Chapter Fourteen

It was a happy scene for those involved; after the story was finished and accepted, Makoto saw a change in the hearts of those around her toward Trunks as she predicted. The only issue that was discussed was Bardock. Haruka had a firm belief that he may be biding his time and insisted Makoto never to make a trip out there alone to drop Augustus off for visitation. Trunks agreed and decided he would be the person to drive back and forth to see his friends and family while leaving Augustus to Bardock. All remained quiet on the issue as if it was something never to be spoken of again.

Soon, tabloids and the world was ready to figure out about this large structure that seemed to appear overnight. The continually swelling Queen Serenity preached about peace in all her articles while giving each woman jobs where to maintain lookout for the next months until peace would settle in. Playing their roles continuously, each senshi found themselves in the lime light of interviews and spreads, working together as ambassadors around the world to preach to each country. Soon, the city welcomed the first heir born to the Crystal Palace as the Queen gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, baby daughter named Princess Chibi-Usa. Although photographs were taken while mysteries about Trunks were asked, but there was never any answers given. Soon his name was starting to pull into the tabloids that linked him back to the technologically advanced Satan City where his family corporation was. It hadn't bothered him much to read about him 'abandoning' his company that was not yet even handed over. He was heir but continued trying to secretly make trips without being found out.

It was during the large gossip tabloids that Bardock started to be noticed in the news under the scientific area and the Breifs Company. Trunks felt himself starting to get jealous that Bardock was stepping into his company as a scientist hired by his mother with rumors spreading if he was going to take over the heir's spot. Vegeta would never allow it, Trunks always told himself. As Bardock started to rise in the newspapers while going to scientific conventions, Trunks could see the stress starting to pull slowly on Makoto's shoulders while reading over the morning paper during breakfast. Makoto would never let on that she was worried but continued to thank Trunks each day for his help with Augustus while staying next to her side.

It was on a particular morning, after Makoto had finished making her now famous cinnamon rolls given away freely to all citizens daily, that Trunks received a strange phone call from his mother while at the breakfast table. Makoto had finished serving Trunks his coffee and tended to feeding the ever growing Augustus in a high chair. Clicking his cell phone off, he gazed over at Makoto watching her tend to the child lovingly.

"His first birthday is this weekend," commented Makoto, almost to herself with a bit of disbelief that it had already been a year. Augustus was growing strong and very smart at his age, his large emeralds noticing everything while his soft ebony strands were long enough to start curling at the ends. "Should we plan something in Satan City or invite everyone here?"

Trunks felt the smile start to pull at the corners of his mouth when Makoto turned to gaze at him, her smile starting to pull a little bit with worry at his silence. Makoto watched as Trunks casually put his hand in his pocket.

"I believe I won't be able to make it this weekend, I have a company meeting this with the stockholders on a cruise for the next four days," started Trunks, seeing how Makoto nodded her head in understanding. "Also, it will be a perfect time to announce the news to my parents before the rest of the world finds out."

Makoto couldn't help but let out a giggle as she wiped food from the stuffed Augustus's cheeks with a moistened napkin gently.

"What exactly is the world going to talk about now?" asked Makoto, turning to give Trunks a lopsided smile only to be greeted by Trunks almost eye level on one knee in front of her. Her brows scrunched as she let out a giggle at Trunks, feeling he was pulling some sort of trickery.

"Before the world finds out if you agree to be my wife," finished Trunks, watching how wide Makoto's eyes grew while she sat speechless. She felt her hand taken in his while he pushed the cold ring onto her finger.

"Of course I will," she finally replied, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. The planning started that day while Makoto spent the next few days rehearsing how she was going to tell Bardock and ask him for permission to let Trunks legally adopt Augustus. It all seemed to work out with Trunks needing to go on a business trip; Makoto would drop him off at the airport before making the drive out to Satan City to spend the weekend planning the birthday party with ChiChi, who insisted it be at her place, and break the news to Bardock before setting off back home.

Bardock felt comfortable with his rising success and hoped it worked to get the attention he wanted to gain from Makoto as a father figure. Not only was he successful, but he was using his scientific discoveries to better the world. His home was spacious, beautiful, and decorated for what he hoped would please any woman he brought home. For months he waited for her to make a trip to see the place Augustus would be staying outside of her palace. Finally, all his patience paid off. With Trunks out of the way this weekend and Makoto coming into town for their son's birthday, Bardock decided he would make his move to show her what he was like for Augustus and how he changed.

