Chapter 12 - Then Came The Morning

A day before

Bardock stepped into the hanger and immediately, he glanced behind him, trying to have one more glimpse of Gine or Raditz again. His search was interrupted by a hard slap on his shoulder. Tora stood in front of Bardock with a wide grin.

"What's got you in a mood, Bardock? Come on, I was hoping we could have some fun on this mission."

Bardock shook his head and walked with his friend further into the hanger, trying to forget about Gine.

"Nothing. Let's just get to our pods and get this fucking raid started."

Tora groaned, "Oh gods, are you going to be a dick the whole time? I thought things were going well with Gine and the kid, why are you all pissed?"

"I-I feel like I'm letting her down again." Bardock muttered angrily as he fixed his armor and threw his bag in his pod. His friend stood next to him and Tora spoke with a sudden seriousness.

"Well, you better get your head straight before we head into battle or you might not be coming back at all, Bardock."

Bardock glanced at his friend and nodded, understanding Tora's meaning. This distraction could be fatal and Bardock had to focus.

After the team loaded up, their pods took off and sailed through the sky towards their next mission. Usually, Bardock's mind was calm and slept before a raid. Instead, his head was racing.

As the Saiyans flew through space, Bardock could not calm down. He shook his knee with anxiousness and continued to stare out into the void of space, trying to convince himself to calm down and stop thinking about Gine.

Bardock couldn't get the picture of her sad, disappointed eyes out of his head. Bardock was fearful that things would change once he got home and he couldn't go through that again. A realization hit Bardock hard and he glanced at their mission map. At this point, they were half way to their destination and only a few hours from home.

Impulsively, Bardock clicked a few keys on his pod's dashboard and the line rang until Tora answered.

"Fuck Bardock. Why aren't you asleep?" Tora grumbled.

"I'm going back." Bardock muttered, initially unsure about his choice but once he spoke those words, his determination set in. At this point, he didn't care about the consequences or what others would think. He chose battle over Gine before and Bardock was not going to repeat that mistake. He would not lose Gine again.

Tora fell into silence on the other end until he spoke with seriousness, "Go get her. I'll cover you here."

Bardock breathed a sigh of relief, appreciative of his friend's belief in what he had to do. Tora knew more than anyone how much Bardock had changed and tried to be on a path back to Gine again. He was thankful his friend knew this was a moment that Bardock had to act on.

"Thanks, Tora. I owe you one."

Tora chuckled, "Yeah, you owe me a drink and some sleep. Now fuck off and stop wasting time talking to me."

Bardock turned off the communicator, immediately plugging in the coordinates back to Planet Vegeta.

Present Day

"Gine." Bardock spoke, staring at a shocked Gine. Her eyes were wide as she processed the scene before her. She stepped out of the house, confused by his visit.

"Bardock? Wh-what are you doing here?"

"I turned around." He spoke urgently.

Gine stuttered and blinked in confusion, "You left the mission? But what about your command? You can be demoted!"

"None of that matters right now. I had to talk to you." He insisted.

Gine frowned, "Bardock, it's alright. We said we were going to talk later."

Bardock stepped forward suddenly and took her arms in his grasp as he shook his head, "No, I couldn't risk things changing between us. Or if I died, I couldn't leave you without saying what I wanted to the other day."

Gine stared at Bardock's dark eyes, which bore into hers desperately. Her heart raced against her chest and the only thing that grounded her was Bardock's hands on her body.

"I love you." He spoke confidently and Gine felt her head spin. Although he's told her that before and she's known of his feelings towards her, after everything that's happened between them, this time Bardock's words felt different.

"I've loved you since Yasha."

Gine stared at Bardock with wide eyes, instantly remembering that moment in the cave years ago. Bardock was injured trying to protect her and they barely made it out of the skirmish alive. They retreated to a nearby cave, hoping to find shelter until they could reunite with their team. Gine was furious at Bardock for almost getting killed because of her once again and she told him so. Then, while Gine fixed his head wound, Bardock grabbed her wrist and kissed her, hard. She fell into his touch and they spent the night in the cave together.

