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Chapter Text

Goten turned onto the familiar dirt path to Capsule Corp., letting his worn sneakers crush the dry, dusty ground beneath them. A light breeze teased his short black hair with each step. The bright sun warmed his shoulders as he approached the vast open field outside Vegeta's house. There, the grass was soft; birdsong and murmuring streams filled the tranquil haven with serenity. An over-the-top oasis designed by none other than Bulma herself.

A gentle smile crossed Goten's face, his heart full of excitement as he considered his reason for this visit.

A tall figure appeared in the distance, and Goten recognized Vegeta's imposing form the moment they locked eyes. Vegeta crossed his arms, sauntering toward Goten with a smolder in his penetrating gaze.

"Goten," Vegeta greeted gruffly, voice barely betraying any hint of warmth.

"Hi, Vegeta." Goten nervously cleared his throat.

"Do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something important."

"Spit it out." Vegeta commanded, eyes narrowed.

Goten hesitated for a brief moment, before plunging forward, "I want to marry Bulla. I came to ask for your permission, Vegeta."

The Saiyan prince stared at him with a stupefied silence that lasted just long enough to make Goten's palms damp with nervous sweat. Finally, Vegeta let out a huff, barking out a humorless laugh.

"You don't need my permission, Goten. Don't be ridiculous. It’s a silly human custom that Saiyans don’t need to bother with,” Vegeta replied with a shake of his head.

Slightly crestfallen, Goten explained, "I know, but I want your approval. I respect you, Vegeta - you've always been a father figure to me, especially when my own dad wasn’t present."

The mention of Goten's once late father brought an inscrutable look to Vegeta's fiery eyes, but his expression softened. "You truly take after your old man." He murmured.

Time seemed to pause between them for the briefest moment, a tranquil calm descending. Vegeta's once formidable aura appeared uncharacteristically subdued, making the field around them appear even more serene.

Goten took a deep breath, determined to ask once more. "Please consider it, Vegeta. If we have your blessing, that's all I need." His eyes pleaded earnestly, filled with such sincerity that Vegeta found his initial reluctance begin to waver.

"Although I don't need permission, I wish to have your approval," Goten reiterated, eyes holding Vegeta's captive.

Vegeta broke their gaze, seemingly caught off guard as he studied the verdant landscape before them - a subtle shift in his demeanor as he mulled over Goten's words. "Very well," he eventually conceded, albeit with a lingering hint of hesitance.

"If she agrees, then I approve Goten, but I have a condition of my own."

Goten's eyes widened momentarily, before he answered, a slight tremor in his voice. "Sure, Vegeta. I think I can handle whatever condition you have."

Vegeta clasped his hands behind his back and continued, "Should you two have a child one day, remember that the firstborn will carry the name I was never allowed to give Bulla - a proud Saiyan name."

Goten couldn't resist smiling knowingly. "I've heard the story, Vegeta. I'm aware of how you were robbed of that opportunity with Bulla." He shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"You seem to know far too much," Vegeta remarked, scowling slightly at his son-in-law-to-be. Yet, his icy facade couldn't hide a lingering tenderness that tugged at his heartstrings.

Vegeta had secretly regarded Goten as more than just his former enemy’s son - but a boy who needed a father figure, someone to take Goku's place in his young life. Although it had been years since Goku was brought back to life, it never seemed to smolder their relationship. In fact, Goten almost always came to Vegeta for advice and this gesture hadn’t gone unnoticed.

In the absence of his own father King Vegeta, Vegeta had embraced the role, welcoming the opportunity to forge a remarkable bond with this young Saiyan.

Goten's decision to ask Vegeta for his approval was unsurprising; throughout their relationship, he had recognized Vegeta's subtle but genuine affection and concern for him. The Saiyan prince had always been the type to conceal his emotional vulnerability, never making explicit declarations of love or loyalty.

Nevertheless, his actions spoke louder than words, and Goten had been aware of his special affectionate treatment.

As their conversation in the field drew to a close with Goten's reply, Vegeta's eyes were drawn to Bulla, who was sunbathing on an azure blanket near the house. She gracefully flipped her cerulean locks over one shoulder, deep in conversation with her best friend, Pan.

Goten's heart swelled with love and pride as he followed Vegeta's gaze, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Vegeta spoke again, uncharacteristic warmth seeping into his tone, "Bulla is fortunate to have someone as sincere as you, who treats her with the affection and respect she deserves."
Goten's gaze never strayed from his love's warm smile as he thoughtfully responded, understanding the gravity of this rare compliment.

"Bulla is my everything, Vegeta. The day I realized that, I knew I couldn't ignore the love I have for her."

