A Chance of a Lifetime – Chapter 27
They found him laying on a rocky outcrop, unconscious. Trista bit back a sob, flinching as her words from earlier came back to haunt her. She watched Trunks pick him up, both of them quickly flying back towards Capsule Corps., her eyes on the man over her son's shoulder. His face was deathly white, his energy signal almost nonexistent. It had taken them almost two days to find him. Not real sure what was wrong, they flew faster, hoping they weren't too late.
It was the heart virus, Bulma stated, quickly pouring the antidote down his throat. Apparently it hit him much later than it did in Trunks original time. They waited, but the antidote didn't seem to be doing anything. Trista ran from the room, their last few arguments running through her mind. They seemed so petty now, with Vegeta right at death's door. No one thought he would make it through, but they prayed he did. For the sake of the baby, and it's mother. Trunks studied his fathers' still form, swallowing with difficulty as he went to go find his mom. He didn't find her on the roof like he thought, instead she was in her old bedroom, the one she left months ago and moved to another part of the house. She was sitting on the bed, clutching the necklace his father had given her, sobbing. He didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around her as she cried. He heard her take a shuddering breath before she spoke.
"I've been," she paused, her voice just above a whisper. "I've been pushing him away for the past few months, mad over...something that's seems so trivial now."
Trunks barely heard her as she finished talking, tightening his arm around her waist. She straightened, looking down at the ring in her hand before raising it and placing it back around her neck. She stared at the necklace for a moment, before raising regretful eyes to meet his.
"If he dies," Trista paused as her throat closed over the words. "I won't..." she put a hand to her mouth, trying to dispel a sob. "I won't be able...to forgive myself."
"Mom," Trunks started, but she cut him off.
"No! I know, I knew he was a hard man to be with, but I loved him. And...I shouldn't hold his nature against him when he was raised to be like that."
She swiped the tears off her face before continuing.
"I swore to myself that I would love him no matter what, but look what I'm doing to him! Keeping him at a distance, when he needs someone, anyone to show him kindness and love, and I've been..." Trista swallowed, looking over at Trunks. "I've been keeping him out of the baby's life too. Not letting him near me for long before I push him away. It's not fair to him, and it's not fair to the baby. To you, Trunks."
She laid a hand over his, before standing. "I've been...selfish," she finished softly, closing her eyes. "And I'm ashamed that it took this to make me realize it."
"It will kill me if he dies," she stated, burying her face in her hands. Trunks stood up, hugging her before strolling towards the door. He turned back, pausing as he opened it. He looked back at his mother.
"Don't think like that mom," he stated softly. "Dad will pull through. You'll see." Trunks smiled a little.
"He's too ornery to die!" he said firmly, earning a small smile from the woman.
"I love you mom."
"I love you too, son."
They almost lost him. Almost two weeks went by before he showed any signs of pulling through. They didn't know if it was Trista talking to him constantly, or Trunks doing the same, but the prince finally pulled himself out of the woods, everyone breathing easier as his body fought the virus off. Trista had given him another vial, taking the extra she had made Goku and not hesitating as she poured it down the man's throat. He hadn't come too until a week after that, seeming to show no signs of getting better. Then suddenly, he was. The virus had hit him hard though, making it to where he could barely talk before getting his strength back. Trunks was grateful his dad was okay, mostly for his mom. He didn't want to see the terror blanketing her eyes every time she looked at the man, the desperation appearing on her face. He hoped he never saw it again. He watched her clutch the prince's hand, staring down at him as he breathed in and out.
"Mom," Trunks said gently. He waited for her to look at him before continuing. "Come on. You need to eat and get some rest," he stated, gently extracting her hand from his father's and softly pushing her through the door. She went, glancing back one more time before disappearing through the lab doors.
"Didn't realize she cared so much."
Trunks looked back at the gruff, quiet words. His father turned his head, glancing at the doors before moving his gaze and studying him. He slowly walked over, studying his father in return before speaking.
"Of course she does. She loves you," he whispered, watching as the prince turned his gaze to the ceiling, closing his eyes at the word 'love'. He watched the man grunt.
"She has a funny way of showing it," Vegeta said softly, not opening his eyes.
