A/N: Italics in this chapter represent dreams!
A Chance of a Lifetime – Chapter 17
She scowled, grabbing the wrench from the damn woman beside her. Glaring at Bulma for a moment, she leaned over the pod they were both working on, undoing the bolts from the panel inside and taking it off, shooting another look at the woman beside her, before laying the wrench down and undoing the wiring the blue haired scientist had worked on the other day.
"What are you doing?" Bulma demanded, watching the young woman take apart all the work she had done. The girl didn't answer, ignoring her as she took the small computer out, laying it beside her before undoing more wiring, practically gutting the whole console.
Trista finally straightened, scowling again at Bulma before leaning over and picking the parts off the floor. She set them on the table, quickly getting to work. Trunks walked in then, looking at Bulma's pissed face, before turning towards his young mother.
"What's going on?" he asked, knowing it had something to do with what Trista was currently taking apart. He chuckled at the look that crossed Bulma's features.
"She," the blue haired scientist screeched, pointing to Trista. "Messed up a weeks worth of complicated work in minutes!"
Trista paused, glaring at the woman behind her. "You did it wrong!" she stated, clenching her jaw before turning back to the pieces in front of her, not saying anything else.
Trunks snorted with laughter as Bulma's mouth dropped. "I'll have you know," she yelled, "I'm a genius!"
His mother paused, narrowing her eyes as she looked over her shoulder. "Not a very good one!" she muttered, watching with indifference as the woman sputtered. Ignoring her again, she turned back to the table, moving pieces around and reconnecting wires. After a few minutes, she put the rest back together, walking over to the pod, still ignoring Bulma, and attaching the computer back under the console. She reconnected the wires hanging down, studying her work for a moment before grunting, attaching the panel back and standing again. Bulma was still fuming behind her. She looked at Trunks, then glanced behind him. Vegeta stood at the door, quirking an eyebrow at the angry looks the blue haired scientist was sending her. She looked at the woman. Trista smirked, watching Bulma send her a deadly glare.
"Why the hell did you do that!?" Bulma snapped, crossing her arms.
No one else noticed Vegeta lean against the door frame, a smirk appearing. Trunks watched, a grin on his face as he looked from one to the other. He waited.
"Because Blue," Trista said, rolling her eyes. "The way you had the damn thing programmed, it would have taken whoever was in the friggin' thing almost a year to get to their destination! With the modification I just made, it will take them half the time," she stated, smirking as Bulma narrowed her eyes even more.
"How do you know that!? You haven't even tested it!"
Trista rolled her eyes again, an exasperated sigh escaping. "I just do," she stated, turning her back to the woman, grabbing the little bracelet Trunks had given her. She fiddled with it for a moment, putting it on and pressing the top button. They all watched her frown after a moment, narrowing her eyes and studying the piece. She suddenly grinned, a pleased look on her face. She quickly took it off, pressing the button again and waiting for it to cut off before grabbing the small screwdriver on the table.
"What are you doing, Mom?" Trunks asked curiously, watching with everyone else as she took the small bracelet apart.
She didn't speak for a moment, before looking up at him, a small smile on her lips.
"I know how I did this," she stated, turning back to the table.
"How?" Bulma asked, glancing over as Vegeta walked up beside Trunks, watching the young woman as well. She returned her gaze to the emerging genius in front of her.
Trista didn't say anything, just took the rest of the pieces apart, picking up a small, shiny thing, studying it. She smiled from ear to ear. She finally turned and grinned at all of them.
Bulma walked up next to her, looking down at the small ball. It seemed to be glowing from within. She took it from Trista, hesitating a moment before touching it, letting it rest in her palm. She furrowed her brows.
"What is this?" she whispered, looking up in time to see the woman smirk. Trista didn't say anything.
She took it from Bulma, letting it roll in her hands for a moment, before laying it back on the table. They watched her study it for a moment, before she slowly started putting the bracelet back together again. There was complete silence in the room as she worked, everyone watching as the bracelet took shape again. After just a few minutes, Trista slid it back onto her wrist, pushing the button again, grinning at Trunks a couple minutes later. She took it off and threw it at him. He caught it, raising a brow.
"Put it on," she said, smiling as he did so. She made a hurry up motion with her hand, lifting an eyebrow. Everyone looked at her, then at Trunks.
"Now push the button twice," she said softly, crossing her arms.
They all watched him, a moment later surprise appearing on his face. He looked at Trista.
