Chapter 6: Get to Me
Blood trickled down the Saiyan's limp arm, landing below on the gravel. A pool of his own blood grew as Bardock breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly. This was one of the most challenging battles in his career and Bardock was backed into a corner. A literal corner as he felt the cold stone pressed into his back. Bardock's vision blurred as he stared ahead at the large blue creatures cackling before him.
Truthfully, Bardock had no idea how he got into this situation. All of the data on this planet and his team's reconnaissance of its inhabitants did not show they were capable of such strength. Bardock and his team severely underestimated their enemy's power and if Bardock made it out of this fight, it would be a lesson he would never forget.
Gasping for air, Bardock's brain went into overdrive as he tried to strategize an advantage or at least an escape to regroup with the rest of his team. At this point, his arm was useless and his energy was low. His body was extremely worn and his legs finally gave out, causing Bardock to fall on one knee. The rough gravel dug into his skin as he kneeled on the ground, glaring at his opponents.
"Time's up, Saiyan." The leader called out to Bardock, who gritted his teeth in anger. No, he wasn't going to die here. Even though he had no energy to form a fake moon, Bardock hoped that it was late enough for this planet's moon to appear. From what Bardock read, it was only present at a certain point during the day. It might be too early and the clouds could cover the moonlight but all Bardock had to do was get a glimpse of it and then he'd have the upper hand. He knew he had to do everything in his damn power to get home.
Bardock wasn't ready to die and the thought of Gine's heartbreak at his death caused Bardock to clench his jaw with new determination. Images of Gine flashed through his mind and renewed his spirit. The fear of never seeing Gine again spurred Bardock to continue to fight and fight harder. He had to get home to her. Just a little push and he'd finally be closer to being with Gine again.
Mustering all of his strength, Bardock shakily stood. He did not know where the rest of his crew was but at this moment, Bardock was only focused on one goal.
To win this fight and get home to his Gine.
Suddenly, a familiar sensation filled his blood and Bardock glanced up towards the sky to see the faint light of the planet's moon. Fate decided to turn in Bardock's favor and even though it was dusk, the moon was still bright enough to be seen through the clouds. It was all Bardock needed to finally turn the tide. Chuckling, Bardock began to laugh loudly, his head bent to cover his full expression. As the transformation started internally, the enemy shouted in frustration.
"What are you laughing at? You're finished!"
"Do you idiots know what happens when a Saiyan sees a moon?" Bardock questioned, his voice low while his face was hooded by a shadow.
"N-no!" The planet's defender answered in confusion.
Glancing up, Bardock barred a deadly grin, his fangs showing as the change continued.
"Then you're fucked."
"Sabi! I'm back." Gine called into the small shop, barging through the back door with her latest catch. Setting down the various meats in the cutting room, Gine sighed once the weight of the dead animals were off her.
Gine had been working at the butcher's shop for two months now and she finally hit her stride. While Bardock has been away on various raids, Gine has been learning all she can from the store's owner, Sabi. It was interesting work and different from anything Gine had done before but Gine felt fulfilled. The food they provided the village helped her fellow Saiyans feed their families and kept their warriors strong.
Although it wasn't groundbreaking work, Gine still felt better at the store than she ever did on the battlefield. She wasn't judged or underestimated, and at the shop Gine was able to interact with more people who were similar to her. Most were Saiyans who didn't fight and that shared experience between Gine and the store's customers was comforting.
Sabi was an older Saiyan woman who took over her husband's store when he passed away years ago. Since she wasn't as young and strong as she once was, Sabi tasked Gine with gathering and hunting the meat for the shop. This allowed Gine to put her training to good use. Of course, whenever Bardock was home, they would sometimes spar just for fun, so between that and the shop, Gine was definitely staying in good shape.
Thinking of Bardock always made her heart ache with longing and fear. Gine knew he could handle anything and she'd seen firsthand the depths of his power and strength, but that never stopped Gine from worrying. Raids were unpredictable and even the best warriors sometimes did not make it home. It was a harsh truth and it was hard to live life in constant anxiety about Bardock's safety but Gine tried her best to distract herself. Luckily, Bardock would be back hopefully in a few days and then he'd be home for a while before another mission would take him away.
