Chapter 11 - Afterglow
Three months later
"Hey Bardock, we're grabbing a round. Want to join?" Tora asked.
Bardock threw his bag over his shoulder as he and his teammates stepped out of the hangar. After a month-long mission, Bardock was eager to get home.
"No. I'll see you guys later." Bardock stated and his comrades waved him off as Bardock burst off the ground and into the sky. Now that he was back, he wanted to go see his son. Since Gine allowed him to get to know him, Bardock has been trying his best to connect with Raditz. When he was home, Bardock was either with his team or his son. Things were a little awkward initially since they barely knew each other. Bardock had no idea how to interact with a toddler but they soon connected over sparring and training.
He was not a warm father but Raditz was also a tough kid and didn't require a lot of handholding. Raditz was bright and for such a young age, Bardock could tell the kid would be a strong warrior. Sometimes, Bardock would see glimmers of Gine in Raditz. But from his stubborn attitude to his temper, Raditz was all Bardock. Raditz liked to test Bardock, and he was soon finding that fatherhood would be his biggest challenge.
Nevertheless, Bardock truly enjoyed spending time with Raditz. Teaching and watching his son grow was his greatest source of happiness these days. However, Bardock carried a lot of guilt for all the time he missed due to his stupidity. It was time that he'd never get back. He also lost time with Gine and that was something Bardock was still trying to figure out how to move forward with. When they saw each other, they were cordial and surface level but nothing more. He held out hope that he'd find his way back to Gine but for now his focus was on his son.
A loud thump on her door broke Gine from cleaning up her home for the night. Quickly, she went to the front and opened it, greeting Bardock and a passed out Raditz.
"He fell asleep on my couch. Figured you'd want him to sleep in his own bed." Bardock whispered as he brought Raditz into the home. The toddler was fast asleep on his father's shoulder, his black hair all over his sweaty face.
"Thanks. You can put him in his room."
Bardock nodded and slowly walked down the hall and Gine followed behind him. She watched as Bardock carefully lowered Raditz into his bed and stood tall. The stoic Saiyan stayed over Raditz for a moment before he turned and headed towards Gine. Once Bardock exited the room, Gine took one last look at her son before quietly closing Raditz's bedroom door.
"He's a strong kid, Gine. You've done a good job." Bardock muttered as they strolled down the hall. Gine smiled to herself, staring down at the hallway floor and responded.
"Thank you, but he gets his strength from you."
Bardock stopped and turned towards Gine, "He's got a lot of your strength in him too. I see it all the time. Don't sell yourself short."
They stood there silently for a minute as Gine searched Bardock's eyes. What she wouldn't dream for this moment to be more, but she knew they stood on shaky ground.
Breaking the tension, Gine asked, "When's your next mission?"
"Next week. I'll probably be gone for a month or two if everything goes according to plan."
Gine nodded and answered, "You're being careful right? Raditz….he really enjoys spending time with you-."
"You don't have to worry about me, Gine. I'll come back."
Gine smiled as they both continued to head towards the front. There's still a lot unsaid between them but they both agreed to move forward, although it made times like this somewhat awkward. If they were together, they'd lock up the house and fall into bed together. Instead, Bardock was heading to his own home.
Bardock got to the front and turned, yawning widely as exhaustion finally hit him. Gine scanned his face, noting the wear of travel and fighting on him. Gine then realized just how tired Bardock must be.
"Gods, you came right here after you got back, didn't you?" Gine asked and Bardock nodded, yawning again before responding.
"Yeah, I'm pretty beat. I'll be back tomorrow to take Raditz to training if that's okay?" Bardock muttered and Gine nodded. A thought came into her mind and she blurted it, hoping she wouldn't look like a fool.
"If you need to tonight, you can sleep on the couch. I know you're exhausted."
Bardock's face faltered slightly, only enough for Gine to sleep a glimmer of surprise and his moment of consideration before Bardock shook his head.
"I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow." Bardock stated quickly, clearly uncomfortable. He headed out the door and right as he was about to take off, Gine called from inside.
"Bardock?"
Turning, Bardock raised an eyebrow and answered, "Hmm?"
"Get some sleep, okay?" Gine smiled warmly as she crossed her arms and leaned against her door. Bardock returned her smile and nodded "Night."
