Tangled Up in Blue
Disclaimers: I do not own DBZ/GT; credit to Majin_Angel_Chan for the concept of Planet Souljin and some future characters, but majority of OC's are mine.
Author's Note: It goes without saying the support has been overwhelming and I am beyond grateful for everyone who has said a kind word in a review or even left kudos. For those who are just quietly reading along, know I appreciate you too! Sorry this chapter took a bit longer—it's been a crazy month so far. The good news is most of my story board is complete, so now it's just a matter of getting everything put together! Thank you all again for the encouragement.
Also! As a fun little companion, I created a Spotify playlist for "Tangled Up in Blue" that I am happy to share! It's a mix of songs that fit either by sound or title, chapter titles, or just some old favorites. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4: Second Best
The sunlight flickered its golden rays into Marron's bedroom, illuminating the apartment with gilded light. Trunks stirred, eyes closed, as the daylight crossed paths with his face. Situated in the queen-sized bed, the younger Saiyan prince's arm was draped over the edge. Slowly, he lifted his languorous gaze, his focus coming back. He groaned as he stretched his bare arms, suddenly taking note of the pink bedding that was so unlike his own at home.
And then it hit him where he was and what transpired the night before…
Trunks immediately shot up in a panic, turning to face his friend, only to find she was not in bed beside him. His labored breathing steadied while he reflected on the evening.
He slept with Marron.
Marron. The noseless wonder, well former noseless wonder, he corrected himself. How mercilessly he used to tease her for that as a child. Hell, he still teased her mercilessly. But something shifted even before they ended up in bed together; when she was a teenager and sprouted multiple body parts (nose included) Trunks was not blind to it. In fact, it was hard not to notice her radiance every time she entered a room. Her sunny hair and disposition brightened even the darkest of times for him.
He never dared to tell her this. The banter and mild flirting were ways to keep his affections at bay, always skating the line without ever having to make the leap of faith over it.
So, he teased, he scoffed, he chided—everything he learned by observing his father in the formative years of his life. Though Vegeta softened over time, Trunks was never able to effectively reconcile how to process his feelings as a man. For the most part, he dodged any avenues of emotional intimacy, instead settling for the rare one-night stand to satiate his needs. He hadn't had a serious girlfriend in years, if ever. Yet, deep down, he knew he craved more.
And there she was…
The spark between them had been undeniable. Trunks had been drawn to Marron's confidence, her quick wit, and her alluring presence. He had found himself captivated by the woman he knew from childhood, and he couldn't deny the pull he had felt towards the blonde.
As the night had progressed, their inhibitions lowered, and their bodies gravitated towards each other once permission was had. Trunks remembered the rush of emotions as he held her close, the way her soft lips tasted against his, and how their forms had intertwined with a passionate urgency. Enchanted by the feel of her skin, Trunks venerated the way she had responded to his touch, how it moved perfectly in sync with his.
The hybrid recalled how he was overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, utterly consumed by the desire to make her feel good, to please her in every way he could. And when they had finally given in to their desires, Trunks had been mesmerized by the sight of Marron, her body glistening with sweat, her eyes filled with a mixture of pleasure and vulnerability.
Running his hand through his hair, Trunks let out a sigh. It had been an amazing night, but he couldn't help but feel as though their actions were about to open a huge can of worms. Not only were they friends, they were best friends. The only person closer to each of them was Goten. Trunks' face blanched thinking about how Goten would never let them live it down. And then there was Bulla—Marron was also one of her closest confidants. How awkward would that be to be dating a sibling's best friend?
Even though the physical chemistry with Marron was there, on top of their evident compatibility, Trunks worried that taking things to the next level would only further complicate things. No matter how much he desired her, bodily and mentally, the logistics of going from friends to something more frightened him more than any villain he faced.
Trunks heard an unpleasant gagging sound coming from the bathroom and realized where Marron had run off to. Another painful noise echoed out behind the door, and he winced at her misfortune. Trunks felt a smidgen of guilt at the amount of alcohol he prompted the blonde to drink. It never affected him in the same way, but he tended to forget that tolerances for humans were far lower than Saiyans. He put on his underwear and went to grab a glass of water for her in the kitchen while she dealt with her sickness.
…
Marron retched into the porcelain throne before her, mortified at how helpless she was to the previous night's alcoholic version of revenge. It was an all too sobering reminder of how she couldn't hold her liquor well. She was amazed she even made it this long without puking her guts out, but the blonde was thankful Kami spared her the humiliation of heaving all over Trunks.
Trunks!
As she wiped her mouth, still languishing over the toilet, Marron's cheeks reddened as she recalled the passion-fueled night. The memories were a blur of laughter, stolen kisses, and heated moments. She remembered the feel of his lips on hers, the electricity that had coursed through her body as he had caressed her skin, and the way he whispered her name in her ear.
But now, in the harsh light of the morning after, Marron couldn't help but feel embarrassed and ashamed hanging over the toilet. She had let herself get carried away by her feelings for Trunks, and now she was paying the price. Her head throbbed, her stomach churned, and she felt a deep sense of regret for letting things go so far.
With a heavy sigh, Marron flushed the toilet and stood up slowly, feeling weak and shaky. She splashed her face with cold water, hoping it would help her sober up. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she noticed her disheveled appearance; her makeup smudged, hair a mess. The blonde felt a mixture of self-pity and disappointment in herself.
"So much for shooting your shot," Marron groaned to only herself. Just the thought of a shot caused her to turn green and return to the toilet once more.
A knock on the door was barely heard over a second flush when Marron was finally finished.
The queasy blonde straightened herself up as best as she could, taking deep breaths to steady her nausea. She opened the door to find Trunks standing there with a glass of water in hand, a sweet yet concerned look on his face.
"Hey, you okay?" Trunks asked gently, holding out the glass of water to Marron. "I should have remembered you don't handle your liquor as well as Saiyans do."
Marron took the glass with a weak smile, grateful for Trunks' thoughtfulness. She took a sip of water, swishing it in her mouth before spitting it out and rinsing her mouth. "I'll be fine," she murmured, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. "Thank you for the water."
Her shirtless companion nodded, his expression softening. "I'm sorry if I pushed you too hard," he said sincerely.
Marron shook her head, feeling a wave of warmth towards Trunks despite her hangover. "No, it's not your fault," she said, reaching out to touch his arm briefly. "I wanted to let loose, too."
Trunks smiled, relieved that Marron didn't blame him. They stared at each other in silence for a minute, both quietly reflecting on their own thoughts. The silence started to become too much for the heir, who needed to get things off his chest.
"Well," Trunks awkwardly began again, "last night was…different."
He saw her face fall and instantly regretted his choice of words. The lavender-haired man put his hands up in protest. "No, no!" Trunks rambled trying to find something better to say. "Not like bad different, I just meant—"
"Different for us," Marron resolved for him.
"Exactly," he agreed. The younger Saiyan prince exhaled a deep sigh that had been forming far too long in his lungs. "It was actually a lot of fun," he confessed. An image of a naked Marron writhing beneath him flashed across his memory, causing him to blush.
Marron must have had the same vision, he thought, as her coloring also deepened. "You were um," the blonde bit her lip before resuming, "very attentive."
Her arm rested across her bosom; nipples still sore from an all too eager mouth.
Trunks felt a jolt of excitement shoot through him at her words, but he tried to play it cool. "Well, I always aim to please," he said with a small grin. "And you seemed quite...appreciative," his voice tinged with amusement and a hint of flirtation.
