Decision

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Son family's yard as Bulma's air car touched down on the grass.

Chi-Chi emerged from the house, wiping her hands on her apron, a smile of greeting on her face.

"You're early," she called as Bulma stepped out of the vehicle. "I'm still preparing dinner."

"I couldn't wait," Bulma replied, her voice charged with an unusual intensity. "I've been thinking about our conversation with Vegito non-stop since yesterday."

Chi-Chi's expression shifted immediately, understanding the subject without need for elaboration. She glanced around to ensure they were alone. "Come inside. We can talk while I finish cooking."

In the kitchen, Chi-Chi returned to chopping vegetables while Bulma settled at the table, a cup of tea steaming before her. For a moment, neither spoke, each gathering their thoughts.

"He's lying to us," Bulma said finally, breaking the silence. "When he said he doesn't want or need what we're offering."

Chi-Chi nodded slowly, her knife pausing mid-chop. "I saw it too. The way his hand tightened on the console edge when I mentioned the memories.

How his eyes shifted away when you asked what he wanted for himself."

"Exactly!" Bulma leaned forward, her scientific mind analyzing the evidence. "His body language contradicted his words completely.

And did you notice how he adjusted his collar? Classic displacement behavior when someone's uncomfortable with their own feelings."

"He doesn't want to burden us," Chi-Chi said softly, resuming her chopping with practiced precision. "That's what it is. He's putting our happiness above his own, just like-"

"Just like Goku would," Bulma finished. "With Vegeta's pride preventing him from admitting vulnerability."

They exchanged knowing looks, both women intimately familiar with their husbands' tendencies.

"The way he looked at us when he thought we weren't watching," Chi-Chi continued. "There was such longing there, Bulma.

Not just physical attraction, but something deeper. A need for connection that he won't allow himself to acknowledge."

Bulma nodded, tracing the rim of her teacup thoughtfully. "I've seen that look before - in Vegeta's eyes during those early years when he was fighting his feelings for me.

That struggle between desire and denial."

"So what do we do?" Chi-Chi asked, setting down her knife and turning to face her friend fully. "If he won't admit what he truly wants, how do we proceed?"

Bulma's expression turned resolute. "We trust our instincts. We've both spent years learning to read between the lines with Saiyan men.

Vegito might be a unique being, but he still carries their patterns."

"You think we should go forward with the fusion?" Chi-Chi's voice was quiet but firm.

"I do," Bulma confirmed. "But not just based on our assumptions. We should gather the others - Goku, Vegeta, Gohan - and discuss it openly. This affects all of us, and we need their perspectives too."

Chi-Chi considered this, then nodded decisively. "You're right. This isn't a decision we should make alone." She glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Goku and Gohan should be back from training soon. Can you contact Vegeta?"

"Already texted him before I arrived," Bulma replied with a slight smile. "He'll be here, though he's not thrilled about another 'pointless meeting,' as he put it."

"Some things never change," Chi-Chi remarked, returning to her cooking with renewed focus. "I'll make extra food. This might be a long discussion."

------------------------------

Two hours later, the Son family living room had transformed into an impromptu conference space.

Goku and Vegeta sat on opposite ends of the sofa, both looking slightly uncomfortable with the formal atmosphere.

Gohan occupied an armchair, Videl perched on its arm beside him.

Piccolo stood by the window, arms crossed, his tall form silhouetted against the evening sky.

Even Dende had been invited, sitting quietly in a corner, his presence requested for his insight into divine matters.

Bulma and Chi-Chi stood at the center of the room, facing their assembled family and friends.

"Thank you all for coming," Bulma began, her tone businesslike. "Chi-Chi and I have asked you here because we're considering something... significant.

Something that would affect all of us, but especially Vegito."

"Is this about that fusion idea you mentioned on Namek?" Goku asked, earning surprised looks from everyone except Chi-Chi and Bulma.

"You knew about this?" Vegeta demanded, glaring at his rival.

Goku shrugged. "I was there when they asked Porunga about it. It seemed like a nice thing to do for Vegito."