Hearing the gates open, Bardock felt his breath hold as he started toward the door to see the sleek black car pull up to the front steps through the windows. Making it to the top of the front steps, Bardock felt his breath hold in his chest as a shiver moved down his spine as he gazed over at the silky dark green fabric making its way around defying curves while the sun seemed to show a bit into the fabric of the long, strong legs taut due to matching dark green strapless pointed toe heels. It was a sight to be seen as she pulled up to her full height, her auburn curls draping endlessly over her shoulders moving into a neat bundle at mid-back. As soon as her bright emeralds encased in long dark lashes set against a soft paled background stared at him, he knew who he was looking at. Holding a sleeping Augustus snuggly against her breast, Makoto balanced with one arm to quickly heave the diaper bag over a shoulder before resuming to hold the child against her with both arms.

He stood in the doorway feeling almost frozen as she walked toward him almost glowing, the glittering jewels of her crown sending green and white sparkles. The gown did her more justice than he ever thought, the way it pulled around her body and swayed with the movement of her hips. From this angle, he could see the sheer light green fabric skimming over her shoulders as straps to secure the low front. A jeweled emerald broach sat directly under her breasts over the sash of light green tied in the back as a long bow. When he found her eyes, he could see a small irritated scowl wrinkling her forehead in disapproval over his eyes never leaving a piece of skin untouched. She was so close he could almost smell her as he tried to give her a soft smile.

"Right this way," said Bardock, keeping his husky voice low while leading Makoto through the black granite halls with white washed walls showing some modern art work or small statuette. Moving into the brightly lit room, Makoto was pleased to find Augustus's room had more of a warmer theme with light brown carpet, walls painted showing an ocean theme, and toys. Laying Augustus down softly and pulled the blanket over him, Makoto rubbed his back to make sure he settled into the new sleeping position while Bardock brought the drapes closed to give a soft dimmed hue of light. Setting the diaper bag down next to the crib, Makoto and Bardock moved from the room as she followed behind his tall, broad shoulders while looking over the spacious place he had set up residency. All her courage was starting to drain and now, she wished had brought someone with her. Her mind was starting to think of the horrible time she had been trapped in his laboratory and she felt herself starting to panic.

"I hope I have done well to your approval for Augustus' sake," said Bardock, bringing them into a lounge filled with relaxing green and dark cherry wood furniture. Makoto felt uneasy about the subject, especially with the news she was bringing. "Would you like a drink?"

"Yes, please," replied Makoto, hoping it would unravel her nerves a bit. Bardock made something at the small private bar and set it before Makoto while taking a seat across. Crossing his legs covered in black slacks, Bardock leaned into a powerful position as his light blue button-up strained slightly against his muscles. "I have been keeping up a bit on your scientific discoveries and it is great to be setting a place up for yourself. I am sure you have been wading through a river of women."

Bardock watched her sparkle up at the joke while she gave a small giggle before taking another sip of her drink.

"Actually, I have been keeping myself off the market for the sake of our son," started Bardock, watching Makoto give an understanding nod. He moved to the edge of his seat a bit, starting to change the direction of the conversation. "My work has kept me busy as well as taking care of our son."

Makoto seemed to nod, trying to figure out where the conversation would be going since they had never actually talked before. It seemed decided strangely of when Augustus would visit Bardock and such.

"It does make tasks easier when there is an extra set of hands," commented Makoto, shifting comfortably into her seat while gazing over at him. Never before had she noticed how handsome Bardock really was. His dark hair framing his muscular face, those bright eyes holding so many secrets, and the way he positioned himself seemed to be 'calling' to her need of a man of strength in her life. Inwardly she cursed herself for even looking at him in such a way; it wasn't as if she ever had a relationship with this man or knew him. Their son was created completely based on science, not through a steamy night of passion two could share to create one.

