Fair warning: I am back in school now, and I have a full-time job. Updates are not going to be as frequent as they were. Don't freak and message me about if I'm dropping the story. It's cool guys. I'm here. It's oookay.
Also: I've based the Saiyan marriage rule off of what it takes to become a legal citizen in the US, where just because you divorce someone doesn't mean they lose their citizenship. So that won't be an issue that's brought up - about Goku going back into Freeza's clutches. But I know lots of you aren't from the US / are not familiar with the laws, so I'm putting this disclaimer here.
Chapter
"Sleepover"
Chi Chi and Gohan had just arrived back home, and Chi Chi was tucking her son into bed. With him safely tucked away, she glanced down at her phone, where a new message was visible. She screwed up her brow at the sight of it.
Goku
Hey, come let me in!
Numbly, she headed down stairs, making her way through the empty restaurant, where through the glass she could see Goku was standing just outside. A sob was already out of her throat as she threw open the door, taking in the sight of him.
His large brown eyes were still filled with warmth, and his large, boyish smile still beamed. His dark, tousled hair still rose in the same ridiculous spikes, and he was already laughing in the way that had always melted her heart. She couldn't help the flood of tears as he stepped inside, giving the place an appreciative once over.
"Heya, Cheech! I've never been here, huh? It's kinda funny—seein' as it's your house. Is this the part you live in?" He tilted his head, while Chi Chi locked the door behind him.
"No, Goku," she managed to stutter out, "I live upstairs. Come on." Her mind was a wreck as she led him up the stairs. She could feel her legs shaking underneath her as she went. Something about this didn't feel real. Something about this didn't feel like it was happening. Her husband was back—her husband was back.
Inside the apartment, they turned to look at one another, and Chi Chi straightened herself back out. She needed to stop the tears, but she didn't seem capable of doing so. Goku was standing there—in the flesh—glancing around her, taking in everything. He wandered into the kitchen, humming thoughtfully before coming back to where Chi Chi stood, frozen.
"Where's Gohan?" Goku asked, and Chi Chi felt her throat convulse. She didn't seem able to stop the tears. "Gee, Cheech! C'mon—don't cry! I missed ya, too!" He reached out, pulling her into his arms.
Bring up divorce, she told herself, remember how pissed you are! Remember being left!
But she willingly went into his arms, her cheeks pressing against his muscled chest as his warmth enveloped her. Her shoulders shook, and she stood on tip toe, desperately pushing kisses against his mouth as she remembered what it was like to be married. What it was like to be a family, and to be loved.
Goku was smiling at her, even as she pressed kiss after kiss against him. It was sloppy, but he didn't pull away. He lifted up a hand, and smoothed down her hair. Chi Chi was slightly calmed, her hands clenched at his biceps as she slowly rocked back down from her tiptoes.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, "Gohan's asleep for the night…" She sniffed, and swiped at her eyes. The tears had finally stopped flowing, but she could feel snot gathering on her upper lip. Rather disgusted with herself, she hastily swiped her hand across. "He's tuckered out. We just got back from the Namek colony…"
"The Namek Colony…" Goku furrowed his brow. "Wait… why were you two there?"
"Oh," Chi Chi flushed. She was about to admit that she and her son had been out of town, staying with another man's family. She coughed, something like guilt blossoming there. She had been thinking of divorce—had been thoroughly planning on it, hadn't she? All during late nights filled with motorcycles and movies, tucked into a hidden room.
It had been like escaping reality…
She looked up into Goku's concerned face.
It was time to go back.
"It was with Junior. Our neighbor. He took us—he's really close to Gohan."
"Yeah!" Goku snapped his fingers, realization dawning on his features. "Of course! I remember Gohan talking about him. Well, I'm real happy he's got him a friend…" He paused, and his features creased into a frown. "Though, hey. That name reminds me—there was a thing in the newspaper, where you were seen with Ma Junior."
She felt her shoulders stiffen. "Oh?"
"Yeah… hey, Cheech, maybe you didn't recognize him, but he's a real bad guy." Goku trained his eyes on her, his face serious. "I dunno how you met up with him, but you oughtta steer clear. He's not nice." He leaned back then, a large smile on his face. "Aw, shucks—you know how bad he is, though! You saw my fights." He clapped her affectionately, causing her to stumble as she stared at the carpet.
She should open her mouth and tell him. Tell him who Junior was now.
She couldn't seem to get it out, though.
"Of course," she whispered.
"Well, all right! I'll be by sometime this week, all right?" He headed towards the door, and Chi Chi felt her heart lurch.
"Wait—you're leaving?" Chi Chi stared at him as he turned to her, tilting his head with a laugh.
"Of course!" he chuckled. "I gotta head back for now. I managed to talk Roshi into bringin' us here early, cuz I saw that picture of you and Junior. I was worried for you and Gohan—but you seem fine. Anyways, Roshi only let us come here, cuz he's gonna attend some fights here! Isn't that awesome?"
Chi Chi couldn't manage a nod.
"You and Gohan'll be able to see a couple of fights! Krillin's gonna be goin' up against Android 18!" Goku pursed his lips. "She actually rode here with us. It's real weird. Her and Krillin spend lots of time together." He shook his head. "Hope he knows that's not a good idea for an opponent."
Fighting, fighting, fighting. That was it, wasn't it? That's all it came down to. Fighting and leaving for the night. She could feel herself crumpling inwards. Why hadn't she talked about divorce? Why had she kissed him so desperately—so ready to fling herself back in? She bit her lips, the back of her eyes burning.
"Well—'night, Cheech!" Goku swung open the door, almost stepping on something pink. He paused, bending down to pick it up. "What's this…?"
