Come Home to Me

Disclaimer: I don\'t own the DBZ crew a rich Japanese man does. Happy now?

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Here there be Lemon! Yee haww...

Notes: Set during the Cell saga. Bulma has to cope with her fears while Vegeta is off fighting.

Feedback: Yes please! It keeps the lemon tree growing.


\" Come Home to Me? \"

Sept 2002 Debs-dragon

The morning sun came all to quickly. Bulma lay there as the rays began to penetrate the thick drapes in an attempt to illuminate the room. Sighing softly she rolled onto her side and stared at the man she loved.

S los lost in a deep sleep Vegeta was unaware of the eyes that roamed over the hard planes of his body, taking in each dip and curve of muscle, committing the sight to memory. Bulma knew that there was every chance that her prince would not survive the day but she could sooner tell the sun not to rise than stop him from going.

Her eyes continued their visual feasting. Following the thick eyebrows down cheek bones, over the well chiselled jaw and down the corded neck, she paused where the collar bones met in a small hollow. Her eyes continued to wander over the sleek skin that covered the steel beneath, noting how even in sleep the warriors muscles bunched and flexed. Observing the well defined ridges that separated the muscles into their various groups her eyes were stopped from their progression by the invasion of the sheet that lay wrapped loosely across slender hips.

Vegeta prided himself on his body, and the way he had trained and fine tuned it reflected just how much he cared. To Bulma the Saiya-jin was a walking god and despite his arrogance and selfishness she knew there was more to him than the obsession to be the very best.

Vegeta could not and would not allow himself to show any form of weakness however since he had been with Bulma, and Trunks had been born, he found himself experiencing a new emotion.

One he didn\'t understand.

And so he did the only thing he knew how to do, he buried the feeling and tried to ignore it opting to take the frustration out in other ways. Usually by berating and threatening the one thing that was causing the problem...... Bulma.

Their verbal sparring matches were legendary. Anyone that knew the pair often wondered why they stayed together. But only Bulma knew the reason behind that question. Even Vegeta didn\'t know. While in all outward appearance they projected the image of a warring couple underneath they cared deeply for each other.

In Bulma, Vegeta had found a mate that was not going to bow down to his every whim. Although she knew he was more than capable of killing her the fiery spirit that resided in her would not allow her to submit to him in the manner so many others had. He admired the courage she showed when facing off with him and her smart mind and technical skills were well suited to his needs. All in all she was the ideal female to produce his heirs and keep him on his toes and alive.

In Vegeta, Bulma had found a challenge, someone who was not afraid to stand up to her, to fight back with words just as sharp as her own. Someone that despite their arrogance appreciated her many talents and quick mind. The constant living on the knife edge is what drove Bulma. The daily exchange of words and insults fed the very life force that dwelt within her and while she knew Vegeta could kill her at any given moment she knew he wouldn\'t.

So much alike and yet so vastly different their lives were bound by more than just fate.

As if sensing her eyes upon his form Vegeta awoke. He stared up at the woman who knew him better than he knew himself and was met with a warm smile.

\"Good morning sleepy head.\" she said softly.

\"Is it?\" he sullenly replied.

Undeterred by his attitude Bulma reached down and stole a kiss. The prince\'s lips were warm and soft, unlike the exterior he presented to the world.

Vegeta responded to the kiss. While he be be aloof in many respects, he was still a red blooded male with needs and desires and he wasn\'t about to deny himself any of the pleasures he could have that were on offer.

Still staring at her dark haired lover Bulma\'s fingers traced across the skin of Vegeta\'s chest. \"So I guess today is the day then?\"

\"Yes.\"

\"You wont change your mind?\"

\"No.\"

Bulma sighed again. \"I didn\'t think you would but I had to ask.\"

Vegeta shifted and stretched. Rolling onto his back he lay there for a moment and thought of the day ahead. He flexed his muscles in anticipation. Today was the day they had trained so hard for. Today he would prove once and for all that he was the ultimate warrior, the strongest fighter in the universe and everyone would bow down to him. He would defeat Cell and then Kakarott would kneel before him in recognition of his true status.

Swinging his legs to the side of the bed he rose swiftly. The sheet relinquished its hold on his body and allowed him to leave the warmth. He stood and stretched once more, lifting his arms above his head, revelling in the cool air that touched his sleep warm skin.

