About It's My Life: I've always been intrigued by what happened during the
seven years but not just to 18 and Krillin but everyone. How did Chi-Chi
handle her pregnancy? What made Vegeta and Bulma decide to get married and
how did Yamcha feel about it? Do Gohan even know who Videl was before he
met her at high school? So, a while ago I decided to write my own version.
Instead of a story this is more like an extended filler. The story is based
on the song It's My Life by Bon Jovi as every chapter starts with a line
from the song so I hope you all enjoy it.
Mailing List: I have a mailing list for all my stories so if you'd like to join it email me at bulma_for_vegeta@hotmail.com.
Disclaimer: I, of course, don't own Dragon Ball Z or any of its characters. I also don't own It's My Life by Bon Jovi.
It's My Life
Chapter 1: Reflections
~*~
This ain't a song for the broken hearted
~*~
*Crunch, Crunch, Crunch* 18 paced the leafy forest floor. What was she to do? Though she would never word the thought she regretted dismissing the chrome dome and his friends so abruptly that day. She was now lost, having no idea where her brother had gone, with no money, food or shelter. She had managed to find a cave and would of stayed there except for the fact that it was already occupied by a clan of lions which she would rather not fight. It was nothing to do with strength, she, of course, would be the victor in that confrontation, but she would rather leave her destruction of this planet at its bare minimum. Besides, she wasn't in the mood for an argument.
An eagle soared overhead, a cry from its beak breaking 18's concentration. She gazed skyward and suddenly had an undeniable thirst to take to the heavens herself. She wanted to talk to someone, not that she really had anyone to talk to. Even if she knew where her brother was, he wasn't much of a chatterbox, though neither was she. No, she didn't really fell like talking to her brother anyhow. He wasn't the right person to have the type of conversation she wanted to have. In a moment of indecision she took to the dawn sky and headed in a direction not so alien.
~*~
Krillin too was an early riser that particular morning. It had been exactly a month since Goku's departure to the next dimension. Gohan was taking it pretty badly and things had become almost out of hand when he had discovered the news of Chi-Chi's unexpected pregnancy. That had sure been shock to everyone's system. Even Vegeta had stood up and paid attention then. The Saiyan Prince had not been very agreeable in the past weeks. After the battle with Cell, Vegeta had left and hadn't returned for a fortnight. When he had returned a hysteric Bulma had questioned him on his whereabouts. He had said that he needed to sort out some matters and left it at that. Krillin assumed it was along the lines for his feelings for Bulma as he hadn't left Earth but remained at Capsule Corporation. No one except perhaps the residents of C.C. knew the true extent of Bulma and Vegeta's relationship and for the moment, at least, it appeared that it would remain that way.
A week after Vegeta's return, the news of Chi-Chi's pregnancy had hit home. Chi-Chi had been caught between a rock and a hard place. She was ecstatic as she had Goku had always wanted another baby yet Goku wasn't there to share the experience anyway. It was truly a sad sight to see. Krillin somehow felt that Goku had been selfish, refusing to return to Earth. Of course, he knew that it was for the safety of the planet but as Chi-Chi often said who cares about the rest of the world? Goku, obviously but it wasn't fair that the safety of an entire planet should fall on the shoulders of one man even if he was a super warrior. He also had a family. Then again life isn't always fair and one has to triumph through the good and suffer through the bad.
The wind blew a silent song through the curtains of Krillin's bedroom window as he rose that morning. The sky was painted beautiful dawn shades of orange, yellow and blue that would have thrilled a painter. Krillin, however, frowned at the brilliant sky. Orange reminded him of Goku and he couldn't help but remember back to the day Trunks' had first arrived; trying to prevent what was seemingly inevitable. When the young demi-saiyan had left for his time it was with a twinge of sadness. He had become a part of the group; an honorary member of Earth's Special Forces. It would be interesting to see how the Trunks of this time would grow up.
Trooping downstairs, still in his pyjamas, Krillin yawned. He was having difficulty sleeping lately; someone kept plaguing his dreams.
~*~
18 couldn't figure out why she kept having the urge to see him. It was so ridiculously stupid that she felt like slapping herself upside the head. Actually, she had down that numerous times but it didn't seem to effect her judgement. The instinct to go to his place seemed to override all logical thought. A defence mechanism. Against what though? Yet she continued in the direction that she was positive she had flown more than once since the day at the lookout. She had come across the small island by accident. Kame House, it read. She wasn't even sure if it was his house but she just this feeling.