Trunks was quiet for a moment, staring down at the floor.
"So do you," he stated, not looking at the man as he heard him move. He could feel his father's eyes on him.
"What are you talking about, boy?" The prince said, his voice getting a little stronger.
Trunks pressed his lips together, sighing before answering.
"The way you treat mom," he stated, finally looking up. "She deserves better, especially from you."
The man looked away, returning his gaze to the ceiling. "Tch. That woman gets treated the same way she treats me," Vegeta stated softly, his jaw clenching.
Trunks closed his eyes, resisting the urge to hit his recovering father. "Don't you realize she's retaliating to how you've treated her so far!"
The prince didn't say anything for a few minutes. "I'm a prince," he finally stated, as if that explained everything.
"So! That doesn't mean you can treat mom anyway you want!" the young man declared, feeling anger start in his gut. He watched his father barely lift a shoulder.
"I do what I damn well please," Vegeta stated softly, not looking at him.
"Is that how you really feel?" Trunks asked softly. He waited, but the prince didn't say anything.
"I said, Is that how you really feel!?" he asked again, his tone louder.
His father turned his head, studying him for a moment before opening his mouth.
"Yes," the prince said simply, ignoring the surprised look on his son's face. He turned back to studying the ceiling.
"Fine," Trunks said, after a few minutes of silence. He turned, away from the man laying on the table. "I hope you like being alone."
He saw his father jerk his head around from the corner of his eye.
"What are you talking about?" Vegeta whispered harshly, noticing the boy didn't even bother looking at him as he spoke.
"I'm going to ask mom if she wants to go back with me, to my time," Trunks stated softly, "Where she'll be treated with respect," he said loudly, walking out the door, ignoring the man behind him struggling to get up.
"Wait a damn minute!"
He ignored his fathers' shout, strolling towards the living quarters, intent on finding his mother.
Vegeta grunted as he hit the ground, still too weak to actually stand for a few minutes. He gritted his teeth, pushing himself up. His knees buckled underneath him, his hands slapping the floor as he fell. A growl came from his throat as he glared at the doors. So close, but so far. He couldn't follow after that damn brat, to stop him. Why do you want to!? His mind screamed. Thought you didn't give a damn about her or her snotty son!
"Shut up," he growled, taking a deep breath as he lifted himself up. He stood a little firmer, getting back onto the makeshift bed. He grimaced at the pain in his body, pissed that he was so weak.
The prince looked over at the doors, silently praying the boy came back in there, so that he could punch him. And keep him from convincing the woman from leaving. Again, Why do you care!? He grimaced at the thought, closing his eyes and leaning back. He laied back down, sighing in frustration. Why did he care? The woman irritated him to no end, always changing her damn mind! When they had something good going, she always seemed to ruin it with her damn feelings! Vegeta thought about the woman for a moment, furrowing his brows. She's damn stubborn. That little grudge she has against me is starting to get on my nerves, and she keeps pushing me away, every time I try to get close. Why am I putting up with it!? Why not just cut my loses and start fresh? He felt a pain in his chest at that thought. He was a little surprised the thought of touching another woman sort of put him off. He narrowed his eyes. I care for the woman, or else I wouldn't sleep with her! I wouldn't call it 'love' He grimaced at the word. Though I do care for her more than anyone else. Is it because she's carrying my child? The prince thought about that for a moment, finally shaking his head. No. I cared about her before I found out the boy was mine, so...Vegeta furrowed his brows, glancing at the closed doors again. The feel of her hand in his was still fresh in his mind. If she cares about me so much, she'll stay here. With me. He reasoned, sighing again and closing his eyes. If the woman loves me so much, she won't take our son up on his offer.
She entered the lab the following day, relieved that Vegeta had finally passed the critical stage. He was going to be fine, according to Trunks. The boy had came to her last night, letting her know that the man was awake, and seemed to be doing fine. She was actually looking forward to seeing the prince. Her hand came up and closed over the ring around her neck, absently fiddling with it as she went into the small room off the lab Bulma had turned into a ward. Trista came to a halt in the doorway. Vegeta wasn't there. She looked around, blinking in surprise at the man standing a few feet away, pulling on a glove. He didn't look up as she entered, just kept his back to the door, not even giving a response when she said his name. Trista shot a confused look at his back.