Marron blushed even more, but she couldn't deny the fire that still existed between them. "I can't believe we're talking about this," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Trunks smirked, feeling more comfortable now that they were being honest with each other. "Yeah, it's definitely not our usual topic of conversation," he said, his eyes locking with hers.
Marron placed the now empty glass of water on the bathroom counter. "So, what now?" she asked, unsure of how to proceed. Her heart thumped in anticipation. Would this be the beginning of a long hidden fantasy of hers, or was everything ruined?
"We'll just chock it up to the alcohol," Trunks answered with a grin. He tried to appear like his usual confident self, but it was all show at this point. However, this was lost on his companion, who took the prince at his word.
Marron's smile slowly lowered as he spoke. Of course, she mused, I'm so stupid—of course he just sees this as a one-night stand.
"Right, the alcohol…" she spoke slowly.
"Could happen to anyone."
"Yeah…" Marron agreed, "anyone."
Trunks noticed the shift in the mood. He touched Marron's shoulder once more and offered a thoughtful smile. "Still best friends?" Trunks asked her with a sweet stroke of his thumb.
Best friends. Just friends.
"Always best friends," Marron promised him gently. She hoped he was unable to detect the hint of sadness that accompanied her answer, but she did notice his eyes flicker. Her companion cleared his throat.
"Speaking of best friends," Trunks continued, "let's keep this between us, alright?" he said, his tone serious. "Especially from Goten. He'd never let us hear the end of it."
Though Marron wasn't exactly rushing to tell her other best friend she and Trunks had intercourse, the keeping it a secret part only solidified her thoughts. She was a shameful secret the heir of the Briefs empire couldn't afford. More than that, it solidified the fact that Trunks didn't see the night the same way she did.
Still Marron nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "Agreed," she said, trying to hide her disappointment behind a façade of nonchalance. Her face burned, attempting to keep hot tears inside. Marron brisked past Trunks on the way to her kitchen hoping he couldn't make out her expression.
"I'll make some breakfast," she quietly confirmed with a bow.
"Marron, you don't have to—"
"Nonsense," the blonde gave a weak smile, "can't let you leave on an empty stomach."
Trunks returned the grin as his stomach rumbled loudly. "You know me too well, Mare."
She paused momentarily in the doorway before leaving. "I believe I do, Mr. Briefs."
"So, what happened after I left?"
Goten was on his mobile phone in the middle of a vast field, close to a babbling brook and nestled near the mountains of his childhood. It was a beautiful place to train, and the day couldn't have been more beautiful. While awaiting Bulla's arrival, he called Trunks to see how the rest of the evening went for him.
"Eh, uneventful…" the man on the other line said imperceptibly.
"You just dropped her off and left?"
"Yeah, I mean no, I made sure she got into her apartment okay…"
"But you didn't…stay?"
"Goten, what are you implying?"
"I'm just saying. I caught a vibe."
"The only vibe you caught was me defending a friend. If those guys smacked your ass instead, I would have done the same."
"My hero," Goten cooed mockingly.
"Shut up."
He snickered at his friend's frustration. In the distance, a form flying towards him caught his eye and the demi-Saiyan couldn't help but grin. Even far away, he recognized that blue hair anywhere. "Trunks, I'll talk to you soon. My client just arrived."
"Working on a Sunday—you drew the short straw," Trunks replied on the line.
Goten saw Bulla wave as she approached, which he returned happily. "It's not so bad," he told Trunks, observing his sister carefully, "I don't mind this one."
"If it's a chick, just try not to shit where you eat. Believe me, not worth it."
He choked immediately at the implication of his friend's words, startling Trunks on the other end. "Geeze, you okay there?"
"Yeah," Goten coughed, trying his darndest to not sound too suspicious. "Just inhaled too quickly," he attempted to explain, "but I'm okay. I really do have to go though."
"Cool, man. I'll catch you later."
As Bulla touched the ground, she was smiling up at the older man closing his phone. Goten took an interest in her black spandex clad figure. Somewhat like Vegeta's training gear, Bulla was wearing a shorter version that showed off her toned legs. Her hair pulled up in a high ponytail, giving Goten a perfect view of her unblemished face. It struck him she rarely put it up, and he had to admit he enjoyed being able to see every curve of her countenance.
"Welcome princess," Goten greeted with a small bow. A snicker escaped his lips as she playfully shoved him.
"Someone looks surprisingly well-rested despite a late night out," Bulla declared impressed.
"Thankfully, I didn't drink as much as your brother and Marron," Goten divulged, showing off a cheeky grin.
"Must have," she responded, "I didn't even see Trunks at breakfast this morning. He's gotta be passed out still."
Goten took note of that detail; Trunks was usually never one to miss a free meal at the Capsule Corp. main house, especially breakfast. Perhaps he had slept in…or perhaps, Goten's original suspicions were correct. He resolved to get to the bottom of those details soon.
"Alright Sensei Goten," Bulla began changing the topic, "so how's this gonna work? Are we just gonna fight each other until my ability randomly activates?"
"Whoa, hold on tiger," he kidded, "not quite there yet."
She raised an eyebrow, as if that wasn't the whole point of the training.
"Let's start with the basics so I can get a sense of your abilities."
Goten sat down on the grass, legs crossed, and gestured for Bulla to join him. She hesitated but followed his lead, sitting down with her shapely legs crossed as well. He placed his hands below hers, and she felt a tingling sensation where their skin touched.
"When I first learned to fly, this was an exercise Gohan worked on with me—"
"Well, you just saw me fly. Do I need to still do this part?"
"Do you ask Vegeta all these questions?"
The heiress conceded with a smile. "Fair point," she stated, "continue please."
"Okay, where was I?" he questioned a bit disoriented.
"Ki."
"Ah, thank you—yes, let's work on your ki control," Goten said, his voice calm and soothing. "Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, as slowly as you can, and then exhale gradually."
Bulla did as she was instructed, closing her eyes, and taking deep breaths. She tried to clear her mind and focus on her breathing, but she couldn't help but feel conscious of Goten's presence so close to her. She could feel the warmth of his hands beneath hers, and it sent a shiver down her spine.
Meanwhile, Goten was doing his best to concentrate on the task at hand, but he found himself stealing glances at Bulla. Her serene expression, the way her lashes fanned against her skin, and the slight flush on her cheeks made her look even more beautiful to him. He quickly shook his head, trying to push away the distracting thoughts.
Bulla opened one of her eyes, trying to sneak a look, and she caught the older halfling looking at her. She reddened, feeling self-conscious, and quickly averted her gaze. Goten cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Okay, now try to channel your energy and maintain a steady flow," Goten said, endeavoring to regain his composure.
Bulla nodded, focusing on her ki, and trying to follow Goten's instructions. She could feel the energy coursing through her, and she was determined to improve her ki control. She opened her eyes and looked at Goten. Despite his best efforts, he was watching her attentively.
"How am I doing?" Bulla asked, her voice soft.
Goten smiled. "You're doing great, Bulla. Your ki control has improved even just in these last few minutes," he praised.
Bulla beamed with pride at Goten's compliment. She was grateful for his guidance and encouragement, and it motivated her to push herself further. She could feel her confidence growing as she continued to channel her energy, maintaining a steady flow of ki.
"Thanks, Goten. I'm really trying," Bulla replied, her resolve evident in her voice.
Goten nodded, impressed with Bulla's progress already. He could see the willpower in her eyes, and it fueled his own desire to help her improve even more.