"What did you do Mom!?" Trunks asked, looking down at the bracelet, then back at her, his eyes wide.
"Can you feel it?" she asked, not answering his question. She smirked as he nodded, still staring at her.
"I modified it. Now you can change the gravity around you without others feeling it, so you can constantly be training!" she said proudly, laughing as everyone stared at her. She watched as Vegeta's eyes widened.
"Make me one," he demanded, narrowing his eyes at her. Trista grinned.
"You didn't say please!" she said, smirking as he growled.
"Do it!" he stated, frowning.
The others in the room watched with interest, looking from her to the prince and back.
"No," Trista said softly, her eyes narrowing a little even though she was still smiling.
Trunks grinned, Bulma moving to stand beside him, watching with interest as Vegeta stalked to the young woman.
He stopped in front of her, growling and crossing his arms. "Make me one," he said again, his voice low.
Trista quirked a brow, crossing her arms. She didn't say anything. Trunks smirked as the prince gritted his teeth. Bulma just stared.
"Please," Vegeta ground out, his voice barely audible. He glared at the woman as she grunted.
"What was that?" Trista said loudly, amusement in her voice.
Trunks silently laughed as Vegeta growled again, looking away for a moment before narrowing his eyes at Trista.
"You heard me," he said quietly.
"No I didn't!" she said, snickering as his eyes widened in outrage. Everyone was quiet for a moment before Vegeta spoke again.
"I said please, woman!" he snapped, whirling around and stalking out of the lab, fuming.
Trista chuckled, watching him leave. Trunks and Bulma watched him as well, one in amusement, the other in astonishment.
They looked back as Trista snorted, watching as she rolled her eyes.
"How does he expect me to do that when he didn't even give me his bracelet!?"
She sighed loudly, narrowing her eyes at Trunks. "Men," she muttered, before walking back over to the pod.
Trunks barked with laughter, shaking his head as he walked up to her. He watched her for a moment, before speaking, amusement laced through his words.
"I can give him mine mom! You can make me another later," he stated, smiling as she looked at him over her shoulder for a moment, before turning back, grunting.
Smiling again, he left to go find the stubborn man.
He found him in the living room, sitting on the couch, the television on as he glared at it. There was a slight flush on his face. Trunks snickered, knowing it was from having to say the word "please" to his mom. He walked up to the back of the couch, taking the bracelet off and letting it dangle from his fingers as he held it in front of the prince's face. The man snatched it from him, studying it for a moment before looking over his shoulder. Vegeta narrowed his eyes.
"Why are you giving me yours?" he asked, his glare never receding.
Trunks studied the man. "Because I don't desire it as much as you," he stated softly, letting the prince study him.
A moment later Vegeta grunted, turning back towards the television. Trunks went to walk away.
"Come up after dinner," the prince said, not looking at him as Trunks turned to glance at the man. "I'll give you mine for her to 'modify'."
Trunks slowly grinned, watching the man on the couch for a moment before happily leaving, going back towards the lab, and his mother.
He watched her go up the stairs, narrowing his eyes slightly before following. He waited until she shut her door before knocking. He only waited a few seconds before it was yanked open. She stood on the other side, a brow raising at the sight of him. He didn't say anything, just studied her.
"What?" she asked softly, blinking up at him.
He didn't say anything, stepping in and shutting the door behind him. He walked slowly up to her, watching with slight amusement as she took a step back. He crossed his arms, looking down at her as he came within inches of her. His gaze lowered to the necklace around her neck. She had yet to take it off, apparently. Satisfaction went through him at the thought of her caring so much for the piece of jewelry. His mother's ring. He looked back up slowly, meeting the woman's gaze. He reached up, hesitating for a moment before laying a hand against her neck. Her eyes widened, her gaze never wavering from his.
"I just want to see something," he stated softly, before swooping down and capturing her lips. He kissed her fully, not like the little peck he gave her a few weeks ago. He felt her shudder, a hand laying softly on his shoulder. He moved his head, changing the angle of the kiss, listening to her whimper. He slowly broke the connection, studying her closed eyes and flushed cheeks. A small smile appeared on his lips, watching her eyes pop open, a surprised look on her face. He let his hand drop as he stepped back. Studying her for another moment, he turned and left, softly closing the door behind him. He slowly smiled as he walked to his own room.
The next day he walked into the kitchen, walking right up to the young man standing by the table, and grabbed his arm. He turned without a word, dragging the young man behind him. He let go of the boys' arm as they got to the training pod, going up the steps and waiting for Trunks to step in before shutting them in. He stayed by the door, studying the young man. Trunks raised a brow, crossing his arms.
