Chapter 24: The More You Know

Bulma woke up the next morning completely out of it. It took her more time than usual to realize she was in Vegeta's bed. She fumbled around to check her phone. 9:27AM. She skimmed through her messages, seeing an email reminding her all her classes for the rest of the week had been cancelled again because so many of the professors had to be at this award ceremony slash conference thing. She rolled over to stare at her sleeping boyfriend. Memories of their night together flashed through her mind and she rubbed her legs together at the imagines. She could feel the soreness in her thighs. Her wiggling must've woken Vegeta, because he suddenly turned, wide eyes gazing back at her. And then a slow smirk spread across his face. He rolled to his side, throwing an arm over Bulma's waist. He could feel her pressing her thighs together and he flashed her his dazzling pearly whites. "How are you feeling," he asked with his knowing smirk.

"Oh, I think you know," Bulma replied in a defiant mood. She crossed her arms over her breasts. Smug bastard.

"Don't be like that." He touched his nose against hers.

"I can barely move my legs, Vegeta."

Vegeta pulled back and stared at her. Then he started laughing. Full belly guffaws. He rolled over onto his back, continuing his laughter. Bulma rolled over as well, tightening her arms around herself.

"Shut up," Bulma pouted in frustration.

Vegeta rolled back on his side and pulled a reluctant Bulma into his arms. "Oh, baby. I love you." He kissed the top of her head. Bulma elbowed him in the ribs. "Mmmm," Vegeta hummed. "I can play rough if you like," he purred in her ear, making her shiver.

"No, thank you," Bulma said petulantly.

Vegeta just laughed as he tucked her under his chin. He loved this woman so much. He couldn't believe he'd been ignoring her. And the sex last night was... phenomenal. Outstanding. Sensational. It was everything. He vowed to never again leave her to her own devices.

As he kept up his hold on her, Bulma began to unfrost. She snuggled up to him, nuzzling his neck. She loved him. And was glad they finally were spending time together again. She didn't want to sour their reunion. Especially, after how amazing last night had been.

He tilted her head back so he could look into her eyes. They were a brilliant blue. And she gave him a small smile. "Am I forgiven for giving you jelly legs?" he asked, still smirking.

Bulma rolled her eyes. "I seriously despise you sometimes."

They eventually got out of bed and hopped in the shower together. They lathered each other up and spent time simply caressing the other, cherishing and worshipping each other's bodies. As they toweled off, a sad expression crossed Bulma's face. "Do you have class today?" she asked timidly.

"Nope," he answered, his lips popping on the P.

Bulma's eyes grew sadder. "Training?"

"Yeah." He looked her dead in the face.

"Oh. Okay."

Vegeta took quick strides to reach her, wrapping his hands around her back. "You're coming with me, of course."

"I am?" Bulma asked, surprised. After the last time she watched him workout, she didn't think Nappa would allow her to attend again.

Vegeta scoffed. "Yeah. It's your house."

"Oh. You're training at the compound again?"

"Yeah. You guys have more weights and equipment. Nappa wanted to try out some different exercises today."

Bulma frowned. "Will Nappa allow me to watch you train?"

"Tsch. I don't give fuck what the bald-ass says." He tightened his hold on her. "I want you there," he said against her lips.

Bulma leaned up and kissed him. "Okay," she said, a smile finally forming on her face.

Vegeta and Bulma walked into the state-of-the-art fitness center to find Nappa already there, refilling the refrigerator as Panchy stood nearby watching.

"Hey, mom. What're you doing down here?"

"Oh, the delivery men just dropped off a bunch of drinks and snacks for down here so I was escorting them around. And Nappa here volunteered to put everything away for me. Isn't he sweet!" Panchy smiled.

Vegeta scowled at his godfather.

Bulma leaned in close to whisper in his ear. "Don't worry. My mother's a notorious flirt." That didn't make Vegeta feel better.

"There," Nappa grunted, standing to his feet and dusting off his hands. "All done." He gave Panchy a toothy grin.

"Oh, thank you, dear. Would've taken me forever." She turned to look at her daughter and Vegeta. "Well, I'll let you guys get to your training. I'll be sure to come back down with some food in a couple of hours."

Nappa watched Panchy walk out the door. "Your mother is a wonderful woman, Bulma."

Bulma raised a brow at him. "Mm-hmm."

"What?" He didn't like the look on the two youngsters faces.

