Chapter 1: Dad's a She?!
Trunks sat on a rock, one leg drawn up as he looked around
nervously. Scanning the assorted group nearby, he wondered if the information
his mom told him had somehow been mistaken. None of them fitted the description
mom gave him of Vegeta - short, muscular, perpectual bad mood and trademark
flame hair.
The Z fighters chatted among themselves, gossiping about the
mysterious lavender-haired teen and his news of Goku's soon arrival. Two
figures sat silently apart, uncomfortable with the chirpy group. Piccolo
meditated in his usual cross-legged mid-air position while Vegeta sat scowling
on a rock nearby.
Vegeta glared at the tall lavender-haired warrior, her mind
a chaotic jumble. How can HE be a super saiyan? First that third class baka,
now that upstart teen! It's not fair! I'm the Saiyan no oujo! I should be the
first super saiyan! She pursed her full red lips in an angry pout, ebony eyes
staring daggers. And now I'm forced to wait for that third class baka like some
commoner!
Suddenly, the mysterious teen stood up suddenly, looking at
his timepiece. "Goku should be here any minute." He announced. Sure
enough, a small pod ship entered the atmosphere a few minutes later and a
puzzled looking Goku, dressed in some outlandish clothes, stepped out.
Trunks insisted on talking to Goku alone for a while. He
briefly told Goku of the future he came from and handed him a small vial of
medicine for Goku's heart virus. When Trunks came to the part where he killed
Frieza and Cold as a Super Saiyan, Goku was predictably curious as to his
origins.
"Ah, that's because I'm Vegeta's son." Goku's face
visibly fell and an expression of pain flashed across his countenance. Goku
stared miserably at the fine lavender hair and bright blue eyes of the teen in
front of him as his heart broke. Vegeta's son...with that colouration. So his
father won't be me...
Trunks looked in confusion at Goku's downcast expression.
"Um, could you tell me who Vegeta is?"
Goku looked at Trunks in surprise for a moment before
indicating the petite brunette with an inclination of his head. Trunks stared
in shock. That gorgeous girl in a tight pink T-shirt with 'BADGURL' splashed
across her busty front and fitting yellow three-quarter pants? Her black hair
rose in a gravity-defying style and spiky tendrils trailed down the nape of her
neck to her shoulder blades. Spiky bangs hid a widow's peak.
Trunks gaped, his mouth opening and closing a few times
before he stuttered out hoarsely. "Vegeta's a female?!"
Goku looked curiously at Trunks. "Oh yeah, very
female." He turned to look wistfully at the object of his desire.
"I must have entered the wrong time-line by
mistake!" At Goku's puzzled look, he explained. "Vegeta's my father!
Mom showed me a picture of him and told me stories. He's definitely male. A
very bad-tempered male too.'
Goku's eyes widened in shock as he tried to assimilate this
information. A distance away, Piccolo's ears twitched in shock and his eyes
blinked rapidly, the only outward sign of his shock at the overheard
conversation. Vegeta shot him a suspicious look but nobody else had appeared to
notice the Namekian's lapse.
"So do I know your mom?" Goku asked curiously.
Trunks nodded, grinning. "Oh yeah, she's your best
friend."
"Nani! Bulma??"
The two fell silent for a while. Trunks was wondering how to
rectify his mistake while Goku grinned happily as he realized that he still had
a chance with Vegeta after all.
After Trunks left, Goku flew back to his friends, happy to
be home finally. He had missed Earth and his friends and he had really looked
forward to seeing Vegeta again. He had been ecstatic when he found out that she
had been revived on Earth - when Frieza killed the fiery Saiyan princess, Goku
had gone mad with grief and that catalyzed his transformation to super saiyan.
After exchanging greetings with his son and friends, he
turned to the Saiyan no oujo who had been standing a distance away sullenly.
"Vegeta!" Undeterred by her cold response, he
continued cheerily. "Do you have a place to stay?"
"Oh, Vegeta's staying with me at the moment."
Bulma broke in, smiling. "After all, it would be awkward for her to stay
with any of the other male fighters and she doesn't know her way around Earth.
Besides, I've plenty of space."