What's wrong with me? The question plagued her usually emotionless mind with the raging hormones of a teenager.
She sped on, never getting anywhere but closer to him.
~*~
Gohan was awake the moment the sun hit his face that morning. It was still early, maybe half past six, seven o'clock, and his mother was still asleep. She tended to sleep a lot lately. And throw up. He still couldn't believe she was pregnant. Certainly if his father had known he would have allowed himself to be wished back.
All his life, Gohan had wished for a younger sibling. He hated being an only child. After his father had died he had assumed Trunks would fill that void. The last thing he had expected was his mother to be pregnant. It was now his responsibility, along with Vegeta, to protect the planet. He hadn't counted on having to become a replacement father. He was only eleven. How could he be bestowed with such a job? That was what adults were for.
Gohan had always been a mature child, both mentally and emotionally, at least to a certain extent. He had seen more than most people would see in two lifetimes. And none of it had been his fault. Simply because of his heritage he had been thrown into a life of constant danger. Now, finally when there was a chance at lasting peace something had to make it all the more complicated.
~*~
Krillin pulled the two pieces of toast out of the toaster and tossed them on to the kitchen bench. Pulling a knife from the cutlery drawer he spread butter over the toast and proceeded to sit down and eat it. He fidgeted restlessly as he ate. There was something in the air. He just knew it. He was overcome with a feeling he had never felt before. Like he could sense someone that no one else could. He sighed, not knowing what to make of the strange feeling.
Once he had finished eating he returned upstairs and showered and dressed. It wasn't until the regular morning ritual of shaving his head came around did he stop. Staring at himself in the mirror he mused over the reason why he shaved his head. He had originally started as it was part of the rules at the monastery but he hadn't been there for years and no longer considered himself a monk. So why bother? And so for the first time in countless years he replaced the razor to its resting spot and did not shave his head.
~*~
The blasting wind dragged her blonde hair in all directions creating a halo around her face. In the corner of her eye, 18 spotted the small island. Taking a sharp turn, she shot towards the island trying aimlessly to block out all the thoughts that screamed about how stupid this was. She already knew that, but she couldn't control her instincts. Instinct was meant to be your best defence against the world, so why did it keep getting her into trouble?
~*~
Bulma rolled over to find the other side of the bed empty. Typical Vegeta, he's probably in the gravity room. She sighed and snuggled into his pillow, inhaling the remnants of his musky smell. It was so good to have him back. After all that had happened she needed someone to lean on, not that Vegeta was really that helpful when it came to emotional support. Even after all they'd been through Vegeta still considered emotion a weakness.
When he had discovered the news of Bulma's pregnancy he had fled, having no idea what to do. Their relationship had never meant to get that far. An infatuation was all that he considered it. She wondered if that was all she was to him. She had needed him during the long months of her pregnancy. Not only did she have no idea about having a baby, she was also unaware of any Saiyan variances.
She was cautious about asking Chi-Chi as she was scared to spread the news of such a turn around in both her own and Vegeta's personalities. Who ever would have though that Vegeta would be the one she would raise a family with? It was understandable that she was pretty pissed at Goku. Yamcha was of course aware of the relationship not that he had been pleaded with it. By that stage her long association with him had ended but he still wasn't eager to give her up. Especially to Vegeta.
Bulma rolled onto her back and sighed again as she heard Vegeta stomp up the stairs, probably to demand his breakfast.
~*~
Chi-Chi turned over in bed to be met with the familiar feeling of nauseous. She sighed, before quickly dragging her lethargic limbs to the bathroom to complete her morning ritual of throwing up. Morning sickness was one of those things that made her dread going to bed because it meant she was closer to the sickening feeling that contorted her insides.
She brushed her teeth vigorously to rid her mouth of the acidic taste that tainted her tongue before pulling on her winter robe and slippers. She headed towards the kitchen expecting to find Gohan awake but he appeared to still be in bed. She pulled numerous pots and pans from the various cupboards though her still nauseous stomach begged her not to.
"Hi Mom." Chi-Chi spun around from a statue-still position to see her son sit down at the table. She smiled but the look didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Good Morning. Did you sleep well?" she asked trying desperately to remain as normal and calm as possible.
