Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N: I know, I'm a bad person, leaving you guys without an update for so long, bad Neonstar, very bad. *smacks self* I'm sorry but because I work in the pub trade, Christmas and New Year have been terribly busy for me, not to mention that my imagination keeps giving me new ideas for this story which mean almost weekly adjustments to the plot and subsequent anger when my ideas don't fit in with what I've written already. But anyway, here is the next chapter. Enjoy! Oh, an there's a couple of new pictures of Appura on my Deviant Art profile, see my profile for the link

Chapter 12

Hell of a day

"Appura! Concentrate!" Vegeta barked, making his daughter start slightly. She'd seemed distracted recently. Appura blinked and was promptly knocked off her feet by a ball of energy, thrown by Trunks. She coughed and spluttered as she lay on the ground, the wind knocked out of her. Vegeta strode over to her and pulled her up by her arm. "What the hell is the matter with you recently?" he snapped as she staggered slightly. She looked pale, her eyes closed. She looked like she was going to be sick. But that was not stopped Vegeta from his next sentence. He was too busy staring at where his own hand was wrapped around her wrist. He could feel Appura's ki but when he had touched her, he had become aware of something else. Appura's eyes opened and she looked at his hand, grasping her arm. She immediately yanked it from his grip and cradled it as if he had burnt her. She looked terrified. Vegeta had only seen her as scared as this once before, many years before. Appura backed away from him. Vegeta attempted to say her name but his voice died before he could say the first syllable. Appura's head was bowed; she was looking at the ground.

Trunks watched as his sister practically cowered away. "What did you do?" he cried. He loved the new found confidence his sister had and thought perhaps Vegeta had done something to strip it away from her, to bring her back down beneath his boot. Vegeta tried to defend himself but once again his voice failed. Trunks hurried over to Appura, attempting to pull her away from their father but as soon as his hand touched Appura's arm, he too fell into silence, stunned at learning the precious secret his sister had kept. Trunks did not allow Appura to pull herself away from him. Instead he moved his arms around her, hugging her for all he was worth. Vegeta chose that moment to move forward. His face did not hold its usual scowl, his whole face had relaxed into one of shock, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly ajar. He stopped mere inches from his children. His daughter, his beautiful young lady, she cast a quick glance at him and, not seeing anger, lifted her head towards him. Vegeta reached out and cupped her face with both hands, his eyes searching, searching for a reason. He found none and instead pulled her forward so she collided with his chest. One arm wrapping around her shoulders, the other around her head, gently cradling her as he had never done before. "I'm sorry, Daddy," she whimpered, "I'm so sorry." Vegeta did not say a word, nor did he move a muscle. He just stayed stock still, his arms around her. The back door opened and he sensed his wife and Ima running towards them, the scar-faced weakling just behind them. They had obviously seen what Vegeta was doing and knew it was out of character. Ima reached them first. As she neared, Vegeta dropped his arms and stepped away. It was best if her mother dealt with her for now. For a second Appura's arms stayed in place where she had wrapped them around her father and she silently pleaded for him to continue their embrace but Vegeta shook his head; there was something he needed to do.

Appura watched as Vegeta backed away from her. Her eyes watered. Deep down, Appura felt like a little girl again, a little girl who just wanted her Daddy to hug her and tell her everything was going to be alright. But she understood, she understood why Daddy couldn't do that right now...he had to go do something else, something to protect her and her best interests. He didn't want to...at this moment, he would gladly have run away from the whole situation or passed it completely off on her mother. But no, this was something he had to do. She felt her mother's arms enclose around her as her own fell to her side. She heard her mother's shocked gasp.

Vegeta turned slowly, turning his back on the scene behind him as Yamcha too touched Appura's arm and quickly turned to whisper to Bulma. Trunks still had both arms around his sister's waist. He strode a few feet more before his feet left the ground and he took to the air, heading east, heading to Mt. Paozu.

The Son family were just sitting down to dinner. Goku scooped a large helping of rice onto his plate and was just handing it over to Gohan when all three of the males looked up. Chi-Chi blinked and looked at them as, in unison, their heads turned and looked over at the door that led outside. Time seemed to slow down as the door swung open to reveal Vegeta. The Prince didn't seem like his normal self, something was off about him. Goku sat stock still as did Goten. Gohan staggered to his feet as the Prince's gaze fell on him. In a matter of seconds, Vegeta was before him and a second later, he had the much taller Hybrid pinned against the wall. Vegeta had yet to say a word, but his eyes screamed at Gohan. Screamed that the boy had done wrong.

Vegeta held Gohan against the wall with one hand whilst his other balled into a fist. Gohan's eyes widened. Before anyone could move to help him, Vegeta's fist had collided with the Hybrid's face, sending him flying cross the room and out into the hallway. Chi-Chi screamed as Goku leapt over the table and grabbed hold of Vegeta before the angry Saiyan Prince could attack Gohan again. Goten remained rooted to the spot as Gohan slowly sat up. "Vegeta, what the hell is your problem?" Goku shouted as Vegeta snarled and hissed at Gohan. Vegeta looked over his shoulder at Goku before looking back at Gohan. His famous scowl returned to his face as he glared down at the eighteen year old boy on the floor, his ears filled with Chi-Chi's whimpers. "Appura's pregnant," Vegeta said flatly.