Goku rubbed his head sheepishly. Shucks. I had been hoping
to invite her to stay with me, now that Chi Chi's gone. Goku had broken up with
Chi Chi soon after his fight with Vegeta on Earth. The two hadn't been really
close; Chi Chi had tricked him into marriage and he had stayed with her because
of Gohan. After he met Vegeta, he realized that what he felt for Chi Chi didn't
compare to the attraction he felt for the feisty princess and had broken up
with Chi Chi to pursue his heart. And pursue he did, all the way across the galaxy
to Namek and finally back to Earth again. Chi Chi had left in a huff, leaving
him custody of Gohan. The easy-going warrior brightened. Bulma's my best friend
and I drop by frequently. He smiled happily as he planned his courtship of his
scowling princess.
Vegeta whipped her leg into a roundhouse kick, connecting
with Goku's jaw with a crack and sending him crashing to the earth, plowing
through a few trees before coming to a halt.
"Kuso! Stop holding back! Fight me!" The volatile
princess erupted in rage.
Goku rubbed his jaw ruefully. He HAD been holding back;
nowdays, he found it hard to fight Vegeta. He did not want to hurt her and
also, she was too distracting. Maybe I can solve the second problem by asking
her not to wear spandex, but then she'll know I've been ogling. Goku gave
himself a mental slap. Like now... Hentai!
Vegeta was dressed in a navy blue spandex tank top and
tights with white boots and gloves. Lately, she had begun wearing weighted
chest armor, which still did not hide much. The spandex clung tightly to every
curve, nook and cranny. The petite princess was slender and toned with tight
muscles, her slight build belied the fact that she was one of the most
dangerous fighters in the known universe. Looking at the two Saiyans, Goku
standing a full head taller and weighing at least half again as much as Vegeta,
one would be hard-pressed to believed that she had almost whipped his butt when
they first fought. Vegeta would have won if Goku's friends hadn't stepped in. Even
now, if Goku does not power up to Super Saiyan, they are almost evenly matched.
Goku may be stronger but Vegeta is faster and more agile.
Goku held out his hand pleadingly for a time out, his
stomach letting out a loud growl at the same time. Vegeta humphed, crossing her
arms and landing softly. "Glutton." She sneered as she headed towards
the kitchen in Capsule Corps. Goku trailed admiringly behind.
The nice thing about training at the CC was the food. Bulma
is the world's richest woman and her mother ensured that nobody under her roof
went hungry, a noteworthy feat with Saiyans. While Goku helped himself greedily
to the food on the table, Vegeta ate more neatly. She still ate at a rate much
faster than a human but her royal breeding shows in her posture and manners.
Usually. When she's not pissed. Then, she swears like the intergalactic pirate
she formerly was.
As Goku leaned back in his chair, finally sated, he looked
at Vegeta curiously. "Vegeta, why are you so obsessed with becoming
stronger?"
"Nani?! What kind of question is that coming from
you?" Vegeta flared up.
"I don't mean to offend you..." Goku hurriedly
apologized. "But compared to me, you train all the time. Day and night.
You should take time out to have fun... let go a bit."
Vegeta scowled. "I have to! I'm the Saiyan no oujo, I
have to be the strongest! If my father could see how a third class baka like
you could ascend while I cannot, he would be rolling in his grave!" Her
eyes narrowed in remembered past pain. "You have no idea what it's like
under Frieza... 'Awww... look! It's the Ickle Saiyan no Oujo!' " Her voice
took on a mocking tone. She trailed off as she realized she said too much.
Goku's heart clenched in sympathy. Vegeta's pride flared as
she stood up angrily. "I don't need your pity!"
"I'm not pitying you! I admire your strength and
resilience, Vegeta-sama... I just think that nobody should have undergone what
you went through."
Vegeta stared at Goku, a multitude of emotions running
across her face before she turned and walked out of the kitchen. Goku watched
her go sorrowfully. I won’t let anyone else bully you my oujo.
-----
Over the next few months, Goku became a permanent fixture at
the Capsule Corps.
Everyone knew of his infatuation with the beautiful, if
bad-tempered, Sayian princess and reactions ranged from the amused to the
disgusted.
Bulma was highly amused and tried to push the two together.
Vegeta was shorter and more slender than the blue-haired genius and she
couldn't imagine the petite firecracker as a cold-blooded murderer. Sure, she
was moody, arrogant and rude but Bulma herself wasn't Miss Personality either.
And when the fiery little princess stomped around angrily, she just looked sooo
kawaii with that pout!