"Creepy fucker," Vegeta said under his breath.

Nappa scowled. "Come on, kid. Let's train." He stomped off towards the treadmills.

Vegeta put his hand on Bulma's cheek. He kissed her softly on the lips. That familiar spark crept up on them once more, turning their chaste kiss into something much more steamy. Vegeta fisted his hands in Bulma's hair, devouring her. Bulma had her hands clutching at the front of Vegeta's shirt.

"Don't make me come over there and separate you two," Nappa threatened from across the room.

Vegeta finally pulled back with a light chuckle. He looked down at Bulma. Her lips were puffy from their intense make out and her pupils were dilated with desire. "We'll do our own training lesson later," he said lowly, in his deep gravelly voice. He swiped Bulma's bottom lip with his thumb, loving her blush as she took in his words. And with that, he walked away to go join Nappa, leaving Bulma behind touching her swollen lips.

At Vegeta's approach, Nappa looked over at Bulma. She looked so out of it. "I see you two are as inseparable as ever."

Vegeta just smirked. "We made up last night."

"You take her to Cino's?"

"Yeah. She seemed to enjoy it." Nappa ignored the innuendo from his tone. "Cino sure liked her."

"She's a captivating one, that girl," Nappa said airily. "Okay. Let's get down to business. UFC released a new workout regime I want you to try." He handed Vegeta a piece of paper. "It's meant to help increase strength and power. Build stamina." Vegeta nodded as he reviewed the routine. "Remember. Rest times are important. I brought my stopwatch." He looked seriously at Vegeta. "I want you to warm up on the treadmill for a bit first. Get to it!" He commanded, clapping his hands. Vegeta scowled but preceded toward the treadmill.

Nappa wandered over to stand by Bulma as Vegeta started his workout. They hadn't talked in a few days. Bulma usually texted him to see how Vegeta was doing, but Nappa hadn't received any such message since Monday. "So I'm getting you guys worked it out?" He saw Bulma's hard blush and only could imagine – from her's and Vegeta's reactions – what those two had gotten up to.

"Yeah. I guess you could say that," she said, looking down at her hands.

"Good. I'm glad you guys figured everything out. The boy was gonna work himself to death."

"He seemed mad," Bulma said in a small voice. "When he found out that I was pretty much hiding from him so he wouldn't see how freaked out I've been. But not mad at me. At himself."

Nappa scoffed. "Doesn't surprise me. Vegeta has always been self-disparaging. And he's stubborn as hell. Won't let himself live anything down. He's stop doing it as much though." He turned to look up into Bulma's face then. "Since he's met you." Bulma blushed again. "You two are good for each other. You keep him in check. Like an anchor."

Bulma snorted. "You mean I weigh him down so he doesn't drift and do something totally reckless?"

Nappa chortled. "Ha! Yeah. Pretty much." He shook his head. "But he needs that. Someone as stubborn as he is." He flashed Bulma a smirk. "He's been alone for so long," Nappa mused, recalling everything his godson has been through in his short life. "He seemed like he was just going through the motions of life before. I honestly believe he thought he wouldn't live to 25. But now he wants to. And it's a pleasant change to see."

They sat and watched Vegeta then. He was engrossed in his workout, swinging a kettlebell around.

Bulma had to look away. Kettlebells made her nervous. She broke the silence. "I don't think we've figured everything out yet. I'm still a little afraid to confide in him about stuff. I know he likes to brush over the truth sometimes. Thinking he's protecting me. I'm nervous he won't be honest with me."

"I think he's learning how to be honest with you. You're the first person outside of me and the Son's who knows about his life. The fact that he's told you anything regarding his past is astounding," Nappa stated, his expression thoughtful.

Bulma fidgeted. "He feels things so deeply. Even if he doesn't like to admit it. I just don't want to burden him. And I don't know how to get him to come out of himself."

"It'll take time to crack that incredibly thick skull of his. But you seem to be doing a decent job of it so far." He put a beefy hand on her shoulder. "Just don't hide yourself away again."

Bulma felt her eyes go glassy with tears. Nappa really is a great man."

Now, why don't you ask those two numbskull brothers to get down here," he said with a smile. "They need to get some training done too."

Bulma nodded her head at Nappa and texted Raditz and Goku.

'Wanna come over and train? Vegeta and Nappa are already here.'

'Sure! I love the compound's gym!' was Goku's response.