At that time, Gine and Bardock were only sleeping together and they weren't in a committed relationship yet. Even though he confessed his love for her much later, Gine never thought that Bardock fell for her before they got together at the harvest festival. Yasha was so early in their history. Gine searched his expression, shocked that he's been holding onto that moment all this time.

"Since Yasha?" She whispered, as she recalled that mission, memories coming back to the forefront. She wasn't in love with Bardock then, Gine remembered that. While she knew she was attracted to him and liked hooking up with him, her feelings were not that strong yet. All this time, Gine always thought that she fell in love with him first.

"Initially, I didn't know what I was feeling. I fought and ignored it for so long but that was useless, especially after the festival. After that night, I knew that I couldn't hide my true feelings from you anymore. Stupidly, I still didn't admit them and when I thought you died, I was so angry at myself for not telling you sooner. I don't want to make the same mistake again." Bardock spoke with conviction, his strong voice rumbling.

"I never knew. Why did you hide that?" Gine whispered, gently scooping Bardock's hands in hers, offering him comfort.

"Honestly, I didn't know how to love someone and I didn't want to disappoint or hurt you. You deserve someone who could love you back and I didn't know if I could at the time."

Bardock swallowed his emotions and spoke again in a thick voice while he ducked his head, breaking eye contact with Gine, "But I ended up hurting you anyway."

"Bardock-." Gine interrupted, grasping his hand tighter.

He shook his head and threaded his fingers with Gine's, peering up at her again, "These past two years, I've been the worst version of myself. I made terrible choices because I was scared. I was a coward and I ended up hurting the last person that I wanted to because of that. I hate that it took me this long to figure out that you and Raditz mean everything to me."

Hearing Bardock admit his devotion to her and their son after all these years was everything Gine ever wanted. She wished Bardock realized this sooner instead of them wasting so much time getting back to each other.

"With everything we've been through, Gine, you've made me stronger. You've made me a better man." Bardock spoke in a deep, strong tone. Staring at him through watery eyes, Gine smiled and wiped a tear that fell down her cheek. Bardock let her have a minute before he continued.

"I wanted to tell you all that at the hanger. Hell, long before that even but I didn't want to ruin anything." Bardock muttered while Gine smiled softly and answered.

"You don't know how much hearing that means to me. But Bardock, you're going to get in trouble for deserting your mission. I don't want you to throw that away for me." Gine insisted and Bardock shook his head.

"I'm not. Battles and fighting, that's always going to be there. I've put that before us too many times and I couldn't do that again. I couldn't go into that mission without you knowing."

"Knowing what?" Gine asked with a hint of confusion in her tone.

"I want you, Gine. I want you for as many days as the gods will let me." Bardock stated.

Gine paused and glanced at Bardock, "B-Bardock, what are you saying?"

"I want you to be my mate and my wife."

Time froze and Gine felt her mind racing as she comprehended Bardock's words. In her shock, she dropped his hands. After a minute, she whispered, "You want to marry me?"

Bardock nodded, "Yes."

She peered up into his eyes, the eyes of the man she's loved for so long and Gine saw Bardock's own emotion. This was the most he's ever really told her about his feelings. In the past, he's said some of it but nothing to this extent. Gine can't remember the amount of times she's dreamed of this moment, but she thought even if they got back together, this would never happen.

"I love you, Bardock. I want to be with you forever too."

Bardock smirked, pushing her closer to his body as he asked, "So is that a yes?"

"Yes." She nodded and brought Bardock down to her lips, kissing him hard as tears fell down her cheek and onto Bardock's skin. Bardock embraced Gine desperately and after a moment, he hoisted her up, never leaving her lips. Gine locked herself around his hips, melting into his embrace.

Suddenly, Gine felt a small raindrop fall on her shoulder. Pulling away from each other, both her and Bardock glanced up at the dark sky above them and watched as the skies opened up, enveloping them in a downpour.

"Shit, we should get inside." Bardock hissed in annoyance and Gine shook her head.

"No, let's just enjoy this."