Bulma lay and watched as the prince rose. Her eyes once more seeking out the lines of his body. She needed to remember everything she could about him. The nagging fear in the back of her head told her this was not going to be another ordinary battle, this was a fight to the death. She could only hope that it wasn\'t going to be the death of her beloved Saiya-jin and so she continued to savour the nude body on display.

Uncaring of his nakedness Vegeta moved to the window and threw open the heavy drapes. Sunlight flooded the room and silhouetted his body as Bulma watched. Muscles rippling beneath the smooth skin Vegeta headed for the shower and left Bulma alone with her thoughts.

~ oOo ~

Breakfast was a rather quiet and subdued affair. Vegeta appeared in his usual spandex and armour the excitement of the battle ahead obvious in his eyes. A few moments later future Trunks also appeared. Bulma found it hard to believe that the small toddler sitting patiently in his high chair was to grow into the handsome youth before her now.

The table groaned under the weight of the food a the two warriors worked their way methodically through the feast before them. Bulma nibbled at her toast, her stomach protesting as it was forced to digest the food it didn\'t want. Fear lay within every nerve as she hoped with all her heart that the two things most dearest to her soul would return safe and well.

They had managed to evade fate once before with Trunks\' arrival from the future but this being they were forced to face on this day was an unknown enemy...... a direct result of the interference in the time lines and while Bulma knew there was nothing that could have foreseen this or prevented it, given the same choices in the future the decision would not have changed.

The two warriors finished their meal and began their preparations to leave. Bulma left the toddler with her father as she went to bid her gallant fighters farewell.

Trunks held his young mother tight seemingly afraid that if he were to let her go she would disappear from his life forever. She had given him so much, taught him such a lot and he hoped for the sake of this time line they would return victorious. he understood that it wasn\'t going to make a great deal of difference in his time line but maybe... just maybe one future could live in peace and happiness.

Finally releasing her from his embrace he kissed the top of her head and then stepped back. Staring at her he nearly missed the whisper of her words.

\"Be careful my son.\"

He nodded and then turned to his father. \"I\'m ready.\"

Vegeta grunted.

\"Shall I meet you at Kami\'s lookout?\"

\"No. I am not wasting my time going there first. I shall head straight to the battle ground.\"

Trunks eyed his father and then smiled. \"I understand.\" Then gently levitating into the sky he turned for one last look before waving and with a burst of light disappeared in the direction of Dende and the rest of the fighters.

Bulma watched him go. The sadness in her heart held in check as she knew that no amount of pleading would stop her son or his father from the fight ahead. They were Saiya-jins and as such the thrill of the battle coursed through their veins. She turned to Vegeta.

Vegeta had also watched Trunks leave. He knew there was a long and tiring battle ahead, he was also aware that there was every chance they would not live to see the sunrise again but this is what he lived for, breathed for but this time it was different. Deep inside another emotion fought to be released. One that Vegeta had still to accept and so he pushed it away.

Locking her arms around his neck Bulma drew the muscular body to her own and reached for the ruby lips. Finding them she placed a kiss so tender and loving that it surprised even herself.

Vegeta felt all of Bulma\'s soul in that kiss. He returned it with his own passion, enough to promise but not fulfil.

Resting her head against his forehead she spoke huskily, \"Please Vegeta, I know you have to go and fight and believe me I do understand but.... remember this.\" She stared into hnyx nyx depths. \"I am here waiting for you. You have a home to return to, a son that needs you and a life to do with what you will. Vegeta.... please, come home to me?\"

Vegeta stared back and for a brief moment let himself relax and feel. Then with his arrogance gathered around him like a cloak he allowed himself to give her a brief hug before placing one last kiss upon her lips. That was a promise he could not make.

She watched as he flew away, her eyes followed until he became a tiny dot and then vanished completely. The tears she had managed to keep in check began to fall, running gently down her cheeks to gather and spill from her chin to the ground below.

All she could do now was wait and hope.

~ oOo ~

The battle was set, Vegeta arrived and surveyed the scene. He noted with a smirk that the other fighters were yet to appear. There was however a small group of earthlings that for some reason had turned up. Sneering at them when they tried to talk to him he was pleased to note how quickly they backed away. \"Well if they were that intimidated by just his words how the hell did they expect to fight a being such as Cell?\" he thought. He shook his head. \"Really these idiots just did not have a clue. It would serve them all right if they were to get killed. Weaklings..... all of them.\" he silently thought as he ran an eye over the so called best of the world.