"What's going on Vegeta?"
The prince didn't say anything for a moment, just continued to study the boys' features before his low voice filled the pod.
"You're my boy, aren't you?"
He watched Trunks' eyes widen, before pressing his lips together and looking away. The young man didn't say anything. Vegeta crossed his arms, slowly walking up to the boy. He narrowed his eyes, waiting. After a few minutes, Trunks looked back.
"You know I can't-"
"Screw that!" Vegeta snapped. "I know damn good and well you are!"
He watched the boys' eyes widen. "How do you know that?" Trunks asked, his voice soft.
Vegeta turned, walking away a little before turning back. "Because Kakkarot doesn't pay attention to her like he should if they are supposed to end up together," the prince paused, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "And...".
Trunks didn't say anything, just watched as Vegeta looked away, studying the wall for a moment before meeting his eyes.
Vegeta turned away again, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "I have feelings for the girl," he admitted softly, his voice low. He listened as Trunks slowly walked up to him. He looked at the young man over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the grin on the boys' face.
"You love mom!?" Trunks asked, his grin spreading as Vegeta's eyes widened.
"I didn't say that!" the prince snapped, growling and looking away from him again. He heard the boy snicker. After a moment, he glared behind him, grunting.
Without another word, he walked towards the door, opening it and stepping through. He didn't look back to see Trunks' pump his fist in the air, letting out a soft "Yes!".
Vegeta watched her, a week later, walking across the compound, her blue training outfit on. His gaze raked over her, noticing her hair had a slight curl in it as she ran her hand through it. It was a little longer now, touching her shoulders. He absently wandered if she was gonna cut it again as Trunks appeared. He watched the boy step up to the woman, stopping her. They started talking, her back to the prince as he continued to watch them.
"He's yours, isn't he?"
Vegeta turned, looking at the man floating behind him. He turned back, not saying anything. He felt Kakkarot move closer, coming up beside him as they watched mother and son interact below. After a few minutes, the two continued walking, disappearing into the training pod. Vegeta turned back towards the other saiyan beside him, ignoring his searching gaze.
"He's yours, isn't he?" Goku asked again, watching the prince's eyes narrow.
He moved to stand a few feet away from him, waiting as Vegeta got into fighting stance. Neither said anything for a few minutes.
"Yes," the prince finally muttered, launching himself at the taller man.
They sparred for a few hours, not saying anything else.
-A Month Later-
Trista didn't know how she knew she was dreaming, but she did. Even though the images flitting through her subconscious seemed real, vivid. She furrowed her brows in her sleep, turning on her side. She flinched.
She was standing on barren earth, the red dirt sending up little puffs of dust as she moved. She heard a cry of pain, whirling around at the sound. Her eyes widened. Vegeta was behind her, kneeling on the ground twenty feet away from her. He was glaring at the man in front of him, holding his chest. She watched him grit his teeth, wincing as another wave of pain seemed to run through his body. She glanced at the man in front of him, his profile to her. Her eyes widened at his long white hair, the wild locks topped with a weird black hat. He had a funny looking costume on, that red bow tie symbol coming into view as he turned to look at her. 'Oh my God!' her mind shouted, 'Dr. Gero!' She took a step forward, knowing instinctively that Vegeta needed her help, though she didn't know how she was going to assist him. He was obviously stronger than her. She watched, eyes widening, as Dr. Gero turned back to the prince, a smirk appearing. She watched in horror as Vegeta's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the arm lifting. She started running. The doctor blasted, a shot going through Vegeta's chest as he cried out, falling back. She screamed, watching the prince land hard on his back, sliding back a little until he stopped. He lay still. The man in front of him looked over at her, an amused look on his face. "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked softly, a chuckle coming from his lips. A sob escaped her, finally reaching Vegeta and kneeling down next to him. Her breath hitched. He looked dead. She blinked, suddenly noticing she was clutching something in her hand. She slowly opened her fist, staring at the vial before looking back at the prince. Her eyes widened as he slowly turned his head, looking at her. She leaned over him, another sob escaping her. She felt him slip his hand into hers, not saying anything for a few minutes. She gripped his much bigger hand, a tear running down her face. 'Why does this hurt so much!?' she thought, watching the prince's eyes roam her features. 'Why do I feel like half of me is dying, as well!?' Trista continued to look down at him, before squeezing her eyes closed.
