Despite the heat, the woman had been working almost non stop for two days straight. Vegeta brought her a bottle of water every now and then but other than that he kept his distance. Not only because she was looking much too attractive in her denim shorts and tank tops, but he felt he needed some space. From the second he stepped foot back on Earth she had been clouding his senses. It was intoxicating and annoying. He felt like he was losing himself in her a little bit. He didn't care for that at all. Being physically attracted to her was one thing. But invading his mind and senses like that...no, it went too far.
All this left him torn. Because he couldn't deny that he had felt at home here the past couple of days. Being here felt right. The woman and his son being part of his life felt right. He seemed quite...content...maybe for the first time in his life. But he didn't want to change. He felt like being here would make him lose a part of himself. Or like they became a part of him.
Not being able to touch her the way he wanted to, left them connecting on another level. They had...talked. Well, for Bulma it was hardly a conversation he guessed, for him, it had been the most he talked to anyone. He had been...proud to showcase his new power to her. Also, he caught himself reaching out to her mentally, wondering why she felt what she felt. And then saying something to make her feel better. But it really had never been any different between them. From the first moment he saw her, he had been inclined to...care for her. He had wondered why, so many times. Why her? What made her so special? How was it possible no one had even managed to receive the slightest bit of sympathy from him, yet this woman...
He would never know. There was no real answer. Accept that she was just, in a way, perfect for him. Her looks drew him in, her fire, her intelligence. She was tough and strong. Fearless. All things that were attractive to him. Even when she was annoying him, he kind of liked it.
Speaking of annoying, his son sure was a piece of work. He had clearly been feeling neglected by Bulma. Her mother was having a rather difficult time keeping him happy and satisfied. Vegeta didn't think she was going to last much longer. Which meant soon enough, she'd be dropping the kid off with Bulma.
Bulma never minded the work she had to do for him. In fact, she enjoyed working on the GR. But Vegeta sensed that it was different this time around. No doubt because of the kid. He could be heard screaming for her often. Every time that was the case he sensed Bulma's stress and longing to go to him. It made him uneasy. No way she was going to make it through the week this way. He felt inclined to tell her she should take a break, to go to their son, but he needed to get out of here as soon as possible. He was only back for a few days but he almost felt like his Super Saiyan power was going to slip away if he didn't learn how to control it soon. So, he kept quiet and stayed away from all the racket.
He was sitting on the roof of the house, when he tuned into the woman. She had been rather quiet. He was used to hearing her swear at whatever piece of machinery she was working on, but there was nothing. He sensed that she was anxious. He didn't hear Trunks at the moment...why was she upset? He sighed and made his way to the entrance of the spaceship. Bulma was sitting on the floor, her back against the generator, breathing heavily. She looked like she had stared death in the face.
"What's going on?"
Bulma scrambled to her feet and stumbled past him, out of the GR. She started throwing up in the bushes, outside.
Vegeta's best guess was that she had another panic attack. He went after her and reached out his hand to her, but she slapped it away.
"Just..." She sat down in the grass, looking exhausted and overheated. "Just leave me be for a moment..."
"Did you remember something?"
She sighed and closed her eyes. "I don't want to talk about it."
Vegeta knelt down in front of her and lay a hand on her forehead. "You need to cool off. Go take a shower."
Bulma looked down, a single tear running down her cheek. "I thought I was over it. I thought...it was done."
"It never goes away completely. But you won't feel like this every time something reminds you of it."
She rubbed her eyes roughly. "I want Trunks." Vegeta nodded and took her hand. He helped her up and followed her to the house. Trunks was sitting on the floor, toys scattered around him. Bulma's mother was on the couch, clearly tired. Trunks started crying instantly when he saw Bulma, holding up his arms so she would lift him up. He calmed down the second he was in her arms, hugging her tightly burying his face in her chest. Bulma's mother was glad she could finally take a break. She kissed her daughter on the cheek and made her way to the door. But as she passed Vegeta, she put a hand on his arm. "Take care of my daughter." She said, with a stern look in her eyes. Then she walked out.
Trunks had fallen asleep in Bulma's arms. She lay down on the couch, sighed once, and fell asleep herself.
