Archive of Our Own ^beta

The second time Vegeta arrived on Earth after the events on Namek and learning that Kakarot was still alive out there getting even stronger- he was frustrated. He genuinely had no idea how to get even stronger, considering nothing in this puny planet even posed a real threat against him. As he was about to fly and leave to find something worth his time, the woman offered him a place to stay at her residence and a promise for an insane amount of food to eat. He scoffed at her saying that he and Kakarot may share the same gusto in eating food. Ha! As if he, the Prince of all Saiyans have something in common with the low class warrior! He then stubbornly agreed later on once he realized the woman was right- that he had no money and the only thing he had on him were the clothes on his back and his pride.

He refused to get in the aircraft that the woman huddled all the Namekians in, so he flew a bit behind them. He took in the planet’s scenery, noting the blue oceans and lush green forests, admitting to himself that Earth wasn’t such a bad place. It would fetch a great price for Frieza’s business- but that vile lizard was long gone for that to come to fruition.

The scenery then changed from forests and mountains to a bustling city full of people and cars below. Bulma’s aircraft slowly descended, landing on a large lawn. Vegeta slowly stopped his flight, and landed as well. The aircraft’s doors opened, a bunch of the Namekians spilling out along with Bulma, the half-Saiyan brat and the bald man.

“This is where I live! It’s really huge so there’s more than enough space for everyone! Make yourselves at home! I’ll ask my mom to prepare some food for everyone–” She faced the Namekians. “What do you guys eat actually? Vegetables?”

Vegeta tuned out the mindless chatter the blue haired woman and the Namekians were having and gazed upon the residence. He had to admit, the house was impressive in size, he was reminded of his own childhood home in Planet Vegeta before it was destroyed. He saw a spaceship at the side of the house branded with the text ‘Capsule Corporation’ on the outside, and deduced this woman and her family might actually be wealthy. He can probably threaten them to provide him with some resources or a way to get off this planet. Who is to stop them anyways with Kakarot being off world? Before he could entertain those thoughts, a blonde woman that looked very much like Bulma accompanied by a shorter older man with light purple hair walked out of the entrance of the huge dome and walked briskly to where they were– where he was. The woman leaned in closer on his side and plastered on a big smile.

“Oh my dear daughter Bulma I am glad you are home! And you brought such handsome guests!” She said with a shrill and high pitched voice that Vegeta’s sensitive ears took discomfort in. The audacity of this woman to get in his personal space and call him…. handsome of all things! Bulma then greeted her mother and father with a wave and introduced the group, including him.

“This here is Vegeta. He’s the same as Goku! Mom, can you help me prepare some food for everyone? And lots of water for them?” She gestured to the Namekians.

If Vegeta still had a tail, it would have bristled and puffed up angrily at the thought of being compared to Goku of all people. Instead, he ignored the comment and continued to walk towards the ship. He stopped in front and inspected the outside. The old man- Bulma’s father it seemed, stood beside him and started talking about the ship. What’s with people here and not having boundaries?

“I built another ship similar to the one Goku took to travel to Namek. There’s a gravity simulator onboard and the latest communication technology– oh and also a coffee machine!”

Vegeta’s ears perked up at the gravity simulator. “Gravity simulator?” The old man continued to explain what the gravity simulator is- from its name it’s meant to manipulate gravity, making a person heavier than they normally are. He also mentioned that Kakarot seemed to use it for training. ‘Perfect!’ Vegeta thought, something he can use to get stronger. Before he could inspect the inside of the ship, Bulma interrupted and quickly ushered him inside the house. He didn’t have time to retort, shocked at the audacity of this woman touching him and pulling him inside the house.

Bulma led him to a set of corridors, the doors in this house seemed to never end. She then stopped short of a door that’s the same to all the ones they passed- and opened it with a press of a button. She went inside and gestured to him to come in. Reluctantly, he did. The room was spacious with a neat king sized bed, a closet and what seems to be a monitor of some sort. Another door was present in the room as well.

“So you can stay here for as long as you want-” She pointed to the other door. “There’s a private bathroom for your own use-” She also points at the closet. “And a bunch of spare clothes. Will you go take a bath while my mother is preparing food? It should be ready in about an hour or so.”