A disturbance in the atmosphere alerted him to the incoming of the remainder of the fighters and he looked skyward as the small dots became larger and then settled alongside hie noe nodded in greeting and then turned his focus back to the green figure that still stood in the centre of the arena.

\"Let the games begin.\" he thought he heard someone say. He was shocked next as he witnessed the weak earthlings attempt to fight the monster. Didn\'t they know they had nanceance? He retreated slightly with the rest of the group and watched, an amused sneer on his face as Cell easily disposed of the humans.

What happened next caused the flame of anger to ignite and burn deep inside.

Kakarott stepped upon the floor.

Once more he felt the anger and annoyance flare. Was he to be denied yet again the chance to prove his skills and worth? His brow knitted together as he reined in his rage. The strategic part of his mind caught up with the warring part and logic was born. He smirked to himself. \"Let Kakarott have his fun...\" he thought. It would give him the perfect chance to study his opponent in greater detail and once Kakarott was beaten he would step in and using the knowledge of the other fighters skills easily bring about his defeat.

Settling back upon the cliff edge he stood slightly apart from the rest of the group and watched the fight below as it gained momentum. He frowned slightly as he read Cells power level. It was higher than he would have liked but then there was the challenge, Vegeta was not one to give up a challenge. And so he continued to observe silently, ignoring the others and their stupid comments, intent only on the scene below.

~ oOo ~

Bulma couldn\'t take it anymore. She had been wandering around the dome thinking about her brave warriors. She tried to concentrate on the images that were being broadcast on the TV but found it impossible to do so with her father continuously adding his own words and opinions to that of the commentator. While she loved her father dearly he just did not understand the true meaning of this fight or Bulmas underlying fears and emotions. Ohh he meant well enough she knew that but what she needed right now was someone that knew what she was going through.

She went through to the nursery and packed a few things in a bag for Trunks. She headed back to her father and picking up the small boy she told her father of her intentions.

\"Igoingoing to Master Roshi\'s.\" she informed him.

\"Okay then Bulma dear. Be careful wont you?\"

\"Yes Dad.\" she placed a kiss upon his cheek and with Trunks in her arms she went outside and activated the capsule to release her plane. Within minutes she was on her way.

Master Roshi looked up from the screen as he heard the plane land and door open. He smiled at Bulma, instantly reading in her body language how worried and concerned she was. He nodded silently knowing words were not needed as she came closer to the screen and then sat on the couch to watch.

Finally she began to feel a little more comfortable. Master Roshi understood without the need to speak just how she felt. He had been in this situation before and was not one to try to patronise her with empty promises. He knew the score just as she did.

They sat and watched in silence as the fight progressed.

~ oOo ~

Vegeta stood with his sides heaving. \"Damm Kakarott and that bed sed son of his!\" he thought. He had no idea what Kakarott had been raving about when he spoke of a hidden power in his son. There was no hidden power that he could see. If Kakarott was so sure about this then why the hell hadn\'t his son shown it yet? Instead here they all were being pounded into the ground by a group of children!

Spitting blood from his mouth Vegeta roared and attacked again. All his thought out plans had gone he was now fighting for survival. These little monsters were a lot stronger than he had first thoughts ras rage continued to boil at the thought of being defeated by such as a child spawned from that evil menace. A quick glance around confirmed his fears. They were slowly being annihilated. Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Kakarott had all but succumbed to the inevitable. Only Trunks and himself still had any reserves to call upon.

Then suddenly the air went still.

Vegeta felt an enormous shift in the atmosphere and paused to stare downwards. The miniature \'Cells\' did the same.

Below them he watched in disbelief as the son of Kakarott began to glow. The air became charged with electricity as atoms collided and fought for dominance, the ground shook and the scream reverberated through the sky.

All the fighters stopped and took stock of the scene before them. The small menaces cried out in glee as they witnessed the transformation.

The air cleared and Vegeta watched stunned. The boy was impressive. Even Vegeta wasn\'t that arrogant to not recognise pure energy and power when he saw it. The aura pulsed and glowed around his small form as bolts of raw energy shot from within. So this was the power that Kakarott had put so much faith in?