"Alright." Chi-Chi gazed momentarily at her son and noticed the features of her dearly missed husband shining through at her. The tiniest things stood out and for a moment she could almost see a ghost of Goku pass across Gohan's face. She felt the tears form behind her eyes but she refused to give in to them. Shaking her head she forced himself to return to her cooking blocking out all thoughts of Goku.
~*~
Krillin turned his head from the television to see Master Roshi enter the room.
"Your exercise program is on in a minute," he told the perverted old men. A look of glee spread across Roshi's face.
"It is!" Forgetting about his breakfast he dove for the remote and switched the channel. Standing up, Krillin headed outside, not particularly interested in watching women do pelvic floor routines.
Outside, the air was cool as usual. The still clear blue ocean spread out in all directions and sun shone high in the sky. Out of the corner of his eye, Krillin noticed something on the horizon. He spun around, his breath catching in his throat as the figure became clear.
~*~
Bulma nursed Trunks on her hip as she flipped the bacon. Her nose twitched as she realised something was burning.
"Shit," she cursed as she grabbed for the overcooked toast. Cursing under her breath she tossed the food in the bin.
"Woman, what is taking you so long? You've been here for half an hour and all you've managed to do is burn almost everything!" Bulma glared in Vegeta's direction.
"If it's so damn easy you come and do it! You try cooking with a kid on your hip!" Vegeta snorted and Bulma was tempted to clip him over the ear though she knew it would have no effect. She muttered to herself as she piled the cooked bacon onto a china plate.
With Trunks still on her hip she moved into the adjoining dining room and sat Trunks in his high chair. She set a small bowl of mashed up vegetable in front of him. He looked down at it and then up at her, a pout forming on his face. Bulma could almost hear him saying 'Is that all?' She smiled.
"I'll give you something else in a minute; just eat that for the moment." He looked dejected for a minute before grabbing his spoon in his chubby fist and began shovelling the food into his mouth quickly, though nowhere near as fast as his father. Bulma sighed to herself and then went back into the kitchen grabbing as many plates as she could carry and setting them on the table.
"About time," Vegeta muttered. She glared at him and disappeared, appearing moments later with more food. Within a few minutes all the food was on the table, though quite a lot of it had already disappeared, thanks to Vegeta. She replaced Trunks' now empty bowl with another and sat down to eat her own breakfast. She glanced at Vegeta and then Trunks as they both shovelled food into their mouths. She shook her head a little and began piling up her own plate.
~*~
18 landed swiftly on the small island. She smirked at the terrified yet awe struck look on Krillin's face. She didn't mind the terrified however she almost shivered at the look of awe. Why the hell did he like her so much?
"18, what are y-y-you doing h-here?" he stuttered pathetically.
She grinned wickedly "Oh, I though I'd just drop by for a chat. You don't mind, do you?" She had forgotten how fun it was to watch these humans squirm.
Krillin stared at her, a mixture of terror, shock and awe creating quite an amusing expression on his face. Here in front of him stood someone he considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world saying she wanted to talk to him. Was she mocking him? Or was she serious?
18 stared strangely at the bald man in front of her. What the hell was wrong with him? Why wouldn't he answer? He was making her lose her nerve. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all?
She rose a couple of feet in the air, still staring pointedly at him, "You humans are pathetic." She spun around about to fly off but something came over her and she spun back around. She floated gracefully in the air.
"Mark my words, I will be back. Maybe next time you could actually act with some sociability."
She took to the air and disappeared towards the horizon, leaving a still shocked Krillin on the sand.
To her surprise and annoyance she was glad she had seen him.
~*~
Krillin gazed dumbstruck at the disappearing figure on the horizon. What the hell was that? Had he imagined it? Was it a result of all his built up exhaustion? Was he hallucinating? Was that a daydream? Millions of illogical answers to the previous events crammed his brain. But there was only one logical answer and it stood out from the others like it was being hit by a spotlight.
She had come to visit him.
But why? Why him of all people? What happened to her brother? Did it have something to do with what he'd said on the lookout?
Krillin gazed off in the direction that 18 had taken off in. Though the conversation had been one-sided and brief, a small impression of hope flickered in his heart. The dreams of previous days appeared slightly more achievable.
~*~
Chi-Chi pulled her hair into a tight bun and glanced at herself in the mirror. She noticed the small lines on her face, the bags under her eyes and the seemingly constant puffiness in her cheeks. She sighed and leant down on the sink bench. All those years of trying to prevent wrinkles and old age were vanishing in just a month. But why should she bother? It wasn't like Goku was here to see. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the depressing thoughts.