Vegeta's voice remained uncustomary soft even as he further addressed Goten, the rigid line of his mouth relaxing into a slight curve. "She has always spoken highly of you too. If my daughter is to marry, she could find no better match than someone as kind and honorable as you."

Goten's face lit up with joy and gratitude for the prince's unexpected show of approval. While Vegeta rarely shared his gentle emotions, Goten felt a deep sense of appreciation for the man's sincerity.

"Thank you, Vegeta. I won't disappoint your trust in me."

As the two looked onto the horizon, Vegeta realized that the sun was beginning its slow descent, signaling dusk's imminent arrival. An air of serenity blanketed the field as the colors faded from blue to a soft mix of orange and pink.

The once-bright sun had relinquished its throne to the starlit sky, and only the whispers of the wind remained. Goten's heartbeat echoed in his ears, matching the soothing rhythm of crickets starting their symphony of the night.

Beside him, Vegeta stood at a distance, leaving enough space for a gentle breeze to pass between them. The prince wasn't one to indulge often in sentimental discussions.
Bulla snuck up on them quietly.

Her hair was a vibrant, metallic blue that she had inherited from her mother, and it cascaded down her back like a waterfall of shimmering color. Catching sight of her father and Goten together, heads bowed in quiet conversation, she tilted her head in curiosity, taking in the scene before her like a warm embrace of affection.

Bulla's bright, cerulean eyes captured her father's deep black ones and saw reflected the sincerity and vulnerability he rarely showed anyone. Her heart fluttered, filled with a warmth and security she had never quite put into words - yet always felt when in her father's presence.

Bulla, a young woman who embodied the very essence of vitality, resembled her mother but held an air of pride and strength peculiarly Saiyan.  Her cerulean eyes danced with curiosity and passion as she regarded Goten and her father. A smile of gentle amusement played on her lips as she approached the two, her lighthearted and affectionate disposition effortlessly illuminating the scene that embraced them.

Goten's heart swelled with joy as he turned toward Bulla, her mere presence igniting a fire within him not dissimilar to the power beyond Super Saiyan. The depth of his love for her had come as a surprise, a swelling tide of passion that could not be silenced or controlled.

As he glanced over at Bulla, her eyes met his with a quizzical expression. She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity bubbling and over in a heartbeat, the vibrant energy that consumed her life.

Bulla crossed her arms, stepping closer to them with inquisitive grace. "Alright, enough of the secret meeting. What exactly is it you two have been whispering about?" She teased gently, her laughter lighting up the entire field and chasing away any lingering remnants of hesitance or doubt.

Not wanting to seem as though he was keeping a secret from her after she rightfully inquired, Goten reached for Bulla's hand, fingers brushing over hers with deliberate affection before entwining them. His grip was firm and protective, but full of tenderness. The subtle possessiveness in the way he cradled her hand communicated his deep-rooted love for her without uttering a single word of a declaration.

Goten cleared his throat, a faint blush sneaking across his cheeks. "I came over here to ask Vegeta for his blessing," he murmured bashfully, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
"Blessing?" Bulla asked, eyebrows furrowing. She didn't understand where this conversation could possibly be headed.

Intrigued, Bulla awaited Goten's reply, but he hesitated, lost in the depths of her cerulean eyes. Vegeta noticed their entwined hands and the blush that creeped into Goten's cheeks, making it difficult for him to continue.

"I asked for your father's permission--" Goten stumbled over his words, but finally managed to blurt out, "to marry you, Bulla."

A hushed silence fell over the trio as Bulla tried to process this revelation.

Her eyes flickered between Goten and Vegeta, searching for any hint of a joke or subtle attempt at deception.

However, she found none. All she saw was the sincerity in their eyes, affirming that these words were not spoken in jest.

Bulla's shocked silence did not go unnoticed by Vegeta. A rare smile tugged at the corners of his lips, melting some of the hardness that usually inhabited his face.

"Indeed," he admitted, his voice gravelly yet tinged with unexpected warmth.
"I've given him my blessing, Bulla."

Vegeta's confession left her stunned. She blinked, uncertain if she heard him correctly. The concept of marriage, however, resonated with her in a way she hadn't quite expected.

Bulla extracted her hand from Goten's grip, raising it to her mouth to cover a sly smile spreading slowly across her face. She studied her father, then turned her gaze toward Goten, her heart swelling with emotion.

Her love for him had long been present in her life, but she was surprised by the sudden realization of how much she desired to become his wife, to formally make their love official. Bulla held her hand out to Goten, inviting him closer with a gentle tug of her fingers.

Goten stepped near, his body angling protectively toward Bulla as they stood there, their bond on full display. Vegeta studied them tenderly, and they could feel the depth of meaning behind his heavy stare.

"Well," Bulla cleared her throat and beamed at both of them.