The mini Cells all returned to their master and with shrieks of delight attacked the new opponent. Vegeta returned to the cliff face and watched along with the others as the boy proceeded to destroy in seconds without any appearance of exertion what they had all been battling to stay on equal footing with.

~ oOo ~

Bulma twisted her hands as the screen continued to play about. One minute there was a picture and the next nothing. Even the sound had vanished, sometimes to return with the odd word only to become silent once more. In her heart she knew they were in trouble.... she could sense it somehow and with the lack of evidence she could only wonder and fret in her mind.

Master Roshi also felt the disturbance and did his best to comfort the distressed woman without giving false hope.

Bulma jumped to her feet. \"I need to go there and find out what is happening.\" she said.

Master Roshi was on his feet in an instant. \"No Bulma. You cannot do anything. If you go then you will only cause their downfall.\"

Bulma stared at the wizened man. She knew what he said made sense but right now she didn\'t want to believe it.

\"If you go then they will be concerned for your safety and you will put them in a terrible position. Stay here and let them fight it out without the distraction of having to protect you as well.\"

Sighing B sat sat back down. \"I know you\'re right. I would only be in the way but I can\'t help it.... I need... I need to know what\'s going on.\" The tears sad mad managed to hold in check for so long now burst forth.

Master Roshi gently held the sobbing woman, rubbing her arms softly as he soothed her. \"It\'s okay Bulma, It\'s all going to work out just fine. I can feel it.\"

\"But you don\'t know that for sure.\" she hiccupped through her tears.

\"Hey, they are the best in the universe. They represent all that is good and there is no way that evil will triumph over them.\"

Bulma continued to weep. \"I just want them home safe and in one piece. Why is it always our men that have to save this planet? Why can\'t someone else do it for a change? Why, when I have just managed to get close to him does he have to go and ruin it all by fighting and risking his life?\"

Master Roshi didn\ave ave an answer for that last question.

~ oOo ~

The battle had been long hard and tiring. Vegeta watched as the boy let his own pride and arrogance take over and instead of destroying the evil creature when he had the chance he toyed with him instead. He smirked as he recognised some of his own traits shine through. The traits only a Saiya-jin knew.

And then Kakarott stepped forward once more.

They stood in mute horror as they watched the image before them flicker and then disappear leaving an anguished cry of a child for his father in its wake.

And then......

That voice echoed once more.

The beam that shot forth dodged through their gathered bodies to pierce through the armour, muscle, bone and heart to take from him the one thing he had refused to publicly show any affection for or even acknowledge.

His son.

With a scream of pure rage he shot forward changing as he went, blinded by anger, desperate for revenge. He unleashed everything he had at that hideous creature. Barrage after barrage of energy blasts flew from his hands as he vented all of his frustrations, anger and hatred onto the creature that had taken more from him in the past few minutes than a universe of opponents had done in his current lifetime.

Finally his energy spent, body drained, he hung, lungs heaving in an attempt to replenish oxygen starved tissues. As the smoke cleared so his eyes travelled upwards and then widened in shock.

His opponent was still standing.

\"No way...\" he whispered to himself and then watched unable to move as a ball of energy shot towards him. He had nothing more to give and for the first time he realised just how vulnerable he was.

Just as the ball was about to hit him so he felt himself pushed roughly out of the way before everything went black. He came to a moment later with Kakarott\'s son sprawled across his chest. The boy had saved him..... Why?

The long suppressed emotion he had refused to allow to creep into his life suddenly burst forward and this time he welcomed it.

~ oOo ~

Bulma continued to pace nervously. All she could do was hope and pray that her two warriors were okay.

Master Roshi frowned as he felt the shift of power in the earths field. He could feel as it grew that this was brewing into the final showdown. Whomever survived this would surely be the new master of the earth.

~ oOo ~

Vegeta watched from his place away from the others, he could not bear to stand with them now for they knew his weakness. The boy before him fought valiantly with his damaged body and reluctantly Vegeta admired his courage. His head lifted as he saw the others begin to fire their own attacks at the creature from behind. He shook his head. \"What could they possibly hope to accomplish?\" he thought.

One by one they were knocked down by the force of Cell\'s energy and yet they picked themselves up and continued to aim and release all they had left in an attempt to stop the creature.

The battle continued, neither side willing to admit defeat. Gohan pushed all he had into the wave encouraged by his fathers spirit.