"Oh!" Chi Chi grabbed the bag from his hands, staring at it. "I… I guess Junior brought this up…" She clutched the bag to her chest, and her emotions were swirled into even more a whirlwind. "Oh… it had to have been after you came in…"
Goku hummed. "Yeah, I guess so. Sure wasn't here when I came in! That's real nice of him, though! Sounds like you got yourself a pretty good neighbor, Cheech! I hope to meet him." He laughed, and pushed his hands into his pockets, calling one final good-bye before descending.
Chi Chi sighed. She needed to go lock up behind him, but the whole way all she could think about was how complicated things had just become. Where were the late nights now? Where were the soft lingering gazes, and things never spoken aloud? She'd known this was coming, though, hadn't she? Her husband's arrival, and the reminder of who and what she was now…
She still held the bag tight in her grip as she finally headed up to bed.
"Oh, Namek—many things have changed in your absence." Vegeta was smirking, and Junior wanted nothing more than to punch him in his stupidly smug face. The pompous jerk had his nose upturned, and it was clear he wasn't leaving until he was acknowledged.
"Like what, Vegeta?" Junior snarled. Didn't he have enough of his own personal shit going on without having to deal with the walking talking Complex?
"Oh, just… this." Vegeta shoved his hand in Junior's face, fingers too close as he practically went cross-eyed. There, on the self-proclaimed prince's middle finger, was a shiny metal band. The light hit the massive diamond on it, and Junior was no expert, but it looked exceptionally expensive. "I see you don't have one," the Saiyan continued, snide voice grinding against Junior's nerves as he finally withdrew his hand. He continued on with his dramatic flourishes.
"Why the hell would I have one?" Junior finally snarled. He'd come to Chi Chi's restaurant in hopes to see Gohan. Insofar, the boy had yet to wake up, and he was instead left alone with Vegeta. He could see Chi Chi and Bulma running other tables—but Junior tried not to let his gaze linger on Chi Chi.
He wasn't mad at her. Couldn't be, could he? What right did he have? He was the neighbor. Gohan's friend. He could still be those things, even with Son Goku back in Chi Chi's life. Until Goku slowly became more present, and Gohan was left uninterested in Junior. What was he if there was a real father present?
All of these thoughts were cyclical and depressing, he decided.
"You would have one if you and your earth woman were as close as Bulma and myself." Vegeta smirked. "According to their customs, when you pledge yourself to someone, then they give you one of these glorious things. The size indicates their allegiance to you." He pointedly wiggled his finger, using his other hand to point demonstratively at it. "As you can see, my queen has fully pledged herself."
"Congrats," Junior sneered. "Why should I care, again?"
"Perhaps you could mention to your Earth woman how piss-poor your companionship is, and she'll grace you with one?" Vegeta chuckled to himself. "Granted, it won't be as impressive but—what's a commoner like you to do?"
"She's already pledged to someone else," Junior snapped, growing more irritated by the second. "And you're awful high and mighty, your Royal Shortness. I'll remind you that I worked for Freeza—you were a dog."
Vegeta froze, gaze fiery as he clenched his hands. "Mighty words from a man that can't fight," he hissed.
"Okay—nope!" Bulma interrupted the two, plopping down several huge platters of food in front of Vegeta. He was distracted, practically drooling as he regarded it. "There, that'll keep you satisfied."
Vegeta chose not to respond to her, instead delving in, fork flying at inhuman speed. Junior curled his lip up in disgust.
"Why do we have to sit at the same booth?" he demanded.
Bulma threw her hands up. "Sorry, handsome, it's the boss-lady's rule. Family and friend's booth is right here." She threw him a wink. "What're you willing to do to be somewhere different?"
Junior didn't get to respond, before Vegeta rose from his seat, glaring angrily at Bulma.
"Woman—you cannot flirt with the Namek anymore!" he ordered, and Bulma reared back, eyebrows shooting up to her hairline.
"Oh? Sorry, Dr. Briefs, you're looking very different today." Her tone was frosty, and Junior had never wanted so badly to be someplace else.
Vegeta frowned. "Dr. Briefs—what the hell does—,"
"Guess I was mistaken. The way you were doling out orders there I thought you were my goddamned daddy." Her hands were on her hips as she glared down at Vegeta.
He had the decency to look slightly off-kilter. "I merely meant that, with your pledge of allegiance to your king, that you should act—,"
"Listen, bub," Bulma snapped, jabbing her finger into his chest, "I was just joking with Ickle Pickle here. I'm not going to be bossed around by the likes of you—especially not over something harmless. Capisce?"
Vegeta stared, dumbfounded. "Ca-Capisce?"
"That's what I thought. Now, dear," she gripped his shoulders, and forcefully shoved him down into his seat, "why don't you eat the food that darling Chi Chi made you, huh, before someone slips some poison into it?" She smiled then, all forced sweetness, before standing and taking her leave.
Junior frowned. "I didn't get to ask for a water because of your rude ass," he grumbled, but Vegeta was staring after Bulma, completely transfixed.
"Namek…?" he said weakly, and Junior grunted in response. "Did that make your loins stir?"
"I want a new booth immediately!"
"Sorry, no new booth," Chi Chi spoke up, and set a water down next to him. She had a strange smile affixed on her face, and he returned a wavering one of his own. "I need to keep you guys contained. Well… mostly, you're in charge of babysitting." She looked pointedly at Vegeta.
The short Saiyan snorted, and waved a rather crude finger in her direction. "I'd fight you, woman, but this food is distracting me. For now—you live."
"How generous of you," Chi Chi said dryly, twisting to once again face Junior. "Oh… and uh—thanks. For—for returning my bag yesterday," she mumbled.
"Yeah," Junior grunted, staring at his glass like it was suddenly very interesting. "No problem. So. Where is your husband?" He couldn't help the heat that was spreading throughout his abdomen. He wanted to punch himself in the face—surely if he hit himself, it didn't violate his pact with Gohan, did it?