Appura was sat on the floor in her room, her knees drawn up and her head resting on them. Her tears had stopped some forty-five minutes before. She could hear her mother, Bulma and Yamcha talking downstairs. They'd been discussing it amongst themselves since they had found out; no one was quite sure how to talk to her about it. Appura was able to pick out various words and phrases as they talked; 'Gohan', 'College', 'his life', 'her career' and 'ruined'. Appura's stomach twisted into an angry knot. She didn't agree, she didn't see this child, her child, their child, ruining anything...instead she saw the last two Saiyan families joined forever by blood. There was a cry of alarm from Bulma and her father's voice and Goku's joined the conversation. She heard footsteps leaving the room and heading up the stairs.

Appura lifted her head as a shadow appeared in the crack between her door and her floor. The door slid open and in the door way, he stood. Her hero. Appura paused for a second before hauling herself off the floor and throwing herself into Gohan's arms. His eyes were as red as hers and held the same fear and confusion she was sure hers held. His strong arms wrapped themselves around her body and held her against her chest. Appura felt fresh tears form in her eyes and she buried her face in his shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me?" he spoke first, his voice hoarse. Appura sobbed.

"I'm sorry, Gohan, I'm so sorry," she gasped in between sobs, "I was scared." He fingers clawed at his white shirt as if she were afraid he'd try to leave now she had openly admitted what she had been trying to deny to herself for the last few weeks. "Babe, it's ok," he whispered, "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, I promise." One hand rose up and rested itself upon her head, gently rubbing her soft hair. He pressed a kiss to her temple. "I'm not going anywhere," he whispered. Appura sobbed again, now completely hiding her face in his chest. Her tail rose up and encircled the closest of his wrists, determined to not let him disappear.

Goku watched as Ima and Vegeta verbally sparred over the kitchen table, words of hate and venom spewing from their mouths. The pair did not care for each other. Over the last half an hour it had become abundantly clear that they merely tolerated each other for Appura's sake and even now, the mutual truce was wearing thin. Stories and accusations of abuse on both sides had erupted. Everything from Vegeta kicking Ima down the hall way to Ima throwing Vegeta through a TV set all whilst Appura watched had emerged for the deepest, darkest depths of their memories. Finally, even Goku could take it no more.

"Enough!" he bellowed, banging his fists on the table as his hair and eyes changed colour. The table cracked under the force and Bulma and Yamcha jumped. They had remained outside the argument. They had no blood-claim in this. These were not their biological children that were being discussed and as such, they were not sure of their place in this. Ima and Vegeta turned and stared at the Super Saiyan sitting at the end of the table. "These arguments are not going to solve anything," Goku said, staring at his fists, "Look, Gohan and Appura made a mistake, something somewhere didn't work like it was supposed to and now there is a child involved. Ima, I understand what you mean when you say they are just kids themselves and Vegeta, I can assure you my son will not run away from his responsibilities. They are so much more mature than we give them credit for...I had the opportunity to watch Appura work when I was training her. She threw a hundred percent into every task I set her as well as her career. I'm certain she'll do the same with this. And Gohan. Gohan helped Chi-Chi raise Goten, he is so much more mature than either of us were when he was born...the mistake has been made, we just have to let them get on with it and help when they ask for it."

"Kakarot..." Ima started.

"Ima," said Goku firmly as his hair and eyes regained their normal colour, "What's done is done. We need to step back and let them go forward on their own." The Priestess and the Prince looked down at him in disbelief.

"Are you suggesting we do nothing?" barked Vegeta.

"Not until they ask," said Goku firmly, "Gohan should probably stay here tonight. I'll fetch him tomorrow. See you guys then." He stood up sharply, knocking his chair over. He raised his hand and a second later he was gone.

Gohan lay perfectly still, Appura asleep in the crook of his arm, her head resting on his shoulder. He looked down at her. Sleep eluded him. His mind was racing with the events of the last few hours. Appura shifted in her sleep and one arm crept across his bare chest, as if making sure he was still there. He was going to be a father. He could feel the ki of his child whenever he touched Appura's bare skin. It surrounded him, pressed down on him, he felt like he was suffocating under an immense pressure. He'd never felt so scared in his life...not even when he'd faced Cell. His mouth felt dry and his mind felt clouded. He needed some air. He gently disentangled himself from Appura's limbs. He held his breath as she stirred slightly but settled back down into sleep. He quickly retrieved his cloths and dressed. He stepped out onto Appura's balcony, instantly feeling better as the cold air hit his face. He looked out over West City. It was a Friday night and lights still shone in the city centre as people the same age as he went out and partied the night away. Gohan had never been one for partying but tonight all he wanted to do was go out and see what he'd been missing. Without even thinking about it, he put one foot on the railing and a second later had launched himself off the side and had landed with perfect grace on the front lawn, heading off into the city. Meanwhile, up on the fifth floor, five doors to the left of Appura's, Vegeta stood on the balcony, a lit cigarette in his hand, watching as Gohan scurried into the night.

