-PART NINE-

 

Vegeta stood in the middle of the gravity room, his legs astride, his arms extended out at his sides.  His eyes are closed as he concentrates.  Suddenly, a blue aura surrounds him with a great amount of electricity with it.  As his energy builds, Vegeta lets out a low, guttural growl as the aura changes from blue to yellow.  Just when he feels he is at his complete panicle of power to transform into a super Saiyan, his senses feel something is wrong, which distracts him.  The aura fades quickly as Vegeta lets out a gasp, opening his eyes.  Regaining his senses, he looks up the apartment.  It was the brat.  It seemed that every time he tried to transform, the unborn child’s ki would increase along with his—and it distracted him terribly.  Vegeta didn’t like the fact that his son’s power almost exceeded his own, and he wasn’t even born yet.  Throwing his shirt on, he decided that he’s trained enough for the evening, so he left the gravity room and headed up to the apartment.  When he walked inside, he heard Bulma talking on the phone.  She was sitting on the couch in the living room, and from the looks of it, the conversation had the expression on her face worried.

 

“…Well, that’s super.  Sure I can pick you guys up…okay.  I’ll be there.  Love you.  Bye.” Bulma hung up, and she stared up at Vegeta.

 

“Did somebody die?” Vegeta asked. 

 

“Worse…that was my parents.” Bulma said sitting back.  “They’re coming home a month early from their vacation.” Bulma remembered over five months ago when her Mom and Dad left for their around-the-world vacation.  She decided that it wasn’t a good idea telling them about her pregnancy then; that she would tell them when they called.  But she put it off for so long that now they were on their way back home.  Bulma looked down at her swollen belly.  How and the hell was she going to explain it to them with them having a full blown heart attack when they saw her?

 

“Big deal,” Vegeta said picking up an orange out of the kitchen and started to peel it. “So they’re coming home.”

 

“But I never told them about the baby.” Bulma said, putting her head in her hands.

 

“My, aren’t they in for a shock!” Vegeta laughed sarcastically.  He sat down next to her.  “It’s too late to worry about how they’re going to react now.”

 

“My Dad’s going to kill me.  And I have to pick them up at the airport at ten tomorrow morning,” She looked up at Vegeta.  “I can’t go alone.”

 

“And you won’t be,” Vegeta said getting up. “You’ll have the brat with you.”

 

“I need you to go with me Vegeta! You have to!”

 

“Humph,” Vegeta said walking into the bathroom.  Bulma followed.  “You’re parents don’t want to see me.”

 

“But you have to…I need you there to hold my hand, to support me!”

 

“You being pregnant has certainly made you sappy as hell.  Listen to you,” He takes off his shirt and pants and starts up the shower.  “For months now, I’ve done nothing but bend myself backwards to please you—and now this!  I can’t even train properly on the account of that brat’s ki—I bet he’s going to explode in you.”

 

Vegeta, please, do this for me—I’ll do anything!” Bulma pleaded.  Vegeta was about to step into the shower but stopped when he heard this.  He looked back at her.  The constant looks of worry on her face, always pleading or begging for something.  He let his eyes roam down to her breasts, which were twice their size since he had impregnated her.  They were outlined and visible through her nightgown.  Vegeta licked his lips seductively as he turned around and stood in front of her naked, folding his arms at his chest.  He continued his stare downward to her stomach; which was quite visible and round.  He couldn’t explain it; but he found her to be very sexy in this way.  He looked up at her, and she had the look of disgust on her face.   “Anything but that.” 

 

“Okay then.  I won’t go.”

 

“Vegeta!” Bulma pleaded.

 

“I’m not asking for a whole lot,” Vegeta said moving in closer to her.  “Just a taste.”

 

“Look at me Vegeta.  Surely you don’t want a taste. I look horrible!” 

 

“You look enchanting woman,” He purred as he lightly placed his hand on her breast, caressing it.  “And it’s been a while.”

 

“Does everything have to lead to that?  All the time?”  Bulma said as she reluctantly pulled away.  “How about you do that ‘thing’ you did once before, with my palm, huh?” 

 

“No,” Vegeta said shaking his head.  “I’m tired of doing that.  I want some contact.”

 

“Then you can just forget it bucko!”  Bulma said storming out the bathroom.  “I can go by myself!”  She went into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. 

 

“Humph,” Vegeta said as he closed the bathroom door.