"If you two are done whispering in secret, I think we have some celebrating to do!" Bulla's cheeks flushed a rosy hue, the sight of which tickled Goten so much he couldn't contain his laughter. Vegeta almost cracked a smile - though he'd never admit it.

However, the warmth in his eyes betrayed him, and the tenderness he'd always had for Goten became evident.

Bulla, for her part, pulled Goten into a playful embrace, a grin stretching across her face as she closed her eyes and melted into his arms. Her laughter filled the air, light and joyful, a balm to the often somber and tense moments of their family's Saiyan life.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling Capsule Corp. compound. The tranquil field was now bathed in the soft glow of strings of lights that crisscrossed above them, creating a beautifully intimate ambiance.

The sun had long finished its descent, leaving the sky a dark canvas of stars.

As the night deepened, the laughter between Goten and Bulla continued to float through the air. A gentle breeze carried the promise of excitement, adventure, and tender moments these lovers would soon share.

Chapter Text

Eighteen months had passed like whispers in the wind. The Capsule Corp private medical wing, typically a fortress of cutting-edge technology among sterile white walls, now welcomed the warm beams of the waning sun. Tinted windows bathed the room in soft, golden light, playing across Bulla's exhausted—yet triumphant—face. As she cradled her newborn daughter, her eyes teemed with happiness—a far cry from the furrowed questions that plagued her moments ago.

Beside her, her mother Bulma leaned forward, a patient and enigmatic smile etched on her lips, revealing how much she was already in love with the tiny creature in her daughter’s arms.

"Oh, Bulla, she's just beautiful," Goten sighed, overcoming his timid nature to gaze at the child. His eyes glowed with an identical adoration. As her baby’s father, his heart almost leapt out of his chest with overflowing emotions.

It was incredible how fast love manifested so deeply within him. He reached out hesitatingly, as though afraid she might crumble under his touch, and gently brushed his fingers against her tiny cheek before locking eyes with Bulla—whose gaze shimmered with anticipation. Goten's eyes fell on Bulla's hand, her finger sporting the wedding ring he had placed there almost a year ago.

His heart skipped a beat. Had it already been so long since they had publicly pledged their love?

Despite the passage of time, it felt like yesterday. His unwavering gaze met hers, and within that moment, a thousand unsaid confirmations danced, the connection between them solidified.

"Isn't she precious?" Bulla's words seemed to float gently like a summer breeze, softly pulling Goten back from his reverie.

“Of course. She's inherited her mother's beauty." Goten's eyes gazed lovingly at his newborn daughter. The slightest tuft of cerulean hair peeked through the blanket that comfortably cradled her. Although her eyes remained closed as she slept peacefully in Bulla's arms, he knew they would reflect the same crystalline blue that her mother's did.

However, there were still mysteries he looked forward to unwrapping, like the potential she carried as a Saiyan and the woman she would one day become.

Bulma's smile widened at Goten's compliment. She glanced up, eyes glancing toward the entrance to the medical wing and Vegeta, who had not yet made his appearance. Her thoughts trailed to a playful inner banter they once had: once the baby was born, Vegeta vehemently insisted she wouldn't get away with naming their grandchild.

He had missed his chance when Bulla was born, and he wouldn't weasel his way out of his grandfatherly duties with this one.

Bulma sighed, her gaze drifting back to the doorway, awaiting her husband's presence. He had undoubtedly ensured everything medical was in order during the birth. A part of her longed to share this exquisite moment with him, to see his face as he met their newborn granddaughter. The other part couldn't help but wonder what held him back.

Vegeta, who had always stood tall, proud, and unwaveringly confident, had yet to step in and witness what his youngest child had brought into the world.

A soft snort escaped Bulma's lips at recalling some of Vegeta's infamous reactions to change. Although she knew her husband loved both Trunks and Bulla deeply, he often battled against vulnerability, even when it presented itself in the form of new life.

Bulma almost laughed as she recalled Vegeta's intense, often awkward interactions with Trunks during his infancy. She could only imagine the warrior would respond similarly with their granddaughter, but deep down, she ached for him to break from what had clearly become his comfort zone.

Bulla carefully handed the cradled newborn to her mother who was already suggesting names for the newest Saiyan addition.

"I brought a list of names if you need any ideas," Bulma offered.

"Mom," Bulla's voice drew Bulma back from her musings.

"Hmm?" she hummed nonchalantly, adjusting her position as the baby continued to sleep.

"We've already given her a name," Goten said as he smiled at his daughter, whom they had already secretly named.

Bulma's eyes snapped to her daughter, eyebrows arching in surprise. "You have?" Her voice rose an octave. "Why didn't you tell me? I had so many good names picked out." She stared at Goten, awaiting his response. Her curiosity piqued.