Krillin didn't know what to think. Goku was one of his best
friends and he trusted the tall Saiyan's judgement...usually. After all,
Piccolo had turned into one of their best allies, right?
Yamcha was disgusted and livid. He had been Vegeta's first
victim and that mass murderer and destroyer of worlds didn't fool him.
Tien and Chiaotzu avoided Vegeta in fear. They had some
shred of self-preservation after all, not like Master Roshi. The old pervert
had ogled at Vegeta one time too many and was now recovering in intensive care.
The princess had expressly forbade anyone to give him a senzu, threatening
multiple broken body parts and a possible trip into the next dimension.
Piccolo was amused but largely indifferent. Gohan was very
excited at the possibility of getting a new mommy who won't keep nagging at him
to study.
Vegeta was NOT amused. If that third class baka weren’t the
only one on this planet who can give her a decent workout, she wouldn't give
him the time of the day. Everywhere she went, he would be there. Everyday he
would pop by with hope that they would spar. Often he would bring a small gift.
Secretly, she was flattered with all that attention. He was quite good-looking.
And very strong. That's very important to Saiyans. And loyal and generous; he
wasn't well off yet he splurges on her.
STILL, he was third class and she was royalty. And he was a
baka.
"'Geta!" A grinning face popped out in front of
her and she stumbled backwards in shock. Clutching her towel with one hand, she
flung open her bedroom door with the other and booted him out, shrieking in
rage.
"KISAMA! HENTAI! Don't ever IT in my room again!"
Yelling unlady-like curses, she slammed the door shut. Damm him and his Instant
Transmission. I really must learn that technique but that baka said I must go
out for two dates in exchange. She toweled her hair dry furiously and flung the
poor towel in the basket. Rummaging through her closet, she pulled out a pair
of shorts and tank top in navy blue. I swear, that baka isn't as innocent as he
appears. How does he always manage to appear at the most inopportune moments?
Outside, Goku was grinning like an idiot, eyes glazed as he
recalled the eyeful he got before she kicked him out. Wow, she looks so hot in
that towel. Actually she looks hot in anything. I wander how she looks in
nothing? His face flushed as his imagination kicked in. Just at that moment,
the door opened again and Vegeta stalked out. She glared at his red face
suspiciously.
"What are you looking at?" She growled.
"Nothing!" Goku tried to smile innocently.
"Um, I just came up to tell you dinner is ready."
"Hn." She turned and headed downstairs. Goku
followed, his eyes on her shapely figure and pert ass, shown off by the tight
spandex she favors.
"So I'll see you tomorrow morning for a spar?"
Goku looked hopeful as he turned to leave with Gohan after dinner.
Vegeta frowned. "No, I was planning on doing some
training by myself in the Gravity Room."
Goku's face fell and he looked so disappointed that Vegeta
found herself saying, "But I intend to learn that damn Instant
Transmission trick from you tomorrow afternoon." Damn! Why did she say
that?
Goku's face lit up. "Ok! And how about the first date
tomorrow night then?"
Vegeta gritted her teeth. A promise's a promise.
"Fine."
Goku fairly danced out the door. Bulma laughed silently from
the kitchen entrance where she had been spying on them. Oh, they are *such* a
kawaii couple!!! Hmmm...I must get Vegeta to dress up and prepare a camera.
The next night, Vegeta found herself in a fluffy white
sweater and tan flare skirt that reached mid-thigh. Black leggings and brown
boots complete the ensemble. Bulma had practically bullied her into it,
threatening the sabotage of her precious Gravity Room if she didn't.
Five on the dot, Goku appeared with Gohan in tow, beaming.
He was dressed in tight, worn blue jeans and a red-checkered shirt and Vegeta
had to admit he looked good. Goku smiled appreciatively at Vegeta, wishing she
would dress up more often.
Bulma led Gohan to the kitchen as the pair prepared to
leave. "Wait!" The two turned in surprise at her shout and Bulma
snapped a couple of shots. Vegeta snarled but before she could lunge at the
grinning woman, Goku snaked his arms around her waist and concentrated.
The two appeared in front of a large frozen lake. Vegeta
looked around her in surprise and Goku enjoyed the feeling of Vegeta in his
arms for a few moments before she pushed his arms away. "What are we doing
here?" She snapped.
"Ice-skating!" Vegeta raised an eyebrow.