 

The next morning as the alarm rang Bulma dreaded getting up.  She knew that in two hours she would be facing her parents with her ‘news’.  After removing Vegeta’s heavy arm that he possessively wrapped around her, she slowly arose, with a slight wince of pain from sleeping on her side all night.  Wobbling to the bathroom, she took a shower and brushed her teeth.  Only clad in a towel, she started brushing out her hair in the mirror.  She bent down to look for her hair dryer in the drawer of her vanity, only to stand up with Vegeta standing behind her.  She wasn’t amused.

 

“What do you want?”  Bulma said coldly as she continued to brush her hair.

 

“You usually give me a kiss in the morning, and I didn’t get one.”  Vegeta said as he ran his hands across the back of her shoulders, and kissed the back of her neck. 

 

“Well, I’m tired of making deals with the devil,” Bulma said flatly.  “And besides…you don’t deserve a kiss.” She turned around and faced him.  “Now do you mind?  Unlike some people I know, I have somewhere important to go this morning.” Before Vegeta could utter out another word, she turned on the hair dryer, drowning out his words.  Pissed, he walked out of the bathroom, leaving Bulma smiling triumphantly. 

 

After getting dressed, Bulma walked into the kitchen to get a glass of milk.  Of course Vegeta was there, sitting at the breakfast table with his face behind the newspaper.  As she poured her milk, she expected him to make a snide remark or insult, but he was quiet.

 

“I’ll be going now,” Bulma said grabbing her purse and heading to the door.  “See you in a bit.”

 

“You’re gong alone?” Vegeta finally spoke.  His face was still hidden by the paper.  She stopped and turned around. 

 

“No, I’m not, remember?  You said ‘the brat’s with me’.”

 

“Well…” Vegeta said lowering the newspaper. “You possibly can’t go by yourself…in your condition.  It’s just isn’t proper.”  Vegeta stood, his hands at his sides, not really sure of what he was saying. 

 

“So what are you saying Vegeta?”

 

“…That maybe…I’ll come along.  Just to be sure that you and the brat’s okay.”  Bulma smiled as she walked over to him wrapping her arms around him.

 

“Now that deserves a kiss.”  Bulma gave him a peck on the lips.  She started to pull away when Vegeta grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him, and he kissed her deeply, taking her breath away.

 

 

“Hurry up woman!”  Vegeta fussed as he and Bulma rushed through the corridors of the airport.  Vegeta was walking in huge strides, with his arms folded and his nose in the air, like he was making a grand entrance.  Bulma followed, wobbling all the way.

 

“Dammit Vegeta!  Slow your ass down!”  Bulma hollered.  He slowed down a bit for her to catch up, but he didn’t stop his stride. 

 

“What gate did that idiot human say we are suppose to go to?”  Vegeta asked. 

 

“Gate 12-C,” Bulma said, looking around.  “And there it is!”  She pointed ahead of Vegeta, and there was a sign about a hundred feet ahead that read ‘gate 12C’. 

 

“Well, it’s about time, I’m sick of this walking shit.”  Vegeta huffed.  “I don’t see why I couldn’t fly in here.” 

 

“Because I don’t want people running out here all hysterical with you flying all over the place.  You have to walk like normal people.”

 

“I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to.  I am a Saiyan Prince.”

 

“Well, why aren’t you flying now?”  Bulma snapped back.  As they reached finally reached the gate, Bulma let out a sigh.  She held tightly to her purse, and one hand was rubbing her stomach.  “Let’s go home.”

 

“WHAT?”  Vegeta said turning around and facing her.  He saw the blood rush from her face, and she was shaking.  “What’s wrong? Is it the brat?”  He said with much urgency.

 

“I can’t face them.”  Bulma said, her eyes watering.  Vegeta walked up to her and he placed his hands on her shoulders.

 

“You must face them, here and now.  I’m here, okay?”  Vegeta took her hand.  “And stop your sobbing, woman!” 

 

They both turned around as the gate doors opened.  Bulma’s grip on Vegeta’s hand tightened as commuters walked out the door.  Suddenly, Vegeta saw Mr. and Mrs. Briefs walking up the corridor to the gate.  He looked over at Bulma, who was still pale, but now she was forcing a smile on her face.  She saw them also.

 

“Honey!” Mrs. Briefs yelled as she ran up to Bulma, her arms extended.

 

“Mom! How are you!”  Bulma said nervously as he hugged her.

 

“Where’s my baby girl?”  Mr. Briefs said following behind his wife.