"Hey," she heard the prince whisper, opening her eyes and meeting his gaze.
He didn't say anything for a few moments, before reaching over and cupping her cheek. "Use it for yourself," he said, his voice barely audible. She looked back down at the vial in her hand, before looking at him, her eyes wide.
She furiously shook her head. "No Vegeta! It's for you, I can't-"
"Brat," he whispered, cutting her off. He seemed to wait until another sob escaped her. "I don't need it now."
Terror coursed through her, watching as he closed his eyes. She let out a cry, shaking him. The prince didn't respond, his hand slipping from hers. A sob escaped her as she looked around frantically, vaguely registering that Dr. Gero had disappeared.
"Help me!" she screamed, looking back down at Vegeta. She clutched the front of his uniform, her voice cracking as she looked around again, screaming.
"HELP ME!"
She woke up, a sob escaping her. She shot up in bed, feeling arms wrap around her. Trista felt them tighten around her as another sob passed her lips. She closed her eyes, a tear trailing down her face. She swiped it away, feeling her bed shake as someone moved on it.
"Are you alright," Vegeta whispered in her ear, keeping an arm around her. She looked over.
He was kneeling on the bed, his brows furrowed, watching her. She took a shuddering breath.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice small. The prince didn't say anything for a moment, just continued to study her, before sitting on the bed, letting his arm fall.
"I heard you cry out as I was passing."
Trista glanced at the clock. 2:53 am. She looked back at Vegeta, noticing he was still watching her. She studied him for a moment, before lowering her gaze to the bed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked softly, his voice gruff.
She slowly shook her head, silently wishing for his arms around her again. To chase the nightmare away mostly, if for nothing else but comfort. She wasn't going to ask him though.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. And as if he could read her mind, he wrapped his arms around her again, his chest pressed up against her back, his chin resting on top of her head. She shivered, sinking back into him. She lifted a hand, resting it on an arm, feeling the muscle bunch underneath her touch. The feel of it brought back the very real awareness that this was no young man, but a full grown one. Who was in her room in the middle of the night, holding her. Trista bit her lip, feeling her face heat. Glad that he couldn't see her, she glanced down at his arms wrapped around her middle. Feeling suddenly nervous, she shifted, slowly standing as Vegeta let his arms fall. Her hand came up, absently fiddling with the necklace around her neck as she walked towards the window. She could feel the prince watching her, before he got up and followed her. She didn't turn, feeling him right at her back. She bit her lip again as he laid a hand on her arm, the heat coming from just his hand making her shiver. She lifted her eyes, meeting his gaze in their reflection, before looking away, crossing her arms. Vegeta finally let his arm drop, standing there for a few moments before turning and walking out of the room. Trista didn't look up as she listened to his footfalls, the closing of the door soft as he left. She swallowed, looking outside again as the prince appeared minutes later, heading towards the training pod. He suddenly stopped, looking over his shoulder at her window. Trista's eyes widened, but she didn't move. She could see the small smile appear on his face as he studied her, before finally turning and disappearing inside the round building. She turned her head, her gaze resting on the picture on her nightstand, studying it for a moment before taking a breath. She pivoted on her feet, leaving her room. She quickly made her way to the roof, her eyes focused inward as she shut the door firmly behind her. She needed to think.
A few weeks later, it happened again. She was peacefully sleeping when she felt her dream change. Don't ask her how, she just knew when it happened. The images popping up were more disturbing than the last frightful dream she had.