"Nice work, Bulla. Now, let's take it a step further," Goten said, taking a step back to create some distance between them. "Let's practice some basic strikes and blocks. Remember to focus your ki into your attacks and defenses."
Bulla nodded, eager to put her newfound control to the test. She followed Goten's lead as they began to spar, exchanging punches and kicks. Bulla was quick and agile, using her ki to enhance her movements and strikes. Goten was impressed with her speed and precision, and he had to step up his game to keep up with her.
Then she went on the attack.
He expected her to be skilled, but he wasn't prepared for the ferocity with which she fought.
Bulla wasted no time, charging at Goten with incredible speed. She unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks, her movements fluid and powerful. Goten was shocked by her intensity and had to quickly react to block her blows.
If there had been any doubt about Bulla's relation to Vegeta, it was quashed instantly as her leg swept Goten's shins for a low blow, knocking him flat on his back.
The little shit.
"Alright let's take five," Goten panted, hands on his knees.
Bulla joined in with heaving breaths of her own, attempting to stretch out the soreness she was feeling in her muscles. "Fine by me," she admitted a little too freely.
After nearly three hours straight of nonstop sparring, the two hybrids needed the rest. They both went to their respective bags to quench their thirst.
As Goten drank a huge gulp of water, he couldn't help but chuckle, catching Bulla's attention.
"What's so funny?" she asked, still exhaling heavily.
A small grin appeared on his face. "I didn't expect you to be giving me a run for my money," Goten confessed.
Bulla snorted. "Please," she began, "you've barely broken a sweat."
"Yeah?" he retorted with his smile turning into a smirk. The older hybrid removed his tank top soaked with perspiration revealing his perfect torso, beads of sweat forming on the abdominal muscles. His taut pectorals caused the heiress to inhale sharply. It took everything within Bulla's power to not gawk and stare at the gorgeous specimen before her.
"What do you call this then?"
Goten tossed the perspiring tank at Bulla, prompting an explicit groan of disgust from the princess.
"EW!" she screamed, smacking the garment on the ground, much to the older demi-Saiyan's amusement. As he laughed, Bulla's eyes became daggers. "You're such a boy, Goten!" the younger woman insisted.
"Pft, boy—that's all man, Bulla," Goten winked at her, inciting a confusing mix of annoyance and desire within the girl.
The bluette rolled her eyes in her attempt to remain unbothered. "Man-child, perhaps," she countered, only causing Goten to laugh even more.
"So easy to get you riled up," he teased as he took another sip of water. "Definitely a Briefs," Goten continued.
Before Bulla could respond with a witty counterremark, a ring hummed from Goten's cell phone. The dark-haired man grabbed his device to see Valese's name flash across the screen, as did Bulla who discreetly took a sip of water, all while keeping her eyes peeled in interest. She felt a small pang of jealousy emerging inside of her but attempted to keep it wedged down within. Goten paused as his phone lit up but shook his head and let it go to voicemail. This caught Bulla by surprise. Part of her was compelled to remain silent, but ever her father's daughter, she wanted to say her piece.
"You know," she began, "you could've taken the call. I don't mind."
Goten's eyebrow raised in confusion. "Mind what?" he wondered.
"If you wanted to talk to your girlfriend."
"My girlfriend?"
His eyebrows now furrowed, more bewildered than ever. Suddenly, dark orbs sparkled in realization to what Bulla was referring to. "Oh that," Goten muttered looking at his phone. The ebony-haired man set his cell down back near his things. "Not my girlfriend anymore. Valese and I broke up months ago, B-Chan. You remember."
The princess froze. She remembered alright. She remembered how Goten showed up drunk at her brother's place, lovelorn and incoherent. It took everything within her that night to not pile on Valese and instead, Bulla listened to his heartbreak and acted as a confidant. Seeing him so torn broke her, and ever since she overheard Trunks and Goten's conversation in the hallway, all she could think about was how upset he was that moment months earlier.
She never wanted him to feel that way again.
"Goten, it's okay," Bulla started off, "I heard you and Trunks talking about it last night."
Now he was confused again. "I'm not following," Goten confessed.
"I'm not naïve, Goten," she answered, "but maybe I'm mistaken. Could be a hookup thing instead."
"Bulla, what are you talking about…"
"I heard Trunks say, and I quote, 'Valese put it all in her fucking mouth'— now I don't know about you but that sounds an awful lot like a blow—"
"Kami, Bulla!" Goten exclaimed, horrified at the words coming out of her mouth. His deep flush confirmed his embarrassment at not only her candidness, but the sheer misread of the situation.
"What?" her teal eyes shone in half-curiosity and half-annoyance at being interrupted.
"You shouldn't talk like that," Goten reproached turning redder than before.
"I'm just repeating what Trunks said," she alleged casually.
"Not just that part but," the elder hybrid couldn't even finish his sentence. He didn't want to restate what she almost said. Goten emitted a faint sigh. "Bulla, I was talking to Trunks about Valese not knowing how to eat a popsicle. Get your head out of the gutter and please never go into the gutter again!"
The princess almost didn't believe him. "A popsicle?" she deliberated.
"Yes, I hung out with Valese last week. Platonically. We got popsicles. She…well, she didn't know how to eat it and instead of licking it…"
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Bulla rolled her eyes once more at the lunacy of it all. Valese wasn't exactly a Rhodes scholar but still. She paused to look him head on. "So, you aren't…back together?"
"No, we aren't."
"And you're not banging each other?"
"Bulla, stop—"
There was a small flicker of amusement on Bulla's end knowing Goten was blushing furiously at her words. He looked a bit angry, which she found endearing. Still, the heiress was unperturbed. "Goten, why would you hang out with an ex that's broken your heart multiple times if you aren't dating or sleeping together?"
Goten was almost determined not to answer the bluette out of irritation for her candor. Unbeknownst to her, the demi-Saiyan man was fighting off a certain stiffness courtesy of the princess' colorful vocabulary as well as her sweltering form. However, her straightforward gaze into his own eyes saw the seriousness of her question. Bulla brought up a good point, one that both Trunks and Marron had both said to him as well, but her directness prompted Goten to really analyze his situation.
"It's complicated."
It was the truth, though Bulla didn't seem too pleased with the response.
"Complicated?" the bluette repeated.
Goten grew a bit exasperated with her line of questioning. He dealt with it from Trunks, from Marron, from everyone else in his life…the last thing he wanted to hear it from was the woman who had been making his head spin for the last month.
"Adult relationships are complicated sometimes, Bulla."
This caused her stare to darken immediately.
"I'm an adult, Goten," she derided, almost needing to verbalize that fact for the both of them to realize it. The heiress didn't want to say it aloud, feeling like acknowledging made her seem younger for doing so, but he wasn't giving her much of a choice. A flash of her parents' temperament flared. "Don't patronize me," Bulla commanded.
Goten was taken aback but her sudden shift in tone. Though he was tired of the prying, the elder half-Saiyan had no intention of offending her. His face fell when he noticed he had.
"Sorry, Bulla. I didn't mean it in that way," Goten responded, "not trying to patronize. Honest."
She softened her glare immediately. Bulla sighed at his gentle reply. "I'm sorry," the bluette apologized as well. "Everyone still thinks of me as this kid," she continued, "I get a bit defensive about it."
"You? Defensive?"
Her companion laughed as she smacked his arm. "Kidding, kidding—" he insisted. He felt the grip on his arm loosen but remained around him. Goten observed Bulla's expression downcast still. "Bulla?"