"Oh. He um. He left." She brushed a piece of hair back behind her ears. "He just stopped by to let me know he was in town. For the fight." The last part set Junior on edge, and he tightened his grip around the glass. It wouldn't turn out well if he broke one of Chi Chi's cups, he supposed.
"Well this is terribly awkward," Vegeta said, rice dangling from his lip as he regarded them. Both Chi Chi and Junior made faces of disgust, turning abruptly away from the prince. "Though—if I heard correctly, you mentioned a 'husband'. Son Goku, correct?" He narrowed his eyes, looking particularly interested. "Who's he fighting?"
"Me."
Vegeta stared. "What?"
"I said he's fighting me," Junior snarled.
The Saiyan cackled. "Oh—surely you jest?"
"How do you not know about this?" Chi Chi asked, propping her hands on his hips as she stared down at Vegeta. "Weren't you in Freeza's little circle? This is all his doing, anyways."
Vegeta shrugged, returning back to his food. "I can't keep up with every little thing that freak lizard does, now can I? That's going to be a fairly interesting fight, considering your promise to that little mutt! Whatever, I can't spare too much time on it. I'm preparing for my wedding, after all."
Chi Chi stared, dumbfounded. "I'm sorry—your what?"
"Okay—listen, Chi Chi, I was totally going to tell you! But I wanted it to be face to face! There's a lot to explain, and please don't listen to anything Vegeta says!" Bulma was pleading her case with a rather red faced, infuriated Chi Chi. The blue haired woman had been immediately called over to the table when Vegeta had dropped his little tidbit, and she seemed to be very aware of her current situation.
"You should most certainly listen to me," Vegeta argued. "In the past I've found that I'm my most reliable source of information."
"How the hell do you figure?" Junior asked.
"I told myself so," came the ridiculous reply. Junior decided that talking to Vegeta was a rather stupid thing to do. Instead he focused on the two women in front of him, eyes going to Chi Chi's rather wide hips. They were much nicer to look at then Vegeta's mug.
"So you're marrying Vegeta?!" Chi Chi squawked. "Listen—I know that you two were getting closer… and… well—the point is! I expected this much later! Not right now!"
"Chi Chi," Bulma attempted to soothe her, small hands cupping her worked up boss's shoulders. "Listen, if I marry Vegeta, he'll become legal. He won't have to worry about Freeza's grubby mitts anymore!" She lifted her eyebrows imploringly. "So calm down. I wanted to just have a plain little courthouse document," she turned an impressive glare on Vegeta, "but somebody went and ran his mouth to my parents so we're having to do the whole shebang now."
Vegeta gave a disdainful sniff.
Chi Chi seemed to take it all in, and glanced nervously between the two of them. "But… oh, well—isn't this wrong? Marrying without love?"
"Chi Chi," Bulma said in a tone of warning, "we've talked about this, huh?"
"Yes, but…" Chi Chi's shoulders slumped forward. "Oh, I suppose you're right." She was distracted as her phone buzzed. She scrabbled at it, glancing at the messages. Her brow knitted together, and Junior tilted his head.
"What's the matter, Milk?"
"Oh," she pushed the device back in her pockets. "Apparently Goku wants to meet up tonight."
Bulma had been gathering Vegeta's dishes, and promptly dropped them to the floor. Everyone in the restaurant winced from the sound—which was quickly followed by high-pitched screaming as Bulma stared in awe at Chi Chi.
"Wait—wait—wait!" Bulma screeched, hands clasping together under her chin as she approached Chi Chi. "Goku! Son Goku! He's here?! In town?!"
"Uh—," Chi Chi stared, bewildered. It was clear that she'd forgotten what a big fan Bulma was. "Yes he is… but, more importantly…" She turned a soft look to Junior. "Please, Junior… can I ask you a favor?"
He wanted to snap at her, bite her head off—something. Anything but sit there like a pathetic lump, as he muttered a guttural "yes" to her every command.
But he was a pathetic lump, which was how he came to be standing at the Brief mansion, with his hands stuffed angrily into the leather pockets of his jacket. Beside him was Gohan, dressed in his own matching jacket, with a huge beaming grin spread out across his face. His tiny hands were latched onto Junior's sweatpants, and he bounced eagerly steps.
"Would you relax, kid?" Junior snapped, on edge himself. He'd agreed to Chi Chi's requests against his better judgement. She'd been looking at him in such an endearing way… he gritted his teeth, thoroughly pissed at himself. It wasn't necessarily that his plans had been changed at all—it was just that they'd been altered to suit the needs of Son Goku, and that pissed him off.
He was to take Gohan to the Brief mansion, where he'd keep the boy occupied, so he wouldn't know that Goku was back yet. Chi Chi wanted to be certain that Goku was going to be present long enough to actually have the boy see him. She'd seemed terribly distraught over it, which only worsened Junior's mood.
Gohan had been rather excited about the prospect of a sleepover with Junior at the Brief place, and had immediately volleyed to invite Videl along. Against all of his wishes, the little girl was currently on her way. They stood on the stairs waiting for her, Gohan up on tiptoe as he peered around.
Finally, a long black limo pulled up, and Videl sprang out of it, dragging a little suitcase with the Superman logo on it behind her.
"Hey, Gohan!" Videl cried, pigtails bouncing as she ran up. She gave Junior a strange look. Last time they'd met, she had passed out on him, and he was glad to see that she was to remain lucid this time. "Hiya, Ma…"
"Junior," he corrected sharply, baring his fangs at her. She just gave a happy little squeal. Groaning, Junior turned to the door, and rapped sharply on it. It swung on its hinges, and they were greeted by Vegeta, who gave a pointed belch as he regarded the visitors.