 

“Daddy!” Bulma said giving him a hug.  Then they still stood there, looking at each other.  Bulma nervously smiled as her Mom and Dad looked her over.  Then Mrs. Briefs noticed it.

 

“…Bulma…” Mrs. Briefs said with a gasp, looking at her stomach.  “…Are you expecting, dear?”

 

“Uh…yes.”  Bulma said, still holding on to Vegeta’s hand.

 

“Did Yamcha get you in this trouble?” Mr. Briefs said narrowing his eyes. 

 

“Well, uh…not exactly…” Bulma said with a quick glance at Vegeta.  Mr. and Mrs. Briefs looked at Vegeta.  He stood there, with a huge frown on his face, totally expressionless to their news.  They looked down at Bulma and Vegeta holding hands.  Then they looked at Vegeta again.  “Can we talk about this at home?”

 

“Uh, sure honey,” Mrs. Briefs said slowly, almost in a daze.  “We just need to pick up our luggage.”

 

“Vegeta,” Bulma said looking at him.  “Could you help Dad get their luggage?”  Vegeta eyes widened as he stated to say something smart when she tugged his arm.  He growled and walked off with Mr. Briefs.

 

“So, why did you two come home so early?”  Bulma asked, trying to skip the subject. 

 

“Your dad got sick form the oysters in Madrid.  And we decided to come home,” Mr. Briefs face saddened.  “If we had know about this, we wouldn’t have taken the trip.”

 

“Mom, I didn’t want to ruin your trip.  It’s a tradition for you two to go on your around-the-world trip every year.”

 

“But your daughter doesn’t get pregnant every day.  Bulma—“

 

“Mom, please, let’s talk about this at home, okay?”  Her Mom nodded.  Mr. Briefs and Vegeta returned with their luggage.  Mr. Briefs was holding one bag, and Vegeta was carrying the other remaining ten bags.

 

“It’s a good thing you brought him along baby girl!” Mr. Briefs said to Bulma. 

 

“So how far long are you?”  Bulma’s mother questioned with her hands on her hips.  They were back at the Capsule Corporation and her parents weren't even in the house five seconds before they started drilling Bulma.  They all sat down in the living room. 

 

"I'm seven months," Bulma said, ringing her hands and staring at the floor.  "Actually, I'll be eight on Tuesday."

 

"So you and Yamcha aren't together anymore?" Mr. Briefs asked Bulma.

 

"No, we broke up over seven months ago."

 

"…And Vegeta's the father?" Mrs. Briefs asked, holding her breath.

 

"Yes."

 

"Oh, honey," Mrs. Briefs said patting her daughters' leg.  "I've missed your whole pregnancy.  And what about a nursery, and what hospital will you go to and--"

 

"Mom, I've taken care of that. We have taken care of that."

 

"What do you mean by 'we'?" Mr. Briefs scoffed.  "Where is he anyway? I thought I asked him to come down here and discuss this with us."

 

"Dad, there's nothing to discuss.  I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys.  Maybe that wasn't the right thing to do, but at that present time, it was.  You have to remember, I'm not a kid anymore, and it is my life."

 

"But you're my daughter!" Mr. Briefs quickly replied.  "Now you may not be a child anymore, but you're still my baby girl.  It makes me furious to know that all this time we've been away and you two have been up in that apartment playing 'house' while we're out there no knowing our only child is expecting!"

 

"I'm really sorry about that Dad, I really am.  But as far as you talking to Vegeta…well you know he isn't a 'people person'.  Can't you be glad that he's here with me now?" Bulma held her Dad's hand.  "I know you want to talk to him…but I'm here to tell you that it not going to happen.  He is a very private person, and the only one he opens up to is me."

 

"But what about marriage?" Mrs. Briefs suggested.

 

"Mom, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Bulma said, sounding annoyed with the line of questioning now. "All this happened so fast; and I don't want to push him with ultimatums.  Marriage is definitely out of the question until the baby's born."

 

"Well, it better be 'in question'," Mr. Briefs said, standing and walking to the door.  "You run my company now. How is it going to look, you being an unwed single mother?  I told you that everything you do now reflects the corporation, right?" Bulma nodded.  "Not only that, you will dishonor this family with this unwed pregnancy.  So you better start talking matrimony with Vegeta, and soon.  In the meantime, I will resume the company's operations until the baby's born, okay?"

