In Your Dreams: Chapter 62

It seemed to Vegeta that he had only just fallen asleep when he heard his bedroom door creak open, followed by the sound of feet gently padding across the floor. He recognized the tempo in which the intruder traveled, and a low rumbling growl of annoyance vibrated in his throat as he squeezed his eyes shut tighter. He didn't need to open them to know it was entirely too early in the morning to 'rise and shine'.

His visitor had only just made it to his side of the bed when he whispered lowly in the dark to avoid waking Kakarotto, who he was currently holding tightly and possessively within his arms.

''Woman, this has better be an emergency.''

The threatening tone in his voice must have made the woman pause, because he detected a slight hitch in her breath as whatever words she'd been preparing to utter caught in her throat. Unfortunately for both of them, she chose to disregard his warning.

''You two can't see each other before the wedding. It's tradition.''

Dark eyes finally slid open, and Vegeta stared at his still slumbering mate for a long moment before shifting his gaze to Bulma over his shoulder. As tempting as it was to simply sit up and shake her until her teeth rattled, he knew Kakarotto would not approve of such violence, so instead he carefully slipped his arms from around the other man and rolled out of bed. He grabbed his robe from a nearby chair as he passed by the woman without a word, and he exited the room and waited for her in the darkened hallway.

The moment she appeared and closed the door behind her, he hissed through his clenched jaw. ''What time is it?!''

Bulma hummed under her breath and raised her watch to eye-level. She pressed a button on the side to illuminate the numbers. ''It's just about 5:00 am. Why?''

The prince could hardly believe she even had to ask, and his eye twitched as a surge of annoyance coursed through his veins. She dragged him out of his warm bed at an ungodly hour and she had to ask WHY?

His hands balled themselves into fists, and just as he was opening his mouth to verbally murder her, Bulma held up her hand to silence him and spoke in a hushed whisper.

''I know you're grumpy, but there are a ton of things to do. You need to help me pick up a few last things; like your uniform and the rings.''

''Now??''

''Yes, now!''

At that point Vegeta had the strongest urge to stomp his foot, but he managed to control himself at the last possible second. The only indication of his impending tantrum was the slight twitch of his toe.

''Why does Kakarotto get to sleep in?''

The prince winced at the sound of his own voice. That sounded dangerously close to a whine.

''He'll need to get up to feed Momoku in another hour or so anyway, so there's no point in getting him up this very moment.''

Bulma placed her hand on the Saiyajin's shoulder and spun him in the opposite direction before shoving him forward. He didn't move, of course, but her message was clear.

''I have clothes set out for you in the next room. Get dressed and let's go. .....And stop pouting!''

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A series of soft whimpers slowly roused Goku from his sleep, and he wearily opened his eyes and focused on the glowing numbers on the clock that sat beside the bed.

6:01 am.

Momoku never failed to alert him when her stomach demanded food. Thankfully the infant wasn't much of a screamer, so the early morning wake-up calls weren't nearly as unpleasant as they had the potential to be.

Another sharp whine from his daughter spurred the Saiyajin into moving, and he yawned as he stretched his arms over his head. He rolled onto his opposite side afterward, and he blinked in surprise when he found Vegeta no longer there. In fact, the spot he usually occupied wasn't even warm, which meant his mate had been gone for awhile. It was strange the other man's departure hadn't woken him up.

Goku stared at the spot for a moment longer before shrugging it off and lazily pulling himself from the bed. A shiver wracked his frame the second the cold air hit his warmer skin, and the Saiyajin immediately grabbed his robe and slipped it around his body, already crossing the bedroom as he tied the fabric belt around his waist to secure it in place.

His tail swayed around his ankles as he opened the bedroom door and ventured into the empty hallway. A few chattering voices could be heard from somewhere downstairs, but it wasn't unusual for Bunny to already be up and cooking at such an early hour, so he thought nothing of it.

Goku yawned again and rubbed some of the sleep from his eye as he entered the nursery and moved to the crib. Momoku had stopped fussing the second he'd left his own bedroom, obviously having heard him approaching. Her large black eyes gazed up at him, and her plump lips curled upward in a happy little smile as her chubby arms reached up toward the older Saiyajin. The infant grunted a couple times when Goku didn't immediately pick her up, and her brows scrunched up, clearly displaying her displeasure and impatience.

