Chapter 11: Finally Friday Part 4

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or song rights for the lyrics in this story.

Mature reader's only, strong language

Vegeta sat in history tapping his foot impatiently glancing at the door every few seconds. Where is the woman?! It wasn't like Bulma to be late. The teacher was talking about world war 2 but Vegeta was more interested in world war 3 between his head and his heart. What am I going to do? I like her. a lot. But isn't weak to show that? But I don't want to lose her…

Bulma burst through the doors shining with confidence, but on the inside she was so very nervous about 'the plan'. Bulma scanned the room for Vegeta she spotted him sitting at the back of the classroom, he seemed to relax when their eyes met. Bulma blushed and made her way over, her heart growing louder with each step she took, even when Bulma took her seat she still hadn't broken the eye contact, the whole situation felt intense and they weren't even touching.

"Excuse me! Miss Briefs! An 'I'm sorry I'm late miss wouldn't go amiss." Bulma tensed and gritted her teeth. She hated being told off. She looked at the teacher and took a deep breath in.

"I am sorry miss it won't happen again." Bulma got out her book and a pen, she could feel Chi and 18 watching her every move, studying her and Vegeta. She had to plan the next move carefully. Bulma clicked her pen frustratedly as the teacher played a video, how the heck was she meant to do this? It sounded so simple in the bathroom! Something held her arm softly stopping her from clicking her pen.

"Woman." Vegeta said playfully a smirk on his face. "Please stop that incessant clicking! It is very annoying." He stared her straight in the eyes.

"Hmph. Well I got that annoying habit off you!" she stared straight back at him with even more fire. He smirked at her before turning to pretend to watch the video. He had to say something about what had happened in math before stuff became awkward. He cleared his throat.

"So uh, what are you doing next period I have a free…" he trailed off as Bulma's eye lit up, she grinned at him.

"Same!" Bulma exclaimed. I already knew that.

"So did you have any plans?" his voice was soft.

"Nope. But we aren't allowed off the premises?" Bulma was sure she'd read that in the rule book.

"Phaa! And you've abided the rules this week?" he cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Well, I." Bulma didn't know what to say, she hadn't meant to break any rules. But Vegeta was right this week had not gone how she would've liked it, on the other hand because of her rule breaking she may have obtained a boyfriend? "It's your fault I haven't abided them…. But if you're offering to take me away from here…" she beamed at him causing Vegeta to gulp. "The mall is a pretty awesome place to go." She stared him in the eye and winked.

"WHAT?! NO WAY! THERE IS NO WAY I AM TAKING YOU-" idiot woman, how could she even suggest such a thing! He wasn't her boyfriend or a chauffeur! Wait didn't she just wink?

"Mr Ouji! Out!" the teacher sent him out and Bulma sighed, Vegeta stared down at her as he stood up, the light of the video was illuminating her pale skin beautifully. Bulma looked up him and mouthed a 'sorry' "Now Mr Ouji!" the teacher was getting impatient. Vegeta took Bulma hands and shook it placing something into her palm as he did. Bulma watched him leave clasping the thing in her hand tightly. When the teacher turned around she opened her hand to reveal a screwed up piece of paper that read:

Woman,

During our free period meet me by art, unless you're chicken.

Vegeta.

Bulma blinked twice, CHICKEN?! She wasn't chicken! Why was that all he said? Maybe if he had said too much she wouldn't go? And if he knew they had a free together why did he even bother asking her a few moments ago? Bulma sighed and scrunched the note back up and popped it into her pencil case.

Chi and 18 had seen the whole thing.

"Why didn't she stick to the plan?" Chi hissed at 18.

"I don't know. I mean we have no idea what they were discussing in the first place, whatever B said had Vegeta angry but somehow amused."

"Hmm yeah I guess you're right 18, did you see him hand her something before he left or am I going crazy?"

"Yeah I saw that too Chi, to be honest I think whatever B did worked better than our 'plan'." 18 was always the reasoner of the group, she was level headed in almost every situation, not like Chi who could jump the gun a bit. Marron was just drifting in the wind and Launch was silent but intelligent.

"I hope they get together soon 18, they are so so so perfect for one another! We must ask B what the note said later!" they nodded at one another and Chi turned to talk to Goku whilst 18 watched the video, but not before noticing Krillen and Marron giggling on the other side of the table.

Krillen and Marron sat on the other side of the table chatting happily about their plans for the weekend. Man we're becoming such good friends, I never knew that Mar could be this much fun, I always thought she was an airhead, but she is a really nice person. Raditz was sat on 18's right, he nudged her to get her attention.

"They seem to be getting on pretty well don't they?" he asked her.

"Yeah they do." She replied shortly "I'm happy for them." Raditz knew she was hurt, her and Krillen had always been that close.

18 was upset because Krillen had been distant lately he hadn't even phoned her during her suspension unlike Raditz who was always ringing to cheer her up. Raditz. Maybe if I went out with him I could get Krillen back? But that's mean on Raditz…

"Hey." Raditz poked her and smiled when their eyes met. "Cheer up." 18 felt his eyes bore down into her, they were so soft, she smiled back at him and muttered a 'sure'.