 

"Dad, I really didn't want you to come out of retirement…"

 

"Looks like I don't have a choice.  I have to baby girl.  I couldn't trust anyone else to run the company anyhow.   Now you've done the company well, especially with the takeover in New York.  And I'm proud of you.  But now you have 'bigger things' to work on.  I just wished you could have been a little bit more careful…I love you, but this really pains me."  And with that, Mr. Briefs left the room. 

 

“Honey, I’ll talk to him.  It’ll be okay.” Mrs. Briefs said following behind him. 

 

When Bulma got back to her apartment, Vegeta was no where to be found. Furious that he didn’t show up the ‘discussion’ and she had to make excuse up for his absence, and now him not being at home when she got there was really getting her pissed.  She walked out into the yard to the gravity room and peeked into the window.  He wasn’t there.  She was about to curse him when she felt someone behind her.  She turned around and it was him, with the usual smirk on his face. 

 

“Where have you been?” Bulma fussed.  He said nothing as he walked around her, looking her over with amusement.  “Thanks a lot Vegeta for abandoning me up there.  Do you know my Dad wants to put your head on a platter?”

 

“I’d like to see him try.” Vegeta sneered.  Bulma sucked her teeth and started to walk away when Vegeta grabbed her arm.  “Hey, I heard the whole thing. Are you satisfied, woman?”

 

“No, I’m not,” Bulma said contemptuously.  “And why didn’t you come with me up to my parents’ place?  Are you afraid of them?” 

 

“Don’t make me laugh,” Vegeta scoffed. “It’s enough I have to hear you bitch all day—and you expect me to go up there and listen to them? What does you father want with me anyhow?  Details on how I got you pregnant?”

 

“You’re disgusting.”

 

“And you’re ridiculous.” Vegeta said walking up close to her.  He extended out his right hand and places it on her stomach, slowly running his hand across it. “What is all this talk about ‘marriage’?  What does it mean?”

 

“It’s a ceremony where you and I exchange vows and become husband and wife.”

 

“…And what does this have to do with the brat?”

 

“Well, it’s customary to have children after you’re married around here.  And Dad said that I dishonor the family and him by being pregnant and not married.”

 

“Who give a shit what you’re Father thinks is honorable?”

 

“I do,” Bulma said slapping his hand away.  “Look Vegeta, maybe when you were living on Planet Vegeta or where ever the hell it was nobody cared about you.  But here on Earth people care about other people, and my parents care about me, and my welfare.  So I do give a shit about what my Dad thinks is honorable or dishonorable.” She started to walk away again when Vegeta grabbed her hand, making her stay.  She glared at him. 

 

“Tell me more about this marriage business.” Vegeta said calmly.  Bulma stared at him for a moment, wondering why was he interested in the subject. She definitely wasn’t going to get her hopes up to think that he would just ask to marry her.

 

“…Well, it kind of like what Chichi and Goku are, husband and wife?” Vegeta stood there for a moment, visualizing the couple, and Chichi is yelling at Goku and pulling his ear, and all Goku can say is ‘Yes dear’. No way in hell he was going to let that happen to him.  He regained his senses and looked at Bulma, who noticed his thoughts drifted off somewhere at the moment. 

 

“I really need to think over this marriage thing.” Vegeta finally replied. 

 

“Well, that makes two things you can think about,” Bulma said with an icy tone.  “Weather or not you want to love or marry me!”

“Why must any conversation we hold lead to this, woman?”

 

“Because it’s something we need to talk about!” Bulma yelled back. “I must be really stupid, Vegeta.  Why would you even consider marrying me if you don’t even love me?  I’m miserable with this!  For eight months now, I have never heard you say it! And I’m reduced to calling whatever we do ‘it’, because I don’t even know if we’re having sex or making love anymore!”

 

“What? Woman you are confusing me with all these words and meanings!  Where I am from, we don’t rely on all that!  Actions speak louder than words!”

 

“Well, news flash Vegeta!  You aren’t on Planet Vegeta anymore; you’re on Earth, you asshole!  And as for your ‘actions’, you proved to me once again that all you care and love is your damn self!   So why don’t you do me a favor and go back to where ever the hell you come from!”  Bulma ran inside the apartment crying, leaving Vegeta standing there. Absolutely furious that he didn’t get the last word, he flew off heading towards the forest.  Looking out his window, Mr. Briefs witnessed the whole incident.  He narrowed his eyes in anger and walked away.

 

NEXT CHAPTER|FANFICTION HOME|HOME