Vegeta wasn't sure if he had ever felt guilty for anything he'd done. But he guessed not, because that was probably what he was feeling this very had pushed her too far. Well, it's not like he had forced her or anything. It was her own choice to keep going, but he still felt to be the responsible one. Her panic attacked was probably triggered by the exhaustion. He had been selfish, putting his own needs before that of his...
He stopped himself from going there.
For a moment he thought about what it could have been that the woman remembered. But he quickly realized he should not dwell on that. For it was much too dark and twisted. Even for him.
He took place in the chair opposite the couch. Put his feet up. Watching the woman and the child sleeping. He could never have predicted this scene. He almost felt a little...silly...sitting here. Yet it did not feel wrong. Maybe it should. Could he really do this? Be a father and a mate? It was still so hard to imagine himself in that role. He had come to a point where he felt he owed it to them to at least try. But he was reluctant because screwing things up after having bonded with them would be much messier than leaving now. Yes, it was clear Bulma had feelings for him, and leaving now to never come back would anger and sadden her for a while. But like he told Yamcha, she did not need him. She would get over it soon enough. And the boy would not even remember him. But if he stayed...well he had no doubt their bond would become stronger. They would become even closer...in every single way imaginable. And his son would get older, wiser. Form memories of him. Having to leave them for whatever reason after all that...would be so much harder on everyone. Including himself.
He remembered what Yamcha said. Which was actually exactly what Vegeta had been thinking as well. "You'll just end up hurting her." And he was sure that one way or another, that would be the case.
The little boy suddenly opened his eyes. Staring intently at his father. Almost like he knew what he was thinking. Or like he was saying: "Don't hurt my mom." Then he closed his eyes again.
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For six hours the woman and the boy had been sleeping on the couch. They had hardly moved. Both clearly exhausted. Vegeta was drifting off every now and then. But his mind was in turmoil, so deep sleep was out of the question. He sensed Trunks was starting to wake up. He was confused for a moment as to where he was. Then he lifted his little head and noticed his mom. He was instantly delighted, Vegeta could tell. He crawled up to her face and pressed his hands and face against hers. Bulma woke with a smile. Showering the boy in kisses.
Something stirred in Vegeta's cold, black heart. It might be the most...pure...love he had ever witnessed.
She sat up with Trunks in her lap. "How long have I been out?"
"6 hours."
She nodded. "I'm in desperate need of a shower. What do you say Trunks, wanna take a shower with mommy?"
The boy seemed to agree, but Vegeta doubted he could actually understand what she was saying.
Bulma took the boy upstairs. For some reason Vegeta felt himself get up and go after them. He watched Bulma undress the boy.
Then she stepped into the bathroom with him, leaving the door open. Vegeta heard the shower being turned on and Trunks squealing. He walked further into the room so he could see into the bathroom. The boy was already sitting on the tiled floor, splashing the small layer of water that he was sitting in. Bulma swiftly took her clothes off and stepped under the water. Vegeta leaned casually against the doorframe of the bathroom. Bulma, with her back to him, awkwardly glanced his way, clearly feeling a little self-conscious. There was no need, of course. And why she would still feel that way in front of him, was a mystery. Surely, she knew by now how attractive he found her. She quickly soaped her body and her hair. Vegeta smirked, as she was trying to be as unappealing as she possibly could. It wasn't working in the least. He still wanted to be the one to run his hands up and down her body. She blushed as she saw his smirk. When she turned around to pick up Trunks, Vegeta could see her scar for the first time. It was unexpected, he never realized she might have one. But of course she did. They had to cut the boy out of her. One small imperfection, a reminder of what she had to go through, because of him. For him. For their son. She should wear it with pride. Like Vegeta did with his scars. Although, he just now realized, Vegeta had always fought for himself. The sacrifices he made, were for himself. What Bulma had gone through, was not for herself. It was for the little boy, who was eyeing him warily from the shower. With a very familiar scowl on his face. Bulma laughed.
"You know, it might help if you...smiled at him for a change." She said as she put soap on Trunks. His chubby thighs, and little toes...Vegeta found it hard to believe hewas once that little and innocent. He felt like he was born bad-natured.