"Vegeta," she said again, her voice soft.
He didn't answer her, finally turning and straightening the other glove, not looking at her. He seemed to be ignoring her. Trista furrowed her brows, sighing a little. Now what!?
"Hey Vegeta," she took a step towards him, a small smile appearing when he finally looked up at her. The smile slid away at the look on his face. Trista felt something akin to fear slide down her spine. She studied the man in front of her. What the hell is wrong with him!? She absently clutched the necklace, her eyes roaming his features, sliding away at the hard look in his eyes.
"What's going on?" she whispered, swallowing. She wanted to take back the question all of a sudden, not wanting an answer. But on the other hand, she was dying to know what brought the change in him so fast. It was like overnight he had regressed to the person everybody said he was when he first came.
Vegeta seemed to glare at her, clenching his jaw. She hesitantly took a step forward when he didn't say anything. She got within a foot from him, and stopped. Trista stared up at the man, her brows furrowed. He acts like he doesn't even recognize me! What the hell!
"YooHoo! Vegeta!" she waved a hand in front of his face.
She gasped as he grabbed her wrist, his grip hard. His fingers tightened for a moment before he let go, flinging her arm away from him. Trista winced, rubbing the spot. She looked down, surprised there were bruises forming. Her head slowly came up, getting pissed that he could stand there and do that to her, when she had fucking fought to save his pathetic life! She watched him smirk as she glared at him, her eyes narrowing.
"What the fuck is wrong with you, Vegeta," she asked softly, her voice at odds with the look on her face.
"Why do you want to know? So you can bitch about it, then wander why I don't bother anymore!" Vegeta stated.
"What!" Trista screeched. All right! What the fuck is his problem!?
She crossed her arms, looking him up and down. "What the fuck is your problem?" she asked loudly, gritting her teeth when he turned his back to her. She took a step towards him. She never even saw him raise his arm. She went flying back, smacking the wall on the opposite side of the room. Oh my God! Did Vegeta just...Did he just hit me! She opened her eyes, watching in disbelief as he lowered his arm, his back turned to her, not even caring that she was hurt. She rubbed her jaw, knowing she was going to have a massive bruise there tomorrow, if not sooner. Trista stared at him, wide eyed for a moment, before she left. She went in search for her son.
She found him outside, sparring with Goku. She laied a hand on her jaw, wincing as she yelled for him to come down.
"Are you still going back?" she asked, once he landed in front of her. She grabbed his arm when he went to pass her, pure rage on his face. "Don't," Trista said softly, closing her eyes. She felt him tense.
"He fucking hit you, mom! And you're telling me not to go beat the shit out of him!?" Trunks looked at her in astonishment.
They didn't look over as Goku appeared beside her, gently extracting her hand. Trista winced, turning away. She could feel the rage coming off the two men.
"Just...don't," she said softly, a tear falling out of her eye.
She looked back over at her son. "If you're still leaving, I'm going with you."
"When do you want to leave?" Trunks asked quietly, his body shaking. He didn't look at her as she put a hand on his arm.
"Whenever you're ready," Trista stated, watching him look over at her out of the corner of his eye. He abruptly turned.
"Fine, let's go!" he stated, gently taking her arm. His eyes widened when he saw her wrist.
"What the hell!" he shouted, his gaze shooting to his mothers' face. He watched her sigh, wincing at the movement.
With a snarl, he ascended, moving before she could even stop him. Goku stood there, not even raising a hand to prevent him. He was furious too. The older saiyan looked at his friend, Bulma's best friend, and slowly shook his head.
"What the hell is Vegeta's problem?" he whispered, not expecting an answer.
"I don't know," Trista stated, closing her eyes. "Tell Bulma," she stopped, swallowing. "Tell Bulma she should come visit me sometime," she said, looking over at the good man beside her. She gave him a hug, moving back and after slightly hesitating, took the necklace from around her neck. She handed it to him.
"Could you make sure he gets this," Trista asked quietly, not looking at him.