As the rain fell, soaking their clothes, Gine couldn't help but laugh. The rain seemed to wash away all her loneliness, anger and guilt for what she's done to them. For the first time in months, maybe even years since she and Bardock separated, Gine felt free. She leaned back against Bardock's arms, enjoying the thrill of the rain and the droplets hitting her face, ensuring her that this wasn't a dream. Bardock watched Gine silently, captured by her beauty amongst the storm.

After a moment, Gine glanced at Bardock, catching him staring at her. She felt her breath hitch under his gaze and he slid a hand up through her wet hair, bringing her closer to him again.

"Come here." He murmured against her skin and captured her lips. Gine smiled against his kiss while the rain continued to fall, washing away their past.


Hours later, Gine raced towards the butcher shop. The sun was setting across the village and Gine knew she couldn't waste time.

Although Bardock came home, he still had to go back to space and complete his mission with his team. Gine hoped that since he was going back, Bardock wouldn't get in too much trouble for leaving.

Walking through the back, the bell on top of the door rang, alerting Sabi to a visitor. Sabi rounded the corner, surprised to see Gine.

"Gine? I thought today was your day off?"

"It is but I need your help." Gine answered and Sabi took in her young employee's urgency.

"Alright. What is it?"

"Do you know what goes into a mating ceremony?" Gine asked bluntly, much to Sabi's shock. The ceremony has long been forgotten in their culture so it was rare that anyone brought it up these days.

"W-why yes, but who's it for?" Sabi questioned.

"Me." Gine answered.

"You?" Sabi responded, her mind running until the realization hit her, "Bardock asked you to marry him, didn't he?"

Unable to hide her smile, Gine nodded, blushing a little bit. Sabi clapped her hands in joy and congratulated her employee and friend, "Oh Gine! This is wonderful news, I'm so happy you two figured it out. But I thought Bardock was off on a mission?"

"He was but he turned around to tell me that he wanted to marry me. He's going back tomorrow morning so we want to do this tonight."

Sabi understood and motioned Gine to follow her, "Alright, go upstairs. I'll close the shop early and then I'll walk you through everything."

Gine agreed and made her way to Sabi's flat above the shop. It was small but a perfect size for one person as Gine stepped through her boss's home. She sometimes forgot that Sabi lived here. Sabi even offered Gine to stay with her when she was a new mother and looking for a home for herself.

Sabi came up the stairs and went into her bedroom, yelling to Gine in the kitchen area, "Now I just got to find where I put it-ah! Here it is."

Sabi padded out of her room carrying a long white dress across her arms.

"What's this?" Gine asked, curiously peering at the fabric.

"This was my dress that I wore at my ceremony."

Gine glanced up at Sabi and held up her hands, "Sabi, I couldn't."

"Nonsense. I'm not going to use it anytime soon and you're the closest thing I have to a daughter."

Gine smiled, humbled by the sentiment while Sabi began explaining.

"The purpose of the wedding ceremony is connection and intimacy. You will wear this dress, which is pretty thin, but that's the point. Bardock can wear just his under armor if he prefers. Now, you two will share vows while wrapping a personal item or cloth around your hands, joining you together. You might notice your tails naturally move to your mate. That happens for the strongest of bonds because our instincts know when we've found our true mate. After reciting the vows and consummating your union, you two will be mated for life."

"Thank you for your help. You're the only person I know who's been mated." Gine admitted, taking in the information.

"I know, dear. Now, how about you get changed and I'll call Bardock to tell him the details."

Gine agreed and went to Sabi's tiny bathroom while Sabi went to her phone and rang up Bardock to instruct him on the ceremony as well. Minutes later, Sabi hung up the phone just when Gine was stepping out of the bathroom.

"I feel like I'm naked." Gine exclaimed and Sabi walked over to her, shifting the thin dress in some areas.

"You look stunning in this dress, Gine." Sabi complimented and turned her young friend to the mirror to look for herself. Gine almost gasped when she saw her reflection, never seeing herself in this light before. She smoothed down the dress, noting how it sat nicely on her chest and highlighted her curves. It left very little to imagination but Gine also found beauty in that, especially if she was going to be standing in front of Bardock.

"Why don't people mate anymore?" Gine asked Sabi, who was busy sewing a few loose spots on the dress.

