. A Story with No Name .
Hotdogs and Football
AN – Well, this took a long time, but it's a long one. I hope you guys like this chapter, and thanks to Desta and Dark kia once again. Oh, and my sis, Despondent. If you have any suggestions whatsoever, don't be shy and speak up.
The first to arrive stood on the doormat exactly five minutes before ten and pressed the doorbell to signal their presence. Bulma was bustling about, cleaning up what the robots took too long to clean and ensuring everything was Goku-Krillin proof, knowing well that when those two came together, the results were disastrous. Vegeta sat on the couch flipping through a magazine, having been forbidden to enter the gravity room, and when the bell struck, he lifted his head nonchalantly and gazed towards the door.
He sighed and returned to his mindless scan of the magazine, and soon Bulma appeared, angered that he didn't greet her guest. She glared at him on her way to the door, and in return, she received a devious smile that perfectly fitted Vegeta's sleek face, and in retaliation, she rolled her eyes, silently dubbing him immature and childish. She then grasped the doorknob, quickly opening her home to the one who stood before her. It was Tien, oddly enough, who stood before the entrance of her home. She smiled warmly, though not as merrily as she would had Goku or Krillin been standing where Tien did now.
"Well, hey Tien! Didn't think you'd show. It's good to see you again, come on in!"
She spoke hospitably and warmly, and he smiled thankfully and led Chaotzu into the Capsule Corp. He glanced towards Vegeta, who sarcastically flashed a friendly smile, hoping to anger the three-eyed man. Much to the Saiyan's liking, Tien glared harshly at him, though soon turned away his gaze and found a suitable chair. Chaotzu followed him, and found a chair near his titanic ally.
"The food'll be served outside, and to make sure Goku doesn't break something, I think we'll all just meet out there. It's a beautiful day anyway…Oh….just a second, I'll be right back."
A harsh a wail sliced through the air, interrupting Bulma's polite directions, and she instantly fled towards the bedrooms, knowing all too well that Trunks had done something. This left the trio in silence, and a rather awkward silence at that. After a few minutes, Tien decided to follow the directions Bulma had given him, and left the room without a word. Vegeta ignored him and continued flipping through the pages that held various pictures, anywhere from the newest fashion statement to the newest brand of hand tools on the market.
Just as his powerful fingers caressed the glossy pages, another note pierced through the air, signaling yet another guest's appearance. He lifted his eyes with an ease that seemed as though he had just heard nothing but a dog barking in the distance, and quickly allowed his dark eyes to scan over the ads once more.
Just as he was looking over an ad for cigarettes, a round of bell tolls vibrated throughout the house, repeating at an annoying pace and consistency that instantly told him who was standing beyond the wooden door. Kakarot. He tried to ignore the repetitive, ringing doorbell, but eventually the volume and repetition became too irritating for him to bear. He growled as he threw the magazine onto the table and stormed towards the door.
He snatched the doorknob and instantly flung the door open to the mass of people that stood on the doorstep. Goku instantly reared back, the door just barely missed his head, and started laughing at Vegeta's rage. Krillin stood to his left, a massive grin sitting comfortably upon his noseless face, and the second Vegeta opened the door, his bubbling laughter burst into the air. Behind the duo stood Goku's wife, Chi-chi, and his son, Goten, who had joined in the duo's laughter.
Vegeta glared harshly at the group, his eyes dark with wild and passionate fury, and he growled bared his teeth at the group.
"Damn it, how idiotic can you be? Go around, it's out back."
His voice resonated with a power that matched his furious eyes, and at his anger, the trio once more exploded into laughter. Kakarot and his little friend must have met previously, otherwise they wouldn't have been so…flustery. One side of his lip rose slightly, reaching a peak that was at such a height to reveal his fleshy gums, and he growled deeply and pointed harshly with his hand towards the side of the house.
"Go, now."
The venomous hatred he held for their mockery dripped from every vibrating note, and at his satanic demand, their laughter finally halted. Goku chuckled a bit and protectively raised his hands, holding them up before him and speaking quickly to soothe the brewing anger characteristic to Vegeta alone.
"All right, all right Vegeta, no need to get homicidal on me."
