Vegeta lay in his bed, glaring up at the ceiling. It was just after midnight and he couldn't sleep. He was too worried about Sno. He had never seen her so empty and sad before, and he didn't like it. He didn't want her to feel sad. She was not fine, and the more he thought about it, the more antsy he got.
He heaved himself out of bed and headed downstairs to the lab, where he assumed Bulma would be. Just as he suspected, Bulma was hunched over a machine.
"What's wrong with Sno?" Vegeta gruffed.
Bulma jumped slightly, sighing in frustration. "What?"
"What's wrong with her? She was very unhappy today."
"You saw her?" Bulma asked.
"Yes."
Bulma studied Vegeta, the way had his arms crossed tightly over his chest. How he was so worried about her best friend.
"She's going through a hard time right now," Bulma sighed.
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you, Vegeta."
"And why not?" he demanded.
"She told me not to tell anyone. Look, if you really want to know, just go ask her. She might tell you if you ask nicely," Bulma suggested.
She so wanted the relationship to take off, maybe nudging him toward her would help.
Vegeta hummed in thought, walking out of the lab. He walked aimlessly through the halls, pausing by the front entrance. He stared at the door, fighting with himself.
Screw it, I'm going, he thought. Then he walked out and flew straight up, banking to the east. Toward Sno. He soon came to her little cottage and landed by her front door. He reached up to knock, but was stopped by the sounds of the violin. And it wasn't coming from inside the house. Vegeta followed the sounds a few yards away from Sno's house. He found her sitting alone, in front of a tombstone.
Sno was hunched over, almost lazily playing her violin. The song was a cry of devastation, the notes panged in Vegeta's heart. He watched her, worried about the sad song. She finished playing and gently set the violin down.
"You usually play happy songs," Vegeta said softly, hoping not to startle her too bad.
Sno just looked back, unflinching. Her eyes looked dead. She gave him a small smile in greeting. Vegeta walked over to her and sat next to her, resisting the urge to put his arm around her. Vegeta looked at the tombstone, it was unmarked.
"Where have you been?" Vegeta asked.
"Here," Sno sighed. She looked forward, not moving.
"Why?"
Sno looked down to the grave, gently placing a hand on the overgrown mound. She swallowed, making sure that she wouldn't cry.
"Five years ago today," she uttered, her voice trembled. "My mother was killed."
Vegeta tensed up. Not 'she was in an accident', not 'she passed'. But she was killed. Someone killed her mother. He pushed away the impulsive thought of killing the one who did this to her.
"That's why you've been unhappy," Vegeta mentioned. Sno just nodded.
"I'm sorry," Vegeta muttered. He wasn't good at comforting people, he hasn't even really got over the fact that his parents were also murdered.
They sat together in silence. Sno was grateful for the company, even though she wanted to be alone to grieve, she honestly wanted comfort, too. But she always stayed alone during this time of year. Sno leaned into Vegeta's side, resting her head on his shoulder. Vegeta let her. It was just a few minutes later, he was brought out of his thoughts by a soft snore. He glanced down to see her asleep on his shoulder.
He smiled and maneuvered around to where he picked her up bridal style in one fluid motion. He flew lowly and slowly to her house, his feet ghosting the ground as he landed. He managed to open her door and carefully slide inside. He carried her to her bedroom and placed her gingerly on the bed. He then flew back out to the grave to retrieve her violin. As he turned to leave, a gust of wind picked up, making him pause. He felt the urge to speak to her mother. He turned and gazed at the unmarked grave.
"I'll do everything I can to protect her," he vowed.
He flew back to her house, violin in hand. He went back inside, putting her violin back in its case. He went to her bedroom to check on her, only to find that she hadn't moved a muscle. He covered her up with the comforter, brushing her hair from her face. He finally gave into his feelings, staring at her beautiful face, just for a moment. He cared deeply for Sno. It was confusing to him, to feel something like this. His entire life, all he has known his agression and violence. He had been a villain! And what's even more confusing, is that Sno knew all this, but she still treated him as equally as the rest of the Z fighters. Such a pure heart, he thought to himself. He sighed in contentment when she leaned into his palm, sleepily snuggling. He slowly pulled away, walking out and closing her door behind him.
Vegeta yawned while walking toward the front door. He hadn't realized how exhausted he was until just now, he didn't even have enough energy to fly. He rubbed his eyes, trying to think of what to do. Maybe a short nap should be enough, an hour tops. Vegeta sighed and lay down on her couch, wondering if he'll even fall asleep. He's always had a hard time sleeping, even in his own bed.
He stared up at the ceiling, thinking about Sno. He knew he cared, hell, it was established that he would die for her. He always wanted her company, seeing how he was antsy about seeing her after half a week. Vegeta realized that his feelings for her were very strong. He wondered about the future. Would she still be in it? Would things between them continue to grow? And just like that, Vegeta fell asleep peacefully. He actually slept through the night, not at all phased by the rising sun.