smile.
When neither parent spoke up to explain themselves, he stepped into the room, his eyes falling on the letter between them. "What is that?" he said finally locking eyes with his father, daring the man to lie to him. Vegeta Sr. narrowed his eyes on the boy, not liking his look one bit. The tense silence finally ended with Argana's soft words.
"Sit down, Vegeta."
His suspicious gaze turned on her momentarily before he took the seat offered him. When they still couldn't find the words to begin, Vegeta reached for the letter. They didn't stop him nor did either attempt to, as he frowned at the odd characters on the paper.
"What is this?" he questioned as he finally looked up at them.
"It is Saiygo," his mother answered.
"What?" he scowled.
"Saiygo," his father repeated. "It is the language of the mighty Saiyan - jin people. The language of your people." The last was spoken to clear the boy's mind. It only raised more questions.
"What are you talking about? What's a Saiyan?" he asked in confusion. Vegeta scowled, as his parents glanced at one another, not sure how to continue. "Will you two stop pussyfooting around the issue and just tell me what you're talking about?"
His mother bit her lip and found new interest in the tabletop. Growing frustrated with their games, Vegeta moved to stand, only to be halted by his father's voice.
"Stay where you are boy. We'll explain everything to you now," he said, glancing at his wife. She nodded then slowly raised her eyes to those of her son.
Vegeta growled as he narrowed both eyes on his parents. "Well, out with it already."
His father chose to ignore his tone of voice for the moment as he decided how to start his tale. "Though you were born here, something I greatly regret, your mother and I have not always resided on this backwater planet." When the younger man raised a skeptical brow, his father held up a silencing hand. "Let me finish before you start to doubt me." He took the begrudged nod he received as a sign to continue. "The planet we belong to is called Vegeta-sei. There we, you, your mother, and I, are the ruling family." He once again ignored the disbelieving grunt from his son's direction. "We are descendants of a great warrior race meant to rule the galaxy. However, the coming of a disgusting pink creature known as Frieza halted the claiming of our destiny.
"Five years before your birth Frieza came to our world. His power was unlike anything we had ever seen and we had no choice but submit to his rule," his words held such shame and disgust that even Vegeta believed him for a moment before mentally shaking the feeling off as the man continued. "We purged countless planets for that animal, allowing him to take advantage of our Oozaru form in order to insure complete annihilation of the current species on the planet. Survivors were not an issue if the planet's moon was out." Vegeta paused in his spill when it became obvious he'd lost the boy with the talk of the Oozaru form. He decided to move on before he was distracted by a question from the youth.
"In our slavery there was one beacon of hope that we would one day be delivered. A thousand years before the arrival of Frieza the mightiest of us had risen. He was the Legendary Super Sayian-jin. His power was uncontested by anything in the universe. He was completely unstoppable, and in the end only his own power was able to defeat him. Legend told that another Super Saiyan would arise one day and be even greater than the one before him. It was in this prophecy we put all our faith."
It was at this point Vegeta could hold his mocking grunt no longer. "That's a wonderful story, Father. Now would you like to try the truth?"
Vegeta Sr. was about to cut into the boy when his wife spoke up.
"You will hold your tongue until he finishes, Vegeta," she said softly, yet forcefully. "You wanted the truth and that's exactly what you're getting. Now hear him out."
The boy obviously wanted to protest but instead kept his mouth closed. There was a respect he held for his mother that would never be felt toward the other man at the table. It was out of that respect he waited silently for the story to continue.
With a nod in his wife's direction, Vegeta continued. "Many believed that I was the one the prophecy spoke of, for someone of such power would of course come from a royal bloodline, but I knew this was not so. Deep down I knew I was not cable of reaching such levels of power, however if I were to have a son," his locked with the frowning boy across the table, "maybe he could be the one to rise up against Frieza.
"When word spread that the queen was expecting a son, the whole planet was in an uproar. A new heir to the throne meant a possible savior for our race. This gave our people a new hope, something Frieza would never allow. Several advisors encouraged me to send your mother away until after your birth but there was no one I trusted enough to protect her but myself. It was then that my Chief Advisor came to me with a plan.
"Vegeta-sei had many alliances before the coming of Frieza. One of them was with Earth. When your mother was about six months along, Bardock, who was then my Chief Advisor, had reached one of our old contacts here. You know him as Gohan."
"Kakarot's grandfather?" Vegeta questioned.
His father shook his head. "It made for a good pretense but the old man is not related to Bardock's family." He waited for his son's response. When none came he continued. "The contact was willing to find suitable placement for us here on Earth, where Frieza couldn't find us. Left with no other options, I gave Bardock the go ahead to make the arrangements."
Vegeta's disgusted grunt caused him to pause. "So, you just ran away? That's so typical of you."
The older man glared at the youth. "I did what I had to do to protect my family and insure the liberation of my people."
"Forgive me, but your ideas on protection are almost laughable. Maybe you should work on them as you deal with your cowardice. There's much to be desired in both," he snarled.
The father couldn't speak against that truth. He'd been wrestling with those very thoughts much too long too. With a wary sigh, he continued his story. "My personal guard Nappa was meant to accompany us but everyone knew that once Frieza realized the royal family was missing, every elite would be needed to aid in the battle that was sure to follow. Every member of my staff carried elite status except Bardock.