"It used to be tradition but somewhere along the way, I think everyone forgot the point of it. People rushed into the ceremony out of lust and then they were trapped. Taking this step is forever, Gine, there's no backing out or running from your mate. You'll see but once you complete the ceremony, everything is different and you'll feel it. Others will be able to tell too, and they'll know to stay away because you'll have Bardock's scent as he will have yours."

"Oh really? I didn't know that." Gine answered while Sabi shifted the waist a little, making sure it highlighted Gine's curves.

"Yes, so for those who did not marry someone they absolutely belonged with, they were stuck because no one would even pursue them if another Saiyan's scent was on them. That's when warriors would have affairs off world and that habit was brought back to Planet Vegeta. Soon, it formed the culture of hookups and casual sex. People realized you could have everything without mating with someone and soon the tradition was forgotten."

Gine allowed herself to comprehend this and Sabi lightly grabbed her shoulders and stared at her through the mirror. Sabi's eyes were a lighter brown than Gine's and she observed her grey hair and signs of age, knowing how much wisdom Sabi held.

"With you and Bardock, Gine, I sense that things are different. The fact that he deserted a mission to marry you speaks volumes on his commitment. For a fierce warrior like Bardock, that's unheard of."

Gine smiled and nodded, "I know."

"How are you feeling about everything, dear?" Sabi questioned as she led Gine to her kitchen, going to pour a celebratory glass of local wine that they sold at the store.

"It's been a whirlwind but I'm happy. For the first time in a long time, I'm excited about the future."

Sabi handed Gine a glass, "I'm so thrilled that you two found your way back to each other."

"After everything we've been through and the hurt we both caused, I think this was the only way to get back together. We both had to grow on our own."

Sabi smiled and raised her glass, "Well to you two. I hope your union is a long, strong bond filled with love and happiness."


The chill from the night air blew through Gine's thin dress as she made her way through the forest. Sabi said this was where people used to hold the ceremony but it was forgotten in Saiyan history. Gine weaved through the forest, careful to not ruin her dress as she looked for Bardock. The woods were silent and Gine was thankful for the ability to see in the dark.

Ahead in the clearing, she saw Bardock's tall figure. He was clad in only his black under armor, which highlighted every muscle. Gine blushed as she looked over his body and finally, she stepped out of the wood. Bardock turned towards the rustling and stopped once he saw Gine.

"Wow."

"I know, it's so thin-."

"You look beautiful." Bardock interrupted and stepped over to Gine. He observed the white dress, which accentuated every feature and if he was honest, he loved it. Gine smiled at his compliment and moved forward towards Bardock so they met in the middle.

"Are you ready for this?" She whispered.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." He answered with confidence.

Gine smiled and she was also sure of this next step. Even though it was impulsive, this felt right. For whatever reason, it felt like this was their destiny and the gods were always pushing them to this moment. Despite everything they've been through, they ended up here and that was for a reason.

"Did Sabi tell you what to do?" Gine asked.

"Yes. I thought we could use this as the cloth." Bardock muttered and pulled out of his back the red bandanna that Gine gave him. She lightly touched the material, running the fabric through her fingers carefully and Bardock spoke softly.

"I wear it in every battle."

Gine quickly glanced up to meet his dark eyes and questioned, "Even while we were separated?"

"I still wanted a piece of you with me." Bardock admitted.

This confession completely shocked Gine and she reached out to caress Bardock's cheek. They stayed that way for a moment until Gine spoke up, "I think this is perfect."

Bardock nodded and he grabbed both of Gine's hands as he walked backwards to the middle of the clearing. Carefully, he began to bind both of their hands together with the red bandanna and Gine couldn't keep her eyes off of Bardock. Once he was finished, Bardock pushed her hands towards his chest and stared at Gine with an expression of pure love and devotion.

Suddenly, Gine's tail unfurled from her waist reactively and it stretched out to Bardock, wrapping around him. Gine felt Bardock's tail do the same and Gine glanced up to Bardock. Sabi told her that this only happened with the strongest of bonds, and it was a reaction to when their Saiyan instincts told them they found their destined mate.