A few chuckles from various people erupted once more at Goku's reaction, and much to the Prince's enjoyment, they turned and walked away, disappearing behind the curved side of the yellow house. He emitted an irritated grumble, mumbling a few curse words that none upon the planet would understand, yet he paused after his anger had passed, calming himself to ensure he wouldn't loose his temper.
He turned around and shut the door quickly, walking back to where the magazine lay. He had thrown it too carelessly to land on its intended target, thus it lay upon the ground, abandoned and alone upon a vast field of dark bluish-green carpet. He stared at it for a while, suddenly lost in his thoughts. That dream, it had been far too long since the last time he had it, and why now? He had practically forgotten His voice, let alone thought about him recently. The whole incident with Buu was far too fresh in his mind, so why had he dreamt of Him?
Vegeta was as rigid and silent as stone, staring at the ground when Bulma walked in bestowing a look of merriment. She stopped upon catching sight of Vegeta. His dark eyes lifted to fall upon her fair face, and his soft gaze hardened quickly upon realizing that another had approached. Her surprise and curiosity instantly dissipated, and in its place, her usual irritation appeared. He was just a strange person who did strange things for whatever reason, and this was obviously just one of those things that were better left unquestioned.
"Would you come outside for a while? I know you loathe them with a hatred that no mortal can comprehend, but you need to get some exposure before your head explodes."
He rolled his eyes and scoffed in response, instantly bending down to pick the discarded magazine from the ground. He carried it to the couch, but before he reached it, she grabbed his arm and tugged forcibly against it.
"I mean -now-."
He sighed in defeat and reluctantly followed the domineering wench. She led him through the back door and out onto the lawn. His eyes skimmed quickly across the mass of people, matching faces with names to see who had all appeared. Goku and his mate, obviously, as well as his youngest son, all stood by the table he had been forced to carry. They were talking to Gohan, who had brought a strange girl he had seen with him at the World Tournament. She had dark hair and blue eyes, and reminded him vaguely of someone he had seen on TV once. Nevertheless, his eyes skimmed over the rest, spying Yamcha and his little cat friend, Tien, Chaotzu, Piccolo, and Trunks, who had obviously jumped out of his window upon realizing that his best friend had arrived.
"There ya are, Bulma! I thought he killed you or something."
Krillin's sarcastic statement caused everyone (besides Vegeta and Piccolo, of course) to laugh. Vegeta wrenched out of Bulma's grip and folded his arms over his chest and glared towards the joyful group. He lifted one side of his mouth in a terrible attempt at a sarcastic smile, and his deep voice vibrated within his throat.
"Ha ha, oh how funny. You're just lucky I didn't."
The honesty in his voice caused another eruption of laughter, and in reply, he rolled his eyes and walked a few paces away from the gathering to find a nice, solitary placement along the pale walls of the house. Upon reaching his destination, he leaned his back against the outer wall and folded his arms over his chest.
Goten instantly jumped up and ran to greet the Saiyan prince, jumping up and down in front of him a gleeful manner. He giggled and pointed, finding some sort of twisted amusement in Vegeta's presence, and began shouting a well-known nickname he had adopted.
"Uncle Veggie-boy! Yeah! You came out! Trunks said you were farting around inside and would never come out, but here you are! Hahahehe I won Trunks, you suck."
Trunks grumbled and rolled his eyes, lifting his shoulders and quickly retaliating to Goten's Victory-dance.
"Big deal, I knew my mom was going to bring 'im out here. I was just giving you that stupid cookie, Dumb-butt."
With this, the two kids launched into a brutal verbal war that humored those watching because of its hateful air that lacked in vulgarity. Bulma shrugged and turned towards Krillin. A massive smile curled her painted lips as she remembered a problem he had told her about a few days prior. Her grin held a devious air, and he shrunk back in a simple, playful fear. She laughed and nudged him in the side with her elbow.
"So, Krillin, how'd that whole gig play out between you and 18? My advice worked?"
He blushed and laughed nervously, instantly raising his hands to scratch the back of his head. He closed his eyes in a poor attempt at keeping the final result a secret from her prying mind, yet his mischievous character was too easily deciphered to conceal any information long. Bulma instantly erupted into a laugh, hooting a few times in a sort of congratulatory manner. He joined in her hearty laughter as the surrounding ears had captured their curious words and actions, and he nodded, proving her suspicions.
