- 19 -
A Saiyan's Nature
I can't escape this hell.
So many times I've tried,
But I'm still caged inside.
Somebody get me through this nightmare,
I can't control myself.
I can't escape myself.
So many times I've lied,
But there's still rage inside.
Somebody get me through this nightmare,
I can't control myself.
So what if you can see,
The darkest side of me.
No one will ever change,
This animal I have become.
Help me believe,
it's not the real me.
Somebody help me tame,
this animal I have become.
By: Three Days Grace, "Animal I've Become"
~
For such a small thing, she sure did knock the breath out of him as she landed on top of him, but then that was mostly because of his hurt ribs. At least that was what he was telling himself as he stared at the crown of light-aqua hair resting on his chest. She picked herself up, coughing a little from all the dirt, and looked at him for a few seconds before quickly getting to her feet. But those few seconds felt like a lifetime to Vegeta, seeing all the emotions cascading in her eyes and on her face. The one that shook him the most was the fear. She did not fear him, but feared for him. He had never had someone as weak as her try and defend him let alone fear for him... In reality he didn't have many try and protect him (namely Bardock) and being who he was he didn't really need it. But that was beside the point. What was with this woman risking herself, both physically and mentally, to help him?
She kept surprising him like this. First looking past his callous personality and then what he was and had done. Then again there was how she kept trying to help him when he did not want it and had at every turn discouraged her from doing so. She had just shown trust in him earlier that day and gods-be-damned he felt his Saiyan nature starting to trust her in return. How the tiny human woman was doing it, he couldn't rightfully say, only that she was. In spite of his own will not to let anyone close and his apprehension against others, she had somehow gotten through the wall he had built to protect himself so long ago. He was having difficulties thinking just then, his head pounding as it was, but he had a feeling this also had to do with his animalistic side already being attracted to her. If he was being honest with himself this attraction was a little more than that -his nature downright lusted for her. How else could he explain the thoughts when he watched her sometimes?
Trying to snap himself out of his thoughts, he rolled onto his side and spit the blood from his mouth as he rested his forehead on his arm, the pain in his chest and his body overall made him feel heavy and threatened to drag him into unconsciousness. But he fought it as the thoughts came back swirling in his head. It was simply animalistic lust and fighting it when he really didn't want to admit to its existence was starting to wear on him. This type of lust would probably go away if he just gave into it and been done with it all, but he kept trying to remind himself he would not fall again. Even to get his animalistic side off his back. Yet, even if he didn't care about his pride, that was still too risky. Never would he bet on a probability. So he remained at this standstill with himself. The man of reason staring down the instinct-driven beast all Saiyans carried. He could only logically explain something so far and so many times, but as far as his nature was concerned his judgment did not matter. It just saw and reacted on impulse. It did what his gut feeling and intuition told him to do. It was like a dog with its owner's nice, perfect, leather shoes sitting before it. The dog didn't think about the consequences, just thought about the present and how good those shoes must taste before giving into the temptation. How did you fight something that no amount of reasoning could sway it from its projected tangent?
"Goku, stop this!" Bulma's voice rang out, echoing in the back yard. She didn't take her eyes from her friend as she spoke to her mother and Chi Chi quickly after. "Mom, take Gohan and get Bardock."
Vegeta sluggishly looked up, seeing the blue-haired woman standing before him, arms outstretched at her sides like a shield. This woman's crazy, he thought as he stared at her. She stood in front of the clearly pissed Saiyan male who was beyond reason (having given into his own Saiyan nature) with little thought for herself. At the same time he couldn't help but feel his respect growing for her; not just anyone could stand in the way of a furious Saiyan whose animalistic side was more or less in control. If reputation didn't make them run scared then the dark threatening look would, and while Goku may not have been raised as a Saiyan, he certainly had that look nailed down. If anything he looked more like Bardock than the happy clown Vegeta had grown to dislike.
However, the last thing he needed just then was for him to respect her more than the little he already did. It was how he got himself (partly) into this mess to begin with. She had beaten him. That had been the most defining turning point, but even before she had been slowly but surely gaining it. These things always followed the same pattern essentially. First was respect, then the trust... next thing would be some form of, dare he say it... friendship. Saiyans did not have the word per se for friendship, but if he had to find one that best fit it he would say socius, which was simply a companion... or maybe confisus socio which was trusted companion. That was a startling thought for him. That he would seriously consider her as such. What am I doing? He shook his head, frustrated that he was even thinking this now of all times. What was wrong with him?
"Of course, dear," Mrs. Briefs replied quickly, but ChiChi stared, startled to see such anger from her husband. "ChiChi?"
The younger woman snapped out of her stupor and decided for once that someone else could take care of Gohan. She had to help Bulma. She turned to her son and knelt. "Go with her, Gohan, I need to stay here, okay?" She gave Mrs. Briefs a fleeting look before standing and turning to look at Goku. She knew she should have been more worried about this other side he had been hiding from her. He had dismissed it so casually and then when she asked Bulma... She had to wait, if she moved to soon he would surely dodge her...
"Come on, Gohan." Mrs. Briefs took his hand and briskly walked inside, knowing she would be no good just then. And while she had seen this coming a mile away, her skills were better used prior to the issue to defuse it or afterwards. In this case there probably had been no way to defuse it. Not if the reasons Goku was like this were what she thought they were.
When the two were inside and everything became uncomfortably silent, Goku moved closer and growled out as he glared down at her, "Move, Bulma."
"No." She glared back, not in the least afraid of him.
Why was she protecting him? It only served to make Goku even angrier, and while in the back of his mind he knew his anger was in part irrational and wrongly placed, he really didn't like her putting herself in danger for this man who didn't appreciate it.
Bulma was strong, but she was also fragile. So fragile. Nevertheless she stared up at him without fear; he could feel her small fluctuating ki, could see the emotions playing in her crystal blue eyes. She was taut like a strung bow, prepared for him to do something, and yet, if he wanted to he could kill her without her even grasping what happened. Goku's eyes lingered on the few strands of her cerulean hair that escaped her pony-tail as it fluttered in the wind, and in his mind he could see his friend back during that first day they met wearing that pink dress with what he would later learn were not only words but her name written on it. Even back then she had stood up to him bravely when he could have hurt her... So many things could, but he never thought to worry in all their adventures together. For a human Bulma was strong; she would always be there. What if she does die? Her words echoed in his mind again. He just couldn't shake them.
The more Goku had thought about it today, the more it honestly scared him... This man was going to be her downfall and he absolutely couldn't stand by and let someone hurt his family. It was okay before when he thought he could fight the man and win even when Vegeta was healthy, but if he had this much trouble now... His instincts were telling him to take this chance and finish the threat off when he had the chance, to not let this escalate until he could not control things.