"He hadn't wanted to leave. I knew it even if he wouldn't say it. He was newly mated and had a young son just barely two years of age. But he was a very honorable man and would do whatever the crown asked of him. He never even mentioned that Lyneaxa was with child again. His responsibilities were that important to him.
"Knowing time was of the essence, we left as soon as possible. When we reached this planet, Gohan set us up with all the necessities, including this home. There were no other free homes in this area so Gohan simply allowed Bardock and his family to stay with him. It was actually young Radditz that chose the old man's disguise. Within a few months of living there, the toddler began calling the aged man Grandfather, and it stuck.
"When you were finally born the idea was for me to train you until you achieved your destiny and were ready to free our people. However, that never came to pass." He paused there frowning deeply.
Vegeta scowled at his father a moment longer before turning to his mother. "Why are we returning now?"
"The letter says that the legendary Saiyan finally arose in a young boy no more than ten years of age. His name is Brolli. He defeated Frieza a month ago, and the letter only now reached us," Argana answered. "They are sending a ship for us all the day after your graduation. Radditz will also be done with his classes for the semester by then, so there won't be too many questions about our sudden disappearance."
Vegeta scowled. "Does this Saiyan race of yours always put their fate in the hands of children?"
Neither parent could answer him. Shaking his head in disgust, Vegeta stood from his chair and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" his mother wanted to know.
He didn't even bother answering her as he disappeared through the door.
* * *
Radditz looked at both his parents as if they had lost their minds. A similar expression was set on his brother's face. "You're joking with us, right? I mean, we can't be from another planet. That's crazy," Radditz said receiving a nod from his brother.
"I'm afraid it isn't as crazy as you think, my son. The king has informed me that we leave in a week. It is time we return home," the last word was said if not even Bardock himself bought it. After all this was their home. They all knew that.
Both boys looked at one another with wide eyes before turning back to their father. "But Dad," Radditz started. "That's just after Kakarot's graduation."
Bardock nodded. "I'm quite aware of that, boy. The queen thought that all three of you boys would want to finish the school year out before leaving."
Radditz couldn't believe his ears. Glancing to his right, he looked at the silent old man he'd known as his grandfather. It had all been a lie. Everything was a lie. Grandpa Gohan didn't look up but instead kept his eyes on the table before him.
"Well, I'm not going."
All eyes turned to the youngest member of the family at the statement. "Don't be ridiculous, boy. Of course you're going," Bardock informed him.
Goku only shook his head. "No, I'm not. That place isn't my home. This is. Besides, OU is waiting for me, and ChiChi needs me." He paused a moment and shrugged. "I'll miss you guys, I really will, but I'm not going."
Bardock narrowed his eyes at the boy. "Now you listen to me Kakarot. This is no time for games-"
"And I'm not playing," Goku said softly. "I'm sorry Dad. I just can't."
Bardock couldn't remember ever being angry with his youngest son but apparently there was a first time for everything. Couldn't the boy see that none of them wanted to leave but they had no choice? Bardock had known that they would have to return to Vegeta-sei one day but he had never anticipated that they would actually come to love this little blue planet. The sullen faces around the table truly upset him but there was nothing he could do about it. It was time for them to leave. They just had to find away to deal with their disappointment.
He was just going to have to explain this to his son, but before he could speak, he felt a hand lightly touch his arm. Turning to his wife, he frowned in question.
"Perhaps Kakarot is right dear," she started, giving his arm a little squeeze when he looked as if he would protest. "I mean there's no law saying he has to return. There isn't one saying any of us have to return."
"What are you saying?" he frowned.
"I'm saying that if the boys don't want to go I see no reason to make them. They're both adults now, so they can care for themselves. And the king has been very reasonable lately. I'm sure he won't mind granting them permission to stay."
Bardock found himself unable to deny the hopeful faces his sons turned on him. Sighing, he turned back to the woman beside him. "And you my dear? Do you wish to stay as well?"
Lyneaxa smiled softly. "I do but I'll go where ever you go, love."
Bardock nodded then smiled across the table. "I guess that only leaves one question. What say you old man? Willing to put up with us for a spell longer?"
Gohan returned the smile, obviously pleased with the turn of events. "I guess I'll have to find a way to cope."
Bardock chuckled before turning to the smiling youth again. "How is it that you always seem to get your way in this family?"
Goku shrugged. "I'm just lucky I guess. Besides, I was helping you Dad. I mean do you really want to live on a planet where one day Vegeta will be king?"
Bardock couldn't help laughing at that. "I suppose not." When his laughter subsided, he stood. "I'll guess it's time I called the king and tell him I was outvoted."
When their father was gone, Radditz good-naturedly elbowed his brother. "Good job Kakarot. You saved the day."
Goku's face was overcome by a goofy grin. "Yep! I'm the hero."
Radditz chuckled as he shook his head. His little brother was something else.
* * *
The shower door clicked softly as Bulma opened it and stepped out. Humming softly, she slipped into her white terry cloth robe. Using the sleeve of the robe, she wiped off the mirror above the sink and continued humming as she smiled at herself in the looking glass.
"Kami, I'm gorgeous," she said happily. She ran her hand through the wet blue locks and paused when the light reflected the bracelet adorning her wrist. She smiled at the treasured piece of jewelry. As she examined the precious silver links, she opened the locket and frowned. It really was a shame to just let it go to waste. "Too bad I don't have any pictures of just me and Vegeta. That would be perfect. Oh wells. I'll put one of the group in here." Shrugging, she left the steamy bathroom.
