Who Seduced Who, Anyway?

At Capsule Corp, Bulma was sitting in the security room, feeling depressed. She had taken to watching her domain during her idle hours; it was a way to keep control of her environment. She needed as much security as she could get, now that she was alone. Her kids were never around, and her mate was gone, maybe for good. No one knew where he was; he might be out in space for all anyone knew.

She touched the button that controlled the cameras, and one of the dark screens lit up to reveal the Gravity Chamber. She stared at the screen, eyes dull, until a motion in the corner of the room caught her eye. She sat up straighter, feeling a chill of alarm. Who could be in there? If it was a burglar, who could stop him? Trunks was never here anymore, since Pan refused to leave Chi–Chi alone.

She almost yelled for Vegeta, when she remembered that he wasn’t there anymore. She bit her lip as she panned the camera to the place she’d seen the movement; there was a person standing, panting as if expending great effort. She felt her fingers tremble; what kind of person broke into a place to work out? Then she blinked, realizing just who it must be…

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“Open that door!” She yelled, pounding on said entrance. There was a sound and the door slowly swung inward. She tried to push herself in, only to have him push her out instead.

“The gravity is on! You’ll be crushed Woman!” Vegeta said, arm around her waist as he lifted her into the yard. They hung in the air together, eyes wide with worry and a little hope. He waited, never able to start these kinds of things. She raised a hand and suddenly slapped him.

“Where the Hell have you been! I wanted to tell you how much I hate you!” She yelled. Vegeta gaped at her, her handprint livid on his face. She was quivering, eyes full of tears ready to fall. He nodded with sudden understanding and folded her closer to him. Despite her words, she sank into him, melting like butter. He stroked her back gently.

“I’m sorry, and you better believe it, since I wont say itin. in. I tried to feel you, but you blocked me out.” He said quietly. She was shaking, and soaking his shirt. He sighed but smiled in relief as he took her to the room that was once again theirs, and they remade the bond that had broken so violently.

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Afterwards, Bulma sat up and looked down at him, eyes serious once more.

“I’m still mad at you. I feel so hurt, and I don’t know if I can ever trust you again. But, I found that I can’t live without you, you little bastard; so I have to try to make this work.”

“Woman, I never ever stopped… I wasn’t going to leave you, that was never in my mind. And I never looked at anyone else before or since. So, next time, use the bond to see my soul, as I do yours!” He said, voice quiet and yet sadder that she’d ever thought it could be. Could he care this much and still be unfaithful? Or had it really been nothing to him after all? She wished she could clear her mind and do as he said, but she needed to tell him what was going on instead.

“Well, have you seen Chi–Chi?” He shook her head. She felt torn by pleasure and anger; he should have kept track of Chi–Chi if only because of the child, yet she knew he hadn’t to try to please her.

“She isn’t well, she is having a hard time. She called me to make arrangements for the baby if she doesn’t make it; there is a real possibility that she wont survive the birth. I agreed to adopt it if things go badly. I sent Trunks out to find you…”

“I was at Dende’s. No one would look for me there, and I could train there undisturbed. That Namek is almost invisible; if only that assistant of his could be invisible too. Well, we should bring Chi–Chi here, closer to the hospital. I won’t have that child harmed, and she doesn’t deserve to be outcast any more. Shall we?” He said. She frowned at this. He could feel her distrust and worry about his words, so he sat up and held her face in his hands.

“Bulma. Listen to me. Feel me. You are the only oor mor me. But Chi–Chi’s child is mine too and I can’t let another Saiyan die. She is still your friend; she never stopped being your friend. Don’t do this to everyone. Bring her here.” He said intently. Bulma closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

\"You are right. I’m still raw, that’s all. Yes, let’s get her, and make her come…”

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“I’m staying here. I’m not going to a hospital, and I’m not staying in the same house as you two. You need time together, and I’ll just be in the way. If you feel the same way in another month, I’ll rethink it.” Chi–Chi said firmly. Bulma sighed, knowing that it was going to be hard to change her mind. Vegeta stood over Chi–Chi and theyred red at each other.

