Work Text:
"The Little Things"
Broten Week 2024
Theme: “The Major Arcana”
Day 2: “The Lovers”
Artwork by the amazing Whirly Doodle
When Bulla made the joke about spending a romantic weekend in some remote cabin, the last thing she expected was for Goten to take her up on that offer, let alone arrange for their first Valentine’s Day as a couple to be spent there. They were coming up on nearly eleven months of official dating; having gotten together during the Sakura Festival last Spring, they had not celebrated the holiday with each other yet.
This fact alone made Bulla somewhat nervous.
Sure, she had enjoyed Valentine’s Day as a kid, making and passing out cards for friends and family. She relished in her single days making a big show of not caring about the holiday, even if she secretly did. Bulla would flirt with other guys over the years, but full-fledged relationships tended to elude her, thanks in no small part to being the daughter of Vegeta. Her lack of experience when it came to spending this particular day with a significant other left Bulla feeling unsure.
However, the princess did not have to reveal this to her paramour. Goten had taken the lead with the arrangements; picking out the location, the lavish meal he cooked for them, the background music. In fact, every detail had been taken care of, something the normally Type-A genius liked to handle herself. Dating Goten was a lesson in letting someone else take the reins from time to time. He wasn’t domineering in the slightest; the sweet Son man just knew when to exude that manly decisiveness that Bulla had forever been drawn to.
Since she was a toddler, Goten had always been her favorite person. Anytime he came over to visit Trunks, he’d go out of his way to show her attention, which only endeared him further to the young princess. In her teenage years, the crush deepened, but to her sorrow, Bulla knew nothing could come from it. She carried that thought with her to adulthood, worried that by that point, it was far too late. And yet, Goten surprised her. Instead of settling down young like his older brother, he was the perennial bachelor. He had his share of serious relationships, but nothing that ever resulted in marriage or children. It was the sliver of hope she yearned for.
Putting that brilliant Ph.D brain to good use, Bulla made sure to become a larger presence in Goten’s life. Her goal wasn’t even to seduce him, just to become a closer companion and pray he’d see her as more than his best friend’s little sister. This became far easier the busier Trunks got with his Capsule Corp. duties. It allowed for Bulla and Goten more opportunities to connect without a third wheel. She’d often meet him after work for a drink or two, and eventually Goten found out she was interested in training with someone other than her bossy father.
From there, they only became better friends. There was definite tension that sparked between them, especially when they sparred. The electric undercurrent was felt by both parties, though neither had made a move. Bulla was too in her head and Goten too bound by duty to her brother and father. Regardless, Goten would still show his favor in clandestine gestures, innocent enough to be seen as friendly, but Bulla was apt to notice. He’d bring her food during his lunch break, help with any repairs her car needed (in spite of the mechanical engineering degree that hung on her wall) and even text her photos whenever he saw her favorite flower out in the wild.
Though Bulla hoped this meant he was starting to finally see her in a different light, her disappointment at their lack of exclusiveness started to eat at her. It all came to a head last Sakura Season when the gang was out celebrating in a public park, admiring the cherry blossoms blooming in full. Between plentiful food, drinks, and karaoke, it was night to let loose and have fun. Pleasantly buzzed on sake, Bulla took to the dance floor and caught the favor of several men wanting to dance with her. Before she could accept, she was whisked away by the strong arms of her brother’s best friend.
She was surprised at his forwardness, worried her family would interfere. However, her father was in a fierce karaoke battle with Goku and Trunks was likely making out with Marron somewhere behind a tree. Bulla figured they were safe for the moment, but still, she didn’t appreciate him ruining her fun.
“Hey! I was in the middle of something, Goten!” the heiress exclaimed in a huff. “What’s with you?” Bulla asked.
“Saving you, Princess,” Goten teased, only riling her up further. “Who knows what could have happened had I not shown up...”
“Yeah, I’d be dancing with a hot guy or two,” she retorted, frowning.