It was a slow progress but as the weeks and seasons changed, so did things between the three. Raditz was growing and becoming stronger by the day, and he was approaching his second birthday. For a toddler, he was incredibly powerful and it filled both of his parents with immense pride.
Over the last few months, their routine became familiar and comfortable. Bardock would come and spend time with Raditz and sometimes, Gine would even allow Raditz to stay the night at Bardock's. For Gine and Bardock, they've found an ease although something more was slowly creeping up between them once again. Gine noticed it recently when she watched Raditz and Bardock train. There was a moment where Bardock glanced up at her and they stared at each other for only a second, but so much meaning passed between them.
As Gine watched the two in her backyard, she sighed and leaned against the doorframe. Bardock was teaching Raditz blocking and the boy was obviously getting bored because he wasn't taking it seriously.
"Raditz, are you paying attention?" Bardock asked sharply and the boy frowned. Gine could already tell that Raditz's attitude was starting to show. Bardock noticed as well and clearly tried to keep his annoyance leveled.
"Look, if you don't learn how to do this you'll be at a disadvantage."
"Stupid." Raditz muttered under his breath and Bardock's temper flared as he crossed his arms in front of him.
"Excuse me?"
Gine decided to step in and shouted from the house, "Raditz, listen to your father!"
Raditz stomped his foot and got into his battle stance and the two got back to their training. As the time went on, Gine went inside to check on dinner before she called out to the Saiyans.
"Alright, that's enough training for the day. Raditz, come on inside."
However the boy whined, clearly exhausted and hungry but not sure how to express it. Bardock put a strong hand on Raditz's back and lightly pushed his son forward, ordering, "Come on, you heard your mother."
Bardock and Raditz came inside and Raditz went to wash up before he ate. Bardock went to do the same, cleaning off the dirt from his spar today. While they were doing so, Gine briefly noticed the pink and purple sky and paused to watch the sunset from her back door. In this moment, she thought about how perfect life was. Her son knew his father and Bardock was in her life again. Of course, not in the way she'd like but for now, Gine would take it. She had to admit she was impressed about how seriously Bardock took his parenting duties and she appreciated that he had not stepped back from those duties. She wondered when she should mention that to Bardock, Gine knew he'd probably like to hear something like that. Gine was staring at the sky when Bardock spoke from behind her.
"I'm going to head out, alright?"
She nodded and heard his feet pad away from her. Quickly, Gine turned to face Bardock, blurting before he left her presence.
"Bardock?"
With her call, he stopped and turned, his eyebrow raised in question. Finally, Gine sighed and gained the courage to speak her mind, noting that this was as good a time as any to mention her observation.
"You've been there for Raditz these last few months and he really enjoys your time together. I just wanted to say thank you."
"You don't need to thank me, Gine. I want to be here."
"I know but I wanted to tell you that you've changed. I notice a difference in you. And I respect that you're trying to be a good father to Raditz. So thank you."
Bardock felt emotion in his throat with Gine's acknowledgement and he sighed. He didn't want to talk more about this topic considering it was a sore subject for him.
"Well, I should get going." He muttered quietly and nodded towards the front door.
Gine noticed his resolve falter but didn't press further as she decided to walk with Bardock to the door. Bardock called over his shoulder, "His test is in two days. I think he'll do well."
"I hope so, you've been training hard with him." Gine answered while Bardock opened the door. He stepped through and turned once he was outside.
Gine stared at his comforting expression, one that she knew well. It was the same expression he used when Bardock was training her and she was doubtful of her own abilities.
Bardock muttered, "He's going to be fine, Gine. Don't stress about it, alright?"
Gine nodded and Bardock smirked before he turned and kicked off the ground. Gine watched carefully as he flew off, a mix of emotions bubbling in her mind. A sudden crash in the kitchen drew her attention away from Bardock, and Gine yelled into the kitchen.
"Raditz, what was that?"
She then heard feet skid. Her toddler ran from the kitchen, obviously knowing he'll be in trouble soon.
2 days later
Bardock stood amongst the crowd with his arms crossed, staring intensely at the battle ring in front of him. Today was one of the many power scaling tests that young Saiyans take throughout their childhood. Every year after their first birthday, Saiyan children are reevaluated on their power and skill. These tests are to confirm that their current placements in training are correct and to see how much progress each child makes. Every young Saiyan participates and they do so until they are eighteen years old. Then, their power is based on their performance in battle.