She left her bathroom and noticed Gohan sitting at the dining room table, studying. She grinned, since the Cell Games Gohan had thrown himself into his studies just as he had promised. Even after all that had happened and all the times he had disobeyed her, Chi-Chi realised Gohan really was a good boy. Unless he truly saw something that needed his attention more, he would do whatever his mother wanted.
Gohan turned around, aware that his mother was watching him.
"What wrong, mom? He asked. Lately, he was constantly concerned about his mother. The trials of pregnancy were one thing he couldn't protect her against. Chi-Chi smiled warmly and sat down next to Gohan.
"How are you going with this new work?" she asked.
Gohan almost groaned, "Oh mom, this stuff is really easy! Bulma taught me it when we were on the way to Namek. Bulma taught me a lot of stuff when we were going to Namek."
Chi-Chi glanced down at the work he was doing.
"Gohan, these are factor theorems. They're not taught in high-school till tenth grade. And you've been doing them since you were seven." Chi-Chi stared at her son in shock and surprise. Gohan adopted the Son Grin.
"Well, we're going to have to get you started on something harder, challenge you a bit," teacher Chi-Chi came into being and she disappeared down the hallway.
She came back a few moments later with a pile of books in her arms.
"Mom, you shouldn't be carrying all those books, they're way too heavy," Gohan dashed up from his seat and grabbed the books from his mother with ease. He set them down on the table.
"Don't worry dear, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself," Chi-Chi sat down next to Gohan and began flipping through books trying to find something Gohan wouldn't know.
~*~
Bulma set Trunks down on the floor in the living room. He walked over to the TV and stared at it, mesmerised by its contents. Bulma grinned. She was amazed how quickly he was learning. Only a month ago he had taken his first steps and now he was fully capable of waling up the stairs. She would never stop marvelling at those Saiyan genes.
She headed upstairs, grabbed a red tank top and jeans out of her wardrobe and showered quickly. She didn't want to leave Trunks downstairs by himself.
Bounding down the stairs, feeling refreshed, she noticed her mother with Trunks. She was babbling in baby talk as if Trunks was three months old but if it made her happy, what the hell. Trunks noticed his mother.
"Mama, Mama!" the infant cried out for his mother, probably wishing he wasn't clasped against his grandmother's bosom like a child's doll. Bulma smiled, taking Trunks from her mother's death grip.
"Hey, Trunks. You want to go see what Daddy's doing? Hey, you do? Well come on, let's go find daddy." She knew it probably wasn't the most intelligent thing in the world to do, considering Vegeta's mood swings, but Trunks' was obsessed with his father. Most fathers would be over-the-moon that their sons adored them so much but Vegeta gave it not even a thought.
Instead of interrupting him totally, she headed towards the main control room. In the main control room, she could watch any part of the house, as each room was equipped with cameras, including the gravity room. She tapped a few keys and the gravity room flashed on the main monitor. She couldn't see much. Obviously, Vegeta was on the opposite side of the room.
Bulma tapped another couple of keys. Trunks sat on her hip, clapping his hands and jabbering to himself.
Inside the gravity room, Vegeta nearly fell over when Bulma and Trunk's projected faces appeared in front of him. Bulma giggled, eliciting a giggle from Trunks as well.
"What in the world do you want, woman?" he demanded angrily.
Bulma laughed, "Oh come on Vegeta, I just wanted to see what you were doing."
Vegeta growled angrily, "What does it look like I'm doing?"
Bulma shrugged as Trunks waved his chubby hands in front of himself, babbling to his father.
"Training, I know but Trunks wanted to see you."
"Don't be stupid, woman, the boy can't even talk," Vegeta began to become annoyed with the mindless discussion.
"Is it so difficult for you to call people by their names, Vegeta? And anyway, he can talk. He can say 'Mama' and I think he can even say 'Dada'." Vegeta raised an eyebrow at this.
Taking his cue, Trunks waves excitedly at his father, "Dada, Dada!"
Bulma nodded in triumph, puffing her chest out in pride, "Told you so, told you so!" she teased.
Vegeta huffed in exasperation, annoyed at his defeat in the small squabble, "Woman, have you got anything of use to say to me because if the remainder of this conversation doesn't involve food or fighting, I'm not interested."