"Goten," Bulla spoke softly, "I know I have no business having an opinion on what you do with your life, but please; don't get back together with her."
"B-Chan, I'm not back together—"
"I know you say that now," Bulla continued, "but what happens when you're lonely? When you're sad? Will you leave that door open?"
Goten was astonished by her ability to read the situation for what it was. An option.
The younger hybrid could see what he couldn't— that he was keeping the door open, just in case. It was something he hadn't even acknowledged himself yet.
"Bulla…"
"I understand being lonely, Goten—really I do."
Her eyes dimmed as the confession left her lips. "But I promise you that you have friends and family that care. You've come so far since your breakup, whether or not you realize it. I just would hate for you to not be able to move on."
Goten was surprised by Bulla's maturity and insight. He looked at her, his eyes filled with admiration.
"You're right," he said quietly, "I do have friends and family who care about me. I'm so grateful for that."
He pulled her into a tight embrace, and Bulla was taken aback for a moment. She didn't expect this level of affection from him. But then she relaxed in his embrace, feeling the comfort of his sturdy arms around her and the strength of his bare chest. The latter part making her head spin.
"Thank you," he whispered, "for reminding me of that. You really are an adult now, Bulla. And a wise one at that."
Bulla felt a sense of validation from Goten's words. She had always felt like she had to prove herself to be taken seriously as an adult. But now, she felt like Goten truly saw her as one.
"Thank you," she replied, "that means a lot coming from you."
They held onto each other for a moment longer before finally pulling away. Goten smiled at her, and Bulla returned the gesture.
"I think we can call it quits for today's session," he said, "it's getting late."
The bluette nodded in agreement. "So, does this mean we'll keep doing this?" Bulla asked.
Goten smirked. "As if that was ever in question," he said in a low voice. His eyes twinkled amused. "I still need to see what else you can do."
She chuckled, realizing that this first day they didn't even get to Super Saiyan training. "I guess you'll find out," Bulla answered with a grin.
"Suppose I will," Goten returned, eyeing her curiously.
-=-=-=-
One week later…
A week later, Goten and Bulla resumed their training in the fields near Mount Paozu.
Goten was impressed by Bulla's resilience. She was putting up a tough fight, using her speed and agility to keep up with him. He could see her improving in real-time, adapting her moves and strategies based on his feedback. He was proud of her progress and couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at having such a formidable sparring partner.
Bulla, on the other hand, was enjoying the challenge. She had always been competitive and sparring with Goten pushed her to push herself harder than ever before. She was determined to prove herself as a capable fighter, showcasing her skills and making the most of the opportunity to spar with someone as experienced as Goten.
The energy in the field crackled with intensity as the two half-Saiyans continued their exchange of blows. Goten launched a series of rapid punches, which Bulla swiftly dodged, countering with a roundhouse kick that Goten narrowly avoided. They moved with lightning speed, their movements a blur.
"Nice moves, Bulla!" Goten called out, impressed by her dexterity.
Bulla grinned, her sapphire eyes shining with determination. "Thanks, Goten! I'm just getting started!"
Their spar continued, with Bulla unleashing her full potential. She replicated some of her father's signature moves, delivering powerful kicks and punches with precision.
Goten, in turn, used his experience and skill to counter Bulla's attacks, deflecting her blows with well-timed blocks and launching his own offensive strikes. He was amazed by Bulla's advancement, but he also knew that he had to give his best to keep up with her.
As they battled on, Goten noticed Bulla's focus, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had known her since she was a child and seeing her grow into a capable fighter was truly impressive. Though he knew that Bulla had faced challenges and struggles, she was showing resilience and strength.
At one point, Bulla managed to catch Goten off guard with a swift uppercut, sending him flying back. Goten recovered quickly, a grin spreading across his face as he realized she drew a small amount of blood. "You're definitely a hellcat, Bulla," he said, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.
Bulla smirked, her chest heaving from the exertion of the intense spar. "Gotta keep you on your toes, Goten," she retorted, her eyes sparking with purpose.
They charged at each other again, their fists colliding with force. The sound of their punches echoed through the field as they continued to exchange blows, pushing each other to their limits.
As the spar came to an end, both Goten and Bulla were breathing heavily, their bodies covered in sweat. They stood facing each other, their gazes locked, a mutual respect and admiration shining in their eyes.
"That was incredible, Bulla," Goten said, a genuine smile on his face. "Hard to believe you've only been doing this a year."
She panted as she beamed back at him. "Trying to make up for lost time," she admitted.
Goten wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking back at Bulla. "You know, I think you're ready to start working on the Super Saiyan technique," he said, his voice full of confidence.
"Oh?" she asked, her tone disbelieving. "Are we really going to finally practice what you promised?"
"Patience Bulla, you act like you aren't working with a professional. I know what I'm doing."
"You sure about that?"
Goten nodded with a wry chuckle. "Yeah, I'm sure. But before we get started, I want you to observe me in my Super Saiyan form. Watch how I channel my energy and control my ki. It'll give you an idea of what you need to do."
He took a deep breath as he closed his eyes before unleashing a channeled yell to power up. Goten demonstrated his mastered ability, his aura flaring up and his features changing as he tapped into his strength. The ever-familiar golden light surrounding him and his hair spiking up. Bulla watched in awe, taking in every detail of his transformation. She could see the immense power radiating from him, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
"Wow Goten," Bulla exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. "You make it look so effortless."
Goten grinned, enjoying the praise. "Thanks, Bulla. It's taken me a while to master this form, but I'm pretty comfortable now."
Bulla couldn't help but notice how handsome the other hybrid looked with his spiky golden hair and intense green eyes. She felt a flutter in her chest, her cheeks tinted with a light blush. She had always found Goten attractive but seeing him as a Super Saiyan made her heart skip a beat.
Goten noticed Bulla's reaction and his grin widened, deciding to have some fun. "You like what you see?" he teased, waggling his eyebrows playfully.
Bulla rolled her eyes, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Don't get cocky, Goten. It's just impressive to see your power in action."
Goten chuckled, the sound making Bulla's heart skip another beat. He then became serious and asked, "So, tell me…what usually happens when you turn Super Saiyan? Do you have any control over it?"
Bulla looked away, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Not yet. It's not something I can control like you can. It usually happens based on my emotions."
Goten nodded in understanding. "Emotions can be a powerful trigger for the Super Saiyan transformation. What typically sparks it for you?"
Bulla bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before answering.
"Well, it's usually anger or frustration. But it's not something I can activate on my own. It just happens when I'm really worked up."
Her face lowered, disappointed in her lack of finesse and discipline. Goten's expression softened at her displeasure, and he reached out to place a comforting hand on Bulla's shoulder. "I understand. It can be tough when you're not in control of your own power."
Bulla looked up at him, grateful for his understanding. "Yeah, it can be. But I'll keep trying."
Goten smiled reassuringly. "I believe in you, Bulla. I'm sure you'll master it in no time."
Bulla felt a heat spread through her chest at Goten's encouragement. She glanced at him, and for a moment, their eyes locked. When his eyes were in their green state, they had an extra air of intensity—especially when they focused in on her. Bulla found herself drawn to him, and though she couldn't know for sure, she sensed that he felt something for her too.
"I have an idea," Goten suddenly said, breaking the silence. "Why don't you try tapping into a specific emotion or memory that makes you angry or bothered? It might help you activate the Super Saiyan form even when you're not feeling that way."
Bulla considered Goten's suggestion, nodding slowly. "That's actually a good idea. I'll give it a try."