"Like a charm, but it's not like I needed that, ya know. I'm a lady's man."
He changed his voice to a voice that held a sarcastically charming tone, acting like the sex-god he believed himself to be. He wiggled his eyebrows and caused a joyous explosion of laughter and sarcastic comments, ranging from 'Oh yeah, Pimp-Daddy!' and 'I'd go out with you!' (of which was spoken by Goku).
Just then, the sliding glass door opened and Mrs. Briefs stepped out onto the lawn. A certain scent wafted about her feet and caused all heads to turn. Fresh meat, buttered buns, and the distinct, sour scent of mustard reached everyone's noses, and all turned to gaze upon the goddess that brought such luscious food. Bulma's mother was cheery and simple in appearance, though to any ominous being watching over the group, she would have seemed wise in the ways of manipulation and deception, so wise that not even the greatest of minds would have outdone her. A woman of which all underestimate, yet none compare.
She carried the massive platters of food and laid each upon the large table that had been set for their feast. As soon as she had set the plate upon the table, she swiftly turned to continue delivering the refreshments. Once she left, the entire group instantly lunged to the table, the Saiyans due to hunger and the others due to the biting fear that the monstrous Saiyan gullets would consume every ounce of food before they even got a chance to eat.
Eventually, order was regained within the group and each person had dished what they wished to eat. Everyone peacefully ate their hotdogs, coleslaw, and chips, talking of simple and happy topics that eased any shyness that naturally brewed after long periods without visiting. Vegeta, as curious as it seemed to everyone, ate quietly and calmly listened to the mindless banter that bounded across the table. Yamcha spoke up as silence shortly captured their hearts, asking a characteristic question that seemed mandatory.
"So, what's been new with everyone? I got a new job as one of those guys who announce stuff at the games. It's a killer job with great hours and awesome pay."
A few people laughed or congratulated him on his accomplishment, and in reply to his question, Chi-chi raised her voice to be heard.
"Well, nothing much has happened since we last got together, but I did make a new recipe. I'll have to bring it next time and make some for you, it's simply superb!"
Her eyes glistened in pride at her own words, and Goku instantly straightened up, his eyes wide with childish awe as he backed up her words.
"Dude, it's so good! I mean, it's like the best thing that's ever been invented, it's scary!"
His large expression filled with childish honesty caused everyone to laugh, and he blinked confused as to why everyone was laughing at what he had just said.
"What? It is!"
Of course, this naturally caused everyone's laughter to increase, leaving a bewildered Goku blinking. Goten, having grown bored with the conversation, decided to change the topic under discussion so that he would receive more attention. He stuck out his chin, grinning from ear to ear, while he boldly interrupted the group.
"You guys know what? I know more about Uncle Veggie-boy than Trunks does, 'cause we had a bet, an' I won!"
Trunks snapped his head up from his plate of food and glared coldly at his friend.
"I let you win, you dork. Get over it."
Goten pouted, sticking his chin out even further and yelling at Trunks, believing that he had won fair and square (of which he had).
"No you didn't! You're stupid Trunks!"
"Oh yeah" said Trunks as he stood up, "Wanna prove it, Dumby?"
Goten wailed, hurt by his new name, and lunged at Trunks, starting a wrestling match right on the table. Everyone instantly screeched, jumping away from the table to ensure they weren't caught up in the brawl. Most were laughing at the incident, although Krillin was having a difficult time breathing to join in the hooting group. Bulma shrieked at the two boys, having gotten the mustard bottle thrown at her.
"Trunks! This is a table, not a wrestling mat! Get off!"
Chi-chi joined her, harshly scolding (from a distance, mind you) the duo for fighting directly on the table. Vegeta, however, hadn't stood with the others, since he was sitting on the edge, and he continued eating as though two children weren't fighting just inches from his face. Chaos ensued all around him while he peacefully ate his hotdog with his eyes closed. Krillin was still doubled over, laughing too hard to breathe properly, when Vegeta's hand suddenly shot out and locked onto Trunks small face, not even opening his eyes to see. Trunks froze instantly, staying as still as possible, and Goten instantly stopped as well, though he was quietly scooting millimeters away. A soft squeak slid past Trunks' lips while Vegeta calmly finished chewing a mouthful of food. Everyone stared at the situation before them, wide-eyed more from shock than fear.
