Chapter Text
Age 755, West City outskirts, a sunny afternoon.
Goku had spent the last two years training intensely under Kami, perfecting his techniques and pushing his body to new limits. His focus had been sharp, leaving little room for distractions. But now, with his training nearing completion, he found himself wandering near the outskirts of West City, where the familiar scent of adventure called him.
Walking down a forest path, Goku was lost in thought, thinking about his upcoming battle at the World Tournament in just 1 more year. It wasn’t until he heard the hum of an engine behind him that his senses snapped back to reality.
A sleek, hoverbike zoomed past him, kicking up a cloud of dust. Goku instinctively leaped out of the way, landing gracefully on a nearby rock. He squinted at the bike, wondering who it could be.
As the bike skidded to a stop, the rider removed her helmet, and a cascade of blue hair tumbled free. His eyes widened.
“Bulma?”
Bulma turned, her expression surprised but quickly turning into a smile as she recognized him. She hopped off the bike, still wearing her usual adventurous clothes—a fashionable yet practical jacket, boots, and goggles resting on her head.
“Goku? Is that really you?” Bulma called out, taking a few steps closer.
Goku grinned and ran toward her, stopping just a foot away. “Yeah, it’s me! Long time no see, Bulma!”
Bulma placed her hands on her hips, looking him up and down. “Wow, look at you! You’ve grown taller, haven’t you? And—” She trailed off, her eyes narrowing as she noticed something. “Wait a second... is that... your tail?”
Goku glanced back at the furry brown appendage that moved behind him, completely unaware of its significance. “Yeah! I guess it came back at some point. Pretty cool, huh?”
Bulma blinked, astonished. “Kami didn’t get rid of it for good? I thought you couldn’t risk transforming into that giant ape again!”
“Yeah, Kami removed it, but it grew back during my training,” Goku explained, scratching his head. “I haven’t transformed in a long time, though. I’m a lot stronger now, so it’s not a problem.”
Bulma’s surprise slowly gave way to curiosity. She reached out, gently touching the end of Goku’s tail, which twitched slightly at her touch. “You’ve changed, Goku,” she said quietly, her eyes meeting his. “It feels like just yesterday you were this wild kid I found in the mountains. Now... you’re a man.”
Goku laughed, not fully understanding her words but feeling a strange warmth spread through him. “Heh, thanks, Bulma. You’ve changed too! You look, uh... good!” he said awkwardly, trying to pay her a compliment.
Bulma chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Still as clueless as ever, I see.”
They stood there for a moment, the space between them filled with a comfortable silence. Goku’s innocent smile remained, but there was something more in the air now—something unspoken, as if the time apart had shifted the way they saw each other.
“So,” Bulma said, breaking the silence, “what brings you out here anyway? Training for the tournament?”
“Yeah! I was just passing through. I’ve been training hard, Bulma. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve learned,” Goku said excitedly, his energy infectious.
Bulma smiled, watching his enthusiasm. “You never change, do you? Always pushing yourself to be the best.”
Goku nodded, but then his expression softened, and he looked at her with a bit more seriousness than usual. “But... it’s good to see you again, Bulma. I missed you.”
Bulma’s heart skipped a beat. She had always thought of Goku as a little brother, but hearing him say those words, with that genuine sincerity, stirred something inside her. She hadn’t realized how much she missed him too—his innocence, his strength, and the way he made her feel like nothing else in the world mattered.
“I missed you too, Goku,” Bulma said quietly, her voice carrying more weight than she intended. She stepped closer, feeling a pull she hadn’t expected. “Don’t be a stranger, okay? You should visit more often.”
Goku smiled again, the familiar warmth of their friendship rekindling, but with something more beneath it.
“Yeah, I will.”
Bulma pondered for a moment before deciding on a quick decision.
“You hungry, Goku?”
She giggled as Goku's ears perked up.
“You betcha, Bulma! I’m starving.” Goku said, as his stomach rumbled on cue.
Bulma chuckled, hearing his stomach growl with impeccable timing. She shook her head, amused but also a bit nostalgic, reminded of just how many meals she had seen him wolf down over the years.
