Rebirth of a Heart
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ any of the characters affiliated with DBZ and none of the holiday references here within previously copyrighted.
Vegeta had been on Earth for over a year but had participated very little in the culture of the beings that surrounded him. He did little more than eat, train, and succeed in injuring himself and destroying the GR on more than one occasion.
The only times he interacted with the Briefs were when he required, food, the GR needed upgrades, repairs, or involuntarily when he needed medical attention.
More often then not he found himself dealing with Bulma, the blue haired daughter.
She had taken over repairs and upgrades for the GR from her father because she said something about hating to see him so underappreciated.
Although the older Briefs woman did all the cooking, Bulma was usually the one who served him or was at the very least in the kitchen when he ate.
She was also more often then not the face he awoke to in the infirmary when his training became more suicidal than homicidal.
At first he never noticed her as anything more than a necessary annoyance. She was the only earthling intelligent and wealthy enough to meet all of his needs; food, shelter, and the latest in training equipment. He wasn't quite sure when it happened or why, it might have been his lack of physical connection, it may have been survival instinct urging him to adapt, but suddenly he found himself closely observing the blue haired woman. She was a curiosity he found himself indulging in often picking verbal arguments just to get her dander up. Little did he know it would all become so much more than simple observation…?
One day in the fall Bulma accosted him during his evening meal. Chattering on about an upcoming holiday her people celebrated and asked him if he would attend.
"Why would I wish to surround myself with filthy humans and waste precious training time on a holiday that is not my own?" He asked snidely rhetorical.
Bulma smirked a knowing smirk. "But Vegeta it's a holiday dedicated solely to food."
When Vegeta cocked his head to the side and pinned her with an intense yet thoughtful stare she knew she had his complete attention.
"Explain." He demanded
"Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to feasting. You join together with friends and family and eat together in celebration of those who came before who hand nothing and to be grateful that we do."
Vegeta was intrigued; perhaps earthlings were not as incompetent as he'd originally thought. Saiyans themselves, since food was 10x more important to them then almost any other culture in the universe because of their increased appetite and need for the energy had feast days of their own.
"I thought you being such a great consumer of food you might have some appreciation for such a holiday." Bulma teased expecting a gruff reaction she was surprised when he actually continued the conversation.
"On Vegeta sei we had such festivals, dedicated to food, revelry, and of course…fighting." He answered with a smirk.
"How can that be a holiday activity if it's something you do everyday?" Bulma queried.
"On holidays we fight for fun and for show, not for power and survival. We even have competitions for strength, speed, and endurance." He continued haughtily actually enjoying reminiscing his own culture.
"Interesting." Bulma responded becoming very intrigued by Vegeta's civil conversation skills. "Sometimes the boys play a game of pick up football before dinner. You'd like it, its all about speed and strength. Maybe you could join them?"
Vegeta's eyes glinted for a moment before his expression returned to its normal stony faced look. "I do not know how to play. Besides it would be little challenge for me."
Bulma sighed at his arrogance and gave up turning to leave the room "Well it's not so hard to learn and the invitation stands."
"Will Kakarott be there?" Vegeta asked his voice guarded.
"No Chi chi wants them to have a family meal this year." Bulma replied with an eye roll.
Vegeta nodded. "I'll be there."
Bulma smiled, "I'll make sure mom makes double the normal amount to accommodate your appetite," She commented before exiting.
Vegeta had to catch himself there for a moment, he had no interest in sharing in this earthling culture, and it was beneath him and an utter waste of time. He had ignored all of holiday rubbish the year before so why did he agree now? Perhaps because for one moment he had found himself enjoying the presence of another...
He shook off the unfamiliar feeling and went back to eating mind retreating to safer venues like training….
On Thanksgiving Vegeta awoke early as always and completed a few hours of training before breakfast.
By the time he made his way into the kitchen the sight that greeted him was extremely amusing.
The elder Briefs woman bustled around the kitchen mixing, tasting, and smelling various concoctions periodically opening and closing the oven. While the blue haired onna stood over a bowl with a perplexed look on her face, one hand held a spoon aloft and the other clenched in a tiny fist at her hip with a streak of flour marking her cheek.