But could he control things now? What if he didn't just stop with Bulma but Mrs. and Dr. Briefs, what if he went after ChiChi and Gohan, what if he killed everyone? It would be all Goku's fault, if Goku let him defeat him and Bardock stepped in... and Goku couldn't fight someone he was scared of... What kind of monster was he? He felt like things were slipping out of his grasp, nothing was ever going to be the same. Freeza... Vegeta... Raditz... It all came back to him, he was to blame, he caused this change... was bringing about this change. Why couldn't he just leave him alone... leave all of them alone? Earth was safe and what complications ever arose, Goku could take care of them.
He had to take care of it.
His eyes went to Vegeta behind her, not just seeing the prince struggling as he tried to get up but a combination of the two other beings he had yet to see. His instincts never let his thoughts really settle on one defining characteristic of the monster his mind created.
Vegeta felt Kakarot's eyes on him and looked up to him, stiffening, knowing that look. Actually he knew that look rather well considering the times he had watched Freeza torment others. It was the look of a man not quite there. When the prince taunted him, pushing the noticeable buttons the younger Saiyan accidently showed, he never thought there was more to it. Never thought it would be like this. But then he had wanted to see Kakarot's nature, had he not? Question was... Vegeta glanced to the woman, a little concerned... would the younger Saiyan (who was more and more proving just how Saiyan he was) hurt Bulma to get at the one he saw as a threat? He didn't understand why he was suddenly concerned for her wellbeing. Maybe he had hit his head? Probably had more to do with his budding trust in her... or maybe it was purely his animalistic side being selfish and wanting to know more before its new shiny toy was taken away. Whatever the reason why didn't change the fact that the concern was there. Upon hearing the deep rumble coming from the younger Saiyan, Vegeta realized it had been a mistake to look at the woman.
Goku went to push Bulma out of the way, but she surprisingly rammed against him instead of backing down. "I won't let you hurt him, Goku." She backed away to Vegeta again, holding her arms out. "Besides, this is not you, so for Kami's sakes, snap out of it! Vegeta is a moron for picking at things better left alone..."
"Wom-"
"Shut up, Vegeta," she snapped, but when she glanced over her shoulder at him her eyes were pleading that he remained silent. She then looked back at her friend, eyes narrowing. "But even if he is a royal jackass -no pun intended- he is still a hurt jackass who can't protect himself. The Goku I know would never fight anyone who couldn't protect himself. Ever!"
Bulma could see the wheels turning in her friend's head, but was it enough to break him from this... Probably not. At least she had both Saiyans' attention on her, but was it enough to help ChiChi? Would she even need ChiChi? What else could she possibly say to him? She had to be careful, not exactly sure what the issue was. If she said the wrong thing it could only make things worse. Was it that Vegeta was his better at fighting? No, that couldn't possibly be it... While it may make him frustrated it took more than that to make him like this. Was it Vegeta's taunts? Again maybe, but still... Goku could dish out his own jabs when needed. So what was it? Perhaps a combination of the two? More likely, but she still didn't think that was enough. So what would set him over the edge?
She realized she had hesitated too long when her friend's eyes narrowed. "Move, Bulma... I will not ask again."
Oh shit... Bulma licked her lips, suddenly a little scared, but she was careful not to let it show as she backed up closer to Vegeta to further protect him. Knowing he wouldn't dare use ki when she could be hurt. Right? "No, Goku, I won't move, which means you have to decide if whatever issue you have right now with Vegeta is worth hurting me." She held his gaze for a few breathless heartbeats before turning, giving him her back as she went to help Vegeta up.
Their eyes met after Vegeta looked up to her offered hand. He could smell the subtle hint of fear, but she showed none of it as she smiled down at him. Vegeta glanced then to Goku, knowing by the look on his face that her action had been the worst possible move she could have ever done. It wasn't simply the insults or that Vegeta was his superior in fighting; it was this woman. He wasn't completely sure what role the woman played in his pack, but clearly it wasn't a small one. Role didn't matter generally. If anyone threatened a member of a Saiyan's pack they took it as a grievous injury. But if there was a special bond then the reaction was far worse. And there was something about Kakarot having a pack, more than just his mate and cub, that irritated Vegeta. No doubt the elder Briefs were considered part of it too... and who knew if those idiotic friends were...
Vegeta did not have a pack. They were a weakness, one he had used against others quite frequently before being betrayed by Raditz. He knew in the back of his mind that at one time he had had one, a pack, and that Tash had been included in that... But now he was alone and that was perfectly fine with him. It never bothered him. Never crossed his mind really. So why was he now getting angry with Kakarot for having one? Why was he annoyed that the woman was included in it? Who was he kidding? Of course he knew why, having to finally admit this lust and attraction towards her. His Saiyan nature was fascinated and obsessed with her and the enigma that was Bulma Briefs. As far as it was considered she was his until she became less interesting and novel.
If he had been thinking clearly he might have noticed that he too was slipping -or had; his animal side was directing more and more of his actions as his mind additionally gave into the relentless pounding. He was also faintly aware that he felt rather hot... But with his own nature surfacing, Vegeta paid it very little heed. He just wanted to piss the younger Saiyan off more for thinking to claim what his nature thought as his. And what better way than by flaunting her? She didn't even realize she was giving him the keys to antagonizing the clown further as he accepted the woman's help, something he would never do any other time. As he got to his feet he didn't even bother looking at her, keeping his gaze locked with the younger Saiyan as he wrapped his tail around her small waist and pulled her in.
He felt the woman's breath hitch with the movement, surprised that he was practically hugging her as he leaned against her. Of course he would never admit to even himself that he was rather grateful for the anchor as a wave of dizziness crashed over him and if she hadn't been there he might have fallen back down. His muscles trembled a little from the strain and he gave it little thought that the woman would feel this upon seeing his insult had hit home. With dark amusement, he smirked at Kakarot over her shoulder, his look asking 'what now, fool?'. Kakarot lowered into his stance, upper lip curling back as he growled loudly.
"So this is your animalistic side, huh Kakarot?"
Bulma shifted to look at Vegeta, frowning. Not exactly sure what was going on and confused as to why she suddenly felt like she did a bad thing helping him. "Vegeta, what are y-"
He ignored her question, but it was a little difficult to do the same for her hot breath on his chin and neck. His nature wanted to teach Kakarot a lesson, but it also got easily distracted by her. "I was wondering what would finally push you over and reveal your Saiyan nature. Seems a combination of frustration of me being your superior, fear that you won't win and will fail everyone, and... she is the key. Am I right, clown?" With another growl from him, Vegeta chuckled. "Thought so... But I'm confused, Kakarot. What is she exactly to you? You already have a mate... and yet you are showing the response of a Saiyan protecting one and believe me, I would know. Don't think your pack is the first I have toyed with."