“Well, hop on!” Bulma said, patting the seat behind her on the hoverbike. “I know a place nearby that serves a pretty mean meal. You’ve probably been living off who-knows-what in the wild!”
Goku’s face lit up, and without hesitation, he climbed onto the bike behind her, gripping her waist. Bulma felt a slight shiver run through her as his hands settled comfortably, and she realized how strong he had become. She cleared her throat and revved the engine, trying to ignore the little flutter in her chest.
As they zipped down the road, the scenery whizzed by, and Goku’s laughter rang out, his joy contagious. He hadn’t been around this part of the world in a while, and seeing it through his eyes made it feel new to Bulma as well.
They soon arrived at a cozy, open-air restaurant nestled at the edge of a hillside overlooking the city. The aroma of sizzling meat and freshly cooked noodles filled the air, making Goku’s mouth water instantly.
“Wow! Smells great!” Goku exclaimed.
Bulma smirked, leading him to a table. “I figured you’d like it. Let’s just hope they’re prepared for your kind of appetite,” she teased, rolling her eyes as they both sat down.
“Thanks, Bulma!” Goku said with a big grin. “I don’t get to eat food like this very often. It’s usually just whatever I can catch or find while training.”
Bulma watched him, amused and touched by his gratitude. As their food arrived, Goku dug in, devouring everything in sight with his usual gusto. But every now and then, he’d glance up, his eyes sparkling as he told her about his training with Kami, the challenges he’d faced, and his excitement for the upcoming tournament. Bulma listened intently, laughing and joking with him, feeling that familiar ease of their friendship—but now laced with new feelings.
After a while, as the plates cleared and the sun began to set, Goku leaned back, sighing contentedly. “Man, that hit the spot! Thanks a lot, Bulma.”
She smiled, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him. “Anytime, Goku. I’m glad we bumped into each other today. It’s nice... catching up like this.”
“Yeah,” he said, giving her a soft smile. “It feels like old times. I missed hanging out with you, Bulma.”
They sat in companionable silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon. And in that moment, surrounded by the fading light, they both felt the rekindling of something familiar, yet subtly changed.
As they got up to leave, Bulma put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, don’t be a stranger, okay? You’re always welcome here, Goku.”
He nodded, his gaze warm. “I promise. I’ll visit more.”
On the ride back, Goku finds himself wondering why he feels so comfortable, yet strangely nervous, around her. He’s not used to caring so much about someone’s reaction to him outside of battle. It’s puzzling, and he silently asks himself why he suddenly has this urge to keep her close, to hear her laugh, and to share his experiences with her. He knows it’s not the same kind of bond he has with his friends like Krillin or Master Roshi; there’s something different here, something he can’t quite put a name to.
As they rode back toward the city, the quiet hum of the bike mixed with the rhythmic sounds of the wind and the distant murmur of nightlife began to stir. The city lights glimmered in the distance, casting a soft glow on the road ahead. Goku held on tightly, savoring the peaceful moment with Bulma, who seemed lost in thought.
When they reached the city limits, Bulma slowed down, pulling the bike to a stop by a small park. She turned off the engine, letting the silence settle around them. Goku looked at her curiously as she took off her helmet and took a deep breath.
“Hey, Goku… would you mind taking a walk with me?” she asked, her voice softer than usual.
“Of course! I like spending time with you, Bulma,” Goku replied, hopping off the bike with a smile.
They strolled along a path lined with blossomed trees, their petals glowing in the dim light. Bulma glanced at Goku from the corner of her eye, wondering how to express what she was feeling. She knew he wasn’t one for complex emotions, but the nostalgia and happiness from their time together were undeniable.
“It’s funny,” she began, breaking the silence. “It feels like just yesterday that you were this little kid who didn’t know anything about the world. I remember when you didn’t even know what a girl was!”
Goku scratched the back of his head, laughing. “Yeah, I guess I was pretty clueless! You taught me a lot, though, Bulma. I wouldn’t be who I am now without you.”