"What fusion idea?" Gohan asked, looking between his mother and Bulma with confusion.

Chi-Chi took a deep breath. "Bulma and I are considering using the Potara earrings to fuse ourselves,

then using the Dragon Balls to separate while allowing the fusion to continue existing independently - just like what happened with Vegito."

A stunned silence fell over the room. Gohan's mouth opened and closed several times before he found his voice. "Mom... are you serious?"

"Completely," Chi-Chi confirmed. "We've already used the Namekian Dragon Balls to establish the framework. If we ever use the Potara, the separation will happen automatically."

"But why?" Videl asked, her expression bewildered. "Why would you want to create another fusion?"

"For Vegito," Bulma explained simply. "We believe he's lonely. Everyone in his life was connected to either Goku or Vegeta first. He has no one who's uniquely his own."

"And you think creating a fusion of yourselves would solve this?" Piccolo's deep voice carried from the window, his tone carefully neutral.

"We think it would give him the opportunity for a connection with someone who understands his unique situation," Bulma clarified.

"Someone who, like him, has memories of two lives but is their own person."

"Have you discussed this with him?" Gohan asked, still processing the concept.

"We mentioned it during our last communication," Chi-Chi admitted. "He claimed it was unnecessary, that he was focused on his mission and empire-building."

"But we don't believe him," Bulma added firmly. "His body language, his micro-expressions - everything contradicted his words.

He's denying his own needs out of some misplaced sense of duty or reluctance to 'burden' us."

Vegeta scoffed. "So you've appointed yourselves experts on what he truly wants? Perhaps he genuinely has no interest in your... arrangement."

"We know what we saw, Vegeta," Bulma countered, unfazed by his skepticism.

"And we've both spent years learning to read between the lines with Saiyan men who aren't exactly forthcoming about their feelings."

Vegeta crossed his arms, looking away with a "hmph" that didn't quite disguise his discomfort with the subject.

"But what would this mean for all of you?" Videl asked, her practical nature focusing on the logistics. "For your relationships? Your families?"

"That's partly why we wanted to discuss this with everyone," Chi-Chi acknowledged. "This decision affects all of us, not just Vegito."

She turned to Gohan, her expression softening. "Especially you, Gohan.

The fusion would have my memories, including all my memories of raising you. But she wouldn't be me - she'd be her own person, just like Vegito isn't Goku or Vegeta."

"It would be strange," Gohan admitted, adjusting his glasses thoughtfully. "Having another person with all those maternal memories who isn't actually my mother."

"Would you be able to accept her?" Chi-Chi asked directly. "Not as a replacement for me, but as someone connected to you through those shared memories?

It would be cruel to create someone with all that emotional history and then deny her any relationship with you."

Gohan considered this seriously. "I... think I could. It wouldn't be that different from how I've adapted to Vegito, who has all of Dad's memories of raising me but isn't actually my father."

"The same question applies to your father," Bulma added, looking at Chi-Chi. "Would he recognize the fusion as his daughter, even knowing she's not exactly you?"

"I believe he would," Chi-Chi said confidently. "Dad has always had a big heart. He'd probably be fascinated by the whole concept, once he got over the initial shock."

"And what about you two?" Piccolo asked, his gaze moving between Goku and Vegeta. "How do you feel about your wives creating a fusion that would share your history?"

Goku scratched his head thoughtfully. "Well, it's a little weird to think about, I guess.

But if it makes Vegito happy, I don't see the problem. Chi-Chi would still be Chi-Chi, right? The fusion would be someone else entirely."

All eyes turned to Vegeta, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet throughout most of the discussion. His expression was guarded, but not hostile.

"Vegeta?" Bulma prompted gently.

"I fail to see how my opinion matters in this," he stated flatly. "You've clearly already made your decision."

"Of course your opinion matters," Bulma insisted. "This affects you too."

Vegeta was silent for a long moment, then sighed. "The fusion... would not be you. Just as Vegito is not me, nor is he Kakarot. If this is what you believe is necessary, then do what you must."

Coming from Vegeta, this was as close to approval as they were likely to get.