"You want to join us?" She asked.
"Hard pass."
Bulma snickered, knowing he would decline. After a while she turned off the shower. She grabbed a towel and wrapped Trunks in it. She awkwardly tried to do the same for herself while holding Trunks. Then Vegeta held out his hand to her. When she took it he pulled them in and powered up carefully. Trunks clapped his hands. Bulma's hair blew around her face, the water disappearing from it. After a few seconds they were dry. She put Trunks down, who crawled into the bedroom. Bulma quickly wrapped the towel around herself and made her way to her dresser. She grabbed a whitelace bra and panties. She must've felt his eyes on her back, because she slowly and sensually put on the panties, before dropping the towel. When her bra was on, she turned around. Vegeta didn't bother hiding his interest in her. His eyes roaming her body once again. Bulma then grabbed Trunks and put him on the bed to get him dressed. She let him crawl around the room as shestepped into her walk-in closet, and came out a minute later wearing a black flowery dress. She smiled when she saw Trunks trying to get Vegeta's attention by pulling on his sweatpants. "C'mon, let's have some dinner. I am starving." She said, making her way downstairs. Vegeta rolled his eyes. The woman clearly left Trunks with him on purpose. No way he was going to carry him. Vegeta carefully freed himself of Trunks's grasp and walked out the room. "Come, boy."
"He's not a dog!" Bulma yelled from downstairs. Vegeta smirked. Trunks happily crawled after him. Even when he got to the stairs the boy was determent to follow him and found an awkward way to get himself downstairs.
Bulma had ordered in and when it arrived, they sat down at the table to eat. Trunks was in his highchair.
"You know, human babies don't eat food till they're much older. I wasn't sure if it was ok, but I asked Chi-chi about it and apparently Gohan was the same. He still gets a bottle too though." She put a plate in front of Trunks who greedily started eating.
Vegeta could sense a small discomfort in Bulma.
"What's wrong?"
Bulma looked surprised again at his insight. "I'm sorry Vegeta, I think I need to take a day off tomorrow. To rest and be with Trunks. My mom's tired too."
"Fine."
"Really?"
Vegeta shrugged. "I'll go to a remote place to do some light training."
Bulma nodded. Vegeta knew however she had more to talk about. More to ask him. He could feel her unease. He guessed she wanted to know whether he had given staying here some more thought. Being a father to his son. But he was still torn. He couldn't give her a definitive answer. He hoped she wouldn't ask. But Bulma's unease became like an annoying itch in his brain. He let out an exasperated sigh. Bulma gave him a questioning look.
"I don't know yet."
"What?" She asked.
"You want to know if I'll stay. I honestly do not know."
"Well, I didn't ask, but now that we're on the subject, how the hell can you not know by now?"
Her unease was gone. Anger took its place. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to keep her calm.
"I've only been back for a few days, woman. It's not unreasonable that I need more time."
"I know. I guess I just...I love Trunks so much. It's hard for me to imagine that you don't even care enough to...be in his life. "
This was one of those times where she was being a pain in his ass. He did not wish to talk about such things in the least. He ignored her question and kept eating.
"Is it me?" She asked.
"Dammit woman, leave me alone."
"Why can't you just tell me the truth? I'm a big girl, I can handle it."
The woman was clearly looking at it all wrong. Not wanting to commit to them was not because he didn't give a damn, it was because he did.
"Drop it, would you?"
"I don't want to be the one to stand between you and Trunks."
"For fuck's sake, woman. You really need to learn when to shut up."
"I will never shut up. Not for anyone."
"Good, you shouldn't." He got up from his seat. "But this conversation is over."
"You are so stubborn." Bulma sighed.
"Are you fucking kidding me? You're no better."
"I know..."
Vegeta made his way to the door. "I'll be back tomorrow." He said without looking back.