"You did this on purpose?" Bulma was none-too-happy to hear this. "Why? Why would you wan-"
Vegeta glanced to the woman and snapped, "Will you let him answer the question first, blasted woman? And maybe I'll answer yours."
He realized a little late that he shouldn't have looked at her as he became all too aware that she was pressed against him. That her scent was all around him... Or that she felt good in his arms. He became hyperaware of her presence which made him briefly come to his senses and mentally cursed himself for not thinking this through all the way (something he always did...). But this realization left quickly because now that his animalistic side had control of the reins, it wasn't about to give up anytime soon. Not when it had this chance to get at Kakarot... It also didn't hurt that he had the woman in his clutches.
"I can answer that, Vegeta," she retorted back, catching the look on her friend's face and grasping what Vegeta was saying. She had also come to her own realization that the prince was only using her to further anger Goku. And yet she didn't push away, because she could feel the subtle quaking of his body and didn't want him falling again. It didn't make her any less angry though, which showed in her voice as she spoke, "And if you had any real sense you would know it by now from all the stories we have told." Before he could say anything and insult her back she continued, "I'm the first family he had since Grandfather Gohan passed. I was his mother; I was his sister; and I am his best friend. Nothing more."
Vegeta managed to tear his eyes away from her to Kakarot, knowing that while what she said was true, the two Saiyans also knew there was more to it than just that. Whether she was just oblivious to it, or was trying to help her friend save face with his mate. Vegeta may have momentarily been taken away this morning by the woman's appearance, but before that it had been the clown's own look that had made him curious enough to look. Had seen the small flash of lust in the younger Saiyan's eyes. He hid it well, but Vegeta had seen it and knew that if the harpy was not in the picture the blue-haired woman would no doubt have been in her place.
Saiyans may only mate with one person, but that did not mean they severed all bonds that had started to form prior. It was only afterwards that other mate-worthy bonds were unable to form. Vegeta didn't know much about the bonds, truthfully, but he did know this having seen it once before. He wasn't sure how often it occurred but knew it only became a problem if the life-mate bond was not complete. Kakarot had claimed the harpy, but since she wasn't a Saiyan, she didn't know or even think about claiming the clown. Or so he guessed. Vegeta knew there was more to it, but for the life of him couldn't remember... something about what could happen if the harpy died... Maybe Kakarot could then claim the woman? This for obvious reasons did not settle well with Vegeta's nature. She's mine!
He frowned, the sudden bold thought from his nature startling him enough for him realize again that something was really off. There was no way he was fighting over the claim to this woman. What in the cosmos was wrong with him... thinking something like that? And why was it getting even hotter out here? Damn it... His animalist side had gotten the best of him. He needed to pull it back in and subdue it. But first... it wouldn't hurt to see how far he could push Kakarot's own nature, would it? He could simply use this to his advantage without his nature being in control. He kept telling himself that as he went to push the younger Saiyan's button further and make him reveal with his own actions the truth. He wasn't exactly sure why he wanted the clown miserable (other than his nature's reason)... merely that he did. What better way than to turn his mate and his best friend against him? And set the two bonds he held against each other. He had noticed how the two women were now not as hostile towards each other... he had to remedy that. But how should he go about it?
Then a thought came to him, one he didn't really examine all too closely and once more failed to think all the way through as he let his nature gain control again. The newly acquired fever making it impossible for his cogent self to gain any foot hold in his mind and what little rational thought he had left was evaporating progressively with each passing second.
Smirking at Kakarot for a few seconds, he looked again to Bulma who was watching him closely, clearly not liking that she was a pawn in his little scheme. He hesitated briefly, dimly wondering if this would hurt the trust she had in him... While she was just a new toy for him to examine, he really did like having that trust. There was also this feeling he was accidently complicating things more for himself and his own nature. No, the woman's trust means nothing to me and there is nothing there to complicate. What little lucidness he had left scoffed at the sheer idea of it and ignored the misgivings which he would later look upon and comprehend he had been his own undoing.
He brushed the stay light-aqua strands of hair from her face and rested his fingers on her skin; his nature momentarily taken aback by how silken her hair was and how soft her cheek was. It had always been curious about this, wondering if it was as soft as it looked. But his coherent self always held back everything it ever found interesting. The fun things that excited it were never allowed within its reach... until now. Vegeta should have pulled back then, should have stopped his course of action, but his nature was too far in control for him to turn away now.
Her angry look was replaced with surprise, never thinking Vegeta would try something like this to get at her friend. They were so close. Their eyes locked onto each other's. It was so... intimate physically. Her heart felt as if it had rushed to her ears as she heard his rough voice speak in his native tongue with that playful smirk of his on his lips, "Et paulo scis mulier."
Oh my... She had been really wrong to think Vegeta as a complete prude, in spite of not liking to talk or joke vulgarly; he did know how to be seductive. What a strange man. She found herself faintly wondering how that was possible as she unknowingly licked her lips and drew his attention to them. Part of her brain also recognized, at least in part, what he just said and again questioned what that was all about. Did he say something about knowing little? Her mind kept firing off question after question and she may have just fallen for this new ploy of his if he hadn't suddenly looked to Goku to see his reaction.
She stiffened and was about to push away from him, but his animalistic side did not want this and shot forth another idea that would keep her there. On his nature's whim he kissed her. He wasn't sure at the time where the idea to do that came from; it was just like the dog with the shoe. Part of him, however, had thought to keep eye contact with the clown the whole time, hoping to add insult to injury. Only he never expected the jolt that went through him when he did it or that she would actually kiss him back. His eyes widened, coherent self returning briefly with the shock as he looked away from the younger Saiyan to her blue eyes. What was he doing? He couldn't believe it... it was impossible. Why would he kiss her? Along with all these frantic questions there was also this deep sense of foreboding as he looked into her eyes and knew then that she was no longer his pawn. No longer his to control. He was too flabbergasted about what he had done and what was happening to even think to move away or stop her as she took matters into her own hands and grasped the back of his head and forced them into a deeper kiss.
As her tongue brushed his, his nature roared with excitement as it answered. He closed his eyes as he become lost in the taste of her... the smell. Or the way she fought him for dominance. His animalistic side had won, taken over as all sense of reason left him. It fired off question after question, wanting nothing more than to dive into this enigma and figure her out. So distracted he was by her and everything about her, he didn't even notice the commotion between Kakarot and his mate who attacked or the signal Bulma had given with her other hand to the raven-haired woman to go after Kakarot.
