“You need to rest.” Raiden wraps an arm around you in support, guiding you cautiously through the hallway. “I believe it is best to take time to yourself tonight, I will return to your room to discuss matters with Sub-Zero until you are well enough to be filled in.”
“You won’t even fill me in on my own issues?” You stop mid-eyeroll as pain shoots through your skull, taking your breath away briefly as Raiden allows a pause to study you.
“You are in need of sleep,” he sighs, “as I said, we will discuss this further with you tomorrow, when you are capable of processing it.”
All you can manage is a shallow nod, squinting your eyes against even the dim light as your head throbs, your heartbeat pounding against your skull through every inch of your brain in painful rhythm.
Nausea builds in your stomach, overtaking you as you rush away from Raiden, supporting yourself against the nearby wall before hunching over. Painful contractions rake through your body, your stomach twisting in knots as you dry-heave, the pain spreading through every nerve as your eyes tear up against another wave. The pain increases again, as you feel a distant panic coming from Bi-Han’s consciousness.
Raiden only pats your back comfortingly, unable to assist any further as your body again clenches, tears streaming down your face, your throat already feeling raw even as nothing comes up.
It’s one of the few times you’re grateful for not eating much, you can only imagine how miserable it would be combined with acidic bile burning your throat.
Out of breath and weak from the spasms, you struggle just to hold yourself up on all fours, your arms shaking and legs barely even able to hold the bend at your knees.
Raiden swoops his arms around you, picking you up without allowing any time for protest as he carries you to the recovery room.
Neither of you speak, though you’re certain any attempt you would make right now would only come out as raspy muffled nonsense based on the pain that breathing alone causes in your throat.
He sets you on the closest makeshift bed, your eyes meeting his and conveying your confused dismay as his own soften. Though he only nods, placing a gentle hand to your cheek as you lower back against the pillow, you do feel comforted.
One of the caretakers is at your side in seconds, pressing a cooling cloth to your forehead as you drift unwillingly into a deep sleep, Raiden’s form fading from view as you struggle in vain to stay awake.
--------
Bi-Han POV:
I cannot contain my nerves, as I pace back and forth along the barrier, sensing her unease although the anger and panic to begin to fade. As much as I hate to be kept from her, I have to remind myself why the barrier is still so necessary, and how I cannot risk its removal just to be near her.
I must trust in Raiden. He will do what is right by her, she has no reason to fear him, for she has done nothing wrong. Her only questionable trait is being my soulmate, for which I feel a twinge of guilt, but she has committed no crime, stolen no life, nor has she hidden her connection to me. He has no reason to harm or otherwise distrust her.
Yes… he will help her. Of this, I am sure.
So, why then, did she explode in such anger? Exhibit such raw panic? Why was her aura laced with such rage?
I sense Lord Raiden’s presence, though I do not sense her with him…
My suspicions are confirmed as the door opens briefly, allowing him to pass through alone before closing it once more.
My unease is obvious, and I have no reason to hide it, rushing to the edge of the barrier that allows me closest proximity.
With a low sigh, he meets my eyes, revealing something I had not expected… His features seem… uncertain… for the first time.
I have never seen him like this, and it does little to calm my growing anxiety.
“She is being treated.”
“Treated?” I echo, my heart sinking to form a pit in my stomach, “for what?”
“She is unwell,” he shakes his head, “all of this has proven to be too much, it allowed a break in her psyche, if only briefly. It was enough to allow something dark inside, where it brewed and was allowed to grow, fed by her uncertainty in herself.”
“Darkness?” I clench my hands behind my back, one of my brows twitching unintentionally, “perhaps from our connection?”
“No,” he again shakes his head, “it is not tied to you, this is… this is something else entirely.”
He purses his lips, his eyes dropping to the floor as he seems to contemplate whether he will share his thoughts.
“Lord Raiden…” I do my best to keep a level head, ensuring my voice does not waiver, nor come out too harsh, “I ask for your openness regarding her.”
He nods softly, “I cannot fully explain yet, but I do have a few theories…”
“Which are?”
“Her eyes…” he purses his lips again, brows tying together.
“They turn blue, as mine do,” I begin to pace again, “this is known already.”
“No,” he mutters, sighing once again before rubbing and pinching along the bridge of his nose, his eyes slowly returning to mine, “black… They were black.”
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“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing,” you roll your eyes, still offering him a small grin, “but I’ll take it considering you were actually helpful today.”
“Don’t mention it,” he waves his hand vaguely.
“Oh, don’t worry,” you chuckle, “I don’t plan on telling anyone.”
“I’ve got a reputation to uphold,” he straightens his posture, donning that cocky grin of his.
“Don’t worry,” you wave him off, “I’ll die before I admit to getting along with you – even if only briefly.”
A genuine laugh passes through his lips, “good to know.”
“You’re still a cocky bastard.”
“What about my cock?” He quirks a brow at you.
“Funny…” you roll your eyes again, folding your arms across your chest as your muscles finally relax. Your anxiety had subsided, fading to nothing, and it was all thanks to Homelander.
You eye him out of your peripheral, wondering if it was possible he isn’t as bad as you had thought, or if this is just some fluke. Was he really the garbage excuse for a ‘hero’ you had met on your porch? Or was he trying to show a different side of himself?
Regardless…
You shake yourself, remembering your limited time here and the end goal of never having to deal with Vought ever again.
In just a few short days… just one week… you and Gaius would be able to have lives of your own again, without worrying about Vought or this superhero bullshit pageant.
Without a proper way to tell time, you lose track of how long you’ve been up here, but based on the sun’s placement… it couldn’t have been more than an hour. Both of you having been silent and enjoying the quiet for some time. Were things a bit simpler, you would stay up here all night, avoiding going back to HQ entirely, but you had an obligation… an agreement to uphold, not to mention Gaius was still down there waiting for you to return.
“I’m gonna head back,” you stretch your limbs and cast a glance over your shoulder, “see ya around, jerk.”
He chuckles and shifts forward, “I’ll come with you, I have some stuff to discuss with Stillwell anyway.”
You hum in response, grinning to yourself as you suddenly dart down towards the atmosphere, hearing the tail end of his laughter before he dives after you.
It’s meant to be a race, though neither of you gives it your all, sharing giddy laughter and spinning around each other. A nudge here, a gentle shove there, almost pushing each other into things as you fly lower before both slowing to land at HQ. It hadn’t been nearly enough to wind either of you, yet you’re both panting slightly, the laughter through the whole flight having taken more energy than the air time itself.
Not that you’d complain.
You’d never been able to fly with someone else, having avoided supes for so long. And… by the look on his face, it doesn’t look that Homelander really gets the opportunity to let loose either. Even though he’s worked with others who can fly, it’s apparent that he’s not used to anyone being able to keep up with him – whether it be in flight or in combat.
He’s stronger than you, and faster, but he’s not used to pushing himself, which gives you an upper hand in most situations. Who knows, maybe you would actually be able to learn from each other, train together and make each other better.
With a yawn, you remember to breathe, not that it really matters, but it does bring a refreshing wave of cool air through your body. Your thoughts clear, reminding yourself of the limited timeframe here, though you’re sure Stillwell would jump at the opportunity to extend your stay, even if only to train with Homelander.
But your end goal is to walk away, and never return to the supe lifestyle, planning to avoid it as much as possible – maybe even moving out of the States, since the largest supe concentration is here in America.
Homelander nudges you, bringing your attention back to the present as you walk side-by-side through the halls, “what’s on your mind?”
You shrug, realizing he had walked you to your room while you were so distracted, “just a long day, bit overwhelming to be honest.”
He nods, “get some rest, I’ll be sure they let you sleep in tomorrow. Shoot me a text when you’re ready to train, we’ll start the day with a rematch.”
A soft chuckle passes your lips, raising your middle finger with a grin, “you’re on, old man.”
He swishes his cape as he turns to walk away, laughter sounding through the hall as you roll your eyes and open the door to your ‘apartment’.
Gaius eagerly greets you, having been brought back by one of the assistants after being thoroughly walked and given some food.
“Hey baby,” you kneel down to give him some love, “I missed you too sweetie. I hope you had a better day than I did.”
His tongue hangs out, panting and giving him the appearance of a broad smile as he tilts his head.
“Yeah,” you grumble, standing again before moving to the kitchen, “I’m tired too. Lets get a snack and lay down to a chill movie.”
He stretches his front legs, arching his back before stepping forward to stretch his back legs, a yawn exposing his sharp white teeth before turning into a half squeak half growl.
“Oh really?” You smirk at him, eyes filled with complete adoration as he pads into the kitchen to watch you, knowing he would get a treat as well.
With a deep sigh, you pull your phone from your pocket, the ringtone having drawn your attention as you roll your eyes, hitting ignore yet again as you continue to avoid the Board.
“You have to talk with them eventually,” Gojo chuckles.
“I barely know you,” you shove the phone back into your pocket, “and I already wanna call you a hypocrite.”
His grin broadens into a sly smirk, his shoulders rising briefly in a shrug, “guilty as charged.”
With another deep inhale of the fresh air, you take a moment to appreciate the idyllic weather, “another beautiful day ruined by responsibility.”
Laughter burst from his lips, “why don’t we both go? I suppose I should check in about how my little side quest went. I’m sure they’d love to see us walk in together.”
“Ooh,” you wiggle your brows at him, donning a smirk of your own, “I like your style Mr. Gojo.”
The walk across campus isn’t necessarily a long one, but you both draw it out, enjoying the weather, and deciding to check in on the students – namely the Kyoto students currently staying here for the Exchange Event.
Gojo had mentioned them before, having a particular plan that involved one of them.
You tug uncomfortably at your baggy clothes, grateful for the cool breeze or else you’d overheat. This plan had better be goddamn hilarious…
Before you can even open your mouth, Itadori spots you, calling out your name as he waves enthusiastically.
The other students turn their heads, familiar faces turning up into warm and welcoming smiles, while the few unfamiliar you assume are the Kyoto students.
“Alright everyone,” Gojo calls them over, motioning in an exaggerated stance towards you as he once again introduces who you are, “for the Kyoto students, this is our new temporary teacher. She came all the way from the States, where she will be opening a new branch for American students.”
They follow suit in introducing themselves one by one, saving the largest of the bunch for last as he seems to mutter back and forth with Itadori until all eyes fall on him.
His cheeks flush briefly before he adjusts his posture, standing tall to approach you with confidence as he announces, “I’m Todo! 3rd year student at Kyoto.” He bows for a moment, his eyes flashing as they meet yours again.
So… this is the student Gojo wants to mess with.
Biting back a smirk, you offer your hand, “pleasure to meet you, young Mr. Todo.”
The confident demeanor falters slightly, color draining from his face as he shakily raises his own hand. His palm is a bit clammy, but he manages to swallow it down and grasp your hand firmly, plastering a broad grin across his face, “the pleasure is all mine.”
You smile and move to retract your hand, but he’s still shaking it.
“Todo…” Itadori steps forward, eyeing the student’s grip on your hand. “Maybe you can stop shaking hands now?”
“Right!” Todo’s cheeks flush, clapping his hands to his sides and offering another brief bow, “apologies!”
“No worries,” you chuckle, flashing a bright grin, “you’re an enthusiastic one, aren’t you?”
His cheeks deepen another shade, his throat bobbing as he swallow thickly, almost shrinking under your gaze.
“Don’t worry,” you tap a finger under his chin playfully, “it’s a good thing, keep your head held high kid.”
His shoulders slump, bottom lip poking out ever so slightly before you return your attention to Gojo, the smirk on the sorcerer’s face being all the confirmation you need that you had played the part right as you hear Todo’s soft muttering, “kid?...”
The other students snicker, some holding their hands over their mouths in attempts to hide it as Todo deadpans to face them, a cold glare piercing through each other them as they silence immediately.
Itadori pats him on the shoulder in consolation.
Gojo withholds his own laughter until you’re well out of hearing range, “that was perfect!”
You nudge him in the ribs, “I almost doubted you, almost. But I think you’re right. This reveal is gonna be pure gold.”
“A masterpiece,” he pretends to wipe the corner of his eye, as if the laughter had brought tears, fanning himself with the other hand. “I don’t know how I do it.”
With a roll of your eyes you again nudge him in the ribs, this time earning a surprised squeak in response, “Mr. Gojo… are you ticklish??”
--------
Students POV:
Itadori pats Todo in consolation, watching his bottom lip poke out slightly as the new teacher walks away with Gojo.
“She…” Todo turns to grab Itadori by the shoulders, “she’s so… tall!”
“Yeah,” Itadori scratches the back of his head, “she’s almost 180 cm I think…”
Todo’s eyes widen, tearing up at the corners, “she’s even taller than Jennifer Lawrence…”
“She’s also your teacher,” Mai rolls her eyes, “and she thinks you’re a kid.”
“I’m 18!” Todo pouts, shaking Itadori, “18 isn’t a kid anymore, is it?!”