"Here, you put on these boots and.." Goku grabbed her hand and led
her to the rental booth, explaining happily. Goku quickly laced up his boots
and looked up to see Vegeta fumbling with her boots in confusion. Kneeling, he
deftly did up her boots.
On the ice, Vegeta was mortified at her lack of skills. Goku
moved with smooth ease over the ice while she kept slipping into his arms. On
his part, Goku was overjoyed at having Vegeta constantly, literally falling
into his arms. I really must thank Bulma for her excellent suggestion, he
reminded himself. However, Vegeta's natural grace and balance, honed from years
of training soon came into play and she learned quickly. Soon, she was gliding
smoothly over the ice and before long; the graceful Saiyan princess was
spinning and twisting with professional ease. Goku initially moaned at his loss
but was soon entranced by her smile as she leapt gracefully through the air,
legs spilt, arms outstretched and back arched. The fading light from the
setting sun caught the auburn highlights in her flame-like hair. That was one
of the many things Goku loved about Vegeta; whatever she did, she did it with a
fierce passion. The other Z fighters may think she is cold-hearted but Goku
knew better. Vegeta was far from cold-blooded; she is extremely hot-blooded and
intense. When she fights, she goes all out and woe betide the person she hates.
Goku suspects that the people she loves would be extremely fortunate and can
only hope he would be as lucky one day.
Vegeta smiled a genuine smile as she twirled into one of her
familiar katas. Not an offensive one, this routine focuses on agility and
balance with its twists and turns. It was almost like a dance. Initially, she
had been so embarrassed that she had wanted to give up, but her pride wouldn't
allow her. If that baka can do it... This was certainly very enjoyable and a
change from the usual. This gliding over the ice...it's a bit like flying but
not like flying. Goku admired her for a while until he noticed other guys
gawking at her. Growling possessively, he skated forward and joined her kata.
Vegeta started in surprise, then smirked as the two fell into a familiar dance.
They mirrored each other's movements, while she flipped back, he flips forward,
following her direction. As she spins to the front and side, he deftly copies
her twist in the opposite direction, the two never colliding though they moved
just centimeters from each other. When they came to a slightly breathless halt,
applause broke out from the cheering spectators.
Vegeta flushed a little in embarassment and quickly got off
the ice. Goku followed and the pair quietly returned their skates to an
admiring rental booth owner.
They had dinner at a resturant nearby and after a few
glasses of wine, Vegeta was feeling relaxed, even chatty. Vegeta admitted that
ice-skating had been fun, though she was not used to the wintry weather or
ice-related sports.
"Most of Vegetasei was jungle, and the weather was
tropical and humid. Saiyans are more at home in lush rainforests." She
smiled warmly in remembrance. "I miss the Jungle Runs..."
Goku looked interested. "Jungle Runs?"
"When the moon is full, our blood would boil with the
song of the silver orb. Have you never felt your veins sing when the moon is
high?" Vegeta leaned foward, her eyes gleaming excitedly.
"Uh..."
"To revel in the moonlight? To cut loose and howl?"
"I never dared." Goku's expression grew pained.
"When I was a chibi, my grandfather always kept me locked up indoors when
the moon was full. He says there was a monster out in the woods. Much later, I
found out that that monster, which killed my grandfather, was me."
"You turned oozaru." Vegeta stated flatly.
Goku nodded. "Since then, even though my tail was
removed, I've always felt nervous about going out on a full moon."
"Baka, the full moon isn't only about going
oozaru." Goku could tell Vegeta meant no malice by the insult.
"Nobody taught you to control the oozaru transformation."
"You could control your oozaru form." Goku
recalled.
Vegeta smirked. "I meant, not only controlling the
oozaru form, but also whether or not to transform."
Goku looked startled. "Even with the tail?"
Vegeta nodded. "One can learn meditative techniques to
control the urge to go oozaru. But the moonlight still affects us. We become
...wilder. Our instincts assume greater control."
Vegeta closed her eyes and purred. "Full moon was
always celebrated on Vegetasei. Little work was done during the day, we would
rest for the revelry at night. We would partake in a hunt at dusk, with our
closest family or friends. When darkness fell and the moon was high, ..."
Goku's curiosity was afire. "When the moon was
high?"
