Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Count Down From Ten ❯ The Heir to Capsule Corps. Arrives ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I have to earnestly apologize to you readers, I promised this chapter quite a while ago…Lets just say life has thrown a multitude of things my way but I was able to buckle down and finish this installment. I've Re-read this chapter multiple times so the mistakes should be minimal, according to google docs there were no obvious grammar/spelling mistakes :) The last chapters are outlined and in the works so if patience is your virtue it will truly come in handy in this scenario. Without future ado I give you the birth of the lavender prince.  

 

Chapter 13

 

(Vegeta’s POV)

 

My morning meditation on the back lawn, underneath one of the bigger trees, was interrupted when I felt the troublesome spike in energy. My overwhelming curiosity is what drove me down to the laboratory. I tried to write off the occurrence as if it wasn’t something to worry about. My steps were silent as I followed behind the blue-haired woman, my arms languidly crossed to my chest. She had instructed me to escort her to the bedroom and then over to the infirmary. 

 

I shoved down my ridiculous concern towards the woman’s health as we walked out of the lab. My irritation towards my own reaction grew as the reality of my situation sunk in; I should have never involved myself with these blasted earthlings. Our steps echoed through the corridor as we continued the journey down the hall. I glared at the back of her head while I recalled the obvious panic in her eyes during our previous conversation. Those distracting sapphires could never hide a thing from me, she was well aware that the brat has the potential to seriously injure her. 

 

Bulma abruptly stopped at the bottom of the first staircase, she sluggishly leaned her back against the accompanying wall. I halted my steps and watched as she tried to calm her labored breaths. I quickly turn my attention to the top of the staircase. We aren’t even anywhere close to the bedroom and the woman was obviously exhausted. I curiously wondered how long it took her to get down here in the first place. As my eyes surveyed the blue haired oddity I confidently recall the location of the infirmary; it was on the complete opposite side of the compound. The bluenette was still easing her racing breath as her eyes were focused on the top of the stairs. I knew if we continued at this pace we wouldn’t be at the infirmary until nightfall. 

 

It was hard to ignore the nagging voice in the back of my mind, it was persistent that I just leave her be. With a frustrated sigh my arms  uncrossed and dropped to my side. Within a few steps I was in front of the already drained woman. “Get on my back.” I briskly muttered my command with my back turned to the bluenette. There was no audible complaint from her as she quickly wrapped her arms around my neck. With little effort I lift her up by the meat of her thighs, her feet swiftly leaving the purchase of the tiled floor. 

 

The journey to the room was quick, I had navigated the halls easily, even with the squirming woman on my back. Once behind the closed door I deposited the woman on her feet. She hastily pushed past me and my eyes trailed her as she scramble around the room. She plopped down on the bed and fumbled to get her shoes and socks off. She was eventually back on her feet to stroll over to the dresser. She thrust open one of the drawers and sorted through the contents until she procured a purple dress?

 

I stared in brazen confusion as she stripped off all her current clothes before she slipped the material over her head. “You made me bring you up here for a dress?” I badgered in frustration.

 

She shot me a menacing glare, “It’s a delivery gown! I will not be caught dead in those horrendous hospital gowns!” She heinously argued back as she stomped towards her bedside table. 

 

“What about your underwear?” I mockingly tease the aggravated woman as she rifled through the contents of the drawer. She bared her teeth to me over her shoulder, my ears perked at her low growl. 

 

I chuckle lightly at her hostility while she continues to sort through the drawer. It was amusing how brazen the woman could be considering her own weak power level. With a small burlap sack in her possession she slammed the drawer shut before she stomped over to the closet. I watched as she deposited the smaller sack into the zipped confines of the other bag. She located a pair of slippers for her bare feet before she closed the closet door with a soft click. She was in front of me in a handful of steps. Her eyes shot up and down my figure as her eyebrows drew together. Her previously angry glare was now replaced with what appeared to be disgust? 

 

Her bag strap slid off her shoulder as she crossed her arm to her chest with a huff. I gave her a raised brow as her lips drew to an even line. “You can’t take me down to the infirmary looking like that! Put some damn clothes on for Kami’s sake!” She sassily demanded. My eyebrows snapped together at her retort. Through gritted teeth I tossed her a sneer before stepping past the bluenette to walk over to the dresser. 

 

Within a minute I was back in front of her with a pair of gray sweat pants and a plain t-shirt. “Is this better Princes?” I grumbled as she uncrossed her arms. 

 

“Much better, now let's go to the infirmary!” She announced as she re-slung the bag strap over her shoulder. 

 

My eyes rolled at her apparent attitude as I stepped in front of her. “Are you going to follow me or do you need my assistance?” I short handedly declared as I glared ahead at the door. My back openly offered to her once more. She took the initiative and wrapped her arms around my neck. 

 

~

 

It was second nature to swiftly navigate the halls of the massive compound, it wasn’t long until we were in front of the swinging doors of the infirmary. With a shove of my left shoulder, one of the doors eased to the side. Once we were through the threshold I eased the woman down on her feet and she steadily stepped in front of me. She motioned with her head for me to follow behind her. My arms crossed to my chest as I pursued after her.

 

As we walked up to the front desk my eyes scrutinized the younger male with shaggy blonde hair. He seemed fully enthralled by the screen in front of him. We stood in front of him for far too long, he was clearly unaware of his surroundings. He finally looked up from his computer when Bulma conveniently cleared her throat. 

 

“Ms. Briefs, What can I do for you?” He bubbly questioned from his seat behind the counter. 

 

“Call for code green.” Bulma calmly disclosed. 

 

The younger male's eyes shot wide open and he fumbled around the desk to locate a little black device. “Right away Ms. Briefs, Room 201, right down the hall. That's where you’ll want to go!” He hurriedly stuttered out. 

 

Bulma nodded her head at the young man and motioned for me to follow her once more before she briskly turned on her heel. She thankfully walked herself over to our final destination. I wasn’t exactly sure what to do with myself as we strolled into the room. I gently closed the door behind me and my eyes focused ahead. 

 

Bulma eagerly tossed her bag to the floor and plopped herself down on the infirmary cot. She released a heavy sigh as she met my eye. “Vegeta, I need one more thing from you.” She announced as she lifted her legs so she could lay back on the small mattress, “I need you to go tell my father ‘code green’, make sure he understands that he is supposed to keep working on those upgrades.” She bossily declared. 

 

My head nodded in accordance before swiftly turning on my heel. I left the room silently, complying to her command without complaint; it was obvious the woman had this situated. 

 

The walk to the gravity room was uneventful, I strolled up the ramp and opened the door with ease. The old man was underneath the control panel, his shoes barely popping out of the compartment. I took a couple steps forward, positioning myself a couple feet away from the engrossed man.

 

“Old man, I’ve been sent to inform you of something important.” I announced my presence aloud with my motive. 

 

It didn’t take long for the older scientist to push himself from underneath the controls. My eyes trained on the weird band with an attached light wrapped around his forehead as he sat himself up. The older man met my eye and wiped the sweat off his cheek with his coat sleeve, “Hello Vegeta. What can I do for you!” He quired as he reached up into his chest pocket, procuring a pack of those blasted tobacco sticks. 

 

I seriously wondered if he had heard my initial announcement as he put one of the cigarettes to his lips. “Despite what I say next, Bulma informed me, to tell you, to keep working on the update for the gravity unit.” I reported gingerly.

 

The man raised a cautious brow as he produced a lighter to ignite the tobacco stick. “Alright, what’s the word young man?” He cheerfully muttered past the lit cigarette. 

 

My eyes trailed the pungent smoke as it drifted upwards, my nose wrinkling in slight disgust, “Code Green.” I disclosed evenly.

 

The man ripped his glasses off his face, the white stick barely dangling from his bottom lip. “Code Green…” He stuttered back.

 

My head nodded as an affirmative answer. 

 

“CODE GREEN!!” He hastily barked as his head swiveled around the room. 

 

I watched intrigued as the man scrambled to the far side of the unit where several of his tool bags were laid out. He quickly snatched up one of the bags before he dumped the contents on the floor. He fervently searched the scattered objects before he located what I recognized as a communication device. The jittery man pressed a few buttons and frantically held the device to his ear. 

 

“Darling.. yes my morning has been fine…yes dear… I have to tell you something… yes I would love to hear about the wide variety of squashes… darling…” The man halted his rambling to hastily rub over his face, he snagged the dangling cigarette from his mouth. “Code green darling, Code Green!” The man gruffed into the phone.

 

My hands hastily shot up to protect my ears from being assaulted by the horrendous screech emitting from the small black device. I shot the older scientist a glare as he stuttered out his goodbyes. 

 

The old man let out a relieved sigh as he scuffled back over, a wide smile drawing his mustache covered lips. “Congratulations Young Man!! I'll see you in a few hours!” He chirped as he strutted back over to the controls. While he resettled himself down on the floor he stubbed the burning cigarette in a thick glass dish on the floor next to him. It wasn’t long before he swiftly disappeared underneath the panel once more.

 

I shot a glance over to the disarray of the man’s tool bags before I glared around at the tiled walls. What was I supposed to do now? My mind pondered the question for a handful of minutes, without a conclusive answer I decided to leave the gravity chamber. With my mind still hastily battling my racing thoughts I descended the ramp. As my feet settled on the grass my eyes trained up towards the bright blue sky. How can I be so undecided about my next course of action? The woman had told me that was the last thing she had needed from me. My eyes snapped ahead of me to glare at the kitchen door, my decision still unclear. I considered continuing my previous training but I was unsure if I’ll be able to completely focus.