The expression reminded Goku very much of Vegeta, and he chuckled as he reached into the crib and scooped his daughter up in his arms. Momoku gurgled in excitement as she was carried over to the rocking hair, and tiny hands were already attempting to move the robe blocking her from her meal aside.

Goku's face flushed and his eyes darted to the door to make sure no one had appeared there without his noticing before he allowed the silk material to fall from a single shoulder, giving Momoku the access she needed to feed. She didn't waste anytime in doing so, and Goku shifted uncomfortably and turned his eyes to the wall on the far side of the room. He still didn't enjoy this particular process. It was just too weird. Thankfully Vegeta had told him Saiyajin infants tend to graduate to solid foods fairly quickly, so he wouldn't have to continue the embarrassing routine for too much longer.

The minutes slowly ticked by, and Goku found his mind wandering as he slowly rocked back and forth in the chair. He tipped his head back and let his eyes slide closed as his tail lazily swayed back in forth in perfect unison with the chair's movements.

''Goku?''

The Saiyajin's eyes snapped open and shifted to the door at the sound of his name, and his face flushed a deep shade of crimson when he saw ChiChi standing there. His ex-wife looked equally embarrassed to have caught him during such a private moment, and she quickly lowered her eyes to the floor. Her foot shuffled over the carpet awkwardly as Goku quickly stood and turned away from her, pulling his robe back into place to cover both himself and Momoku. The infant didn't seem bothered by any of this as she continued to nurse contently.

''Sorry. I heard you in here and didn't think to knock.'' Chichi said quietly as she chanced glancing back at the still flustered looking man. She watched as he shook his head before looking at her from over his shoulder, forcing a small smile onto his lips. The pinkish hue that still colored his cheeks clearly displayed his discomfort with her presence at that moment.

''N-No, it's ok. Did you need something?''

ChiChi arched a slim eyebrow as she cocked her head to the side. ''Goku... you do remember what's going on today, don't you?''

The Saiyajin stared at her for a long moment, and ChiChi nearly laughed when ebony eyes suddenly widened when his memory finally provided him with the information he needed. His modestly flew out the window as he spun around to face her, his tail whipping through the air with an audible 'swoosh'.

''The wedding! I forgot!''

The black-haired woman folded her arms over her chest and chuckled softly as she shook her head. ''Only you, Goku.'' She turned and took one step out of the room before glancing over her shoulder. ''Come downstairs when you're done here. There's a lot to do.''

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After feeding Momoku Goku took a quick shower and dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a white t-shirt before once again retrieving his daughter. His bare feet moved silently down the steps, and the Saiyajin paused once he'd reached the bottom. His wide eyes watched in disbelief as several dozen people darted in all different directions. Some were carrying bundles of flowers, some trays of food, and others had clipboards and were speaking into microphones they had attached to their ears.

Goku subconsciously cradled Momoku more securely against his chest before he carefully negotiated his way into the kitchen, where he assumed he'd find ChiChi and the others waiting for him. Sure enough, when he crossed from the living room into the tiled kitchen, he found Bunny manning her station at the stove and his ex-wife and Victor sitting at the table. Victor was the first to notice his arrival, and he offered the Saiyajin a large smile before motioning to the empty seat across from him. Several plates full of hot food were already waiting, and he hadn't realized how hungry he'd been until his stomach chose that moment to growl.

''Morning!'' Victor beamed as he set down his newspaper and took a sip of coffee. ''How are you feeling this morning?''

Goku offered the other man a small smile in return as he shifted Momoku to one arm and picked up his fork with his free hand. He shook his head when ChiChi offered to take the baby while he ate.

''No, thanks. I've got her.'' The Saiyajin took a bite of his scrambled eggs before shifting his gaze back to Victor. ''And I'm feeling pretty good. Excited, a little nervous maybe.'' He paused and glanced around the room. ''Where's Vegeta?''

Upon hearing the prince's name Bunny spun around and waved her spatula back and forth in the air. ''Ohhhh, no, no, no! You two can't see each other until the ceremony! It's bad luck!''

Goku stared at the old woman for a long moment before once again bringing a fork full of eggs to his mouth. He shifted his eyes to Chichi, looking for confirmation that this was indeed a fact. Much to his dismay, his ex-wife nodded in agreement.

''Oh...''

''Don't look so down about it. The time will fly by! It's only another five hours.''