She stood back from her companion, momentarily emptying her mind in order to focus.
What made her the angriest?
Though she was frustrated by whatever hold Valese had on Goten, anger didn't seem to be the right emotion for that. It wasn't like she wanted to punch her (okay, maybe a little nudge – she acknowledged to herself) and in her brief encounters with the woman, she was pleasant enough.
Being in the shadow of her family was also irritating, but she wasn't mad with them for it either, if anything it was disappointment with herself for feeling that way.
Her eyes drifted towards the sweet Son once more, the man that she so admired. He was silently cheering her on in his own way, waiting for her to show what she could do. Goten's smile was enough to make her melt into a puddle where she stood. His kind heart, the way he looked at her as if no one else was around—she never batted an eyelash at anyone else.
And suddenly, something shifted.
For the princess, the gold standard was and always would be Goten. She never set out to lock eyes only on him, but Bulla couldn't help it. How could she ever want another person when he looked at her that way? When others looked at her in a much different way.
In her younger teenage years, boys her age would call her a prude or a tease because she didn't sleep around. At that point, the heiress resigned herself to waiting for Goten, so Bulla wasn't as bothered by those comments, nor those boys. It was nothing compared to her teachers that ogled her from high above to catch a glimpse of her cleavage. Or the men that would catcall her on the way home from school, the mall; wherever she went, her beauty seemed to bring her more misfortune than joy.
She could break any human in half if she wanted to, but she rarely wanted to. Except in those moments when she'd be pressed on in a crowd, inconspicuously enough for the perpetrators in question, to rub against her side. Those were the moments where instead of punching someone, she'd take off with inhuman speed to get away; it never mattered where she would go, anywhere that wasn't there.
All she would ever be to them—to so many others—was a ticket. An object. A fantasy.
No one ever really saw her, the real her. No one, except him.
Bulla closed her eyes, her fists clenched in anger as memories of past encounters with lewd and disrespectful men flooded her mind. The memories of feeling objectified and degraded, like a mere piece of meat, fueled her resolve. She could feel her blood boiling, her aura crackling with energy. Golden sparks danced around her as her normally blue aura flickered with a bright yellow hue. Bulla tapped into her power, briefly transforming into a Super Saiyan, her hair standing on end and her eyes blazing with determination.
Goten's eyes widened in amazement as he watched Bulla's transformation. He had never seen her face while in Super Saiyan form, only catching a glimpse of her backside when they were in the gravity room. The half-Saiyan felt his heartbeat increase, in awe of her strength and beauty. As stunning as she was in the new coloring, he couldn't help but miss her bluish features.
The gilded version of her remained for a few moments more, until the sparks started to fade. As Bulla returned to her normal state, Goten couldn't contain his curiosity. "What did you think about, Bulla?" he wondered.
Bulla blushed, feeling vulnerable and a bit unsure about revealing her sentiments. "Um, well...this is a bit awkward to say, but I guess I thought about when I've been objectified by others," she admitted softly. "I usually feel helpless and angry in those situations."
"In what way?" Goten's tone sank, hoping it wasn't as he was imagining.
"Well," Bulla started off again, "like…inappropriate comments about my body. Just random remarks that have been shouted at me in this past."
Goten's eyes darkened with anger as he clenched his fists. "Who tells you that?" he asked, his voice low and intense.
The heiress hesitated, not wanting to work him up over things. "It's usually just strangers passing by. It's not a big deal."
But Goten's ki flared, and he looked ready to confront these faceless strangers from her past. He took a deep breath wanting to apologize on behalf of the worst parts of his gender, as well as the worst parts of himself. "Bulla, you don't deserve to be treated that way. Most men are pigs and not worth your time."
Bulla blushed, touched by Goten's protective nature. She looked down, feeling a temperateness in her chest. "You're not like most men, Goten," she murmured softly.
Goten looked away, conflicted by his own feelings. He had been secretly attracted to Bulla for a while now, and the thought of her being objectified made him furious. Goten yearned to protect her and make her feel respected. However, here he was, simultaneously desiring the bluette while trying to safeguard her; wanting her in a way that was unbecoming. The princess had a purity that went far beyond physical, and he by contrast felt tainted by his own recklessness over the years. The guilt weighed heavily on his shoulders.
She thought so highly of him, and yet, he was like the rest of them.
"I'm no better, Bulla," he said quietly, but earnestly.
Bulla looked up at him, her blue eyes filled with sincerity. "No one is perfect, Goten," she said gently. "But I've never doubted your good heart."
Goten's heart swelled with emotion at her words. He reached out and smoothly brushed her arm, his contact sending a tremble down Bulla's vertebrae. "Thank you, B-Chan," he said softly. "I'll always do my best to be someone you can rely on."
Bulla blushed, leaning into his touch, and they stood there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes. The friction between them was tangible, and both of them well aware of the growing attraction they had for each other. In that moment, Bulla felt empowered and valued, and Goten felt a deep sense of admiration and protectiveness towards her.
For the second time in a week, he pulled her in for a hug, almost hoping some of her purity would cleanse him by doing so.
A few weeks later…
"Your father will kill me."
"What have I told you before? What daddy doesn't know won't hurt him…"
"Bulla, this is serious."
"I know! I'm taking it seriously."
Goten rolled his eyes at the excited eighteen-year-old before him pressing her hands together in a begging motion. It was the fourth or fifth training session in their Super Saiyan lesson plan and Bulla was improving; feeling more comfortable with ki control, the princess was keen to learn even more. She started to pout her full lips and Goten fondly remembered how they felt on his own. He dared not to ogle too long with his gaze, so he put his hands behind his head and looked upwards.
"He'll definitely know you've been training elsewhere if we do," he cautioned.
The bluette shook her head, unafraid of the consequences. "I don't care," she began, "this is one of the main reasons I wanted to train with you."
"You mean it wasn't just about our quality time together?" the dark-haired demi-Saiyan kidded, pretending to be pained.
"Sorry Goten," the princess leaned in close, "I'm only using you to learn the Kamehameha Wave."
Goten pulled her hand to his torso. "Right through the chest, B-Chan—you're breaking my heart!"
She suppressed a snort, attempting to hide her nervousness at touching his incredibly sturdy pecs. "So dramatic, Son Ten."
They both remained a bit too long in that position before Goten released her hand. "As I've told you before," he continued, "your father is of the few men I genuinely fear. And you should be scared too! Learning the Son signature move. He'll be appalled."
"He'll get over it."
Goten could tell she was all too confident in her ability to placate her father. "You sure he won't be more like this?"
He glowered like the Saiyan Prince, lowering his voice to utter in his best impression. "Bulla, how dare you lower yourself to that third-class rubbish."
"That's not too bad," she chuckled. "Although, you really have to start in the throat," Bulla advised clearing her pharynx.
Oh, this he had to hear.
"Bulla! Do not sully yourself with those clowns."
Goten busted out laughing. "Holy shit," he had to control his volume, "that's spot on."
"What can I say? I'm my father's daughter," Bulla stated proudly. Goten continued to chuckle in response.
"You certainly are," he agreed with a grin. The dark-eyed man changed the subject. "Fine, I suppose we can work on the blast but if he finds out, tell him it was my dad who taught you."
Bulla had to quell her obvious excitement. "Oh Goten, thank you!" she exclaimed clapping. She hopped over to the field, eager to start.