This time there were two weirdly dressed...I guess you could call them men, even though one of them was almost impossible to determine. They were dressed in funny clothing, Dr. Gero wearing the same thing he had in the other dream. She looked around, her eyes widening as she caught sight of all her friends standing in a group, seeming to wait on something. She saw Goku's lips move, a serious expression on his face. She couldn't hear what he said, as if she was deaf in the dream. A moment later she found out she wasn't, as Dr. Gero turned towards her suddenly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Back for more, I see," he stated, studying her for a moment before turning back to the group. Trista blinked. Her friends didn't seem to see her. The clown looking man beside the doctor giggled, the eerie sound sending a shiver down her spine. She studied everyone, noticing Vegeta wasn't among them. She took a hesitant step forward, stopping as Goku launched himself at the round, clown looking man. She watched them fight, Goku powering up, his hair turning gold. She hesitated again before slowly walking towards the others. Before she got halfway there, the saiyan cried out. Trista's eyes widened as he suddenly went back to black hair, falling and hitting the ground hard. He was clutching his chest just like Vegeta was. She gasped, looking down at the vial in her hand. She ran over to him. Sliding a little as she fell to her knees, she didn't say anything, just quickly opened it and poured it into his mouth. He choked a little, keeping his eyes squeezed shut. She heard the others run up behind her, studying the man on the ground. She turned, fear coursing through her. "Why isn't it working?" she asked desperately. No one looked at her, as if they didn't hear her. Yamcha stepped forward, studying their friend before leaning down. "It'll be okay Goku. We'll take you to get the antidote," he whispered. Trista's eyes widened, looking down. The vial had disappeared. 'What the hell!' her mind shouted. She looked around, but the thing wasn't anywhere around. Her head shot up as someone chuckled. Dr. Gero was watching her, amusement in his eyes. She watched him take a step forward. "You're worthless, little girl!" She watched a small smile appear. "You're obviously not needed," he stated softly, before raising his hand. Trista's eyes widened as a ball of energy appeared in his palm. He let it sit there for a moment, before blasting it towards her. She heard someone shout behind her as the light filled her vision.
She shot up in bed, a scream on her lips. She sat there, shivering as she stared at her comforter. A sob escaped her after a moment, lifting a shaky hand and swiping the tears off her face.
"What's going on with you?" someone asked right beside her.
She looked over, another shudder going through her. Vegeta was there, squatting beside the bed, his gaze intent on her. He studied her ashen face for a moment before getting up, sitting behind her. He took up the same position as last time, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. He felt another shudder go through her, tightening his hold and letting his chin rest on top of her head. She slowly leaned back against him, almost curling up against his chest as she slightly turned, a hand coming up to clutch his shirt. He looked at her bent head, his brows furrowed. He didn't say anything. Another sob escaped her, and he moved, putting an arm underneath her and lifting her. The prince settled her on his lap, her hand never letting go of his shirt, holding her to him. They stayed like that for awhile. He felt her finally lift her head, looking down and meeting her gaze. He let her study him, reaching up and wiping a tear off her face. She finally spoke after a while.
"It feels so real," she whispered, looking down again.
Vegeta didn't say anything, giving her time to gather her thoughts. He tightened his hold on her as she shivered again. She finally lifted her head, meeting his eyes.
"It's terrifying," she said, barely speaking. Vegeta studied her, his eyes roaming her face for a moment before he softly spoke.
"What is?" he asked, his voice gruff.
She stared at him for a moment, before suddenly reaching up and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She buried her face in his neck. Vegeta sat there for a moment, surprised, before wrapping his arms tightly around her. He held her like that, not saying anything else. She moved, seeming to try to get closer to him. He moved her, her head never leaving the curve of his neck, as he put her legs on either side of him, sitting her facing him on his lap. The prince wrapped his arms back around her, feeling her shiver. He slid a palm up and down her back, suddenly becoming aware of the womanly curves pushed against him. He swallowed, looking down at his hand on her back.
"Trista," he said gruffly, feeling her tighten her hold.
He could feel his body responding. Tensing in embarrassment, he gently but firmly took her arms from around his neck. Her head came up, meeting his eyes. They studied one another, before Vegeta leaned forward and kissed her. He cupped the back of her head, feeling her shyly put a hand on his arm. He could tell she hadn't had any experience in this, and satisfaction went through him to know that he was the only one to touch her this way. The prince changed the angle of the kiss, softly kissing the woman on his lap as she clutched his shirt. They both broke apart as someone knocked on her door. They studied one another as somebody banged again.
"Mom! Are you okay!?"
Trista blushed, sliding off Vegeta's lap. Clearing her throat and not meeting his eyes, she walked towards the door. She opened it far enough for her body to be visible.
"I'm fine Trunks," Trista stated softly, clearing her throat again. She watched him study her, before taking a step back.
"Okay. I heard something sounding like a sob and I was worried," he said softly, blushing slightly. Moving his feet a little, he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well," he said after a moment, "I guess if your alright, I'll let you get back to bed."
"Okay, thanks for checking on me, Trunks."
The young man watched his mother slowly close the door, standing there for a moment before walking around the corner, watching the door.
A few minutes later Vegeta came out, brows furrowed slightly as he studied the wall, before swiftly turning and walking down the hall, away from Trunks hiding place.
The young man watched the prince go into his room down the hall, before grinning from ear to ear.
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