Vegeta snorted. “Who are you to tell me what to do?” At this, Bulma’s expression morphed from happy to angry in a matter of seconds. “Why who AM I? I am the most wealthy and beautiful woman on this planet!” She yelled at his face. Vegeta was slightly taken back at her instant outburst. She stomped over the closet, opened it and picked a pair of khaki pants, a white undershirt and a pink button up shirt. Bulma shoved it on Vegeta’s hands. “What I’m asking is not a favor but an order as the owner of this house! Now go get cleaned up and dinner will be in an hour!” She then exited the room, muttering something about Saiyans and their stubbornness.

Vegeta was left alone in the room, holding the pink article of clothing, his mouth slightly agape. He distinctly remembers this very same woman was cowering in fear when he tried to take the Namekian dragon ball from her and the bald man. He didn’t expect her to stand up to him- much less yell at his face.

Begrudgingly, he complied. But not because of the woman’s request, only because he really did need a shower and some food.

An hour has passed since his argument with the woman and a fresh shower, Vegeta found himself drawn to the smell of something delicious in the house. He followed it, chatter among the Namekians and Earthlings getting louder by the second. As he rounded up the corner and arrived at what seemed like a large dining hall, any semblance of conversation halted at his entrance.

The Namekians eyed him warily, distrust evident in their eyes. He smirked at the thought, yes that’s right! They should fear him. He was the destroyer of worlds. The Prince of all Saiyans. Every being in this room should respect him whilst he shows them what he’s truly capable of.

The silence was broken by something brushing up on his leg, eliciting a soft ‘meow’. He looked down, to see a small black cat weaving in between his legs. It continued to rub itself against his legs.

“Aw! Little Scratch here likes you! He only ever perches up Dad’s shoulder!” Bulma said happily.

Vegeta ignored the black feline and walked to the farthest end of the dining table, grabbing himself a plate and piling it up with all sorts of unfamiliar looking food, which smelled delicious. He sat down and ate in peace. The Namekians around the table slowly returned to their own conversation, not minding the Saiyan Prince. Bulma’s mother continued placing more plates of food on the table, to which Vegeta tried one of each, satisfied that at least there’s good food in this god forsaken planet.

He felt something brush up against his leg again, the same black cat from earlier. It kept rubbing its head against his leg, a soft pur emanating from the small ball of fur. Vegeta ignored it and frowned. Why is every single member of this household not afraid of him and have no concept of personal space?

Unbeknownst to him, Bulma was watching at the corner of her eye as their family cat cuddled up to Vegeta. She was expecting him to push away Scratch but she smiled at the thought of him just letting the black cat do what it wanted. She read an article once that cats are a good judge of character. Maybe…Vegeta wasn’t as bad as he made himself to be?

The third time Vegeta arrived on Earth and crash landed on the Briefs’ spacious lawn - Kakarot was still nowhere to be found - which left him still frustrated. He exited the ship, walking down the ramp to find the weakling killed by one of his Saibaman in the past, poised to fight.

“I see Kakarot still isn’t around.” He said curtly, looking down on the Z-Fighter. “You mean, you didn’t see him out in space?” Yamcha asked. Vegeta jumped off the space ship’s ramp, right directly at Yamcha’s face. “I don’t have to answer you, scum.” He spat.

Yamcha frowned at the rude comment, and kept his fighting stance up, an angry expression on his face, looking like he’s ready to charge.. Vegeta smiled, and poised to fight as well. “We both know you don’t stand a chance against me, weakling.”

Before a fight breaks loose, Bulma walks in on the scene. “Now, now, both of you. I’m having a barbeque party in the yard later and I don’t want anyone dead.” She faces Vegeta, and jabs a manicured finger on his chest plate. “And you! You smell like ass! Go to your room and take a shower before you join us for food later!”

Vegeta scoffed, but complied anyway- telling himself again it’s not because of the woman’s request but because he really did need to shower. And whatever this barbeque party is, there seems to be food present so why not?

He walked past the weakling’s surprised face, and made a beeline to the house before Bulma could say anything else. As he walked towards his room, he sensed something following him - the same black cat from months ago trotting with its little black paws towards him. When he entered his room, Scratch did as well and jumped on the top of the bed, looking at him with round black eyes that seemed to have a curious glint.