Bardock smirked at Gine, knowing the same truth as he muttered, "You ready?"

"Wait, what do we do now? Sabi didn't go into too much detail with me."

"Don't worry, she told me. I just hope I remember what we need to say. Follow my lead, alright?" Bardock answered.

"Always."

Bardock smiled before he spoke in a deep voice, "Repeat after me." Gine nodded in response, anxious to hear what's next.

"I pledge myself to you, and everything that I own."

Gine followed and repeated the words, "I pledge myself to you, and everything that I own."

"I pledge that your name will always be the name I cry aloud in the dead of night." Bardock continued.

"I pledge that your name will always be the name I cry aloud in the dead of night."

"I promise to honor you above all others."

This particular line made Gine smile as she said, "I promise to honor you above all others."

"I promise to give you my mind and body if needed." Bardock spoke slowly, these words resonating with him. He knew long before he even liked Gine that he'd do anything to protect her, even risk his own life. There were so many times that he did just that while they were on missions together. Bardock felt that he didn't need a vow to keep Gine safe, it was instinct to him.

"I promise to give you my mind and body if needed."

Bardock began the final line that Sabi told him to say, "I am yours, and you are mine, in this life and for all of time."

"I am yours, and you are mine, in this life and for all of time." Gine whispered the final vow before Bardock pulled her in for a kiss, finishing this portion of their mating ceremony. He brushed against her softly before he pushed forward, moving in sync with Gine's plush lips, for the first time as her mate. Finally, after all the pain and anger that the two years apart brought them, Gine was back in Bardock's arms and she was his forever.


Candles flickered across the room as their glow brought intimate light into the night. The air in the bedroom seemed calm but Gine was anything but. Her body buzzed with nerves as she stood in her bedroom surrounded by the light from the candles. Gine had no reason to be nervous, how many times had her and Bardock been together? They even had a child as evidence. Gine knew that this was ridiculous, but she was still anxious.

Breathing deeply, Gine glanced around the room and went through a list in her head. Raditz was at a neighbor's house for the night, Bardock was locking up and she lit the candles for mood lighting. Sabi only told her that to complete their ceremony, they needed to consummate their bond. Gine should be excited for this, and she was. However, it's been a long time since they've been together and Gine was brimming with nervous anticipation. She felt a shiver breeze through her body as she took another deep breath.

"Doors are locked." Bardock muttered as he casually stepped into the room, stopping when he finally saw Gine.

Ahead of him, in the glow of the candles, Gine stood, waiting for him, still in her white dress. The light from the candles outlined her body through the thin dress, showing all her curves. Her pale bare skin seemed to shower in the candlelight, making her tone warm as Bardock took her in, memorizing her body. Her chest rose and fell quickly and Bardock noticed Gine's tense shoulders.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing." Gine replied with a fake smile, one that Bardock saw right through.

"I know you better than you think, Gine. I can hear your heart pounding and if that didn't give you away, you're a horrible liar."

Gine sighed, "Is it stupid to say I'm a little nervous?"

Bardock briefly smiled before he stepped towards her, his knuckles rubbing her arms in comfort, "No, because I am too." Bardock would have never admitted that to anyone else but Gine and he knew, especially now, he could be vulnerable.

"It's ridiculous though, I mean we've done this plenty of times before." Gine laughed and Bardock smirked, remembering some of their previous intimate moments before he responded calmly.

"This time it's different."

Gine peered up at his dark eyes and spoke quietly, "It is."

Bardock stared at Gine, drinking her features in. Between her standing before him in that dress and the warmth radiating off her body, Bardock was enchanted by his wife. Those words felt odd to think initially but he loved that he could say that Gine was his. Bardock spoke with confidence as he whispered, "We'll take things slow."

Gine's nerves seemed to be at bay as her body leaned naturally towards Bardock. His hands moved up towards Gine's face and he cupped her cheeks. His fingers threaded behind her head as he ducked his head down to meet Gine's lips. They moved in sync with slow precision, taking in every sensation from each other. For both of them, every nerve and sensation seemed heightened.