Itadori’s head bounces back and forth, his eyes lulling as he grips Todo’s forearms, “I’m gonna be sick, bro, you gotta stop.”
Todo clutches him to his chest, petting his hair soothingly, “It’s ok, best friend. I’ve got you. I’ll invite you to our wedding, you can even be best man!”
Itadori attempts to respond, but it’s just a muffled jumble of noises as Todo squeezes him against his chest.
“No need to thank me!” Todo exclaims, “I’ll just get emotional!”
“You were so wrapped up in your new crush you totally missed the sheer amount of cursed energy pouring off her,” Mai reaches up to smack the back of his head, rolling her eyes as he finally releases Itadori who gasps for air, “not to mention that massive wolf she has following her around.”
Todo scratches the side of his head, pursing his lips, “I didn’t see any wolf…”
“You’re joking right?” Itadori asks breathlessly, filling his lungs with as much air as he can after having been nearly suffocated.
Panda sighs and nudges Inumake, who only nods and grumbles a simple, “bonito flakes.”
Mai folds her arms across her chest, “what about the other part of that ‘type’ of yours? She’s wearing baggy clothes, so all you know is how tall she is.”
“Tall,” Todo agrees, holding a hand up with a single finger, “and gorgeous,” he raises another finger, “and strong,” a third finger, “and I bet she’s hiding a solid bod under those clothes with a great ass…”
“There it is,” Mai rubs a hand down over her face, “fucking meathead.”
Itadori perks up, practically bouncing as he and Todo’s eyes gloss over, “do you really think so?”
Todo stands taller, hands on his hips in a mock superhero pose of authority as if getting ready to proclaim some life changing wisdom… “I really do, best friend. I’m sure she has a great ass.”
Itadori’s eyes light up, practically fainting as they both gossip back and forth like giddy schoolgirls.
“Pathetic,” Megumi mutters.
Kugisaki agrees, nodding her head as the rest of the students shuffle off, leaving Itadori and Todo alone without them even realizing their absence.
--------
Your POV:
“We’re here!” Gojo announces, waving giddily as he waltzes through the door first.
The Directors all seem to sigh simultaneously, their fears confirmed as you saunter in behind Gojo, “prepare for trouble.”
“And make it double,” he chuckles as you both pose, back to back, holding your hands in the shape of guns.
“This comes as no surprise,” one of the directors grumbles, “but we do hope you will take your stay here seriously, especially as our soon to be face of the American school. This is the first location we will be opening there, and we need it to go well for us to be able to proceed.”
“I understand,” you straighten your posture, “just having a little fun. You should know by now that I can do both,” you motion to Gojo, “we both can.”
The directors hum simultaneously, seeming unconvinced but knowing at the end of the day… the two of you do get the job done, even if they don’t agree with your methods. There’s not much they can do about it, and everyone in this room is all too aware of that.
“Look,” your tone shifts, taking on a serious note, “you all know why I’m here, regardless of how any of you may feel about me, you chose me for a reason. Don’t forget that it’s all of YOU who asked ME to do this.”
Gojo pockets his hands, tilting his head towards you. It’s surprisingly difficult to ignore his gaze on you, even beneath the fabric, though you manage to keep your glaring focus on the podiums where the Directors sit.
“We have matters to discuss with Mr. Gojo,” one finally speaks, another sigh passing through the room, “leave us for now.”
“I think she should stay,” Gojo counters, earning a raised brow from you, “she’s here to learn, so let her learn.”
Part 1 . Part 2 . Part 3 . Part 4 . Part 5 (Part 6, 7, and 8 were flagged on here for adult content but the entire story can be read on my AO3 account here) Part 9 . Part 10 . Part 11 . Part 12 . Part 13 . Part 14
Part 15 is also flagged and can also be read on my AO3 account linked above
Part 16 . Part 17 . Part 18 . Part 19 . Part 20 . Part 21 . Part 22 . Part 23 . Part 24
Part 25 is mature and on AO3.
Part 26
Part 27 and 28 are also mature and also on my AO3 linked above
Part 29 . Part 30 . Part 31 . Part 32 . Part 33
Part 34 is Mature!
Part 35 . Part 36 . Part 37 . Part 38 . Part 39 . Part 40 . Part 41
--------
It seemed all too abrupt of an ending. The loss and grief overwhelming any potential sense of victory as you numbly drop to your knees.
Your throat burns, tears still streaming down your face, watching as the hoard slowly disintegrates to an ashy dust. A hoarse sob heaves from within your chest, your vision blurring as you hunch forward, barely supporting yourself with your arms as you shakily swallow down the stomach wrenching bile that attempts to work its way up.
Zach.
Gaius.
Who knows who else.
The compound…
A shudder rakes through you, barely even noticing as Edward kneels down to place a gentle hand on your back.
Everything feels heavy, and yet dizzy, the fog in your head swirling and muffling the voices around you before the world goes black.
--------
Samantha’s voice fades in, becoming clearer with every mutter of your name.
With a groan, you rub your head and shuffle forward uncomfortably in the fog, blinking against the darkness until your eyes adjust to bring her figure into focus.
“You did it,” she smiles softly, capturing your hand in her own and squeezing, “thank you.”
Warmth flows over your cheeks, not even noticing the tears until they stream to pool beneath your chin, “all those people…”
She takes a few steps forward, tugging on your hand to drag you with her towards a freestanding door. “It vould have been much worse if you had not confined Monty. I can handle it from here.”
You wipe your other hand along your cheeks, swallowing thickly as the pain wells deep in your chest. Voice still raspy from yelling, you pose a single question: “what now?”
“You rebuild,” she giggles, stopping just before the door and motioning for you to go through.
“It can’t be that simple…” the burning in your throat worsens, even as you attempt to swallow against it, “Monty, he… we can’t just…”
“It vill be fine.” She releases your hand and nudges you towards the door. “Remember time is different here, zhey need you.”
She wasn’t giving you any real answers, and admittedly you had forgotten about the strange movement of time through this space, eyeing the door cautiously before taking hold of the handle. You know it will take you back, but what awaits on the other side is a mystery. Samantha says it will be fine but… how could anything ever be fine again?
Even in a world without zombies, how could you ever rebuild everything that you had lost? Not just the compound, or even civilization, but… your family. You had lost everything…
“Edward needs you,” Samantha’s voice softens, stirring you from your thoughts.
She was right.
No matter what you had lost, you still had people to live for, and the only real option would be to move forward and keep trying. Zach deserves a proper funeral, you still need to search for Gaius, and you would rebuild one step at a time, just as you had done to create the compound to begin with.
Even in a world without zombies… there are still many dangers to face: people had become monsters in these times as well, losing their humanity, or just being released from the shackles of the laws that had confined them in society.
With a shaky breath, you twist the handle, bright light overtaking you as you jerk upright in bed.
Your eyes take time to adjust, blinking away the brightness as the sting causes them to water slightly.
It’s an unfamiliar room, like a makeshift hospital. As your vision clears, you make out the figure of Edward in a nearby chair, his focus enveloped in the book he holds.
“Edward?” You manage to croak out, moving your hand to rub along the front of your throat. You must not have been gone long for it to still sting like this.
He practically jumps from his seat, coming to the edge of the bed with a glass of water, “drink, liebling.”
There’s so much you want to say, but all you can do is shakily take the drink and slowly ease it down, the dryness of your throat quelling slightly and allowing some semblance of relief, “how bad is it?”
“You are not-“
“Not me,” you shake your head, feeling your throat clench up again before you take another sip of water, “how bad is the compound? How many did we lose?”
“Liebling…” his shoulders deflate, “how much do you remember?”
“Zach…” you mutter, struggling to hold in the tears that brim dangerously close to the edge, threatening to overflow at any second, “Gaius…” you sniffle and take another sip, “the wall was destroyed, several buildings looked annihilated… I blacked out after… after Zach.”
He gently rubs his thumb along the edge of your eye, catching an escaped tear as he caresses your cheek, “my love… maybe you should rest.”
“I need to know.” You shift to sit up straighter, setting the glass on the side table before meeting his eyes, determination set in your pursed lips as you do your best to brace against the news.
“We lost roughly 50 people…” he mutters, “not as bad as we thought but… but still.”
You struggle to hold eye contact, dropping your gaze as he reaches for your hand, giving a reassuring squeeze, “and Gaius?”
He sighs and lifts your knuckles to his lips, speaking softly, “liebling…”
Pain shudders through your entire body, emanating from your chest as you attempt to process the loss of your 2 best friends. Both Zach and Gaius are gone…
You know you have to focus on the victory, on getting rid of Monty and the zombies, and on how to rebuild to protect the survivors. There are still so many people left, and they’d be looking to you for direction of what to do next, but… it’s all too much.
A sob swells in your throat, breaking the dam as tears spill over your cheeks.
--------
1 year later:
Most of the compound had been rebuilt, the walls being the first thing to focus on. Even in grieving, you couldn’t allow everyone else to be put in danger.
A ceremony had been held for those who had been lost, including Zach and Gaius. Though you mourned the loss of each and every one of them… those 2 hit the hardest…
Today is your birthday, something you asked everyone to forget about, wanting to treat it like just another day. There was still a lot to get done, including planting fresh crops to try and restock the food supply. It’s taken a lot to recover from the incident, and some things are still a work in progress. No one had gone hungry, and there were still residential spaces for everyone to relocate to while things were being taken care of, especially after the wall had been repaired – for that you were grateful.
Yours and Edward’s relationship had been strained in the weeks following what had happened, but, he was patient and understanding, allowing you time and space to process everything without pressuring you. He had been by your side, supporting you in whatever you needed, and it created an even stronger bond by the time you were ready to open up to him again.
He was upset about not celebrating your birthday, but had begrudgingly agreed, compromising by suggesting he bake a cake for just the 2 of you tonight, and leave it at that. No candles, no birthday song, just a sentimental dessert for his sake while keeping things simple for you.
It had been another long day, and even after all this time, you still have to focus on your walk home. Your legs always subconsciously guide you to your old place, the old route bringing memories… though lately, they had been easier to handle, the fondness of the time you had together outweighing the grief of their loss… mostly.
Half of your mind is on each turn you take, ensuring you get the right road and walk up to the right door, the other half is focused on how much you truly miss them… while still being eternally grateful to still have Edward, and to still have everyone else.
As you make your way through the door, you can hear Edward rummaging in the kitchen, calling out for you. “Can you help for a second, my love?”
“Of course,” you slip off your shoes and pad towards the kitchen, rounding the corner to be met with a sight that nearly stops your heart.
Your stomach flips, throat going dry as pain and excitement mix in a confusing flurry of emotions.
“I thought…” Edward shuffles a few steps closer, cautiously approaching as he tries to get a read on your expression, “I thought this would be good for us.”
With a hesitant, shaky hand, you reach forward to stroke along the puppy’s fur as he begins to wiggle in Edward’s arms, struggling to get to you, his tongue lapping at the air as he tries in vain to lick your hand.
Edward offers him to you, slowly, gauging your reaction as you somewhat numbly take the pup into your arms.
Those little eyes meet yours, looking just like Gaius’ had when he was a puppy, tears spilling over your cheeks as memories flood your every thought. His tongue eagerly cleans them from your face, a giggle escaping your lips before you can even process what you’re feeling.
It’s overwhelming how much you had missed everyone, but this dog… this little furry clone of Gaius, looking exactly the same, sparks a light of hope within you.
You don’t even remember dropping to your knees, or when you had held him closer, but Edward kneels beside you, muttering your name as you clutch the puppy close.
“Is… zhis ok?” He asks, brushing his thumb along our cheek to wipe away what may have been tears, or may have been dog drool.
“It’s wonderful…” you sniffle and look up at him, “thank you, Edward…”
“Zhat is not all, but I …” he pats the puppy’s head gently, “I do not vant to overwhelm you.”
“I’m ok,” you nod, standing again as you set the puppy down, watching with a renewed sense of adoration as he sits contently at your feet.
“I…” Edward shuffles a hand around in his pocket, taking a breath as his cheeks flush, “I have been wanting to talk about zhis for some time, but, with everyzhing zhat has been happening…” he takes your left hand in his, pulling his other from his pocket and slipping something cool around your ring finger.
You meet his eyes, your own widening before dropping back to the jewels now resting comfortably on your hand.
“I’m sorry,” he mutters softly, blowing over the surface of his tea in an attempt to cool the liquid slightly.
“Don’t be,” you bring the teacup to your lips, brushing the sensitive skin just along the edge to test the temperature, “it was some time ago, and Kento really helped me during the grieving process. He made me see that it was better to put that energy to good use and learn to keep going, rather than succumbing to the isolation and alienating myself from the world.”
“Still,” his fingertips brush along the skin of your cheek, startling you as he tucks a loose strand of hair back into place, “I know how it is to lose someone you love.”
“Do you feel out of place?”