“You will come with us.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Listen to me. You are very strong, and you hide the pain you feel well, but I know just how bad you feel. You are coming, now.” Chi–Chi winced and shook her head. Bulma frowned, wondering at Vegeta’s words. Chi–Chi was in pain, this late in her pregnancy? This was bad if it was true!

“Vegeta, I’m staying here. I want to have the baby here, I have a doctor set up and everything. I won’t go.”

“Fine. Bulma, call the Kid.” Both women stared at him. “Do it!” Bulma left the room, muttering curses under her breath.

“What do you think that will achi” Ch” Chi–Chi asked. Vegeta smirked.

“It will bring your silly son out here like a shot, first of all. Second, once he’s here, he’ll help me convince you to do as we say.” Chi–Chi laughed at him.

“He still hasn’t forgiven me, I doubt he’ll come…” Bulma came into the room.

“I told him that Vegeta was here and that the two of you were arguing. He dropped the phone and that was all, Videl was yelling, then silence. I guess he’ll be here soon…”

“KAASAN! Where the heck…” Gohan yelled. Vegeta chuckled and looked at Bulma, who was smiling too, now that she understood Vegeta’s intention.

“He’s still fast at least.”

“Kaasan… Bulma–san wasn’t kidding. What the hell do you want?” Gohan panted, brushing his wild hair from his eyes as he glared at the Prince. Vegeta sighed and waved at Chi–Chi.

“Your mother is unwell. She needs care, but wont leave this house. Bulma and I want her to come to our place, so she can be closer to the hospital, and we can keep an eye on her. Now then, you might be mad at her for the rest of your life, and that’s between the two of you, but I know you don’t want her to die.” Gohan’s eyes widened and he knelt by his mother where she sat by the kitchen table.

“Mom… Is this true? You aren’t feeling well? I thought Pan said you were fine.”

“I am fine, they are exaggerating…”

“Look at her. She’s far from fine.” Vegeta snapped. They all peered closer at the poor woman, and Chi–Chi glared back at them, embarrassed by the scrutiny. She was pale, almost ashen, and her ankles were swollen. She was terribly thin despite her now greatly swollen belly. Her eyes were dark and shadowed; she didn’t look good at all. Gohan remembered her as being vibrant while carrying Goten and Videl had been so beautifhilehile carrying Pan. He realized that Pan and Goten didn’t know that her appearance wasn’t normal. They hadn’t dealt with this kind of thing before.

“Kaasan, Vegeta-san is right. It’s my fault really, if I hadn’t been so bitter about this I’d have been here to see this, and you’d have gotten better care. You look terrible, and we’re going to take you to the hospital right now.” Chi–Chi stood, arms akimbo and screamed at them.

“I’m staying here!”

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“Now, then, you were saying?” Gohan asked. Chi–Chi glared at him from her hospital bed. Bulma and Vegeta stood by the bed, cornering her in it, while Gohan smiled his old sweet smile at his mother. Goten and Pan slumped in the chairs, feeling guilty about what they felt to be neglect. Gohan had not blamed them, and explained that it wasn’t their fault, but they still felt bad. They should have known Chi–Chi was not well…

“I was saying this is a fine way to obey your mother!” Chi–Chi snapped, waving both arms in the air. Bulma and Vegeta leaned back to avoid her hands and Goten sighed sadly.

“Kaasan, if you’d just told us that you didn’t feel well, you wouldn’t be here. So don’t be mad at us for loving you and trying to care for you.” Pan nodded her agreement to her uncle’s words, and Chi–Chi crossed her arms in a huff. She just wanted to be left alone. She hadn’t wanted anyone’s pity; she hadn’t wanted to hurt anyone else. She still couldn’t look at Bulma, she felt so bad about the whole scene.

Bulma on the other hand felt very much better about life. Vegeta had come home and shown her that she was his only mate; and she had finally realized she didn’t hate Chi–Chi for the affair. She felt like she had found a long lost loved one, except for the fact of Chi–Chi’s poor health. She knelt next to the bed and took Chi–Chi’s hand.

“Guys, can you leave us alone? We need to talk.” The Son’s didn’t want to go, but one by one filed out, followed by Vegeta, who guarded the door.