Moments like this strike a chord. Goten was always aware of her innocent nature, but seeing her happy in that way made it extra apparent. It was how she was years ago, as a bright-eyed child who looked at Goten like he could do no wrong. Though it stalled him, he couldn't feel a bit guilty about the thoughts he had been having. Even with his best efforts to keep those sensations to himself, they lingered in his gut like a heavy meal.
"C'mon Goten!"
Her eagerness evident, Goten chuckled at her summoning of him. "Alright your highness, calm down."
The giant smile on her face didn't mind his chastising. "Can you tell I'm excited?"
"Only a little," he answered with a wink, causing her grin to double in size. "You seem pretty proficient with the Galick Gun, no surprise considering it's Vegeta pride and joy."
"Yeah, that has been the main one I've focused on. Part of why I want to learn more energy blasts."
"Nothing wrong with a signature move," Goten said forming a tiny ball of light blue ki in his hand. "Although if I do say so, this one is more your color."
"Funny, I always thought red was my color."
"You pull off multiple ones, but blue is the one that comes to mind when I think of you."
When he thinks of her.
Bulla turned the same shade of her previously thought signature color. The idea of occupying Goten's thoughts caused a giddiness that was hard to hide. "I'll keep that in mind," she spoke softly.
The ki blast in Goten's hand increased in size as he prompted Bulla to watch. "You'll likely need two hands to create the wave, but I've been able to do it one-handed for a while."
"So humble, Son Ten."
"Hah, you'll be doing the same soon enough."
She leaned in to observe the sheer control Goten possessed over his energy. It was remarkable restraint, something that Bulla knew she could improve on even with the blasts she was familiar with.
"Remember our first lesson? Make sure your breathing is steady and mind empty," Goten instructed, a larger ball forming in his hand. Bulla nodded in understanding.
He then lifted his palm to face an open stretch of field, Bulla's steel gaze focused on him still. Goten's hand glowed with greater intensity as the ki blast grew. The older demi-Saiyan recited the name, as he had so many times before, unleashing the wave in front of him. The beam demolished a rock formation at the end of the meadow and kept going into the empty distance. Goten turned to his companion.
"Come here, B—"
She followed as instructed, standing next to Goten, his tall frame dwarfing hers. "Begin how you would for any other blast but be intentional with it—picture the color and the feel that you just saw me do," he said.
Bulla's hands glowed as her palms pressed together. The blast was in its infancy, still a tiny light yet to show any color.
"Here," Goten offered, draping his muscular arms around her from behind. Her breath hitched in her throat, unable to speak. As Goten pressed against her, he cupped his two hands outside of her own. He offered up his own energy, bluing the white beam Bulla was forming. "Just remember this feeling," he coached, "the lightness of it."
There was no way she would be forgetting this.
"Concentrate," Goten urged gently into her ear. Goosebumps tickled her neck as Bulla attempted to regain focus.
"I'm getting a tingly feeling," she confessed, suggesting two things at once.
He gave a small laugh. "That's normal," he insisted pressing closer to her palms. "Use that to channel the blast forward—say it with me."
"Ka—" Bulla began a little unsure but found her footing, "me—"
"Ha—" Goten joined in, "me—"
"HA!" they shouted in unison releasing a joint blast. This beam blew up the rubble for the recently dismantled rock formation. The smoke from other end of the field rose into the sky as Bulla's eyes widened. She turned towards Goten, who still had his arms to either side of her. Without warning, she jumped up in joy, wrapping her own arms around his neck.
"Did you see that!?" Bulla shouted squeezing tightly as he twirled her free.
"See? You're a natural," he stated proudly. She was still close enough to him where he could feel the heat from her body emanating.
"Dad is going to be so pissed!" Bulla exclaimed in a happy tone. Only the daughter of a reformed madman could find joy in irritating him so.
Goten laughed awkwardly. "Bulla, you'll have to teach me to be as fearless as you," he said quite seriously.
A couple hours later, and many ki blasts afterwards, the two demi-Saiyans fell onto the soft meadow beneath their feet. They lazed about in the grassy knoll, contently gazing at fluffy clouds overhead. The sparring session that took place after Bulla learned the Kamehameha wave depleted them both and the rest was much needed. Bulla turned her head towards Goten's languid form, blushing as she realized he was still shirtless from the training. This was the second time in weeks he went topless, and she prayed that he wouldn't notice she was gawping at him.
Not that she had any complaints…
"Look at that one!" Goten pointed his finger towards the sky, breaking her daydream. He found a rather odd-shaped specimen that Bulla had trouble identifying.
"What about it?" she pondered.
"Tell me that doesn't look like Hercule with the mustache and everything!"
Bulla squinted until she finally started to make out a familiar handlebar shape. Laughter bubbled out of her immediately when it clicked. "Oh my gosh," she chuckled, "it totally does."
Goten's laugh joined hers and he placed both his arms behind his head. A hint of pride at making the princess laugh. He breathed out a contented sigh. "This is nice," he said softly.
The heiress bashfully glanced his way. "It is," she agreed with a smile that Goten returned.
"I actually used to do this all the time with Gohan when we were younger," the older half-Saiyan divulged, resuming his gaze above.
"Really?" Bulla inquired with genuine interest. The thought of a young Goten curled up next to his kind (and equally handsome) brother made her radiate. They had such a caring bond.
"Yeah," Goten continued, "until he got tied up with his own family, of course. But those memories have always stayed with me."
There wasn't a hint of malice in those words, nor regret. Bulla could tell Goten was just grateful for the time together and that melted her heart.
"You know," Bulla started off, "I've always admired how close your family is to each other."
"Oh?"
The princess nodded. "The affection between all of you is so evident," Bulla continued, "anytime I was over as a kid for family events or visiting Pan, I instantly felt the love the second I walked in."
Goten sensed a deep sort of tenderness formulating in his stomach. His family didn't have much, but they had each other and that was always enough. What they lacked in monetary means, they made up for in love. Even though it was far from a perfect scenario, especially with his father being absent on and off, Goten felt lucky to be part of it.
"Thanks Bulla," he softly acknowledged. Bulla gleamed.
"It's the truth," she replied, her eyes looking downwards. "I kind of wished my own family could be like that sometimes," the Saiyan Princess confessed.
Goten raised an eyebrow. "Really?" he asked, inquisitively. Though he knew that while Vegeta was a lost cause when it came to showing emotion, he always saw Bulma and Trunks as more affectionate.
"I mean don't get me wrong," Bulla continued, "I love them to pieces, but it's like Trunks will only hug me when no one else is around. Mom gets so distracted with the business I hardly see her. Dad would rather eat a shoe than ever admit his feelings to any of us."
He contemplated her musings, and recognized she had a point. It reminded him though of a moment from his childhood. "Did you know your dad never hugged Trunks until the battle with Majin Buu?" Goten quizzed.
That caught the bluette's attention. "Trunks never told me that," Bulla disclosed.
"Amongst other things I'm sure," Goten grinned at her. His expression sobered briefly. "It was right before Vegeta sacrificed himself. Of course, he was covertly trying to knock Trunks and myself out so we couldn't try to stop him, so there's that. But before he did, your dad told Trunks that he had never hugged him and wanted to. Can you imagine? Eight years without a hug. When I saw the look on Trunks' face you could tell it meant the world."
Bulla couldn't help but moue, face wrinkling. Though her brother's exterior was tough, she could imagine how strange that must have been for him as a child.
"Dad's never had a problem hugging me," she recognized softly, "granted I'm usually hugging him and not the other way around, but still."
"Maybe that's because you're his little princess," Goten teased.
"Could be, if that's the case Trunks never stood a chance," she jested back, causing Goten to laugh. His face grew serious, but the tone was still pleasant.