Glancing around, Bardock noticed the other children in Raditz's age group. None of them were as tall as his son but Bardock did not let that fact blind him. A warrior's power comes from much more than their physical appearance. Bardock knew this from years of experience but his son did not have that wisdom yet. He just hoped his son was ready and that Bardock prepared him enough. He watched briefly as Raditz interacted with a few kids before he felt a hand on his forearm.
"I came here as fast as I could from the store. We had a huge rush of people." Gine breathed hard next to him as she frantically searched for Raditz in the ring.
"They haven't started yet." Bardock assured Gine and briefly noticed that she kept her hand on his arm. His body burned with her touch but it felt cold once she drew her palm away from his arm.
"Oh good. Raditz was excited this morning. I hope he does alright. Was he nervous when you brought him here?" Gine turned to glance at Bardock, her expression deep with worry.
"He's fine, Gine." Bardock muttered and returned his gaze back to the ring. Briefly, Gine noticed how serious Bardock was and realized what was happening. This was a typical mood he went into when he wanted no distractions. It was similar to when he went into battle or trained, Bardock preferred silence so he could clear his mind for a level head and be focused. Gine followed his gaze and noticed that he was watching Raditz intently. Gine smiled to herself, finally realizing that this must be how Bardock also dealt with his own nerves about their son's performance.
"So this is a battle royale then? Last one standing wins?" Gine asked.
Bardock nodded, "They grade placement based on how far they get through. Don't you remember your own tests?"
Gine shook her head, "No, but I was always the first one out anyway."
Bardock eyed Gine briefly, wanting to ask more until movement in the ring drew his attention away from his ex. Inside the ring, the kids lined up in a circle and some like Raditz got into their battle stances.
"Get ready…..Go!" The announcer screamed and soon there was chaos in the ring. Children screamed and uncontrolled blasts fired everywhere. Bardock effortlessly sidestepped as a stray blast came through the crowd.
"They are so young." Gine whispered to herself as she clasped her hands in front of her. She watched carefully as Raditz made his way through his opponents. The toddler shouted and sharply elbowed a young boy in the head, rendering the child unconscious.
The test was only 10 minutes and fighters lost if they were pushed out of the ring, too injured to fight, or accidentally killed an opponent. Killing was discouraged but accidents did happen, which made Gine stressed beyond words.
Bardock kept his emotions and facial expression in check as he stoically watched his son. Internally, he was anxious about Raditz's performance and watched his son carefully, noting the various flaws in his defense. These tests were great at determining where fighters needed to improve. Bardock, of course, knew Raditz was only two so there would be obvious flaws. But so far, he was impressed and proud of his son's ability in battle.
"Oh gods." Gine gasped, drawing Bardock's attention away from his thoughts and back into the ring. Raditz was cornered by two kids and he was near the edge. At this point, if Raditz was pushed out, he'd finish in the middle which wouldn't be a terrible first placement. The boy would train with the middle of the road warriors but Bardock knew Raditz could go further.
Gine moved in front of Bardock, inching closer to the ring as her anxiousness showed.
"Come on, Raditz. You can do this, honey." She whispered and Bardock smiled to himself.
He had always known that Gine was different then most Saiyans, given her compassion and lack of drive on the battlefield. Bardock learned that applied to her parenting as well, which was even more evident today. Some would say that Gine was weak for showing this much emotion but it was something that Bardock always loved about her. She was her own person and Gine didn't care what others thought.
He briefly stared at Gine in front of him, noticing her tense shoulders. No other Saiyan mother showed this much care for her offspring, at least not publicly. Gine wore her emotions on her sleeve and she did not pay attention to some of the looks she received from others.
Stepping forward, Bardock placed a gentle reaffirming hand on Gine's shoulder. His gesture startled Gine at first and she glanced over her shoulder at her ex, confused.
"Just watch." Bardock whispered and nodded to the ring, where Raditz was able to maneuver his way out of the corner and knock the two kids out of the ring without much effort. Gine grinned widely and cheered to herself. Quickly, she gazed at Bardock and noticed his subtle smile, the pride in their son clear to only Gine since she knew Bardock so well.