Goku took it, knowing who she was referring to. He clenched it in his hand, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, hugging her.
"You take care of yourself, okay?" the saiyan said softly, moving back and watching her turn. She put two fingers to her forehead, glancing back at him.
"When Trunks gets done, tell him I'll be waiting."
She disappeared.
Goku looked at the necklace, the ring resting in his palm. He furrowed his brows. What the hell is wrong with Vegeta!?
He found him still in the lab. Trunks paused, his body shaking with pent up rage. He could feel his teeth clenching, his mouth aching at the action.
"What the hell is your problem!?" Trunks yelled, clenching his hands harder when the man didn't turn. He stepped further into the room, so mad that he thought he just might kill his father.
"I said, WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM!?"
The prince finally looked at him, glaring over his shoulder before turning fully. He was fiddling with one of the scouters Trunks mom had modified. He glanced up at the boy, returning his gaze after a moment to the object in his hand.
"What are you coming in here, screaming at me for boy?" Vegeta asked softly, not looking at him. He grunted when the scouter came on, pushing a few buttons before lifting it a little.
Trunks snatched it and shattered it in his hand, never taking his gaze off the prince.
"Why did you hurt mom?" Trunks asked softly, his voice deadly.
"What are you talking about?" Vegeta finally looked at him, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. They studied one another for a moment before Trunks spoke again.
"Why did you hit mom?" he snapped, taking another step closer to the older saiyan.
"Again, what are you talking about? I didn't hurt the woman!" Vegeta glared at the young man, slightly confused.
"Bullshit! You know damn good and well that she's human, and you fucking hit her, bruising her," Trunks yelled, shaking with the urge to pummel this man. If he hadn't just recovered from a heart virus, he would have already beat the shit out of him!
"She took that serum, she's fine. And I didn't hit her, just pushed her away from me a little."
"First off, DAD! The serum isn't in her anymore, and second, just pushed her my ass! She has a massive bruise on her jaw, and her wrist!"
He watched in surprise as confusion crossed his fathers face, looking off towards the wall for a moment. The man's eyes widened. Trunks followed his gaze. There was an indention in the wall, the plaster crumbled, bits and pieces littering the floor. He watched his father's face go ashen, a small gasp escaping him. The man stared at the wall for a moment, before he abruptly started towards the doors. Trunks appeared in front of him, crossing his arms.
"Get out of my way, boy!"
He didn't say anything, just narrowed his eyes even more.
Vegeta tried to go around him, but he moved, blocking him. The prince snarled in outrage.
"Move the fuck out of my way!" he shouted, his arms coming up to his sides.
Trunks watched his father, not budging as the man powered up. "No," he stated, watching some emotion cross the man's face. His eyes widened when he realized it was regret.
"You're not hurting mom again," Trunks stated softly, blocking the man from leaving again. "We're leaving. I hope you have a good life."
He pivoted on his heel, going through the doors. Trunks halted as Vegeta stopped him, grabbing his arm and flinging him against the wall.
"What the fuck are you talking about, you're leaving!?" The prince shouted, his eyes snapping.
Trunks sighed, crossing his arms, not giving the man an answer. He started walking away again. Vegeta appeared in front of him, blocking him in much the same way he just did.
"Where the hell are you taking the woman and my child?" the prince asked, his voice low.
Trunks studied him for a moment before speaking. "Your child! I thought you didn't want the half-breed!? And don't worry about where we're going, you won't be missed!"
He stalked away, feeling the damn man follow him.
They ran into Goku outside, the prince stepping away from him at the look in the taller saiyans eyes. Goku glared at Vegeta, his teeth gritting so hard the others could here it. He didn't say anything though, just thrust his hand out to the prince. When Vegeta laid his hand out, palm up, Goku let the necklace fall into his hand. As soon as the prince closed his hand around it, Goku swung. Trunks watched dispassionately as his father went flying back, smashing into the training pod.
"I didn't mean to, dammit!" Vegeta snapped, once he finally crawled out of the rubble. "I didn't know she didn't have the serum in her!"