Bulma had almost missed giving that signal, almost. So tempted to lose herself in the kiss as well, somewhat overwhelmed with the intensity she felt from Vegeta. Never once thinking (not that she had really thought about it...) someone as rough and cold as Vegeta could kiss like this. Yamcha sure didn't. Nor had any guy she had ever kissed felt quite like this... She forced herself to stop dwelling on it and concentrate instead on the task at hand. She had been worried that both Saiyans had heard her whisper to the younger woman and that their plan would be stopped before it even began. Still, when she had told ChiChi that she would distract Vegeta, this had not been what she planned... but it worked. Also she got to experience this... who knew the prince was such a good kisser. Stop thinking about it, damn it. He was using you! she criticized herself, but it was kind of hard to ignore the spark between them. She had to keep reminding herself that she was far too pissed to let it take control or for her to lose her head. Bulma Briefs was tired of being used and she was going to pay him in kind. This meant nothing to him; it meant nothing to her. Simple as that.
Bulma found it hard not to smirk when the sound of ChiChi's frying pan hit Goku's head, echoing in the backyard and wondered where in the world she stored that thing. The sound made Vegeta jerk, but it wasn't until Goku's whining voice cried out that he came to his senses and stopped, stiffened. "Ahh, ChiChi, what was that for?"
"That was for... not being you, Goku. What just happened?..." She continued ranting but neither Vegeta nor Bulma paid much attention to them.
She looked into his startled dark eyes, biting her lip as she pulled back just a little and remained there close, up on her toes. To see him realize what he just did, what they just did almost made up for him trying to use her. But what really topped all this was knowing she would never let him live this down. She had something over him, something that would no doubt hit him in his pride. No one used her. No one!
Storing these thoughts for later, she licked her lips, deciding to test a budding theory of hers as she whispered in what little Latin she knew, "Vegeta scio. Haec denuntiarent ut accipere debes." He stared at her in disbelief and she patted his face. "You really should know by now, I am not someone you can use for your schemes, especially against my best friend."
It sounded really weird without the stresses and grunts... or the way she structured it, but she had just spoken Saiyan. He wasn't sure how but she had. Did she just pronounce my name with a w... 'Wegeta I know... This, a warning as to see... you ought...' What in the cosmos is going on here? He didn't understand how it was even possible for someone to figure out Saiyan after hearing it a couple times... but why did it sound so strange if that were the case? It was like she was following a structured form that she knew well or had at least known longer than the time he had been here.
Seeing the recognition flash in his eyes, she smirked slyly as she pushed him away gently and stood flat on her feet once again. She partly wanted to slap him and walk into the house, but she had to make sure her point got across. She would never allow him of all people to use her. Especially against Goku. Then there was the fact that she could feel the trembles in his body alerting her to the damage he had received with his spar. She also could feel the heat radiating off from him, far hotter than normal, and for a Saiyan that meant he was like an oven in the late August heat. "Did you know your name means basically quick, vivid, or lively... in ancient Latin? Actually it has a few other meanings, but it doesn't matter right now." It was glorious to see Vegeta this bewildered and she took his moment of shock to look over his injuries and feel his ribs. "Hmm, you have two re-broken ribs... little surprise there, but they weren't knocked out of place and a simple wra-"
"Woman, explain yourself. What are you talking about?" He brushed her hands away, frustrated with himself and confused as to why he had let that all happen as his head cleared as much as it could considering how crappy he physically felt and how hard it was to force one's nature back under control.
He kept playing it over and over in his mind, wondering why in the world he let his animalistic side rear its ugly head now of all times? He knew better than to put himself in these situations, but at the time all he had cared about was hurting Kakarot. Now he was paying for it as he had to fight his nature which wanted to look at those lush swollen lips of hers, knowing what it was like to taste and the feel of them... And as he thought it he glanced down only to tear his eyes away and look at anything but her. What the fuck had he been thinking doing that? It was revolting, disgusting... and damn it, why did his nature want him to do it again? She was a weak, feeble Earth woman.
She smiled to herself seeing subtle hints of the conflict on his face and shrugged as she glanced over to ChiChi and Goku who were talking quickly but quietly; it didn't look like things were going so well for the two of them. From the words she could hear and the tearful expression ChiChi was wearing, Goku had to deal with not having been more of himself around his wife. He kept glancing to Bulma, practically begging for help. But she shook her head, mouthing 'you need to do this'. It was something he should have done a long time ago. Keeping his thoughts from her and always being this mindless -well as Vegeta put it, clown- around her had gone on long enough. ChiChi thought he didn't care if something happened to her or Gohan sometimes with the way he went out days on end into the wilderness without so much as a word. It had been difficult for Bulma and her mother to explain to her without making her more upset that Goku was restless when he did that.
"Woman..."
Bulma rolled her eyes, looking sideways to Vegeta who was glaring at her again. "Why should I tell you my theory, Vegeta? You just tried to use me to hurt my best friend and little brother. And since you overheard a few things the other day, you should know just how much I love being used." Her eyes narrowed as she spoke, furious once more about the whole ordeal. Seeing him swallow uneasily did little to stem the anger even if she got a lot of pleasure out of making him fear what she might do. "And I meant it, Vegeta. You should take this as a warning because next time I won't be so... forgiving... and also..." She pointed to the house. "There's about four cameras on us right now and I won't feel the slightest guilt showing... oh, perhaps this cousin of yours that Bardock has mentioned... His name is Tash, right? And who knows who he will show..."
Vegeta couldn't believe it as he scowled at her. "Are you blackmailing me?"
"Nope." Smugly she leaned closer and he had to fight the urge to step back, not about to let the woman make him uncomfortable... or at least show that he was. "I'm just giving you something to ponder the next time you think to use me, Mr. Quickster. Though, I do have to say that you're not a bad charmer when it works to your favor. And that kiss... hn, it was bearable." She trailed her finger under his chin, it was a lie of course. It was far more than bearable, but it was fun to get back at him a little bit.
Vegeta couldn't help blushing, but countered it with a low growl as he caught the offending hand. "I wouldn't say the same, woman. You wer-"
Her brow rose. "Oh, are you really going to finish that, Quickster?" The back door to her father's lab opened and her gaze shifted to find Bardock walking over, looking fairly peeved. "Unless you want me to show Bardock..."
"You insufferable wench," he muttered back, looking away.
"I love you too, Quickness... I think I like that one more." She laughed quietly to herself as she went to put his arm around her neck and help again; it was hard to ignore the obvious pain he had to be feeling as he managed to remain standing.