Vegeta swallowed, obviously taking his sweet time, and slowly turned his head to face Trunks, ominously opening his eyes as he did so. His grip on the child's face was unmovable, just in case the boy attempted freedom. Trunks' eyes widened slightly when his father looked him straight in his eyes, a sign that normally meant he was in major trouble. Vegeta calmly lifted his powerful arm, bringing his son's head along, and lifted him high above the table. Trunks stayed completely still, fearing to move even the slightest inch. Bulma visibly tensed when he did this, watching carefully while Vegeta pivoted his arm away from the table. He suddenly unleashed his hold upon the young boy's face, letting him drop to the ground to catch his own feet, and calmly turned back to his meal. Trunks squeaked again when his feet hit the ground, and he instantly scuttled to the other side of the table, politely and obediently following his father's unspoken orders. Goten quickly joined his friend, and together they sat in silence, continuing to eat in a very polite manner.
Bulma breathed a sigh and walked back to the table, and the others followed her example. Chi-chi stared at Vegeta while she made her way back, and when she finally reached her seat, a large smile broke over her face.
"Wow, Vegeta. I can't even get Goten to listen to me, but the two of them? Together? In the same breathing space? Wow, I must say, I'm impressed. We oughta make him baby-sit, eh Bulma?"
Bulma smiled wryly, but lifted her shoulders and grinned a sarcastic smile.
"Well, I would, but whenever I leave those two home alone, the result is inevitable. My mom will end up somewhere in Saudi Arabia, and my dad will have locked himself in a closest with a package of hotdogs and three bottles of Vodka. The animals are loose in the house, the robots are doing the Macarena and singing that 'Henry the 8th' song by the Beatles, and some weird guy is running around in circles screaming 'Where's the mother-ship? I wanna meet some girls!'."
Laughter filled the pleasant spring air once more, rising to a lovely peak that could soothe even the coldest of beast. It was such a grand tone that Vegeta suddenly paused with his silent thoughts that had been carefully pondering, hoping to accomplish some understanding. That harmonic sound of various chuckles held a purity and strength that had always baffled him, but he had a strange question that would cause a gloom to spread over their minds. No, he would stay silent until he understood what the hell was bothering him so much.
Stay silent? On something of this importance? His nose quivered slightly at his sudden change in plans. No, he was being rash. It was nothing but a simple question to the wiser of them, it held no importance to their pineal lives or his well-being. His well-being…he was being self-centered again. But what would that matter? He deserved to be self-centered. He was a Prince, for god's sake, and these were nothing but foolish weaklings that could be killed with a flick of his wrist.
Damn Earthlings. Maybe they were psychics and never told him so that they could play mind-games with him. Sounds like something they would do. Gah, he was being paranoid. No, he at least had to ask Piccolo and that fool, Kakarot. If they were thinking the same things as he, then he knew what it meant. This little dream would morph back into the reality that he had lived for so long…damn it. He did it again. Fear was not the way to think. Possibilities, there were always other possibilities and answers to the strange things that happen…it didn't always mean the same thing.
Ha. Right, so far that little theory had been proved incorrect. At this thought he winced, snapping his eyes shut and twisting his head to the side in such a manner that others would believe he was in pain. Bulma, having placed herself beside the Saiyan warrior, noticed this sudden movement, and turned to capture a clearer view. She blinked curiously, and her sudden diversion of attention caused other heads to pivot, each pair of eyes resting upon the cold-hearted prince.
He looked up the instant he felt their prying eyes, and snapped his gaze around, looking from each face to the next. He raised one of his powerful eyebrows.
"What? I bit into a stale chip. Something wrong?"
A few people chuckled at his excuse, each person taking it for truth, and everyone turned back to the topic that had been under discussion before Goten had blurted out his little victory. Krillin quickly continued his previous speech, answering Yamcha's question quickly so that he would be in the spotlight of attention once more.