The cloth shifts, adjusting to his raised brow.
“I haven’t felt like I belong anywhere since…” you trail off, returning your attention to the tea.
“He must have been very special to you,” he mutters, his own gaze still focused on you.
“He was,” you smile softly against the cup, testing the temperature again, “they both were.”
His silence earns a glance from you, his blank expression coaxing a chuckle to escape your lips as he squeaks out a single word: “…both?”
“My parents.” You giggle, realizing he had assumed you were referring to multiple romantic partners rather than your family.
“Ah,” he sighs in relief briefly, his eyes almost immediately widening, “I mean, no, that’s still awful, I just…”
“Calm down,” you wave your hand vaguely, grinning against your tea as the temperature finally cools enough to sip from it, the flavors mixing in your mouth as you close your eyes, allowing the tension to melt from your shoulders.
Your phone vibrates, ‘Board of Directors’ flashing across the screen along with an image of a very old devil-like creature in a wheelchair.
Gojo stifles his laughter, smirking as you swipe to ignore the call. “They’ll be bad you skipped the meeting.”
“I’m all out of fucks to give for the day,” you sip the tea again, blinking slowly as you savor the warmth flooding through you again. “Besides, what are they gonna do about it? Hold another meeting?”
He chuckles and sips his own tea, splaying his legs as he relaxes into the couch, “No wonder they didn’t want us spending time together.”
You hum in response, meeting his eyes with a grin of your own, “wanna have a little fun with that?”
“Oh?” He sits up straight again, his grin widening from ear to ear, “do tell.”
“Maybe we can bring some of the students in on this too,” you lean back, piecing together a plan of attack, “Itadori for sure.”
He practically vibrates from excitement, “I like you already.”
--------
You and Gojo had decided on a few prank options for the end of the Exchange Event, before the Kyoto school leaves. Both agreeing that the more people you involved, the more shocking to the Board, and the funnier it would be.
The two of you had scheme for hours, staying up later than you had planned, but loving every minute of it. He definitely had a point though; the Board was right in their fear of getting you together.
It’s late morning by the time you wake, your bed having become the most comfortable thing you’d ever experienced, enveloping you in a warm, weightless state of pure bliss and calmness that begged for you to stay wrapped safely within for the rest of the day. It takes every ounce of willpower you have just to swing your legs over the side, padding slowly towards the shower.
The hot water helps ease your aching muscles, still a bit stiff from travel, then you switch it to cold at the end to shock your system. An old trick you had learned that worked better than a cup of coffee, though it was rather miserable in the process, a string of curses leaving your lips before you shut the water off and wrap yourself in a fluffy towel.
You dress simply again today, still opting for baggy sweatpants and an oversized uniform shirt. It had been a matter of comfort for you yesterday, but according to Gojo, it added a layer of mystery that would create opportunity for another prank – this one against a few of the students.
He would set the trap, and you would deliver the final blow. It seemed simple enough, to the point where you aren’t even sure if it will really be a prank, but you trust Gojo’s judgement. He had nearly burst into tears laughing hysterically while trying to explain the plan to you.
There are several missed calls and an unreasonable amount of texts waiting on your phone, which you scroll through casually, deleting most immediately and responding only to Gojo and Kento. The latter of which seemed rather upset with you for missing the meeting, but you know he can never stay mad for too long.
You pocket the phone and scratch Gaius between his ears before stepping out onto the sidewalk, grateful to be situated along the courtyard as you take a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air and light breeze that flows through the square.
The door nearby opens, curiosity getting the better of you as you wait for your neighbor to step outside, only to reveal Gojo.
“How’d you sleep?” He saunters over, still adjusting the wrapping around his head.
“When you said you were closeby,” you motion towards his door, “I didn’t realize you meant being neighbors.”
He smirks with a casual shrug, “the Board wanted you across campus, but now that you’re all settled in here already…” he shrugs again, pocketing his hands as he begins to walk along the pavement.
You and Gaius follow, keeping in step, “they just love you, don’t they.”
His shoulders shake with laughter, “they seem to love you too.”
“I bring a level of fun and excitement to people’s lives,” you feign seriousness as you pretend to dust something off your shoulder, holding your head high, “whether they wanna admit it or not.” Gaius lets out a low bark, as if accentuating your words, making you break character as you chuckle.
“Right?” Gojo throws up hands up, grinning broadly as he shares your laughter, “I couldn’t have said it better myself!”
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Kento sighs, but gives up his attempts to control the conversation as the students are sent into a flurry of questions, all speaking up simultaneously.
Gojo holds up another egg roll with his chopsticks and they grow silent, “now eat your food children.”
Maki rolls her eyes, grumbling under her breath at Gojo’s jokingly dotting tone.
He smirks towards you, giving a curt nod as you gratefully turn your attention to filling your stomach.
The students oblige in talking amongst themselves, giving you time to study each of them as they interact. They all seem so lively, especially Itadori and Kugisaki, they tease each other like siblings but clearly get along quite well – though they both seem to lovingly torment Megumi.
Gojo tosses a dumpling across the table, which Panda catches in his mouth, earning a soft chuckle from you as they both raise their hands to exclaim victory.
Kento adjusts his glasses and leans closer, “I’m sorry about their antics.”
“Like we never goofed around?” You nudge his arm and grin, “you’ve gotten a bit more serious since your time in America, Mr. Kento.”
“What?” Gojo leans in, having overheard the conversation, “Nanami? Were you actually … fun?”
Kento blushes and rolls his eyes, barely noticeable behind the green tint of his lenses, “I’m quite fun when I want to be. Thank you.”
You pat his shoulder reassuringly, “he really is. We had quite the time when we were younger.”
“Wait.” Gojo holds his hands up, his thumb and forefinger of either hand forming a square as if lining up a shot for a photo, “You and Nanami?”
“Not like that,” you trail your fingernails through the back of Kento’s hair, taming a few flyaway pieces, “I was just a bad influence to Kento’s voice of reason, corrupting the poor man like a bratty younger sister.”
Gojo raises a brow, clasping his hands together and rubbing them, “Oh really? I’d love to hear more.”
“Maybe some other time,” Kento softens as he looks to you, “are you ready to see your room?”
“I-“
“I can show her!” Gojo practically jumps up from his seat, standing with his hand outstretched to you before you had even realized he moved at all.
Kento glances up at him, unamused, “I hardly think that would be ne-“
“I’d like that,” you interrupt him, patting his shoulder as you stand and wave to the students, “I’ll see you all again soon.”
Kento sighs for the millionth time, but simply nods his head and lightly squeezes your hand before you remove it from his shoulder. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Always,” you turn to Gojo and motion for him to lead the way, both you and Gaius following him out of the dining hall.
“I’d say everyone likes you,” Gojo flashes a wide grin, “you’ll do fine here.”
“They’re good kids,” you nod, “even if they are a bit messed up in the head.”
He quirks a brow towards you, noticeable by the slight movement beneath the blindfold.
“We all are,” you shrug, “gotta be at least a little crazy to do what we do.”
He hums in agreement and glances at his watch, keeping the pace leisurely as you stroll through the courtyard. “When is your meeting with the Board?”
A yawn overtakes you, jetlag setting in now that you have a full belly, “Fuck ‘em,” you wave your hand vaguely, “they’ll be fine.”
Gojo’s smile pulls into a full Cheshire grin, “don’t let Nanami hear you talking like that, he may have a stroke.”
“He’s seen and heard way worse from me,” you stretch your arms above your head and stifle another yawn before looking up to the sky, a beautiful array of colors washing across the horizon as the sun sets, “do you like tea?”
“Are you trying to avoid talking about you and Nanami?” He pockets his hands, tilting his head slightly in your direction.
“Not at all,” you pause to close your eyes and take in a deep refreshing breath, it just felt so peaceful here, “ask whatever you like.”
“Ah,” his voice is softer but you can tell he’s closer than before, “so you’re one of those open book types?”
“No,” you grin, opening your eyes to find him standing directly in front of you, “I said you can ask whatever you like, I didn’t say I would answer.”
He tilts his head to the side, chuckling as he scoots even closer, leaning down slightly to make up for the few inches of height difference.
“Do people ever get used to the blindfold thing?” You motion to your own eyes, “I’m so used to making eye contact.”
“You don’t intimidate easily, do you?” He chuckles again and turns on his heels, continuing your stroll.
“Was I supposed to feel intimidated?”
“Well,” he shrugs, “I’ve been known to make some uncomfortable. But to answer your question, I guess I don’t think about the blindfold much. I can still see your eyes, even when you can’t see mine.”
“I never said I couldn’t see them,” you run a hand through Gaius’ fur as he pads along beside you, “it’s just… different, than having them directly visible.”
With a hum, he makes a turn along the edge of the courtyard, following the path.
“Do you even know where my room is?”
“Shouldn’t you have asked that earlier?” He chuckles, “before following me?”
“Eh,” you stretch your arms again, feeling the breeze rustle through the garden, “it’s a beautiful night, I wouldn’t mind even if we did get turned around a few times.”
“Aren’t you tired?” He opens a side door, leading you into a nice apartment-like room.
“I’m exhausted,” a yawn attempts to make an escape, as if accentuating your words, “but fresh air and good company are always invigorating.”
“So,” he makes his way to the cabinets above the kitchen sink, pulling out a container before moving towards the stove, “you think I’m good company?”
“Tell anyone and I’ll deny it,” you flash him a playful grin.
“Noted,” he chuckles, motioning to the furniture, “have a seat, make yourself comfortable. I’ll get that tea ready.”
“This your place?” You lower yourself onto what has to be the most comfortable couch you’ve ever sat on, watching Gaius stretch his legs before lying down at the edge of the room.
“It’s yours,” he shuffles some things around before facing you again, leaning back against the counter as he waits patiently for the water to heat up, “they always start you out with the same essentials, not hard to figure out where everything is.”
You glance around the room, taking in a more thorough inspection of where you’ll be staying for… well, you’re not quite sure how long.
“I’m not far,” he folds his arms across his chest, “if you ever need anything.”
“Like someone to make my tea while I relax?”
“Exactly,” he snaps his fingers, grinning broadly as you both laugh.
The whistle of the kettle draws his attention, switching off the stove and filling your cups before bringing them over. He sets them both down on the side table, allowing them time to cool as he flops down beside you.
“So,” he drapes one arm across the back of the couch, turning slightly to face you more fully, “you and Nanami.” He wiggles his brows beneath the fabric.
“Not like that,” you roll your eyes, “like I said, we were more like siblings than anything. He had visited America a few years ago and we got really close.”
“How did you meet?”
“Actually,” your lips turn up in a soft smile, remembering the moment like it was just yesterday, “I owned a gym that his company had a contract with, so their workers would come in all the time. Kento and I just happened to talk a few times, he asked me out for dinner once, but we immediately just had this sibling bond. Never anything romantic.”
“So, he’s not your type and he’s settling for the bro-zone is what you’re saying.”
You burst into laughter, “that’s not at all what I’m saying.”
He grins and leans in closer, perching his head upon his hand, using the back of the couch to prop his elbow in place, “too stuffy for you right?”
“He’s really fun once you get to know that side of him,” you glance to the now sleeping mass of fur sprawled out along the floor, “he’s been really great to me and Gaius.”
“I’ve known him for years and never seen that side of him,” he almost pouts, keeping his attention on you, “you must be something special to bring it out in him.”
You raise a brow at him, “we all have different sides, Gojo. One isn’t necessarily more special than the other. I’m sure in the comfort of those you trust most, when you’re vulnerable, you act a bit differently too.”
He hums, “and what about you?”
You tilt your head, studying the sunken shapes beneath the fabric wrapped over his eyes.
“How do you act?”
“Well,” your grin softens, reminiscing over old memories as they flicker through your thoughts, “part of the fun is that those moments aren’t for everyone, right?”
“Do you have anyone to share them with?” He shifts only briefly to grab the cups, having cooled enough to hand you yours as he turns his attention back to you.
“I uh…” you take the warm cup in your hands, holding it close, “I did.”
The students introduce themselves individually, the one called Itadori shakily waving from his seat where he seems to have melted into a puddle. You had already been told Sukuna’s vessel was in attendance, but hearing about it is one thing, seeing him in the flesh is different. The surge of energy surrounding him, dark and certain, a drastic contrast to the stuttering and sweet teen struggling to keep his composure.
You offer him a warm smile, waving to the students as you stifle a yawn, “I’m happy to meet you all, I’ve heard great things.”
“Bonito flakes,” Inumake nods curtly, the corners of his eyes creasing slightly as he smiles beneath the zipped shirt collar.
“I hope we will see all of you at lunch,” Kento adjust his glasses before motioning to you, “our guest has traveled a long way, we should show her our gratitude before allowing her some quiet to rest.”
Gojo throws an arm across your shoulders, “I don’t know about you, but I’m STARVING!”