She headed straight for the large walk-in closet for a change. Before she could reach for the light switch however, she tripped and fell face first on the closet's soft white carpet. Growling, she glanced back to see what had tripped her and just made out her beach bag. Sighing, she stood and grabbed the bag, carrying it out of the closet and over to her bed. She might as well finally unpack it. She didn't have anything better to do.
As she pulled out the contents of her bag, she let her mind wonder back to prom. Everything had been so wonderful last night. Sighing wistfully, she pulled her sunglasses out of the bag and tossed them on the bed. The next thing her fingers found was a small black camera. Frowning, she looked the camera over. "I don't have a camera like th-" she stopped when she remembered the day of Goku's party. "Shit! I was supposed to get this developed." She frowned at the camera a moment then flipped open the small door keeping the film in.
"Hmm," she murmured softly as she looked the film over then smiled. "Hell, I can develop this. No sweat." She slipped the film into her robe pocket and left the room. Surely, there were some chemicals in the downstairs lab she could use.
She practically skipped down the stairs as she hummed a little tune she couldn't seem to shake. But she wasn't complaining. Nothing could get her down today. She planned for a great day. After she developed this film maybe she could take it over to Krillin. Frowning, she rethought that. She loved Krillin to death and his dad was great but she wasn't up to dealing with his grandfather. Grandpa Roshi was by far the most disgusting old man she had ever met. She didn't know how Juu spent so much time over there with that old fart ogling her.
Shaking her head she decided she'd just give the pictures to Krillin on Monday. Instead, for her perfect day, she'd call Vegeta when she was done. Maybe she could even talk him into taking her somewhere tonight. With a smile, she stepped off the bottom step and was just about to turn right, toward the basement door when the doorbell chimed. Shrugging, she turned to the door instead of letting one of the bots get it. Upon opening the door, she was very happy she had.
"Hey you!" she chirped, not hesitating to wrap her arms around his neck and press her lips to his. Such was her excitement to see him she failed to notice that even though he didn't push her away, he didn't return the kiss either. Pulling back she smiled. "Missed me already, huh?"
Instead of the smart-ass answer she was expecting, he looked her face over closely, finally coming to rest at her eyes. Bulma's smile fell slightly and she tilted her head curiously. "Something wrong, Vegeta?"
He frowned deeply then unclasped her hands at the back of his neck. "Where is your mother?"
Bulma raised a brow then shrugged. "Shopping. Been gone all day. Why do you ask?"
Vegeta nodded as if this information were acceptable to him. "We need to talk," he said. The seriousness in his tone left no room for argument.
Nodding slowly, she stepped aside for him to enter. "We can talk in my room."
He didn't say anything as he headed for the steps. Biting her lip, Bulma slipped her hands into her pockets and followed him.
Something gnawed at the pit of her stomach the whole trip to her room. Once they were both inside she turned to close the door, breathing in heavily before turning back to face him. He was staring out the window, obviously in deep thought and Bulma swallowed around the lump in her throat. A feeling of déjà vu washed over her and she couldn't help but bite her lip a little harder. This couldn't be happening to her again. It took all the courage she had to walk over to him.
"Vegeta, what's wrong?" she asked softly, not sure she really wanted to know.
"I have to leave," he said finally.
"Leave? But you just got here-" she started in confusion.
"That's not what I mean." He finally turned to face her then, his somber expression making her heart twist. "You should sit down."
"I'd rather stand if you don't mind," she replied.
"I do mind," he answered. "Sit."
Her eyes narrowed slightly before she sat down on the bed. This definitely wasn't good. "Okay, I'm sitting. Explain."
It was obvious he wasn't sure where to start. Finally he sighed. "The day after graduation, I'm leaving."
"Oh," was all she could say for a moment. "Where are you going?"
"Vegeta-sei."
She couldn't help arching a brow at that. "Vegeta, are you feeling all right-"
"Will you just be quiet and let me finish?" he growled.
With a glare, she crossed her arms over her chest, waiting silently.
Now that her momentary silence was insured, Vegeta decided to cut straight to the point. "After dropping you off this morning, my parents informed me that we would be returning to our home planet known as Vegeta-sei. Apparently on this planet we are the ruling family, but were forced to leave due to circumstances I don't feel like explaining right now. They received a letter this morning saying it is safe for us, as well as Kakarot's family, to return to the planet." He paused there in his hurried explanation, trying to gage her reaction.
Her earlier scowl held throughout his tale. When she realized he was finished, her face went completely blank. The blankness didn't last long, however, as fury settled there instead.
"You know, Vegeta, if you wanted to break up with me all you had to do was say so, not make up some wild story. At least Yamcha had the decency to tell me the truth."
"You think I'm lying?" he frowned. It had never occurred to him that she might not believe him. Why, he wasn't sure. He didn't even believe it.
Standing, she almost growled at him. "Of course I do. You didn't actually expect me to swallow that bull, did you?"
"Yes."
The simple sincerity in the single word almost got her then she quickly shook it off. "You're so full of shit, Vegeta. You don't want me, fine. I can deal with that. Just tell me. Don't try to spare my feelings with lies."
His eyes narrowed on her before he spoke again. "I've never been one to spare anyone's feelings. Why would I start with you?"