Vegeta only gave an enigmatic smile. "You will know, if
you would ever have such a chance. But it is foolish to reminisce." Her
eyes lost their wistful look, growing hard. "Some bastard cut off my tail and
another fool destroyed the earth's moon."
Goku fell silent for a while. "If our tails and the
moon were ever wished back, would you show me?"
Vegeta looked startled at his question, blushing furiously.
No! He couldn't know what that means, can he?
"Nani?" Goku wondered what caused her flush.
"Nothing." Her reply was too fast. No matter how
Goku tried to cajole her, she refuse to elaborate further.
"NO! And that's final!" With her face set in an
angry scowl, Goku gave up.
Vegeta was mostly silent during their way back later and
Goku felt worried. As they landed on her balcony, he asked nervously, "Did
you enjoy yourself tonight?"
Vegeta looked down for a long while as she thought. Goku's
heart sank but to his delight, she raised her eyes shyly. "Hai."
Deciding to push his luck, he leaned forward. "So do I
get a thank-you kiss?" He asked huskily.
Vegeta blushed furiously. "NANI?!" She spun and
stomped into her room, snapping the glass doors and curtains shut in dismissal.
Goku sighed in disappointment.
Inside, Vegeta stripped and flopped down on her bed. She
lifted a hand to her hot face, thankful that he did not appear to notice the
real reason for her abrupt dismissal. She had not been angry at him, in fact
she was running from him. The conversation during dinner and then him wanting a
kiss... she growled angrily and punched her pillow. What are these emotions?
I've never felt this way before. Giving another angry growl, she punched her
pillow again. It was some time before she fell into an uneasy sleep.
Chapter 4: Goku falls sick!
A few weeks passed. No mention was made of the date. Vegeta
continued practicing the Instant Transmission Technique. Goku continued to show
up daily for a spar. Bulma gave Goku a copy of the two photos. In the first,
the pair was just turning around and the shot captured the moment as they faced
each other. In the other, their faces were facing the camera and their eyes
widening in surprise. Goku kept the two photos in his dresser by his bed.
One morning, Goku did not show up. Vegeta felt annoyed, for
some reason, but went to the Gravity Room to train by herself. By evening, she
had started to feel a little worried and angry that she was worried. By night,
she was as cross and surly as a bear with a bad tooth. Bulma knocked on her
door as the princess prepared for bed. "What?" Vegeta yanked the door
open with a snarl.
Bulma hid her smile, knowing the reason for Vegeta's foul
mood. "Just to let you know, I called Goku and Gohan said Goku was
sick."
"I'm not worried for that third class baka. And it's
his fault he's so weak. Saiyans don't get sick." Vegeta sniffed before she
slammed the door shut. Bulma smirked.
Vegeta lay on her bed, unable to sleep. I can't be worried
for that third class baka, can I? No! I'm not! I just miss having a sparring
partner that's all. Her thoughts raced as she struggled with feelings unknown
to her and she fell into a restless sleep.
When she got up the next morning, she had a slight headache
from her insufficient rest and blamed it wholly on Kakarotto. Again Goku didn't
turn up and her mood worsened as she destroyed all the hapless training bots.
She went to bed that night in a positively foul mood.
The third morning Goku didn't turn up, Vegeta admitted to
herself that she was worried for the baka. Saiyans don't get sick often, what
if.... She changed into a pair of jeans and a cropped red T-shirt and flew off.
Focusing on Kakarotto's ki, she flew towards his cabin,
entering through his bedroom window. She could feel Gohan's ki downstairs. Goku
was lying drowsily on his bed but sat up suddenly when Vegeta flew in. His face
lit up with a huge grin when he saw his visitor. Vegeta scowled, regretting her
decision already. Sniffing a little, she crossed her arms defensively.
"Don't mistake my intentions. I did not come here to
see you. I mean, I did but only to see if you were still alive because I did
not want to lose a sparring partner." Shit, her excuse sounded lame even
to herself.
Goku wasn't fooled. Before he could say anything, the
bedroom door opened and Gohan looked in. Gohan had felt Vegeta's ki and was
understandably curious.
"Uh, dad? I can't really afford to miss another day of
school." Gohan stepped in, dressed in a pair of bermudas and T-shirt. His
book bag was slung over his shoulder.
"Gomen, I'll send you there." Goku tried to sit up
but fell back coughing.
Vegeta scowled. I'll probably regret this, but... "Lie
back down! I'll send the brat to school."