 

I honed in on the brats’ constantly fluctuating Ki, the womans’ Ki seemed ordinary. The familiar gnat of concern I had felt earlier nagged at the forefront of my mind. As I strode towards the entryway my mind whittled away at the unfamiliar situation. The obvious deterioration of my cold conscience has caused me too much confusion. 

 

Three years ago I would have never concerned myself with any of this; why was this decision so conflicting? I glared down at the knob of the door. My arms crossed to my chest as I determined my next course of action. This planet has done something to me, a warrior shouldn’t worry about such inane things. 

 

(Bulma’s POV)

 

After Vegeta left, I waited in the even silence of the delivery room. My fingers fidgeted while my eyes studied the various machines placed around the room. I hadn’t expected Vegeta to show up down in the lab, much less carry me through the compound. I was very appreciative of his help, although I was still interested in the man’s motive. 

 

Even with my mind swarming with thoughts it was easier than anticipated to to relax on the infirmary mattress. The bathroom was conveniently just a few feet from the bed. I noted the sofa on the wall underneath the window and a blue exercise ball just as I had requested. My eyes trailed across the room to the far corner where there was a single reclining chair. I nodded my head in approval, it appeared as if everything was in place. I had ordered for this room to be put together ages ago but I had never taken the time to come down here to acquaint myself. 

 

It wasn’t long until a red-headed female nurse walked in, wheeling a cart with some more equipment settled on top of it. “Hey Ms. Briefs, I'm just here to hook you up on some monitors.” She quickly explained as she stopped by my bedside. 

 

I nodded my head as a simple response, I watched as the nurse produced several different little patches. She began the tediously daunting task of peeling the backing off them. She walked over with a weary smile, her hand gripping the cords, “Can you pull your gown down from your chest Ma’am?” She formally asked.

 

I complied easily and she fidgeted to grab one of the sensor patches. Her nerves calmed and her hand steadied as she placed it in the middle of my chest.

 

“Do you mind if I move this aside?” She queried as she motioned to my stomach. 

 

At first I was pleasantly surprised by the young woman's need for consent. As she continued to do her job I was gradually getting annoyed by her constant need to ask my permission every three seconds. After applying the heart monitor to my pointer finger on my right hand she asked me to sit up. 

 

With a decent amount of effort I pushed my body up to a sitting position. With instructions from the nurse to pull up my gown, my eyes trailed her hands in honest curiosity. She wrapped a flexible band around my stomach, a blocky white device connected to the material. I followed the nurse's line of sight as she focused on a monitor screen at my bedside. She cautiously maneuvered the band around until steady data points were being displayed on the screen. 

 

With a smile she adjusted the band once more, asking me if I was comfortable before she tightened it in place. She flashed me a smile before she walked over to grab a clipboard off the wall. She was back at my bedside, a pen readily grasped in her left hand as she began asking me a series of questions; to which I answered most of them honestly. 

 

Armed with the knowledge that I wasn’t feeling any contractions yet, the nurse briskly explained that the cords were long enough for me to travel to the bathroom without having to disconnect them in any way. She finished her spiel by declaring that she would be back in an hour to hook me up to an IV and after that she would be back every other hour to monitor my progress. The young woman rehung the chart on the wall and strolled out of the room, closing the door politely behind her. With nobody else to keep my attention I focused on the rhythmic beat of the two heart monitors. The nurse had earlier explained that one was mine while the other was the baby’s. 

 

My eyes focused on the peeking line as it flashed itself across the screen. I was originally very anxious about this whole ordeal but as it stands the delivery room seems to be a calm environment. My mind worked to erase what anxiety was left. Premature labor or not, I was going into this with a level head.

 

As my thoughts wandered I absentmindedly wondered if Vegeta was going to come back. I couldn’t help but chuckle due to the irony of my situation. My hands rubbed over my stomach as a smile pulled at the corner of my lips. I was stubborn and wanted ‘me’ time and it appears Kami had granted my wish for isolation. It was easy to enjoy the solitude the silence of the room provided, albeit I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy a project in the laboratory. 

 

~

 

Doctor Bridget hurriedly rushed into my hospital room right as the clock on the wall hit twelve-fifteen. Her white coat rushed behind her as she stormed up to the foot of the infirmary cot. “Good, I’m glad to see the nurse already hooked the baby and you up to the heart monitors.” The words tumbled from her lips as her soft green eyes studied the monitor’s readings.  

 

Her eyes met my own as she tilted her head slightly to the side, “How are you feeling Bulma?” She quickly questioned, her hands obviously fidgeting in her coat pockets. 

 

I gave her a light smile and a dismissive hand wave, “Couldn’t complain, the only thing I still notice are my beat up ribs” I explained honestly. I had actually grown accustomed to the small aches in my side; I’ve always had a somewhat high pain tolerance. 

 

She nodded her head and swiveled on her heel to walk the short distance to the chart hanging on the wall. She was back in front of my bed in six even steps. A small smile curved to her lips as she flashed me the clipboard, “It seems you found your way down here in record time, did your mother bring you?” She light heartedly asked as she turned on her heel to go re-hang the clipboard. 

 

“No, actually my partner brought me.” I concluded carefully.

 

Bridget tossed a wild look over her shoulder, “The father I presume?” She queried, obviously caught off guard. 

 

Vegeta hadn’t necessarily been brought up a lot during our multiple appointments. “Yes, the father.” I formally clarified. 

 

She nodded her head as she made her way towards the sink across the room. As she began washing her hands she flashed me a confident smile. “Alright Bulma, we are going to get down to business. I’m going to proceed with a cervical check.” She eagerly explained as she dried her hands. 

 

“Once I know what’s happening down there I can plan our next course of action.” She clarified as she acquired a sterile pair of gloves. 

 

I smiled at Bridget as she settled herself down on her rolling stool, “That sounds perfectly appropriate.” I concurred as she wheeled herself to the foot of the bed. 

 

She nodded her head and quickly instructed me on how to position my legs. I braced myself for the discomfort of the exam, my attention turning to the posters taped next to the door. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the knob turning. 

 

My lips pursed as I stared at the windowless door, I was expecting my mother to burst through the material. To my blatant surprise the saiyan silently slipped into the room. He closed the door behind him with a barely audible click before he casually leaned his back against the wall posters I had been previously focused on. I relished the brazen look of confusion on the warrior's face as he stared at Bridget's settled position between my legs.  

 

“It seems your cervix has definitely softened, you're about two centimeters dilated.” Bridget eagerly announced as she withdrew her hand. 

 

I dropped my legs back down on the mattress as I gawked back at the Doctor's announcement.

 

“Two-centimeters dilated! But I haven’t felt a single contraction Bridget!” I earnestly rebutted as she stood from her stool.

 

While she peeled off her gloves she flashed me an even smile, “Well Bulma, you shouldn’t be too surprised.” She asserted before she swiveled on her heel, she took a handful of steps before she disposed of the used gloves. As she secured the hanging chart off the wall I anxiously picked at the skin around my fingernails. When she turned back around, her gaze was focused on the chart as she scrawled her findings down on the paper. 

 

When she finished she met my obviously confused stare with her own raised brow. “You didn’t notice the small contractions since you’ve been dealing with the discomfort of your injuries, your fractured ribs are surely more painful than these first stage contractions.” She firmly explained.

 

“Fractured ribs?!” The saiyan brutishly reiterated from his leaned position against the wall. 

 

Bridget jumped at the mans’ interruption, her eyes widened in confusion and her grip on the clipboard tightened. “Who the hell are you?!” She yelped frantically as she stared back at the obviously frustrated saiyan. 

 

“I’m the Prince of all Saiyans, you ignorant harpy!” Vegeta viciously clarified.

 

Bridget straightened her back, “Look here mister, just because you claim to be a prince doesn’t give you the right to sneak into people’s private hospital rooms!” She hastily rebuked.

 

The saiyan raised an eyebrow as he raised a hand; a small yellow Ki blast hovered his open palm. A merciless smirk curved at his lips, “Disrespect me again and I’ll end your pitiful existence.” He wickedly spat. Bridget gripped the clipboard to her chest as panic spread over her normally calm features.

 

I dropped my fidgeting hands as I shot an annoyed glare towards the alien, “That's enough Vegeta!” I quickly scolded the saiyan for his hostility. 

 

Bridget hastily turned her head to meet my eye, “You know this lunatic?!” Bridget barely stuttered out.

 

I gave her a slight nod before I spoke, “Dr. Bridget, this is Vegeta. He is my baby’s father.” I reassured my obviously frightened doctor, she met my eye and gave me a slight nod.

 

“How did you fracture your ribs, woman?” He challenged once more from his position across the room. 

 

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the saiyans’ pestering. Bridget cautiously side-eyed the both of us, the clipboard still clung to her chest as she stood at the foot of my bed. I shot the man a menacing glare, “Your son! That’s how.” I clarified harshly while crossing my arms to my chest.

 

I refocused on my slightly dazed doctor, she was completely oblivious to Vegeta’s other worldly genealogy. A deep sigh escaped me as reality settled in, I knew I had to tell her; especially after his little show. It was time to be completely honest with my doctor for the first time regarding paternal genetics. “Doctor Bridget,” I addressed her calmly and she refocused her attention on me. 