She stopped then and looked at him. Really looked at him. Nothing about him spoke the lie of which she had accused him. He just seemed weary, tired, and as lost as she was beginning to feel. As she continued looking him over, she felt a sudden heaviness settle in the pit of her stomach. She had always thought of Vegeta as the one she went to for the truth, but he couldn't be telling the truth now. Could he? He had to be lying. Right? One look in his eyes and she knew the truth. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, the truth was staring her right in the face.
She slowly closed her eyes and swallowed around the lump in her throat. "You're telling me the truth, aren't you?" She didn't need the answer he didn't give. Slowly she walked over to her dresser and rested her hands there, keeping her back to him as she spoke. "I guess you should go then," she said softly as she idly toyed with a hair clip on the dresser top.
She could almost feel the heat of his scowl on her back as he spoke. "What do you mean?"
"Well if you're leaving in a week, I-I'm sure you have a lot of packing to do," she said as nonchalantly as possible. She prayed he hadn't caught the slight hitch in her voice.
"That's all you have to say to me?" he questioned slowly. His voice held almost no emotion at all but it was obvious he was looking for something. Or perhaps waiting for something. Something only she could give.
She shrugged as her eyes stayed with the clip. "What else is there to say? You're my friend Vegeta, and I will miss you a lot, but friends leave. It's a part of life."
"Your friend?" he questioned in challenge.
She couldn't force herself to look at him for fear of a complete breakdown, so instead she nodded. "Yes. My friend," she murmured.
It was a rare moment when silence wasn't comfortable in their relationship. This was one of those moments. It might have stretched on longer if Vegeta hadn't finally had enough.
"Very well," he said bitterly. He didn't pause once in his step as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
The closing of the door sent a shudder through Bulma's body. No longer able to hold her façade, she ran a hand into her still slightly damp locks. After she slowly made her way over to the bed and sat, she cupped her face between her shaking hands. Once the first tear escaped there was no stopping the rest. As sobs began to wrack her body, it took all she had to gasp for breath between each. Finally, she gave up on breathing and focused her energy on the heart-retching cries that escaped from her throat.
Her pitiful moans became louder and louder with each passing second, and as Vegeta stepped out on the front porch he couldn't help glancing up at the open window just above him. The temptation to go back in was strong, but he reminded himself she had plenty of friends to comfort her once he was gone. His going back up there would have no more effect than if ChiChi or Krillin went up there. After all, he was just another friend. It was that thought that got him to his car and enabled him to leave the driveway without looking back.
* * *
*smiles* Hope you kiddies enjoyed the twist. See ya next chappie. Thanks for reading.
An: This chapter is dedicated to everyone that will be surprised and/or confused at the end of it.
* * *
Her eyes opened slowly as a thin ray of sunlight began streaming into the room. After a few moments of confusion, the events of last night came back to her and she smiled. With a content yawn, she stretched leisurely and snuggled down into her pillow. It was only then that she realized she was alone. Frowning, she rolled over to look around the room. She was more than a little relieved when she spotted him. He was leaning against the large bay window, dressed in his slacks and button down shirt. From the way he was watching her it was obvious he'd been waiting for her to wake. Extending her arms fully above her head, she stretched, smiling as his eyes immediately landed on the small amount of creamy white skin uncovered by the movement. When his eyes snapped back, hers chuckled and she put her arms down, hugging the sheet tight around her.
"Morning," she murmured on a half yawn.
"Morning," he answered, his tone particularly gruff.
She cocked her head to the side curiously. "Have you ever noticed you have a slight accent?" When he raised a brow at the comment she nodded. "You do. Now, that I think it, so do your parents. Odd," she finished thoughtfully.
He didn't say anything, only kept the same strange look of interest, which had held his features since she'd awaken. It was obvious he had something on his mind, but it was way too early for her to play guessing games with him. Yawning, she sat up, blanket still clutched tightly to her breast.
"Why are you up so early? Check-out isn't until eleven," she said running her fingers through her tangled locks.
His lip curled in amusement. "It's past noon."
She yawned again before his words sank in. After blinking in surprise a few times, she glanced at the window. "Oh," she finally said, drawing a soft chuckle from him. She pulled her knees to her chest, still hugging the sheet and smiled at him. "Something on your mind?" she questioned.
The smirk fell slightly as he crossed his arms thoughtfully. She thought he wasn't going to answer when finally he spoke. "Where are you going to school next year?"
Not seeing that one coming, she raised a brow. "Well, I haven't decided for sure yet, but I'm thinking CalPolytech, San Luis Obispo. It's in California and their engineering school is suppose to be pretty good," she said on a half shrug.
Nodding, he pushed away from the wall. "Time to go."
Sighing dramatically, she reached for her gloves on the table beside the bed. Inside the right one was a small hidden pocket where she'd placed a capsule. With a flick of the wrist she tossed it on the bed causing a small travel bag to appear.
She chuckled at his raised brow. "A girl always has to be prepared," she explained.
"Right," he said with a roll of the eyes.
She chuckled again then moved to get out of the bed. An unheard of moment of bashfulness washed over her as she remembered her nakedness.
"Uh," she started, her cheeks coloring at the amused expression on his face. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "Uh, Vegeta, um, do you mind?"
"No, not at all," he smirked.
Her eyes narrowed in a glare that could scare the dead. "Get. Out. Vegeta."
"Is there something I couldn't see in the dark that you're hiding now?" he questioned. If the upward twitch in his lip was any indication, he was enjoying himself immensely.
Growling, she lifted one of the pillows and shook it at him. "If you don't get out of here this instant, you'll be sorry."