Lost in thought, Gine finally noticed that Sabi didn't answer her greeting. Raising an eyebrow, Gine shouted, "Sabi?"
"In here!" Sabi called from the front. Gine went to Sabi to find she was finishing up with a regular, who grabbed their meat and left the store.
"How was your hunt today?" Sabi asked and Gine smiled.
"Pretty successful! How's the store been?"
"A little slow but that's normal. Things will pick up as you know once the raids start to come back. Oh, Gine! Your arm!" Sabi pointed to Gine's right arm, which sported a cut but it wasn't anything serious.
"Oh that? It's nothing. Just a small wound from one of the animals fighting back."
Sabi huffed and chastised Gine, "Please be more careful, I think Bardock would kill me if anything happened to you."
"Don't worry about Bardock. He'd have to go through me to get to you, and besides your seasoned meats are his favorites."
Sabi grinned, "That's good to hear. Although I do wish I knew how to address him. I really don't see why you two haven't mated with each other yet. In my day, Saiyans met their person and mated with them soon after. Nowadays, it seems like all you young kids want is anything but commitment. It's a shame it's so out of the norm now."
"Sabi, we've talked about this. Bardock and I are perfectly content the way we are."
"You're not worried he's out with other women when he's celebrating his raids? He is a Saiyan man after all, Gine." Sabi raised an eyebrow and Gine sighed. Of course it crept up into her head when she was anxious but she knew Bardock was faithful.
"No, I'm not." Gine responded firmly, hoping Sabi got the message that she didn't want to talk further.
Sabi conceded, "Alright. Enough about that, we have work to do. Let's go skin your latest catch so we can get out of here on time today."
Bardock felt so much relief and joy as his pod landed forcefully on Planet Vegeta. Somehow, his team finished their mission and made it back. Groaning, his pod door popped open and Bardock swayed as he stood and felt the full weight of his injuries. His armor was destroyed and his body was weak as he stumbled towards the medical bay, knowing full well he needed to get into a healing tank.
A few hours later, Bardock was discharged and he felt refreshed and stronger than ever. Even though his armor was destroyed, he looked healed. Now, it was time to find Gine. Bardock knew Gine would probably fret over him but he was excited to pull her tiny body against his and tell her he was fine. Gine worried too much about him but Bardock couldn't deny that it didn't feel good to have someone care for him like Gine does. He's never had that before and knowing someone was home and genuinely eager for his return pushed Bardock past his limits. Truthfully, Bardock didn't know how he got to this point in his life but for now he didn't care. All he needed was Gine.
Stepping out of the hangar to the bright mid-light, Bardock figured that Gine would be home since he was delayed. Lately, their tradition when Bardock came back was that Gine would wait outside for him and then they'd go home together. Somehow in the last few months, Gine moved into Bardock's place. They never formally made it officially but over time it made sense and felt like it was a natural step since they spent so much time together anyway.
Half of Bardock was disappointed that Gine would probably not be waiting for him but when he stepped out of the sunlight, he caught her eye. Sitting along the edge of the hangar, Gine was the only person waiting, and her legs swung off the ledge. When she noticed Bardock standing there, her face lit up and she sprinted towards Bardock.
Bardock smirked as Gine jumped into his arms and her lips met his instantly, moving against his own with eagerness. Bardock slid a hand up into her hair and kissed Gine harder, relishing having her close again. Oh it was good to be home he internally sighed. After a moment of their embrace, Gine pulled back and rested her forehead on Bardock's.
"Welcome home." Gine whispered as Bardock held onto her body. Her limbs were wrapped around him and Bardock pulled Gine closer to him.
"I missed you." Bardock admitted as he stared into Gine's watery eyes. She always cried tears of joy after he came home and although Bardock hated seeing her cry, he could admit that having Gine cry about his return felt good.