“You don’t want to dance with any of these lame-os,” Goten had said, taking a confident swig of his drink. The princess became less irate, and more intrigued at this unusual side Goten was showing her. That and the fact she couldn’t believe a 33-year-old used the word lame-os unironically.
“Oh? Don’t I?” Bulla flirted back, amused at his blatant jealousy.
“Nah,” he responded, “not when you could be with a real man.”
“Let me know when you find one—”
He whipped her around, fastening his free arm to her backside. Leaning in, Goten whispered, “How much longer are we gonna do this, Bulla?”
The breath in her lungs evaporated instantly. “Do what?” she asked slowly.
She could feel the heat of his mouth become warmer the closer he got. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for months now,” he confessed, a wry grin forming. He moved his lips to her ear, causing the princess to shiver. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed?” Goten murmured.
A gentle breeze blew freshly fallen blossoms around the two, leaving Bulla enchanted by his words and the romantic atmosphere around them. She gulped. “Maybe,” she began again. The bluette met his focused gaze. “Maybe I just thought you were being nice…”
Goten couldn’t help but chuckle, his hold growing firmer. “I kept telling myself it was just that,” he retorted, “until I realized I’d scour the city looking for those damn lillies you like so much just as an excuse to text you.”
“Really?” Bulla wondered as her luminous eyes broadened.
“Really,” Goten whispered, his voice deepening. He brought his thumb to her painted lips. “I don’t know how you did it, Bulla,” the older halfling continued, “but you’ve got me here wanting to do something stupid.”
“Like what?”
“Kiss you,” he said decisively, “even with your father and brother nearby.”
Bulla’s face was completely flushed with excitement and anxiousness. She failed to remain expressionless, her smile overtaking her face. “I suppose that would be one way to get my attention,” Bulla said with a hint of mischief.
“Yours,” Goten laughed, “theirs…”
Her heart almost sank when she thought he was backing down. Until, she felt his strong hand place itself behind her head and propelled her forward. “Worth it though,” Goten whispered before pulling her into their first kiss.
That move had earned Goten a black eye from both his best friend and said friend’s father punching him twice in the same place. But, it also earned him the distinction of becoming exclusive with Bulla promptly after, so truthfully, it was a win/win.
Her mind wandered back to the present, eleven months after that fateful night, and Bulla was forever thankful Goten took that leap. Their time together had been nothing short of magical. It was her first real relationship, but Goten and her went together like two peas in a pod. Whatever she lacked in experience, he more than made up for it. Likewise, Bulla gave the elder demi-Saiyan a fresh perspective, something he was more than appreciative of. Despite his teasing about him doing things for her to be nice, Goten never stopped. Bulla would still get those texts about her favorite flowers, as well as fresh bouquets of them almost weekly.
Goten was always showing her in those little ways how much he cared.
Here, he had prepared a delicious meal all on his own for the two to enjoy and spared no expense. With the gorgeous snow flurrying around outside and sticking to the windows, the romantic atmosphere didn’t need much else to be set. Even so, Bulla couldn’t help but smile when she saw a fresh batch of lilies in a vase on the table. Another little example of his care and attentiveness. Dinner consisted of several different courses, all absolutely scrumptious, accompanied by some of the finest wine she ever tasted. Goten clearly was making this night a memorable one.
Wanting to contribute at least a little bit, the heiress cleared the empty plates and walked over to the sink. Bulla could scarcely get one dish wiped down before Goten insisted on taking over. It was fruitless to argue with him (though she relished doing that often) and so Bulla obeyed his instructions to relax on the comfy couch in the living area.
She heard him uncork a fresh bottle of wine for them to savor. Goten was about to sit down before he realized he was forgetting something.
“Fire!” he shouted, and Bulla nearly darted up in a panic, worried.
The elder Son man chuckled as he quickly tried to correct himself. “Sorry, I meant I forgot to add more logs to the fireplace,” the hybrid added. The dying embers flickering in the background supported his statement.
Bulla exhaled the breath she was holding inside. She adored that man, but he sometimes showed just how much of his father’s son he was. Goten zipped over to add more logs, slowly bringing the subdued flames back to life.