"Oh?"
Not liking his snotty tone one bit, she chunked the pillow at him, missing by a mile. Chuckling, he picked up the pillow and tossed it back on the bed before heading for the door. "Make it quick," he tossed over his shoulder before closing the door behind him. Bulma waited a few moments to make sure he was really gone. Satisfied it was safe; she quickly hopped up and carried the bags into the small bathroom.
It took almost two hours before all their things were gathered and they could check out. Bulma babbled happily the whole trip to Capsule Corp. about everything from prom decorations to the hotel room, drawing neutral grunts from the driver. When they finally reached the domed building, Bulma kissed him deeply and hopped out with a promise to call. He watched until she slipped into the house with one last wave before he started the ignition again.
As he headed home across town, he let his normal scowl slip back into place. He had definitely gotten himself in deep this time. Even he, if only to himself, had to admit last night had been almost perfect. Almost. Until she had ruined it. She hadn't acted this morning as if she had known what she'd admitted the night before. He feared that was where her feelings were heading since the night of Juu's birthday party. Now he didn't know what to do. It was bad enough that she had said it, but his reaction was much worse. He hadn't felt upset in the slightest. In fact, instead of pushing her away, he'd pulled her closer.
He didn't have time for this love stuff. Even though things had been better lately, his parents had proven that love between a man and woman wasn't worth shit. All it brought was pain to everyone involved. The only truly happy couple he'd ever seen was Kakarot's parents. In the years he had lived with the Sons, he'd seen a very different side of the enigma he knew to be love. However, the crumbling of all the other relationships around him lead him to believe the Sons were a single exception to the rule. As he pulled the car to a stop in his driveway, he wondered if Kakarot knew how truly lucky he was.
Slipping out of the vehicle, he swung his jacket over his shoulder and hurried up the porch steps. As he entered the house, his first thought was food. He realized he hadn't eaten since noon the day before. He tossed the jacket over a chair as he headed for the kitchen. He had pushed the door just slightly when his father's voice drifted out, something in it causing him to pause.
"But I just don't understand. How could he?" the older man marveled.
A meaningful pause followed before his mother's soft voice answered. "Honestly, I don't know, Vegeta. But it's all there in black and white."
"But the legend-"
"I know what the legend said," Argana interrupted her husband. "But obviously we misinterpreted it. The fact is, Vegeta, that the legend did come to fruit. Frieza is dead and we can finally go home."
As his father fell silent, Vegeta frowned. Frieza? Home? What the hell were they talking about? His confusion was such that he didn't realize he had pushed the door a bit, causing it to creak. Argana pulled her hand away from the letter lying on the table between her and her husband, and turned at the sound.
"Vegeta, is that you?" she questioned.
Biting back a curse, he pushed the door fully open and stepped into the room. He eyed each of them carefully before crossing his arms over his chest. His father scowled at him as his mother smiled softly.
"How was the prom?" she asked.
"It was fine," he said simply.
"Well good," she answered with a smile.
When neither parent spoke up to explain themselves, he stepped into the room, his eyes falling on the letter between them. "What is that?" he said finally locking eyes with his father, daring the man to lie to him. Vegeta Sr. narrowed his eyes on the boy, not liking his look one bit. The tense silence finally ended with Argana's soft words.
"Sit down, Vegeta."
His suspicious gaze turned on her momentarily before he took the seat offered him. When they still couldn't find the words to begin, Vegeta reached for the letter. They didn't stop him nor did either attempt to, as he frowned at the odd characters on the paper.
"What is this?" he questioned as he finally looked up at them.
"It is Saiygo," his mother answered.
"What?" he scowled.
"Saiygo," his father repeated. "It is the language of the mighty Saiyan - jin people. The language of your people." The last was spoken to clear the boy's mind. It only raised more questions.
"What are you talking about? What's a Saiyan?" he asked in confusion. Vegeta scowled, as his parents glanced at one another, not sure how to continue. "Will you two stop pussyfooting around the issue and just tell me what you're talking about?"
His mother bit her lip and found new interest in the tabletop. Growing frustrated with their games, Vegeta moved to stand, only to be halted by his father's voice.
"Stay where you are boy. We'll explain everything to you now," he said, glancing at his wife. She nodded then slowly raised her eyes to those of her son.
Vegeta growled as he narrowed both eyes on his parents. "Well, out with it already."
His father chose to ignore his tone of voice for the moment as he decided how to start his tale. "Though you were born here, something I greatly regret, your mother and I have not always resided on this backwater planet." When the younger man raised a skeptical brow, his father held up a silencing hand. "Let me finish before you start to doubt me." He took the begrudged nod he received as a sign to continue. "The planet we belong to is called Vegeta-sei. There we, you, your mother, and I, are the ruling family." He once again ignored the disbelieving grunt from his son's direction. "We are descendants of a great warrior race meant to rule the galaxy. However, the coming of a disgusting pink creature known as Frieza halted the claiming of our destiny.
"Five years before your birth Frieza came to our world. His power was unlike anything we had ever seen and we had no choice but submit to his rule," his words held such shame and disgust that even Vegeta believed him for a moment before mentally shaking the feeling off as the man continued. "We purged countless planets for that animal, allowing him to take advantage of our Oozaru form in order to insure complete annihilation of the current species on the planet. Survivors were not an issue if the planet's moon was out." Vegeta paused in his spill when it became obvious he'd lost the boy with the talk of the Oozaru form. He decided to move on before he was distracted by a question from the youth.