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Bulma went to bed restless that night. She felt like she was losing him. Because they were becoming closer. It would drive him away. She knew it. Before, they're 'relationship' had been mostly based on a physical attraction. Taking that out of the equation left them bonding in a way Vegeta did not care for. Becoming emotionally involved with her and Trunks must be so new and scary to him. Vegeta hadn't told her much about his life. But she knew it was one that involved mostly pain, suffering and death. She doubted anyone had ever really loved him. But she did. So much. It was almost disturbing how much she cared. How much she wanted him. In all the ways a person could want another. She felt like she would never grow bored of him, like she would with other men. He was interesting, broken, wild and unruly. Passionate and smart. And she knew for sure, he had feelings for her as well. They probably didn't run as deep as hers, but there was something. He was determent not to sleep with her, to keep her safe. When she was upset or angry, he could always tell. He would show up when she needed help. He cared. She would consider this a good thing, except she figured for Vegeta it would not be. In fact, instead of it convincing him to stay, it might convince him to leave.
Vegeta's sense of pride and responsibility might be strong enough to persuadehim to be around for Trunks though. Which meant she might've been right when she planned on keeping her distance from him. That had been her initial plan. But when he showed up again, it didn't take long for her to forget about that and reach out to him. Longing for his touch.
He was right though. He had only been back a few days. Maybe he could use some more time with Trunks and less with her. She knew she could be overwhelming. Especially to him. The sexual tension between them had been so present the entire time he was back. Sexual tension was nice when you knew you would have sweet release soon. But not being able to act on it...it just got tedious after a while.
Seeing Vegeta and Trunks together melted her heart. Even though they had barely interacted with each other, for her it had been so adorable. She could tell by the way trunks looked at him, that he found Vegeta very interesting. She guessed because he could sense him. Vegeta was so much stronger than the other people Trunks spent time with. So maybe Trunks could tell there was a difference. Also, everyone who looked at him smiled and tried to make him laugh. He was so cute, people were always charmed by him. But not Vegeta. He would not laugh and smile at him. Watching them scowl at each other had been kind of funny, really.
It was what she wanted more than anything. For them to be father and son. Even if Vegeta would not be the kind of father to hug him, or kiss him goodnight, he would show his love in other ways. By being part of his life. By helping him with his powers. By protecting him from harm. She was reminded that what she felt for Vegeta...really did not matter compared to that. She would give up on her and Vegeta, if it meant that he would stay for Trunks. Her beautiful son.
Her mind drifted to earlier that day. When she had a panic attack. It came out of the blue. She had been doing really well. Taking care of Trunks, being so smitten with him, it pushed the trauma to a small corner of her mind. She could pretend it wasn't there anymore. But it was just waiting...waiting for the right opportunity, for a weak moment, where it could show its ugly face once more. Her ankle had gotten tied up in some wires. That was all. Nothing to freak out about. But her mind made the connection with a memory from Namek. She had been tied up by her wrists and ankles. It instantly caused her to panic. Dammit, why did she have to go there. Sleep would elude her or she would have a nightmare, no doubt.
She tried to force her mind to think of other things. Trunks...Vegeta...Androids. Fuck.
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"No, please don't."
"Ah, begging...I always like it when females do that." He runs his hand over her cheek.
"Get your fucking paws off me!"
"Well, well, well...you're something else aren't you? You are tough. And so beautiful. I think red is your color. Why don't you take those filthy rags off? I have something lovely for you to wear."
"Forget it."
A smirk on his nasty lips. "You are going to take those clothes off darling. One way or another."
"No, I'm not." Her blue eyes on fire.
He grabs her by her neck, pushing her into the wall. His face right next to hers. His lips brushing her ear. "I will not ask again. Undress or die."
Her shaky fingers make their way to the buttons of her shirt. Opening them.
"Hmmm, your fear smells delicious." He runs his tongue over her cheek. She winces and her hand slaps his face.
"Forget it, I'd rather die." She says.
"But I'm not done with you yet. I promise, we are going to have so much fun. You will need to learn some respect though." He smacks his white hand across her face. She falls to the floor. Knocked out for a second. The vile creature crawls on top of her, ripping her pants off. She wakes up. "No! No! Stop please." She cries. His perverted hands run up and down her beautiful skin.
"VEGETA!"
He jolted up straight, screaming. He was sweating profusely and breathing heavily. Feeling sick to his stomach. He got up and paced around, running a hand over his face roughly. "What the fuck." He said to himself.
His senses reached out to her. She was fine. The woman was fine. It wasn't real.