“Chi–Chi, listen to me, no really listen for once. I am glad you called me about the baby. I’m happy to be able to provide some peace of mind for you about her. But, I feel like you’re just giving up, willing yourself to die when the baby is born. You can’t do this, Chi–Chi! Look, Gohan has forgiven you, and me, and the others never stopped caring. Please, won’t you accept our forgiveness and forgive yourself as well?” Bulma’s voice broke as she finished, and Chi–Chi bowed her head sadly. She sighed and patted Bulma’s hand and shook her head.

“I can’t forgive myself, until he forgives me.” Bulma looked up and stared at her, puzzled.

“Um, you don’t mean Vegeta, do you? Why would he need to forgive you?” Chi–Chi grimaced in frustration.

“Bulma. I have thought a lot about what was said that day, especially what Gohan said. I did betray Goku, and I didn’t care that I had done it until it was too late. I’ve begged, and prayed, I wished and hoped, but… he won’t come to me. I thought it was because he couldn’t, but now I think it’s because he doesn’t want to. I feel like he’s mad at me for this; after all, Vegeta is his biggest rival, the only one he’d never understand my sleeping with.” Bulma sniffed unhappily, feeling Chi–Chi’s sadness in the air around them. No wonder she was depressed!

“Chi–Chi, come on! Who knows what really happened to Goku that last day?! He might just be unreachable after all. You have to get over this! I mean if I can get over it, you should, don’t you think?” She squeezed Chi–Chi’s hands, but the other woman just shrugged. Bulma sighed and moved so she could sit next to her on the bed. She draped her arm over Chi–Chi’s shoulder and sat with her silently; for once in her life words failed her completely.

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Vegeta’s face showed that he was listening in on the women as they talked. Gohan sidled up to him and cleared his throat quietly.

“Um, Vegeta–san… I just wanted to say… Can you hear them?” His eyes were wide with curiosity, making him look like he was a kid again. Vegeta nodded curtly.

“Yes I can. You don’t want to know what your mother just said. It isn’t good. She’s given up, basically.” The Prince said. Gohan went white while anger and sorrow fought inside him. He could tell that Vegeta was implying that he had some of the blame here. He had neglected his mother so he could hold onto his bitterness; he’d flung terrible accusations and judgments in her face as she tried to do the right thing and be honest about the affair. Gohan knew how much his mother loved him, and wanted him to be happy, even if she did show it in strange ways. Chi–Chi wanted him to love her, and she probably had thought he never would love her again.

Now she was very ill, the doctors here weren’t sure she could get well enough to have the baby easily now. They claimed the child was very small and underweight, and Bulma agreed that even for a Saiyan baby, who was not yet ready for delivery, Chi–Chi’s swollen belly was too small. They were all very worried about her and the baby, and Gohan could even see fear in Vegeta’s face. This shook him the most of all, for Vegeta never revealed his emotions like this; if he allowed emotion to color his face, he must be feeling very deeply indeed.

“So, what do we do? How can we help her if she refuses to allow it?” Vegeta stood straighter and looked deep into Gohans eyes. Gohan watched him evenly, waiting for some egotistical pronouncement from the Prince.

“Nothing. I have no idea how to fight this fight.” He stepped into the room, despite a furious shushing from Bulma. Gohan and Goten looked at each other and sighed. All they could do then was hope, and pray for a miracle. There was only three months to go.

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Chi–Chi lay staring out at the clouds. The sky was so blue, and the clouds were making strange shapes. She was trying to make pictures out of them, like when she was a child.

“Ah, there’s a horse, and a monkey, wow. It’s getting late… They are turning golden now…”She said softly. She was so tired now; she couldn’t get out of her bed at Capsule Corp. The doctors said that was fine, since they were worried about her falling down or something silly like that happening to her. She smiled as one of the clouds began to resolve itself into a dragon. It was stretching across the whole sky, shining gold in the sunset.

“That looks so much like Shenlong… I wonder where he is? Did he and Goku fuse, like the others say?” She sighed. She was dropping off to sleep, but fought it, since she wanted to watch the cloud and see what it did next.

Chi–Chi?