Goku glared at him for a moment, his jaw clenching. "That's no excuse," he stated quietly, gently pulling Bulma away from the man when she came running up. They heard her asked Goku what was going on, but didn't hear his answer.
Trunks watched his father grimace, not helping him when he stumbled. He was obviously still a little weak. With a sound of disgust, he whirled away, walking a little before putting two fingers to his forehead. He focused on his mothers ki, and right before he disappeared, he felt the bastard put his hand on his shoulder. Shit!
They appeared on the same island everything started for her. She looked up as she heard her son appear. Her eyes widened.
"Why the fuck did you bring him!?" she yelled, watching as Trunks shrugged him off, throwing him a dirty look.
"I didn't," he snapped, glaring at the man. "He hitched right before I was leaving."
Vegeta didn't respond, didn't seem to hear anything Trunks was saying as he stared wide eyed at Trista. His eyes went to the meaty bruise on her jaw, sucking in a breath. He took a step forward, but paused when she took a step back, swallowing. She was looking at something on him, a second went by before he realized she was looking at his fists. Oh God!
"Trista," he whispered, swallowing.
She took another step back from him, watching him warily. He felt his gut clench. His eyes went back to her jaw.
"I didn't know I did that," he stated softly, his eyes never leaving her face as he walked slowly towards her, something in him breaking when she flinched as he raised his hand. He hesitated for a moment, before gently running his thumb over the bruise, trying to meet her eyes. She refused to look at him, baring his touch for a moment before moving away.
"Come on Trunks. It's time to go!" Trista said, not looking back as the prince made a gurgled sound.
Trunks watched his father's face turn ashen again, terror blanketing his features. He didn't say anything, glancing at the bruise on his mother's face.
"You can't," Vegeta choked out, taking a step forward.
"Why not!?" Trista snapped, not looking at him. "You've made it clear you don't want me here, so why bother staying!?"
Trunks eyed his parents, slowly taking out the capsule containing his time machine. He hesitated before deploying it.
"Mom," he said softly. He waited until she looked over at him. "Dad said he didn't realize he shoved you away so hard. You never told him the serum was out of your body." He saw his father nod his head, sucking in a breath.
Trista stared at her son, her eyes widening a little. "Trunks," she said softly. She paused for a moment, before her face scrunched up. "He shouldn't have hit me in the first place!" she shouted, glaring at the man behind her.
"I didn't realize I did woman," Vegeta said softly, walking up to her. He put his hand on her shoulder, only to have her knock it off. She walked away from him.
"You know what!" Trista said loudly, studying her son. "I have a better idea. Why don't me and you go back to my world!"
Trunks eyes widened, staring at his mom for a second before slowly nodding.
They made a move to go into the time machine. Trista was suddenly jerked to a stop. She looked down. Vegeta was on his knees in front of her, his arms wrapped around her middle. He had his face buried in her stomach.
Trunks eyes widened. He'd never seen his father like that! He watched, a little amused, as his mother kept her hands in the air, not sure where to put them. Vegeta stayed where he was, not moving. No one said anything for several minutes.
"Uh, Vegeta," Trista flushed, looking down at him. "Move!"
Trunks saw his father tighten his hold, not saying anything. The memory of him doing almost the exact same thing came back to him, and he almost laughed. Trista glared at him, noticing the amusement in his eyes.
"Get him off me," she stated, narrowing her brows.
Vegeta growled when Trunks took a step forward. "Touch me and die," the man stated, not lifting his head from Trista's stomach.
"Vegeta! Dammit! Move!"
Trunks could tell his mom didn't want to touch the man, still pissed from earlier. But it was still comical to see, the prince on his knees in front his mother, his mom waving her hands in the air like she's being arrested. Vegeta finally moved back the tiniest bit. He studied the woman looking down at him.
"Promise you won't leave and I'll let go," he stated, watching her like a hawk.
Trista winced, looking away. She kept silent. Trunks heard his father grunt, returning his head to its prior position. He sighed, clicking the capsule and returning the machine to the compact. He shoved it back into his pocket, looking around for a rock to sit on. It's gonna be a long night!
A/N: My favorite line in this whole chapter is when Vegeta said: 'Touch me and die'. Oh Man! I thought that was hilarious!
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