(Bulma POV)
'How does this happen every year? Somehow every year around the holidays I find myself once again insisting I make a dish. Why couldn't I just get a ready bake pie, no, no I have to do it the old fashioned way for tradition sake.'
It was safe to say Bulma was frustrated. She could understand complex equations and easily mixed highly volatile chemicals that most people could not even pronounce and yet she was a disaster in the kitchen, it was disgraceful.
Her mother came over to ask her if she needed any help and that's when Bulma heard the snort. She looked up towards the source of the sound and found the Prince of all Saiyans standing in the doorframe with that smirk. That smirk that scared her even more than his sneer or his battle hardened killer face. It taunted her and poked at her already wounded pride.
So against her better judgment she declined her mother's help and threw the whole mixture in an automatic mixer and flipped it on…without locking it in place. It sputtered and sprayed pumpkin pie batter all over the kitchen causing Mrs. Briefs and Bulma to squeal and flail around in shock attempting to turn it off.
(Vegeta POV)
Vegeta couldn't help but chuckle at the scene that unfolded before him. When the mixer was turned off Bulma spun around to glare at him and he was certain that if the woman had any kind of ki power he would be a pile of ash. Her cheeks were puffed out and red with pent up fury, her eyes glassy with unshed tears of shame and the streaks of flour on her face had been joined by streaks of orange mush on her cheeks and in her hair. In an instant he found himself desiring to take her messy curls in his hands and hold their bodies flush as he licked the mixture from her cheeks.
It caused feelings to rise he was sure he had rarely ever felt and caused a more noticeable physical rise as well.
He snapped himself out of his dazed daydream moment with the realization that whatever was on the woman's face probably tasted horrible because she made it.
Vegeta sat himself down for breakfast as Mrs. Briefs tempted to calm the raging fury within Bulma, "Dear, why don't you go get cleaned up you are in charge of the dining room don't forget. You are superb event coordinator and it won't coordinate itself now will it?" She said stroking Bulma's ego and easily deflating the situation.
Bulma politely agreed before leaving the room trying to put an aloof air about her exit to trick Vegeta although for the life of her she didn't know why she cared so much. 'Maybe it's because he's royalty and I am all about the keeping up the appearances' She reasoned albeit somewhat sarcastically.
After breakfast Vegeta decided he could train a bit more before the earthling feast. After a good solid two hours of training there was a knock on the GR door. It was none other than Dr. Briefs himself.
"Dear boy I suggest you go get changed, guests will be arriving soon and I doubt you want my daughter down here screaming in your ear anytime soon. I know saiyan's have sensitive senses."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow at the old man's spiel, but in the end he had to admit that this man had the most experience with dealing with the crazy Briefs women and should at least be given the benefit of the doubt.
He went to his room and showered before heading to his closet. The woman had made sure that he had a variety of clothing although he didn't need most of it. There was a time when all he needed was his training uniform and his dress armor. He selected a pair of brown slacks and a blue v neck sweater. By the time he headed downstairs the sitting room had begun to fill with guests. His eyes narrowed he did not recognize half of the guests in the room; he assumed they were relations of the woman and her parents. Then he growled as he recognized the other occupants. The scar faced human whom Bulma called her 'boyfriend' a term Vegeta could only attribute to one's mate. He snorted the human notion of mating was so weak, just like them.
Also there was the short bald headed fighter, the pig, and the floating cat. Vegeta stood for a moment furious with his own indecision, but he didn't know if he could stand being in the same room with all these annoying cheerful humans. But before he could change his mind he was spotted by Dr. Briefs.
"Vegeta my boy! Come on down!"
As Vegeta walked into the sitting room and headed towards his dark corner but not before his arm was grasped by the elder Briefs woman.
"Vegeta dear come meet my family." She chirped.
Vegeta started to growl but not before a squeal pierced the air. "Randy!"
Vegeta cringed at the sound but turned to see the blue haired woman come running down the stairs and dive into the arms of a tall and lean dark haired man.
He caught her and spun around laughing.
Vegeta watched the display and found himself intently observing the two. Not that he had much choice as they were the main spectacle at the moment, but he was interested in the woman's reaction.