 

“You surely remember the non-disclosure agreement you signed.” I started lightly. She eagerly nodded her head in acknowledgment and I continued, “I didn’t want you to forget that you are legally binded to not discuss any information about my case outside of this infirmary room.” I cautiously declared. 

 

She raised a brow but nodded her head in affirmative once more, “I haven’t disclosed the minute details regarding my baby’s father because it honestly sounds very far-fetched when I admit it aloud.” I explained pensively as my eyes trailed over to the brooding saiyan. 

 

I refocused on my doctor as she stood eagerly awaiting my words, “You see, Vegeta isn’t human; he’s an alien.” I calmly state. 

 

Bridget’s eyes widened and before she could speak I interrupted her, “By alien I mean he’s from outer space. Don’t let his brutish manners get to you, he’s still acclimating to Earth customs.” I carefully explained. 

 

Bridget slowly turned her head to stare over at the saiyan. She met my eye once more and I could see her cognitive wheels turning through her bewildered stare. I flashed her an easy smile. She hastily glanced back over to Vegeta before refocusing on me, “An alien…well, this is certainly a first for me.” She muttered coolly. 

 

She cleared her throat and straightened her back before turning her attention over to the saiyan, “Mr. Vegeta, do you happen to know the gestation period for your race.” She quizzically asked as she tapped her pen to the chart. 

 

Vegeta inspected the woman head to toe with a look of pure disgust, “Such knowledge is useless to a warrior of my caliber.” He briskly clarified. 

 

Bridget let out a sign, “Well, now that I’m armed with this knowledge, I’m not as concerned about this premature labor.” She muttered as she hastily tapped her pen against the clipboard. “For all we know his ‘species’ might deliver children at an earlier stage in their pregnancies.” She muttered aloud as she scrawled something down on the chart. She carefully met my eye with a determined gleam behind her vibrant green stare. 

 

“This may explain why the baby has grown so rapidly these past two months. It certainly explains why the baby was already head down, your last ultrasound.” She confidently declared. I nodded my head in understanding as Bridget settled herself back down on her rolling stool. “We will still take some precautions but for now I’m just going to drill you with some of my own questions.” She assertively prompted, the corner of her lips curved to an easy smile. 

 

She set the chart down on the corner of the mattress as she folded her hands in her lap, “I have obviously read over the nurses notes but I prefer to ask my patients these questions personally. What were you doing when your water broke?” She casually queried. 

 

I gathered my false confidence, “I was in my room of course, I was pacing quite a bit.” I falsely eluded. 

 

The saiyan across the room scoffed, “Wrong, you were down in your laboratory.” He briskly clarified. I shot him a searing glare and silently mouthed for him to shut up. The saiyan rolled his eyes and crossed his arms to his chest. 

 

“Bulma, what were you doing in your lab? I thought we agreed on the decision to put you on immediate bed rest.” Bridget professionally chided me. 

 

“I’m sorry Bridget, I just couldn’t keep myself cooped up like that! I was going insane!” I childishly confessed. 

 

She let out a light chuckle and raised an amused brow. “I should be majorly freaked out about your blatant breach of my official order,” She began cautiously while she carefully eyed both monitors at my bedside. “Instead of badgering you for disobeying, I’ll just continue to drill you with questions.” She playfully stated.

 

I let out a relieved sigh and nodded my head as an affirmative.

 

“I want to know about your physical activities for the week, did you do anything other than today's journey to the lab?” She calmly asked.

 

I barely met her eye before I chanced a glance over to the saiyan. He seemed transfixed by the beeping monsters, hopefully oblivious to the doctor's questions. When I refocused on my doctor I could feel my facing heating up. Under her prying gaze my brain bounced around several cautious statements. It was hard to find a non-explicit way to explain the saiyan and I’s nightly endeavors. 

 

At my flushed cheeks Bridget raised a knowing brow, “Nothing too intense I hope Ms. Briefs.” She interrupted the silence with her teasing comment. At the waggled of her eyebrow I let out a light chuckle. 

 

“That about sums up my physical activities for the week I promise.” I divulge truthfully. 

 

Bridget nodded her head at my admittance, “Alright last question,” She announced as she reached for the clipboard that she had previously discarded on the bed. “Have you made a decision regarding the epidural?” She inquired as she clicked her pen.

 

“I’ve decided to go through without it.” I confidently declared. 

 

Bridget stood up from the stool and a genuine smile curved her lips. “Well Ms. Briefs that concludes my questions, at least for now.” She quipped before she swiveled on her heel. She continued to hang the chart back on the wall and she turned to face me once more. “Do you have any questions or concerns for me Ms. Briefs?” She eagerly asked as she dropped her hands to her coat pockets. 

 

I chanced a glance down to the bag on the floor at my bedside before I quickly refocused on Bridget. I knew I should inform her about the senzu beans but decided it may be a little early to bring them up. “No, I believe we covered everything for now.” I answered back truthfully. 

 

Bridget’s smile widened and she nodded her head, “A nurse should be with you soon to get you set up with an IV. I’ll be back in about an hour for another cervical check. Hold tight and if anything concerning happens just press that red button on the left side of your bed frame. It’ll notify the nursing staff and my personal pager as well.” She eagerly explained before she turned and made her exit out of the room. 

 

(Vegeta’s POV)

 

As soon as the annoying white-coated woman left the room my eyes instantly locked with Bulmas’. “When did that brat fracture your ribs?” I immediately challenged the blue haired oddity.

 

“Now hold up, I only have one fractured rib. The other two are just bruised, it’s no big deal.” She stubbornly disputed with a dismissive wave of her hand. 

 

My jaw tensed at her reaction. She may be playing it off as fine but I knew how pitifully weak these earthlings happened to be. My irritation towards the situation flared, “Not a big deal? Woman, how long have you known about this!?” I ordered with conviction.

 

A flush crept up the womans’ face, she scowled back at me. She defensively crossed her arms to her chest before she defiantly turned her chin up at me. “A week.” She announced nonchalantly. 

 

A stark lick of alarm rushed up my spine, my grip on my bicep tightened. My jaw sets as my teeth grit in an attempt to ground myself, inwardly I was seething. I scrutinized the stubborn woman before me. She refused to meet my eye and it irritated me to no end that she seemed completely ignorant to her body's physical limits; if she had been a saiyan it would be a different story. I couldn’t believe she had failed to tell me about her injuries.

 

“You really are stupid, why didn’t you inform me?” I pensively chided her.

  

Her burning sapphires finally bore into my own fuming stare. Her nose crinkled as she bared her teeth to me in an almost feral fashion. “You arrogant jerk, not everything concerns you!” She lashed back furiously.

 

I quickly drank in her savage appearance before my glare hardened, “You’re a reckless fool, I could have seriously injured you last night.” I bitterly retaliated. 

 

I expected my comment to infuriate the woman, instead it had an opposite effect. A smile curved at her lips and she dropped her crossed arms to entwine her fingers together. “Vegeta, that is the sweetest thing you have ever said.” She murmured, her sapphires glistened with surprise. 

 

I sneered at her response, “You are an insane woman.” I muttered at her bewildering reaction. I detested the way her eyes raked over my form, she pursed her lips before tossing me a wink.

 

“What brought you back up here anyway tough guy?” She queried from her lounged position.

 

I dropped my crossed arms and strode closer to the infirmary cot, “Your father has been informed about your current situation, was there anything else you needed from me before I went back to my training.” I carefully announced. 

 

Bulma brought her hand up to her face before she began tapping a finger to her chin, “What kind of training did you have planned?” She quickly questioned. 

 

“I was going to meditate.” My truthful response escaped without a second thought. 

 

A smile pulled at her lips and she dropped her hand, “Well I’m a bit lonely in here, why don’t you meditate in that recliner over there?” She mused as she pointed a finger towards a heavily cushioned chair in the far corner of the room. 

 

“The redundant beeping of these machines will deter my focus.” My snide comment was hastily thrown her way. 

 

“Just stay until my mother arrives. I promise I won’t pester you with meaningless conversation nor will I do anything to break your concentration.” She reasoned with determination. It was pointless to argue with the woman. 

 

I swiveled on my heel as my hands balled into fists, an irritated sigh escaping me. I stomped my way over to the offered chair before plopping down on the cushioned material. My arms hastily recrossed to my chest as I glared over at the clock on the wall. It was only thirty minutes past noon, my fingers thrummed along my bicep. 

 

I have accomplished a pitiful amount of training for the day, hopefully the blonde woman would make an appearance soon enough. I inhaled a deep breath as my eyes shut. After exhaling my body allowed itself to properly relax. Finally I found my focus. The melodic beeps of the machines were in no way a hindrance to my concentration. The rhythmic sounds reminded me of the solitude of the space pods, it would be easier than anticipated to meditate.

 

~

 

My concentration was broken by Bulma and that white-coated woman’s annoying banter back and forth. Initially I had ignored them but after what felt like an eternity of tormenting chattering I finally caved. My eyes snapped open to glare over at the clock, an hour had barely passed, pitiful. These earth females with their nonsense bickering were the obvious bane to my existence.

 

This mediocre medical center proved to be the most irritating environment to train in. If I wanted to die from annoyance I would have gone out of my way to find Kakarot. 

 

My eyes tracked the thin black needles of the clock as my aggravation stewed. I have to reacquaint myself with the transformation, I need to be prepared for my next phase of training. The gravity chamber should be fully updated soon enough. 

 

“Alright, let’s get down to business, prop up your legs please Bulma.” 