Their embrace felt like nothing before as they both instinctively pulled each other closer, needing more. Bardock weaved his hand through Gine's hair, while he lowered his other hand to roam her curves. Gine wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, her body up against his strong chest. Bardock's hand slid across her hip as he hooked his arm around her body.

Suddenly, Gine broke their kiss, catching her breath for a second. She leaned back in Bardock's hold, her eyes searching Bardock in wonder as he stared at her with a raised eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

His fingers traced little circles in her scalp and Gine smiled, whispering, "There's color back in my world."

"What do you mean?" Bardock asked quietly, confused as to what Gine was saying.

"Ever since you left and we broke up, all my senses seemed muted. The world around me was dull and faded. Now, I can see everything better and every sound is clearer."

Bardock scanned Gine's face against the glow of the candles and understood what see meant. He could see her skin more clearly and he could hear the outside world far better than he ever has. His senses were heightened and he muttered, "I think that's the bond working. I feel it too."

Gine smiled and moved her hand to caress Bardock's face as she spoke quietly with passion, "It could be but even before we mated tonight, whenever you were away when we were together, I felt the same. And when you came back to me, it was like everything around me got brighter. You make everything better, Bardock."

He never knew how much hearing those words from Gine would mean to him but Bardock felt his chest tightened with emotion. He bent his head closer to her lips as he whispered against her skin, "I love you."

"I love you too." Gine answered and leaned forward, capturing Bardock's lips with hers as they moved against each other with heated passion. Bardock's hand skimmed the top of Gine's dress as he moved his fingers to the front, gently caressing Gine's chest. She gasped against his lips and Bardock's hands went towards the buttons, slowly undoing the front of the dress. Gine felt the chill of the night blow through her exposed skin as Bardock carefully pushed the top of the dress off of Gine's shoulders. The dress slowly fluttered to the ground, pooling around Gine's feet as she stood bare in front of her mate.

Bardock broke away from Gine's lips to take her in, committing to his memory every single curve on her body and Gine against the light of the candles. He knew he'd always remember this night and how beautiful she looked.

Gine stood in front of Bardock, loving watching his eyes roam her body as if this was the first time he's seen her. She stepped forward and put her lips close to his but not touching him as her hands skimmed across Bardock's muscular chest. His body was warm under her touch as she remembered the many times she's done this before. Slowly, her fingers teased the bottom of his shirt until she rolled it up. Bardock quickly grabbed the end of his shirt and ripped the under armor off, his bare chest flexing in reaction to the cold night.

Gine stared at his ripped chest, her eyes catching a large scar on his body. Silently, Gine touched the pink, jagged scar that went across his chest, the injury he received during his self destructive time during their break up. It was a reminder of their hard past and Gine paused, staring at the healed wound. Bardock watched her for a minute as she processed the scar. They fought about it that day when she visited him in the medical ward after his accident. When they later hooked up while they were separated, it was too dark for Gine to notice the scar. This was her first time seeing his new wounds from the past two years up close. Bardock decided to remain quiet and give her the space to process. Bardock stood still in front of Gine as he contemplated what to do next. He knew better than anyone that dwelling on the past was more harmful than good. Bardock wanted to move forward and he knew that they couldn't look back.

"Gine-." He breathed, wanting to tell her that it was in the past but Gine seemed to understand his meaning as she interrupted him.

"I know." She hushed him and met his eyes. Bardock took Gine's hand in his and leaned down, moving his lips tenderly against hers. Gine wrapped her body around Bardock's warm bare chest as she shook off the past, moving forward with him to their future. Now, all of Gine's previous nerves turned into adrenaline as she kissed back Bardock fiercely. Their desire grew steadily as he broke away and trailed his lips down her neck. Bardock lightly growled against Gine's sensitive skin.

Gine moaned loudly, weaving her hand through Bardock's wild mane. Her skin and every nerve was on fire for Bardock, a burning need Gine has never felt before. All of her instincts told her that this was their moment and urged her to be one with her mate. Gine leaned down to whisper in Bardock's ear.

"I need my husband." She spoke with conviction.