"Bulma, B-U-L-M-A! That's all!" And with a playful tone, she hit a single button and the video screen disappeared, leaving her significant other to his training.
~*~
A/N - So what did you think? Good, bad, ugly? Well, I don't care if people don't like because I do. Hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.
Mailing List: I have a mailing list for all my stories so if you'd like to join it email me at bulma_for_vegeta@hotmail.com.
Disclaimer: I, of course, don't own Dragon Ball Z or any of its characters. I also don't own It's My Life by Bon Jovi.
It's My Life
Chapter 1: Reflections
~*~
This ain't a song for the broken hearted
~*~
*Crunch, Crunch, Crunch* 18 paced the leafy forest floor. What was she to do? Though she would never word the thought she regretted dismissing the chrome dome and his friends so abruptly that day. She was now lost, having no idea where her brother had gone, with no money, food or shelter. She had managed to find a cave and would of stayed there except for the fact that it was already occupied by a clan of lions which she would rather not fight. It was nothing to do with strength, she, of course, would be the victor in that confrontation, but she would rather leave her destruction of this planet at its bare minimum. Besides, she wasn't in the mood for an argument.
An eagle soared overhead, a cry from its beak breaking 18's concentration. She gazed skyward and suddenly had an undeniable thirst to take to the heavens herself. She wanted to talk to someone, not that she really had anyone to talk to. Even if she knew where her brother was, he wasn't much of a chatterbox, though neither was she. No, she didn't really fell like talking to her brother anyhow. He wasn't the right person to have the type of conversation she wanted to have. In a moment of indecision she took to the dawn sky and headed in a direction not so alien.
~*~
Krillin too was an early riser that particular morning. It had been exactly a month since Goku's departure to the next dimension. Gohan was taking it pretty badly and things had become almost out of hand when he had discovered the news of Chi-Chi's unexpected pregnancy. That had sure been shock to everyone's system. Even Vegeta had stood up and paid attention then. The Saiyan Prince had not been very agreeable in the past weeks. After the battle with Cell, Vegeta had left and hadn't returned for a fortnight. When he had returned a hysteric Bulma had questioned him on his whereabouts. He had said that he needed to sort out some matters and left it at that. Krillin assumed it was along the lines for his feelings for Bulma as he hadn't left Earth but remained at Capsule Corporation. No one except perhaps the residents of C.C. knew the true extent of Bulma and Vegeta's relationship and for the moment, at least, it appeared that it would remain that way.
A week after Vegeta's return, the news of Chi-Chi's pregnancy had hit home. Chi-Chi had been caught between a rock and a hard place. She was ecstatic as she had Goku had always wanted another baby yet Goku wasn't there to share the experience anyway. It was truly a sad sight to see. Krillin somehow felt that Goku had been selfish, refusing to return to Earth. Of course, he knew that it was for the safety of the planet but as Chi-Chi often said who cares about the rest of the world? Goku, obviously but it wasn't fair that the safety of an entire planet should fall on the shoulders of one man even if he was a super warrior. He also had a family. Then again life isn't always fair and one has to triumph through the good and suffer through the bad.
The wind blew a silent song through the curtains of Krillin's bedroom window as he rose that morning. The sky was painted beautiful dawn shades of orange, yellow and blue that would have thrilled a painter. Krillin, however, frowned at the brilliant sky. Orange reminded him of Goku and he couldn't help but remember back to the day Trunks' had first arrived; trying to prevent what was seemingly inevitable. When the young demi-saiyan had left for his time it was with a twinge of sadness. He had become a part of the group; an honorary member of Earth's Special Forces. It would be interesting to see how the Trunks of this time would grow up.
Trooping downstairs, still in his pyjamas, Krillin yawned. He was having difficulty sleeping lately; someone kept plaguing his dreams.
~*~
18 couldn't figure out why she kept having the urge to see him. It was so ridiculously stupid that she felt like slapping herself upside the head. Actually, she had down that numerous times but it didn't seem to effect her judgement. The instinct to go to his place seemed to override all logical thought. A defence mechanism. Against what though? Yet she continued in the direction that she was positive she had flown more than once since the day at the lookout. She had come across the small island by accident. Kame House, it read. She wasn't even sure if it was his house but she just this feeling.
What's wrong with me? The question plagued her usually emotionless mind with the raging hormones of a teenager.
She sped on, never getting anywhere but closer to him.