It was then that Vegeta accepted the emotion that had burst forth. Knowing what he had to do he levitated into the air and took up position behind Cell. Mustering all he had left in his battered body he concentrated the energy into a ball that grew and warmed in his hands.

Allowing his mind to wander for one moment he whispered to himself and the heavens above....

\"This is for my son.... This is for the one I love..... This is for peace...\"

The warriors standing below looked skyward as they felt the power above. Realising what was about to happen they redoubled their efforts.

Cell looked around but it was too late. Vegeta unleashed the ball and it seared a path directly at the creature.

As it hit so Gohan, encouraged by his fathers spirit, pressed forward and gave his last ounce of energy.

The air was lit as the wave pulsed forward consuming and destroying everything in its path.

~ oOo ~

Bulma raised her weary head from her arms as she heard the soft click of the door. Her eyes met with dark ebony and she felt the relief wash over her. Not aware of how she got there suddenly she was laughing as she hugged the prince tightly.

He laid his head upon her shoulder as he pulled her closer to him. She felt so soft and warm in his arms and he never wanted to release her. Picking her up he cradled her form as he moved to their bedroom.

Lying on the bed Bulma stared up at him. She ran her fingers lightly over his cheek. Instinctively she knew he had changed and she looked at him in wonder.

He lay himself down next to her as he struggled to find the words he needed to tell her how he felt... what he had learned and finally accepted.

He didn\'t need to.

Bulma had already figured it out. Her prince had faced the emotion he had been so afraid of and finally allowed it to grace his soul. \"It\'s okay to love Vegeta.\" she said softly.

He grunted in reply, grateful to her for her insight into his heart. Slowly he began to remove her clothing, needing to show her just how much she meant to him.

Lying naked Bulma surrendered to her warrior, allowing him complete access to her body. She slid her hands under his damaged armour and helped him to remove it. The spandex top soon followed and she reached for his pants. His excitement was obvious, pushing against the restrictive yet giving fabric. Soon enough the pants had followed the fate of the rest of his apparel.

Lying flush against each other they kissed, long and deep. Bulma parted her lips to allow his tongue to invade her mouth. The slick muscle plundered the warmth, softly exploring and stroking the inside of her mouth eliciting gentle moans from her throat. His hands began their own journey down the expanse of her creamy skin.

He needed this... needed to release the tension of the battle and her body was only too willing to accommodate him. Hinds nds found the rise of her chest and he began to squeeze and massage gently, flicking his thumb over the hardening nipple as she moved beneath him. His mouth soon followed and he began to nurse like a babe. Bulmas hands wound themselves in his hair pulling him closer as she gave into the pleasure.

His hand began to wander further southward until he dipped between her legs. She parted them slightly to allow his intrusion. As his tongue worked upon her breast so his frs brs began to stroke her to oblivion.

She reached down across his muscular chest to wind her own hand around the hardened shaft of his erection. The feeling of velvet over steel only exciting her further. He was wet with desire and she needed to feel him closer... needed to become one with him. Gently she tugged at his shaft leaving him clear as to what it was she wanted from him.

He ceased his ministrations and pulled himself up to straddle her hips. Gazing down at her nakedm wim with lust filled eyes he uttered the words she had been waiting to hear. \"I want you.\"

\"Then take me.... I am yours.\" and she spread herself in invitation.

He positioned himself and gently slid forwards into her warmth. The velvet walls caressing him as he plunged deeper seeking as much friction as he could.

Bulma wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him in deeper. Her hands kneaded the muscle of his back as she sought to pull all of him into her willing body.

He began to rock his hips, gently retreating only to return with greater force. The rhythm built until he was panting with the effort of holding his release. He wanted to stay buried in heaven for as long as possible.

Bulma could feel her own excitement building as her prince stroked her insides bringing her closer to that abyss she knew promised everything. Digging her nails into his back she could no longer hold the tide and screamed as her orgasm hit her.

Feeling that passage spasm around him Vegeta gave up what little hold he had left on sanity and succumbed to his release. Pleasure sang and danced across every nerve as he pulsed out his passion deep inside the one person who understood him. Finally sated he collapsed spent against the soft warmth of his loves body.

Rolling to his side he gazed at the woman he had taken as his mate. With all that had happened to him in his life with this one person he felt complete. The long suppressed emotion made itself known once again and this time he had no fear in accepting it. With tender words he whispered.

\"I love you Bulma.\"

~ Fin ~