She felt chills of alarm rise over her skin when she heard her name. That voice…

Chi–Chi, please, I’m not angry, how could you think I would be? She sat up and stared at the window, which was now flooded with golden light that outlined a man’s figure. She couldn’t see anything, but she knew who it was. Somehow he’d come to her at last.

“Goku? Oh, Goku…” She gasped and felt tears trail down her cheeks. She couldn’t get up, though she wanted to. She held out her arms, anoughough the window didn’t open, she felt him embrace her somehow.

Chi–Chi, be happy, and take care of your daughter. You always wanted one, now she’s almost here! He said, quiet as a whisper. She sobbed his name, feeling her hurt and shame disappear. He laughed, and she felt him leaving.

“No, please don’t go, not again!” She begged.

Chi–Chi, I never left you, don’t you know that? I was always with you. Always… The light flared, and for one fleeting moment, she saw him, and then it was gone, replaced by a ripple of pain in her back.

“Oh, Goku… How typical of you to come and go at just the right time!” She gasped as the pain moved to her belly and squeezed her tightly. She fumbled with the “Doomsday Button” Bulma had installed for her to call for help if necessary. Though it was a little early, it was finally time for this painful wait to end…

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Everyone was gathered in the waiting room, nervous and scared by turns. Chi–Chi had wanted to be alone, but finally was convinced to allow one person in the delivery room with her. Bulma insisted on being the one; after all she had the experience with birth and could verbally bully anyone into doing as she wanted them to do.

Chi–Chi had been so sick for so long now. Gohan Goten and Trunks hadn’t been able to find Goku, though Dende had been able to tell them he was “not far away” and to counsel patience when they asked him. But then, just before Chi–Chi pushed the button for help, they’d all felt his presence. It was stunning really, how Goku had seemed to be everywhere at once, and then gone once more. Then the alarm went off, and they had to bring Chi–Chi to the hospital.

“Man, for a guy who can’t be found, he sure can make himself known.” Trunks said, shaking his head. Pan smiled happily next to him.

“Yeah, he sure was something, but then, Grandpa always was something, wasn’t he?” She snuggled up to him, and he looked up at Gohan warily. Gohan smiled as well; he was taking their relationship very well, and had even given his blessing to them if they wanted to get married one day. He’d learned his lesson about being angry with family, and wanted only peace from now on.

“Hey, where’s Vegeta?” Goten asked, and they looked around, wondering where he’d gone.

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Vegeta was on the roof, arms crossed over his chest, eyes focused on the distant clouds. He’d felt the presence of that idiot Saiyan as well, and still felt it. He hadn’t gone far, but Vegeta couldn’t pinpoint where he was. However, for once, Vegeta was concerned with something other than Kakarrot.

Chi–Chi had gotten a boost from her mate, he’d felt that too, but… she was so weak. The child had stolen much of Chi–Chi’s strength over this pregnancy, and had also taken the power Goku had given Chi–Chi as well. Vegeta didn’t know too much about Saiyan reproduction, but he did know enough.

On Vegeta-sei, most female Saiyans didn’t carry their babies to term. It seemed that the babies drained their mother’s power as the pregnancy went on, and no self-respecting Saiyan would let anything weaken them without a fight. So these women had their infants removed and raised in an incubator. Those women who did carry their children to term had very powerful offspring, since they had both inherited power from their fathers and the power “stolen” from their mothers.

Vegeta had been told he’d been born from the flesh, so to speak. His father ordered it so the Prince would be as strong as possible. Vegeta didn’t know if it was true or not, but he had a feeling it was. He’d felt the death of his mother, and hidden the memory inside him, somewhere he never explored.

She’d died giving birth to him.

And now he didn’t want his new daughter to feel this way. She needed her mother, her real mother and not Bulma or an Aunt trying to be a mother. He frowned as he turned and went inside.

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“Ok, push now! It’s time, you can do it!” Bulma said encouragingly. Chi–Chi growled and bent forward as a new contraction squeezed her, trying to do as she was ordered. She was tired, so tired, and it hadn’t even been that long since her labor had started. The warm glow Goku had left her with was gone, except for in her belly, as if the baby was holding it all to herself.