~*~
Gohan was awake the moment the sun hit his face that morning. It was still early, maybe half past six, seven o'clock, and his mother was still asleep. She tended to sleep a lot lately. And throw up. He still couldn't believe she was pregnant. Certainly if his father had known he would have allowed himself to be wished back.
All his life, Gohan had wished for a younger sibling. He hated being an only child. After his father had died he had assumed Trunks would fill that void. The last thing he had expected was his mother to be pregnant. It was now his responsibility, along with Vegeta, to protect the planet. He hadn't counted on having to become a replacement father. He was only eleven. How could he be bestowed with such a job? That was what adults were for.
Gohan had always been a mature child, both mentally and emotionally, at least to a certain extent. He had seen more than most people would see in two lifetimes. And none of it had been his fault. Simply because of his heritage he had been thrown into a life of constant danger. Now, finally when there was a chance at lasting peace something had to make it all the more complicated.
~*~
Krillin pulled the two pieces of toast out of the toaster and tossed them on to the kitchen bench. Pulling a knife from the cutlery drawer he spread butter over the toast and proceeded to sit down and eat it. He fidgeted restlessly as he ate. There was something in the air. He just knew it. He was overcome with a feeling he had never felt before. Like he could sense someone that no one else could. He sighed, not knowing what to make of the strange feeling.
Once he had finished eating he returned upstairs and showered and dressed. It wasn't until the regular morning ritual of shaving his head came around did he stop. Staring at himself in the mirror he mused over the reason why he shaved his head. He had originally started as it was part of the rules at the monastery but he hadn't been there for years and no longer considered himself a monk. So why bother? And so for the first time in countless years he replaced the razor to its resting spot and did not shave his head.
~*~
The blasting wind dragged her blonde hair in all directions creating a halo around her face. In the corner of her eye, 18 spotted the small island. Taking a sharp turn, she shot towards the island trying aimlessly to block out all the thoughts that screamed about how stupid this was. She already knew that, but she couldn't control her instincts. Instinct was meant to be your best defence against the world, so why did it keep getting her into trouble?
~*~
Bulma rolled over to find the other side of the bed empty. Typical Vegeta, he's probably in the gravity room. She sighed and snuggled into his pillow, inhaling the remnants of his musky smell. It was so good to have him back. After all that had happened she needed someone to lean on, not that Vegeta was really that helpful when it came to emotional support. Even after all they'd been through Vegeta still considered emotion a weakness.
When he had discovered the news of Bulma's pregnancy he had fled, having no idea what to do. Their relationship had never meant to get that far. An infatuation was all that he considered it. She wondered if that was all she was to him. She had needed him during the long months of her pregnancy. Not only did she have no idea about having a baby, she was also unaware of any Saiyan variances.
She was cautious about asking Chi-Chi as she was scared to spread the news of such a turn around in both her own and Vegeta's personalities. Who ever would have though that Vegeta would be the one she would raise a family with? It was understandable that she was pretty pissed at Goku. Yamcha was of course aware of the relationship not that he had been pleaded with it. By that stage her long association with him had ended but he still wasn't eager to give her up. Especially to Vegeta.
Bulma rolled onto her back and sighed again as she heard Vegeta stomp up the stairs, probably to demand his breakfast.
~*~
Chi-Chi turned over in bed to be met with the familiar feeling of nauseous. She sighed, before quickly dragging her lethargic limbs to the bathroom to complete her morning ritual of throwing up. Morning sickness was one of those things that made her dread going to bed because it meant she was closer to the sickening feeling that contorted her insides.
She brushed her teeth vigorously to rid her mouth of the acidic taste that tainted her tongue before pulling on her winter robe and slippers. She headed towards the kitchen expecting to find Gohan awake but he appeared to still be in bed. She pulled numerous pots and pans from the various cupboards though her still nauseous stomach begged her not to.
"Hi Mom." Chi-Chi spun around from a statue-still position to see her son sit down at the table. She smiled but the look didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Good Morning. Did you sleep well?" she asked trying desperately to remain as normal and calm as possible.
"Alright." Chi-Chi gazed momentarily at her son and noticed the features of her dearly missed husband shining through at her. The tiniest things stood out and for a moment she could almost see a ghost of Goku pass across Gohan's face. She felt the tears form behind her eyes but she refused to give in to them. Shaking her head she forced himself to return to her cooking blocking out all thoughts of Goku.