Kento clears his throat as he slips his hands casually into his front pockets, staring at Gojo with a blank expression.
“Alright,” Gojo holds his hands up defensively, the weight of his arm leaving your shoulders as he pockets his own hands, “don’t look so serious, Nanami.”
You hum, watching the two of them glare at each other, as if having a silent conversation between themselves before Kento simply sighs and motions for you to follow.
He nearly bumps into Ijichi as you round the corner, the parade of students not far behind as everyone funnels into the hallway.
Ijichi’s brow is slick, his skin pale as he nervously tugs at his tie, “um, the bags have been taken to your room, and… uh…”
“What the hell is that?” Kugisaki grabs her hammer, her eyes glued to the large mass of black fur trailing closely behind Ijichi.
Panda bristles, widening his stance, “that’s not a normal wolf.”
“Calm yourselves,” Kento waves them off.
The students shift hesitantly as you chuckle and take a step forward, holding your hand out as the massive animal pads towards you, nuzzling against your hand affectionately.
Gojo quirks a brow, seeming to study the two of you from beneath that blindfold of his.
“His name is Gaius,” you grin, scratching under your beloved companion’s chin as he wags his tail.
“What grade is he?” Megumi steps forward cautiously, still keeping his distance.
“He’s not a cursed spirit,” Kento glances to Gojo, watching as he offers his own hand fearlessly to Gaius for his inspection, “not exactly anyway.”
You grab Gojo’s hand, pulling him closer and motioning for him to kneel down. He obliges and Gaius sniffs him again, looking to you for confirmation before nuzzling against Gojo’s hand, acknowledging his acceptance of the sorcerer.
“He likes you,” you cast a grin back over your shoulder at the students, “he’s mostly friendly, I promise.”
Itadori’s eyes widen, “…mostly?”
Gojo has his arms wrapped around the large canine, affectionately cooing at him in baby talk as if he’s just a small puppy, “I bet you’re so scary aren’t you, yes you are. If someone messes with you or your mommy I bet you tear them up, don’t you. Yes you do. Like a good boy.”
Gaius wags his tail and licks Gojo’s cheek, nearly knocking him over in the process.
Kento sighs, glances at his watch, “yes, he’s adorable when he’s not tearing something’s head off. Can we proceed to lunch now?”
“Sorry, Mr. Kento,” you offer a warm, apologetic grin, “we can go now.”
He softens a bit, returning your grin and motioning vaguely, “we have plenty of time, I just don’t want the food to get cold. I’m sure you’re ready to eat and rest.”
Gaius and Gojo practically skip together, giddily trotting along like children who had just decided they would be best friends.
You’re glad he’s adjusting so well, you had been worried they would be too scared of him – he’s your closest friend in the whole world, but given his size and appearance, even average humans were intimidated by him. Not to mention the amount of cursed energy that pours from him.
It warms your heart to see him like this…
“So,” Itadori and Megumi speed up before matching pace with you, the latter posing a question: “what is he anyway?”
“He’s a dog,” you shrug, suppressing a chuckle at their bewildered expressions.
“But not… JUST a dog, right?” Itadori scratches the back of his head. “I mean, there’s some major energy coming off him.”
“Gaius is ranked Special Grade,” Kento keeps his eyes forward, making the statement in a calm and monotoned voice as the other students shuffle closer.
“He’s WHAT?” Panda’s expression goes blank, his eyes seeming distant, “I’m not even special grade…”
“So what rank are you, then?” Itadori’s cheeks flush as you smile at him, offering only a shrug in response.
Kento pauses at what you assume to be the dining hall entrance, funneling everyone in like a chaperone wrangling kids on a field trip.
Everyone situates themselves, your own mouth salivating at the delicious arrangement of food laid out across the table, your stomach proclaiming its excitement with a low grumble.
“Long trips always make me hungry too,” Gojo takes a seat beside you, sneaking a quick dumpling to Gaius who eagerly sits just behind the two of you.
You hum in response, taking your first bite and practically melting as the flavors envelope your tongue.
“We have some of the best chefs here at Jujutsu High,” Gojo boats, chuckling at your star-eyed expression.
“It’s amazing,” you take another bite and groan, “that bite was even better!”
He chuckles again and situates his own chopsticks, “So, what was all this talk about Special Grade I was hearing?”
Kento practically chokes on his food, earning only a raised brow from Gojo before Itadori innocently chimes in.
“Gaius is Special Grade!” He waves his hands towards Panda, “he’s not even Special Grade!”
“Oh,” Gojo shrugs and grins broadly, “I knew that already.”
Kento pats his mouth with a napkin after taking a sip of water, “Can we discuss something else?”
“So,” Itadori continues, “I was asking what grade she is,” he motions to you, to which you offer only another shrug in response.
“She’s Special Grade too,” Gojo casually lifts an eggroll to his mouth, taking a large bite before raising his eyes to see the shocked expressions of the students. “…What? Why’s everyone looking at me like that?”
“So, when are they supposed to be here anyway?” Kugisaki glances at the clock across the room, releasing a long sigh as she flops her head against the back of the couch.
Megumi hums, taking his turn in the card game he and Itadori were trying to play, “should be any minute now.”
“I hope he’s fun,” Itadori gazes longingly out the window, his usual expressive demeanor having been dampened by the scattered thunderstorms that had delayed plan arrivals, and therefore also delayed the school’s new guest.
“They’re American,” Megumi reminds him, “I just hope they’re not loud and obnoxious.”
“Hey,” Itadori perks up, “do you think he knows Japanese?”
“Kento never said if it’s a man or a woman,” Kugisaki rolls her eyes, sitting upright again as Gojo waltzes into the room.
“If who is a man or a woman?”
Itadori, the sweet cinnamon roll that he is, blurts out a response almost instantly, “the new teacher that Kento is-“
Megumi practically knocks over the table between them to clap a hand over Itadori’s mouth, Kugisaki having jumped up and waving in front of Gojo.
“We should go throw water balloons at the second years!” She proclaims, pointing towards the door behind Gojo with urgency, “like right now!”
He simply smirks and shoves his hands into his pockets, “new teacher, huh? And Nanami is picking them up from the airport?”
Both Kugisaki and Megumi deflate, giving up their charade as they glare at a blushing Itadori. He shrinks down into his chair, mumbling incoherently beneath his breath.
Megumi sighs and stands, straightening the mess he’d made in flinging himself across the table, “they should be here any minute, we’re supposed to have some welcoming lunch before they speak to the directors this evening.”
“Weren’t you supposed to be on mission until tomorrow?” Kugisaki flops back down on the couch, picking up a magazine to flip through.
“I’m sure Nanami and the board of directors would love to hide our guest away from me,” Gojo straightens his posture, “but what fun would that be?”
“I think that’s sort of the point,” Megumi grumbles.
“Your words wound me,” Gojo feigns a pained expression, clutching at his chest.
“You do have a habit of causing a scene,” Maki walks in behind Gojo, accompanied by the usual crew of Panda and Inumake.
Gojo hums as his grin broadens, “time to go say hello.”
Megumi glances out the window, “huh, you’re right. They’re walking up right now.”
The other students all rush to the glass, peering out as their curiosity gets the better of them, though they still can’t quite make out your figure from the thick downpour of rain and the large umbrellas.
By the time Maki looks back over her shoulder, Gojo has already disappeared.
She sighs and smacks Itadori over the head.
“Hey!” He pouts, rubbing the sore spot. “What was that for?”
“I just assume it’s your fault at this point.” She shrugs.
Kugisaki opens her mouth to speak up in his defense, but quickly shuts it again, unable to argue as it was undeniably true.
Itadori sinks even lower in his chair.
--------
You shrug off your coat, thanking Mr. Kento for helping you, as well as for taking your umbrella.
“It really is remarkable how quickly you picked up on-“
His words are cut short as he stiffens, his eyes landing upon a figure at the base of the stairs before you which you can only assume had come to greet the two of you.
“Your Japanese is quite good for an American.”
“It’s part of her ability,” Kento sighs, adjusting his glasses, “she can adapt and pick up on things rather quickly.”
“Interesting,” the man steps forward, towering over you even at your taller than average height. He extends a hand with a broad grin, the blindfold cloth wrapped around his eyes doing nothing to slow him down, “I’m Gojo Satoru.”
You had heard of him, but you were surprised to meet in him the flesh. Taking his hand, you introduce yourself as well, enjoying the slight smirk that tugs along the corner of his lips as you study each other’s energies. It’s arguably your favorite part about meeting new sorcerers, especially strong ones – the cockier the better – having them be surprised at your strange energy reading as they try to pinpoint and speculate to little or no avail… you find it to be hilarious.
Within the first few moments of meeting him, you can already tell this would be a fun visit. Even though you’re here for work, meant to be learning more about the Jujutsu school in order to run their first American location upon returning to the States… you can already see why the directors tried so desperately to warn you away from Gojo.
In fact, you’re quite certain they had tried to avoid your meeting entirely judging by the look on Kento’s face when he saw Gojo here. If you were a betting woman, you’d bet they had sent Gojo out on a mission prior to your arrival, hoping to keep you both too busy to bump into each other.
Gojo was known for his… alternative methods. The directors know they can’t control him, being little to nothing they could do if he ever decided to turn against them. But that doesn’t mean they don’t complain incessantly about his pranks and ‘immature’ nature.
Not that you had been much better…
The directors had been reluctant to take you on, much less announce you as the head of the American district, but they didn’t have much choice.
Kento’s voice stirs you from your thoughts, “shall we meet the students?”
“Onward!” Gojo raises his finger in the air, motioning to the stairs theatrically. His smile broadening again with a chuckle, “they’ll be excited to meet you, they’ve been waiting all day for you to get here.”
“Oh?” You raise a brow at him, still finding it odd to have a conversation with someone you can’t entirely make actual eye-contact with.
“The rain has them a bit bummed,” he and Kento stay in step with you, leading you up the stairs, “and it’s not like we get new teachers very often.”
“Especially foreign ones.” Kento nods. “They’ll be excited.”
“Attractive foreign ones at that,” Gojo shoves his hands back into his pockets, pausing just outside the door.
You and Kento both stop as well, looking at him quizzically.
“I said that out loud didn’t I,” he blushes slightly, but quickly shrugs it off and giddily throws the door open, startling the students within as he boastfully introduces you.
Raiden steps past the door, shutting it gracefully behind him with a side glance cast your direction. “We begin training immediately.”
“What?” You shift from where you had perched against the wall, “that’s it? Barely a minute in there and you agree to train me? No follow up questions?”
He chuckles softly, clasping his hands behind his back as he nods down the hall, motioning for you to follow suit as he slowly strolls along, “I believe I know all that is necessary at this time.”
“And… the room?” You glance back over your shoulder, looking to the door one more time before hastily catching up to Raiden, your stride easily matching his leisurely pace.
With a warm smile, he gives another curt nod, “The ice, yes.”
“Bi-Han said it will never melt?”
“Not on its own,” he keeps his focus on the hall ahead, smiling all the way as if just enjoying a daily stroll.
The contrast doesn’t go unnoticed, his calm aura soothing your frantic and frazzled nerves as he seems unconcerned.
You opt to leave the rest of your questions for later, allowing yourself to trust his plan, whatever it may be, in hopes that he will enlighten you to some detail later. Perhaps he would even produce some answers to ease the tangled mess of worrisome thoughts that seemed to plague your every moment, waking or not…
Raiden leads you to the courtyard again, crossing his legs and lowering with ease to sit in a meditative pose. A silent nod is his only gesture as he closes his eyes.
Meditation is something you had already practiced in your daily life – though, it had admittedly gotten pushed to the side since… well, your entire life had been uprooted. Since… since you had lost Lilly…
Lilly… you hadn’t even really had time to fully mourn her. Everything has happened so fast…
With a sniffle, you cross your legs opposite Raiden, taking a similar pose and closing your own eyes, focusing on the sound of the wind and the warmth of the sun, the gentle hum of the barrier, the grit of the dirt beneath you. It starts off easy, the low level of stimulation easing your anxiety after having been fried to an absolute crisp these last few days. Weeks? … how long have you even been here?
How long ago did Lilly pass?
When did you first meet Cole? Bi-Han?
Your brows knit as you shake it off, taking a deep, steady breath in. Holding it for 3 seconds… and a steady release out as you again focus on your surroundings: the breeze… the warm sun on your skin… the hum of the barrier…
What if the barrier were to collapse? Bi-Han had found a way around it, though he believes it can only be done from within. What if there were someone here that would sabotage it? Someone that would willingly put Earth at risk, should they know how?
And what of Joe? He had been adamant about speaking with you. You had told him you would seek him out today – not that you were looking forward to it – but what would he have to say?
What if –
You take another steadying breath. In… hold… out… the wind, the sun, the still intact barrier, the dirt…
Bi-Han’s conscious tickles along the edge of your own, soothing your mind once more, allowing you to drift peacefully away from the worries before leaving again. You want to tell him you’re grateful for his help, but you need to push thoughts out, focus on the moment, allow your brain time to heal from everything it has been forced to accept lately.