A couple minutes later, Raditz texted. 'Give me like 15 minutes. I'm in the middle of something.'

'What are you doing?'

'Nothing. Don't worry about it, little brother.'

Bulma's expression turned to one of confusion. What was Raditz doing? She didn't like his use of 'little brother'. He only ever said that when something was serious. Bulma lost her train of thought when she saw Vegeta starting to do squats...

Goku arrived first, as Vegeta took his first rest break. He was chugging a bottle of water next to Bulma who was sitting on the kitchen island.

"Hey guys!" He called from the entryway. "Your mom let me in, Bulma. I haven't seen her in ages. She seemed very happy to see me."

"I bet. She's always liked you best, Goku," Bulma said. She noticed Vegeta give her a look. "What?"

Vegeta leaned in to whisper in Bulma's ear. "I thought your mother liked me best?"

Bulma balked. She knew what Vegeta was getting at. "Are you asking whether my mother ever wanted me and Goku to get together?"

"Your mother, yes. And you."

"You think I wanted Goku?" Bulma asked, surprised.

"What are you guys whispering about?" Goku asked as he approached them.

"Nothing," Vegeta said gruffly.

Goku shrugged, knowing better. "Okay. Hey, Vegeta. Wanna do a rope climbing contest?"

Vegeta grinned, always up for a challenge. As they went to the ropes in the back of the gym, Nappa returned from the bathroom. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING!" he yelled. He began berating them when Raditz came and snuck up beside Bulma.

"Hey, B."

"Oh! Don't scare me like that, Raditz!" she said, slapping him in the chest.

He just chuckled. "My apologies," he smirked. It didn't reach his eyes. Bulma could sense that something was wrong.

"You good?"

"Never been better." Bulma glared at him. Raditz shook his head. "You can stare daggers at me all you want, you won't get anything out of me."

Bulma huffed.

"Raditz!" Nappa shouted, still sounding annoyed. "About time you got here. Get in the ring with Ouji."

"That's my cue," he said, winking as he left Bulma.

As Raditz and Vegeta both climbed into the ring, Goku come and flopped down next to Bulma. I guess everybody just wants to sit and talk to me today, Bulma thought. But she'd been enjoying the company. The air had seemed to clear and she was happy to be surrounded by the people she cared about again.

Bulma giggled. "Hey Goku."

"How's it goin', Bulma? Looks like you and Vegeta are doing better."

"Yeah. We kinda had a good chat the other day."

"Looks like you guys did more that chat last night," he said with a goofy grin and a wink.

Bulma about choked. Goku had been winking at her a lot lately and it was like watching a monkey play the chopsticks.

"I'm happy for you two," Goku continued. "I don't think I'd ever seen Vegeta look so... desolate when 18 showed up at the gym."

"You were there?"

Goku looked uncomfortable. "Yeah. I'm the one that told 18 Vegeta was there. He doesn't seem mad at me about it though," he said surprised. "He seemed more angry that I didn't tell him what was going on with you." He turned his head towards her.

Bulma felt guilty. "Sorry. I didn't mean for you to have to keep secrets from him like that."

"Don't worry about it. It all worked out in the end." His brilliant smile made Bulma smile as well.

"Dammit Raditz!" Nappa yelled, startling Bulma. "Stop messin' around!"

Raditz was once again hitting Vegeta with pool noodles. And not it a productive way. Vegeta looked only slightly annoyed. Goku chuckled next to Bulma. This silly display reminded her of Raditz's reaction when he first got there.

"Hey. Is everything alright with your brother?" she asked Goku.

A shadow seemed to cross Goku's face. "He's okay."

"You're not a very good liar, Goku," she gently reminded him.

He smiled, letting out a nervous laugh. "Yeah. I guess you're right."

"What's going on?" She didn't like Goku being so evasive. Something really might be wrong with Raditz then. Bulma didn't like any of her friends hurting. "Tell me. Please," she grabbed his hand in concern.

"I don't know if there's anything going on with him right now. But..." he took a deep breath. "Raditz has always kinda struggled more with refusing the life than Vegeta has. He did some messed up things when he was younger. He's still paying for them now. Literally. He owes a lot of money to a lot of people." Goku looked down at his feet. "I worry about him. Vegeta is different. He's determined and crazy. Sometimes I think my brother is just crazy. But also kinda dumb." Goku's eyebrows furrowed as he said that. Bulma was taken aback to hear Goku say such a thing. "The tournament has drudged up a lot of memories and phantoms for him. I don't think there's anyone out to get him," he said, seeing Bulma's scared expression. "But I can see it's starting to eat at him a little bit. I think he feels guilty for that part of his life, you know? And now it's creeping back up on him."