Vegeta transformed several times in just a few hours. It had depleted his energy completely and caused him to pass out. He was back in the same spot where he took Bulma to see his transformation.
That dream...He dropped to the ground again, leaning against a rock. His arm covering his eyes. It had been a while since he had dreamt so vividly. It was the first time, that a dream did not involve his own pain and suffering. This time...it was hers. Her pain, her suffering. He would prefer his own any day. He thought he knew what real torture was. But seeing someone you...seeing her being hurt like that and not being able to do anything about it. That was worse than anything else he had to endure in his life. It hit him hard. Even though he knew for a while that she was important. It wasn't until now, that he really knew just how much she meant to him. Too much. Way too much. If the dream had been reality, he would have done anything and everything to stop it from happening. Of course, the dream had been a version of the reality. But Vegeta hadn't been there. Even if he had, he would not have been able to keep her safe. He was no match for Frieza back then. He would have died trying, but it would not have mattered. It wouldn't have made any difference. And that was a terrifying thought. It was exactly why he would never get close to anyone. If someone meant to do him harm, all they had to do was go after her. Or his son. They were now, his biggest weakness.
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Bulma could understand why her mother had been so tired. Trunks was...intense. Adorable, cute, funny...but intense. Taking care of him was more draining than her job of running the company. She was actually missing that a bit. Was she a terrible mom? Of course she had always loved her job. Especially being in the lab, working with her hands on their inventions. With her dad. She smiled at Trunks. "He would've loved you so much kiddo."
They were sitting outside in the grass. Under a tree, they needed the shade. It was still quite warm. There was a pleasant breeze today though, so it was rather nice. Trunks was happily tearing the grass from the ground and throwing it around. He was content now, but earlier, he had a temper tantrum. Bulma did not understand what the little guy wanted. She had wanted to console him but he flailed his chubby little arms around and punched Bulma right in the eye. It was an accident. But Bulma had been shocked at the power he had. It was the kind of power she would expect from a grown man, punching her in the face deliberately. This had been a baby, not even trying to hurt her. She was reminded that her little boy, was a Saiyan. She'd be proud, if her face didn't hurt. And if it wasn't reason for concern. He was so little now. Soon he would be a defiant little toddler, she guessed. Bulma herself had not been an easy child at that age. Very feisty, strong willed. She doubted Vegeta had been any different. Which meant that most certainly, her little munchkin was going to make her life rather difficult at some point. At least she knew what kind of kid he would grow into eventually.
She lay down in the grass. Trunks climbed on top of her grabbing her skin. "Ouch." Bulma winced. The little boy gave his mother a puzzled look. Bulma made a sad face. "Mommy ouch." She said. "Be careful." Trunks his bottom lip started trembling. "Oh no, I'm ok sweetie, Mommy's ok." She pulled him close and kissed his cheek.
Then, she was startled by Goku suddenly leaning over them both. "Hi."
"Damn, Goku. You mind calling first. You scared me."
"Ah, I'm sorry." He sat down next to them. "Oh wow, Trunks, look how big you've gotten!" He took the little boy from Bulma. "You are so cute!" He hugged Trunks, who just looked grossed out by the strange man that pushed his face against his. Bulma laughed. Trunks held out his arms to his mother, hoping she would rescue him. She didn't.
When Goku took a good look at Bulma he formed a worried look on his face. "What happened to you?"
"Huh?"
"Your face. Please don't tell me...Vegeta..."
"Oh god...no of course not. Trunks punched me. I didn't realize it bruised."
Goku looked at Trunks with surprised eyes.
"It was an accident."
"Oh, gosh Bulma, be careful. He's going to get much stronger."
"I know."
Goku put Trunks down, who started to crawl around, following a butterfly.
"So...Couldn't help but notice Vegeta's back. Just thought I'd drop by, see how you two are doing."
Bulma shrugged. "I'm pretty sure...it's over..."
"Why?"
"I just feel like he's ...conflicted. He cares...but he doesn't want to."
Goku nodded.
"I'm hoping, he'll stay for Trunks at least. I should give him space."