"I don't need your help, woman. And would you stop calling me that?" he snarled, frustrated. The last thing he wanted was to be near her, even if his body was about to practically give out on him.
She wasn't deterred by his harshness or how he weakly pushed her away, especially considering he didn't realize his tail was still wrapped around her waist. It was difficult not pointing that little fact out and rubbing it in his face, but she really found it cute so she let it remain unknown. "Face it... you need my help. And should I call you lively instead?"
"I'm fine and no... just no." He stopped struggling finding that it hurt too much, clearly he didn't take into account just how damaged his body was in to begin with or how he would feel once the high from battling the younger Saiyan would wear off.
"Hn, right..." She softly poked his side and he had to force himself not to cringe. "Says the man who has re-broken his ribs and had been coughing up blood... which I have to say thanks for spitting most of it out and swallowing the rest or that would have been really unpleas-."
ChiChi's voice suddenly drew both of their attention when she started sobbing, "Why didn't you ever tell me what you're really thinking, Goku? It's like I don't even know you!" She tearfully turned and stomped back to the house.
"ChiChi!" Goku called after her, only for the back door to slam shut in reply.
Bardock had barely reached them when it happened. He glanced between Goku and Chi Chi, and then to Bulma and Vegeta. "What the blazes happened?" His eyes went back to his son. "Bulma's mother told me you two were sparring and that it got out of hand. I didn't think I would have to watch grown men and make sure they didn't do something cubs would do."
Goku sighed, disjointedly wondering how things spiraled out of control so fast as he rubbed the back of his head and looked to his wife's frying pan that had a dent the shape of his melon in it. He still couldn't believe he attacked Vegeta like that... and now his wife... What the hell was he going to say to her to make things better? He never really talked with anyone about what he thought, Bulma simply knew and partly understood. That made things so much easier. But then how was ChiChi ever supposed to figure things out if he always acted like everything was okay? No wonder why she was so upset...
"Well?" Bardock looked to Bulma.
Vegeta watched Goku, weary as the younger Saiyan stood. "I'm sorry, it's my fault... I taunted him into sparring me..."
Bardock's eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything to reprimand him Bulma spoke up for him, "And then Vegeta insulted Goku to the point that his... nature showed. Isn't that right, Vegeta." She gave him a condescending look and he sneered at her before looking to the ground.
Bardock's anger dissipated a little, startled. "Why would you do that, boy?"
Vegeta simply wanted to get inside, irritated with the whole tribulation. "Hn, I did it because you didn't have the nerve to push him, old man. You've been... dare I say rather forgiving with your training. The clown has been holding back, even from himself and I wanted to see what he could do and from what I've seen, it may be the only chance he has at beating Raditz... Will you stop poking me, you blasted wench?."
She stopped but ignored his look and the harsh name. "It was a little more than seeing this other side... He was purposely trying to hurt Goku's pride and pit ChiChi and me against each other with some asinine theory of his."
"I don't have to become a mindless, bloodthirsty brute to win, Vegeta." Goku glared at him, fists tightening. "And why would you do that... I have done nothing to you other than keep you from saying something that would hurt Bulma the other day."
Vegeta growled, tail bristling up at the tip around Bulma's waist, and she had to fight the urge to touch it. "I don't have to explain myself to you, clown, and it's not surprising that you don't grasp what our instinct... our nature really is, Kakarot... Bloodthirsty, yes, but mindless... never. Your nature saw me as a threat and it was right to. If this back-water planet wasn't so sheltered I would have been killed or handed back t-"
Bulma didn't like where this was going, not at all, and cut him off, "Vegeta, I doubt everyone out there would do that. There has to be some planet and race out there that are pacifists."
"Hn, by pacifists I'm guessing you mean peace-loving fools. Yes, there are a few that have somehow managed to survive, but even those feeble worms would hand me over in an instant to protect themselves from Freeza."
She shook her head, the thought really upsetting her. "I don't believe that..."
"I don't care if you do or don't. Doesn't change the fact that it is true, woman. "
Bulma frowned, looking to Bardock who was rubbing his forehead, tired of all the tension and conflict. "He is right. The only planets that wouldn't give him up would be those that weren't connected to the rest of the universe. Those who don't know. The second Vegeta escaped, Freeza sent out the message that if anyone was harboring Vegeta he would do far worse things than destroy their planet, and those who caught him and turned him in would get a huge reward and Freeza's protection. Of course it's a lie... Freeza would give them the money and then destroy them just for the pleasure he would get from it." He sighed, crossing his arms as he met Vegeta's eyes. "There is no denying that Vegeta is the most wanted person right now in the universe... which is why I can't stress any more than I have already that you are really lucky you crashed on Earth, boy, and that you need to stop trying to destroy what could very well be the only safe haven you have."
Vegeta gritted his teeth and looked away, not liking that he was being scolded like a cub. He heard Bulma snicker softly and glared at her. She beamed back at him, no longer trying to hide her amusement as she whispered, "What's wrong, Quickness? Don't like being treated like the child you are acting?"
Oh this woman is going to make me crazy. "Will you stop that?" he growled out lowly as Bardock and Goku looked at them.
She batted her eyes innocently. "What?"
Bardock cleared his throat to gain their attention, curious about the interaction between them and why Vegeta was accepting her help. "How is he?"
Vegeta glared at her and muttered before she could say anything. "I'm fine."
The older Saiyan shook his head. "I wasn't asking you, boy. And if she has to help you remain standing, you obviously are not fine."
Seeing Vegeta's warning look, she sighed deciding to relent this once and figure out why he didn't want Bardock knowing the full extent of his injuries. "Other than the stress, he is okay. With the activity it required more blood for oxygen, and skipping all the medical mojo talk, with the mutated blood he is now fatigued. But I do have to admit you were rather impressive all things considered."
"Hn, like your opinion on the subject matters, woman." He said the insult mostly for himself, trying to ignore the fact that the compliment actually made him pleased.
"Ghaa, Vegeta..." she huffed, "I'm giving you a compliment, and can't you just accept it without trying to insult me?"
"That's impossible when opening your mouth reveals how stupid you are."
"..." She didn't know what to say at first as she frowned and then whispered in his ear for only him to hear. "I didn't hear you complaining when we kissed, and unless you want Bardock to know about that I suggest you stop being an ass before you make me-"
"Whatever..." he muttered, angry that she was holding it over him like this and that he even allowed it to even happen in the first place. What was I thinking? Instead of damaging Kakarot's pride I only hurt my own...
"That's what I thought," she said smugly. "Though... I could tell him just to make up for what you did to me this morning..."