“Cat, why do you insist on following me everywhere all the time?” Vegeta said, as he pulled his soiled armor and clothes off, tossing them on the neatly made bed. He rummaged through the closet in the room, finding gray sweatpants as well as a navy blue shirt that had the logo of the woman’s company. After Bulma’s choice of pink in his clothes, he made it a point to just keep any clothes that were either blue, white or gray. He then walked to his own private bathroom.

A couple of minutes have passed and Vegeta emerged from the bathroom, fresh from a cold shower. He glanced at the bedside expecting the cat to have trotted off back to the old man, but to his surprise it was still there - now nestled inside his armor, its head peeking out of the arm holes, looking like it was going to doze off to sleep.

Vegeta glanced at the bedroom’s door as if to check if anyone was around, then extended a hand towards the feline, and any trace of sleepiness disappeared from Scratch's face, its eyes now turning wide. It seemed like it wasn't expecting the gesture. It sniffed Vegeta’s hand, then immediately rubbed its head on his palm. He scratched the cat behind its ears, and it began to pur.

It baffles Vegeta that this little ball of fur finds comfort in being pet by hands that have taken multiple lives. It also baffles him that this little creature finds joy in just being around him. No one, not even Nappa or Raditz were happy to be around him.

As he continues petting Scratch, somehow Vegeta feels himself relax a bit for once after such a long time always being on the edge. He still glanced at the door every so often, because he’d be damned if someone caught him showing an ounce of affection towards this tiny cat.

Bulma wiped her forehead from the sweat that was forming. Maybe having a barbeque in the middle of summer out in the lawn might not be the best idea, but to hell with it her friends were here and she wanted to be a good hostess. She was delighted that Vegeta actually showered and joined them - albeit sitting a bit far away from the group. Krillin also came by, saying that the large ki he sensed must be Goku, but it was Vegeta instead. The latter snarled at him, and Krillin just shrunk back on his seat, taking interest in the piles of barbeque that Bulma was plating up.

When she finished cooking, she motioned for everyone to help themselves to some food. She also brought out a cooler filled with various cold beverages.

Vegeta piled up his plate high with the marinated meat, leaving only a little serving for herself and the others. “Hey! Leave some for the rest of us, jackass!” She chided. Vegeta just smirked at her, returned to his seat and started eating without a care.

Bulma fumed, but relented, telling the others to wait as she got more marinated meat to cook. As she walked back inside the house to the kitchen, she passed by Scratch who meowed to her in response. “Hey there buddy!” She happily greeted him, bending down a little to pet him. It then ran to the direction she came from, no doubt smelling the barbeque she just cooked up.

After gathering another container of marinated meat, she trudged back outside and began cooking again. She finished giving both Krillin and Yamcha a plate, and then served herself some. As she munched down on her own food, she glanced at the corner of her eyes to the lone Saiyan Prince. Scratch sat nearby, staring at Vegeta as if waiting for something. She was then surprised to see Vegeta cut up a chunk of the barbeque and discreetly toss it on the ground to feed to the cat. Scratch ate the piece of meat happily and kept staring back at Vegeta for more - to which he obliged for a couple of more times. She hid her smile behind a can of soda, pretending to drink it. The sight of her family cat and Vegeta having a tender moment made her feel a bit giddy, that she badly wanted to take a picture of them. Her musings were interrupted when all three of the fighters present all tensed up, seeing or feeling something she couldn’t and Vegeta slammed a fist on the table, startling Scratch and her.

“Damn you Kakarot! You didn’t finish him off!” Vegeta said angrily. Both Yamcha and Krillin had forlorn expressions on their faces.

“What? What happened?” Bulma inquired, looking between the three men. “It’s…. It’s Frieza. He’s.. he’s here on Earth…” Krillin supplied for her. Panic rose within her and she turned to Vegeta. “Vegeta…. Surely you can beat him right?”

Vegeta just smirked at her. “No. We’re all going to die.” He said in a deadpan tone. He then proceeded to power up, and shot up the sky, making the picnic table he was sitting on tumble a bit from the sharp gush of wind.