She weaved a hand through his unruly, sweaty hair and responded, "I missed you too."
Setting her down, Bardock's tail unwrapped around his waist and curled around Gine's tail as she surveyed his body, noticing his damaged armor.
"Tora told me you were in bad shape and went to the medical bay. Are you alright?" Her tone was steeped with worry and her eyes stopped at every crack in his armor.
Bardock nodded, "I'm fine, Gine. Let's go home."
Taking his word, Gine responded, "Alright. I'll race you there."
She suddenly took off into the sky, spinning around to Bardock and biting her lip suggestively, teasing Bardock with what would await him. Giggling, she flew towards their home. On the ground, Bardock grinned and sped off after Gine, eager to find out.
The bar's music was loud and shook the walls as Bardock and his friends exchanged war stories from their missions. It's been a while since he's seen a few of his old teammates and Bardock was enjoying his night, sipping the cold beer in front of him as he listened to Gula's latest romantic conquest.
"Anyway, she was hot but she asked when she could see me again!" Gula laughed and was soon joined by the others.
"I told her never cause I don't want to be whipped like Bardock over here!"
Raising an eyebrow, Bardock muttered with an edge to his tone, "Excuse me?"
"Dude, you and Gine have been a thing for a year now. What's going on with that?" Ruco chimed in and Bardock angrily picked up his beer and sipped it, slamming it on the wooden bar high top.
"I don't think it's any of your business." Bardock answered in a low growl and Ruco put up his hands in defense. Before he could continue, Gula interrupted.
"Bardock, please tell me at least you get some when you're off world. It's not like Gine would ever know, right?"
"Shut the fuck up, Gula." Bardock warned and Gula cackled, not threatened by Bardock.
"Oh gods, she's got you by the balls doesn't she? She must be something in bed!"
Bardock stood, knocking his chair over as he growled, lunging forward to Gula but was held back by Tora. Tora glanced between the two Saiyans and spoke in a calm tone.
"Alright, cool off you two. Gula, lay off the booze before Bardock rips your throat out."
Bardock glared at his former teammate who kept chuckling. His attention was diverted by the bar door opening and his eyes caught Gine as she walked through the door with her friend, Peppa. Gine scanned the bar, searching for Bardock as she was meeting him here after work. Finally, she found him and waved. Gine and Peppa made their way over to the table and looked around, sensing tension.
"What's going on?" Gine muttered suspiciously as she stood next to Bardock. Quickly, Ruco broke the silence and stated, "Gula is just being a drunken idiot. It's good to see ya, Gine."
"You too, Ruco. What are you boys drinking?" Gine asked and Tora held up his beer towards her.
"Just some beer. Nice to see you again, Peppa." Tora winked and Peppa blushed, pushing past Gine to stand closer to Tora.
Gine glanced at the two for a moment before she turned her attention to Bardock, "How was training?"
Bardock was internally seething and he mumbled, "Fine. I'm getting a drink, you want one?" Bardock asked with some edge to his voice and Gine scanned his face before nodding. Bardock took one last glare at Gula before walking over to the bar followed by Tora.
Getting the attention of the bartender, Bardock ordered a shot as Tora asked, "You alright?"
"I'm going to fucking kill him." Bardock muttered and the bartender handed him his shot, which Bardock quickly downed.
"Gula's just a dick but he's even more of a dick when he's drinking." Tora chuckled and eyed his friend, noticing that there was something else bothering him. Usually, Bardock could give two shits about Gula but tonight Bardock seemed on edge.
"Bardock, what's going on? You seem more pissed off than you usually are."
Bardock glanced at his teammate knowing that he couldn't hide anything. Tora has been through a lot with Bardock and he was his only friend who knew how much Bardock cared for Gine. Tora was with him while Bardock believed Gine was dead and witnessed how much that destroyed Bardock.
"I know as a Saiyan man I should be fucking everything that walks but whatever this is with Gine, it's different. I couldn't do that to her nor do I even want to."