A steady breath in… the breeze picks up, rustling your hair to tickle along the edge of your face… hold … the sun peeks out from behind a soft cloud overhead, warming both your skin and the ground… a steady exhale… the barrier still holds, its steady hum barely noticeable anymore.
Another breath in.
Weight lifts from you, your chest feeling lighter, the crease along your forehead smoothing as the tension and dull ache releases.
Hold.
You can hear birds chirping nearby.
Lilly’s face comes into view, her features turned up in a warm smile before she doubles over with laughter. The silent memory playing out in your mind as warmth envelopes you.
She stops suddenly, lifting her eyes to meet yours, her eyes wide and color drained from her face. A silent scream rips from her throat as blackness surrounds her. You want to help, to run to her, but all you can do is watch as she disappears.
Your eyes dart open, heart pounding against your chest as you lurch forward in a fit of coughs. Your lungs burn, your throat scratchy and dry as you gasp for air.
Raiden pats your back lightly, waiting for you to recover before offering a glass of water which you hastily take and practically down in one gulp.
Before you can thank him, your eyes dart around before looking up to the moon. The night sky littered with stars above you, the sun having long since lowered beneath the horizon.
You look to Raiden, who accepts the glass and only smiles before standing to offer you a hand.
“I don’t understand…” You accept his help, finding your legs weak as you stand and regain your balance before brushing the dirt from your pants.
“Your brain needs time to process.” He states simply, turning as if to walk away.
“Process?!” You scoff, rushing around to block his path. “I just feel more confused than ever!”
He purses his lips, “it will take time.”
“Time that we don’t have!” Your pulse races, clenching your firsts at your sides. “Everyone just keeps talking about time, about these arcanas, about being prepared. But how the FUCK can we do that if no one will tell us what the FUCK is actually GOING ON?!”
Raiden stays silent, clasping his hands behind his back patiently.
“Silent treatment again!” You throw up your hands in exasperation. “Of course! I don’t know why I expect any different!” You run your hands down over your face, your chest heaving as if you’d just run a great distance, unable to catch your breath with your blood boiling.
You just feel so… ANGRY….
Raiden mutters your name.
“What?!” You drop your hands to your sides, glowering at him as you meet his eyes.
They widen with shock, but he does not budge.
Something washes over you. A … cooling sensation. Like oxygen finally getting to your lungs, your temper evening, a dizzy haze making you lightheaded as you steady your footing.
Raiden rushes forward to grab your arm, helping you balance and pressing his other hand to your forehead.
“What…” you finally notice the spikes of ice jutting up from the ground.
Hesitantly, you raise your hands, still shaking and covered with a thin sheet of cold crystals before you shake them off in disgust.
“I’m tired of this!” You spit blood on the ground, shakily pressing your body up off the ground, stumbling a bit as you stand. “Weren’t you the one to say if I don’t give it my all then there’s no fucking point?”
Vegeta folds his arms across his chest, his own clothes tattered to reveal scrapes littered across his skin beneath. You had both been at it for a while, and were pretty equally matched in Super Saiyan form, but you had already seen he and Goku go God level while fighting each other.
He rolls his eyes and opens his mouth to speak, but Goku intervenes, “are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“Of course she’s not, Kakarot,” Vegeta waves him off, “just look at her. She can barely stand.”
“Hey,” you poke Vegeta’s chest, standing as straight as possible, knowing you’re the same height as him – if not an inch or 2 taller aside from his hair. “You know damn well I would progress faster if you quit holding back so much.”
“She’s right,” Goku shrugs, taking a step back when Vegeta eyes him with a scowl. “I’m just saying,” he holds up his hands, “we grow stronger even from our losses, it would help her catch up.”
Hands at your hips, you raise a brow at Vegeta, earning only a deeper scowl in return.
“You’re already hurt,” he sighs, “tomorrow we will start fresh.”
“Bullshit!” You shove him, catching him off guard as he stumbles backward, “we train NOW, and you quit holding back.”
He chuckles lightly, a smirk pulling at his lips, “that’s not going to work on me.”
“Whatever,” you roll your eyes, turning your attention to Goku, “what about you? Will you actually train with me?”
Goku practically bounces with a giddy grin, powering up to reveal a red hue to his hair.
“No.” Vegeta steps in front of you, glowering at Goku, “that’s enough for today.”
“Aw, c’mon, Vegeta.” He pouts, throwing up his hands, “we’ve still got an hour or 2 of daylight! You’ve never called it early before, what’s different about today?”
“She needs to rest,” he moves to step away, pausing to meet your eyes, “I will train extra with you tomorrow, use tonight to rest and recover.”
“Fine…” you grumble, begrudgingly agreeing, as if you had a choice at this point.
Vegeta flies off towards the house, you move to follow but Goku places a hand on your shoulder.
“Hey,” he offers one of his cheerful grins, “go easy on him, yeah? He seems to have a soft spot for you.”
“ME?!” You scoff, “he won’t even train me properly.”
“Yeah,” he crosses his arms, chuckling, “anyone else he would pummel into the dirt.”
You purse your lips and give a curt nod, both taking off to fly back together in silence. The two of you share a knowing glance, his warm smile easing your thoughts as you make your way to the bathroom to shower.
Though you still feel agitated, it’s always immensely soothing to feel the hot water ease your tired muscles after a long day of training – even one cut short, like today.
Dinner is ready when you get out, Goku is playing with who you assume to be Goten. Chi-Chi had told you quite a bit about him already, he really does look just like Goku – it makes you wonder about Gohan. There’s another boy, about Goten’s age, with blue-ish lavender colored hair. He perks up and runs past you, surprising you as you turn to see Vegeta standing nearby.
“Dad!” He bounces excitedly, though doesn’t hug Vegeta, he only stares up at him with a giddy starstruck awe.
“Hello, Trunks,” Vegeta smiles down at him, patting him on the top of his head before nodding towards the kitchen, “help Chi-Chi with the plates.”
“Yes, father!” Trunks practically flies towards the kitchen, his feet hardly touching the floor as he retains his excitement.
You quirk a brow at Vegeta, but he barely meets your eyes – presumably still upset with you.
The boys playfully ask their fathers a ton of questions all through dinner, which you find amusing, until Goku lets slip that you’re a female Saiyan, then all attention is on you along with their never-ending slew of increasingly personal questions.
“Alright,” Vegeta finally speaks up after everyone has had their fill, chuckling as he wipes his mouth with a napkin, “time to help clean up the kitchen, and then off to bed.”
Admittedly, you had expected some groaning or protesting from the boys, but they happily jump right up and lend their energetic hands to helping Chi-Chi. She really wasn’t kidding when she said she would have plenty of help.
You move to help as well, but Vegeta steps to block your path, taking the plate from your hands and setting it back on the table. “Can I speak with you?”
“Am I in trouble?” You wiggle your brows at him, feeling playful yourself after entertaining the boys through dinner.
He offers a small grin, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes, making you wonder if perhaps you are indeed… in trouble.
With a nod towards the door, you both step out onto the back patio where you had recently been spending your evenings anyway. Tonight is just as beautiful, the weather this time of year being absolutely perfect.
“Okay, really,” you shut the door behind you and turn to face Vegeta, finding him having already taken a seat on one of the lounge chairs.
He waits in silence, glancing up expectedly as you hesitantly move to sit beside him.
Apparently it was the right move, as he tilts his head towards you, eyes scanning yours beneath furrowed brows, “Why did you push me today?” Before you can open your mouth to speak, he cuts you off with a raised finger of warning, “I know it was to elicit a reaction, but why.”
You pause, waiting for him to lower his hand before you give your answer, “Like you said, I wanted a reaction. I wanted you to take training with me as seriously as you take Goku. And him too, I wanted to be taken seriously by both of you.”
“You aren’t ready yet,” he shakes his head, closing his eyes as he runs a hand down over his face as if steadying his agitation. With a breath, he meets your eyes again, “you aren’t ready, YET. You will be, just not right now.”
“And how can I get there if you never take me seriously enough to actually train me?” You hold a finger up in warning, much the same as he had done to you, making him roll his eyes as he reluctantly allows you to continue. “I would progress quicker if we trained harder. I’d get hurt more, yes, BUT, I would catch up faster and be better suited to take on Frieza.”
He stiffens at the name, brows knitting together again as he looks to you, “you would get more than hurt, and you need not worry about Frieza.”
“Why?” You cross your arms and lean against the back support of the chair in a huff, “because you and Goku don’t need anyone else’s help? Well, I’m here now, and like it or not, I’m gonna help avenge my people too.”
With a sigh, his shoulders deflate, his features softening as he scoots closer, “I understand, believe me I do. Your drive is admirable, but you cannot expect to just-“
“What?” You sit up straight again, leaning forward without realizing the proximity of your faces, though you don’t really care, if anything it accentuates your point, “I’m Saiyan too, and I deserve to be taken seriously, I deserve a chance at bringing honor to my people, and I deserve to be thought capable of achieving the same levels as you have.”
“I never said you were incapable,” he rests his hand on your knee, palm facing up, “and I told you I would train you tomorrow. I just want you to know what you’re getting yourself into.”
You lower your gaze to his hand, which he cautiously lifts only slightly. With hesitation of your own, you uncross your arms and allow him to take hold, interlacing his fingers with yours.
“You don’t have to sound so excited about it,” you grumble, “I know it’s not as fun as training with Goku, but I need to learn.”
He scoffs, followed by a chuckle, “Kakarot is of no concern, I just hate to see you hurt. If I’m the one training you then I can stop the session at any time.”
“Goku wouldn’t take things any further than I’d let him,” you cast a brief glance down to your interlocked hands, opting to leave it unmentioned for now.
“That’s part of the problem,” he tucks his other hand beneath your chin, raising your eyes to meet his, “I sense a great deal of pride in you. Were you to train with someone else, you would be the one to take things too far. If only for the name of progress, but you may succeed only in fatally wounding yourself.”
“I can handle myself,” your cheeks flush with a light warmth as he pulls your face in closer.
“When I say training is done, then it’s done,” he quirks a brow, his tone having grown stern, “got it? I’ll train you as long as you agree to my terms.”
“Unless I get Goku to train me instead,” you smirk.
“Kakarot wouldn’t dare,” he nearly growls his name, rolling his eyes as he drops his hand and sits straighter. His other hand remains tangled with yours, offering a light squeeze as his voice softens again, “I’m serious. I need you to agree.”
“Fine,” you nod, glancing up as he returns his gaze to you, “I agree to your terms, even if I think they’re over the top. I trust you.”
His eyes drop to where your hands rest, his thumb tracing along your knuckles.
Before he can open his mouth again, you change the subject entirely, “So, Trunks is your son?”
He gives a curt nod, not looking up.
You lean in a bit closer, raising a brow as he finally looks up with a questioning brow quirk of his own, “And?”
“And what?” He tilts his head.
“Aaaaand,” you motion vaguely with your free hand, baffled at his clueless reaction, “why didn’t you talk about him? Especially when Chi-Chi and Goku mentioned their sons?”
“Ah,” he nods as if finally grasping the direction of the conversation, causing you to internalize the biggest eyeroll you’ve ever made, remaining serious on the outside to avoid him walking out on the conversation, “well…” he clears his throat, “his mother and I divorced not long after he was born, and he lives with her most of the time. He trains with me and Goku during the summers, sometimes he stays with me on random weekends.” He shrugs and casts a side glance to the door.
“I’m sorry,” you squeeze his hand in reassurance, but he meets your eyes in confusion, “about your divorce? Those are never easy. Even ones without kids kinda suck… He seems great though.”
He hums and nods, “Did your adoptive parents divorce?”
“No,” you shake your head, a small chuckle escaping as you chew at the inside of your cheek. It still seemed a bit unreal, something you weren’t used to sharing, nor did it come up very often, but you felt safe talking with Vegeta. “I got a divorce not too long ago.”
“Oh,” he tilts his head, “should I apologize as well?”
You chuckle again, this time more genuine rather than out of discomfort, “No,” you smile and run a hand back through your hair to brush the stray strands back into place, “I’m happier now, without a doubt.”
“I am too,” he offers a warm grin in return. “We should call it a night, though, if you want to start that training tomorrow.”
“I’ll come in soon,” you agree, tilting your head up to gaze at the stars, “I’m just gonna stay a little longer.”
“Mind the company?”
You cast a glance towards him and smile, giving him all the answer he needed to shift next to you.
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Her arms wrap around me, nearly knocking me over as she had clearly rushed forward to avoid the risk of me pushing her away.
Not that I blame her, I’m not exactly known for my affectionate demeanor.
Her arms tighten as she buries her face against my shoulder, my cheeks warming and heart feeling… strange. My chest constricts slightly as I hesitantly bring my own arms around her, pulling her flush and allowing my lips to stretch into a smile.