Launch was sat with Tien; they had got on pretty well in study time and still were now. Tien was very funny and Launch relaxed around him, but his glances at Bulma were not missed. Had Tien actually ever noticed her? Launch was about to play tactical. Tien cracked a joke and they both fell about laughing. When they stopped she caught his gaze and held it, she saw something shift in his features and knew that he had really just looked at her for the first time.

When Launch held Tiens gaze he was surprised. He had never really looked at her before. She was beautiful. She had clear pale blue eyes and lovely brown curly hair that looked so soft and natural, if her eyes were any other colour then they wouldn't go with her hair, the blonde highlights were a symbol of her wild side, to prove that she wasn't just plain and intelligent. He broke the gaze and cleared his throat before looking back at her trying to act normal.

"So what are you doing this weekend Launch?"

"I'm not too sure at the moment I need to speak with the girls…. What about you?" she flashed a prefect white smile at him.

"I might go and watch some baseball on Sunday." Launch's smile grew.

"I love baseball!"

"You should come, I have a spare ticket. Goku and Raditz are more football players, and Vegeta, well he's Vegeta." They giggled before turning to the video as the teacher was giving the whole table a warning look.

When the bell rang for the end of history and the teacher dismissed them Bulma was out the door like a bullet. She didn't want to make Vegeta hang around too long or he'd probably leave and she'd have to wait until Monday to talk to him. when Bulma neared art she saw Vegeta leaning up against a wall, he seemed lost in thought, he didn't even notice when Bulma was next to him.

"Hey." She whispered. Why am I being shy and nervous? That's soo not me! I need to man up! Vegeta smirked at her and unpropped himself from the wall.

"Took you long enough woman."

"What? They bell only rang a tow minutes ago! I ran here! I never run! Count yourself lucky." She smirked back at him.

"Well you still weren't quick enough." Bulma glanced at her watch it was 3 o clock.

"Well I am sorry your princelyness. Come on lets go only two hours to go!" Vegeta was confused.

"Two hours until what?" he eyed the woman suspiciously.

"Until the shops close silly! You did say that you would take me to the mall…"

"What? Idiot woman, I said no such thing."

"Why are you so against a little trip?" Bulma quaked her bottom lip causing Vegetas heart to squeeze

"Why are you so for it?" he gritted his teeth.

"you owe me for the sendings out you got me!"

"Well you owe me lunch!"

"Well then its sorted." Bulma folded her arms across her chest.

"It is?" Vegeta asked cautiously.

"Yes. I owe you lunch. So I'll get you a late lunch at the mall." She smiled triumphantly at him.

"What. But. Ugh. Fine. Come on then." Bulma squealed and jumped up as Vegeta turned to walk to out the back exit off the school premises. Bulma followed Vegeta to his car and waited for him to open the door for her, but he didn't which made her grumble. Bulma put on her seatbelt and waited for Vegeta to leave. He put the car in gear and drove out the school gates. I can't believe I am doing this. He glanced over at Bulma, she seemed unsettled, her lips were pursed and she was staring into nothingness. He didn't know what to say to her. so much had happened this week, it seemed like an eternity had past. Vegeta popped the radio on and switched to a station he hoped she would like and when she didn't grumble he took it as a good sign. After a long twenty minutes they pulled into a multi storey car park, Vegeta drove to the top as the lower floors were too crowded for his precious car. Vegeta got out the car and waited for Bulma to get out herself. Things were getting awkward.

"So where to first? We have 1 hour thirty minutes to shop and eat." Vegeta exhaled and turned to face Bulma.

"You're not going to forget the food are you?" she smiled and they both relaxed.

Vegeta followed Bulma around some of the shops and waited whilst she tried on endless clothes none of which she came out to parade like most girls did. After an hour of shopping with poor results he was starving.

"Now can we get some food woman?"

"Yeah sure. There's a café over there I need a coffee anyway." Vegeta nodded in agreement and the pair made their way over into the café. Vegeta chose a table in a corner away from the collaboration of people. Bulma ordered a coffee whilst Vegeta ordered an insane amount of food for himself. Bulma looked at disgust as the waitress flirted with him, adjusting her top, flickering her hair and staring at him. Bulma folded her arms across her chest. I know he isn't my boyfriend but still she may aswell have a sign above her head saying free fuck…

"WOMAN?! HELLO?! IS ANYONE IN THERE?!" Vegeta was shouting at her. Bulma snapped back into reality.

"Uh yeah sorry. You don't need to shout!"

"Well you weren't answering I was beginning to think your heart had stopped beating or something. You looked possessed." Bulma giggled and begrudgingly thanked the waitress when her coffee came. She took a sip and then stirred it all the time feeling vegetas eyes on her. when she looked up her assumption was right his coal black eyes were fixated on her like he was trying to suss her out. She sighed, so much had happened today let alone this week. Vegetas massive food order of 3 hamburgers and large chips, 4 milkshakes, an all day breakfast and ice cream came along with the massive bill. Bulma paid for it and watched in awe as he consumed it.