"In our slavery there was one beacon of hope that we would one day be delivered. A thousand years before the arrival of Frieza the mightiest of us had risen. He was the Legendary Super Sayian-jin. His power was uncontested by anything in the universe. He was completely unstoppable, and in the end only his own power was able to defeat him. Legend told that another Super Saiyan would arise one day and be even greater than the one before him. It was in this prophecy we put all our faith."
It was at this point Vegeta could hold his mocking grunt no longer. "That's a wonderful story, Father. Now would you like to try the truth?"
Vegeta Sr. was about to cut into the boy when his wife spoke up.
"You will hold your tongue until he finishes, Vegeta," she said softly, yet forcefully. "You wanted the truth and that's exactly what you're getting. Now hear him out."
The boy obviously wanted to protest but instead kept his mouth closed. There was a respect he held for his mother that would never be felt toward the other man at the table. It was out of that respect he waited silently for the story to continue.
With a nod in his wife's direction, Vegeta continued. "Many believed that I was the one the prophecy spoke of, for someone of such power would of course come from a royal bloodline, but I knew this was not so. Deep down I knew I was not cable of reaching such levels of power, however if I were to have a son," his locked with the frowning boy across the table, "maybe he could be the one to rise up against Frieza.
"When word spread that the queen was expecting a son, the whole planet was in an uproar. A new heir to the throne meant a possible savior for our race. This gave our people a new hope, something Frieza would never allow. Several advisors encouraged me to send your mother away until after your birth but there was no one I trusted enough to protect her but myself. It was then that my Chief Advisor came to me with a plan.
"Vegeta-sei had many alliances before the coming of Frieza. One of them was with Earth. When your mother was about six months along, Bardock, who was then my Chief Advisor, had reached one of our old contacts here. You know him as Gohan."
"Kakarot's grandfather?" Vegeta questioned.
His father shook his head. "It made for a good pretense but the old man is not related to Bardock's family." He waited for his son's response. When none came he continued. "The contact was willing to find suitable placement for us here on Earth, where Frieza couldn't find us. Left with no other options, I gave Bardock the go ahead to make the arrangements."
Vegeta's disgusted grunt caused him to pause. "So, you just ran away? That's so typical of you."
The older man glared at the youth. "I did what I had to do to protect my family and insure the liberation of my people."
"Forgive me, but your ideas on protection are almost laughable. Maybe you should work on them as you deal with your cowardice. There's much to be desired in both," he snarled.
The father couldn't speak against that truth. He'd been wrestling with those very thoughts much too long too. With a wary sigh, he continued his story. "My personal guard Nappa was meant to accompany us but everyone knew that once Frieza realized the royal family was missing, every elite would be needed to aid in the battle that was sure to follow. Every member of my staff carried elite status except Bardock.
"He hadn't wanted to leave. I knew it even if he wouldn't say it. He was newly mated and had a young son just barely two years of age. But he was a very honorable man and would do whatever the crown asked of him. He never even mentioned that Lyneaxa was with child again. His responsibilities were that important to him.
"Knowing time was of the essence, we left as soon as possible. When we reached this planet, Gohan set us up with all the necessities, including this home. There were no other free homes in this area so Gohan simply allowed Bardock and his family to stay with him. It was actually young Radditz that chose the old man's disguise. Within a few months of living there, the toddler began calling the aged man Grandfather, and it stuck.
"When you were finally born the idea was for me to train you until you achieved your destiny and were ready to free our people. However, that never came to pass." He paused there frowning deeply.
Vegeta scowled at his father a moment longer before turning to his mother. "Why are we returning now?"
"The letter says that the legendary Saiyan finally arose in a young boy no more than ten years of age. His name is Brolli. He defeated Frieza a month ago, and the letter only now reached us," Argana answered. "They are sending a ship for us all the day after your graduation. Radditz will also be done with his classes for the semester by then, so there won't be too many questions about our sudden disappearance."
Vegeta scowled. "Does this Saiyan race of yours always put their fate in the hands of children?"
Neither parent could answer him. Shaking his head in disgust, Vegeta stood from his chair and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" his mother wanted to know.
He didn't even bother answering her as he disappeared through the door.
* * *
Radditz looked at both his parents as if they had lost their minds. A similar expression was set on his brother's face. "You're joking with us, right? I mean, we can't be from another planet. That's crazy," Radditz said receiving a nod from his brother.
"I'm afraid it isn't as crazy as you think, my son. The king has informed me that we leave in a week. It is time we return home," the last word was said if not even Bardock himself bought it. After all this was their home. They all knew that.
Both boys looked at one another with wide eyes before turning back to their father. "But Dad," Radditz started. "That's just after Kakarot's graduation."
Bardock nodded. "I'm quite aware of that, boy. The queen thought that all three of you boys would want to finish the school year out before leaving."
Radditz couldn't believe his ears. Glancing to his right, he looked at the silent old man he'd known as his grandfather. It had all been a lie. Everything was a lie. Grandpa Gohan didn't look up but instead kept his eyes on the table before him.
"Well, I'm not going."
All eyes turned to the youngest member of the family at the statement. "Don't be ridiculous, boy. Of course you're going," Bardock informed him.
Goku only shook his head. "No, I'm not. That place isn't my home. This is. Besides, OU is waiting for me, and ChiChi needs me." He paused a moment and shrugged. "I'll miss you guys, I really will, but I'm not going."