“Bulma! I… I can’t… I’m tired… So… ”

“Chi–Chi, come on! This is nothing, nothing at all compared to all last year! Come on and push… ” Bulma said lightly, but she was very worried. Chi–Chi was struggling so hard, but nothing was happening. Though the labor had been short, the baby was ready to be born, but somehow wasn’t coming. The doctors wanted to try to take the baby, but Chi–Chi refused. She felt the contraction relax and rested, panting. She took a deep breath and began to power up. Bulma was startled when she felt a warm breeze come off her friend. Chi–Chi hissed and sat up grasping Bulma’s arm, and pushed once more as another contraction began.

“You think she wont make it, even after Tousan gave her that power?” Gohan said, eyes wide. Vegeta shrugged uncertainly, but then Bulma came running up to them.

“It’s over! It is a girl, and they are both fine!” Gohan smiled and turned to Vegeta.

“Well, you’re wrong again! I’m glad too, you baka!” He said and punched Vegeta on the arm to show he wasn’t serious. Vegeta snorted and leaned against the wall, looking tired. As the others laughed and hugged happily, he smiled slightly, holding onto the knowledge of his part in this successful birth. He’d never given power to a human this way, and was glad to see that it worked at all, much less over a distance. It was just one more little secret he’d keep till he was in his grave.

“Vegeta? You want to see her?” Bulma asked, her voice soft. Vegeta looked at her, and she was startled by his smile.

“The kid? Yeah, sure.” She sighed.

“I wish I could have another baby, but I’d be sure to lose my figure this time. Chi–Chi said you’d name her… what’s will you call her?” Vegeta blinked in surprise at this news. This was the first he’d heard of it!

“Um, I don’t know yet…” Bulma took his arm and led him to the nursery.

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Most babies look alike, but a Saiyan baby stands out in a crowd. If her tail wasn’t enough of a difference, her shock of black hair was huge and forced attention to her. She laid in her little generic bed; eyes open as if she was looking for someone. She shouldn’t be able to focus on anything yet…

Gohan, Goten, Trunks and Pan were cooing at her, and Bra was looking at all the babies, but as soon as she saw Vegeta the little Saiyan waved her hands and yelled at the top of her lungs. Instant chaos followed as all the infants screamed in terror. Bulma laughed as the others covered their ears. The nurses ran in, baffled by the commotion. Even Vegeta was grinning as the newborn Saiyan struggled against being picked up, screaming in frustration.

“She’s your daughter all right!” Bulma yelled. They were shooed out so the babies could be cared for, and went to see Chi–Chi.

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“Kaasan! You did it!” Goten said. Chi–Chi smiled smugly.

“I had help. Goku gave me enough strength to do it!” They all ooohed in wonder, not realizing that it was Vegeta who’d given Chi–Chi the most important boost in the delivery room. They laughed and chatted cheerfully until the child was wheeled in, in her nursery cradle. Chi–Chi took her and smiled at the tiny face, angry even in sleep.

“Um, we’re going to make an exception and let you keep her here, Mrs. Son. She isn’t doing well in the nursery…” The doctor said calmly. He blushed when they all laughed and told Chi–Chi what had happened.

“She wanted to see her daddy! It was sweet!” Bra said. She was too kind hearted to dislike a baby for not being a full sister. She peered at the newest Saiyan happily as Chi–Chi counted toes, like all mothers did. Bulma nodded and suggested they leave the “family” alone forew mew moments.

“She did that? She saw you through the glass?” Chi–Chi asked him when they were alone. Vegeta shrugged and stared at the baby intently. “And what will we call her?” She said casually.

“Tsuki.” He said firmly. Chi–Chi pondered a moment.

“Tsuki-musume, I think you have a name. I agree. Want to hold her?” Vegeta glared at her, but she held out Tsuki anyway. He took the baby gingerly, yet held her expertly, and shook her so she woke. Tsuki looked up at him, and smiled a broad baby grin at him. He felt her tail rip through the blanket that covered her and wrap around his wrist. It was obvious that she was already very strong.

“I think she likes you.” Chi–Chi said sleepily. Vegeta looked up at her, and she was moved by his expression, sure that only Bulma had ever seen his face like this before. He smiled gently at Tsuki.

“Yeah, I guess she does at that…”