 

I raised an eyebrow at the woman’s command before I re-positioned my neck to scowl over at the obnoxious pair of females. The white coated woman was positioned between Bulmas’ propped legs, they had been like this when I first walked in. Such a strange medical practice. I have observed far too many alien species drop eggs, the most disturbing were the ones that literally spat their children out of their mouths. As far as I’ve witnessed the human species has their own complicated ways of birthing their spawn. I continued to watch the ordeal out of curiosity. From what I remember I don’t recall Bulma mentioning the white-coated woman’s roll when she explained how humans gave birth.

 

My confusion was easily masked as the white-coated woman withdrew her hand. “It seems things are moving along at a steady pace, you’re already three centimeters dilated.” The lady announced as she peeled off her gloves. 

 

“Is that a good thing Bridget?” Bulma questioned as she dropped her legs down onto the infirmary cot. 

 

The brown haired woman eagerly nodded her head as an affirmative, “Yes, it’s a good thing. If you continue on this same trend the baby should be born before midnight.” She explained aloud to the room as she wandered over to the trash can to discard her gloves. 

 

She acquired the hanging board off the wall before she returned to stand at the foot of Bulma’s mattress. As the woman wrote down her findings on the board my glare focused on Bulma, she was obviously deep in thought. Her blue eyes were glazed over in concentration as she stared ahead at the doctor in front of her. It was easy to notice the way her hands fidgeted in her lap, she was nervous. The woman halted her fidgeting fingers to lean over to her right to grab the bag off the floor. Her eyebrows drew together as she stared at the bag in her hands, her nervous demeanor melted away as the doctor cleared her throat. 

 

“Alright Bulma, your chart is updated and my examination is complete. If you don’t have any further questions I’ll be on my way.” The woman declared. 

 

“There is one thing I’d like to discuss with you.” Bulma verified as she clutched the bag in her lap. 

 

The doctor took a seat on her rolling stool, she dropped the chart to her own lap and focused her full attention towards her patient. Bulma quickly unzipped the bag and within a second she procured the small sack of healing beans. 

 

“This is going to sound insane,” she began, “but I have something that I’d like to take after I give birth. It’s hard to explain but with this I’ll make a full recovery within minutes.” Bulma confirmed as she displayed the small burlap sack to her doctor. 

 

The lady nodded her head before she leaned forward to reach out for the sack. Bulma willingly handed the bag over. As the other woman easily opened the bag Bulma was gauging for her reaction. The doctor surveyed the bean as she pulled it from the bag. 

 

As she brought it closer towards her face her eyebrows scrunched together. She rolled the bean between her fingers as she let out a small hum. “This bean, does it contain a certain vitamin or something?” She queried aloud as she continued to study the object in her grasp.

 

I raised my own questioning brow, I figured most earthlings were aware of their healing properties, obviously the mass population were ignorant. 

 

“That little bean is capable of healing the most gruesome of injuries in the matter of seconds.” Bulma cooly explained to white coated woman. 

 

The lady raised an inquisitive brow as she dropped the bean back into the sack. 

 

An amused grin pulled at her lips, “You’re obviously messing with me Bulma.” She teasingly speculated as she held the sack back out to her patient. “I don’t believe a bean like that can heal anything.” She admitted as Bulma snatched the sack from her hands. 

 

Bulma’s eyes burned with conviction as she secured one of the beans for herself, “Well doc, we can always do a live demonstration if you’d like to see it for yourself.” The bluenette husked with confidence. Her eyes darted towards me as she smiled at her doctor. 

 

“Demonstration? Bulma, what are you talking about?” The white coated lady innocently questioned.

 

Bulma’s lips curved into a troublesome smirk as she rolled the bean between her fingers, the sack firmly gripped in her other hand. She focused her attention on me, “Vegeta, I’m going to need your assistance.” Bulma eagerly pulled me into the conversation. 

 

My eyes darted between the two females, this was ridiculous, I was no lab rat.

 

“Can you break your leg so I can show Bridget how these work.” Bulma ludicrously questioned as she proceeded to break the bean in half.

 

“Why don’t I break your leg instead.” I arrogantly retorted. 

 

Bulma’s eye lit a flame as she bared her canines towards me, “You asshole! Are you going to help me or not.” She fumed back, my eyes rolled at her audacity.  

 

Her doctor seemed frightened by the ferocity of her patient’s response but her anger only amused me. I begrudgingly dropped my crossed arms and glared back at the blue-haired woman. The white coated lady was the only spectator to our silent battle of wills. As Bulma hardened her glare I raised my own left hand, palm up. A cruel smirk pulled at my lips as a small ki blast instantaneously developed in the open palm of my hand. Bulma’s eyes widened and before any words could escape her mouth I smacked the blast directly into my right pectoral. My body took the minor hit without a flinch, I relished the familiar smell of signed flesh as it filled the room. 

 

As the small smoke cloud dispersed I noticed the white-coated woman staring in horror at the demonstration. Bulma on the other hand was in no way amused by my actions, good. My eyes trained downward so I could cockily examine the self inflicted wound. Compared to the lasers of the bots that had scratched me on several occasions, this was a heartier blast. It had singed through the fabric of the shirt but it hadn’t penetrated that deep through my flesh. 

 

The freshly exposed skin was cauterized due to the high heat of the energy. It has been too long since I've had a wound such as this. It almost reminded me of the battlefield. My mind revealed in the pain as I continued to study the infliction site; I speculate that this is definitely a fourth degree burn. 

 

“I said, break a leg! Why did you blast yourself you brute?!?” Bulma angrily reprimanded me. My head cocked up to shoot her a resilient smirk.

 

“Now, now, where is the fun in a broken leg.” I mockingly retorted as I swiftly stood on my feet. The white coated woman stared on in disbelief as I stomped my way over to her bedside.

 

“You could have broken one of these expensive machines, you bastard.” Bulma bit back, her left eye twitching in obvious irritation, perfect.

 

“Oh please, I know how to control my power. If I wanted to blow up the infirmary it would be done.” I cruelly confirmed.

 

“Jerk.” She muttered under her breath as she held out half of the bean. 

 

My eyes studied the offending bean before they trailed back up to the woman. 

 

They weren’t exactly my preferred method of healing. I would much rather have one of the healing pods that I had grown accustomed to. Bulma thrust the bean closer to me and the debate in my mind was dropped. I quickly swiped it from her pinched finger tips. As I chewed the offending object I watched Bulma continue to huff out her frustrations, her arms crossing themselves to her chest.  

 

The white coated woman jumped to my side, she watched in awe as the infliction site rapidly healed itself. The feeling of skin regenerating itself sent a bizarre shiver down my spine as the bean's magic made its way through my system. I don’t think my body would ever get used to that feeling.  

 

“Oh my gosh…” The doctor murmured under her breath, she slowly craned her neck to stare at Bulma amazed. “Is there any way I could have some of those?” She hastily questioned her fuming patient. 

 

Bulma's soured mood instantly dissipated as she released a mocking laugh. While the doctor was distracted I took a couple steps back to distance myself from the two females. 

 

“I’m sorry Bridget, these are also a part of that non-disclosure you signed. These stay between us.” Bulma freely admitted once she contained her fit of laughter. 

 

The dark haired woman straightened her back, her eyes darted between Bulma and I before she focused her attention on me. “Are they from your home planet?” She swiftly questioned. 

 

I bit the inside of my cheek in order to halt myself from erasing the annoying woman right off the face of the Earth. I swiftly turned on the heel of my foot to return to the chair across the room, ignoring the lady's pestering question altogether.  

 

“Yes they are from his planet, but with Earth’s current technology it's almost impossible to travel that great of a distance.” Bulma fraudulently explained in my place. 

 

“How interesting, I wish our planet had something as magical within our own medicinal plants.” The doctor eagerly bantered back with her patient. 

 

As I plopped down in the chair I reminded myself that the human species really wasn’t the keenest of all the universe's creatures. I turned my attention to the clock on the wall, where the hell was that blonde woman anyway. I pushed my irritation towards my current situation down and tried to remind myself what needed to be accomplished. The fight with the androids is looming closer. There were eleven months left, that should be plenty of time to perfect my battle plans. 

 

I glared over at the two females still ideally chatting. Their conversation eluded me as my mind focused on the blue-haired oddity. Her eyes always captured my attention, those sapphires burned wildly as she conversed with the white coated woman. I couldn’t tear my gaze off of her. There was something about her holding me back as a warrior, I can feel it. Never in my life have I easily bent my own will to match that of others asking.

 

My cognitive wheels turned as I continued to stare at the woman lying in her bed. She is quite the predicament, I had told myself to keep my distance from her but now look at me. Why must my will bend so easily to her? She wasn’t a physical threat to me like Frezia was, even then there is no comparing the two of them. They’re from two opposite spectrums, Frezia was evil; his motives were far easier to comprehend. 

 

Why couldn’t I figure out her motive. There is no denying that my strength is astounding, I have broken through the barrier that had eluded me for too long. There was no need for me to be here, I could get up and leave right now. There were a multitude of things that my mind had calculated, all of them pertain to training in preparation for the androids. Yet some stupid unnerving feeling drove me up here. Now I’m stuck sitting here, muddling about in this piss poor infirmary with these blasted females because she asked me to. 

 

What am I becoming?

 

(Bulma’s POV) 

 

After Bridget took her leave my mind settled, the plans were set. Bridget is more than willing to comply with me regarding the senzu bean. We had discussed that half of the bean is all we should have to use. She saw no reason for me to take a whole one. We would only use it if the birth had any drastic complications.