As Bulla observed him poking the newly formed fire in the cozy hearth, she couldn’t help but appreciate his backside as it was bent over. Though she had been a long and ardent admirer of the man’s figure, it never ceased to amaze her just how immaculately sculpted he was. Her face reddened, not from the wine but from her own devious thoughts. Bulla attempted to clear her throat and calm herself once he turned around to finally join her on the couch. With careful finesse, he grabbed a checkered blanket to place over their bodies.
“There we go,” he sang with a relieved sigh. Goten immediately wrapped his arm around Bulla and brought her in closer to him. Her face rested on his sturdy chest as Goten gazed down at her lovingly.
“Much better,” Bulla said, taking in his masculine scent. Draping her legs over his, the princess snuggled Goten’s taut muscles and relished how safe he made her feel.
“Having fun?” he asked. There was a slight change in his pitch, making Bulla wonder if he was nervous about her answer.
“Of course,” she stated proudly, “I always have fun with you.”
“But I mean, is this what you were hoping for? If there’s anything else I can run and grab I can—”
“Goten,” Bulla gently spoke as she cupped his face. “This evening is exactly how I wanted to spend today with you. Honest.”
Though he smiled in response, Bulla could tell he was deep in thought. The normally confident hybrid seemed to be more nervous than usual. She let it slide as silence overtook them once more. No noise but the blustery winds howling outside and the crackling flames before them. It was a few minutes before Goten finally voiced what was on his mind.
“So, I do have a little confession,” Goten began warily.
Cocking an eyebrow, Bulla was worried their perfect evening was about to take a sour turn. “This better not be where you confess to having a secret family this whole time, Son Ten,” she answered, only half-joking.
Still, he laughed in response. “No, I’m saving that one for the next trip,” Goten teased. Within seconds, he rubbed his head on the newly formed bump Bulla gave him. “Ouch,” he moaned, “remind me to stop taking it easy on you in training.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Ten. I can kick your ass any day of the week.”
“Believe me, I know,” Goten replied. He cleared his throat once his head stopped throbbing. “But that’s not what I wanted to say,” the ebony-haired hybrid continued. “I just…”
“What?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of gifts for you this year, Bulla,” he murmured softly, almost ashamed. Bulla’s blue eyes widened in surprise.
“What do you mean?” she questioned, looking around the cabin. “Isn’t…isn’t this trip the gift?” Bulla asked genuinely.
Goten looked hesitant to reply. “I suppose,” he nodded, “though, I wanted to get you an actual gift too. But, between having to pay a bit extra for this place due to the holiday and my work bonus not clearing yet, I didn’t have anything left over.”
He sounded so defeated when he shared this with her that Bulla frowned.
“Goten, this trip is more than enough,” she insisted. “You got me flowers, cooked dinner, arranged for a romantic getaway…what more could I ask for?”
The elder demi-Saiyan still appeared a little disheartened. “Bulla,” he started again.
“Gifts don’t matter so much to me,” Bulla said, scrunching her nose. “I have every material thing I could want and then some. And if I don’t, I prefer to go out and buy it myself,” the heiress explained. She looked up at him with her big, blue eyes. “Truth is, I like giving way more than receiving.”
“Oh really? May have to put that to the test later…”
“GOTEN!”
“What?” he chuckled as she shoved his shoulder playfully. His strong arms engulfed her into a tight hug. “Only teasing,” Goten said with a kiss on her flustered cheek.
“Yeah, yeah…” the blushing female responded. Goten smirked in response.
“Besides,” he lowered his voice, “I think we both know you enjoy receiving.”
“Son Goten, I swear I will—”
“Okay, okay!”
Goten laughed her punches away. “You know, you’re cute when you’re angry,” he stated, wrapping his arms around her once more.
“I’m cute, always,” Bulla corrected.
“That’s true,” Goten admitted, “nevertheless, it’s fun to see you riled up.”
Her fuming subsided. It was impossible to stay mad at her charming boyfriend for long. He just had that sweet disposition about him. Bulla was helpless to that goofy smile. Even so, her mind wandered with curiosity in regards to Goten’s earlier dilemma.