''Five hours...'' The Saiyajin glanced up at the clock that hung on the wall, and he watched as the second hand ticked by far too quickly. For the first time since Vegeta's proposal, the reality of the situation hit him.

He was getting married.

To Vegeta.

In less than five hours.

......Freak out!

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''So, what do you think, sir? Is it what you expected?''

Vegeta studied the ring he held between his fingers, his eyes scrutinizing every detail. The golden band had a flawless copy of the Saiyajin Royal Crest engraved on its surface, and the grooves had been filled with a smooth diamond inlay that further accentuated the design. If the light hit it at just the right angel it would cast off a brilliant prism of color.

The prince's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. It was almost as perfect as the man who would be wearing it.

He shifted his gaze from the ring to the anxious employee who was still awaiting his approval, and he nodded once as he handed the band back to her.

''You do good work.''

The brunette's face lit up at the compliment, and she carefully placed the ring inside a black velvet case and gave it back to its new owner.

''Wonderful! Congratulations, and be sure to bring us some pictures, ok?''

Vegeta closed his fingers around the box and eyed the woman with obvious distaste before turning and heading out the door. She was entirely too loud and bubbly. She reminded him of someone though... he just couldn't quite put his finger on it. The prince shook his head to expel the thought from his head as he pushed open the door and started down the street to meet Bulma at the tailors a few blocks down. He didn't have time to waste on such trivial matters.

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''Wow! You look amazing!''

''Tell me something I don't already know, woman.''

Vegeta smirked as he moved his eyes from Bulma's reflection to his own. Though he'd had to have Kakarotto's uniform made from scratch, he'd already had his ready and waiting. It was one of the few possessions he had left from his father, and this was the first time he'd gotten to wear the same uniform his sire had worn when he'd accepted his title as King of the Saiyajins so many years ago.

Ceremonial attire wasn't too different from a Saiyajin's traditional battle armor, though the small alterations were extremely noticeable. The most obvious difference was the armor itself that fit over the spandex. The flexible material wasn't white and yellow as it was commonly seen, but instead it was a deep indigo blue. The shoulder pads and hip guards that extended along side each flank were darker by several shades, and a royal blue cape that matched the color of his bodysuit was held in place with silver clasps on each shoulder. His knee-high boots were made up of the same contrasting colors, and a pendant displaying the Royal Emblem rested against his left breastplate.

Vegeta had brought the uniform to the tailor to have it properly cleaned and for a few minor repairs. The years of storage had taken its toll. However, he was pleased with the restoration and he shifted his gaze to the tailor's reflection over his right shoulder. The blonde man visibly tensed when his dark eyes locked on his hazel ones, and Vegeta grinned at the fact he could still frighten people simply by looking in their direction, even when he was in a good mood.

He took pity on the human this time and gave his nod of approval. The man had done a fine job, after all. No need to make him piss his pants.

After the tailor released the breath he'd been holding, the prince turned away from the mirror and looked at Bulma.

''Are we done now?''

The woman glanced down at the list she'd written up and nodded. ''Yes, this was the last stop. We can head back now.'' She pulled out her credit card from her pocket and tossed it at Vegeta, who caught it with ease. He watched as she slipped out her cell phone and spun toward the door, already dialing a number.

''I'm calling to let them know we're on our way back. Go ahead and pay for that and get changed.''

Vegeta snorted as Bulma shuffled out the door, catching the start of her excited babbling as some unfortunate soul picked up on the other end. He looked down at the plastic card in his hand before thrusting it out to the tailor.

''Take a little extra out for yourself.''

The blonde haired man blinked as he took the card, and he stuttered several times before he was able to get any words out. By then Vegeta was disappearing into the changing room. ''How much?''

A dark chuckle drifted eerily across the shop. ''Surprise her.''

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Goku nervously paced back and forth within the room he'd been confined to. Bulma had returned an hour before from the tailor with his uniform, and despite having nearly two hours before the ceremony began, the woman had insisted he get dressed in it. After that was accomplished less than three minutes later and his appearance had been scrutinized top to bottom, Bulma had deemed him ready and told him to stay put until she returned for him.

That had been nearly forty-five minutes ago, and all the time he'd been left with to think hadn't been good for him. The Saiyajin had a perfect view of the wedding set up from the window, and the amount of chairs sitting on the lawn had immediately sent his heart into his throat. It seemed silly considering these people were his family and friends, but still... just thinking about standing up there with all those eyes watching him...