"I have been meaning to discuss that category of our son's life," said Bardock, casually moving from his seat. Makoto watched him bring a black folder and set it on the table separating them. "I hope you won't believe hiring a private investigator to trail Augustus is too much, but I believe there are a few things you should see. Since I don't know Trunks personally, I thought it would be best to have someone trail him during the times he is with Augustus to see how he handles him. Firstly, before I continue, do you believe Trunks is the one as they call it?"

Makoto felt the pit of her stomach unraveling while she was wondering where this conversation was going; although she could understand the concern held for Trunks' character and the well-being of Augustus, Makoto was unsure what he was getting to. Leaning back confidently she replied, "I most certainly do."

"Have you ever had any suspicions of his character? From the stories I've heard, you two only knew each other a few months before rushing into a relationship," commented Bardock, seeing as how Makoto's stature was starting to get defensive.

"Yes, it was rather quickly but technically we learned of each other's character in the hyperbolic time chamber for a year…if you disapprove of the relationship, I don't see how it is your place beside taking my word that Trunks is a good man and has gone out of his way in our current situation," said Makoto, feeling her temper start to rise.

"Take no offense, it is simply observations. I understand the legalities and where a union between you two could head. But, as I am learning of his character, I would like to share with you a few stumbled upon discoveries," Bardock responded. Moving from his seat, Bardock took the empty space on the couch next to Makoto while his hand dragged at the black folder to pull it in front of them. "Please, leisurely take a look at this folder to see what has been collected."

Makoto wasn't sure if she should open the folder but found herself riffling through the pictures as a wave of nausea moved through her. She couldn't believe what she was learning as she came to the end of the photographs that depicted Trunks in relations with maids around her palace while she was gone and in front of Augustus while he was sleeping. Should she believe the photographic proof? Why would Bardock have a reason to lie?

"By the gods…" whispered Makoto, feeling a nervous tremor start to come over her. Downing the rest of her drink, she set the cup down quickly and tried to rationalize all points of views. Although these were photographs from a private investigator, could she trust Bardock? She did believe in giving second chances, but then again she came here with a game plan to ask for legal adoption of Augustus to Trunks and to inform her marriage. Bardock brought her over a second drink while she continued to stare at the folder. Was there something she didn't know about him? Did Trunks actually sweep her off her feet for the reasons Haruka had spoken of? Was he just looking for a way to repopulate his race mixed with another strong line of genetics? Shakily, she took the dark liquid and stared at the glass wondering if she should. Deciding slowly, she pressed the cup to her lips and drank greedily while the pain coursed her throat in a fiery rage. It was painful to see as the memories bubbled up of her past relations and how her sempai let her down before with the same sort of tactics. His cool hand touched her back, frightening her at the sudden touch as she blurted out her thoughts. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

"I am looking out for your well-being as well as Augustus. You two are the most important things in my life at this moment," replied Bardock, his voice moving into a deep huskiness. Makoto felt so moved by his words but already her walls were building strongly against the darkness she was trying to keep inside. Nodding, she let out a long dreadful sigh.

"May I keep these?" she asked softly, her hand motioning to the stack of pictures. Bardock nodded. Pushing to her feet, Makoto gathered the photos back into the folder in a clumsy manner while Bardock helped organize the package. "I really should be leaving, I need to check into my hotel."

"I have extra rooms," offered Bardock, but from the sad smile he knew she would deny.

"Thank you for your hospitality but I really must be going," replied Makoto while Bardock helped to walk her to the door. She kept her distance while starting to stumble a bit before finally reaching the top steps.

"I will have a driver take you since it's not safe for you to drive, in this condition," said Bardock, pressing a button against his wall that called the driver to the front.

"That is very kind," replied Makoto, trying to keep her composure as the silence surrounded them while waiting for the driver. Soon, the driver arrived in uniform while Bardock moved to the side to give instructions of where to take the woman before walking Makoto down to the car.

"I will see you tomorrow at Augustus' birthday?" asked Bardock, unsure if she looked up to it. Makoto gave a weary smile while buckling her seatbelt, watching Bardock lean slightly on the car door to peer in at her.

"Most definitely, I will be making his cake fresh tomorrow morning," replied Makoto with a fake pushed smile. Bardock shut the door and watched the vehicle drive away, walking back up his steps slowly a grin spread.

AN: I apologize for the delay since I've had my family in town for a bit and wasn't able to get away to write. As a bonus, there is two chapters with this upload!