"I didn't know..." Bulma was in shock. As long as she'd known the Son's, she never would've guessed that Raditz had been involved in seedy stuff like that.

"He didn't want you to. You're Bulma Briefs. You have money, smarts, a supportive family. His life was the complete opposite. Vegeta's too," he added. "Being friends with you let him escape. Come to think of it, if I'm being completely honest, being your friend probably saved him, Bulma." He looked at her with such seriousness, almost saying a thank-you with his eyes.

Bulma was speechless. Her heart broke a little for Raditz. She loved him. He was like a big brother to her. They'd ways had a really great relationship. And here she was just learning all this stuff about him. There was one question nagging her. "How come you've never been involved in any of that stuff?"

Goku shrugged. "People think I'm just a big goof. I guess I come across as a squealer, so no one ever trusted or really approached me." He smiled. "I've also always had a better relationship with grandpa Gohan more than Raditz or Vegeta did. He would've killed me if he ever found out I was messed up in anything like that."

Bulma smiled. "I could see that. He seems like a sweet old man. But also terrifying."

Goku laughed. "Glad you're back, B." He clamped his hand on her thigh reassuringly.

Vegeta walked over then, a scowl on his face as he noticed where Goku's hand was. Bulma jumped, not having realized him and Raditz were done.

"Hey, 'Geta. Ready?" Goku said, completely unfazed.

Vegeta could hear the subtle change in Goku's voice. He sounded almost sad. Which was weird because Kakarot was like a walking golden retriever. Vegeta's scowl deepened. "Give me a minute."

"Okay." Goku got up and walked over to his brother and Nappa.

Vegeta raised a questioning eyebrow at his girlfriend. "What was that all about?"

Bulma shrugged. "We were just talking." She didn't know how much she wanted to tell Vegeta of what Goku told her. It seemed like he was talking to her in confidence, and she didn't want to hurt her friend if she told someone else his hidden feelings.

Vegeta glared at Bulma. He knew she wasn't telling him something. But seeing her expression, he didn't demand she tell him. He was beginning to realize that his girlfriend had a relationship with the Son's that he will have to let be sometimes. "Okay. Keep your secrets, woman." He gave her a peck on the lips.

Bulma was surprised by his reaction. "What, no 'tell me, woman'?" she said, imitating Vegeta's voice. He just smiled and shook his head. "That's very big of you."

He smirked. "I'm learning." He gave her a smirk and went back to the ring to join Goku this time.

Bulma sat with Raditz as they watched Goku and Vegeta. They laughed and got along as they normally did. Bulma didn't want to bring up what Goku had told her. She wasn't ready to have that conversation with him. She just wanted to enjoy his company and perhaps increase his mood a little bit.

After Nappa called it quits, Raditz approached them over by the ring. "Hey," Raditz called out. "I need to talk to you guys."

Goku, Nappa, and Vegeta all stopped. This didn't sound like Raditz. For starters, he actually appeared serious. They come to form a little huddle around each other, waiting for whatever Raditz had to tell them.

He took a deep breath. "I was approached today at work by this random guy. Passed himself off as a client. Pretty high roller. Then he started talking about the tournament and I told him I was fighting in it. He seemed to already know that." Raditz grimaced. "Told me he had big money on this certain contender. Said he could pay me some major dough if I pulled out. Even more if I tapped early."

The three other men's faces were a series of surprise and outrage.

"Think it's something to do with the Cold Gym?" Goku asked, looking to Nappa.

"What'd you tell him?" Vegeta demanded Raditz.

"Nothing. Boss came around just then and effectively ended the conversation, much to my relief."

"Who do you think the fighter he was talking about is?" Goku asked.

"I don't know. He never said a name," Raditz answered.

The four men stood in contemplative silence. Their meeting was interrupted when Bulma's mother came in the room.

"Well, there's not much we can do now. And we already know none of you will drop out," Nappa said, eyeing Raditz knowingly. "So, I say we just go on as normal for now."

The men dispersed, heading toward the kitchen where Mrs. Briefs had brought in a slew of cold cuts, wraps, and pasta salad.