True Bulma was quite excitable on her own; he could easily send her into a raging fury, but such joy he had rarely seen in his life. Bulma had only become so happy towards the fool Kakarott before and never had she shown such 'physical' affection not even towards her so called mate.
He wasn't sure why he even cared but chalked it up to boredom and continued watching.
"Hey Blue! Long time no see!" The man replied congenially when he finally put her down and she gave him a quick hug around the neck.
"I know! Too long! How's college?" She asked back.
"Great. Senior year and I am starting quarterback this year." The boy answered back smugly.
"A starter?! No way?!" She laughed and he grinned back. "Not that I can say I am surprised what with all us overachievers in the family." She joked.
He laughed good naturedly. "Any girlfriends?" She asked in a lower tone nudging him with her elbow. He sheepishly looked down and Bulma laughed aloud before grabbing his arm. "Oh is dear little cousin Randy embarrassed to tell me about his love life?" She teased.
He shoved her away albeit playfully. "Cut it out Blue you're worse than my sister. What is with all the prying into my love life?"
Bulma chuckled again and then looked around. As she surveyed the room Vegeta found his eyes surveying her outfit, he had expected her to be obscenely formal as she was always dramatic and over the top in her wardrobe and mannerisms but she wore a conservative but classy outfit. Gray dress slacks and an evergreen off the shoulder sweater. Her hair was up in curls and for reasons Vegeta could not explain and did not wish to think about the sight of bare skin around her neck and collarbone sent a rush of heat straight through his body.
"Speaking of where is Robin?" Bulma asked after surveying the guests.
An elder curly red haired woman spoke up. "She's on bed rest till the baby is born she only has a week or two left. She was so upset she couldn't make it."
Vegeta saw Bulma's happy expression soften a little and he could tell from years of experience at schooling his emotions that she was trying to hide her disappointment. She had obviously not has as much practice with it as he.
"Oh well…I hope that by Christmas she can come and I can meet the baby." She seemed to brighten a little and turned back to Randy. "I guess its just you and me for movie night tonight huh?" She questioned.
The young man shook his head. "Sorry Blue, we're not staying over. Mom wants to get back to sis as soon as possible in case the baby comes early."
Bulma looked surprised but nodded in understanding. To Vegeta it seemed as if she was not used to have her fun spoiled so. 'How sad for her…' He thought sarcastically feeling no sympathy.
Dr. Briefs then took it upon himself to introduce everyone. Vegeta was introduced as a friend of the family along with Krillin, Yamcha and the rest. The red haired woman's husband, a large broad shouldered graying man by the name of Robbie was the elder Briefs' woman's brother there with his wife Rhonda and son Randy.
Not long after the introductions 'Uncle Robbie' suggested they adjourn to the backyard for some football.
Randy, Krillin, and Yamcha readily agreed, followed more slowly by Dr. Briefs. As they headed for the back door the ladies adjourned to the kitchen all accept for Bulma.
Bulma followed them out the back door and for lack of anything better to do Vegeta followed.
Vegeta just watched as the humans attempted to divide up teams. He was surprised at what happened next.
"Hey Blue, you gonna join?" The man named Randy asked.
Yamcha laughed. "Bulma play football? You can't be serious!"
Bulma swatted Yamcha in the shoulder and glared. Her cousin Randy chuckled. "Blue, here taught me everything I know about the game."
Bulma gave a superior smirk and then sauntered over to her cousin who held the ball. "Let's show them how's it done, shall we?"
Vegeta watched utterly amazed as they began their game. After a little while Vegeta determined the game was not unlike strategic battle simulations he had done as a child only the patterns to this game were much simpler than actual warfare. What amazed him was how well the woman played. He had never her seen her so fast or agile. She made a mockery of Krillin and Yamcha. Her athletic prowess was incredibly shocking not to mention arousing.
"Hey Vegeta, you wanna play?" She inquired when she caught him watching her intently thinking he was admiring the game.
He mentally shook himself and glared. "What makes you think you stand a chance?" He asked raising his chin.
Bulma gave him a smug look and sauntered a few steps towards him. "Have you seen the way I dominate this game? And we don't allow the use of super human strength in the interest of fair play, so I believe you are at a disadvantage."