Vegeta entered the room, finally making his presence known. Securing his signature pose next to Goten, he leaned against the bare wall, arms crossed in his usual stance. Goten exchanged a knowing grin with Bulla before replying to Bulma. "Vegeta beat you to it. We named her Eschalot." Goten's subtle smirk at Vegeta deepened, the weight of the revelation sinking in for Bulma.

Her lips parted slightly, a delicate gasp escaping, hands hugging her granddaughter closer. She felt her heart tighten in her chest. Vegeta had chosen their granddaughter's name and hadn't uttered a word to her. Bulma narrowed her eyes, taking in Vegeta's casual smirk.

The same smug smile had graced his lips so many times in the past, and she should have known there was no way he would let this opportunity slip through his hands. Vegeta's protective nature when it came to Bulla and Trunks was something few people truly understood – and she found it amusingly endearing.

Her voice softened as she addressed her husband, "You didn't think to tell me, Vegeta?" She kept her question light-hearted and draped her free arm around his waist, gently tugging him closer.

Vegeta's face betrayed no visible reaction, yet his lips curled into a ghost of a smile. Normally, his expression remained stoic, but this new role of a grandfather had softened some of his harder edges—though he would never admit it. Bulma often marveled at this subtle change, one she often caught only in their quieter and more intimate moments together.

Vegeta stepped away from the wall to lean over the hospital bed. A strong yet tender hand reached out, hovering just above their granddaughter's cerulean ringlet.

Vegeta allowed a fleeting moment for his fingers to trace the delicate curve of hair, lingering in a rare gesture of affection before drawing back and replying to Bulma's playful accusation.

"Would have spoiled the surprise," he said, his deep voice rumbling over her like thunder.

Bulma couldn't help but chuckle, unable to hold back a playful scoff. "It would have been nice to know ahead of time, you know." Her blue eyes shone with exasperated amusement.

"You mean like you did when Bulla was born," Vegeta drawled, the corner of his lips tugging upwards in a smirk as he glanced sideways at Goten.

The young man returned his father-in-law's smirk, their rare exchange of affectionate banter filled with warmth. A tender smile spread across Bulma's lips, appreciating this unique dynamic.
The atmosphere in the Capsule Corp private medical wing was a medley of adoration and tranquility as the core Saiyan and human family reveled in their newest member.

Vegeta's deep rumble of laughter punctuated the silence, giving the space a lively touch as he shared some playful quip with Goten and Bulla.

Bulma drank in the whole scene with a contented sigh. The precious beams of sunlight filtered through the tinted windows, casting an aura of serenity as they bathed the entire room. Once her eyes fell upon her sleeping granddaughter, a beautiful bundle of warmth, her heart overflowed.

But she couldn't help but poke fun at Vegeta. "You might have gotten to name our granddaughter, but I still get to name Trunks and Mai's baby." As if on cue, Trunks and Mai walked in to congratulate the couple's new bundle of joy.

With a sultry smile and a knowing wink at Vegeta, Mai whispered in Bulma's ear, "Don't let him win them all, Bulma. I'm counting on you." She cast a sideways glance toward her husband Trunks, whose playful smirk conveyed his in-the-know participation in their ongoing jest.

Bulma let out a hearty laugh, patting Mai's hand. "Oh, don't you worry. I won't let Vegeta have all the fun. I've already got a few names in mind for our little prince or princess." Bulma giggled at Mai's words, imagining the mischievous faces of their future offspring—some combination of Vegeta's pride and Bulma's wit.

But, for now, all thoughts turned to the tiny, cherubic Eschalot, the spitting image of her mother as a baby.

Goten's eyes shone with warmth as he tenderly observed the new family. "She's perfect, just like her name," he said with a smile. Bulma gently handed baby Eschalot to Goten and he cradled her lovingly in his strong, but careful arms.

Her minuscule hands curled softly, and then relaxed with the leisurely breathing of innocent sleep. Thin strands of blue, like silk, framed a small face so similar to that of Bulla's at her age.

Vegeta looked on fondly at his family from his spot by the wall, arms still crossed defensively in front of him, but with a soft smile on his face; even he could not resist the pull of their warm connection.

He reveled in the pureness that surrounded them, a feeling of belonging and comfort that had only begun to envelop his life since Bulma.

The once aloof, prideful Saiyan prince now experienced the simple joy of holding his grandchild, cherishing this magical moment while listening to the laughter that filled the high-end hospital room.

It was a feeling Vegeta wouldn't have dared to dream of having, in his days spent as a single-minded warrior on Planet Vegeta.

Yet the winds of change brought forth a different turn. And as he stood there, Vegeta knew he wouldn't, couldn’t, trade these moments for anything. He admitted it to himself—a private and genuine realization—that these everyday instances had become some of his most treasured.