Bulma’s cheeks warmed, caught off guard by his sincerity. “Well, I guess I’ve done something right,” she said, nudging him playfully. “But you’ve changed too, you know. You’re not that wild kid anymore. You’re… strong, confident. It’s weird seeing you like this. It’s like I missed a part of you growing up.”
Goku tilted his head, processing her words. “I’m still me, though. Even if I’m stronger, I’m always gonna be the same Goku.”
Bulma smiled, nodding. “Yeah, I know. That’s what I like about you. You stay true to yourself, no matter what.” She took a step closer, looking up at him. “It’s kind of rare, you know. People change all the time, but you… you’re just you.”
He chuckled softly, reaching up to scratch his head. “I’m glad you think that way, Bulma. I missed you a lot when I was training. I didn’t realize it until today, but… it feels really nice being with you.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away, hiding a small smile. She hadn’t expected him to say that, and somehow, it made her feel both warm and flustered.
They continued walking, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with something new. Bulma found herself reaching out and looping her arm through his, letting her head rest against his shoulder for a moment. Goku glanced down, a little surprised, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he smiled, accepting the simple gesture of closeness.
“You know, Goku,” Bulma said softly, “you’re gonna have so many adventures ahead of you. And there’s a part of me that wishes I could always be there with you like we used to be.”
He paused, turning to look at her with a gentle expression. “You’re always welcome, Bulma. You’ve always been part of my adventures.”
She looked up at him, their eyes meeting in a rare, lingering moment of connection. For the first time, she saw the maturity in his gaze—a mix of friendly affection, sincerity, and a bit of something unspoken.
“Thanks, Goku,” she murmured, giving his arm a playful squeeze.
As they walked back to the bike, the night sky stretching above them, Bulma felt a sense of peace, like something between them had shifted in a way that couldn’t be undone. And Goku, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it, felt an unfamiliar warmth blooming in his chest.
They reached the bike, and Bulma turned to face him one last time. “Well, this is my stop,” she said with a smile. “You better not make me wait two years to see you again, okay?”
Goku nodded, giving her a bright grin. “You got it! I’ll come back soon, I promise.”
“And I’ll be at the tournament too Goku. You better not lose.”
Don’t worry, Bulma! I’ve trained harder than ever. I won’t lose!”
Bulma gave him a playful nudge. “Good! I’d hate to see you go through all that training just to get your butt kicked in front of everyone. You’ve gotta make it to the finals, got it?”
Goku nodded, clenching his fists with excitement. “You can count on it! I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got. It’ll be the best fight ever!”
Bulma softened, watching his enthusiasm with a warm smile. “I believe in you, Goku. I’ll be there, cheering you on. Just… make sure to look my way every now and then, okay? You might need a bit of extra motivation.”
Goku looked at her with a puzzled expression but grinned anyway. “Heh, alright! I’ll make sure to look for you in the crowd. It always feels better when you’re there.”
For a moment, they stood there, neither wanting to break the silence, as if both were reluctant to let the moment end. Then Bulma took a small step forward and surprised herself by leaning up and giving Goku a quick peck on the cheek.
Goku’s eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing red as he stared at her, speechless.
Bulma laughed, hiding her blush. “That’s just a little good luck charm. Don’t go getting all weird about it, alright?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, still grinning shyly. “Thanks, Bulma. I… I won’t forget it.”
“Good,” she replied, turning back to her bike. “Now, get going. You’ve got training to do, and I’ve got some things to take care of before the tournament.”
Goku nodded, giving her one last smile before stepping back. “See you soon, Bulma! And thanks again for everything.”
With a final wave, he turned and began jogging down the road, his silhouette growing smaller against the fading light. Bulma watched him go, her heart feeling unexpectedly light and her mind buzzing with a mixture of emotions she hadn’t felt in years. She touched her cheek where she’d felt the warmth of his presence just moments ago, and a small, satisfied smile crept onto her face.
As she got on her bike and started it up, she whispered to herself, “Don’t keep me waiting too long, Goku.”