He eyed her accusingly and strode towards her till he was toe to toe with her. "Are you saying I am incapable of fair play woman?"
He held out a hand and she handed him the ball with a smirk turning away. She didn't notice his gaze follow the sway of her hips as she walked away saying, "Krillin, Yamcha, you guys will need him more than we do."
He growled at her veiled insult before quickly taking the field. 'Challenge me will you?' He thought. The idea of a mere human female challenging him was irritating and yet all together too amusing as he fought to keep a smirk from crossing his face.
He took up the position he recognized as the one designed to take down the runner; Bulma.
When the ball was snapped Vegeta raced forward intent on taking down his target but somehow she remained at an arms length dodging his fingers agilely and running backwards trying to stay open. The ball flew through the air and when Bulma stopped just long enough to jump for it Vegeta took the opportunity to pounce with ever muscle in his body behind the movement Bulma soon found herself pulled to the ground by a ton of hard muscle. With an 'oomph' she hit the ground flat with a certain saiyan Prince laying over her.
She wore a smug expression however for she still held the ball even though he took her dang. A small accomplishment but she figured just holding on to the ball after a body block from a saiyan counted for something. She looked up at Vegeta to see his eyes wide and his face blanched. "Vegeta are you alright?" She asked concerned. She had never seen him look so.
The truth was that they were in a very compromising position. One might even go so far as to say provocative and the image she made smirking beneath him caused him to have another of his day dreams. He imagined then in the same position only with no clothes and Bulma begging him to 'dominate' her. He pulled away fast; he would die of shame if she noticed his arousal for her.
Bulma stared at him concerned, she wasn't fool enough to think he had injured himself but what she had seen in his eyes if only for a moment surprised her. His close proximity had also not been lost on her. She'd thought about complaining about how heavy he was when he landed on her but had thought better of it when she felt all that hard muscle pressed against her. Sinful warmth spread through her body and when he abruptly pulled away she felt bereft, a crazy part of her wanted to pull him back.
While both of them tried to regain their composure Bunny came out and called them all in for dinner.
The meal passed without any more surprises. Bulma had a great time chatting with family while Vegeta enjoyed the feast. It was truly fit for royalty.
When the meal was over Vegeta abruptly left the festivities deciding he had wasted enough time and needed to get back to training.
He trained for a few hours but found his mind wandering back to earlier that day and his daydream fantasies about Bulma, he couldn't for the life of him understand why. She was attractive, fiery; its not as if he hadn't noticed before. His reactions to the woman and the woman herself were an enigma to him. An enigma he'd rather not dwell on as it was currently distracting him from training.
He was so distracted he finally decided to call it quits for the day and headed to the house. It was well into the middle of the night and usually all the Briefs were in bed by now, but Vegeta caught sight of a light coming from the living room. He came in the back door like usual and had to cross into the living room to reach the stairs anyway but stopped short in the doorway when he saw none other than the object of his distraction sitting on the couch. With nothing but her pjs and a blanket she sat; knees curled up to her chest with her head resting upon them, her blue wave of hair fell down her back entrancingly. Her attention was riveted to the television.
Vegeta took a step closer. Suddenly the woman let out a light hearted giggle, a sound Vegeta seldom ever heard in his life, it caused his chest to swell with warmth he did not understand. He stepped even closer until he was directly behind the couch and forced his eyes to turn to the TV to find out what she was watching. On the television was a strange antlered beast, indoors, being spoken too by an old bearded man?
He watched for a few moments not altogether understanding what was going on, when the scene changed Bulma finally noticed Vegeta presence. She jumped a little when she noticed the shadowed figure behind her but caught herself when she recognized Vegeta.
"Jeez Vegeta, you scared me out of a year of my life. What are you lurking around for?"
Vegeta scowled at the woman before nodding to the TV. "What rubbish are you watching so late at night woman?"