She couldn’t see it anyway…
The way she melts in my arms, fully relaxed, trusting me completely, as if she finds genuine comfort here…
No one else is around, and this woman is just… different. It comes so naturally – the want to comfort her, to make her smile, to see her at ease.
I nuzzle against the side of her head, pulling her with me as I situate more comfortably in the chair. She doesn’t protest, moving her weight only to assist as she lays pressed against my side – the only way we can both fit like this.
I would say that she is content, but it’s more than that… As is true for me.
We sit in silence, though it remains comfortable, as if we don’t need to say anything to enjoy the moment shared between us. In fact, I’m not sure I would even know the right words should she say anything at all…
I glance down at her, her eyes shifting from the sky to meet mine with a soft smile.
This woman… the way my ribs tighten around my heart, the way it seems to skip a beat with a mere glance from her, the way my cheeks remain in a perpetual state of pink flush in her presence. The simple mention of her name sending a flutter of confusion and anxious eagerness right to the pit of my stomach – ‘butterflies’, as I had heard them called before. A ridiculous Earth term, but… after having experienced it… I must admit to its accuracy.
She returns her attention back to the stars, a breeze flowing through the yard and rustling her hair. Before she can move, I catch myself, without thought, having already brushed the stray strands out of her face. My fingers trail through her hair, which she seems to enjoy as she lets out a soft breath, nuzzling against my chest as her eyes close peacefully.
We stay like this for some time.
I don’t want to disturb her, and I … enjoy being like this with her. Having her to myself, able to hold her, and comfort her so that she may sleep so deeply, without worry or disturbance.
Her chest has held a steady rhythm for the last few minutes, prompting my curiosity to what she could be dreaming about.
I wonder if she dreams about her family, or… a grin tugs up the corner of my lips, my ego entertaining the possibility of her dreams including me in some way.
Shifting my other arm behind my head, I feel my own eyes grow heavy, my mind drifting to what it could have been like if we hadn’t been on Earth. What would we have been like on our home planet? Would we have still met? Maybe we were supposed to meet a long time ago?
I take a deep breath of night air, filling my lungs before closing my eyes as I calmly let out a smooth exhale, pulling her closer to my side.
--------
Your POV:
You wake in your bed again, still wearing the same clothes from last night, but feeling as if that had been the best night of sleep you’ve had in a very long time. You’re ready to take on the day with a renewed enthusiasm, your mind having enough energy to focus on the positives, and already smelling the beginnings of breakfast down the hall.
Ah, yes, a beautiful day!
The sun filters through the window as you open the blinds, smiling to yourself and feeling nearly giddy as you gather your things for training later today.
Although… you catch a glance in the mirror, the day may have to wait until after a shower… Opting for cold water rather than hot. Though shocking at first, it revitalizes your body and prepares you for the day, leaving you fully awake and primed for anything.
With a towel still in hand to continue drying your hair, you round the corner towards the kitchen, intending to offer Chi-Chi some help with breakfast.
Instead, your ears prickle at their hushed voices, taking a step back to somewhat hide yourself from view, leaning against the corner. Your curiosity had gotten the better of you, having heard your name come up as you quirk an inquisitive brow, peeking slowly around until you just barely see into the kitchen. The hallway was still dark, and the dining room still separated you, leaving little chance of being seen, but you still feel cautious in eavesdropping – you practically hold your breath as Vegeta’s voice chimes in.
“She fell asleep, what was I supposed to do?”
Goku wiggles his brows, draping one arm across Chi-Chi’s shoulders as a crooked, sly grin turns up one side of his lips, “you two DID look pretty comfortable, it’s no surprise you both fell asleep.”
Vegeta’s face turns red as he folds his arms across his chest, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Kakarot.”
Chi-Chi grins, moving forward as if to hug Vegeta, but he steps back to avoid it, only raising a suspicious brow, the scowl of his face not quite having the same menacing effect when framed by such a deep blush.
“Well,” Chi-Chi leans against Goku, “I’m just glad you woke up and came inside, it got pretty cold last night, wouldn’t want either of you to get sick.”
Vegeta’s blush deepens, his muscles seeming to go rigid as he hastily turns away from them, “You… went outside last night?”
“Yep!” Goku practically vibrates with excitement, his giddy energy even more intense than usual as he beams a broad smile. “We went to make sure she was doing alright out there, that’s when we saw BOTH of you-“
“In one chair,” Chi-Chi giggles, placing her hands over her mouth to contain her own enthusiasm.
Goku struggles to keep his voice down, his energy ready to burst, “I didn’t know you liked to cuddle, Vegeta.”
His face has gone fully red, one brow twitching as he refuses to face them, “you will keep this to yourselves, understand?”
“Aw, c’mon Vegeta,” Goku rolls his eyes, “it’s not a bad thing to –“
“Kakarot,” he warns, casting a side glance over his shoulder.
“Alright,” Goku relents, his shoulders deflating as his enthusiasm dampens at Vegeta’s demeanor.
“I’ll go see if she’s awake,” Chi-Chi pats Vegeta’s arm as she passes by, earning a low hum from him in response.
You quietly shuffle back into the bathroom, hanging up the towel to dry and coming out just in time to greet Chi-Chi and feign ignorance.
“Oh, good,” she grins, “you finished up just in time. I’ve got breakfast ready for everyone. Join us?”
“Of course,” you feel the slight warmth of your cheeks fading, finding it a bit difficult to ignore the conversation you had overheard.
Breakfast goes about the same as usual, Vegeta getting annoyed with Goku in some way, both seeming to shovel as much food as they could into their mouths, as if trying to eat as fast as possible.
“How’d you sleep?” Goku asks through a mouthful of food.
Vegeta stiffens, glowering at him before returning his attention to his food.
“Um,” you shuffle uncomfortably, doing your best not to pay too much attention to Vegeta as you swallow your food. “I slept great actually. I think all this training is really helping, I haven’t slept like that in years.”
Goku nudges Vegeta, almost making him spill his water, earning a scowl in response, “You hear that, Vegeta? Training with us is helping her sleep better! How’ve you been sleeping? I know I’ve slept better since we all train together. I’ve been EXHAUSTED.”
Vegeta’s cheeks flush only slightly before he rolls his eyes and stands from the table, “stop wasting time, Kakarot, we’re wasting daylight.”
He walks out and takes flight, leaving Goku to scratch the back of his head, “huh, guess he’s cranky this morning. Oh well.”
He shrugs and motions for you to follow as he walks out as well, taking flight to follow after Vegeta.
You offer an apologetic look to Chi-Chi as you leave a table full of cleanup, wanting to stay and help but knowing the guys would get agitated if you make them wait.
“It’s fine,” she smiles, waving you off, “go train, I’ve got this handled. The boys will be home from camp soon, so I’ll have help.”
With a nod, you fly out to catch up with Vegeta and Goku. You knew Goku had children, but you were excited to finally meet them, maybe even train with them a bit – according to Goku, they were already showing incredible potential, even at such a young age.
The hot tea settles your mind, allowing your muscles to melt into the comfort of your chair as you, for the first time in a long time, feel like you’ve got things handled again.
Your life had been utterly torn to shreds, and yet here you are. Not only did you survive, but you have Goro and his freedom secured, V should be coming out of operation soon and the data showed very high recovery potential – especially with your company’s nanites to aide the process, and yet you can’t help but to think how none of this would be possible without Markus. He had sacrificed his life for this.
Of course, he knew the risk, but he was still your friend… he had helped you build this company, and you owed everything to him.
With a soft sniffle, you sit up and type out a quick message to your company, ensuring any family he had left would be taken care of and that a meeting be held to discuss what sort of memorial could be done in his honor. Perhaps a scholarship? Too cliché? Maybe a new branch of operations to extend the company’s reach, you had been discussing furthering your mission and having a greater footprint in society. You would bring up the idea before the others when the time comes, they may have a better idea, but regardless, you would insist upon it carrying the name Markus in some way.
Just as you stand, intending to make your way down to check in on Goro and learn more about V’s status, he bursts through the door. Before you can panic his features break into a broad grin, his chest heaving slightly as if he had just ran all the way to your office.
“It was successful.”
You practically jump over the desk, darting towards him in a near tackle as you wrap your arms around each other.
“She is in recovery,” he squeezes you and nuzzles against the side of your head, “they are waiting for you to come in before they administer the IV of nanites. They wished for you to do the honors, as she is stable and in good condition.”
Tears threaten to spill over as the corners of your eyes prickle, the emotions overwhelming after all you had been through lately, though relieving to hear. You nod, wiping gently beneath your eyes to catch the liquid gathering there before it could trail down your face.
Goro kisses your forehead and interlaces his fingers with yours, walking hand-in-hand towards V’s room.
You again feel as if the hallway is too long and too short at the same time. As if it takes forever to reach her, but your heart pounds in your chest at the thought of entering the room.
She looks so peaceful, not even needing a respirator, leaving just the vital monitors and an IV connected through her arm.
One of the doctors hands you the tube of nanites, which you gladly place in the cartridge connected to the IV, sliding down the plunger to release them into her bloodstream.
You can’t believe this is finally happening, everything having culminated to this very moment, here, in this room, with V and Goro at your side. It wasn’t quite the future you had envisioned for yourself, but you wouldn’t change a single thing about it…
--------
5 years later:
Goro brings your knuckles to his lips, smiling in silent affection as you wrap up your call with the operations team at the newly built Markus Tech facility, they had just gone live, and the company heads had been on the line to celebrate as everything became fully functional.
You hang up in time to catch Goro checking the time, quirking a brow at him in response. “We’re not late,” you jokingly nudge your elbow against his ribs as you both make your way out of the car and towards the restaurant, “besides, she can wait.”
“V is not a patient woman,” Goro chuckles, opening the door to reveal a beautiful interior. You were glad to be sharing the celebration of the new company location with your family, but it did feel a bit over the top to be in such a fancy place.
Goro and yourself enjoy an excuse to dress up, but you’re relieved to see V had actually seemed to enjoy herself too. She jumps up from her place at the table to embrace you in a vice-like hug, looking healthier and happier than ever, wearing nice attire that she genuinely seems comfortable in rather than just playing the part. She had done so much growing up in the last few years, even coming to work for your company – she was going to transfer to the Markus Tech branch to help ease their transition and keep an eye on things while they still got their footing in the local area.
You couldn’t be more proud of her.
All 3 of you take your seat, catching up as Johnny’s hologram makes an appearance, looking as though he had just woken up from a nap, but happy to see everyone nonetheless.
Dinner goes by better than you could have ever hoped, filled with smiles and laughter, your cheeks hurting and heart absolutely beaming with pride and love at the image of your family all sitting together – just the 4 of you.
A special dessert makes its way out as Goro places a hand over your eyes. “No peeking,” he chuckles, leaning in close and shuffling a bit beside you before removing his hand to reveal a beautiful arrangement with a sparkler in the middle.
Perhaps a bit cliché, but painfully adorable, and…
Your heart skips as you read the writing on the edge of the plate, your eyes dating to Goro who holds a small open box in his hand.
“Will you marry me?”
--------
NOTES: *** Thank you so much to everyone who stuck with me through this journey! I loved writing this, and may add more to it in a separate fic later - sort of like a little peek at what Goro, reader, and V have been up to. But it depends on what you guys want to see. If there's enough call for it, I'd be happy to write a short snippet follow-up.
For now. This fic is officially... COMPLETE!!! ***
The procedure will take some time, leaving you and Goro to discuss the details a bit further regarding your plan before approaching your research team with the idea. They reassure you that it’s possible to create a new line of nanites that wouldn’t have the replication protocol at all, and that they are nearly impossible to reverse engineer to begin with, but the replication would have been the most difficult part. If Arasaka already had a steady supply of nanites, it may avoid their continued research entirely.
After all, they were more of a ‘buy out’ type of company than actually coming up with things on their own. If you added them to your list of business partners, it would create a mutually beneficial relationship – yet another transaction, and something Arasaka was well versed in.
Even Goro’s betrayal would cease to matter to them, should the deal seem appealing enough.
He’s convinced they will say yes, having spent decades overseeing many business meetings and understanding their corrupt ‘politics’.
You gather your Department Head of Research, your Chief Security Officer, and your Marketing Director in your office here at the labs, wanting to stay close to V in case anything happens rather than driving down to the business building. Goro locks the door and returns to his seat as you connect into the hologram system so everyone can see and hear the conversation.
Goro shifts a bit in his seat but offers you a reassuring smile when he catches your eyes on him.
Before you have time to say anything, you’re met with the images of several heads of Arasaka from various departments – the big decision makers having agreed to attend the meeting in a state of truce in order to hear your proposition.
As expected, there is a lot of back and forth. Several breaks to discuss amongst yourselves on either side, as well as to breathe and avoid any outbursts of anger at the borderline unreasonable Arasaka team – though you had known it would be like this.