"Blasted woman, will you shut up?" He glanced at the two other Saiyans, almost forgetting to keep his voice low with his aggravation.
Bardock watched the two whispering, confused, and looked to Goku who shrugged. The younger Saiyan didn't know what he should say to his father about the two of them as he scratched the back of his neck, feeling rather depressed. ChiChi was... upset... with him. Though he doubted that was the right word for it. He was bothered with himself for letting Vegeta get to him like that and falling so low that he would actually hurt someone who couldn't protect themselves. And then there was the issue with Bulma and Vegeta. If anything this little fiasco only made the problem worse between them... for Kami's sake they were kissing... There was also that sickening recognition that Vegeta was right. Part of him did view Bulma as more than just a friend and older sisterly figure. He had even acknowledged it this morning... As he thought all this he felt the rage surface all over again seeing them so close. It wasn't his place. He knew this. ChiChi was his wife, he loved her more than anything. So why was he still holding on to Bulma like this?
"Um... I need to get inside and talk to ChiChi..." He refused to look at any of them and was too upset to care that he wasn't keeping up with his general persona as he started walking to the house.
Bardock eyed him, noticing the drastic change in him. He watched the door close behind him, wondering what it had been like... to see his son's instinctual side... Like Vegeta he had noticed Goku was holding back. It was connected to that surge in power he noticed when he was trapped in the ice and Bulma teased him with a needle. But Vegeta was also right in that he just didn't have the heart to do that to Goku. He was soon going to lose one son; he didn't want to ruin his relationship with his only living family he would have. Bardock was drawn from his conflicted thoughts when Bulma and Vegeta's arguing grew loud enough for him to hear.
"I don't need your help walking, woman." Vegeta tried to push her away again, but she held fast.
"Will you stop trying to act all macho? I can feel your muscles shaking from the strain put on them, there's no way you can walk, let alone stand right now. Shit... you can't even push me away..." With his dark look she snapped at him, "Don't give me that look, you know I'm right."
Bardock's brow rose, comprehending that something had changed between the two of them. But what? He couldn't really put his finger on it until he noticed it and his eyes widened. Vegeta's tail was wrapped around her waist and the prince didn't even realize it. Even as he was getting flustered at her for helping him, pushing her away, his tail had remained snugly wrapped there. He was saying one thing but doing another. Clearly something other than a fight between Vegeta and Goku took place out here. His eyes scanned the backyard, which was intact except for a chunk of grass near the two of them... and was that blood? He frowned, watching them, wondering if he should let his block on his other gift down so he could hear what they were thinking unhindered but decided against it... really disliking having to invade their personal thoughts. Besides, had he not learned this morning with his son that it was better he didn't?
What did this mean, however? Obviously -unknowingly to him or Vegeta was merely ignoring it- but Bulma had gained the trust of Vegeta's own animalistic side one way or another. No Saiyan would touch another with their tail if their nature didn't have this not-so-small detail. That in itself was startling. She had somehow in little less than a week and a few days proved to Vegeta's subconscious that she could be trusted. Surely no one event could do this... But he had been keeping an eye on them. Carefully watching. And if not Bardock then Dr. Briefs had his cameras. Unless... No, that's not possible. How would she know to interfere with the cameras if we haven't given her any reason to suspect we were watching?
He stored the thought away, deciding to ask the doctor once he got back to the lab. First he had to figure out what he should do, or even if he should do anything. The last time he said something to Vegeta it had only made things worse and in the end brought them closer... He frowned, keeping his gaze on the ground as he walked toward them, thinking. It might hurt both of them in the end, but he was really starting to think that there was not much he could do to stop it. It wasn't like he could do much once the issue with Raditz was taken care of... he would be in space and other than words he had no way of watching over them. Suspiciously they quieted down as he neared and he looked seeing that they were still glaring at each other.
"What else happened here?" Bardock's eyes narrowed as they finally looked at him. "I know you aren't telling me everything... and you better think twice about lying to me."
When Vegeta seemingly refused to answer (almost like he was afraid of the older Saiyan), she sighed knowing it was always up to her. "The new decoration in the grass there was from Goku, I knocked Vegeta out of the way before it fried him... Then Vegeta got it in his numbskull head that it would be just a brilliant idea to use me against Goku." With her free hand she brushed the hair from her face before looking at her nails, sneaking a smug glance sideways at him. "Didn't go as he thought it would and now he's being a sore loser."
He sneered at her for the insults and she stuck her tongue out at him. Satisfied with the answer, Bardock didn't push it, not wanting to get the two arguing with each other again. While amusing at first, they both could get annoying. "Do you need hel-"
She shook her head. "Like I said, nothing big. A good night's sleep and he should be back to his evil ways in no time, trying to make us all miserable, huh Vegeta?" She beamed at the prince and he uncomfortably looked away.
"Woman, you are far too annoying for your own good."
Bulma slapped him lightly in the stomach, making him flinch. "Oh, you're too kind, but I do have to admit that I aim to please." With his growling, she rolled her eyes and started leading him to the bright yellow door. "Fine, let's get you inside before some wild animal comes thinking all this growling is a mating call or something."
Bardock shook his head watching them go and unable to stop himself from chuckling a little when the door closed behind them.
.~-~.
"Oh, hold your horses, Quickness..." She helped him sit on her bed, ignoring the comment about her messy room. "I'm making sure only four people know of... well you know." Smiling, she quirked her eyebrow suggestively.
He looked away, uncomfortable. "And I have to be here why?"
Bulma rolled her eyes as she reached under the bed and pulled out a laptop. "Because I have to hurry before Bardock gets my father to look..." With his confused look she added as she opened it up and waited for it to boot up, "I went to delete our little confrontation in the lab only to find that it had been viewed. We have cameras all over the house except for in the most private of places, Quickness. Most of the time they are turned off, but it seems my father has been worried and turned them on."
Perhaps the doctor was not as naive as Vegeta first thought. "Will you stop calling me that, woman?" he snapped, really getting irritated by it.
"Why? Is it because I won't tell you my theory?" Her fingers started flying across the keys and she nibbled on her lip. "I have my reasons, Vegeta. Besides, you don't call me by my name... why can't I have a nickname for you... at least mine isn't trying to be degrading." She glanced over at him.
"Hn," he snorted as he crossed his arms. "What is your reason?"