"Oh. You." Vegeta pursed his lips. He looked pointedly at Videl. "What's that one?"
"My name is Videl Satan," she piped up, eyebrows lowering darkly as she glared at him, "and I'd watch your mouth pipsqueak. I'll wreck your teeth."
Vegeta leaned back, and gave her an appreciative glance. "Are you a Saiyan?" he demanded, leaning forward. Videl quickly stepped back, jutting her jaw out.
"Careful there, buster. My daddy said if any adults get into my no-no square, then I gotta call the cops. Someone little and weak like you'll get real messed up, too."
Junior had to stifle his laughter as Vegeta rocked back on his heels incredulously.
"Videl," Gohan said emphatically, tugging at her hand. His soft little eyes seemed to calm her—if only momentarily. "This is Mr. Vegeta. He's a friend of Ms. Bulma."
"I'm more than a friend!" Vegeta boasted, cocking his head back as he made a grandeur motion for them all to enter. "I am the king, and Bulma is my queen. Please, you may enter my domain." He sneered down at Videl. "Regardless of rude transgressions, I'll allow your entrance."
"You're not allowing shit," Bulma suddenly snapped, stomping into the room. Videl's mouth opened into an 'o', as she stared at the woman.
"Wowee, she's pretty," Videl gasped, and Gohan nodded. Junior crossed his arms. He didn't understand where the little girl was coming from. The word pretty to him only brought up images of a food smeared Chi Chi screaming at him… he frowned. Was he perhaps the odd one?
"This is my house, mister, and don't you forget it. Also—," Bulma drew a strange, folded piece of paper out of her purse, swinging it into Vegeta's face, "what the hell is this? We're not having eight courses of steak at our wedding!"
Vegeta huffed, and snatched the menu from her hand. "There is nothing wrong with my choices! Eight courses is fair enough!"
"People are going to die of cardiac arrest, Vegeta!"
He stretched his mouth into what looked like the most uncomfortable grin. "Then they are quitters, and are unfit to sit with us."
Bulma sighed, dropping her head into her hands. "Ugh! I don't have time for this!" She prodded him with her finger. "Fix it—and I mean it, Vegeta! Pick more normal food! You didn't even try!"
"I did, too," Vegeta protested. "Bunny and I spent quite a bit of time on this!"
"You just wrote steak eight times on a paper!"
"To the untrained eye, perhaps." Vegeta pressed the paper close to Bulma's nose. She attempted to swat it away, but he once again pushed it up, tapping it with his finger. "Look! These are different kinds of steaks! Bunny was even so gracious as to provide you with sources as to why these particular steaks are going in this order."
"I don't particularly give a shit, Vegeta! We're not eating that many steaks!"
"You're being ridiculous."
"I'm—what?!" Bulma screeched, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Listen. Whatever. I've got to go. Your steak dinner is officially denied. Do not argue with me Vegeta. I'm meeting up with Chi Chi now."
"You're going there?" Vegeta demanded, eyes flicking to Gohan as he spoke. The little boy seemed oblivious, as he currently was leaned up against Junior's leg, chatting away with Videl. The two seemed to be giggling over something—presumably at the bickering couple.
"Of course," Bulma replied, looking at Vegeta as if he were particularly stupid. Which he is, Junior thought. "This is my one shot to meet…" she pursed her lips, "well, to meet him in person. I'm not passing that up. Now be a good dear, and try not to annoy our guests."
"He's staying?" Junior interjected, he and Vegeta sharing a similar look of distaste.
"Yes, you boys have to share an entire mansion—I know, practically impossible, with all this unlimited space?" she turned a dry look on both of them. They both seemed to shrink under her gaze. She seemed satisfied with her effect on them, clapped her hands together as it to rid herself of dust, and took off.
Vegeta huffed, arms crossed over his chest. "Why couldn't you go to your place, Namek?"
"Nail and Dende go to bed real early," Junior replied, looking specifically at Videl. "They wouldn't have appreciated any loud company."
"Whatever. Just keep your brats occupied. I apparently have to rework an entire menu." He glared at the menu balled up in his hands. He squinted up at Junior. "I wouldn't suppose you have any suggestions, do you?"
"Water." Junior said blandly, ushering the children into the ridiculously large living room. Vegeta clearly despised his suggestion, and turned his back quickly on Junior. He took up residency on the couch the children didn't occupy, staring at the paper with enough energy to set the thing ablaze.
Junior seated himself in an armchair, glaring at the wall. He couldn't believe he was here right now. Here, while Chi Chi and Bulma went to simper over that moron Son Goku. He didn't understand what made that bumbling ape anything special—and it set his teeth on edge that Chi Chi was going to be alone with him.
Well, alone with him again, Junior thought, especially after the first time went so well. The horrific sound bite of sloppy kisses heard through a door played on repeat in his head. He desperately thought of ramming his head into the nearby wall, but decided that it wouldn't be worth it to deal with the confused after math.
"Hey, Mr. Junior," Gohan's sweet voice distracted him from his melancholic pondering. As much as he would love to brood and dip low into self-loathing, he couldn't really do that. He was here with Gohan, and shouldn't that be enough for him? He decided to give the little boy a pained looking smile, glancing down at him. "Do you wanna play with me n' Videl?"
Junior gave Videl a suspicious look. He still maintained that any child that looked up to Ma Junior was not a trustworthy one. "What are you two playing?"
"Truth or Truth," Videl replied, looking particularly miffed as she crossed her arms.
Junior arched a brow.
The small girl huffed. "Gohan said dares aren't nice, so we can't have them."
"That's just asking one another questions then!" Vegeta spoke up, menu abandoned as he turned to glare imperiously at the children.