"Bardock, I know that you don't do that, even though we've tried. Don't let Gula get into your head."
"I don't want Gine to hear any of that and think differently. As it is, she worries enough about me on missions."
Tora nodded and glanced back at the table. Gine, Peppa and the guys seemed to be getting along. Tora turned back to Bardock and clapped his shoulder, "Well, I think Gine is smart enough to know that Gula says stupid shit. Come on, let's grab the girls their drinks and have some fun. We're home and should be celebrating. You're too serious sometimes, Bardock."
Bardock rolled his eyes and smirked at his friend, knowing that Tora was right. They were home and he should be enjoying the night with Gine instead of worrying about what Gula might or might not say. He also hated how he was letting that idiot get to him. Sighing, Bardock waved down the bartender and got another round for the table.
"Fine, but you're buying the next round."
"Deal. Anything to get that pissy look off your face." Tora chuckled and grabbed the drinks for the table.
As the night wore on, so did the rounds for the group of young Saiyans. Everyone was laughing and enjoying their night. Across the table, Peppa and Tora were being flirtatious with each other, with Peppa sitting on Tora's thigh and sipping her beer. Bardock and Gine stood next to each other and Gine held Bardock's hand under the table. Bardock wasn't a huge fan of public affection much to Gine's dismay but when they've had a few drinks, he usually wasn't so opposed to it.
"So, Gine." Gula spoke up from the end of the long wooden table and caught everyone's gaze.
"Yes?" Gine suspiciously answered, unsure of where the intoxicated Gula was heading.
"When are you going to let Bardock fuck someone else?"
"What?" Gine frowned. Besides her, Bardock clenched his jaw, a deep rage bubbling to the surface.
"Or actually, when are YOU going to fuck someone else? You need a real man, forget Bardock. Actually you should fuck me. I'd have you forget Bardock in seconds." Gula stated and winked at Gine suggestively.
"I think you've had too much booze, Gula." Gine answered with a hint of annoyance as she sipped her drink. Under the table, she squeezed Bardock's hand and he was doing his best to calm down, his vision nearly going red with rage. Gula pushed back his chair with a screech and stumbled towards the bathroom.
Bardock stared at Gula with focus as he disappeared and muttered to Gine, "I'll be back."
Not waiting for her answer, Bardock stood and pushed past the other Saiyans at the bar as he followed Gula and entered the bathroom. Gula noticed his friend and turned as he was finishing up.
"Hey man-." Instantly, Gula was on the ground and Bardock stood over him, shaking out his hand from his brutal blow to Gula. Dazed, Gula blinked and Bardock grabbed the front of his armor, hoisting Gula up from the ground and slamming his old comrade up against the concrete wall.
"I'm only going to say this once so you better listen, asshole. If you ever talk like that to Gine or even think about making a move on her, I'll rip you limb from limb so they'll never find your fucking body. You got me?" Bardock seethed and leaned into Gula, dominating the drunk Saiyan.
Gula's head lolled as he nodded and Bardock dropped his body to the floor, stepping over Gula as he charged out of the bathroom. Once he got back to the table, Tora asked, "Where's Gula?"
Bardock answered quickly and without care, "He's fine. Gine, let's go."
Gine protested, "Wait, I'm not done-." Before she could finish, Bardock grabbed her waist and whispered in Gine's ear. His husky voice sent shivers throughout her body as he spoke, detailing every obscene thing he intends to do with her tonight and how he had to have her right now.
Gine's face flushed instantly and she peered at Peppa. "We uh, we got to go."
The pair stood and Bardock followed closely behind Gine, winking at Tora before they left quickly, eager to get home.
However, the trip was too long for the couple and they couldn't wait any longer. Bardock grabbed Gine and pulled her into the alley beside the bar, pleasantly remembering the first time they did this so many months ago. He moved swiftly until he had her body against the cold brick wall. Her voice echoed off the walls as she screamed his name in pure pleasure, spurring Bardock to continue to claim Gine in every way that he possibly could.