~*~
Krillin turned his head from the television to see Master Roshi enter the room.
"Your exercise program is on in a minute," he told the perverted old men. A look of glee spread across Roshi's face.
"It is!" Forgetting about his breakfast he dove for the remote and switched the channel. Standing up, Krillin headed outside, not particularly interested in watching women do pelvic floor routines.
Outside, the air was cool as usual. The still clear blue ocean spread out in all directions and sun shone high in the sky. Out of the corner of his eye, Krillin noticed something on the horizon. He spun around, his breath catching in his throat as the figure became clear.
~*~
Bulma nursed Trunks on her hip as she flipped the bacon. Her nose twitched as she realised something was burning.
"Shit," she cursed as she grabbed for the overcooked toast. Cursing under her breath she tossed the food in the bin.
"Woman, what is taking you so long? You've been here for half an hour and all you've managed to do is burn almost everything!" Bulma glared in Vegeta's direction.
"If it's so damn easy you come and do it! You try cooking with a kid on your hip!" Vegeta snorted and Bulma was tempted to clip him over the ear though she knew it would have no effect. She muttered to herself as she piled the cooked bacon onto a china plate.
With Trunks still on her hip she moved into the adjoining dining room and sat Trunks in his high chair. She set a small bowl of mashed up vegetable in front of him. He looked down at it and then up at her, a pout forming on his face. Bulma could almost hear him saying 'Is that all?' She smiled.
"I'll give you something else in a minute; just eat that for the moment." He looked dejected for a minute before grabbing his spoon in his chubby fist and began shovelling the food into his mouth quickly, though nowhere near as fast as his father. Bulma sighed to herself and then went back into the kitchen grabbing as many plates as she could carry and setting them on the table.
"About time," Vegeta muttered. She glared at him and disappeared, appearing moments later with more food. Within a few minutes all the food was on the table, though quite a lot of it had already disappeared, thanks to Vegeta. She replaced Trunks' now empty bowl with another and sat down to eat her own breakfast. She glanced at Vegeta and then Trunks as they both shovelled food into their mouths. She shook her head a little and began piling up her own plate.
~*~
18 landed swiftly on the small island. She smirked at the terrified yet awe struck look on Krillin's face. She didn't mind the terrified however she almost shivered at the look of awe. Why the hell did he like her so much?
"18, what are y-y-you doing h-here?" he stuttered pathetically.
She grinned wickedly "Oh, I though I'd just drop by for a chat. You don't mind, do you?" She had forgotten how fun it was to watch these humans squirm.
Krillin stared at her, a mixture of terror, shock and awe creating quite an amusing expression on his face. Here in front of him stood someone he considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world saying she wanted to talk to him. Was she mocking him? Or was she serious?
18 stared strangely at the bald man in front of her. What the hell was wrong with him? Why wouldn't he answer? He was making her lose her nerve. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all?
She rose a couple of feet in the air, still staring pointedly at him, "You humans are pathetic." She spun around about to fly off but something came over her and she spun back around. She floated gracefully in the air.
"Mark my words, I will be back. Maybe next time you could actually act with some sociability."
She took to the air and disappeared towards the horizon, leaving a still shocked Krillin on the sand.
To her surprise and annoyance she was glad she had seen him.
~*~
Krillin gazed dumbstruck at the disappearing figure on the horizon. What the hell was that? Had he imagined it? Was it a result of all his built up exhaustion? Was he hallucinating? Was that a daydream? Millions of illogical answers to the previous events crammed his brain. But there was only one logical answer and it stood out from the others like it was being hit by a spotlight.
She had come to visit him.
But why? Why him of all people? What happened to her brother? Did it have something to do with what he'd said on the lookout?
Krillin gazed off in the direction that 18 had taken off in. Though the conversation had been one-sided and brief, a small impression of hope flickered in his heart. The dreams of previous days appeared slightly more achievable.
~*~
Chi-Chi pulled her hair into a tight bun and glanced at herself in the mirror. She noticed the small lines on her face, the bags under her eyes and the seemingly constant puffiness in her cheeks. She sighed and leant down on the sink bench. All those years of trying to prevent wrinkles and old age were vanishing in just a month. But why should she bother? It wasn't like Goku was here to see. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the depressing thoughts.