"There's something else to consider," Dende spoke up for the first time.

"The fusion wouldn't just be physically similar to both of you - she would likely possess a unique combination of your personalities, skills, and traits.

Have you thought about what kind of person might emerge from your fusion?"

Bulma and Chi-Chi exchanged thoughtful glances.

"We've discussed it," Bulma acknowledged. "I'm scientifically minded, technically oriented, sometimes impulsive. Chi-Chi is domestic, disciplined, protective."

"I'm traditional, focused on family," Chi-Chi added. "Bulma is progressive, focused on innovation."

"Together, we might create someone balanced between those extremes," Bulma concluded. "Someone with my scientific knowledge but Chi-Chi's patience. My confidence but her compassion."

"Someone who could understand both the technical and emotional aspects of Vegito's situation," Chi-Chi added. "Who could relate to him on multiple levels."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden disturbance in the air interrupted the conversation. A flash of light momentarily blinded everyone, and when it faded, two new figures stood in the center of the room.

Supreme Kai and Elder Kai had appeared, using the instantaneous movement technique unique to the Kais.

"Forgive our intrusion," Supreme Kai said with a formal bow. "But we sensed your discussion concerned matters of significant cosmic importance."

"Supreme Kai! Old Kai!" Goku exclaimed, jumping to his feet with his usual enthusiasm. "What brings you guys here?"

Elder Kai harrumphed, adjusting his formal robes. "We've been monitoring your conversation. The potential creation of another Potara fusion is not something to be taken lightly."

"You've been eavesdropping on us?" Bulma asked, hands on her hips.

"Observing matters of cosmic significance," Elder Kai corrected primly. "As is our duty as Kais."

Supreme Kai looked slightly embarrassed by his elder's bluntness. "What my ancestor means is that we have a vested interest in Vegito's wellbeing.

His existence represents an unprecedented development in the cosmic order."

"And you're here to stop us?" Chi-Chi asked, her posture tensing defensively.

To everyone's surprise, Elder Kai shook his head. "Quite the contrary. We're here to facilitate your plan."

He reached into his robes and withdrew a small box, opening it to reveal a pair of green Potara earrings.

"You're... giving us Potara earrings?" Bulma asked incredulously.

"Indeed," Elder Kai confirmed. "Should you decide to proceed with your plan, these will serve your purpose."

"But why?" Gohan asked, voicing the confusion everyone felt. "Why would you support this?"

Elder Kai's expression turned uncharacteristically serious.

"Because Vegito represents something unique in the universe - a power beyond what any mortal has ever achieved, combined with a fundamentally benevolent nature.

He single-handedly defeated Majin Buu, saving countless lives across the cosmos."

"And now," Supreme Kai continued, "he's working to restore order to regions devastated by Frieza's empire. He's becoming a force for positive change on a universal scale."

"Such power, combined with wisdom and compassion, is rare indeed," Elder Kai added. "But it comes with risks."

"What risks?" Vegeta demanded, suddenly alert.

"Isolation," Elder Kai replied simply. "Vegito stands apart from all other beings in the universe. No one truly shares his experience or understands his unique perspective.

Such isolation, over time, can lead even the most benevolent being toward detachment, even indifference."

"We've observed his behavior since his creation," Supreme Kai explained. "While he maintains connections with all of you, he's been gradually distancing himself emotionally.

It may not appear so to all of you, but we do see it. It exists.

His focus on empire-building, while noble in purpose, also serves to separate him further from personal attachments. "

"You fear he'll become dangerous?" Piccolo asked directly.

Elder Kai shook his head. "Not dangerous - at least, not intentionally. But increasingly remote. Increasingly disconnected from the very people he's working to protect.

And that disconnect, over decades or centuries, could lead to decisions made from cold logic rather than compassion."

"Wait," Gohan interrupted. "Centuries? You expect Vegito to live that long?"

"At minimum," Elder Kai confirmed. "His hybrid Saiyan-Potara physiology suggests an exceptionally long lifespan, perhaps indefinite under the right conditions - mastering divine ki for example."

This revelation sent a ripple of surprise through the room.