"That's what I said," Videl muttered, while Gohan cried out at the betrayal.
"This is stupid, Namek—your children are stupid!" the Saiyan blamed Junior personally, while Junior merely sat back with a mild expression.
"They're not mine," Junior said, then took in Gohan's pathetic face, "all right—that one kind of is." The little boy seemed to cheer up immediately, before tilting his head.
"So—Mr. Junior, Mr. Vegeta—would you two like to play?"
Vegeta actually seemed to contemplate it for a moment. "How good are either of you at picking out menus?"
Videl pursed her lips. "Well, my daddy's got a bunch of famous chefs and stuff. I bet I could call him and have him come up with a real cool one."
Vegeta clapped his hands together and nodded. "Fine. I'll grace you all with my presence for your games."
Then the children were looking expectantly at Junior, hands clasped together under their chins. He groaned and dropped his chin into his palm. He waved airily in their direction.
"Fine, what choice do I have?" he pursed his lips as the children eagerly grabbed the TV remote and designated the power button as the 'pointer' end. They sat it on the carpet, and quickly spun it around. It landed on Vegeta, who frowned.
"All right, Mr. Vegeta!" Gohan giggled. "Truth or truth?"
"Stupid…" Videl grumbled.
"What is the truth that you seek?" the prince demanded.
"What's your favorite animal?"
"Why—the proud, regal ape. Really, boy, do you not know your heritage? We extend from a long line of a species similar to the Earth primate, yet through an entirely different evolutionary process that is completely compelling, we—,"
"Ugh, just spin the remote already!" Videl snapped. Junior had to hide his grin as the affronted Vegeta actually obeyed. He seemed to act without any recognition that he was following the little girl's orders. What was it about Earth women that made them so incredibly controlling? The remote did a tiny little circuit, and landed on Gohan.
"I pick truth!" the boy giggled, and Vegeta frowned.
"If you could murder one person, who would it be?"
"Wha—? I don't wanna murder anyone!" Gohan objected, glancing nervously around the room.
"Nonsense!" Vegeta scoffed. "Your blood is diluted, I'm sure, but it is still present."
"Well… I don't know about murder…" Gohan had started fidgeting with his hands, and cast Junior a nervous glance. "But… well, I kinda liked it when Tambourine got beat up… is that bad?"
Junior chuckled. "Not at all—but maybe don't tell Milk, huh? My brother's a real ass. I don't blame you for wanting to see him hurt."
Gohan seemed relieved at Junior's approval, and Vegeta appeared satisfied that Gohan had answered at all. The little boy spun the remote. Junior drifted out of the game for a bit. The remote hadn't landed on him, and he didn't much care for Videl or Vegeta's answers. The questions were all arbitrary nonsense, or Vegeta pestering either one of them about 'Saiyan blood and heritage'. Perhaps it was just because Junior was so cynical towards his own species, but he didn't understand where Vegeta's unending devotion came from.
So far as he'd heard, the tiny man had been raised by Freeza. Perhaps that was why he had a heavy need for it? Validation that he could never have from his own people. Junior pursed his lips. This was Vegeta, though. 1) who cared about that jackass? 2) there was probably no actual reasoning behind Vegeta's idiocy.
He glanced down, just as Gohan and Videl erupted into giggles.
"Okay, Mr. Vegeta—have you ever kissed someone?" Gohan snickered, and Videl whapped Gohan on the arm. The Saiyan furrowed his brow, glaring at the children.
"I hardly see what's funny about it. But no—I have not." He crossed his arms imperiously. "I plan to be instructed on that either at my wedding, or perhaps prior to…" Dark eyes shifted to where Junior was sitting. "Do you think your earth woman would teach me how to kiss?"
Junior snarled, deep in his throat. "Try it and I'll break your goddamn spine…" he paused. "Also, she's not my woman. Stop referring to her that way." He flushed, because he could already feel the heavy gaze of the children on him now. He regretted his outburst now. But the thought of Vegeta kissing Chi Chi had sent fire through his gut. He couldn't stop the woman from kissing her husband, sure, but he could damn well knock Vegeta down.
"It was merely a question, Namek," Vegeta snapped, giving the remote a rather sharp flick with his hand. It spun wildly, before finally landing on Junior. "And oh, look at that!" The Saiyan was practically glowing with smugness. "So tell me, Namek, when are you and Son Chi Chi going to exchange rings?"
Junior flushed. "She's already exchanged rings with someone else!" he snarled.
"As has my Earth woman, so I learned." Vegeta's grin was down-right malicious.
"Good for you."
"Wait…" Comprehension seemed to dawn on Videl's face. "Oh my gosh!" she squealed, and snapped Gohan up in what looked like a back-breaking hug as her cheek pushed up against her friend's. Gohan squirmed, coughing as he was choked. "Does Ma Junior have a crush on your mom!"
"No!" Junior snapped, hand curling into a fist. "And what did I tell you about calling me Ma!"
Gohan finally escaped Videl's grasp, eyes big and wide as he scooted closed to Junior. "Hey, Mr. Junior…? It's okay if you like my mom… Bulma thinks you do, and well, I kinda wonder too, you know? I wouldn't mind if you had a crush on my mom." His voice was so sweet and soft, and his smile too kind. Junior couldn't even envision hurting the little boy to make him feel better—there was just no way he could hurt the kid, imaginary or no.
Videl and Vegeta, though—now those two, he could certainly fantasize about their horrible demises.
"I don't have a crush on your mom, kid," Junior gritted out, looking down into Gohan's open face. "Milk and I are just neighbors. That's it."
Gohan didn't look convinced, and Junior didn't feel very secure in his answer anyways. He wondered if it showed on his face. Once upon a time, he'd been the king of stoic, but that all seemed to be slipping away with bossy moms and nice little kids.