Bardock narrowed his eyes at the boy. "Now you listen to me Kakarot. This is no time for games-"
"And I'm not playing," Goku said softly. "I'm sorry Dad. I just can't."
Bardock couldn't remember ever being angry with his youngest son but apparently there was a first time for everything. Couldn't the boy see that none of them wanted to leave but they had no choice? Bardock had known that they would have to return to Vegeta-sei one day but he had never anticipated that they would actually come to love this little blue planet. The sullen faces around the table truly upset him but there was nothing he could do about it. It was time for them to leave. They just had to find away to deal with their disappointment.
He was just going to have to explain this to his son, but before he could speak, he felt a hand lightly touch his arm. Turning to his wife, he frowned in question.
"Perhaps Kakarot is right dear," she started, giving his arm a little squeeze when he looked as if he would protest. "I mean there's no law saying he has to return. There isn't one saying any of us have to return."
"What are you saying?" he frowned.
"I'm saying that if the boys don't want to go I see no reason to make them. They're both adults now, so they can care for themselves. And the king has been very reasonable lately. I'm sure he won't mind granting them permission to stay."
Bardock found himself unable to deny the hopeful faces his sons turned on him. Sighing, he turned back to the woman beside him. "And you my dear? Do you wish to stay as well?"
Lyneaxa smiled softly. "I do but I'll go where ever you go, love."
Bardock nodded then smiled across the table. "I guess that only leaves one question. What say you old man? Willing to put up with us for a spell longer?"
Gohan returned the smile, obviously pleased with the turn of events. "I guess I'll have to find a way to cope."
Bardock chuckled before turning to the smiling youth again. "How is it that you always seem to get your way in this family?"
Goku shrugged. "I'm just lucky I guess. Besides, I was helping you Dad. I mean do you really want to live on a planet where one day Vegeta will be king?"
Bardock couldn't help laughing at that. "I suppose not." When his laughter subsided, he stood. "I'll guess it's time I called the king and tell him I was outvoted."
When their father was gone, Radditz good-naturedly elbowed his brother. "Good job Kakarot. You saved the day."
Goku's face was overcome by a goofy grin. "Yep! I'm the hero."
Radditz chuckled as he shook his head. His little brother was something else.
* * *
The shower door clicked softly as Bulma opened it and stepped out. Humming softly, she slipped into her white terry cloth robe. Using the sleeve of the robe, she wiped off the mirror above the sink and continued humming as she smiled at herself in the looking glass.
"Kami, I'm gorgeous," she said happily. She ran her hand through the wet blue locks and paused when the light reflected the bracelet adorning her wrist. She smiled at the treasured piece of jewelry. As she examined the precious silver links, she opened the locket and frowned. It really was a shame to just let it go to waste. "Too bad I don't have any pictures of just me and Vegeta. That would be perfect. Oh wells. I'll put one of the group in here." Shrugging, she left the steamy bathroom.
She headed straight for the large walk-in closet for a change. Before she could reach for the light switch however, she tripped and fell face first on the closet's soft white carpet. Growling, she glanced back to see what had tripped her and just made out her beach bag. Sighing, she stood and grabbed the bag, carrying it out of the closet and over to her bed. She might as well finally unpack it. She didn't have anything better to do.
As she pulled out the contents of her bag, she let her mind wonder back to prom. Everything had been so wonderful last night. Sighing wistfully, she pulled her sunglasses out of the bag and tossed them on the bed. The next thing her fingers found was a small black camera. Frowning, she looked the camera over. "I don't have a camera like th-" she stopped when she remembered the day of Goku's party. "Shit! I was supposed to get this developed." She frowned at the camera a moment then flipped open the small door keeping the film in.
"Hmm," she murmured softly as she looked the film over then smiled. "Hell, I can develop this. No sweat." She slipped the film into her robe pocket and left the room. Surely, there were some chemicals in the downstairs lab she could use.
She practically skipped down the stairs as she hummed a little tune she couldn't seem to shake. But she wasn't complaining. Nothing could get her down today. She planned for a great day. After she developed this film maybe she could take it over to Krillin. Frowning, she rethought that. She loved Krillin to death and his dad was great but she wasn't up to dealing with his grandfather. Grandpa Roshi was by far the most disgusting old man she had ever met. She didn't know how Juu spent so much time over there with that old fart ogling her.
Shaking her head she decided she'd just give the pictures to Krillin on Monday. Instead, for her perfect day, she'd call Vegeta when she was done. Maybe she could even talk him into taking her somewhere tonight. With a smile, she stepped off the bottom step and was just about to turn right, toward the basement door when the doorbell chimed. Shrugging, she turned to the door instead of letting one of the bots get it. Upon opening the door, she was very happy she had.
"Hey you!" she chirped, not hesitating to wrap her arms around his neck and press her lips to his. Such was her excitement to see him she failed to notice that even though he didn't push her away, he didn't return the kiss either. Pulling back she smiled. "Missed me already, huh?"
Instead of the smart-ass answer she was expecting, he looked her face over closely, finally coming to rest at her eyes. Bulma's smile fell slightly and she tilted her head curiously. "Something wrong, Vegeta?"
He frowned deeply then unclasped her hands at the back of his neck. "Where is your mother?"
Bulma raised a brow then shrugged. "Shopping. Been gone all day. Why do you ask?"