“Shit! We need to go!” Krillin also shot up to the sky, following in Vegeta’s direction. Yamcha turned to Bulma. “I need to go too. You stay here, it's dangerous!” He said as he hovered above the ground, immediately following after Krillin without hearing Bulma’s reply.

“Hey! Take me along with you!” She shouted to the sky, to no one in particular as everyone already flew the distance. Disgruntled, she stomped back into the house, into her lab and grabbed her case of capsules. Going back outside she threw a capsule, and a single seater aircraft emerged from the smoke. She quickly hopped in, fastened her seatbelt and started the engine, intent on following everyone. It doesn’t matter if she was at home or where Frieza was, if he blew up the planet then she’d be a goner nonetheless. She might as well see him up close!

After this mysterious kid from the future turned Super Saiyan and turned Frieza to dust, Kakarot coming home also turned Super Saiyan, and finally the warning from the kid that a new threat in the form of Androids will come in three years - Vegeta was then again frustrated. As such, he demanded from the old man - Bulma’s father - to upgrade the gravity simulator to accommodate a higher level of gravity. Initially the old man declined the request telling him it’s way too dangerous and might crush him to death, but surprisingly the blue haired woman convinced her own father that Vegeta can handle it simply because he's a Saiyan. Her father relented and ended up working on it, along with Bulma’s help which made the work finish faster.

After the gravity room was completed, Vegeta devoted himself to training and basically isolated himself - only coming out of the room to eat, bathe then sleep. Rinse and repeat. After a hefty breakfast prepared by Bulma’s mother, he went to the gravity room to begin his rigorous training.

He pressed the button of the console, and amped up the gravity to 50g. The room was illuminated in a red light. As he was about to start a series of push ups as a warm up before amping up the gravity level - he heard something squeak in panic. He quickly spun around, not expecting anyone to be in this room, and his eyes fell on something on the floor - the Brief’s family cat was there. It looked like it was struggling over the pressure of the gravity.

At first Vegeta wanted to just let it be - it was its own fault for sneaking in here! Right….?

“Goddamn it!” He immediately ran to the console and hit the emergency stop button. The red lights in the room lifted, and the gravity returned to normal. Scratch remained on the floor.

“Shit. Shit! Is it dead?” Vegeta kneeled down to where Scratch is, gently poking it with a gloved finger. “Damn it you tom cat! You better be alive!” After a few silent minutes, Scratch’s eyes opened. It stood up and stretched, meowing at Vegeta then proceeded rubbing itself on his legs - an action it often does - as if nothing just life threatening happened to it.

Vegeta sighed in relief. He then stopped in his tracks. Relief? When was he ever relieved seeing anyone - or anything other than himself survive? This stupid tom cat. He reached out to pet him behind the ear. “You are an idiot. Much like your owners. Being so chummy and relaxed around someone like me. I can easily snap you like a twig.” Scratch just happily purred in response to his obviously empty threat.

He scooped up Scratch, opened the door of the gravity room, and dumped him unceremoniously outside, making sure to lock up the door tight to prevent any more accidents.

As he started up the gravity room, he could hear Scratch meowing by the door.

Moving forward, before Vegeta started up the gravity room, he would make a quick sweep around to make sure the cat wasn't around.

The day his son was born, Vegeta was left with mixed feelings. It’s been two years since the warning for the Androids. Two years he has been training non stop. And in between those years, giving in to his desire and coupling numerous times with the blue haired woman which resulted in a half breed child.

Everyday - he could feel Kakarot’s ki increasing and increasing - more than what it was when he first turned into Super Saiyan back in Old Namek. While he was still here, his power remained stagnant despite his efforts. Playing house with Bulma. He grits his teeth in frustration. He needs to leave and break this pattern. He let himself fall off the grid. Vegeta berated himself over his weakness. With that, he decided that he needed to leave this planet altogether to rid himself of any distractions. Making sure everyone else was asleep dead in the night, he packed a bag with just the bare essentials - some clothes and his armor.

He contemplated whether to just up and leave or say goodbye. Deciding the latter, he at least walked to Trunks’ room and went inside. Gazing at the sleeping form of his son on the crib, a part of him was disgusted - siring a half breed. But another part of him - the part he wanted to bury deep inside and never fully admit - he was proud. Very proud that his son had a high power level. He might even be stronger than that Yamcha fellow already even as an infant. Of course it’s only natural, he’s of royal blood!