"Hey," Videl whispered to Gohan, "if Ma Junior marries your mom, and we get married later on, then that means he'll be my stepdad!" The little girl looked like she had stars in her eyes as she squealed, and Junior felt something cold drop in his stomach.
"You two aren't getting married," he choked out, and Gohan gave him an owlish blink.
"Well, not right now," Gohan amended, patting Videl on the shoulder. "After all, mom said you have to want to kiss someone, and I don't want to do that yet." Behind him, the little girl nodded emphatically.
"Kissing is super gross," she agreed.
"And if I can't marry you, then that really only leaves Videl." Gohan sounded as if he were so sure of himself, and Junior found himself unable to work up the type of logic you had to have to argue with children.
"Is kissing gross?" Vegeta finally joined the conversation, his eyes narrowed as he regarded the children and Junior. He was rubbing thoughtfully at his chin—and ah, there was the one who could talk to children perfectly fine. If Junior were perhaps more thoughtful of others' feelings, he could admit to himself that many of Vegeta's issues presumably stemmed from a deprived state of childhood. As it was, he just couldn't be bothered to give a shit about the Saiyan's prattling.
"Yeah," Videl said, looking extremely confident with her expertise (or lack thereof). "I've seen my daddy kiss girls—super grody. They just like," she pushed her fists together with a squelching noise, "smack lips and stuff. Apparently grownups like it though."
Vegeta squared his jaw. "Hm. Freeza never kissed anyone… nor did I ever see any of the men in my squad do so…" Junior knew from having dealt with the Cold family that there was 'breeding' that went on, but he supposed that Freeza wouldn't want to run the risk of losing Vegeta to any of the Saiyan women during the process.
Saiyan women were just as violent as their male counterparts, and if Vegeta hadn't been raised to exist for Freeza to show off, he probably wouldn't be near as 'sophisticated' as he was. This talk of kissing agitated him, anyways. All he could think of were the wet, sloppy noises he'd heard through the door the other night.
His brow furrowed, and he glared at the carpet.
Chapter
"Proposition"
"Well you're all dressed up to meet my husband," Chi Chi commented dryly as Bulma strode into the restaurant. As much as she loved her friend, she had to admit that it was not very helpful standing next to her. It always made Chi Chi feel like a drab rock sitting next to a diamond.
"Trust me," Bulma sighed, "dressing up is not the way to get to your husband. I told you I tried a lot back when I was younger—nothing seems to faze the guy." She placed her hands on her hips, before taking up occupancy of a nearby table.
"Yes, well… that's my Goku," Chi Chi muttered. There was no doubt that something had begun happening to them during their stay at the Namek colony, but whatever had been sprouting had been thoroughly trampled out by her immediately running back to her husband. She sighed, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
"You don't sound terribly happy," Bulma observed, tilting her head. "I thought if Goku returned you'd be over the moon. It was one thing you were terribly excited about… or, perhaps, you're upset about a little green bean at my house?"
Chi Chi huffed. "Well aren't you just full of expert observations."
"It comes with knowing you for—goodness, going on a year, aren't we?" She gave Chi Chi a soft smile, and patted the table next to her. "Come on—sit. Goku isn't here yet, so let's just talk about stuff."
Chi Chi obliged, sitting on the table, her shoulders hunched forward.
"So… how would you like to cater a wedding?" Bulma tilted her head, bumping lightly against Chi Chi. "My moron of a fiancée decided that he wants to have a Saiyan course, and I'm unfortunately going to have to put my foot down."
Chi Chi smiled. Bulma was attempting to distract her, and she was rather grateful. "Ah, yes—young love, I see. Ripe with misunderstandings."
"Yes, well—someone has to keep the moron in line. All five foot of him is going to cause mayhem and destruction all over the place." She rolled her eyes. "My mother is enabling the hell out of him, too. It's ridiculous."
"I… well, I suppose it's very sweet, what you're doing for him," Chi Chi said, tilting her head back. "I didn't realize what I was doing for Goku whenever we got married, of course, but the fact that you're willingly doing this…"
"Well, it was supposed to be kept a little quieter than this," Bulma griped. "I don't know what is with him, but he's been acting so bizarre! Calling me his queen, telling anyone and everyone, and even dragging my mom into this!" She threw her hands up in the air, face exasperated. "I mean—what's his deal?"
"It sounds like he's actually excited about this," Chi Chi said quietly.
Bulma sighed. "Yeah… I guess that's what I'm afraid of. That he's taking this too seriously. I mean, the poor guy's never even kissed someone, Chi Chi! And he's already put heart and soul into our sham of a wedding…" she pursed her lips. "I know he's not the best guy but—well, he's kind of nice."
Chi Chi nodded. "I must admit, I assumed that… well, that something was coming from you two." Bulma looked at her, startled. "Of course. You and Vegeta seem rather close. I didn't expect marriage after I was only gone for a week or so, but—," she laughed. "I suppose you're always one for surprises?"
Bulma mumbled something in agreeance, and nudged Chi Chi with her thigh. "So… speaking of your week away… what happened in the Namek colony?"
"Oh," Chi Chi flushed. "Well, I beat up Junior's brother. That was rather nice."
Bulma stared at her.
"He was a real creep!" she defended. "His name was Tambourine, and he kept flying around, harassing us. He's the whole reason we stayed as long as we did… kind of. He kept messing around with Junior's bike that he got, and accusing him of stealing the money from Piccolo's will."
"What a swell guy."
"It was rather satisfying to pummel his face in…" Chi Chi got a rather dreamy look in her eyes. "After that it…" she broke off, flushing as she looked towards the door. "After that, Junior took me out on his bike for a movie night… apparently he had an old projector, and he took me outside of the city. He stole a truck though," she grumbled, pursing her lips. "I certainly didn't approve of that part. Then…"
"Then?"
