The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the rolling fields of green. Vegeta was running, his powerful legs cutting through the terrain effortlessly. Beside him, his daughter—their daughter—was keeping up stride for stride, her energy flaring with that same unmistakable Saiyan fire. She was only seven, but already she had the makings of a warrior. Her hair, wild like his, whipped in the wind as she ran, laughing gleefully. She was fast—faster than most adults could ever dream of being—and strong, too.

Just like me. A true Saiyan.

He glanced back over his shoulder, where you were. A part of him wanted to scoff—what kind of Earthling stubbornness made you think you could match Saiyan speed? You were just human, no Saiyan blood to speak of, yet you refused to give up. That same fire that had caught his attention long ago still burned strong.

“Daddy, she’s falling behind!” their daughter called out, her voice bright and teasing.

Vegeta rolled his eyes but didn’t stop running. “Your mother is stubborn, she won't give up.” he replied, his voice gruff.

...

“Tch. Ridiculous,” Vegeta muttered under his breath. He came to a stop, his daughter skidding to a halt beside him, and turned towards you. “You're pathetic.” he said as he stopped in front of you. Without giving you a chance to protest, he crouched slightly and scooped you up.

“Stop moving, or I’ll drop you.”

“Mommy’s getting a free ride!” your daughter called, darting ahead and glancing back. “No fair!”

He adjusted his hold on you and easily caught up with his daughter without even breaking a sweat.

The whole thing was absurdly mundane yet strangely... fulfilling. Running through the fields with his daughter, you in his arms—it wasn’t the kind of moment he ever imagined he’d experience. He didn’t hate it.

“Keep up, girl!” he called out to his daughter, his voice sharp but filled with pride. Vegeta’s smirk softened slightly.

His family. His reason to keep running forward.