 

We agreed that it was only going to be her and one other delivery nurse in the room when the time came. The less of an audience the easier it is to keep certain things underwraps. 

 

I exhaled a deep breath as my hands rubbed over the top of my stomach, careful not to disturb the band with the baby’s heart monitor. My eyes drew up to the clock and I took note of the time, I was surprised that my mother had yet to make an appearance. She must have decided to finish her shopping, although I thought she would want to be here through most of this ordeal. It didn’t bother me in the least bit that she had yet to show, we had just spent the last four days cooped in my room after all. 

 

My eyes darted over to Vegeta. The man sat with his arms once again crossed to his chest.  My eyes trained on the singed hole in his shirt, giving me a peek of his pectoral. Even I was amazed that the senzu bean had left no evidence of his personal attack. 

 

He didn’t appear to be meditating. He honestly looked very pissed off as he glared ahead of himself. My eyes rolled at his apparent attitude, he could at least act like he wanted to be here. My fingers thrummed against my stomach as I took in my surroundings for what felt like the millionth time today. 

 

I didn’t think about bringing any journals to keep my attention and now I’m suffering for it. I looked up at the small black screen hung on the wall and back over to Vegeta. Since he wasn’t meditating I decided to try and find something interesting to watch on the television. My eyes eagerly surveyed the room to try and locate the remote. The black device may have eluded my eyes but after a short search I easily found it in the pull out drawer beside my bed. 

 

With little effort I retrieved the remote and clicked the television on. I scrolled through the guide trying to find anything that could keep my attention. I had hoped at least one of my favorite programs would be playing but alas none of them were currently airing. I finally settled on what I thought was a survival show. As I continued to watch I realized it was more of a game show but they were in the wild ‘surviving’  the wilderness in groups. 

 

It took me the rest of the episode to figure out the gist of the show, it was quite interesting. When it was announced that one teammate had to be eliminated I was confused on how the group was supposed to go about it, but after listening to all the commentary it was quite obvious. As the next episode started I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm, although it posed as a team against team show it was truly every person for themselves. When the first challenge started I couldn’t decide on which team I wanted to root for, when the challenge was completed I knew exactly who I would personally vote off the island. 

 

“What the hell are you watching?” Vegeta crassly commented from his seat along the wall. 

 

I tossed him a light smile, “Some kind of game show.” I offered back before I refocused on the television. There was one guy going around trying to get the other smaller alliance broken up, he was doing a decent job in my opinion. 

 

“A game show, what kind of game is that?” The saiyan interrupted. 

 

My eyes wickedly darted over to him before I glanced back up at the television. My mind worked to figure out a description that the saiyan could understand.

 

“I believe it’s like a social dynamics game, I’m not too sure it's my first time watching it.” The vague description left my mouth as my eyes stayed trained on the screen. 

 

The saiyan seemed satisfied with this answer as he didn’t let out any comment. We continued to watch the show and it wasn’t until the tribal council that Vegeta spoke up again. 

 

“They're going to vote off that guy, he did a miserable job of choosing his allies.” He announced coolly. 

 

“I don’t know about that, I think they all decided on that chick with the blonde hair.” I debated back. 

 

He didn’t respond to my argument and we watched the players walk up to cast their votes. Sure enough four of the tribe members voted out that guy while only three casted their votes for the girl. I was surprised by the outcome while Vegeta on the other hand let a smug smirk pull at his lips. 

 

We were halfway through the challenge in the next episode when my mother burst her way into the room. She had a multitude of balloons behind her and a giant bouquet of flowers in her other hand, “Oh My Darling! How is everything going? Are you in any pain my dear?!?” She hastily rambled out her questions. 

 

I chuckled at her enthusiasm before flashing her a bright smile, “Everything is fine Mama, not too much to report at this point.” I evenly explained as she rushed closer to my side. 

 

With her eyes wide she looked me up and down before giving me her own smile, “I brought you some flowers dear but it seems there is no vase for me to put them in.” She yammered as she held forth the vibrant bouquet. 

 

I took the offering of flowers from her hand and gently placed them on the table by my bedside. “What are the balloons for?” I asked in honest curiosity. 

 

Her smile widened and she released a giggle, “They’re for the baby of course! You can’t have a baby without any balloons.” She mused as she took initiative to tie the strands to the metal framing of my bed. 

 

My eyes rolled at her explanation, she always had weird traditions in mind. When she straightened her back she clapped her hands and let out an excited squeal. “I’m going to be a GRANDMA!!” She blurted openly. 

 

My mother hurriedly scurried around the room until she was in front of Vegeta, “I’m sure you're a hungry young man, why don’t you go down to the kitchen. I have the bots whipping up a feast just for this occasion.” She hurriedly explained to the saiyan. The man nodded his head and swiftly stood, leaving the room as silently as he had entered. 

 

My mother continued to ramble some unintelligible nonsense as she sauntered over to my doctor's seat of choice. She plopped down on the rolling stool and swirled herself around in circles. While she squealed in excitement I realized how much the saiyan’s company meant to me. I watched her continue to spin when my abdomen was suddenly gripped with a sharp, stabbing pain. It caused me even more pain to inhale and my eyes screwed shut as I tried to endure. 

 

The cruel sensation was the only thing I could focus on, my abdomen felt aflame as I released a hiss through gritted teeth. With my mind clouded with pain I somehow managed to lay myself down on my side. My hands gripped the white sheets underneath me. I forced myself to release a ragged breath as another smaller wave of pain washed over me.

 

“Darling, you need to breathe, it's just a contraction.” My mothers calming voice was like a life preserver, giving my mind a moment of clarity. Her cool hand rubbed over my back, grounding me enough to follow her previous instruction. As I willed myself to breath my mother cooed encouragement my way. As the pain slowly ebbed away my eyes unscrewed. I craned my neck to look over to my mother. I mouthed a silent thank you her way before my head dropped back down to the pillow. 

 

It was easier than anticipated to ease my labored breaths, now I was fully aware of how intense a contraction could be. My eyes trailed up to the baby monitor above my head and I mentally braced myself for the rest of the day. My doctor had been correct, I have grown far too accustomed to the pain from my ribs. With my mind armed with the knowledge of what is to come I once again found some sense of ease. With new found strength I slowly sat myself up and flashed my mother a weary smile.

 

“Is there anything I can do for you?” She quickly questioned. 

 

“Do you mind getting me some water, that kind of came out of nowhere.” I sluggishly answered back. 

 

My mother released a light giggle. “They’ll be easier to track the further along you get darling. I’ll be right back with that water!” She eagerly explained before she turned on her heel to head towards the door. 

 

~

 

My head dropped back to the pillow as I released the biggest exhale of my life. It was truly surreal how miserable I felt. The duality of pain from the contractions with my already aching rib cage had taken its toll on my normally strong willed mind. I was over this whole labor ordeal. There have been only small moments of peace between the harsh onslaught of contractions and even then I wouldn’t call the moments tranquil in the least. 

 

The band around my stomach felt like a nuisance but the nurses insisted it was important. I considered the multitude of cords attached to me as chains, my movements around the room felt very limiting. It didn’t help that I had a stupid IV set on the top of my right hand, it hindered my options to lie comfortably. My body barely relaxed and my mom’s calming hum was the only thing keeping me grounded. 

 

“It seems they're getting stronger darling, should I call the doctor to check how far you've dilated?” My mother gently encouraged me as she squeezed my hand lightly. 

 

I licked over my chapped lips as I tried to gather my answer, “Wasn’t she just here Mama.” I sluggishly replied, I really didn’t want to deal with the uncomfortable exam so soon. 

 

My mother lovingly cupped my cheek and flashed me a light smile, “Darling she hasn’t checked since four, it's almost six in the evening.” She cooed back as she dropped her hand from my face. 

 

I drew in a lengthy breath as her response washed over me. My brain tried to figure out where the time had gone. I stared past her face, to the door of the adjoined bathroom; I really needed to pee. The distance was really a short couple of feet, I started to think about getting up but my exhaustion got the best of me. My body felt stuck in limbo. “Mama, can you help me get up to pee?” I wearily queried.  

 

She gave me a nod before she assisted me into a sitting position. She wrapped her arm behind my shoulders while I guided my legs off the edge of the bed. 

 

 ~

 

We were on our way back from the bathroom, only two steps away from the bed when another contraction caused my leg muscles to stiffen. I gripped onto my mother tightly as I groaned out my discomfort. She urged me to breathe and I forced my body to take the last daunting steps. My mother resettled the IV stand before she gently guided me towards the mattress. As I sat on the cot my body's natural response was to hunch over but my mother’s hold prevented such an action. One of her hands squeezed my own and her calm voice continued to count out the seconds. I prayed to kami that time would physically speed up. 

 

As the pain ebbed to its finish I pried my hand from my mothers grip, she took the nonverbal instruction and her arm around my shoulder disappeared. My body fell back into the mattress, my legs still dangling off the bed. A nap sounded excellent but I knew sleep wouldn’t come to me in my current state of mind. Why did labor have to be so exhausting?

 

“Darling, I’m going to get the Doctor, I’ll be right back.” My mother declared, I chose not to respond to her. The scuffling of her feet were barely audible and when the door clicked shut, signaling her leave, a deep sigh escaped me. 

 

My mind worked to calm my aching body. I lazily brought my forearm up to cover my eyes, the lights in this room were truly annoying. Behind my closed eyelids I anticipated the movements of the vivid greens as they splayed into shapes across the otherwise black expanse. 