"There were so many times when we were alone that… I kept feeling like there was something that we were supposed to say, or do but." Chi Chi sighed. "Nothing happened. And now Goku's back."
"Which you don't sound terribly happy about."
"That's one way of putting it." She pulled her knees up, the heels of her shoes resting on the edge of the table top. "But… whatever happens, if I can make this family whole again, for Gohan then… That's what I have to do. You understand, don't you?"
Bulma looked at her for a moment, before nodding. She pressed closer, her arm loosely wrapping around Chi Chi's shoulders. "I completely understand," she muttered. "You're a wonderful mother, and I know whatever's best for Gohan is what you're going to do. I must say, though… I do wish you'd put a little thought into yourself sometimes."
Chi Chi chuckled, the sound was hollow and thick as her throat contorted around it. "Listen, if you ever decide to be a mother, you'll understand."
"I am a mother," Bulma protested, leaning back.
Chi Chi stared. "Wha—?"
"Yes…" she grew wistful. "Her name was Charleene… I just couldn't manage her and my career, so I sent her away…"
"Bulma, I-I don't…?"
"I'm kidding," Bulma cracked, teeth wide as Chi Chi's entire face flushed. She shoved playfully at the other woman, who wobbled from her perch. "Easy, killer! You're hella strong!"
"You're such a bully!" Chi Chi groaned, pinching her brow. "Ugh!"
"Sorry, sorry, I—," Bulma's apology was interrupted as both of their gazes snapped to the door, where Goku was standing, knocking. She immediately went into screaming hysterics, as Chi Chi clapped her hands to her ears and went to open the door. Goku stepped inside, giving Bulma a rather curious tilt of his head.
"Hiya—nice to meet you!" Goku gave her that lopsided smile, extending his hand to Bulma as she practically melted in his touch. Chi Chi gave her friend a wry glance.
"This is Bulma," Chi Chi explained, as the heiress bit her lip. She was rather astonished that the woman's lipstick didn't even smudge. "She's my friend and coworker—also a big fan of yours. She's wanted to meet you for a while."
"Well, it's great to see ya!" Goku patted Bulma roughly on the shoulder, making the woman stumble just the slightest. Chi Chi felt sympathy as she watched Bulma attempt to right herself. Goku was often unaware of his own strength, and even she had been sent tumbling every once in a while. If she caught it in enough time she could brace herself and sustain the hit—but the times that caught her off-guard were one too many. It was not an uncommon situation while Goku was home that Chi Chi should end up face first in dish water with absolutely no warning.
"Uh—nice to meet you, too." Bulma gave a weak grin. "Helluva hit, huh?" she asked, lifting an arm to rub at her shoulder. Goku seemed to flex his palm, his eyes travelling to it as he furrowed his brow.
"Oh… sorry!" He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, goofy grin spread over once more. "Cheech said I gotta watch that, but sometimes I forget." He looked slightly bashful, and she could see Bulma's eyebrows rise.
"Adorable," she whispered, clapping her hands as her eager eyes shifted to Chi Chi. Vaguely, Chi Chi wondered if she should be sort of angry that someone was fawning over her husband. Yet, she couldn't imagine getting terribly worked up about it.
Instead, she dug into her apron pocket and pulled out a pin and her order pad. She pressed them towards Goku. "Would you mind signing this for Bulma?"
Bulma squealed. "Oh! Chi Chi! You do care!"
"More that I know you, and you'll start offering body parts to sign."
"Rude—and yet, fair."
Goku gave them a curious glance, looking particularly befuddled. He did take the pad, however, and quickly scribbled his name down. He'd never been particularly good at writing—nor was he creative in any aspect. It was literally his name, just in large print. There were no embellishments, no sweet words, and yet Bulma took it from his hands like a true treasure.
"You sure look happy," Goku said, his affable grin spreading once more. "I'm sure glad about that. Sorry me n' Cheech gotta talk! Otherwise I sure would stick around some more."
Bulma nodded dumbly, not really paying any attention as she locked in on his autograph. She hastily threw a hug around Chi Chi, and tentatively approached Goku. The notepad was still clutched tightly in her hand, knuckles practically white as she held it.
Goku offered her a one-armed embrace, which she gladly accepted. Quick as a flash she had her phone out with the front camera facing forward. She snapped the image, her own grin huge and beaming while Goku stood, completely befuddled.
"All right—I'll leave you two be, now. I've got to go tend to Vegeta and Junior." Bulma twisted, when Goku made a startled noise.
"Vegeta… Hey! I fought that guy!" Goku plopped his fist into his palm, a oh! practically visible on his face. "Tell him I said hi! He was real strong, y'know?" He pinched his chin, pursing his lips. "I haven't heard anythin' about him since then, though, which was pretty weird? He was real good—thought I'd see him in some more matches."
"I'll uh—let him know," Bulma giggled, and Chi Chi knew either one of two things were going to happen. 1) Bulma would never tell Vegeta because the tiny man would explode. 2) Bulma would tell Vegeta because the tiny man would explode. It depended entirely on how benevolent Bulma was feeling towards her fiancée.
She left, then, and Chi Chi and Goku headed upstairs. Without Bulma to ease the mood, Chi Chi felt like she was suffocating. She didn't quite know what to say as they tromped quietly across the carpet to sit on the couch. She'd been too nervous to make a meal, and instead proffered chips. She knew with Goku it didn't really matter, anyways. Food was food to him.
"So?" Chi Chi said, her mind racing as she turned to face him. "What was it you wanted to talk about…?"