Bardock abruptly glanced up to meet Gine's eyes and she gazed at his dark eyes filled with lust. Addressing him as her husband for the first time only spurred Bardock on further. He hurriedly bent down and picked Gine up, carrying her across his arms as he walked them towards the bed behind them. He carefully placed her below him and blanketed his new wife with his body. His hands ran down her smooth legs and hooked under her knee. Gine searched Bardock's expression, and they shared an unspoken message, both falling right back into place with one another.


The morning sun shone brightly in Gine's eyes as she groaned, her sore body coming alive. She rolled to her side, putting out her hand, expecting to hit an empty mattress but instead her hand slapped a taut chest.

"Ow." Bardock grumbled and Gine opened both of her eyes, shocked.

"Bardock! What are you still doing here?" She sat up in bed, staring at him with worry.

"Good morning to you too." He yawned and his eyes fluttered open, still half lidded from sleep.

"Aren't you supposed to be on your way back to your team? I thought you said you had to leave first thing?"

"I did but I thought about it and I have a little time. It didn't feel right to have you wake up to an empty bed after I just married you."

Gine blushed and slid under the covers to straddle her new husband. He smirked and rested his hands on her hips as she leaned forward, "Well, I don't mind that you're still here. I just don't want you to get in trouble."

"Don't worry about me." He muttered and ran a hand through Gine's wild morning hair, taking note of her swollen lips.

"I'm always going to worry about you. I'm your wife now." Gine whispered and Bardock leaned up against the mattress, smiling against her lips.

"Yes, you are."

Gine melted against him as a growing need began to burn between them once again. Last night, they cemented their bond all through the night until they fell against each other in exhaustion. Gine was in total bliss this morning and now noticed a new feeling throughout her body. It was dull and mirrored her own emotions but it felt different. She felt a steady heartbeat, in tandem with her own in her chest. Pulling away from Bardock, Gine rested her palms on his shoulders.

"Do you feel that?" She asked and Bardock frowned.

"What?"

Gine paused for a moment, trying to be in tune with herself until she finally released. She grinned and questioned Bardock, "Do you feel happy right now?"

Confused, he answered, "Obviously. Having you naked on top of me would do that."

She felt what he meant and Gine shook her head, "No, besides that. What do you feel?"

Searching Gine's expression, Bardock finally decided to see what she meant. He did seem different this morning but he didn't know if that was because he was with Gine or if it was something else. Finally, he sensed something new. It was strong but subtle and he probably would have missed it if Gine didn't point it out. The pull was vibrant and full of everything that he loved about Gine.

After a moment, Bardock scanned Gine's face, "I feel…you."

"So do I. This must be the bond. I can feel your mood and your emotions. Everything that I love about you too. Do you think it will work when you are gone?"

Bardock sat up in bed with Gine now in his lap, "I don't know. I guess we will find out."

It then hit her once again that even though they were both caught up in their own little world in this room, they had to face reality soon. Bardock had to go back to his mission and Gine had to get their son and care for him while they waited for Bardock. Gine pushed forward to lean against Bardock's forehead and whispered.

"I wish we could stay here forever."

Not that she didn't want to see Raditz or her friends but Gine finally felt at peace, something she hasn't felt for years. Bardock rubbed her bare back and answered.

"I know."

They stayed that close for another minute and sat in silence, knowing that their time together was coming to an end. However, Gine held onto the fact that there was hope for a future with Bardock. If he could make it home.

Emotion sat in her chest as she sighed, "We're always saying goodbye."

"I'll come back to you, Gine." He whispered and held her face as Bardock searched her brown eyes.

"You can't promise that." Gine trembled, unsure why this goodbye has been the hardest one out of all of them. Perhaps it was their new connection but Gine felt completely broken. In some ways, she wished he left before she woke so she wouldn't have to face him. But then Gine knew she'd be upset about not being able to see him off. There was no winning.

Bardock knew that Gine was right, he couldn't promise he'd make it back. It would be foolish for any warrior to do so considering that there were never any guarantees in battle. Instead, Bardock pushed forward and captured his wife's lips, distracting her from their future as he moved against her swollen lips gently. Gine relaxed into the embrace and rolled her hips, eliciting a moan to escape from Bardock as his arms wrapped around her tighter. Gine rocked against Bardock, and a mounting urgency between them grew. Growling, Bardock slipped his hand between them and Gine shifted to capture him, needing her husband one last time before she let him go.