"That's enough food to feed me for ages! How can you eat it all!"

"Well I train hard." He said between mouthfuls.

"I haven't seen you train…"

"Well it might interest you to know that try outs have only just begun this week so only a few sports have actual practices. And I don't need to go to try outs because I'm so good. However I did say to the coach that I'd train today in the gym. But I'm here with you."

"Awww Vegeta you shouldn't have!" Bulma smiled at him. "So you obviously wanted to do something this afternoon before I dragged you here, what did you have in mind originally?" Bulma was curious he must've planned something.

"Nothing. Maybe a drive somewhere and a walk. A bit of rewind time, nothing stressful." Bulma felt bad, that did sound nice. She looked down into her lap regretting the shopping trip. She felt Vegeta kick her foot and she looked back up to him. "It doesn't matter woman. This is…nice to I guess." He smiled at her as the waitress came to clear away the dishes.

"can I get you anything else sir?" the waitress said rather to softly, Vegeta shook his head.

"Well I am fine thanks for asking." Bulma shouted after her as she walked away. "No tip for you." The waitress shot her a dirty look making Bulma puff up.

"Woman. What is your problem?" Vegeta thought her outburst was odd.

"I'll tell you her problem." A voice came from the side of them. Bulmas heart stopped and she froze. "She's a whore. A jealous whore." Bulma had had it. She glared up at Yamcha, stood up and walked out the café calmly until she was around the corner, and then she ran, she had to get away from him, she hated leaving Vegeta like that but she hoped he'd understand.

"Right!" Vegeta roared at Yamcha, he went to punch him but stopped. Bulma was more important and Yamcha was not worth the effort, he ran out after Bulma. The mall was crowded with last minute shoppers. He spotted her tearing through the crowd and in less than a heartbeat he was chasing after her. she wasn't the fastest girl in the world so he caught up easily. I cant grab her from behind she may cause a scene. If only I could intercept her! but how…

Bulma was running in a blind panic, tears streaming down her face ruining her make up, she rounded another corner out the noise into a silent alley. She ran into something so she thought, but that something had stopped her with their hands, Bulma knew just from the warm tingly touch who it was. She opened her eyes and tried to blink away her blurred vision, it was Vegeta. Her heart squeezed and a tide of emotions ran over her. Vegeta pulled her into him and really held her for the first time he held her as tight as he dared without crushing her, he could feel his shirt becoming more tear soaked by the minute but he didn't care, she needed him and he cared.

"Woman, it'll be okay, they were just words. He can't hurt you as long as I'm around." He put a small gap between them and stared into her eyes. Bulma drew in a shaky breath.

"You're right, I need to pull together. I need to stay strong or he'll win." She looked at Vegeta with determination. He smiled at her before taking her hand in his and making their way back to his car. Bulma felt stronger when she was with Vegeta, she also felt happier and safer. She looked up at him as they walked and smiled properly, she rested her head on his shoulder and felt him tense then relax.

After a slow walk they finally arrived at Vegetas car, he held the door open for her and shut it once she was in. Vegeta drove off slowly and put the car in automatic mode.

Bulmas favourite song started to come on, on the radio by Ne-Yo:

'Much as you blame yourself, you can't be blamed for the way you feel
Had no example of a love, that was even remotely real
How can you understand something that you never had
Ooh baby if you let me, I can help you out with all of that…'

It made her think of Vegeta, this must be what it's like for him, and I do want to help him. Although at the moment he seems to be helping me out more. But maybe that's what is making him feel?

'A heart of numbness, gets brought to life…'

That line hit Vegeta hard. Bulma was making him feel, his heart had been numb to emotion before she came.

'I can see the pain behind your eyes
It's been there for quite a while
I just wanna be the one to remind what it is to smile…'

Bulma had made him smile, even from day one, there was a spark between them that Vegeta felt would never die. Vegeta reached over towards Bulma and held her hand causing the both of them to blush. He squeezed it and at the same time his heart squeezed to.

Vegeta pulled up outside Bulmas home and got out to let her out. He walked her to the door and stood on the porch. Bulma turned to face him, air clouds coming out her mouth and she breathed. The temperature had plummeted dramatically and it was only half five. The sky was dark and overcast, Bulma shivered.

"Thankyou Vegeta. For taking me shopping and helping me out emotionally." She smiled at him, their eyes interlocked.

"Woman…I" he didn't know how to say it. "Ahh screw it." He leant in and kissed her on the lips, pulling her into him. Bulma wrapped her arms around his neck, she felt electricity course though her and saw fireworks in her head. Vegeta pulled away first, the kiss had been soft but explained so much, he wondered if she'd felt the electricity and seen fireworks. "Goodnight…. Bulma." He smiled and turned to walk back to his car. Bulma stood at the porch watching him go, nothing would bring her mood down. He really was the light in her dark.

A/N: sorry for not updating in a while! Hope you like it!

R&R

CrookedMoonlight.