Gine turned back to the ring and continued to watch Raditz fight. Bardock's hand still rested comfortably on her shoulder. He didn't know how much his touch comforted Gine. His hand on her body left her with butterflies in her stomach, a feeling she hasn't felt in some time.
While she was caught up in her complicated emotions for Bardock, Gine missed Raditz being kicked in the face brutally. The gasp from the crowd alerted her to the scene and Gine tensed. In the ring, Raditz was stumbling to get up, the toddler wiping blood from his nose. It was a sight that tore Gine's heart out. Instinctively, Gine moved towards Raditz. She was stopped by Bardock's hand on her shoulder and a stern warning.
"Gine, you can't interfere. Raditz needs to do this on his own."
"But-."
"He'll be fine."
Anger seized Gine and she had every mind to whirl on Bardock and scream at him for holding her back from her child. Suddenly, Raditz stood and flashed a grin that was so similar to his father, Gine felt her breath hitch. In a sharp movement, Raditz spun and kicked his opponent hard, sending him flying out of the ring.
The crowd cheered with victory. Gine clasped a hand over her mouth, a mix of tears of joy and relief welding up in the corner of her eyes. She felt a slight squeeze on her shoulder and she moved her head towards Bardock. He smirked and gave Gine a wink before he stated.
"I told you."
Gine smiled and refocused on the ring. As the time wore down, the children were evidently exhausted and there were only five more kids in the ring. They'd all be top in their class, which was a great honor. Frankly, Gine hoped Raditz would be out soon so she could stop worrying. Her prayers were answered when Raditz was distracted and let his guard down, his opponent attacking Raditz and pushing him out of bounds.
"Dammit." Bardock hissed and Gine clasped her hand over his, leaning slightly into his touch. She then glanced at Bardock.
"He did good. Fifth is a great start."
Bardock nodded and sighed, "I know but he could have gone further."
Gine turned to fully face Bardock, breaking his grasp on her shoulder.
"He's only two. If this is how far Raditz gets to at this age, imagine how much stronger he'll be when he's older, Bardock."
Bardock noted Gine's complete confidence in their son. He had that belief too but he also wanted his son to be better than he was. Bardock wanted Raditz to defy the limits that Bardock faced based on his own ranking and class. Raditz had the blessing of being born with a higher power level, he didn't need to start from nothing like Bardock did. However, Bardock knew he wasn't wrong for wanting more for his son but he also admitted that Gine had a point.
Nodding, Bardock returned his gaze to the ring where the test finished. Bardock stared at the winner, finally noting the small royal emblem on his armor. The king must have snuck his son into this test without much fanfare, probably hoping that it wouldn't get to his son's head. His plan did not work since the crowd now realized who the winner was and cheered his name. Bardock sneered, returning his gaze to the rest of the kids.
The children stumbled out of the ring for the next age group while some were carried off to the medical bay. From the crowd of toddlers, Raditz walked towards his parents. His nose was still bleeding and there were cuts and bruises all over his body but Radtiz wore a huge grin. Bardock smirked at his son, happy to know that Raditz enjoyed fighting just as much as he did.
"Raditz!" Gine waved the boy down and Raditz found them. Immediately, Gine wrapped Raditz in a tight hug much to the protest of her son. A few other parents shot Gine a look, which Bardock caught, noting their clear disapproval of her public affection.
Clearly, Gine did not care or notice their stares as she pulled back and wiped some dirt from Raditz's face.
"You did such a good job. I'll cook you a big dinner tonight, how about that?"
Raditz's face lit up at the mention of food and Bardock admitted that his own stomach rumbled at the thought of Gine's cooking. However, they haven't shared a meal together since the night before Gine gave birth to Raditz so Bardock knew he would not be enjoying that meal with them. Bardock decided to change the subject, staring at his son stoically.
"Let's go before you bleed all over the place. Your nose is broken."
The three flew home together and Gine carried Raditz with her. The young boy was barely able to get off the ground and Gine didn't want him to further injure himself. Once they touched down in front of her home, Gine walked straight into the kitchen to look at Raditz's nose. While she searched for her medical supplies, ones that Sabi suggested she get since she had a young Saiyan boy, Gine barely registered what was happening behind her.