You continue to tell yourself it’s no different than any other business deal – the stakes were higher… but it was the same song and dance at the end of the day.
Luckily, this is what you and your team do best. This is what your whole company is about – infiltrating the bad guys, doing business with them in a way that prevents further chaos, and hopefully shifting some of their procedures from within. The whole idea has always been to avoid violence wherever possible, and you have had MORE than enough violence with these people already.
Goro hands you a warm cup of tea, his hand resting on your shoulder as he stands by your side, giving you a nod in silent confirmation as you scoot your chair forward. The contract flickers on the desk, your hand hesitantly hovering over the line at the bottom before a simple wave of the wrist declares the partnership official. He squeezes lightly, offering you comfort in knowing he agrees with your decision as you send the document back to Arasaka.
“Thank you,” their team bows their heads, their team lead taking the opportunity to speak, “Arasaka is pleased to do business with you.”
And just like that, after 5 hours of negotiations… Goro is a free man, V should be coming out of operation soon, and your company had just gained another huge client that you had been trying to land for years.
“We did it,” you relax back in your seat, smiling to the rest of your team as they stand up to stretch and clap each other on the backs in congratulations.
“I’ll hold a debrief at HQ first thing,” your Chief Security Officer shakes your hand, patting it softly with the other as he smiles, “you have things to focus on here, let us take care of the rest.”
You nod and thank everyone again, turning your attention to Goro after everyone files out, leaving just the 2 of you.
“I do not know how to thank you enough for all that you have done for me,” he leans against the edge of your desk, half sitting on it.
“I’m a bit biased,” you shrug, grinning up at him, “I prefer you alive.”
“I am glad you do,” he chuckles, folding his arms across his chest as he nods to your tea, “drink it before it becomes cold, love. I will go check on the timeframe with V.”
You want to protest, to go with him to talk to the doctors, but you’re exhausted, and thankful for the opportunity to sit back and enjoy some temporary silence over a hot cup of tea.
He leans over to kiss you on your cheek, but you capture his lips instead, a giddy chuckle shared between you both as things finally seem to be falling into place.
It seems easy when you’re with Bi-Han, like the rest just fades away and you can let it be the two of you forever.
But the minute you walk away from him, everything else comes rushing back for you to deal with. You just want to shower…
Thankfully no one seems to be up yet, allowing you to make it to the showers without any interruption or delay.
The water cascades over you, the heat hurting a bit at first until you adjust, then your muscles practically melt as tension seems to wash away down the drain. Some of your best thinking is done in the shower – usually… Today? Maybe not so much…
You still just feel so overwhelmed by all of it, especially with these crazy dreams you keep having. Maybe Bi-Han was right. Maybe you’re losing your shit.
What if you DID hurt someone?
With a squeaky twist of the nozzle you shut the water off, begrudgingly drying and getting dressed before making your way to check Raiden’s usual ‘hangouts’.
The soft thud of your feet against the rock floors echoing in the empty hallways as they seem to lengthen before you, taking 10 times longer than usual to walk from your room. Yet, you still manage to find yourself standing before Raiden all too soon, and with a loss for words. Even after taking your time, you hadn’t come up with a single way to approach the topic.
His eyes glow beneath the brim of his hat as he tilts his head towards you, one brow quirking.
“Can uh…” you jerk a thumb over your shoulder towards the doorway, “can you come to my room for a minute?”
He studies you briefly, clasping his hands behind his back in a calm but curious manner, as if reading an open book set before him.
You shift your weight uncomfortably under his lingering gaze, “Bi-Han asked to speak with you about…”
“He is concerned about your powers.” He states as a matter of fact rather than a question.
With only a nod in response, you feel like a kid having been sent to fetch their parent after having been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Though you know you haven’t really done anything wrong, you still can’t help the growing pit in your stomach that sinks with every step closer to your room.
Raiden’s presence hardly makes a sound, his feet falling with soft and effortless glides across the floor, as if any sound he did make was for your benefit more than anything. You’re almost positive he even smirks when you glance over to him, having paused at the door.
He nods softly, offering a warm, knowing grin as he proceeds to enter alone, shutting it behind him before you can catch a glimpse of Bi-Han.
You expect to hear something, anything, but it’s only silence. They’re either speaking in extremely hushed voices, or they have a way to prevent anyone else from listening in – not that it would surprise you at this point. It seems like anything’s possible these days.
--------
Bi-Han POV:
I can sense her presence on the other side of the door, her wariness lingering in the air as Lord Raiden shields the room from prying ears.
“You have asked to speak with me?” He queries, folding his hands behind his back.
Having elected to leave the mask off, I simply offer a smile in return as a means of ‘peace’. “For her, and her alone.”
“I would expect nothing less from Sub-Zero,” he nods his head in a brief, shallow bow, “though, it would seem she has managed to bring some humanity back. Yes?”
There has been no opportunity to discuss the happenings of late with anyone else, only my inner thoughts and my time with her. Otherwise, I have had to continue with the façade under Shang Tsung. To hear someone speak of her, of us and our bond… feels strange.
In a way, I could not be more proud of my love, my soulmate, my everything. However, there remains my long standing history and the reputation that I have built.
While I can appreciate Lord Raiden’s words, and his acknowledgment of my true intentions towards her – they are just that… they are towards HER. And only her.
Rather than approach the subject now, I aim to keep focused, “I must ask for your help.”
He raises the brim of his hat, taking a moment to study me, as if pondering his own position in all of this.
“I have no reasoning to ask other than her safety,” I pace along the edge of the barrier, wiling myself to stay calm and avoid unnecessary conflict. The key would be for Lord Raiden to understand my predicament. “If I had any other choice, we would not be having this conversation.”
With a soft hum, he nods his head, stepping closer to the barrier.
I meet him, allowing the lingering eye contact as we stand mere inches apart, knowing he is searching for something there as I clasp my own hands behind my back. Taking a breath, I do my best to remain focused on the task at hand. It does not matter my history with Lord Raiden, nor with Earth Realm, it only matters that I ensure my love’s safety.
He breaks away, taking a few steps towards the door, “I will mentor her.” He casts a sideways glance back over his shoulder, “But, I will ask something in return.”
The refreshing night air fills your lungs, a light shiver running down your spine as the breeze chills your wet hair.
It seems you’re making a habit already, forming a routine of enjoying the air quality here, processing all that had happened today.
Vegeta apparently has the same routine, whether it existed already or not you’re unsure. He lowers himself on to the seat beside you, glancing over only briefly as if ensuring he hadn’t disturbed your peaceful ‘solitude’.
He leans back, lacing his hands behind his head for support and taking a deep breath of his own, seeming to find his own zen.
Crickets chirp, fireflies flickering in the tree line, stars twinkling throughout the vast sky above – a picturesque night, considering how your day had been.
You try to focus on the positive – having found 2 Saiyans to train with, who are both willing and even excited to help. It’s just difficult to grasp that your whole world was gone… Earth had been your home as long as you could remember, and you love your family dearly, not wanting to trade them for anything, but still, you couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like.
A bright light flashes as your phone vibrates, your mom and dad’s faces filling the screen as you silence it with a sigh.
They had been trying to call for about an hour, to which you sent a short text promising you would call them tomorrow, but they were understandably worried. It was rare for you to ignore their calls, much less be so short with your messages.
You just… didn’t have the energy to talk to them yet, or tell them what you had learned. It was taking everything you had to just process the information on your own, and not break down all over again.
Vegeta quirks a brow your direction, meeting your eyes in silence.
“I’ll call them back tomorrow,” you mutter, shoving your phone in your hoody pouch.
“They care about you,” he states plainly, sitting up to face you, “you’re lucky to have them.”
“I know…” you whisper, turning your attention back to the sky, feeling your eyes sting slightly under his surprisingly concerned gaze. Those brows of his having knitted together, it was just too much.
He scoots a bit closer, “do you want to talk about it?”
“I don’t know if I can,” you admit, your voice wavering as it threatens to close up a bit. You refuse to break down again, especially in front of him.
He hums, the heat of his gaze bringing a slight flush to your cheeks. “Do you want to listen, then?”
You raise a brow towards him, allowing your eyes to meet.
He seems to take this as confirmation, shifting to sit at the edge of your lounge chair, his leg brushing against yours, “I’m sorry you had to learn this way, about our world…” He takes a breath, pausing for a moment as if to steady himself before continuing, his brows furrowing slightly. “It brings me no joy to be the one to tell you, especially after you searched for another Saiyan in hopes of seeing our planet, but … I’m glad you found us. It means a lot to know there is another Saiyan we didn’t know about. It brings us hope of finding more, somewhere, somehow.”
“What happened to them?” You cross your legs, scooting closer. “You and Goku said the planet was destroyed, along with our people, but… what happened?”
His jaw clenches, his gaze dropping as he turns slightly away.
Without hesitation you reach out, resting your hand on his arms, your eyes meeting his with a pleading NEED to know. They were your people… and he knows what happened to them – you deserve to know, and to hear it from someone who was there.
“Frieza happened…” he practically spits the name, his face creasing into a scowl. “He destroyed everything.”
“But…” you drop your hand slightly, though still touching his forearm without fully realizing, “but why?”
His eyes drop to your hand, his shoulders relaxing, if only slightly, as he meets your eyes again, “he was hoping to destroy all Saiyans, thinking us too prideful and worrying we would be his downfall.”
“Does he know about you?” You scoot closer, your knees bumping against his leg, “or Goku?”
He nods curtly, “he does. There are a handful of us left.”
“Do you think he’ll…” you pull your hand back, clasping them both together on your lap and hunching over a bit, feeling your shoulders slump, “do you think he’ll look for us?”
“Hey,” he reaches gingerly for your hand, taking it in his own and giving a gentle squeeze, “just focus on training. Kakarot and I will handle the rest.”
“But I-“
“IF he comes,” he rubs his thumb along your knuckles with a small smile warming his features, “then WE will handle him. All of us. For now, just focus your energy on training, understand?”
“I understand,” you nod, your cheeks flushing lightly as you do your best to ignore the warmth of his hand caressing yours, “what about the others?”
“They’re not much help,” he rolls his eyes, “they’re not worth the effort of finding, not right now anyway.”
“So, all the women? The… children?” You cast your eyes down, feeling the sting well in your throat as you sniffle softly.
“We thought they were all gone,” he tucks a knuckle under your chin, tilting your head up to look you in the eyes, “but you made it out somehow. That means there could be others.”
You lunge forward, wrapping your arms around him and nearly knocking him over as his body stiffens briefly and you expect him to push you away. Instead, his muscles relax as he leans into you, resting his head against yours as he holds you in his arms.
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“This is amazing!” Goku squeezes you, lifting you into a spin and earning an eye roll from Vegeta who saunters over, still wearing that damn smirk of his.
“Why didn’t you just say something?” Vegeta keeps his arms crossed, glancing to Goku as you dangle helplessly in his arms. “Kakarot…”
“Oh!” Goku lowers you back down and releases his vice-like grip, allowing you to refill your lungs with air. He chuckles and scratches the back of his head, “hey, uh, sorry about that. I just got over excited.”
“No problem,” you take a step back from him, weary of another hug attack with his overenthusiastic excitability.
Vegeta clears his throat, raising a brow above his unwavering gaze, his eyes never leaving yours. “Well?”
“Back home I…” You shift your weight to the other leg, glancing back to Goku before returning your attention to Vegeta. “Well, I was adopted. They knew I was Saiyan but didn’t know much about what that meant. They’re still so rare… I’ve only ever heard of one other on Earth and hoped to find them, but,” you shift again, eyes lowering to the ground, “it’s hard to tell people you’re different when you’re not even sure what it means. Not everyone accepts it.”
“Well, you found two of us!” Goku practically bounces as he stands taller, his smile widening as he beams with joy.
“Two?” You perk up, instantly feeling your spirits lift as you glance between them both. “You’re?... Both of you?...”
Vegeta only hums in confirmation, though you note the brief twitch at the corner of his lips as they threaten to break into a smile – you’re actually surprised he doesn’t take the opportunity to gloat or smirk.
“Sure are,” Goku clasps his hands together, “training is going to be great! Aren’t you excited Vegeta? Another Saiyan!”
He hums again, head tilting as he studies you. “Full Saiyan?”
“As far as I know,” you shrug, “I don’t know much about it, honestly. I was hoping if I found another Saiyan they would be able to tell me a bit about it…” You cross your own arms, thinking back to your childhood, feeling excluded, like an outsider everywhere but in your own home, where at least you were lucky enough to have an amazing and loving family. “I’m not even sure what it means to be a Saiyan, or what our home was like… Why there seems to be so few of us. Or why I was left here.”
“I’m sure we could help fill in some of the gaps,” Goku tucks a finger under your chin, lifting your head to meet his eyes, “we’ll help you figure it out, won’t we Vegeta?”