Goku brightened. "You will? Arigato!"
Vegeta remained silent on their journey to Gohan's school
and Gohan wisely kept his mouth shut. Landing in the school yard, a plump
matronly woman in her mid-forties bustled up to them. Pushing her black glasses
up, she beamed.
"Gohan! You were absent yesterday, were you sick? Is
this your stepmother?" Gohan's teacher had heard about Gohan's parents'
divorce and felt sorry for the poor boy.
Vegeta frowned. Who is this nosy parker? And I'm not that
brat's mother! She was about to open her mouth to correct the chattering woman
when she caught sight of Gohan, who was standing behind the fat woman, making
pleading puppy-dog eyes at her. Please don't say anything....She snapped her
mouth shut at his silent plea.
"Oh, and could you take back these forms to sign for
the upcoming excursion? And indicate on this form whether your husband and
yourself would be attending the parents' session next week..." The fat
woman droned on. "Oh! There's Boru's mom! I've got to go!"
Vegeta clutched a stack of forms in her fist numbly. What's
did that fat woman say? Her attention was caught by a group of boys who had
gathered round.
"Aww...Mommy's boy...Is that your new mom, Mommy's
boy?" One of the boys taunted cruelly. Gohan gritted his jaw in anger. Chi
Chi had adored dressing her only son up and openly fawned over him. He had been
so embarrassed whenever Chi Chi sent him to school, admonishing him to behave
himself and eat properly before tearfully waving him off...in front of all his
classmates!
Annoying pests. Vegeta frowned at the boys and with a burst
of her ki, sent the boys flying back. Turning to Gohan, she snapped. "I'll
pick you up later, don't make me wait." She smirked. "And you owe me
a spar later for all this trouble." Without waiting for his reply, she blasted
off in a blue burst of ki.
The boys had picked themselves up and were watching in awe.
"Wow! Your new mom's cool."
"Yeah, she totally kicks ass."
"She can fly and fight? And she fights with you? Kewl.
I wish my mom was like that."
Gohan blinked in surprise, then smirked as he lapped up the
attention.
-----
Vegeta landed back in Goku's bedroom. Pulling a capsule out
of her pocket, she flipped it at him which popped into a pile of sandwiches on
his lap. Goku grinned cheerfully at Vegeta and started eating.
"Thanks! How did you know I've not eaten breakfast
yet?"
"Baka." Vegeta looked bored and sat down on the
only chair in his bedroom. Tossing the papers on the bed, she said disgustedly.
"And that's some forms from the fat woman who I presume is his
teacher."
Goku tried to eat slowly (only for Vegeta!) and engage her
in conversation.
"Did you ever go to school back on Vegetasei?"
Reaching over for a sandwich, Vegeta snorted. "I had
the best tutors, I did not go to school."
The hours flew by and to her surprise, Vegeta found herself
enjoying the taller Saiyan's company. They chatted and Goku taught her to play
some board games. Vegeta sneered at everything but tried them out anyway. When
the clock chimed one, Goku looked up from their game. "Time to fetch
Gohan."
Vegeta stood up, then frowned. "Drat. I forgot the
direction to his school..."
"Hey, why don't you try the Instant Transmission
Technique now?"
Vegeta scrunched her pert nose in concentration and after a
few moments, located Gohan's ki. She flickered in and out before she finally
disappeared.
"Hey! You learnt Dad's technique!" Gohan exclaimed
as Vegeta popped out in front of him. She gave him a smirk before clasping a
hand on his shoulder and concentrating on Goku's ki. As the pair disappeared,
the boys around them dropped their jaws. "Cool!"
Back in the Son's house, the three Saiyans were feeling
hungry so Vegeta gave Gohan an imperious order to cook. Gohan rubbed the back
of his head sheepishly and admitted that he can't cook.
"Yeah, usually I cook. But I'm feeling too weak at the
moment..." Goku gave a dramatic moan and flopped back into bed. Vegeta
stared in consternation. Nani? She, the Saiyan no oujo, cook for these bakas?
She toyed with the idea of flying off for lunch at the CC but somehow she felt
bad about leaving the hapless men in the lurch. Grumbling, she made her way
downstairs with Goku and Gohan in tow.