 

The click of the door caused me to let out a groan of frustration. “Please don’t check my cervix right now, give me five more minutes.” My weary complaint was openly thrown out to the room. 

 

A familiar dark chuckle seemed to echo over the melodic beeps of equipment. I jolted myself up to be met with that bastard's amused grin. 

 

“What’s so funny you asshole!” My exhaustion was forgotten as my attention was now focused on the arrogant prince who put me into this mess. 

 

The man rolled his eyes at my question before shaking his head. Despite my fatigue I shifted my body on the mattress so I could easily trail his steps as he maneuvered towards the recliner. “You just sound so pitiful, woman.” He mused as he plopped himself down. 

 

A growl rumbled through my chest. “If I could wring your neck you’d experience half the pain I’m tolerating right now!” I roared across the room. 

 

A hearty laugh erupted from the saiyans’ chest. The man rarely laughed, it infuriated me that my pain was apparently amusing to him. My own irritation boiled over as the saiyan calmed himself, his eyes met my own and an amused smirk pulled at his lips. With my jaw clenched I hardened my glare towards the alien. The tension in the room crackled as we silently stared at another. I glowered at the man in front of me as I plotted a way to physically harm the insanely strong alien. 

 

Vegeta casually rolled his shoulders before he cocked his head to the side, “You whine like a spoiled princess yet you bite back with the ferocity of a warrior.” He gruffly remarked with a raised brow. 

 

My shoulders slumped as I watched him drum his fingers on the arm of the recliner. My fogged mind reworked through his statement, I was more confused than I’d like to admit. I brought my eyes back up to meet his onyx gaze. My fingers fidgeted with the sheet underneath me as I tried to analyze his unfocused stare. “So you weren't laughing at my pain.” I questioned, my voice faltering with subconscious doubt. 

 

Vegeta lifted his chin as he gave me a half shrug, “Well I do find pain amusing.” He mused nonchalantly as his grin broadened. His obsidian eyes widened in intrigue and I knew he was being truthful. 

 

My eyes scrutinized the man in front of me as my irritation spiked. My lips pursed together as I stewed in my frustrations. Leave it to me to go and sleep with the biggest asshole in the universe. “Well buddy you better watch it, my pain is the last thing you should find amusing.” I vindictively cautioned the alien as I re-positioned myself on the infirmary cot. 

 

“Is that a threat?” He teased me as I was just about to lay myself down to relax. 

 

Despite my flaring irritation I forced myself to take a deep breath, “Just keep pushing Prince and you’ll figure that out for yourself.” I announced openly as my body groggily fell back into the mattress. My eyelids dropped as I tried to relax.  

 

“Oh Vegeta!! It’s so wonderful that you’re here!” My mother's enthusiastically shrill voice cut through the room causing me to grimace. My hands balled into fists at my side as I lulled my head against the pillow, all I wanted was five minutes of peace.

 

“I’m going to make this quick Bulma I promise.” Bridget's calm voice drifted over my ears. Having grown accustomed to the intrusive examination my mind urged my legs to prop themselves up against the infirmary cot. 

 

(Vegeta’s POV)

 

My eyebrows drew together as I watched the white coated woman once again settle herself down in between Bulma’s legs before she continued to shove her hand up Bulma’s crotch. How many times was she supposed to do that anyway?

 

“You’re about five centimeters dilated Ms. Briefs.” The doctor confirmed as she withdrew her hand. 

 

An irritated groan rattled through the room, “When will this be over?!” Bulma wearily complained as she dropped her legs. 

 

The blonde woman rushed to her side, with one hand she wiped the blunette’s hair from her sweat soaked cheeks. “Don’t worry darling, only five more centimeters and you’ll be able to push.” The blonde calmly cooed at her bedside. 

 

The blue-haired oddity released another huff as a complaint while her face screwed with disappointment. It was interesting to witness Bulma in such a precarious state. The blonde continued to fawn over her mewling daughter as the doctor silently slipped out the room. My fingers thrummed against the arm of the chair as I bore witness to the pitiful mother-daughter duo. It was easier to investigate Bulma’s Ki from this close proximity. The womans’ energy had been fluctuating hectically since I left the room four hours ago. At first it was easy to ignore, I enjoyed the offered feast without much of a hitch. It wasn’t until I had settled myself on the lawn that I had realized how strange her ki was acting. I had tried to continue my meditation but it was to no avail.

 

From a distance her ki seemed to be battling; at times it was calm, relaxed even, such as it is now. Oddly enough there were moments where her ki seemed to boil over before it would drastically crumble to a troubling low within such a small time frame. It was all honestly very confusing and I’ve never enjoyed feeling confused. I had only returned to this room to witness what was causing these distracting fluctuations. 

 

As the time ticked away I felt foolish for coming back up here, the blonde woman’s constant soft babbling was starting to really annoy me. Just as I began to denounce my original plan to investigate a sudden hiss from the blue haired woman caught my full attention. My fingers halted their drumming as I focused on Bulma. The blonde reached for her daughter's hand, the touch had been anticipated and Bulma quickly took hold of it. As I felt Bulma’s ki begin to flare up the blonde began calmly counting. 

 

My eyebrows screwed together as I silently watched the ordeal. Bulmas’ face was twisted in pain but I couldn’t determine the cause of her injury. The blonde had ended her count at a minute and twenty seconds, within that time Bulmas’ face gave way to her torment. She released a long shaky breath as she tore her hand from her mothers grip, her arm dropped over her eyes while she eased her laboring breaths. 

 

I had been thoroughly confused earlier and I’m still uncertain of what I had just witnessed. A tsk of disappointment escaped me for my lack of understanding and my fingers proceeded to thrum against the arm of the chair. Just what the hell was that anyway. I was obviously missing something. 

 

“Mama, are there any ice chips left?” The bluenette sluggishly inquired through her heavy set breathing. 

 

“I’ll have to go get you some more darling, hold tight I’ll be right back.” The blonde eagerly answered her daughter. She quickly scuttled out of the room and I saw an opportunity to question the blue haired oddity. 

 

“What is the cause of your pain, woman?”

 

Bulma lazily pulled her arm off her face, her eyes barely opening to meet my own.

 

“What?” She asked in confusion. 

 

My eyes rolled and my fingers thrummed faster, “Are you suddenly deaf woman. I asked what is the cause of your pain.” I hastily reiterated.

 

A growl erupted from the woman's chest as she slowly sat herself up. Her burning sapphires challenged my stare, “Why are you such an asshole!” She hissed through clenched teeth. 

 

My eyebrows drew together in confusion, “Answer my question woman.” I promptly insisted, her comments would not distract me from my goal.

 

Bulma hardened her glare as she brought her hands over her protruding stomach, “Isn’t it obvious Vegeta! My body is preparing to deliver our son!” She fumed back at me. 

 

My fingers settled as my head tilted to the side, “That doesn’t explain any of this woman.” I mused, slightly bewildered for the womans’ lack of explanation. 

 

Bulma let out a haughty huff before she plopped back down into the mattress. “Tough luck then, you jerk!” She tartly tossed back as she settled her forearm back over her face. 

 

My left eye twitched in irritation, why was she acting as such. She has never tossed away an opportunity to openly explain anything. My arms crossed at my chest as I glared over to the blue haired oddity.

 

~

 

There was no telling when this ordeal would be over but for the sake of a clear mind I hoped it would be soon. I had already spent three hours of this blasted investigation with no explanation to the bluenette’s perceived agony. After watching Bulma go through another particularly rough bout of pain the blonde woman declared that she was going to get the doctor. I finally found another opportunity to get a straight answer to what was causing the woman’s agony. 

 

I had decided it was best not to ask the blonde woman about it, I found her explanations to be rather discerning. When the blonde and the white coated woman made their reappearance I decided to stand a handful of feet next to the bed in order to observe her actions. It was an odd thing to witness to say the least, as the woman withdrew her hand she announced, “You’re almost six centimeters dilated Ms. Briefs.” 

 

Bulma let out a groan as she curled back up on the mattress, it was weird how the woman's pain oddly unnerved me. The doctor wheeled her chair back an inch before she stood. She swiveled on her heel and peeled the glove off her hand before she started her stride towards the trash can. I quickly intercepted the white coated woman just as she disposed of the glove. “Why is the woman in so much pain?” I hurriedly questioned the doctor in a hushed tone. 

 

She seemed caught off guard by my interruption but she quickly cleared her throat. “Her uterus is contracting to accommodate the baby,” She began, gesturing over her own abdomen. “The muscles of her uterus tighten and constrict before they slowly relax.” She brought her hands up and formed a circle with the thumb and pointer finger of each hand barely touching each other. “You see it’s a painful and drawn out process because her cervix, which is inside of her vaginal cavity, needs to be this far dilated before she can push out the baby.” I nodded my head in some understanding and she continued. She made a smaller circle and smiled, “This is about how far along Ms. Briefs is.” She made the bigger circle once more, “going from six to ten centimeters is a big stretch so this last stage might take some time.” She finished as she dropped her hands. 

 

I nodded my head at her explanation and stepped past her to look over at Bulma’s bed. I repeated the doctor's explanation to myself as I peered down at the exhausted bluenette. My nose scrunched up as I examined the women, the feeling that began swirling in my chest was odd, new even. I tossed the notion to the side as I returned to my seat on the recliner. It now made sense to me why she had been cradling her protruding stomach. I had originally theorized that it was the child that caused her pain. Since I arrived the woman and her mother only conversed briefly, which was rare for the females. 