"This will hurt but it's better we do this now than wait. Are you ready?" Bardock asked and Raditz nodded as Bardock started the countdown.
"One…two."
Crack
Raditz hissed loudly and Gine spun towards them, gasping at the scene. Bardock knelt before Raditz, his hands on the young boy's nose.
"What the hell are you doing!" Gine seethed and both of them turned to her in confusion.
"What's wrong?" Bardock asked and Gine groaned, pointing at their son.
"You just-."
"Well we had to do it sooner rather than later, Gine. Besides, Raditz is fine."
Raditz briefly blinked in pain but then smiled and muttered, "Okay. Da fix."
Bardock gave Gine a look, "See?"
Gine exhaled and pinched the bridge of her nose before she muttered in annoyance, "Fine. Since you two have solved that problem, how about you get out of the kitchen so I can cook dinner without interruption."
Raditz slid off the chair and glanced up at his father.
"Train?"
"Sure, why not." Bardock agreed and they both slipped out the back door to the yard to get some training in before the sunset. While they were preoccupied, Gine got started on dinner.
Lost in the preparation, Gine drowned out their chatter until she heard Raditz giggling. She peered out of the window about the kitchen sink and watched as training quickly turned into play fighting. Gine smiled to herself, thinking that Bardock shifted to this activity because he knew Raditz was exhausted and the boy would know no difference. Raditz thought his father was actually sparring with him while Bardock was making sure Raditz wouldn't hurt himself.
While Gine observed the pair, she mindlessly washed the vegetables in the sink. However, her eyes soon scanned over Bardock's body. Even in a relaxed state, his muscles rippled, showing off how much Bardock's strength has grown. For a brief instance, Gine thought back to their night together a few months ago. His weight solidly on top of her as Bardock took her to heights that she only went to with him. It was pleasure she hadn't felt in ages and intimacy she craved.
Suddenly, the vegetables slipped out of Gine's hand and crashed into the sink, abruptly pulling Gine out of her daydream. Blinking, Gine returned to focus on dinner, trying not to get caught in thoughts of her ex again.
As the sun set and dinner was ready, Gine went to call Raditz inside.
"Raditz, it's time for dinner."
Nothing brought her son in faster than the mention of food. The toddler came barreling inside, followed by his father. Gine turned from the counter with a plate of food to see Raditz in the middle of the kitchen, staring at her.
"Go sit down, I'll bring your food over."
"Da too?"
Silence sat between all three as Gine glanced up at Bardock. He stared at her and neither moved or spoke, unsure if they should break down this established barrier. It would be another step down a road that no one knew the destination. Was Gine ready to invite Bardock to dinner? Would this be confusing to Raditz? These were all questions that flew in her head but finally, she rationalized that it was just dinner and nothing more. Finally, Gine broke the uncomfortable tension.
"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Gine asked and Bardock did his best to hide his surprise from her request but Gine saw through his facade. Raditz peered up at his father with wide expectant eyes.
"It's fine, Gine, I should get going anyway." Bardock answered, trying his best to keep his voice cold. He wanted to stay but he didn't want to push any of Gine's boundaries. They had a routine with Raditz, and Bardock did not want to ruin anything if it meant he wouldn't see his son. Or Gine.
"Bardock, I know you're starving. Please, stay." Gine insisted.
Bardock thought for a moment and while he didn't know if this was a good idea, Gine had a point. He was hungry and it's been a while since he's had a good meal, especially Gine's cooking. Finally, Bardock nodded and Raditz cheered, sliding into his usual chair while Bardock sat next to him. Gine placed the tray of food down in the middle of the table before she turned to grab the rest. Stopping at the counter, her mind was racing as she picked up more plates. Although she was nervous to sit with Bardock again, somewhere inside Gine she knew that this was the right choice. Exhaling, she grabbed the rest of her food before she sat down at the table with Bardock and Raditz. Together, Gine and Bardock enjoyed their meal, the first that they'd shared in over two years.
Once dinner was finished and the plates were in the sink, Gine got up to wash the dishes. Bardock and Raditz went into the family room while she cleaned. When Gine finished, she stepped into the other room to see Raditz passed out on the couch. Bardock stood and met her eyes, and Gine gazed over at Raditz.
"I was wondering when he'd pass out. He must be exhausted."
Bardock nodded and asked, "Do you want me to put him in his room?"