Vegeta glances between the two of you before giving a curt nod, “We won’t be much help, but it’ll be better than whatever garbage you were fed about us as a child.”
“Hey,” Goku shifts his arm to rest across your shoulders, pulling you to his side, “why don’t we call it for today? I’m sure Chi-Chi has some food ready by now. We can start early tomorrow and really push with the training!”
“We’re done already?” You furrow your brows at him, surprised that it had been so short. Though you’ve been at it most of the day, you recover quickly and know you could go for a bit longer, especially now that you don’t have to hold back. Admittedly, you were excited to see what 2 other Saiyans were really like. How much power do they have?
“For today,” Vegeta speaks up, his hands finally dropping to his sides as he seems to soften, if only a little, “we have a lot to discuss, and it may be draining. We need you at full potential tomorrow if we’re really going to start taking training seriously.”
“And I’m starving anyway.” Goku laughs, grinning as he pats his stomach with his free hand.
Vegeta just rolls his eyes, turning away to walk a few steps before taking flight.
You and Goku follow suit, landing back at Goku’s house in no time.
Sure enough, Chi-Chi was just finishing up dinner. The house smelled amazing, reminding you of the homecooked meals with your family… you miss them terribly, but you’d finally found what you had been looking for, and you couldn’t be more excited. Maybe you would finally have some answers to the questions that had been tearing at you since childhood.
Goku and Vegeta do their best to fill you in, explaining what they can, but Goku had lost his memory when he was younger, and Vegeta had only been a boy at the time. The news that your home planet, somewhere you had never even been… has been gone for some time now… isn’t a small pill to swallow.
It’s not somewhere you’ll miss, as you had never been, but it still cuts deep to have the opportunity ripped from you.
You would never know what your home world was like…
And your numbers are so low because… there are genuinely only very few of you left.
According to them, you’re the only known female Saiyan of this universe.
A pit forms in your stomach, the food in your mouth suddenly unappealing as you take a swig of water to wash it down. You swallow thickly, your mouth still feeling dry as you quietly excuse yourself from the table.
Chi-Chi nods in understanding, giving Goku a gentle elbow to the ribs when he opens his mouth to protest.
You give her a meek smile and make your way to the bathroom, cranking the shower on full heat and staring blankly into the mirror until it fogs over completely. With a sigh, you type out a quick text to your parents that you would call them tomorrow and update them on the trip. Your phone dings almost instantly with their response, but you place it screen side down on the counter as you screw your eyes shut, willing the pain in your chest to dissipate.
Sniffling, you shrug off your battered clothes and step into the near scalding stream of water, your muscles relaxing and skin prickling as your aches melt away. Your physical pains easing, but your emotions swaying drastically, tears mixing with water as both roll down your face.
Knowing there is more than one shower in the house, you opt to linger this time, allowing yourself to slide down and hug your knees to your chest.
The water runs over you like warm rain, the realization setting in that even though you had technically found what you were looking for… you weren’t alone on this world anymore… you found not only ONE Saiyan, but TWO… and yet, you had never felt more alone in your whole life.
You’re exhausted, and grateful for the comfortable bed, the warm and delicious meal, and the promise of training tomorrow. But… something just refuses to settle in your mind, something picking at the edge of your subconscious, not allowing you to fall asleep.
With a sigh, you unceremoniously toss the blankets to the side, grumbling as you swing your legs over the edge of the bed and toss on a large hoody from your bag. You blink against the brightness of your phone screen as you tap the weather icon, eyes finally adjusting to see a mild 60°, leaving no need to change into pants.
The house is quiet, a deep snoring coming from the far end where Chi-Chi had mentioned their room is. Smirking to yourself, you pad quietly to the back door, stepping through as you cautiously shut it behind you.
Their place is beautiful - simple, but beautiful.
The night air caresses your skin, a soothing and meditative like state washing over you as you look up to see the sky littered with countless stars. It had been so long since you’d been in a smaller town, far enough away from the major light pollution to actually see how beautiful it really is up there. You’d always been mesmerized, even as a child. Hours upon hours had been spent just looking up, lost in thought, contemplating life and its beauty.
You settle in to one of the lounge chairs, leaning your head back to gaze more comfortably, feeling your energy ease into a that zen calm you had hoped to find.
Though you sense someone nearby, you keep your eyes on the sky, glancing only briefly to the side as Vegeta takes the seat next to you.
“Can’t sleep?” He asks, tucking his hands up behind his head as he leans back in the chair.
“I don’t sleep much anyway,” you offer a genuine but small smile, noticing his attention turn to the sky, “it’s always calmed me to just… sit, and watch.”
“It’s a good night for it,” he takes a slow, deep breath as another breeze flows through, “clear, cool, quiet.”
You hum in agreement, closing your eyes to take a breath of your own, the breeze picking up and rustling through the trees.
“Are you cold?” his voice brings you back to the present.
“Hm?” You open your eyes, glancing over to see him nod towards your legs, the skin prickled with goosebumps. “Oh,” you chuckle and sit up, “no, I was just thinking of a childhood memory and it uh… I don’t know how to explain it. Do you ever just…” you glance over to him again as he sits up, resting his elbows on his knees to lean in closer, “ah, nevermind.”
“Do I ever what?” He quirks a brow, eyes searching yours.
“I get stupid and philosophical on nights like this,” you wave a hand vaguely, sitting up and crossing your legs and shoving both hands into the front pouch of your hoody, “I’m probably just rambling.”
“To say that you’re rambling would imply that it’s something I don’t want to hear.” He tilts his head slightly, “and since I’m asking…”
You look again to the stars, trying to find the words, “Do you ever have a memory, or a thought, that triggers an emotion just… really deep inside of you? Good or bad.”
He doesn’t answer immediately, presumably taking time to think of an instance, or perhaps debating admitting you had been rambling after all.
But the silence draws on, albeit likely only for a few seconds, but they stretch for years as your cheeks grow warm with regret. It’s hard for you to share things, to let people in and be vulnerable to your inner thoughts, even seemingly simple ones such as this. Not that you cared what others think, but it’s just easier to remain aloof to those other than your family – the night air had lessened your inhibitions and, as you had warned, made you a bit more open.
You risk a glance over to him, his eyes already on you, studying you and making your cheeks grow hotter.
“Told you it was just rambling,” you shrug, attempting to play it off even though you had felt this to be a rather personal moment.
“No.” He shakes his head, gaining your attention again as his brows furrow. “I mean… No, it’s not rambling. I was just trying to …” he purses his lips and lets a deep breath out through his nose, “it’s a bit difficult for me to express certain emotions outwardly, but I think I’ve experienced something similar, yes.”
“Have you tried meditation?” You shift a hand to tap lightly at your own temple, “helps focus the mind, calm the emotions. Helps to control your reaction to what you feel rather than avoiding the emotions entirely.”
With a smirk and a chuckle, he rolls his eyes, “and you think I don’t have control?”
“I don’t know you well enough to judge either way,” you shrug, earning another smile and raised brow from him, “all I know is if you have a hard time expressing emotions, it’s because you have a hard time controlling your reactions around them.”
He hums softly, sitting up straighter as he glances out to the swaying trees, “what about you?”
“Me?” your own lips turn up into a near smirk.
“Don’t you ever get 'out of control'?” His voice seems softer, more curious than challenging.
“I used to have really bad anger issues,” you admit, chuckling at his amusement as his eyes land on you again, “that’s WHY I got into meditation. I wanted to control my reactions better.”
“And it works?”
You make a vague motion with your hand and somewhat shrug, “I’m a lot better, but I think it’s something I’ll always have to work on.”
He hums again, the slight tickle along the edge of your consciousness tempting you to meet his gaze as he studies you.
You instead close your eyes and again breathe in the night air as another gust of wind brings with it the soothing rustle of leaves.
The silence remains, even after you relax back into the chair, snuggled up in your own hoody and again watching the night sky. Vegeta having settled in to do the same.
Somehow, it doesn’t feel awkward, or strained. Just… comfortable. Like the usual soothing vibe you’re used to but, better? You’d never really been able to share something like this with anyone, enjoying the solitude and silence but… together.
It didn’t quite make sense, but also made you feel more at home than you’d felt in a very long time, so you don’t bother questioning it – opting instead to lean into it and just let the moment be what it is.
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You clutch at the warm blankets, the smell of food coaxing you from a deep sleep and easing you into the day as you rub your eyes.
Daylight filters through the window, your muscles tensing as you stretch your entire body and release a happy yawn, feeling content and excited to take on the day. You reach to the side table to grab your phone, finding only empty tabletop.
With another yawn you sit upright and blink a few times to fully wake up, glancing over to see that it was in fact nowhere to be seen. Furrowing your brows, you swing your legs over the side of the bed and see an empty floor as well. As you stand, intending to check under the bed, your phone slips from your hoody pocket and lands with a soft thud on the fluffy rug.
You tug at the hoody, narrowing your eyes briefly as you look to the door before slowly picking up your phone.
Now that you’re awake, you don’t even remember falling asleep, much less coming back to bed. The last thing you remember was sitting outside with Vegeta – which you would chalk up to some weird dream if you hadn’t still been wearing your hoody.
A quick change of clothes and a couple of seconds in the bathroom to wash the sleep from your face starts the day off right, brushing off the questions of how you ended up back in bed, deciding it didn’t matter for now. You obviously walked back in and simply slept too hard to remember – you must have been extremely tired and groggily stumbled your way through the house. At this point you’re just grateful you had managed to make it to your own room in the dark, especially somewhere so unfamiliar.
Everyone greets you at the breakfast table, Chi-Chi having just set everything down as she swats Goku’s hand away.
“Hey!” He pouts, “she’s about to sit down, can’t I at least fill my plate?”
“Can’t you wait 2 seconds?” Her face brightens into a warm smile as she greets you, “goodmorning! I hope you slept well.”
“I slept great actually,” you take your seat, and everyone begins fixing their own plates. “This all looks wonderful, thank you Chi-Chi.”
“We were worried about you last night,” she motions across the table, “Goku heard a noise and when we came out to check on everything, we saw Vegeta carrying you to bed. He said you fell asleep outside?”
Vegeta stiffens briefly, his cheeks a hinting a light shade of pink as you glance his direction, his eyes focused solely on his food.
“I guess I did,” you offer a small smile to Chi-Chi, “I just wanted some fresh air.”
“OH,” Goku laughs, “just open your window next time. I’ll show you how after training today.”
“She knows how to open a window, Kakarot.” Vegeta rolls his eyes.
“Well, then why didn’t-“
“You better hurry up and eat if you want to get started on training,” Chi-Chi reminds him, seeming to kick him immediately into overdrive as he practically vacuums food into his mouth.
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Sweat drips down your brow, your chest heaving as you struggle to get enough water, your thirst nearly impossible to quench with the energy you’ve already expended today. It had been a long time since you’ve had to push yourself so hard, these guys were no joke. Maybe you really had lucked out in meeting them, you’d already picked up a few things, especially watching them fight each other.
“C’mon,” Goku motions to you, “let’s go again.”
“Hang on,” Vegeta stands beside you, earning a questioning glance from Goku as he turns to face you, his arms folded across his chest, “why are you holding back?”
“Vegeta-“
“No,” he holds a hand up to Goku, his eyes staying locked with yours, “I wanna know. Why are you holding back?”
“What are you talking about?” You throw your hands up, motioning to your red face dripping with sweat. “I’m struggling to keep up with you guys.”
“Then power up,” he crosses his arms again, tilting his head up as is to emphasize his point.
Goku opens his mouth to speak again, but all it takes is a small side glance from Vegeta to silence him.
“You want to push yourself, right?” He doesn’t wait for your response, instead he just steps closer. “Then push yourself.”
You narrow your eyes at him, knowing damn well he’s trying to rile you up, lure you into a better fight.
“If you’re not here to challenge yourself,” he shrugs, “or us, then what’s the point in training with you?”
“Vegeta, I think that’s eno-“
“No,” you look to Goku, cutting him off, “he’s right. You want a challenge?”
Vegeta smirks, and for a moment you wonder if he somehow knows about you, about who you really are. That cocky grin plastered across his face, even with the scrapes and cuts from a day of training he still managed to look so fucking sure of himself. And honestly, it was starting to piss you off a little.
“You think you would be a challenge?” He chuckles, taking another step closer, his arms almost brushing against yours, standing as close as possible without actually touching.
You refuse to back down, straightening your posture and feeling your energy rise as his smirk only broadens.
With a mental whisper of ‘fuck it’ to yourself… you throw caution to the wind.
A bright light flashes as you go Super Saiyan, the energy causing Vegeta to stumble back to avoid falling over.
“Is this what you wanted?” You cross your own arms, mimicking his default cocky stance.
Both he and Goku pause, the silence dragging on as their shock fades into delight.
“Another Saiyan!” Goku exclaims, practically tackling you as you power back down to normal.