 

It seemed these contractions were short but they happened with track-able frequency. I had watched the woman wither in pain a multitude of times in these past three hours. I had been honest with the bluenette earlier, I do find pain amusing; just her pain wasn’t as amusing in this instance. Without the proper explanation my mind had run wild with a dozen different reasons for what could be causing the woman pain and as it turned out all my theories had been wrong. Now that I had the appropriate knowledge I was less concerned, I would find an opportunity to leave soon enough.     

 

~ 

     

When the larger hand of the clock made its way past ten, the old man stumbled through the door. His white coat was splotched with black and brown spots while his face displayed a massive smile. He quickly shuffled over to Bulma’s left bed side so he could stand next to his wife. The blonde jumped from her seat to give the older man a peck on his cheek while Bulma laid in a daze atop her infirmary cot.

 

The blonde offered her seat to the scientist and he gladly sat down. The man leaned over onto the bed to lay a chaste kiss to the exhausted woman’s forehead. Bulma’s eyelids fluttered open. A smile pulled at her lips as a sigh escaped her, “I missed you papa.” She wearily announced.

 

The older Briefs let out a small chuckle, “I’m here now darling.” He gently replied as he wrapped his arm around his daughter. I have lived at this compound for a decent amount of time but I have never witnessed a moment like this. The family gathered often enough but the atmosphere in the room was like no other. I was normally put off by the Earthling displays of affection but in this case I was intrigued by their association with each other.

 

From what I remembered of saiyan culture there was little emotion mixed with the family dynamic. Most relations were formed due to opposing strengths, purely to ensure strong children. Saiyan adults weren’t coddled by their parents to my knowledge. The older man gently pulled away from his daughter to look back up to his wife standing by his side. I have never seen a man smile in such a manner. 

 

He flashed me that same smile from across the room, “The gravity room is fully functional, young man.” He politely addressed me before he turned his focus on the women in his company.

 

The knowledge obviously thrilled me, with a nod of my head I stood from my seat. My hands settled in my pockets as I took a handful of steps until I was at the foot of Bulma’s infirmary cot. The woman turned her attention away from her parents and met my eye with her own exhausted stare. “Why do you always look so pissed off?” The bluenette sluggishly quired. 

 

My brows lowered as my chin jutted out, “I’m not pissed off, it's just my face woman.” I nonchalantly deadpanned. 

 

“Would it kill you to smile for once.” She openly complained from her lounged position. 

 

“What good is it to smile, woman?” I tossed back as my head cocked to the side. 

 

“It would make me feel better.” She whined back. 

 

My eyes rolled at her retort, that was preposterous; a smile making someone physically better. I glanced at the older couple who seemed sympathetic to the woman's plea. I shouldn’t be compelled to fulfill this woman’s absurd request. My fingers fidgeted in my pockets as I met Bulmas’ eyes once more. My lips set to an even line and the bluenette let out a huff. 

 

Disappointment wrinkled her face and a pang of regret echoed through my chest. Regret, it was something that I was accustomed to but I have never had this feeling towards something as minor as this. Without a second thought I bared my teeth and forced a smile. 

 

Despite my effort, the woman's eyebrows drew together as her eyes grew moist. She began to gently sob and I was bewildered. I turned my neck to the side to gauge her parents reaction, they met my eye and both shrugged their shoulders. They seemed just as confused as I. 

 

“How did I wind up the angriest man alive?” Bulma whined through her sobs.

 

I looked back over to the bluenette as she continued to whine. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her complaint, angry was one of the words I was often associated with. 

 

The woman halted her sobs to glare at me, “Stop laughing at me!” She growled as she hastily wiped her tear soaked cheeks. 

 

“I’m not laughing at you woman, simply the circumstance.” I cockily retorted. 

 

The woman’s face flushed red as she bared her teeth to me. My nose wrinkled in amusement as I turned on my heel to head to the door. “I’ll be in the Gravity Room.” I openly announced before leaving the room. Behind the closed door I could hear Bulma ranting, she was using some obscene words much to my delight. She was truly a feisty specimen.   

 

I hurriedly journeyed through the compound to reach the gravity room. I punched in the entrance code with the moonlight guiding me. As I stepped into the unit I released an eager breath. I had a vague understanding of what the woman was dealing with so it should be effortless to occupy my mind with the recent upgrades. I began by acquainting myself with the energy cloaking device. Just the other night Bulma had explained to me her plan on how it would be implemented into the unit. There’s a simple label on the door to the compartment next to the inner workings of the control panel. It was normally where Bulma stashed her tools. When the door opened I saw the silver-ish box attached on the inside wall. The engage and disengage switches were revealed and my lips pulled to a smirk.

 

Instead of diving head first into testing the device I decided to jump straight into the new gravity limits. After standing to my feet I pulled my shirt over my head, tossing the partially burned material to the far side of the control panel. On accord my fingers worked to engage the gravity settings.  

 

~ 

 

As I neared my third hour in the gravity chamber I noticed a sudden shift in the woman’s Ki. I hovered further above the circle of bots and refocused myself. As a laser soared past me I determined that this deviation was different than the last. The boy’s Ki was the one flaring rapidly, the bluenettes energy was hard to discern through the spike but it seemed to flare up as well. With a grumble of obscenities I dropped down in front of the control panel and disengaged the bots. 

 

By the time the bots retreated into their concealed compartments the boy's energy calmed and I could finally detect Bulmas’. The sudden change had unnerved me, I glared around the gravity room as I anticipated my next move. The woman had both of her parents in the room with her, there was medical staff on call for the woman as well. There was surely no need for my presence. My fingers drummed against the control panel and my eyes trailed down to the buttons. 

 

Instead of engaging the bots again I decided to begin my cool down. It had been a smart decision, just like earlier, these fluctuations were recurring. As my body worked through the motions my mind was able to focus on the intermingled energies. Through my cool downs the brat’s ki had flared six times, each time it grew slightly stronger; the woman’s was becoming even more encompassed in the brats. When I finally wrapped up my cool down I completely disengaged the gravity unit. I swiftly stormed out of the room, my feet halting on the top of the ramp. My eyes trained above and my mind found solace in the stars that scattered the sky. Staying concentrated had never been an issue in the vast expanse of space. A sudden flare to the woman’s ki reminded me why I had left the gravity until. My tongue tsked as I scolded myself, with a leap into the air I flew the short distance to the balcony of the woman and I’s shared room.

 

My entrance was made through the sliding door and within thirty seconds I was over to the bathroom. Set in my routine I showered, as the water sprayed down on me my mind worked out a plan for my next course of action. I thought about laying down to try to sleep before I refocused on the fluctuating energies. It would be impossible to sleep with that constantly occurring, I wondered how much longer this whole ordeal would be. As far as I was concerned once the child is born the woman would be capable of her previous work efforts. I enjoyed the new gravity limit but the training droids were still mediocre.

 

With no plan devised I washed myself before hastily shutting the water off. As I stepped out of the shower my energy raised slightly. Now completely dry I stepped out into the room. As my eye surveyed the empty room my glare settled on the mattress. I have slept plenty of full nights these past few weeks. Sleep didn’t seem appealing at the moment, my eyes trailed up and over to the dresser. I finally decided to throw some clothes on and go to the kitchen, maybe there I can find something to distract myself. 

 

(Bulma’s Pov)  

 

Another heavy groan tore through my raw throat. After yelling obscenities for thirty minutes, thanks to Vegeta's ridiculous excuse for a smile, I had lost my voice. My head lulled against the pillow as Bridget began another cervix check.

 

“Eight and a half centimeters!” Bridget proudly announced. 

 

My mothers hand squeezed my own, “You’re almost there darling.” 

 

I licked over my wet lips before I let out my complaint, “I swear I am there now! Why can’t I go ahead and push?” I drowsily moaned out. I just wanted this to be over with so that I could finally take a nap. 

 

“Don’t worry Ms.Briefs, hopefully within the next two hours your baby will be born. We are already setting up the baby's station in the corner.” Bridget explained from somewhere in the room.

 

I groggily nodded my head before relaxing my cheek against the pillow. My body allowed my muscles to unwind and my eyes fell shut. I felt so close to sleep yet it was so far from me. Just as I thought I was about to doze off another searing wave of pain gripped me. My teeth drew my lip in as I hissed out my torment. I sought out my mother's hand, thankfully it was close by. Her gentle coos hid her pain as her hand was crushed in my own death grip. My other arm curled around my abdomen in a desperate attempt to comfort myself. Time eluded me as the agony washed over me. 

 

The taste of pennies grounded me and I must have nibbled through another portion of my bottom lip. As my tongue licked over the area, I didn’t notice any sensitivity to the tender skin. My mind was preoccupied by the pain of the contraction easing away. “Mama, where’s my water cup?” I sluggishly mewled, I couldn’t even recognize my own pitiful plea. 

 

My mother eagerly nodded and pulled her hand from my now laxed grip. My head swirled as I waited for my drink. The fumbling of electronics caught my attention and I lazily turned my head to the right. On the far side of the wall were two nurses setting up a good sized piece of equipment. 

 

“What's that?” I wearily quired aloud as I willed myself to point over to the working nurses. 

 

“That's the scale for the baby, it also has an oxygen line just in case it's needed.” Bridget's calm voice explained. 