"Hey boys! Oh, it makes me so happy to see Raditz and Goku here again. Like when you all were little," she smiled, hugging Bulma to her side in a tight squeeze. "And adding Vegeta and Nappa just makes it better. You boys keep me on my toes. I don't think I've cooked this much in years. It's so nice."

"Mom. Can't breathe," Bulma gasped out.

"Oh! Sorry dear," Panchy said, releasing her daughter. "Well, dig in ya'll! I hope I made enough to go around!"

The four men didn't have to be told twice, practically running and bumping elbows to get to the food first. Panchy and Bulma just stood by out of their way.

"Ah, it's so nice to have people over," Panchy stated softly. "You seem like you're doing better, dear. You and Vegeta work things out?"

Damn she's perceptive. "Yeah. We were able to talk a little bit."

"Good. I'm glad." She rubbed Bulma's shoulder. "You two are so perfect together. And maybe I'll finally get me some grand-babies." She looked at Bulma hopefully.

"Mom!" Bulma whine-groaned.

"A mother can only hope, dear. And it doesn't seem like it'd take you two very long-"

"Okay. I'm walking away from you now. Love you," Bulma said, kissing her mother on the cheek and making her way over to Vegeta. She hopped onto the countertop next to him.

"Is one of those for me?" She nodded her head at the two subs and three wraps on Vegeta's plate.

"No. But I guess I can give one up," he said begrudgedly, passing her the plate.

"Aw, such a thoughtful boyfriend!" Bulma said sarcastically, kissing him softly on the nose.

Panchy interrupted their eating to make an announcement. "Sunday night. You all are invited to join us for dinner. I'd love to have you all. It's been so long since I've had you boys at my table," Panchy said, pinching Raditz's cheek. "Seven o'clock. Oh! I just can't wait!" she clapped excitedly.

Bulma snuggled up next to Vegeta as they got into his bed that night.

"Today looked like it went well," Bulma mused.

Vegeta grunted. He'd been quiet on their way home.

Bulma's eyebrows pinched together. "Vegeta?" She touched his chin, turning him to face her. "What're you thinking so hard about? You've been quiet since we left the compound."

Vegeta released a sigh. The woman was too observant. "You being there today... It reminded me why I'm doing all this in the first place." He looked deep into her eyes, holding her gaze. "For you. For us. For Nappa. Raditz. Goku. For me to have a somewhat normal existence." Bulma was shocked into silence. Vegeta placed his palm on the side of her face. "You've given me the chance to take my life back. A life I never knew I wanted. You were the push I needed." He smirked. "And getting to spend this new life with you is the icing on the cake."

Bulma was completely at a loss. Vegeta never talked like this. She had had so much information thrust at her today. Her conversation with Nappa. Goku telling her about Raditz. It was all a lot to take in. And now this admission. Why is everyone thanking me for unknowingly changing their lives'? she wondered. She didn't know what to say. So she responded the only way she knew how. Sarcastically. "I'm not a big fan of icing, myself," she said with a smirk.

Vegeta breathed a sigh of relief, glad she finally said something. He smirked at her. "Oh, but I am. It's sweet, sometimes overly so, but always delicious." His eyes darkened with desire as he said the last word. Bulma's jaw dropped. Smooth sonofabitch...

He kissed her then. Molding his lips against hers. She moaned into his mouth, letting his tongue swipe against hers. Bulma remembered something suddenly and pulled back.

"Oh. And to answer your question from earlier. I have never thought about Goku in that way. Never saw us getting together. Of course my mother did. She's always just wanted me to settle down really. But Goku's just a good friend. He was always and still is like a brother to me. And he's head over heels about Chi Chi."

"Good. I didn't want to have to strangle the idiot for having messed around with my woman." He tried to pull her head back down to his.

She pushed back. "You'd beat someone up just because I had history with them?"

Vegeta scowled. "Yes."

"That's insane."

"You make me crazy, woman. Now get back here," he threaded his hands in her hair and dominantly pulled her down to continue their kissing.

"Mmm- Vegeta-" Bulma tried to speak but Vegeta kept her lips occupied.

"Woman. I was fucking joking. Now be quiet and let me kiss you. And maybe do other things..." he moved on top of her, making her squeal-laugh.


A/N:

I just love writing Nappa and Bulma conversations. And I love a well-meaning Goku.

Also Vegeta's comment about 'jelly legs' is literally something my husband has told me before and finds hilarious.