A small meow alerted him of something else’s presence in the room. Of course, it was the Briefs’ family cat, Scratch. It still boggles him how the cat happily follows him around. It kept meowing softly, as if it knew he was leaving. Trunks shifted in his sleep.

“Shh! Be quiet you tom cat, you’ll wake the boy up.” Scratch stopped his meowing then proceeded to jump up on the edge of Trunks’ spacious crib, expertly balancing his four feet on the edge, and gazed between the baby and Vegeta.

After a few silent moments, Vegeta reached his hand out to pet Scratch behind the ears, to which the male cat received in delight.

“... Take care of the boy and woman will you?” What the hell was he doing, talking to the cat as if it understood him? He shook his head and exited Trunks’ room, intent on leaving this planet as soon as possible. Scratch jumped off the edge of the crib and followed after him.

He went to the lawn, only to find Bulma standing in front of the ship. At the sight of Bulma, scratch also meowed and greeted her. She bent down to pet the black cat before looking at Vegeta. He frowned, he was too distracted, he couldn't even sense the woman’s ki. He’s getting way too soft.

“Going somewhere homeboy?” She said, arms crossed and dressed in a sheer and short nightgown. Vegeta tried his hardest to repress any desire he felt as he had a goal to accomplish.

“I am leaving this planet to train.”

“Will you come back?”

“Of course. I have the androids to beat and to pummel Kakarot’s ass and rightfully take my place as the strongest in the universe.”

“Then–” Vegeta interrupted her. “Woman, don’t even try to stop me from leaving because I won’t. I need to set a new training regimen as I have been–” Bulma also interrupted him mid sentence, throwing something small at him and he caught it. He opened his palm, finding a capsule within.

“Jackass let me finish what I’m saying! I was going to say safe travels. I knew already that you’re going to leave. I packed you lots of mom’s cooking and some other food that should last you for months. The ship was refueled earlier by dad. I also finished a replica of your armor-but of course it’s much stronger. I am a genius after all. There’s spares in there.”

Vegeta, still looking at the capsule, was pleasantly surprised. He was expecting the woman to argue about him leaving, begging him to stay for her and their child. At least that’s what he’s seen on the television drama Bulma’s mother seems to enjoy watching every night. He was actually speechless for once. Scratch meowed at this moment as if to back up Bulma, prompting her to pick him up and cradle him in her arms as she giggled at Vegeta’s silence.

“I know, aren’t I the most beautiful and smartest woman on this planet that you’re so speechless?” She teased.

“Sh-shut up.” Vegeta pockets the capsule and proceeds to walk to the ship, opening up the ramp to the entrance.

“Vegeta?”

“What now, Woman?” He turns his head to glance at her.

“Go and be a Super Saiyan okay?” She smiles endearingly at him. The same smile that disarmed him and made him give in to his desires. He scoffs in response and heads up the ramp, which begins to close as he enters the ship.

Bulma stepped back a little bit, a smile still etched on her face as Scratch meowed and nuzzled in her arms. The space ship started to hum as its engines were started and slowly descended upwards- faster until it faded in the distance.

Initially, Bulma was a little miffed that Vegeta planned to leave at all and wanted to give him a piece of her mind about leaving a beautiful woman like her and their darling boy when he had everything he needed here on Earth – but she stumbled upon the scene of him almost affectionately petting their family cat and telling it to take care of her and Trunks. She stroked Scratch’s fur and it nuzzled more in contentment.

“Oh you. I’m a little jealous that Vegeta gives you more affection than me!” She said happily as she went back inside the house as the air was getting a bit more chilly outside.

After Cell’s defeat, Vegeta holed himself up in his room. The gravity room remained untouched for weeks. He would also only go out at night when he knows everyone is asleep and eat whatever leftovers Bulma’s mother kept in the fridge. The cycle would repeat for days end.

He had achieved the legendary - being Super Saiyan. But he was still beaten up by that lady tin can. Victory was also in his hands versus Cell’s imperfect form - but he had selfishly let him absorb Android 18 thinking he could outbest him but nope - his ass was still handed to him. His son’s life - the older version - was also compromised because of this.