 

I whipped my head in front of me to see her standing at the foot of my bed. I couldn’t help but gawk at my doctor. “Don’t tell me you’re back for another cervical check. I swear I just had one.” The words hastily tumble from my mouth without a second thought.

 

Hearty laughter erupted from my doctor, she doubled over and braced her forearms on the edge of my mattress as her fit continued. Obviously confused, I stared in a daze, trying to determine what had amused her. Bridget straightened her back as she tried to calm her laughing fit, her arms cradled her stomach through the ordeal.

 

Just as I was about to ask her about it my mother appeared by my side with my refilled water. With the remote attached to the bed I adjusted the mattress so that I could easily sit up. Once comfortable I eagerly snagged the water from her grasp. It felt like it had been hours since my thirst had been quenched. As I sipped on my drink my mother settled herself back down in her seat. I glanced over to my doctor and she met my eye. I noted that her face was bright red and a dastardly smile had pulled at her lips. “I had just checked your cervix, I’m only here to make sure the baby’s station is properly set up.” Bridget explained as she dropped her hands to her pockets.

 

Everything clicked into place and my eyes trailed up to the clock on the wall. I sat in slight disbelief as I realized it was thirty minutes past one in the morning. I nodded to my doctor before glancing back over to the other two nurses. I was determined to watch them but my eyelids were growing too heavy. My exhaustion couldn’t be ignored at this point. With a dazed mind I leaned over to the left of my bed to place my cup on the side table, ignoring my mother's plea to help me. 

 

Once accomplished I readjusted the mattress with the remote before allowing my body to curl back into the material. My eyes thanked me for closing them and I released a contempt sigh. The only issue I faced was the tormentingly bright lights in the room, “Can somebody please turn off the lights?” 

(Vegeta’s POV)

 

On my way down the staircase my mind had been preoccupied by the Ki signature on the other side of the compound. When I rounded the door to the kitchen I was surprised to see the older scientist settled at the kitchen table. I hadn’t expected him to be down here but I wasn’t bothered by his presence, besides he had all the leftovers from earlier laid out on the table. I took a seat without a complaint.

 

The older man decided to begin a light conversation over the upgrades. He started by asking if there were any bugs he needed to work out. The conversation had kept most of my attention and it was easy enough to talk to the older man. As we wrapped up our meal he wandered over to the fridge, he returned with four bottles in his hand. He set two down in front of me and kept the other two for himself. 

 

“It’s a time to celebrate young man, you’ll be a father in a couple of hours.” He cheerily boasted as he settled himself back into his chair. He reached into the pocket on his shirt to retrieve what Bulma referred to as a bottle opener.

 

I reached out for one of the bottles offered to me. Just as I was about to flick the cap off I noticed a larger flare from the brats Ki; the old man seemed to be correct on his assumption.

 

“My wife knew you’d be here to witness our grandchild's birth, I had my doubts.” He  remarked past the rim of his bottle. 

 

I tossed him a skeptical eye while I silently sipped my drink. What was he going on about?

 

“Your life is going to change when you see your child's face for the first time.” He earnestly commented as swirled the bottle in his hand.  

 

My eyebrow peaked at his statement. “What do you mean by that old man?” 

 

He flashed me a smile that reached his eyes as he lifted his bottle to tip the neck towards me. “You’ll understand soon enough my boy.”  He eluded as he relaxed back into the chair. 

 

My eyes rolled as I took another sip from my bottle. Thankfully we finished our drinks in a comfortable silence, his small comments meant nothing to me. Saiyans and Earthlings may be compatible but that doesn’t mean we share the same sentiments. It happened to be a coincidence that I returned from space before the child's birth. My motives should have been obvious, I’m here because of the gravity room. It requires frequent upgrades and there are only two scientists that I know who can handle them.

 

At the sound of the chair scraping the floor I looked up to see the older man stand from his seat with his two empty bottles. He took a short couple of steps over to me to gather my empty bottles before he scuffled over towards the panel in the wall. My eyes trailed him as he continued further into the kitchen, he disposed of his empty bottles with a hum. 

 

His feet scuffled to his next destination, the fridge. With two more bottles secured in his grasp he sauntered back over to me. He set one of the bottles in front of me with a wink. “Don’t tell the women that we had a few, I’ll never hear the end of it.”  He playfully remarked before he swiveled on his heel. 

 

By the time he opened his drink three work droids wheeled into the kitchen. As they worked to gather the dirtied dishes I downed the contents of my third bottle. My arms lazily crossed to my chest while my eyes surveyed the working droids.

 

After the droids completed their task they wheeled themselves out in a line. I cast a glance over to the older man only to see him eyeing the device on his wrist. 

 

“I’m going to head back over to the infirmary, care to join me.” The man asked before downing the last gulp from his bottle. 

 

My mind thought over the offer, sleep wasn’t exactly on my list. I tossed him a nod and we both stood from our seats.

 

~

 

Most of the journey was accompanied by silence. It wasn’t until we were in the hall leading to the infirmary that the bustling medical staff could be heard. When we walked through the double doors I picked out the cause of the commotion. It appeared almost every medical personal was gathered around the front desk. They seemed ignorant to our entrance and they mindlessly babbled away. The old man shook his head at the chaos and motioned for me to follow him to Bulma’s assigned room. 

 

The room seemed oddly quiet and the bluenette appeared to be unconscious on her mattress. The blonde motioned for us to be quiet and the old man eagerly nodded his head. As he journeyed over to his wife I took it upon myself to settle down in the recliner as I had earlier.

 

(Bulma’s POV)

 

“You’ve got this darling, only a centimeter to go.” My mother whispered my way. I had no clue where she was and I could barely groan back in response. It felt like this day was never going to end. 

 

“Maybe you should give her some space darling.” My father urged her from some place close by. My head lulled against the pillow as my mind swirled in confusion. 

 

My fingertips fidgeted with the sheet beneath me. The doctor had been more consistent with her checks and I was completely worn thin. Exhaustion has never been this big of an issue. Sleep was my only concern and just as I felt close to dozing off another bout of pain gripped me. The sheets balled into my hands, “Please let me push!” My plea clawed through my throat. 

 

“Darling just hang in a little longer.” Cooed my mother. Her words did little to ease my stress. I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth, nibbling the flesh in a futile attempt to ground myself. “You’re doing so well darling.” She continued to encourage me in her annoyingly sweet voice. 

 

I peeled my eyes open and attempted to glare at her. After seeing her smile my hostility was forgotten. She brought a cool cloth up to my forehead and my eyes closed as I let out a hiss. Her actions distract me from the late stage contraction. As she withdrew my eyes fluttered open, my gaze lazily surveyed the room. My papa was lounging on the couch and I tossed him a weary smile. My eyes continued to wander and to my surprise Vegeta was relaxed in the recliner. His arms were crossed to his chest and his eyes were clearly shut. That bastard was lucky he could sleep. 

 

~

 

“Honey I’ll go grab the doctor you stay here!” My fathers hasty exclamation resounded through the room. My jaw clenched together as a whine tore past my lips. The baby was coming and I could feel it. My father was the only one concerned by my previous pleas. My breathing grew heavier and my mothers words eluded me. A particularly sharp jab in my abdomen jolted me up, it was like a cold bucket of water had been thrown over me. I was shockingly awake and aware of my pain. A scream clawed through my throat as my eyes screwed shut. 

 

(Vegeta’s POV)

 

I had successfully meditated for an hour before the bluenette disrupted my concentration with her insistent whining. There was no way to ignore her pleas so I gave up on the endeavor. When the old man rushed out of the room my interest towards the situation peaked. My eyes surveyed the woman groaning out her agony. Her forehead was covered by her sweat drenched hair and her lips were raw. Spots of blood leaked from the torn skin as the woman continued to chew the flesh. I’ve watched pain spread across the face of many individuals but her pain was of a different kind. 

 

My eyes sought out the clock, it was already thirty minutes past three in the morning. A particularly ear curdling scream from the woman prompted me to cover my ears in haste. As I glared over at the offending woman I ignored the concern welling up in my chest, instead I focused on my irritation toward her howling. I considered leaving to go back to the confines of the gravity room when the older scientist rushed through the door. A medical staff member trailed him with a cart ushered in front of her and the white coated woman from earlier hurried in behind. She curtly shut the door behind her before she scrambled over to the foot of Bulma’s bed. 

 

My eyebrow peaked in interest as my view of the bluenette was blocked by the two medical personnel. Over Bulma's whining the doctor stated that she was in fact ready. My ears perked at the news as I tracked the child's building ki. 

 

“On the count of three Ms. Briefs push!” The doctor calmly shouted, the other woman stepped to the side and I was able to see Bulma hastily nod her head. 

 

“Ready! 1..2..3!” 

 

Another curdling scream bounced off the walls of the room, even though my hands had covered my ears they did little to muffle her cry. My eyes screwed together as I felt my ear drums ring out from the woman's torturing screams. The two flaring energies occupied my mind with little sense of ease. My suffering lasted a handful of excruciating minutes before a small high-pitched whine choked through the room. 

 

“He's a healthy boy!” The doctor eagerly announced. 

 

My hands dropped from my ears and my eyes shot open. I noted that Bulma’s Ki had settled nicely and by the absence of her whining I thanked Kami. My stare settled on the medical attendant standing next to the doctor, she had a ghostly white expression. “Is that a tail?” She quietly stuttered out. 

 

I hastily jumped out of my seat at her words, I rushed over to the two women with my chest pounding.