"No, I'll do that later. Let him sleep."
Gine's eyes caught Bardock moving towards the front door and she stepped over to him.
"Thank you for staying for dinner. And for being at Raditz's test today. It meant a lot to him." Her words came out quietly, almost nervously as she admitted how she was feeling in that moment. Watching Bardock interact with Raditz and showing up for their son meant so much to Gine and after all this time, it's what she needed from Bardock. She needed him to want to be there and finally, it seemed like he understood that.
"He did well. Thank you for dinner." Bardock spoke and moved to the door knob before Gine whispered.
"Wait."
Quickly, he turned towards her voice and noticed Gine was closer to him. Her big, brown eyes bore into his own and she spoke with intimate sincerity.
"It meant a lot to me that you were there today too." Her words shook slightly with her admission but it was a truth that she had to confess. Gine couldn't hide how much today meant to her and she felt Bardock needed to know that as well. Gine and Bardock locked eyes for a moment and then courage surged in Bardock as he stepped closer to her. Bardock searched Gine's eyes. How many times has he stared at her bright eyes and lost himself in them?
Out of instinct, Bardock skimmed his fingers across Gine's cheek and pulled back some of her wild hair behind her ear. Bardock stared at Gine and they shared an unspoken exchange that only they knew. Words and memories reminiscent of a time where there wasn't a chasm of hurt and loss separating them. A time where they shared each other's hopes and fears, divulging secrets, and whispering words that only lovers exchanged in the middle of the night. In this moment, they fell into a space where the past seemed forgotten and maybe, they could begin again.
The pair stayed like that until they both leaned in, sweeped up in their longing for one another as they moved closer. His breath was on her lips, and Gine desperately wanted to close the space between them. However, Gine knew how treacherous this was and she had to be careful. Gine could not forget that she already hurt Bardock before in a moment of weakness. So she waited, needing Bardock to take that next step towards her and she'd gladly follow. If this time they fell into each other again, Gine was open to the possibility. She was not afraid, and she hoped Bardock shared her conviction as well.
Things would have evolved if Raditz didn't fall off the couch. His tired body hit the floor, obviously too deep in sleep, and broke his parent's attention.
Radtiz rubbed his head, wincing in shock. Gine turned and she had to stop herself from laughing at her son's expression. Bardock chuckled and then refocused on Gine. He cleared his throat and muttered quietly, "Good night."
Gine returned her gaze to Bardock, understanding that their moment was gone. She felt and saw that realization pass through Bardock as well. In his face, she briefly saw Bardock's regret for his hesitation. Gine faltered for a minute, and she couldn't tell if that was actually what she saw in his unreadable expression or if her mind was playing cruel tricks.
Gently, Bardock caressed her shoulder and Gine felt her body burn with his embrace. Briefly, Bardock opened his mouth and Gine waited for his next words to come but they never did. Bardock grimaced and turned to leave. The ghost of his touch lingered on her skin as Gine watched Bardock slip out the front door.
Bardock slid the door shut without a word and the silence of her home seemed to suffocate Gine. She didn't know if she should run after him or let him leave but from the window, she saw Bardock burst off the ground.
Sighing, Gine left that interaction even more confused and turned to Raditz on the floor, "Alright, time for bed."
"Dad, go?" Raditz pointed at the pods in front of them. The ships lined the hanger and warriors were busy with their loved ones or some were arriving on their own to take off.
It's been a while since Bardock had anyone to see him off. He's forgotten how it felt to say goodbye to those he cared about and now that he was here, Bardock much preferred to be alone. Standing in front of his son and Gine knowing that he might never see them again was hard for Bardock to process. That thought has always been on his mind but it was a hard reality now as he knelt before Raditz's wide, curious eyes.
"Yes, we take off in those pods. You'll be going in one soon."
Raditz smiled and his tail wagged excitedly, "I go now?"
"No, not yet. You have to stay here and look out for your mother, alright?" With the mention of Gine, Bardock glanced up at Gine and caught her eyes.
Since the other night, they were at a crossroads. They both knew that there were things left unsaid but neither knew how to address it. Neither wanted to be vulnerable and broken by misinterpretation.