"Well," Goku tossed some chips back into his mouth, crunching on the with an opened mouth as he turned to face her, "I wanted to talk to you about what'll happen after this fight." He swallowed, his face slightly contemplative as he set the bag down. "This latest thing—with Ma being near you… it's made me real nervous, y'know? What if somebody like him got around you guys and I didn't know?" He looked at her, eyes large and soft. "You n' Gohan matter a lot to me." It didn't make her feel warm inside, like it should have. Instead, she felt a strong pounding in her ears, and the startling realization that she could already tell what was coming. "And… well, after this fight I was… thinkin' about maybe staying around for good?"
Bulma stepped inside her house, clicking the door shut behind her. She looked around, rather confused as to why there was nobody in the living room. There were traces of food scattered around, and it was obvious that they'd been here. Vegeta's butt dent on the couch was still fresh, but she couldn't hear anything.
She kicked off her heels, and padded across the floor. She peered around the halls, and finally heard what sounded like activity. She headed towards the kitchen where it was emanating from, and poked her head inside.
Bulma paused.
Gohan and Videl were standing on the table, screaming with laughter as Vegeta shot whipped cream into the air, letting out a loud war-cry. She froze, looking to the counter, where Junior was seated, glaring at his phone as if he was unwilling to admit or have any part of what was happening in front of him.
"The hell is going on…?" Bulma's voice seemed to break through the noise. Junior gave her a blank look, as Vegeta ground to a pause, the last little fizz of the can squeaking out. Both the kids froze, staring at Bulma owlishly behind hanging bangs.
"Vegeta insisted that Gohan learn about some Saiyan ritual about spraying blood," Junior answered her, rolling his eyes. "Since we don't have blood, he decided whipped cream cans were fine." He then pointed, to where she could see several cans had already been emptied and rolled to a corner.
Vegeta looked entirely unabashed. "The boy's heritage important," he said.
"He made it up," Junior offered, waving his phone in the air. "I looked it up."
"Shut your mouth, Namek!" Vegeta whirled on him, just as Bulma stormed up, and snatched the whipped cream from his hand. He sqwuaked, jerking away from her in surprise.
"So… you trashed my kitchen…" Bulma narrowed her eyes, shoving Vegeta to where he stumbled back towards the table. She saw him flare up in anger, before she lifted a finger, silencing all of his arguments. "Trashed it… so now… you have… to pay…" With a speed she didn't know she had she lashed out, pressing her index finger to the nozzle as cream shot out, beaming Vegeta directly in the face.
The kids squealed, and Videl said something that sounded entirely inappropriate. Nobody paid it any heed, though, as Vegeta dug into his back pocket, producing his own can, aiming it towards Bulma.
"All right, woman… have it your way!" he snarled. They launched at one another, Videl and Gohan purposefully sliding in the way. At some point, Junior had stepped into the fray, grasping Gohan underneath his armpits as he hoisted the boy high up above their heads. He managed to stay clean as he disappeared—presumably to put the boy in the bath. He eventually came to get Videl as well, and he didn't return after that.
Bulma and Vegeta lay amidst the carnage, both glaring at one another. Vegeta purposefully kicked a can at her, while Bulma attempted to press the nozzle, just to hear a sad little fizzle—there was no more ammo, and thus the war was at an end.
She lay there, a big smile on her face as she tilted her head to look at him. Vegeta glared back at her.
"Did you enjoy your time with Son Goku?" Vegeta spat out, flicking whipped cream out of his rather prominent eyebrows.
Bulma blinked. "Oh—I… I guess it was okay…" to be honest, she'd kind of forgotten. With all the fun she'd been having, it had completely flown her mind that she'd met the man she'd dreamed of seeing for years. Vegeta seemed to settle down, his elbows pressed against his thighs that were pulled up towards his chest.
He didn't say anything else for a while after that, leaving Bulma to stare at his profile. The fake marriage was coming—the union of them. As much as he blustered and yelled about it, Bulma knew that he was panicking inside. While he attempted to hide it, there were somethings that he was just too touchy about.
"Hey, Vegeta," Bulma muttered, sliding closer to him across the tile. Her hip brushed against his fingers, and he jumped, giving her a scrutinizing look. She could watch him do it—surveying her, determining if she was a threat. Should he attack? Should he defend? Should he wait it out? These were all thoughts she knew that cycled through him every time someone came within six feet of him.
"What is it, woman?" he snarled.
"You said you didn't know about kissing," she said, voice soft as she leaned a fraction of an inch closer. He didn't recoil as strongly as before, his eyes locked onto her mouth. "Would you like to try it once, before the ceremony?" She almost said wedding, but she couldn't force the word out.
Vegeta furrowed his brow, face giving away nothing. "Just so I don't embarrass myself," he said, voice dry and sardonic as he narrowed his eyes. He was taking it as a challenge, she saw. Her smile softened as she leaned forward, her lips pressed against his. It was quick and chaste—probably the most vanilla kiss Bulma had had since she was fourteen. And yet… she found that she liked it. Even though it was sticky from the whipped cream, and he didn't seem to be responding, she thought to take it as a positive sign that he hadn't had a complete meltdown.
Vegeta frowned. "That was not what I expected," he muttered.
"How so?"
He grimaced. "The way you people go on about it I thought it would be something different." He scoffed. "It was just—pressing lips."
"Well, duh," Bulma rolled her eyes, shoving at his shoulders. "What did you expect? Fireworks and electric tingles? It's a kiss."
Vegeta huffed. "Well, woman. I do not find it objectionable. I will be willing to repeat it at the wedding." He stood, then, and walked stiffly out of the room. Bulma bit her lip and grinned, before eagerly texting Chi Chi about it. She saw that Chi Chi had already sent her a message— 'need 2 tlk 2 u'. Bulma stared. Chi Chi didn't use text speak… she wondered what had happened.
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