“Goten,” she began in a gentler voice, “why did you think I would be upset about not having a lot of gifts?”
She worried that her love of shopping made her appear more vain than she actually was. Sure, the heiress enjoyed the latest trends and looking her best, but it was always something she did for herself and never expected Goten to finance. Bulla didn’t want him thinking the worst of her.
Goten inhaled sharply through his nostrils. “I just have had some women react a bit differently,” he said, looking deep in thought.
Some women. Other women.
The younger halfling flinched. She was considered one of the most beautiful and intelligent women on the planet and yet, her heart sank anytime she was reminded she was not the first lover Goten had. It was understandable; eleven years between them meant the older man had his share of experiences. Even though Goten was exceptionally devoted to her, little pangs of insecurity crept up whenever past flings were brought up. It was something Bulla was working on, but she had far to go.
“Ever hear about those love languages?” Goten asked.
“Oh like, words of affirmation? Quality time and all that?”
“Yeah, exactly. Everyone gives and receives a bit differently. I tend to show it through acts of service mostly.”
Bulla smiled softly. “You’re great at that,” she commented encouragingly.
“Thanks,” he said sheepishly, a pinkish hue forming on his cheeks. He cleared his throat. “Someone wanted me to be more of a gift giver one time, and it…well, kind of blew up in my face.”
“Who?” Bulla demanded to know, already growing protective. Goten let out a light laugh at how quickly she shifted gears.
“Do you remember a girl I used to date? Calcula?”
“Was she the one with the bright pink hair?” she wondered, trying to put a coif to a name.
“Huh, you know what? I always thought it was more purple than pink.”
“Shows how much you know about colors,” Bulla stuck her tongue out jokingly. Satisfied she was in a better mood, Goten returned a quiet chortle.
“Suppose it does,” he agreed, brushing his thumb alongside her temple.
“Anyways, Calcifer…?”
“Calcula.”
“Fine. Go on!”
“So Calcula had expensive tastes,” the older man began again. “One year I went all out, and I mean all out. I spent every penny I had and whatever money your brother was dumb enough to lend me. He helped me get the fanciest restaurant in the city to take our reservation, and I arranged for a dozen bouquets of her favorite flowers. I got her an expensive bracelet from the jewelry store she always window shopped at.”
Even though Bulla was insistent that she had no desire for showy gifts, the effort Goten went through for this ex-girlfriend impressed her. She continued to listen with rapt attention as he carried on.
“I thought it was going to be the perfect evening,” Goten trailed off, his voice growing softer.
The flinch of pain in his eyes was brief, but Bulla noticed it.
“So, after this big dinner, I realized she hadn’t said much. I asked what was wrong. Turns out, she was upset that the bracelet was rose gold and not white gold, which apparently she said didn’t flatter her skin tone. She thanked me for the flowers but that I should have gotten two dozen instead of just a dozen. The extra twelve would have shown I really cared according to her.”
Bulla’s face fell.
“Oh Goten,” she returned sadly, “I’m so sorry. I bet that felt awful.”
He gave a weak smile, appreciative of her concern. “It didn’t feel great, that's for sure,” he admitted. However, his eyes lit up as he gazed upon her face. “But if anything,” Goten started again, “it showed me that she wasn’t the one.”
Bulla’s sympathetic countenance remained fixed on him. “Her loss is my gain,” she said softly, entwining her hand in his.
Goten couldn’t help but kiss her fingers, his beam brighter than ever. “I think about a lot, Bulla,” he confessed. The deep dark obsidian of his irises shone even in the dim light. “You’ve always been different.”
The comment captivated her. “What do you mean?” she inquired.
“You’re a princess, Saiyan royalty at that,” Goten added.
“Doesn’t mean I expect you to act any differently around me,” Bulla retorted, almost defensively.
“I don’t mean that in a bad way; you aren’t shallow, B-Chan,” Goten assured, “but you do deserve the best. I know you’ve had a lot of luxury being a Briefs and I don’t want you to feel like you have to give any of it up. I want to show you how much I care.”