They moved slowly in sync with one another as Gine rode Bardock with sharp precision. She watched his facial expression with every snap of her hips, witnessing his pleasure as their bare chests rubbed against each other. The dull bond between them now allowed Gine to feel Bardock's emotions and senses, telling her he was enjoying this last intimate moment immensely. Bardock leaned into her chest and nipped at her flesh and Gine threw back her head, moaning loudly. Between Bardock's ministrations and feeling his desire build with their bond, it was becoming too much for Gine. Bardock placed his large hands on both of Gine's hips as he guided her across his lap, causing Gine to swirl her hips harder. Bardock knew Gine's body well and between the signs she gave away and learning how to tap into their new connection, she was close.

Gine reached her peak and shouted, shivering against Bardock. Bardock was almost pulled along with Gine as he gasped, snapping his hips. Between physically feeling Gine break and witnessing it through their new connection, Bardock was in pure ecstasy. He continued chasing his high until he hit his spot, shuddering against Gine's shoulder with a loud groan. Both of them now experienced how their connection worked in intimate moments. Their union allowed both husband and wife to feel both their own and their partner's gratification physically and through their new connection.

Bardock leaned into Gine's chest as they both panted, stuck in pure bliss from their first time fully mated. The power of being mated was obvious and soon they both pulled away from each other's bodies to stare at one another. Bardock smirked, knowing that Gine experienced the same satisfaction as he did.

After they held each other for a little while longer, Bardock begrudgingly rolled out of bed and headed to take a quick shower. As he rounded their bed, he surprised Gine and scooped her up, hiking her naked body over his shoulder as she giggled loudly.

In the water, husband and wife washed their partner's body, servicing each other in the most basic way. While they both wanted to go for another round, they knew they could delay the inevitable.

Soon, Bardock was dressed in his full combat suit, flexing his muscles. His Saiyan blood was brimming with anticipation for a fight and he smirked to himself. For the first time since in years, Bardock felt totally focused and stronger than ever. He wondered if the bond even gave him a boost because he sensed even more power coursing through his veins.

"Wait, this is how excited you feel heading into battle?" Gine asked as she pulled up her pants, glanced at Bardock with surprise. He nodded with a smirk and Gine shook her head, "I never felt like this. No wonder why you can't get enough of fighting."

The insight into each other's inner feelings and thoughts were valuable as Gine began to understand her husband more. Even after knowing him for years, there was still more to discover, which excited Gine.

Both newlyweds slowly made their way to the door for their goodbye, dreading the separation. Bardock felt conflicted as he stepped outside. On one hand, he was fired up to get back with his team and get this mission started. However, he didn't want to part with Gine. His heart felt heavy as he turned towards his wife, who stared at him with a smile. He raised an eyebrow until Gine spoke softly.

"It's okay, Bardock. You don't need to feel guilty for going to do the thing you love. I don't need to be mated to you to know how much you love to fight."

Bardock chuckled and glanced at Gine, "Alright."

He searched their bond and sensed Gine's internal tranquility. She was at peace and felt secure in their relationship and that relieved a huge weight off of Bardock. He could now do what he loved and what he was born to do without feeling like he was disappointing Gine.

Gine took his hand and leaned forward, capturing her husband's lips, showing him her love and devotion. Bardock sighed into her embrace and held Gine. After a moment, she broke away and scanned Bardock's eyes, knowing it was time to say goodbye.

Bardock ducked his head and whispered softly to Gine, "Wait for me."

Those words held so much meaning between them and Gine smiled, happy to know that while some things were different, that would never change between them.

Bardock took a step back, not breaking eye contact with Gine before she smiled and he returned her expression with a smirk. With a burst of energy, he shot up from the lawn and flew up towards the sky, heading back to the hangar to return to his team. From below, Gine watched as his figure grew smaller until it disappeared.

From her door, Gine scanned the skies as whispered to herself, "Please come back home, Bardock."