"C'mon, c'mon..." she muttered under her breath typing a code and backtracking it to make it look as if the camera that had seen him would look as if it had been malfunctioning for some time. She was also trying to delete all traces of the video except for those on her encrypted computers that only she knew how to get past before her father got around to it. She cheered when it was done only to realize he had asked her something. "Success... Oh, my reason is that it is only a theory, Vegeta. A hypothesis. I can't very well tell you or Bardock without some real substantial evidence. What are a few words that consequently mean the same thing and only faintly sound alike?" She shrugged, looking up at him as she sat cross legged on the floor before her laptop. "Before you showed up I would have told you it would be impossible for two completely independent languages to develop even a single akin word, but I don't know how big the universe is, Vegeta. And there are only so many ways you can put words and sounds together before you will start repeating some."
His frown deepened; he could see the logic in what she said. While he had seen many races and learned many more languages, he had yet to ever run into anything like this and even he could not fully grasp the expanse of space. Those who traveled far past the established boundaries never came back. As far as he knew there could be a tyrant just as bad as Freeza somewhere out there. Though he doubted anyone could be as horrib-
"Hey Vegeta, wanna see?" Her voice interrupted his thoughts as she got to her knees and turned the computer to face him.
Vegeta looked, at first perplexed by what she was talking about only for his eyes to widen, seeing the proof of his embarrassment and gap in judgment. And while his first reaction was to look away, he continued to watch when he noticed the signal Bulma had given Chi Chi. It only made him more furious with himself... not even knowing she had done that. Having seen enough, he looked away... wishing the gods would just smite him and end his humiliation. At the same time he knew that if he kept watching his nature would take over and who knew what then... After realizing where his tail was the whole time, and that Bardock had seen it... He just didn't trust himself anymore around this woman. It was believed that a Saiyan's nature would never lie or lead one astray... clearly whoever believed that to be one hundred percent true had never been in Vegeta's situation.
There was also another aspect at play here... The last time he had kissed someone, it had not been... him... in control. Deep in his mind he had tried to fight the leash over his body and thoughts. The ones that led him to do things even he thought too horrible. The others involved may have never known, but Vegeta was right there with them, actually begging that the nightmare would end. Never had he been so low than at that point in all his life. If Vegeta could have actually talked Freeza would have heard what he had always wanted, him breaking. That was why it surprised him that he had even tried to kiss her. The simple thought of it dragged up hellish memories and the images that almost became too much for him to bear. Yet, when he had let himself slip and essentially gave in to kissing her... he never once thought of it. The demons of that year and a half remained silent and buried. Of course this angered and confused him, but most of all it scared him. It scared him knowing this not so meaningless truth.
He couldn't help that part of him held onto that. Before that year Freeza had made it all but impossible for Vegeta to ever completely trust or be in close proximity to someone without bad memories being just under the surface. To know that there was at least one person out there where that was not the case... it was liberating in a way. At the same time it was damning given the person was human... particularly this human woman. He looked at her; eyes trailing down her body.
"Hey... you better take a good look, mister, because that will be the only time you ever kiss me." Smirking with her own amusement, she glanced sideways at him and promptly frowned seeing the expression on his face. "Vegeta, are you okay?" Closing the laptop she got to her feet and put her arm to his forehead. "Holy crap... you're burning up."
"I'm fine, woman," he muttered, unable to keep his eyes from closing. He knew he should be pushing her away, growling at her or something, but the coolness of her arm felt so good. His head had increasingly gotten foggy as he sat there, the painful pounding hard to ignore. He realized that he was in a dangerous situation like this in this woman's company, but he found himself not really caring right then.
Bulma knew something was really wrong when he suddenly leaned into her, arm weakly holding on. If he was fully lucid he would never do this. It was so out of character for him that it startled and scared her. She wove her fingers through his black-flamed hair, wondering whether to get her father or not. But then if she did Bardock would find out that she had kept how hurt Vegeta was from him... though, she hadn't really known he was this bad. Two broken ribs was not anything to be alarmed about and his fever had not been this bad. Then again a Saiyan with a fever was rare; whereas she and her parents had gotten sick multiple times over the course of Goku staying with them, he had only been sick once and she didn't think that was from any virus or bug. When Vegeta completely relaxed against her, she realized that she needed to get him to his room before he crashed in her room and became immovable. There was no way she would be able to carry him, the sheer thought of it was laughable.
"I'm sorry, Vegeta," she spoke softly when he growled at her moving to help him up. "But you can't stay here... if I had known you were this bad I would have said fuck it to the stupid camera..." She walked with him slowly, not wanting to cause him any more pain.
With only some minor difficulties she managed to get him to his room and huffed, feeling tired herself when she helped him to his bed and sat next to him, glad that his room had only been across from hers. Opening a drawer on the nightstand, she pulled out the thermometer that took the reading with simple skin contact. Waiting for the reading she looked around the room, amazed by how clean it was. She smiled to herself, remembering the snide comment he gave when they first entered her room about how dirty it was. Ha, a space dump... just about. There would have been no way they could have been roommates in college... that was of course impossible in itself considering he wasn't human and hadn't been on Earth, but it was still an amusing thought. Her gaze went to the folder she had given him on his dresser and curious, she brushed the stray hair from her face as she gave him a fleeting glance before going to get up and get it. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, she didn't get very far when something kept her sitting and she couldn't help but smile when she looked down to find a furry appendage wrapped once more around her waist.
She gently brushed his tail in a certain way to get it to release her. "I'll be back. I promise, Quickness."
Free, she quickly got up and went to the dresser, seizing the folder. She opened it as she walked back, looking to find his notes comingled in hers. Just like how he kept his room, his writing was clear and precise and at the same time had this alien flare to it. She didn't even notice when she sat down again that his tail coiled around her, so absorbed in the equation as she was. Then she saw it. The small simple mistake in her calculations that he had noticed when she hadn't. She had known it wasn't a huge problem when she gave it to him, at least not for her father or Bardock... but she really didn't think he would be able to help her. Not only had he noticed the problem, but using her own calculations as a model had started recalculating everything. He was stuck on one part, which was more her fault than his having skipped nearly all the steps, but she doubted she would have seen the folder until he had somehow figured it out.
"Wow..."
She shook her head, amazed as she went to remove the thermometer after it beeped. The folder and equation, however, were quickly forgotten when she found he was twelve degrees above normal. Her lips pushed together, realizing she might just have to alert her father. If his healing had not been affected, she wouldn't have been so worried, but being this much higher and unable to heal the damage it had to be causing could not be good.
Bulma tried to get his tail to release her again, but it refused to let go this time. "Vegeta, I need to go get my father..."
"No." She blinked, looking to find that his eyes were open, staring at the ceiling.
"You are twelve degrees over the norm, Vegeta... I can't just leave you like this." Closing the folder, she set it and the thermometer on the nightstand and looked at him really concerned.