Not only that but Kakarot’s spawn also outmatched him both in strength and power - single handedly beating Cell.

As if to add more insult to his injury, Kakarot went ahead and sacrificed himself by transporting Cell to another world, blowing up alongside him. Not only did he lose face by losing the battle - he also lost his life’s ultimate goal - the person he wanted to best.

He fell into a massive slump and bouts of depression. Fighting wasn’t as appealing to him anymore. He can probably challenge Gohan to a fight - but it’s just not the same. Gohan was too occupied with finishing some Earth education and didn’t have the same drive to fight as his father used to. The only reason he was able to beat Cell was because he was high on his emotions of his father dying - and the desperate need to survive and save his loved ones.

While drowning in his thoughts, he heard his door open. Hadn’t he locked it?

“Vegeta.” He doesn’t move an inch.

“What? The door was locked. I do not wish to be bothered.”

“Sorry for you buddy but I have the master override code for every room in this house. Listen, you’ve been holed up here for months.Why don’t you go join us for dinner tonight? Mom’s cooking up a feast right now. Trunks started walking for the first time and she says it's a cause for celebration.” Bulma sat down on the edge of the bed.

Vegeta grunted, only burying his face more onto his pillow, not eliciting any response. Bulma frowned and remained silent for a few minutes, unsure how to get the Saiyan out of his shell.

“I don’t understand what you’re going through. But I want to. I know that since Goku passed away you’re conflicted about everything you ever knew.”

Vegeta scoffed on his pillow, still refusing to face Bulma. “What the hell do you know about how I feel? Don’t assume anything about me, Woman.”

“I know that you’re strong, Vegeta. You were always strong in your own right. Who cares if Goku is around or not? You have something he doesn’t. Your pride. Your Saiyan honor. Isn’t that what’s important?”

“Leave me alone.” A few moments of silence passed between the two of them. He felt the bed shift - indicating that Bulma stood up.

“..... Vegeta. I care a lot about you.” This was met with silence. “It would be nice for you to train again. And maybe eventually train your son. But I’m not forcing you to be involved. Just… if you ever want to join, we're downstairs for dinner.”

Vegeta hears the door close as the woman exits his room. He let his thoughts drown him again. He felt something nuzzle on the back of his head. At the feeling of something soft - he knew it was the family cat. It must have sneaked in when Bulma opened the door to his room. He felt it shift behind him, and then it started purring - the low vibrations somehow soothing him with his inner turmoil. He still doesn’t understand how this creature could be so comfortable around him. Oddly enough, he didn’t mind it being so close.

The woman was right, as much as he hated to admit it. What was he doing moping around? He should continue his training. Get even stronger. Stronger than Kakarot’s half breed child. His son can now walk, so he should start training him. His own future son seemed to be trained by Gohan’s future counterpart and his moves greatly resemble Kakarot’s and the Namekian’s - he hated it. He would train his son his way. The proper Saiyan way.

Her mother prepared a fabulous spread, the table lined with an assortment of dishes all made from scratch. Bulma eyed the strawberry cake at the far end, excited to dig in it later on after the meal.

“Oh Bulma darling why don’t you call Vegeta down to eat?” Her mother says as she placed Trunks on a high chair and fixed a bib around his neck. Trunks happily cooed at his grandmother and was ready to eat - looking a lot like his father.

Bulma followed her mom’s orders and went upstairs to get Vegeta. She was determined to get him out of his room to have dinner with his family - whether he liked it or not. If trying to convince him won’t work - then she’ll have to drag his ass out and push him. Something he’s very familiar with.

As she reached the door to his room, she punched in the override code and entered. “Listen Vegeta if— ” She immediately stopped talking at the sight she stumbled upon.

Vegeta was sleeping peacefully - any mark of a scowl on his face gone, his eyebrows relaxed and not knitted together. Scratch was curled up on top of his chest, also asleep.

She turned around, careful not to make a sound and exited the room. She’ll just ask her mother to set aside a lot of leftovers.

Bulma smiled. If their family cat managed to penetrate Vegeta’s walls, then surely someday she and Trunks can too right? She cared for the man and was willing to wait.