"Do you really think that's the answer? I mean, if you would've done that in the first place nothing would have ever happened with you two. He most likely never would have made the first move. He should know you want to be with him."
She sighed. "He knows."
"I hope you don't find me crass, but...are you two...having..."
"Ugh Goku, why would you ask that?"
"It's what started this whole thing. What drew him to you in the first place."
He was right. Sex had been the foundation of their relationship. Not being able to have it now, was not helping her cause at all.
"I'm sorry Bulma. It's none of my business. I just really wanted this to work out for you. For Trunks."
She managed a small smile.
"And what about...Namek?"
"It's a work in progress I suppose. Vegeta said it never goes away completely. I'm sure that's true, but I don't want it to be. He said it will get better though."
"I see. I'm...so sorry you're going to have to live with that Bulma...I should have been there."
"Don't do that. It's bad enough I have to live with it. I don't want you to do the same. It's...nobody's fault, other than the obvious of course."
"So, you have talked to Vegeta about this?"
"Yes, a little. I don't like to talk about it."
Goku smiled. "It's hard to imagine Vegeta saying anything...remotely nice."
"Haha, I know. But he has. More than once."
"Then I have no doubt about his feelings for you. If only he weren't so damn proud and stubborn. He should stay. Be happy. He's had a tough life I think. He should take this chance to leave the past behind him."
"It's not that simple Goku. It's not like he's had a rough couple of weeks. Nothing has ever come easy for him. We grew up surrounded by people who loved us. In peace. I think he's actually turned out quite well, considering. I have a lot of respect for him. That month with Frieza...what it has done to me...I can't imagine having to live under his rule for years. But he did it. And he's still standing. He's still himself."
"You're right. I'm being naive again." He took her hand and kissed it. "I should go. Chi-Chi will be having dinner ready soon. You wanna come with?"
She shook her head. "No thanks."
Goku waved Trunks goodbye before putting two fingers to his forehead and disappearing.
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Vegeta hadn't moved much since the dream. It was like he was stuck. He could not shake the feeling he was left with. But his day was about to get worse, as he sensed Kakarot. He suddenly materialized in front of him. He didn't move a muscle. They were face to face.
"What the hell do you want?"
"To talk."
"Forget it. I have nothing to say to you."
"About Bulma."
Vegeta felt a panic come over him for just a second, thinking maybe something was wrong with her. But he could feel her energy was fine. He said nothing.
"And your son."
"I don't see how they are any of your business."
"Bulma is like a sister to me. I love her. I don't want to see her get hurt."
"She can take care of herself. She does not need you to play her big brother."
"She's one of the toughest people I know, you're right. But she has been through so much. I feel like I failed to protect her."
"You did."
Goku nodded. "I will have to live with that. But I feel I have to say something to try and get you to make the right decision for her. For Trunks."
"Oh please, like I give a damn about what you think."
"She loves you."
"So?"
"So...doesn't that mean anything to you?"
"No."
Goku sighed. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come here."
"I agree."
"You have a son. He's your flesh and blood. Are you going to be a father to him?"
"Are you fucking serious? I don't have to explain myself to you."
Goku closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Look, I spoke to your future son. Meeting you meant a lot to him. He had to grow up without you."
"I cannot believe you're still talking."
"I don't think you are the type of person to run away from his responsibilities."
"You know nothing."
"Dammit Vegeta. You are impossible."
"When these androids are dealt with, you and I going to find out once and for all who's the strongest Kakarot."
"Fine, I'll be ready. Can't wait to kick your arrogant ass."
Vegeta smirked. "Good. Now get the fuck out of my face."
"How's Bulma doing right now?"
"What?"
"You can sense her emotions, right? Her energy?"
"No."
"Bullshit. I have the same thing with Chi-chi. I remember when we first got close...it was very intense. I had a hard time focusing on anything else. Like she was...clouding my mind or something. It's gets easier to...push it aside. But no matter where I go, I can always tell when something's wrong. It can be quite handy, really. When I sense she's mad, I don't come home till she's calmed down." He had a stupid grin on his face. Vegeta remained silent. Goku's face changed to serious again. "I can see I won't get through to you. I hope...you'll do the right thing for your son at least." Then he was gone.