"Do whatever you need to do, but don't involve that old man of yours or Bardock."
Frowning, she opened the nightstand drawers to see what she had to work with that was left over from taking care of him from the crash. She could set up an IV; fluids would no doubt help him and there were a few other things she could do, but... "I don't understand why you are so against it... I may know a lot because of my father, but that still can't replace a medical degree, Vegeta." When he didn't say anything, she looked at him finding his dark gaze watching her and shivered a little. "I'm confident in my skills, but I would still feel m-"
Her eyes widened when he moved suddenly, sitting up and grabbed her neck. Her heart hammered in her chest, unable to keep the small wave of fear from the movement and having his hand around her neck. But she was able to stay, for the most part, relaxed seeing as the grip wasn't tight, merely there. It was hard though when he growled, his upper lip curling back just like Goku's had... except this time she was close enough to actually see his sharper canines. He leaned forward and she held her breath, knowing she couldn't move abruptly or show her fear... She didn't know why she knew this, just that her gut was screaming at her, telling her to remain perfectly still. His thumb rubbed her neck before trailing across her chin and rested on the side of her head. Growing light headed she told herself to breathe as he got even closer and felt all the more like she was some kind of prey being examined by the predator. She swallowed when his nose brushed her neck. Is he scenting me?
She shivered when his hot breath hit her skin as he said in a rough voice, "When Saiyans have fevers we revert to our nature to protect us as the heat drives logic away." Bulma swallowed again, realizing just how right her own instincts had been telling her to not move. Goku became serious and dangerous when his nature was in control. Hell, she just got a reminder of how bad it was. She couldn't even imagine how Vegeta, someone who was already cold and dangerous would turn out.
She kept those thoughts at bay, knowing it would only make her scared and instead concentrated on what he continued to say, "I can... only control it so much, woman. If anyone but Bardock walked through that door I would try and kill them. That is why you can't get help. Bardock can't help me and I would only kill the doctor."
The way he so bluntly put it left her feeling frozen where she sat, but at the same time she realized what he was implying. She licked her lips, hesitant to speak. "And I am safe? Why?"
He didn't answer at first, almost as if he was afraid to say anything. She blinked surprised when he leaned into her, keeping his head resting in the nook of her neck. "I don't know..."
Bulma relaxed then, hearing his confusion and knowing he was telling the truth. She smiled as she hugged him; he reminded her of one of her parent's huge cats in the enclosed nature preserve and recreation building towards the back of the property. If they didn't trust the person they would probably attack them, but when they did trust the person they were big love-bugs. Not that she would call this being a love-bug... but Vegeta sure as hell wouldn't do this normally. When he finally broke the fever there would probably be a backlash of insults from him, but it was so worth it.
"Okay, Vegeta." She went to push away, but it didn't do much of anything. "I will see what I can do by myself, but first... you really need to let go."
He growled as he let go, having a moment of clarity and was clearly annoyed with his own actions as he lay back down and gave her his back. "You tell anyone this, woman, and I will tear you and whoever you tell limb from limb."
Bulma rolled her eyes as she shook her head. "Of course... I wouldn't dare tell a soul, Quickness... cross my heart and hope to die."
She smiled when he growled, turning back to the nightstand to get what she needed.
.~-~.
She shivered, shifting the folder she held in her arms. Actually, never would be too soon for her. She pushed off from the door and started down the stairs, tucking the hair behind her ear and trying to calm herself. The clinking of pots and pans told her that her mother was probably reheating the food they had brought home. She had forgotten in the chaos of everything about dinner. Reaching the landing, she glanced at the clock finding that it was rather late for dinner and she wasn't that hungry. Perhaps later, after working on the scouter and getting a working prototype ready she would be, but not now. She was still far too stressed to even consider forcing herself to swallow something. Which made her think of another issue.
"Mom, can you just save Vegeta's?" Walking into the kitchen fully, she leaned against the counter next to her mother. "Vegeta won't be up any time soon and we don't want Goku getting a hold of it."
"Already done, dear." She pointed with her stirring spoon to the fridge. "I had a feeling that handsome young man wouldn't be joining us. How is he by the way?"
Bulma rubbed the back of her neck, wondering if some tea would help her relax. "Not good... he has a high fever and it's... making his personality random at best."
"Oh?"
"Yeah... Remember that one time Goku had a huge fever..."
She went back to stirring, frowning a little. "That bad?" She didn't like the sound of that.
Bulma nodded. "And then some, Mom. He told me during one of his more lucid moments that when a Saiyan gets a fever they revert back to their... animalistic side or their nature thing... or whatever. It explains a lot, but we need to make sure no one goes in there..."
"Why don't you just lock the door?" She stopped, shaking her head. "No, I guess that wouldn't work. You have to check on him..."
"Unfortunately, yes." She started to gather the things she needed to make tea, going about it absentmindedly. "Don't tell Dad or Bardock... or anyone really. He was rather animate that no one knew he was this unwell."
"Okay, Bulma. My lips are sealed." Mrs. Briefs carefully watched her daughter, seeing the tension and was a little concerned but let it go, knowing if she wanted to talk about it her daughter would have brought it up.
"Thanks... Hey, what's going on with Goku and ChiChi?"
The older woman shrugged. "I was in the room with her, calming her down when Goku came in... I managed to get her to talk to him and pushed them in the right direction, but I can't really do much else." Bulma nodded, understanding as she grabbed the mug filled with warm water and yanked on the tea packet to help it seep faster.
"Will they be okay, Mom?" Bulma stopped moving, worried. What could she possibly do to help them?
"I don't know, dear." She looked to her daughter, knowing what she was thinking. "ChiChi is really hurt and rightfully so... just give it time."
Blowing on her tea she started for the labs. "Okay... do you want me to tell Dad, Bardock and Gohan that dinner is ready?"
"Would you?" She then realized something. "You're not going to eat with us, dear?"
"Nah, I got a lot of work to do now that this is nearly fixed." She held up the folder a little. "And when Gohan's done eating I'll have to go through the worksheet with him... that is, of course, if he even got it done with all the commotion. I'll just get a snack later."
"Don't work too hard, dear."
"I won't." Bulma called back over her shoulder. Bracing herself for another long night staying up and working, nose to the grindstone... when she was already worn-out no less. She was definitely going to need coffee to get through this one.
As she walked down the hall she couldn't help but wonder what else could possibly happen now. The past few days had been jam packed with events and tension. Surely things would quiet down now? Oh Kami, she really hoped they did. She had far too much to deal with to add more problems to it.
~~~~.~-~.~~~~
Nearly all of this was Beta'd by LPphreek
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