She left her bathroom and noticed Gohan sitting at the dining room table, studying. She grinned, since the Cell Games Gohan had thrown himself into his studies just as he had promised. Even after all that had happened and all the times he had disobeyed her, Chi-Chi realised Gohan really was a good boy. Unless he truly saw something that needed his attention more, he would do whatever his mother wanted.
Gohan turned around, aware that his mother was watching him.
"What wrong, mom? He asked. Lately, he was constantly concerned about his mother. The trials of pregnancy were one thing he couldn't protect her against. Chi-Chi smiled warmly and sat down next to Gohan.
"How are you going with this new work?" she asked.
Gohan almost groaned, "Oh mom, this stuff is really easy! Bulma taught me it when we were on the way to Namek. Bulma taught me a lot of stuff when we were going to Namek."
Chi-Chi glanced down at the work he was doing.
"Gohan, these are factor theorems. They're not taught in high-school till tenth grade. And you've been doing them since you were seven." Chi-Chi stared at her son in shock and surprise. Gohan adopted the Son Grin.
"Well, we're going to have to get you started on something harder, challenge you a bit," teacher Chi-Chi came into being and she disappeared down the hallway.
She came back a few moments later with a pile of books in her arms.
"Mom, you shouldn't be carrying all those books, they're way too heavy," Gohan dashed up from his seat and grabbed the books from his mother with ease. He set them down on the table.
"Don't worry dear, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself," Chi-Chi sat down next to Gohan and began flipping through books trying to find something Gohan wouldn't know.
~*~
Bulma set Trunks down on the floor in the living room. He walked over to the TV and stared at it, mesmerised by its contents. Bulma grinned. She was amazed how quickly he was learning. Only a month ago he had taken his first steps and now he was fully capable of waling up the stairs. She would never stop marvelling at those Saiyan genes.
She headed upstairs, grabbed a red tank top and jeans out of her wardrobe and showered quickly. She didn't want to leave Trunks downstairs by himself.
Bounding down the stairs, feeling refreshed, she noticed her mother with Trunks. She was babbling in baby talk as if Trunks was three months old but if it made her happy, what the hell. Trunks noticed his mother.
"Mama, Mama!" the infant cried out for his mother, probably wishing he wasn't clasped against his grandmother's bosom like a child's doll. Bulma smiled, taking Trunks from her mother's death grip.
"Hey, Trunks. You want to go see what Daddy's doing? Hey, you do? Well come on, let's go find daddy." She knew it probably wasn't the most intelligent thing in the world to do, considering Vegeta's mood swings, but Trunks' was obsessed with his father. Most fathers would be over-the-moon that their sons adored them so much but Vegeta gave it not even a thought.
Instead of interrupting him totally, she headed towards the main control room. In the main control room, she could watch any part of the house, as each room was equipped with cameras, including the gravity room. She tapped a few keys and the gravity room flashed on the main monitor. She couldn't see much. Obviously, Vegeta was on the opposite side of the room.
Bulma tapped another couple of keys. Trunks sat on her hip, clapping his hands and jabbering to himself.
Inside the gravity room, Vegeta nearly fell over when Bulma and Trunk's projected faces appeared in front of him. Bulma giggled, eliciting a giggle from Trunks as well.
"What in the world do you want, woman?" he demanded angrily.
Bulma laughed, "Oh come on Vegeta, I just wanted to see what you were doing."
Vegeta growled angrily, "What does it look like I'm doing?"
Bulma shrugged as Trunks waved his chubby hands in front of himself, babbling to his father.
"Training, I know but Trunks wanted to see you."
"Don't be stupid, woman, the boy can't even talk," Vegeta began to become annoyed with the mindless discussion.
"Is it so difficult for you to call people by their names, Vegeta? And anyway, he can talk. He can say 'Mama' and I think he can even say 'Dada'." Vegeta raised an eyebrow at this.
Taking his cue, Trunks waves excitedly at his father, "Dada, Dada!"
Bulma nodded in triumph, puffing her chest out in pride, "Told you so, told you so!" she teased.
Vegeta huffed in exasperation, annoyed at his defeat in the small squabble, "Woman, have you got anything of use to say to me because if the remainder of this conversation doesn't involve food or fighting, I'm not interested."
"Bulma, B-U-L-M-A! That's all!" And with a playful tone, she hit a single button and the video screen disappeared, leaving her significant other to his training.
~*~
A/N - So what did you think? Good, bad, ugly? Well, I don't care if people don't like because I do. Hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.