Vegeta was almost done with the noodles when to her horror,
she felt Piccolo's ki approaching. Before she could hide, the tall green
warrior ducked through the kitchen door frame. Piccolo stood in the doorway,
surveying the scene around him. Vegeta was standing by the stove, pots bubbling
merrily, with a look of horror and embarrasment. He raised an eyebrow as he
read the words on her apron 'Kiss the Cook.'
"Do I have to?"
"Shut up green bean! Don't you dare breathe one word of
this to anybody!" A faint blush painted itself over her cheeks as she
struggled to retain her dignity while waving her ladle at him. Goku and Gohan
who were seated at the dining table, tried to contain their amusement but a few
chuckles leaked out.
Vegeta hissed in anger and the two giggling Sons quickly
shut up. She ladled the food out, not bothering to serve Piccolo as she knew
the Namekian only drank water. That's the last time I'll be so alturistic. See
what happens when I try to be nice? It's so much easier to be mean and nasty.
She grumbled to herself as she whipped off the apron and started eating.
The three hungry Saiyans soon made short work of the food.
Goku burped in contentment. "Wow, 'Geta, I didn't know you were such a
good cook." Gohan nodded enthusiastically.
"A good warrior can provide for herself out in the
field." Vegeta replied loftily, secretly pleased at their compliments.
"But you're really, really good. Why don't you cook
more?" Goku pressed.
Vegeta rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Because I would
then be stuck cooking for bakas like you. I *hate* hearing about how cooking is
a woman's chore. I cooked a few times for Raditz and Nappa and those two bakas
kept whining and pestering me later."
"But 'Geta..." Goku whined.
Vegeta shot him a murderous deadly glare while Piccolo and
Gohan snickered. Can this day get any worse? The thought had barely crossed her
mind when she heard the whine of an air-car touching down outside.
Twisting their necks to look out the window, the four could
see a red air-car parked on their backyard. A tall man with curly black hair
and a drooping mustache was seated in the driver's seat and in the passenger
side was Chi Chi.
Goku and Gohan paled and even Piccolo looked a little
worried. Vegeta looked at them in surprise. "Who is that?"
"Chi Chi...my ex-wife.." Goku's normally cheery
countenance was now taut with worry. He was feeling extremely nervous; his
ex-wife had not visited since she had stormed out in a huff before they left
for Namek. What could she want now?
"Gohan!" Chi Chi cooed as she came in through the
door. Gohan tried to hide behind his father.
"Chi Chi, what are you here for?" Goku asked
tentatively.
"I came to rescue my baby boy! I only gave you custody
because I was distraught. I wasn't thinking straight back then." Chi Chi
tried to reach for Gohan, but Goku stepped in her path.
"No! I won't let you!"
Chi Chi got angry and hit Goku in the chest. Caught off
guard, Goku stumbled backwards and fell hard. Coughing and wheezing hard, he
tried to get up but fell back down. When Vegeta saw Chi Chi strike Goku, she
flared up in rage and flew between them. Glaring at the surprised Amazon, she
grated. "Out."
"What happened to Goku?"
"Kakarotto," Vegeta placed emphasis on his Saiyan
name, "is ill."
"Are you the hussy Goku," Chi Chi drawled his
name, "left me for?"
Vegeta gave a short bark of laughter. "Ha! If you were
truly mated, Kakarotto would not be able to leave you."
The two raven-haired women glared daggers at each other,
their battle auras rising dangerously. The three males sweated nervously.
"Alright." Chi Chi sniffed. "But I'll be back
tomorrow to pick up Gohan. I also expect alimony payments."
"What makes you think Gohan will want to go with
you?" Piccolo spoke up suddenly.
Chi Chi now turned to glare venomously at the Namekian.
"The court will grant me custody of my son. Especially when they see that
my ex-husband cannot provide a stable home environment. Consorting with sluts
and monsters."
"I am not a slut!" Vegeta screeched in rage but
Chi Chi had already turned and left. Goku and Piccolo were forced to restrain
the hopping mad princess. "BITCH!"
Goku sat down again, moaning as he cradled his head in his
hands. "What am I going to do?" Gohan crouched down beside his
father. "I don't wanna leave, 'tousan."
Vegeta finally calmed down and was now pacing. She wasn't
sure how the legal system on this mudball worked...who would know? Bulma!
"I'm going to talk to Bulma." Vegeta snapped
curtly as she turned to leave. "I'll be back tomorrow morning." She
added the last sentence softly.