"Its not rubbish!" She retorted with a pout. He stared her down for a moment before she sighed heavily. She motioned for him to sit beside her and he did without much bother. "It's a tradition. My cousins and I always stay up late on Thanksgiving night to watch our first Christmas movies of the season. Always Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life. But this year my cousin Robin is pregnant and couldn't make it so I am watching them alone." As she finished her explanation Vegeta could see her sadness at the breaking of their tradition and wanted to distract her before she started crying.
"What is Christmas?" He asked testing the word on his tongue.
"Well…" Bulma debated the best way to describe the holiday to the saiyan before beginning. She decided maybe vague was the best way to go since explaining religion to a man who's only religion was battle would be pointless, "Christmas is a holiday celebrating togetherness, hope, and peace. It is day based on belief; the belief that nothing is impossible. This movie depicts a famous man named Kris Kringle who historically and in name and tale today has brought toys and joy to deserving boys and girls all over the world in one magical night."
Vegeta snorted. "Such foolishness. No wonder humans are so weak."
Bulma wrinkled her nose in irritation. "It is not foolish. Our hope as well as our ability to adapt is what makes humans strong. It's just to bad that words like 'peace' and 'comfort' never entered saiyan vocabulary." She finished with a huff.
Vegeta simply snorted in reply and shook his head as he sat down beside her on the couch. Her expression changed from annoyance to surprise. Vegeta's face remained impassive though inside he was berating himself for being so weak as to pity the woman in her lonesome crusade and decided to join her.
"Vegeta what are…?" Before Bulma could complete her inquiry Vegeta cut in. "Do not question my curiosity unless you have a death wish."
Bulma quickly bit her lip and stared at Vegeta for a moment longer in silent contemplation of his presence. She knew he didn't care a wit for humanity but something had him curious enough to stay with her. What she couldn't be sure of but she fully intended to find out, her own curiosity now peaked. She turned her eyes back to the screen but kept her peripherals on Vegeta as they continued to watch the movie.
Bulma noticed nothing unusual about Vegeta during the course of the first movie. When it finished he snorted seeming just as disgusted with the concept of Christmas as he had before. Bulma wasted no time in putting in the second movie, it's a Wonderful Life. To her surprise Vegeta didn't leave he simply shifted his position on the couch and settled in once more.
Bulma too shifted hoping to find a tell in his physical characteristics by sitting closer. The movement was not missed on the warrior and he did his best to ignore it.
As the movie continued it came to a scene where a girl found herself hiding behind a bush with her would be suitor taunting her Bulma gave a small chuckle and unconsciously leaned against Vegeta's shoulder.
Vegeta stiffened but so engrossed in the movie and so comfortable was Bulma that she didn't even notice Vegeta's discomfort.
When Vegeta realized that Bulma was not going to move nor was she afraid of him he relaxed and as he took in the scene unfolding on the screen, he was struck by the simplicity of the scene and something he thought long dead inside him yearned for such simplicity. Nothing in his life had ever been simple and yet with Bulma leaning on his shoulder he somehow thought he might have some in this very moment. He was suddenly very glad he decided to stay for the movie.
By the time the movie had ended Vegeta was no closer to understanding humanity and he was about to comment on their foolishness when he heard the soft sound of Bulma's even breathing. She was sound asleep upon Vegeta's shoulder.
He wanted to be angry that he had wasted his time on the woman's feelings, but truth be told he had enjoyed it. So against his rational judgments he carefully rose and lifted the woman easily into his arms. She cuddled into the warmth of his chest as he carried her up the stairs. He easily pushed open her door and placed her on her bed. Her hair fanned out on the pillow and when he tried to step back he found her grasping onto his hand tightly. He added a little pressure and quickly replaced her hand with a pillow. She made a small noise of discomfort at first but it passed and Vegeta stood breathless at the sight before him.
Angels were only something Vegeta had heard about from other cultures, to his recollection Vegeta-sei had no equivalent, but watching Bulma sleeping so peacefully, he could only believe that she was such a creature.
With that thought in mind he went to bed exhausted from; feasting, training, and the emotional revelations of the day. Yet even with all that had crossed his mind; every thought and subtle feeling, he fell right to sleep and enjoyed his first non nightmare plagued sleep in years.
First chapter, one more to come. Sadly I do not believe it will be done in time for Christmas but I will do my best to get it done by New Years.