Gohan found a relatively quiet bar and sat himself down. "What'll it be?" asked the barman.

"What do you recommend for a guy who just found out his girlfriend's pregnant?" asked Gohan quietly, not looking up.

"Oh, ouch," said the barman, "Two fingers of whiskey it is." He grabbed a glass and poured some amber-coloured liquid into it before passing it to Gohan who gladly handed over some money before taking a sip. It burned his throat a little as it slid down. Gohan put his head on the bar and tried to make sense of what was happening to him. "How much has he had?" a voice said.

"It's not the drink," replied the barman, "Apparently his girlfriend's pregnant...poor guy, doesn't look much older than nineteen."

"Eighteen," Gohan said, "I'm eighteen."

"Jeez, bet she's your first as well," said the first voice. Gohan raised his head and saw a man in a shirt and tie had joined the barman, obviously some management type who'd spotted Gohan put his head down and thought him to be a drunk. Gohan shook his head.

"No, second," he muttered.

"That still sucks though," said the barman, "But hell, I've been there. I was only just nineteen when my wife got pregnant, and you know what, I wouldn't change it. Money was tight for a while, but when I get home tomorrow morning, my little girl will give me the biggest smile in the world and say 'I love you, Daddy', makes it worth the ten hour shifts." Gohan looked up at the barman. He didn't look much older than Gohan. "Gohan," he said, extending a hand.

"Jinx," said the barman, shaking Gohan's hand. He suddenly dropped it and stood up straight, looking behind Gohan. "Usual?" he said.

"Two," replied a voice. Gohan looked over his shoulder and spotted Vegeta stood behind him. Gohan swallowed nervously as Vegeta sat down beside him and paid Jinx for the two drinks.

"Running away won't solve your problem," said Vegeta, quickly knocking back his drink.

"I wasn't running away," Gohan said defensively, "I was just..." He trailed off. Truth be told he had no idea what he hoped to achieve tonight. "Relax," said Vegeta, nudging the drink towards Gohan. Gohan eyed the drink cautiously and then looked at Vegeta.

"Why are you doing this?" Gohan asked.

"Because the woman you got pregnant is my daughter," said Vegeta, "And I'm betting you feel just as shit-sacred as I did nine years ago."

"Vegeta, I am scared," said Gohan, "In fact, I'm terrified. I've never been this scared...I'm responsible for another being's existence. I'm gonna be a Dad."

"You'll be fine," said Vegeta, "She wouldn't have chosen you as her mate otherwise." Gohan instinctively reached up and rubbed the right-hand side of his neck.

"You think the pair of you could suddenly start sporting matching bite-marks and I wouldn't notice?" Vegeta chuckled, "Believe it or not, I do pay attention every now and then, don't I Appura?"

"Yeah," said Appura's voice on Gohan's other side. Gohan swivelled his head and saw Appura. She was dressed in skinny jeans, black boots, a white t-shirt and a mid-thigh length black leather coat. In her hand she held what looked like a lime and soda. She sat down next to Gohan as Vegeta downed the last of his drink and put the glass back on the bar. "Don't stay out too late," he said as he got up and left. Gohan didn't hear him, he was too busy staring at his mate.

"What are you doing here? You should be asleep," he said. Appura shrugged.

"It's impossible to sleep when your head is all over the place," she said, "I guess I should talk to you about this." She trailed a finger over the bite mark on Gohan's neck.

"It's a Saiyan mating mark," said Gohan, "A physical sign of an emotional bond. I know. I, err, tapped into the database from your Dad's pod a few years back."

"Oh good, he was worried he'd have to give you the birds and the bees," laughed Appura.

"Yeah, well, I was curious about a mark I'd seen on Bulma's neck," said Gohan.

"Gohan, if it makes you feel better, I'm scared about this too," said Appura, smiling sweetly at him. It did, knowing they were going into this together.

"Well, we have six, seven months to get over it," he grinned, "I'm a little excited."

"Me too," said Appura, "I love you."

"I love you too," Gohan replied, leaning forward and kissing her. He felt that tingle of electricity he'd felt the first time he'd touched her.

"Hello Daddy," Appura joked.

"Goodnight Mommy," Gohan replied, smiling.

"Where've you been?" came a sleepy voice as Vegeta slipped into the bedroom.

"Nowhere important," he whispered gently, hoping his wife would slip back into slumber.

"Hell of a day, huh?" she said as he tugged off his boots, "You're going to be a grandfather." Vegeta stopped in his actions. In everything that had happened, that thought hadn't occurred to him. He resumed stripping for bed before climbing into bed next to Bulma. She was lying on her side, facing away from him. He gently nuzzled her neck. "Goodnight Grandpa," she yawned. Vegeta smirked and settled down. He waited until he knew she was on the verge of sleep before muttering, "Goodnight Grandma."