"Your father loves you deeply, Bulla. Even if his manner of showing it is strange."
This moved Bulla as she gave a small bob in agreement, a hint of a smile on her face. "I know, I'm grateful for that at least," she replied. "But sometimes, I just wish he could be a little more...open, you know? Like your family."
"I get it," he said, nodding. "But you know, everyone has their own way of showing their love. Maybe your dad just needs some time to figure out his own way."
Bulla pondered this for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she said, a thoughtful look on her face. "Thanks, Goten."
He smiled at her, the late afternoon sun illuminating her features so nicely. Goten almost didn't want to tear himself away but, as he found himself doing on far too many occasions, he was beginning to stare. His palms rested against the back of his head as he lowered his upper body once more to the grass. Breathing in deeply, he changed the subject.
"You know," Goten started off, "I don't think I've asked you what your plans are after school."
"I finished already," Bulla answered, "haven't attended high school in years."
"I knew you finished high school silly, but what about college? Weren't you getting another degree?"
"That too. My Ph.D. program finished up a few months ago."
His face perked up, impressed. "All that by eighteen," Goten spoke quietly, "you're something else, Bulla."
"Hardly," the heiress attempted to deny, though his praise brought a smirk to her face.
"You know what I was doing at eighteen?" Goten turned over with a sheepish grin. "Your brother and I were studying girls' phone numbers and skipping university to go train. I think that semester I showed up to maybe five classes, tops."
"That explains a lot."
The elder halfling whistled in faux pain. "That stings, Bulla—so stunning and yet so cruel."
She flushed at his half-compliment. The Saiyan Princess considered Goten's teasing tone and almost wondered if this was his attempt at flirting. Bulla convinced herself it was just her imagination playing tricks on her, much like the dark of the moon the night of their kiss.
"The question still stands," Goten resumed, "now that you're done with all of your additional schooling, what's the plan?"
Bulla tumbled back onto the grass, staring up at the sky. She hated that question, even if she adored the person asking her. It seemed that everyone had this innate desire to pick her brain apart to gain answers she wasn't even fully sure of herself. Her lack of response prompted Goten to sit up and stare her way.
"B-Chan?" he inquired gently. The younger hybrid inhaled through her nose, keeping her attention upwards.
"Do you ever feel like second best?" she wondered aloud.
The comment caught Goten off guard. "In what way?" he asked.
Bulla exhaled a long sigh, focusing on a cloud that ironically looked like Capsule Corporation. "My whole life I've had my genius mother and my golden child brother do great things with their careers," the princess lamented, "and not to be outdone, Dad's the second strongest fighter in the universe, plus a Saiyan prince to boot. All of them have made a name for themselves in their own way. What could I possibly do with my life to ever compete with that?"
Goten looked at her, his heart sinking, knowing the exact feeling she was talking about. The curse of the second born—it was a tale he knew by memory.
"I do actually."
"Really?"
"Sure," Goten confirmed. "Try having the strongest fighter in the universe as your father and your brother as both the genius and golden child," he attempted to tease, but there was an air of truth to his words.
Bulla's face widened. "So, you understand…" she stated, turning her head towards him.
"More than you know, Bulla," Goten responded. His eyes met hers and the young woman's heart stopped, seeing a twinge of pain glossing over them. "You said it yourself; my family is very affectionate," he continued, "but sometimes that affection would be reserved for Gohan exclusively."
He felt a bit of guilt when he said that, as true as those words were. Goten adored his older brother, but he was all too used to living in his shadow.
"Mom probably did that more often, even though she probably never realized it. She'd absolutely feel guilty if she ever knew how it looked, but still. Dad would always try to be partial, however, I lost out of seven years with the guy the first part of my life. No matter how well we got along after that, it was undeniable. He had a history with Gohan and my mom that he never had with me. I can't blame him for that, but it definitely made it harder."
The bluette observed with curious attention how Goten's face contorted as he spoke. The exact disappointments she underwent the other hybrid was saying aloud. Her stomach dropped understanding the quiet pain of going through that similar experience.
"I'm sorry," Bulla simply said.
He smiled at her concern. "Not your fault, B-Chan, besides…you get it."
"Still," she continued, "that had to have been difficult."
"It could be at times," Goten resumed, feeling more comfortable discussing the topic with someone who knew what it was like. "While I know in my heart that they would do anything for me, I didn't always see it that way," the older hybrid added, "probably why I was over Capsule Corp. so much—I always felt seen with your family. For better or worse."
Bulla's mind reminisced just how centralized of a figure Goten was in her life. Surely, the friendship he had with her brother was the main reason, but memory reminded her that Bulma took a great interest in Goten, supporting him in financial and other ways. Even her father, for all his denial about liking the Son boy, taught Goten a lot about fighting over the years. He also served as another disciplinarian and brought down the hammer whenever Trunks and Goten got into their monkey business. With Goku gone the first years of Goten's life, Vegeta was nearly a surrogate father to the man.
And then there was her—
She adored Goten from the minute she could understand who he was to their family. Another brother, another friend…one that she would relentlessly play with, and he catered to her every whim. Well, almost every whim. Teenage propositions aside, she thought amused.
As the princess observed his face deep in thought, she hoped that maybe her attention towards him in her younger days brought some amount of comfort.
"Just so you know," Bulla spoke gently, "having you around all the time was the best."
"You're only saying that because I let you put makeup on my face."
"No, that just made you pretty," she teased laughing, pinching his cheek as he batted her hands away. Bulla let out a contented sigh. "You always made me feel seen, too."
Goten studied the soft curves of her face, marveling at how immaculate the gods formed the princess to be. How seamlessly striking and yet, sometimes, she had no idea. Though it was far more than just her beauty that captivated him—her thoughtfulness and sweet disposition, her genuine interest in others and easy-going nature. Even her direct way of speaking brought him fond memories of her whole family and their somewhat brash manner. Her approach, though it could still be a bit forceful and spoiled at times, was far and away the most congenial of the four. His chest warmed at her comment and how much he admired her openness with him.
"It's impossible not to see you, Bulla."
Goten knew his words held a double meaning. He had whispered his response so quietly that Bulla wasn't quite sure about everything he said, but the fashion in which he spoke caught her attention. The older halfling turned to look her squarely in the eye.
"If it's any consolation," he murmured, "I think you'll make your mark in a way that none of your family ever could."
Her bright, cerulean eyes glistened. "Goten," she began softly before he interjected.
"I've never seen anyone command such devotion from people, not even your mother. She's brilliant, but I've listened to you ramble on about quantum physics. You're on another level altogether, B-Chan," he teased, prompting a quiet chuckle from the heiress. "Trunks is great, but he fell into the corporate thing and the firstborn role. Could have just as easily been you," Goten continued, "and don't tell Vegeta this, but your strength doesn't always just come from here—"
He gestured towards her bicep before meeting her gaze once more.
"—it comes from here."
His finger gently swept near her heart, Bulla's eyes focusing in. Blushing furiously, she dared to look at the soft expression on Goten's face. She could tell he meant every word.
"You care about people," the hybrid man whispered, "you see the good in them even when they don't see it themselves. Did you ever wonder what finally brought the mighty Saiyan prince to his knees after years of denying his feelings? Some say he softened after the fight with Majin Buu, but I saw it clear as day; the second you were born something shifted in him for good. Not even my own father could compel him to do that."
Bulla didn't have a chance to answer.