As Vegeta flew back, her thoughts were in turmoil. Why was I
so concerned for those bakas? And why did I feel so angry when that bitch hit
my Kakarotto? She almost fell out of mid-air. MY Kakarotto?? Where did that
thought come from? Could it be?
She landed in a deserted forest clearing and sank down, lost
in her thoughts. When did I started developing feelings for that big lout?
Forcing herself to be brutally honest, she searched her feelings and realized
that she did feel something for the gentle warrior, even from their first
battle. She had been too angry and humiliated by her defeat then, and later she
was distracted by the battles on Namek.
In her mind, she replayed scenes of their battles, against
each other and together. She remembered training and sparring with him, his
constant presence at the CC, their date. She recalled the worry when she heard
he was ill.
Rocking back and forth on her heels, Vegeta's eyes grew wide
at her own admission. She was in love with him. HE was the reason she's staying
on this mudball. Her excuse that she had no way off the planet was lame - Bulma
could always build her a ship. Somehow, the large Saiyan had worked himself
under her skin (ach, not like that you hentais!) and into her life. Groaning,
she closed her eyes in confusion and anger. Her hands clenched into tight
fists, nails digging hard into her palm. NO! She couldn't have fallen for a
third class baka! She was the Saiyan no oujo!
The Saiyan no oujo of a dead race. Another part of her mind
whispered. A race made up of just that baka and his brat. And he could hardly
be a third class; he should rank an elite with his power. Especially since he
has become the first super saiyan in two thousand years. The traitorous voice
continued.
But he is such a baka! The first voice yelled back. A
handsome, lovable, loyal, generous baka. The second voice whispered slyly. A
sexy, strong, ... Vegeta blushed furiously.
She sat there in tortured silence, not noticing the passage
of time. Her growling stomach distracted her and she looked up to see that it
was very late in the afternoon. Making up her mind, she stood up shakily, her
legs asleep.
Back at the CC, Bulma noticed Vegeta was unusually pensive
during dinner. "I didn't see you around today." The blue-haired genius
had an inkling where Vegeta went. Vegeta kept silent for a while, then
hesitantly told her about her visit to Goku and Chi Chi's demand.
"Well, Chi Chi does have an advantage. The legal system
here tends to favor the mother when it comes to granting custody in divorce
cases." Bulma narrowed her eyes slyly, her mental wheels spinning
furiously. "Of course, if it can be shown that Goku can provide a stable
home environment, then it would be highly likely that Gohan can remain with him
as Chi Chi did leave Gohan initially."
"How can he prove that?" Vegeta had a nasty
suspicion where this conversation was heading.
"Wellll," Bulma widened her blue eyes innocently,
"if Goku had a new spouse, someone who can show that she can be a good
mother figure to Gohan..."
Vegeta pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes.
"Let me guess..."
The normally chirpy woman became grave. "Vegeta, tell
me seriously. Do you like Goku?" When Vegeta remained taciturn, she
pressed on. "Goku comes by almost everyday and while you grumble and
complain, I don't see you refusing his company."
Vegeta gave a sigh and admitted reluctantly.
"Yes..."
"Yes what?"
"Yes I do have *some* feelings for that baka."
"Enough to ..." The blue-eyed genius was really
enjoying this.
"Enough to ..." The black-eyed oujo swallowed
nervously, "tell the courts that I am willing to be Gohan's new
mother."
"You don't sound enthusiastic. You sound like you're
only doing it for Gohan's sake." Bulma was determined to drag the truth
out of the proud princess.
"It has nothing to do with Gohan." Vegeta clamped
her jaw shut when she realize that she was just digging herself deeper and
deeper.
"So it ALL has to do with Goku?" Bulma was
relentless by now.
Vegeta was starting to look quite skittish and her face had
taken on a cornered look. "Yes..no...I mean..."
Piercing cerulean eyes bored into shifting obsidian ones
mercilessly.
"YES! It has all to do with Kakarotto! Even without
Gohan or Chi Chi in the picture. Happy?" The flustered princess yelled,
then turned beet red as she realized what she just shouted to the world. Bulma
smirked gleefully and raised her fingers in a 'v' sign.
"All right, then this is what you say to Chi Chi tommorrow." Bulma cracked her knuckles.
Onto the next part!
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