Goku backed away from the window and glanced at his reflection in the full length mirror that sat several feet away. What he originally saw as a very attractive Saiyajin uniform slowly morphed into the white and blue gi he'd worn for the majority of his stay at the lab, and a shiver wracked his frame as he squeezed his eyes shut and turned away from his reflection. His feet once again took him back to the window, and his hands tightly gripped the wooden trim as he watched people begin to fill the seats.

His heart rate spiked again when he realized he didn't recognize several of the guests, and his mind began to reel with questions. Who were they? Why were they there? Who invited them?

A cold sweat began to form along the Saiyajin's forehead when Victor suddenly came into view. Goku drew in a sharp breath when his eyes focused not on the man, but the child he was carrying.

Momoku.

The wood beneath his hands cracked as his grip tightened on its own accord, and as the man outside drew closer to a group of strangers, a low and menacing growl began to rumble in his throat.

What was he doing ?

Why was he even TOUCHING his child?

Why wasn't anyone watching her?!

A hiss escaped from between his clenched teeth and he broke away two fistfuls of the window sill as several people crowded around Victor and Momoku. Goku's tail snapped through the air behind him and the hairs on his neck stood on end as he watched their hands stroke over his daughter's face; but it wasn't until Victor and a few others in the group began to walk away that the panic finally set in.

Where were they going?

~Goku, I'm a doctor.~

Victor's words came flooding back from his memory and echoed in his head, and his muscles tensed as a rush of adrenaline fed by mind-numbing fear and panic coursed through his veins. He envisioned the people walking away with Momoku were wearing white lab coats, and his instincts began to scream at him to protect his child.

A savage snarl tore itself from Goku's throat and a sudden flare of ki shattered the window in front of him. He was outside in less than a second, and he tore through the air like a bolt of lightening. Chairs and decorations were scattered in his wake, and only those with years of training were able to even see the source of the destruction. The rest weren't aware of the danger until Goku appeared in front of Victor and the three strangers that surrounded him.

The Saiyajin's ki swirled around him, crackling and encircling his body like an angry snake waiting to strike anyone who got too close to him. The stunned humans froze, and Victor's eyes widened in shock and fear. He watched as Goku's lips curled into a snarl, revealing sharp fangs most never noticed he had.

''G---Goku, what's wrong?''

''You're trying to take her!''

Brown eyes dropped to the child he held in his arms. Momoku was the only one who didn't seem afraid of Goku, and she giggled as the intensity of the Saiyajin's ki whipped her hair in all directions.

''N-''

''Who are these people?!''

Victor's eyes snapped to the terrified group of people that huddled behind him, and he took a step away from Goku as he turned his attention back to the threat.

''Goku, they're members of my family!''

''Goku!!''

Enraged black eyes shifted to ChiChi as she pushed her way through the gathering crowd. Her hair, which she wore down for today's occasion, was blown back and away from her face as she ran across the lawn. It wasn't until she got closer to Goku that the turbulence of his ki began to whip it in several different directions at once.

''What are you doing?! Stop this before someone gets hurt!''

The Saiyajin's eyes moved across the growing group of witnesses, and he suddenly felt like the dangerous animal Villa had always claimed him to be. The way they looked at him made his blood boil within his veins, and he was overcome with a rage he hadn't felt in years. Part of him wanted to wipe them all out with a single swipe of his hand, but his rational mind screamed at him to just take his daughter and go.

His hands clenched themselves into fists as he struggled to bring himself back under control, and he took a deep breath before turning his hardened eyes back to Victor.

''Give her to me.''

The tiny step backward that the man made was the only excuse Goku needed to again trigger his sizzling rage, and he snarled as he took the infant from Victor's arms. The Saiyajin cradled his still giggling daughter close to him and backed up several steps, but when a few foolish people decided to advance on him, he instinctively sent a burst of energy into the crowd. The shock-wave knocked most of them off their feet, and the debris the violent wind kicked up blinded the rest long enough for him to turn and blast into the sky.

Meanwhile, dark eyes watched from a second story window as Goku disappeared into the distance, and despite the danger his mate had imposed upon nearly everyone he'd ever known, Vegeta couldn't stop the pleased smirk that spread across his lips.

To be continue...