"It's hard to see in your shoes, probably like how it's hard for me to see it myself," Goten resumed, "but you're stronger than anyone I know. Your spirit is unbreakable, and you bravely wear your heart on your sleeve. I envy that so much."
"Goten…" the blue-haired woman uttered lightly, stalled by his admittance.
"The universe has yet to see everything you are capable of, Bulla Briefs."
A short wave of silence befell them both, until the halfling felt his body encased in a mighty grip by his younger companion. She buried her face in his uncovered chest and heaved heavily to prevent a cry from emerging. Though surprised at first, Goten slowly returned the embrace, placing his head over her shoulder. A familiar waft of her coconut shampoo stung his nostrils, and he took in her scent.
Feeling her against his skin felt unlike anything he experienced before. They had embraced many times over the years, but this was different. The suppleness of her cheek warmed him, and he found it was hard to let go.
Likewise, Bulla couldn't help but be attracted to his strong arms around her, face pressed against the perfectly molded torso he possessed. She had often daydreamed about Goten holding her in this way, granted he was a lot more naked in those daydreams, as was she.
"Bulla—"
He whispered her name so sweetly; she couldn't help but look up at him staring down with those gorgeous dark eyes. A breath caught in her throat, wanting nothing more than a chance to release it but she was paralyzed.
If only he knew the effect he had on her…
Their reverie was broken with the ring of his phone nearby. They pulled away from each other reluctantly. Bulla worried it was Valese attempting to reach out again but soon saw Chi-Chi's face flash across the cell and felt a sense of relief. "Hang on, gotta take this!" Goten said, springing into action. The younger demi-Saiyan thought amusingly how much more urgent he was to answer his mother than his ex.
"Hey Mom! Yes, yes—still planning to come to Sunday dinner. I'm just finishing up my appointment."
Bulla's face beamed at the Son's Sunday family dinner. Without fail, every week they got together and congregated over a delicious meal by Chi-Chi. Bulla's stomach growled at the thought and she put her hand over her face in embarrassment. Goten turned his head and looked at her, prompting her gaze to align with his own.
"One sec, Mom—" Goten placed his hand over the speaker, "Bulla, do you have dinner plans?"
The question surprised her, but she shook her head. "Likely takeout on my way back," the princess stated. Goten immediately waved his hand in disapproval.
"Nonsense, you should join us for dinner. Much better than some lousy takeout," he insisted. The woman's face burned at his contention.
"If it's not an imposition…"
"Not at all, Mom will be thrilled!" Goten insisted, removing his hand from the speaker.
"Hey Ma—can you set an extra plate? I'm bringing Bulla with me." Beat. "Yes, Bulla Briefs." Beat. "Mom—calm down, you don't need to use the fancy chinaware; she eats off regular dinnerware I promise you."
Bulla felt her cheeks blushing in amusement as she turned from her companion.
"Okay, we'll see you soon. Love you."
Goten hung up his phone and put it into his pocket. He chuckled wittily at his mother's antics. "It's like the monarchy is coming over," the half-Saiyan teased, "she was excited you were coming but man, didn't expect that."
Bulla tossed her hair and curtseyed. "Don't tell me you've forgotten you're in the presence of royalty, Third-Class," she said smirking.
He crunched his nose. "A royal pain," Goten bemoaned jokingly, ruffling Bulla's hair, which prompted a firm smack from the heiress.
"Guess who won't be getting my spare capsule?" she said, nose in the air. With a toss of her own capsule, a cozy house appeared, complete with a shower and change of clothes. Goten wasn't bothered by this though.
"There's a stream nearby; I'll be just fine, your highness."
"Ew, no soap?"
Bulla's nose scrunched at his expense. You could take the boy out of the mountains but clearly, not the mountains out of the boy.
He scoffed, indignant. "Hey, I use soap!" Goten insisted. She crossed her arms questioningly, eyebrow raised in doubt. The ebony-haired man rubbed the back of his head, realizing his bluff was called. "I mean, I use soap…when I have it," he assured.
"…and do you have soap?"
"I do."
"You do?"
"…at home."
Bulla laughed, shaking her head. "You're hopeless Goten," she said teasingly.
Goten grinned, taking the joke in stride. "Alright, your highness, I'll leave to go clean up in the stream like a barbarian," he said, saluting mockingly before heading towards the brook.
"Wait."
The half-Saiyan turned as she tossed him a small capsule. "That should have some basic toiletries at least," Bulla grinned as she turned towards the house and the shower. She looked back once more. "Need any clothes too?"
Goten's head swung back and forth. "Nah, got those in my bag," he confirmed, "but thanks for looking out for this third-class savage."
Bulla rolled her eyes, but her lips curled up in a smile. "Just don't forget to scrub behind your ears," she called after him as he made his way to the creek.
Goten chuckled and shook his head, grateful for his friend's humor and generosity. As he approached the cool, clear water, he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him. The mountains had always been his sanctuary, and the sound of the rushing water and rustling leaves brought back fond memories of his childhood.
He quickly undressed, making sure to be mindful of any potential critters, and waded into the stream. The chilly water was a shock to his system, but he quickly adjusted. After going under, he stood up; the shallow stream only coming up to his thighs. Goten began to wash away the dirt and grime from his training. Mindful to start with his ears, he thought humorously, per the heiress' instructions.
In the distance inside the capsule house, Bulla undressed for her own shower, turning on the hot water to its maximum strength. As she waited for the water to warm up before stepping in, she couldn't help but look through the blinds of the bathroom window at the beautiful field and mountains outside. One thing in particular caught her eye however and what she saw stopped her in her tracks.
Goten's naked form she could see in perfect view from the window. She blinked twice to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.
Holy shit.
Her face turned white when she realized it wasn't a hallucination. As he bathed, the water droplets clung to his frame accentuating every dip and muscle. His chiseled body could rival a Grecian God, carved like marble and alabaster. Flawless. Pristine. Inviting.
Bulla quickly tried to focus on something else. She couldn't look at him like that!
And yet—the bluette could barely bring herself to tear her eyes from the window as she lecherously observed the naked man just a short distance away. He seemed almost purposely positioned backwards, his bare behind just ripe for viewing. Her core trembled at the sight. That was a man's ass.
Goten's toned muscles glistened in the dimming sunlight as he moved about in the stream, completely oblivious to Bulla's unintentional voyeurism. As he scrubbed down his chest and arms, Goten lowered the bar of soap in his hands towards his backside and Bulla nearly died.
"Bulla, you pervert," the hybrid thought to herself.
Bulla shook her head, trying to clear her mind of any impure thoughts. She quickly averted her gaze and closed the blinds, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She scolded herself for indulging in such behavior. Wasn't she just saying weeks ago how much she hated being objectified? She was a princess for pity's sake and needed to act with dignity.
Immediately, she left the window in a huff and changed the direction of the water temperature from hot to cold in order to placate her raging hormones.
The last thing Bulla Briefs needed was to be hornyduring a visit to the object of her desires family's house.
In front of his mother.
Chapter 4 and mooooore to come. But yay for Goten/Bulla bonding! Nay for Trunks being Trunks! LOL this was definitely a heavy B/G chapter, I'm a little spent from having to describe sparring a few different times, but it was important, so I hope everyone enjoyed!
Chapter 5: Our heroic twosome enjoy a meal at the Son household, Marron struggles with Trunks' emotional immaturity, Bulla confides in a friend, and an intimate moment is interrupted by an inopportune extraterrestrial visit.
Get ready…we're slowly getting to where the fun gets funner.
-SonChan