1Faint yellow lights illuminated the Briefs' wooden cabin in the mountains. It was made by dark wood, which gave it a cozy atmosphere. Every little corner of it was very familiar to Bulla; she loved going there for the holidays. But being there that year had a whole different meaning for her.
It was the first time she had gone there alone. Well, not exactly alone. Her long-time boyfriend, Son Goten, was with her.
"I have to say this is such a cool place." He said, turning around as she walked into the spacious and comfy living room.
"Isn't it?" She looked at him and smiled. "It feels like home."
"Well, it is in a way."
"I know, but I don't come here that often." There was a somewhat nostalgic tone in her voice. Bulla turned to look towards the kitchen. "How about some hot beverage to get warm?"
"Hmm, that would be nice." Goten walked past her, towards it. "But I'll make it."
"I can…"
"Nope." He shook his head slightly. A small smile appeared on his lips. "Tonight you are going to drink Chef Goten's hot chocolate. It'll be the best one you will have ever tasted."
"Is that so?" Bulla asked with her eyebrows raised and very suggestive smile on her own lips, clearly intrigued and curious to drink that hot chocolate. "I never knew you had culinary skills. Why did you keep it a secret?"
"A chef never tells their secrets." He winked and his smile turned into a sassy one. "It's a rule."
"Oh, is that so?" She leaned over the counter and stared into his onyx eyes. "You should know I'm a rule breaker."
"Trust me, I know."
Goten discreetly touched the box in his pocket before picking up the two mugs filled with hot chocolate and heading to the living room. He kept staring at Bulla and a wide smile came to his lips. She was wearing a long red sweater and a red tiara. He couldn't help but think she looked absolutely stunning. The way the red tones of tone from her clothes contrasted perfectly with the light blue from her hair. He felt really lucky.
"It started to snow again." He quickly glanced at the window across him and then lowered his gaze to her. "Here you go."
"Thank you." Bulla said in a cheerful tone and grabbed the mug with both hands; their fingers brushing lightly. "So it seems."
Goten sat beside her and took a deep breath. He was sure he wanted to propose to her, then why did he feel so nervous all of a sudden? He shook his head to get rid of such thoughts.
"Okay, what's going on?"
"Huh?" He looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"You're clearly nervous about something."
"Okay." He put the mug away and grabbed her hands softly. "I've been thinking about us lately and all my thoughts led me to the same place." He took a deep breath before continuing. "It's been a long road for us and I wouldn't do anything different. I wouldn't change a thing."
"This sounds like… oh God!" She interrupted herself when she saw him taking a small black box out of his pocket and opening it in front of her. "Goten, is that what I think it is?"
"Bulla, will you marry me?" Goten looked at her with his beautiful dark eyes; hope written all over them.
"I… I…" She was taken so aback she had no reaction. Fortunately, that was soon replaced by a large and bright smile. She threw herself into his arms. "Yes! Yes, I will!"
Goten quickly wrapped his arms around her and nearly fell down on the floor, had him not seen that coming beforehand. Then he took the ring out of the little box and slipped it into her ring finger. Bulla admired it for a few seconds before leaning towards him and kissing him briefly.
Bulla was looking at her ring again when she walked back into the living room. She had told Goten she had something to say and excused herself for a couple of minutes. She could feel her heart beating fast when she sat right beside him again.
"So what do you have to tell me?" The brunette asked with apprehension in his voice, when he noticed she was taking her time to talk about it.
"Well…" She put a lock of her long blue hair behind her ear. "I haven't felt that well a few weeks ago. So I scheduled an appointment with a doctor and…" She handed him a small black and white picture. "Here."
Goten took the picture and looked at it for a few minutes before looking back at her. She could tell it was finally sinking in.
"Are you… pregnant?"
"I am." She confirmed with a light smile and a nod of her head.
"When… how…"
"Honey, I think you know how that happened." Bulla said in a playful tone. "The doctor said I'm ten weeks long, almost three months."
"So… so…"
She couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. "Yes, you're gonna be a father."
"That's amazing!" Goten was able to say once he recovered from his shock. Then he embraced her tight. "I'm so happy!"
"I am too, though… I'm a little scared."
"I know, but we will go through this together."
"I know." She kissed him on the cheek before hugging him again.
Goten was stroking Bulla's arm softly, while his other hand rested on her belly. They were sitting by the fireplace and she had her head against his chest. The only sounds that could be heard were the sparks from the bonfire and the snow falling outside. The mugs of hot chocolate were now empty and placed beside the man.
"It's been quite a day, hasn't it?" He asked in a low tone.
"It really has." Bulla nodded and placed her hand over his. "I'll end it being engaged and a future mother."
"I think you will be an amazing mother."
"Thank you." She lifted her head and kissed him briefly on the lips. "I'm sure you will be an amazing father too."
"Thanks, that means a lot." He looked down at her belly again.
"You're trying to feel the baby's ki, aren't you?"
"No. Ouch!" He rubbed his forearm after she playfully slapped it. "Maybe."