Gine knew she had to be the one to make this first move. She was the one that put up these boundaries between them and she had to be the one to make the first step to tearing them down. Since that night a few days ago, Gine couldn't stop thinking about Bardock. There was so much she wanted to say but she feared the rejection and exposure. She was unsure if this was the right time. Was she being too impulsive?
However, standing before Bardock as he was about to be shipped off brought up a lot of mixed emotions. It's been ages since she's said goodbye to him at the hanger and it reminded Gine of a simpler time. She also thought back to that day where she last greeted Bardock while she was heavily pregnant with Raditz. That was the beginning of the end for them and Gine wasn't sure if she wanted to repeat history. However, Gine also knew she couldn't have Bardock leave without at least trying to talk to him about what's been on her mind.
"Can I talk to you?" Gine questioned and Bardock nodded and stood up from the ground. She knew there wasn't much time before Bardock had to board but she hoped she could say what she needed to beforehand. Gine sternly ordered Raditz to stay put and she took Bardock off to the side for privacy.
"Gine, what's going on?" Bardock asked, searching her eyes as Gine breathed. She glanced at Bardock, dressed in his full battle armor holding his bag over his shoulder and sighed. Gine willed as much courage as she could as she finally spoke.
"After the other night, I thought we should clear the air. I didn't like how we left things. I should have talked to you earlier than today but I've been thinking about what to say."
"I know, I didn't know what to say either."
"Bardock-."
Abruptly, Gine was interrupted by the hanger sirens, calling all warriors to board. As the loud alarm wailed, Bardock grimaced, obviously frustrated that their conversation was cut short. Since that night, Bardock has wanted to speak to Gine about everything but he couldn't find the strength to do so. It was infuriating to Bardock that he was so fearless in battle but an absolute coward sometimes in his personal life.
"I've got to go. I'm sorry." Bardock sighed, and Gine scanned his expression, noting his sincerity. Disappointed, Gine nodded and whispered, unable to hide her own dismay about the situation.
"It's okay. Duty calls." Gine muttered with a fake smile, and Bardock saw right through it. He felt like he was back where they were two years ago. As he stared at Gine's eyes, Bardock was conflicted on what to do next or how to say goodbye without hurting Gine. Quickly, he reached for her hand and threaded his fingers through her own in a gentle grasp. Surprised, Gine glanced up at Bardock as he spoke with sincerity.
"When I get back, we'll talk. I promise."
Gine felt her breathing quicken and she faltered, unsure of what to say or do at this moment. Bardock gave her a small smile and released her hand before he stepped back. Before he took a step forward, Bardock smirked.
"Hey, Gine?" He muttered, grabbing Gine's attention as she waited for his next words with anticipation as the alarms continued to blare.
"Wait for me." He whispered, evoking those words that Gine hasn't heard from his lips in forever. It's meaning was not lost on Gine and even though she still had so much to say to Bardock, that phrase gave her hope. He would not have said that if Bardock did not want to talk about their future.
All Gine could do was smile brightly through the tears welling in her face as she nodded. She watched as Bardock jogged away, briefly passing Raditz and ruffling his wild black hair before he continued towards the hanger, onto another mission with an unknown outcome. As Gine stared at Bardock leaving, her heart gripped with fear. She prayed, hoping that this wasn't the last time she'd ever see Bardock again.
A day later, Gine felt herself shuffling through the motions, her body heavy with mixed emotions. Raditz was out playing with some of the neighborhood kids as Gine willed herself to continue making dinner for the two of them. Frankly, Gine didn't know why she felt this way but she recognized this pattern. She always felt distracted the few first days after Bardock left for a mission. However, this time it felt like a large wave swept her body in a sea of anxiety and uncertainty. Gine continued to assure herself that Bardock would come home alright and they'd figure things out, for better or worse. She kept that mantra cycling through her mind, forcing herself to take one step at a time before she became paralyzed with fear for the future.
While she chopped meat on her counter, Gine heard a loud single knock on her front door. Frowning, she dropped her knife on the counter and wiped her hands on her white apron, making her way to the front of the house.
Sighing, Gine turned the knob and opened the wooden door. As soon as her eyes caught the guest's intense gaze, Gine felt her breath stop and her body froze in surprise.
Standing before her, still in battle armor but without a scratch, was Bardock. His expression was soft but serious as he stared at Gine with an insistent expression.
"Gine."