"Yeah, well, I ain't doin' much. Just training and trying to keep Master Roshi from drooling on the TV."
Everyone laughed once more, having perfect insight on the little inside joke, and nodded in full agreement with his simple mockery. Bulma spoke out boldly, loudly declaring her accomplishments with an obvious pride.
"Well, I kept our company from loosing 1.5 million dollars during the past three days, and it's all 'cause Daddy's letting me work on some of the money issues. I've refined the newest version of the capsule and…right, you guys don't care about that."
Vegeta humphed and kept his eyes nonchalantly lowered and focused upon his plate of food.
"No, we don't. Now why don't you shut your trap so that I can eat in peace?"
She instantly glared at Vegeta, and when he failed to acknowledge her angered glare, she growled slightly.
"Vegeta, you little ass. It's not like –you've- done anything important, now have you?"
At this, he lifted his head and turned it smoothly to gaze upon her. His eyes held that dead calm that occasionally touched his eyes, and while he would normally snap back with some witty remark, a large, intelligent grin graced his features, mocking her with some unknown knowledge.
"Oh, I haven't? Well, I doubt you'll be saying that when another Buu pops up."
His voice was so calm that it only angered her further. He was supposed to be quivering in fear of her rage, begging for her forgiveness and pleading apologies. Of course, that's why she was so fond of him. His will was as strong as her own, and that was saying something, and his stubborn attitude towards life gave her something to think about, something to debate with, something to focus on when her day had gone completely wrong. However, his reply was best left unmatched for the time being. She rolled her eyes and murmured a word under her breath, but quickly focused back onto her group of friends.
Random people spoke of random subjects and soon finished off their lunches. Goku suddenly straightened up and placed his hands on the table, looking around competitively as an idea popped into his head. He grinned and looked around curiously.
"Hey, you guys wanna play football or something? I'm bored outta my mind."
The majority agreed to this idea, and rose from their chairs to leave the table. In a queer unison, the mass of people walked to a larger expanse of the lawn, and began choosing captains and teams. Bulma and Chi-chi stayed behind, watching the group and talking of matters more feminine now that the men had left, and though Vegeta had risen with the others, he had taken a detour to sit beneath the shade of a tree. Piccolo didn't even seem to realize that other activities were occurring, for his silence and position remained unchanged.
A short brawl started between Goku and Krillin, each wanting to be a team captain, yet not wanting to be against the other. They agreed that they were better as a team, yet neither could decide as to which would be the team captain. The fight was finally quelled when Yamcha suggested that he and Tien would be the two captains that whoever chose Goku would also choose Krillin. Of course, the two men had lied, just to piss them off, and caused yet another brawl to break out. Nevertheless, they got around to playing their game, but since no one had a football to use, they decided to use what appeared to be a stick.
The two women watched the boys, laughing occasionally and scolding those who were getting too rough. Vegeta watched them silently, and finally decided to break the question before it got too late. He rose away from the cool earth and walked towards the brawling mass of people. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, watching as they tumbled and ran back and forth without giving him a second thought. He glared, and instantly raised his voice proudly over the commotion before him.
"Hey, you fools, would you stop for a second?"
At this, they stopped and lifted their heads to gaze towards Vegeta, bewilderment flickering brightly within their eyes. Goku straightened up and walked forward, friendly as usual.
"What's up, Vegeta? Wanna play?"
He glared darkly upon the taller saiyan, snarling slightly in reply.
"Hell no. I want to talk to you."
At this, everyone straightened up, confused and shocked that he would wish to talk to the supposed idiotic, pathetic excuse for a warrior. Goku shrugged and waved to everyone else, knowing that if someone like Vegeta wanted to talk, then it had to be serious.
"Go ahead and keep playin' guys, I'll be right back."
He quickly turned and followed after Vegeta, who had already started walking away from the mass of confused people. Krillin shrugged his shoulders and turned back to the game, trying to rile everyone up again so they could continue. Vegeta walked over to the tree and turned to face Goku. The taller saiyan bore a look of curiosity, yet when Vegeta's harsh, solemn gaze met his own, he abandoned his previous merriment and took on a more serious attitude.
"What's up?"