“Goten…”
“One day,” he said with determination, “one day I’ll make sure you want for nothing.”
“Goten,” Bulla murmured, her hand gently gripping his collar. “I want for nothing already. Everything I want I have right here,” the heiress added. Delicately tracing his chest, she tapped over his heart. “This is all I need, Goten.”
“But Bulla…”
“People think love is always a big gesture but I disagree.”
The Saiyan Princess tightened her grip.
“It’s the little things,” Bulla said with a smile. Her manicured hand slid up his neck and pressed against his cheek. “How you’ll cook for me after both of us have had a long work day. How you’ll let me get the last word in any disagreement. How you’ll put a blanket over me if I’ve fallen asleep on the couch after reading.”
She leaned in. “How good you make me feel in bed,” Bulla whispered, her voice becoming low and sensual. “How reassuring you are about my body, my mind. How you patiently waited until I was ready to be intimate with you…tell me, what kind of man does that?”
“A man terrified of your father.”
She playfully punched him again. “You clown,” she chastised in her father’s voice. Bulla sighed as Goten’s face became apologetic. “I’m being serious!” Bulla huffed, fearing the moment ruined.
“Sorry B,” he stated earnestly.
Bulla returned both of her palms to his cheeks. Staring deeply into those onyx orbs, she took a deep breath before bringing her lips to his. Goten’s raised brows indicated surprise, but he didn’t question the kiss, but rather returned it with fervor. They remained attached, not minding the lack of air until it became absolutely necessary to part. Heavy breaths accompanied them as they stayed inches away, locked on each other.
“Bulla,” he whispered against her lips.
“I hope you know how much you mean to me. How much those little ways of showing love add up. I’ve never doubted your love for me. Not even once.”
Bulla dipped to kiss him again and Goten welcomed her back to his mouth. She kept her hands to his face even as she pulled back to speak again. Her heart escaped out of her throat while doing so.
“I love you, Goten. I’ve loved you my whole life. As a brother and then well,” Bulla blushed before finishing, “as something much less brotherly.”
They both chuckled at that thought, fondly remembering when their dynamic shifted forever. Goten caringly took his fingers to brush some loose strands out of her way. The warmth of his countenance said everything.
“You are single-handedly the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Goten murmured, relaying a soft kiss to her temple. “I’ll spend my whole life trying to show how much I love you.”
“You already do, in so many ways.”
They stared at one another in silence, letting the atmosphere around them bask in genuine passion. Goten brushed a few more strands out of her face, smiling once his view was clear. The way the heiress looked at him lit a fire in his gut that burned brighter than any other sort of kindling could. Even though he’d always feel a little unworthy of that reverence, Goten knew it was authentic. Just as his love for her was, too.
Bulla felt her entire body lifted into the air as Goten cradled her bridal style. The warm glow of the fire outlined his rakish expression and Bulla’s heart skipped a beat. He looked so handsome in the faint light. That face he gave her made her bottom lip tremble.
“Goten?”
“Acts of service is one love language of mine,” he hummed, leading the two of them across the room. As Goten carried her towards the bedroom, Bulla’s heart rate only increased its pace. “But,” the elder man added in a carnal tone, “so is physical touch.”
Her cheeks crimsoned, leaving the princess feeling both titillated and a little nervous, but more eager than anything.
“Lucky for you,” Bulla whispered back, feigning confidence. “Mine too,” she said, batting her eyelashes.
Goten paused his movements, breath hitched momentarily as he locked eyes with the beauty in his arms. He bit his lip in amusement before reuniting their lips once more. Bulla latched onto him, gentle laughter in between pecks only showcasing the giddiness built up inside. Goten pulled away, his nose dancing along her cheek.
“The little things, right?” he whispered, resuming their trek to the bedroom. They giggled as the door closed, ready to put their respective love languages to good use.
Needless to say, their first of many Valentine’s Days together was a rousing success.
~ fin~
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