Vegeta nodded as if this information were acceptable to him. "We need to talk," he said. The seriousness in his tone left no room for argument.
Nodding slowly, she stepped aside for him to enter. "We can talk in my room."
He didn't say anything as he headed for the steps. Biting her lip, Bulma slipped her hands into her pockets and followed him.
Something gnawed at the pit of her stomach the whole trip to her room. Once they were both inside she turned to close the door, breathing in heavily before turning back to face him. He was staring out the window, obviously in deep thought and Bulma swallowed around the lump in her throat. A feeling of déjà vu washed over her and she couldn't help but bite her lip a little harder. This couldn't be happening to her again. It took all the courage she had to walk over to him.
"Vegeta, what's wrong?" she asked softly, not sure she really wanted to know.
"I have to leave," he said finally.
"Leave? But you just got here-" she started in confusion.
"That's not what I mean." He finally turned to face her then, his somber expression making her heart twist. "You should sit down."
"I'd rather stand if you don't mind," she replied.
"I do mind," he answered. "Sit."
Her eyes narrowed slightly before she sat down on the bed. This definitely wasn't good. "Okay, I'm sitting. Explain."
It was obvious he wasn't sure where to start. Finally he sighed. "The day after graduation, I'm leaving."
"Oh," was all she could say for a moment. "Where are you going?"
"Vegeta-sei."
She couldn't help arching a brow at that. "Vegeta, are you feeling all right-"
"Will you just be quiet and let me finish?" he growled.
With a glare, she crossed her arms over her chest, waiting silently.
Now that her momentary silence was insured, Vegeta decided to cut straight to the point. "After dropping you off this morning, my parents informed me that we would be returning to our home planet known as Vegeta-sei. Apparently on this planet we are the ruling family, but were forced to leave due to circumstances I don't feel like explaining right now. They received a letter this morning saying it is safe for us, as well as Kakarot's family, to return to the planet." He paused there in his hurried explanation, trying to gage her reaction.
Her earlier scowl held throughout his tale. When she realized he was finished, her face went completely blank. The blankness didn't last long, however, as fury settled there instead.
"You know, Vegeta, if you wanted to break up with me all you had to do was say so, not make up some wild story. At least Yamcha had the decency to tell me the truth."
"You think I'm lying?" he frowned. It had never occurred to him that she might not believe him. Why, he wasn't sure. He didn't even believe it.
Standing, she almost growled at him. "Of course I do. You didn't actually expect me to swallow that bull, did you?"
"Yes."
The simple sincerity in the single word almost got her then she quickly shook it off. "You're so full of shit, Vegeta. You don't want me, fine. I can deal with that. Just tell me. Don't try to spare my feelings with lies."
His eyes narrowed on her before he spoke again. "I've never been one to spare anyone's feelings. Why would I start with you?"
She stopped then and looked at him. Really looked at him. Nothing about him spoke the lie of which she had accused him. He just seemed weary, tired, and as lost as she was beginning to feel. As she continued looking him over, she felt a sudden heaviness settle in the pit of her stomach. She had always thought of Vegeta as the one she went to for the truth, but he couldn't be telling the truth now. Could he? He had to be lying. Right? One look in his eyes and she knew the truth. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, the truth was staring her right in the face.
She slowly closed her eyes and swallowed around the lump in her throat. "You're telling me the truth, aren't you?" She didn't need the answer he didn't give. Slowly she walked over to her dresser and rested her hands there, keeping her back to him as she spoke. "I guess you should go then," she said softly as she idly toyed with a hair clip on the dresser top.
She could almost feel the heat of his scowl on her back as he spoke. "What do you mean?"
"Well if you're leaving in a week, I-I'm sure you have a lot of packing to do," she said as nonchalantly as possible. She prayed he hadn't caught the slight hitch in her voice.
"That's all you have to say to me?" he questioned slowly. His voice held almost no emotion at all but it was obvious he was looking for something. Or perhaps waiting for something. Something only she could give.
She shrugged as her eyes stayed with the clip. "What else is there to say? You're my friend Vegeta, and I will miss you a lot, but friends leave. It's a part of life."
"Your friend?" he questioned in challenge.
She couldn't force herself to look at him for fear of a complete breakdown, so instead she nodded. "Yes. My friend," she murmured.
It was a rare moment when silence wasn't comfortable in their relationship. This was one of those moments. It might have stretched on longer if Vegeta hadn't finally had enough.
"Very well," he said bitterly. He didn't pause once in his step as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
The closing of the door sent a shudder through Bulma's body. No longer able to hold her façade, she ran a hand into her still slightly damp locks. After she slowly made her way over to the bed and sat, she cupped her face between her shaking hands. Once the first tear escaped there was no stopping the rest. As sobs began to wrack her body, it took all she had to gasp for breath between each. Finally, she gave up on breathing and focused her energy on the heart-retching cries that escaped from her throat.
Her pitiful moans became louder and louder with each passing second, and as Vegeta stepped out on the front porch he couldn't help glancing up at the open window just above him. The temptation to go back in was strong, but he reminded himself she had plenty of friends to comfort her once he was gone. His going back up there would have no more effect than if ChiChi or Krillin went up there. After all, he was just another friend. It was that thought that got him to his car and enabled him to leave the driveway without looking back.
* * *
*smiles* Hope you kiddies enjoyed the twist. See ya next chappie. Thanks for reading.