"So you support our plan because you want Vegito to have... emotional stability?" Bulma asked, trying to understand the Kais' reasoning.

"We want him to have genuine connection," Supreme Kai corrected gently. "Someone who can understand him as an equal, not as an extension of Goku or Vegeta.

Someone who might help him maintain his humanity - or perhaps more accurately, his mortal perspective - over the potentially vast span of his existence."

"You helped him unlock his potential and gain possibly divine ki," Vegeta pointed out suspiciously. "If you feared his power, why strengthen him further?"

Elder Kai fixed Vegeta with a stern look. "We do not fear Vegito, Prince Vegeta. We fear for him."

The distinction hung in the air, profound in its simplicity.

"Vegito deserves happiness," Elder Kai continued, his voice softening slightly. "Not merely purpose or power, but genuine joy. Connection. Understanding.

After what he's done for the universe - swiftly defeating Majin Buu when no one else could, preventing incalculable suffering - this seems a small thing to offer in return."

"The universe's happiness now exists because of his victory," Supreme Kai added. "Is it not fitting that he should share in that happiness?"

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed this perspective.

"So you're saying," Goku began slowly, unusually thoughtful, "that you want us to help Vegito be happy because he saved everyone,

and because you're worried he might get lonely over the really long life he's probably going to have?"

Elder Kai sighed at the simplification but nodded. "Essentially, yes."

"Well, why didn't you just say so?" Goku grinned. "That makes perfect sense to me!"

Chi-Chi and Bulma exchanged glances, a new determination settling over their features.

"If we decide to go through with this," Bulma said, looking at the Potara earrings with newfound seriousness,

"what happens next? The fusion occurs, we separate immediately due to the wish we made, and then...?"

"Then you would have three distinct individuals where once there were two," Supreme Kai explained.

"You and Chi-Chi would continue your lives as before. The fusion - let's call her a new entity for now - would begin her existence as her own person, with her own choices to make."

"Including whether or not to pursue any relationship with Vegito," Elder Kai added pointedly.

"We are not suggesting creating a being specifically to be his companion. That would be unethical. We are merely suggesting creating the possibility for connection between equals."

"The new entity would have free will," Supreme Kai emphasized.

"Her own choices, her own path. She might choose a life entirely separate from Vegito. That possibility must be acknowledged and accepted.

But the possibility that she does choose to be with him is very much better than the absence of it by not allowing her existence."

Chi-Chi nodded firmly. "Of course. We would never want to create someone who felt obligated to fulfill a specific role."

"When should we do this?" Bulma asked, her scientific mind already moving to practical considerations.

"Vegito will be returning to Earth in a few days with Goten and Trunks. Should we wait until after they've settled in, or...?"

"I suggest sooner rather than later," Elder Kai advised. "Give the new entity time to adjust to her existence before Vegito returns.

Allow her to form her initial identity without his immediate presence influencing her development."

"That makes sense," Gohan agreed. "It would give her space to decide who she is and what she wants without pressure."

Chi-Chi took a deep breath, then looked at Bulma. "Tomorrow, then? That would give us tonight to prepare, and several days before Vegito returns."

Bulma nodded, her expression resolute. "Tomorrow."

Elder Kai placed the box containing the Potara earrings on a nearby table. "We will return tomorrow to observe the fusion and ensure all proceeds as intended.

Until then, we leave you to your preparations."

With another flash of light, the two Kais disappeared as suddenly as they had arrived, leaving the room in momentary silence.

"Well," Goku said finally, breaking the tension with his characteristic optimism, "this is going to be interesting!"

Vegeta merely grunted, though his expression was thoughtful rather than dismissive.

And soon the group began to disperse, each taking away the knowledge of today, and anticipating the rise of the next day's sun.

For it will change everything.

----------------------------

(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!

Do tell me how you found it.

Yeah, I said this is an AU, and I meant it.

Like, Ki is supposed to be life force right? Well, I wondered what made Beerus or the like live for millions of years - is it just their biology or the ki or both?

I personally believe a significant cause is the ki, so I am going with this.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)