Glorious
Chapter 11
Yamcha returned for a few days before Christmas after being gone a total of two months. He of course had returned with some very extravagant gifts for Bulma; a mink fur coat being the most exquisite, however her excitement was diminished at the knowledge that her mother had likely told him that was what she'd want. She'd always wanted a mink fur coat and her mother had always told her she was not old enough to own something as extravagant as a fur.
Bulma wasn't sure how to greet him or how to act around him, being that he had been gone for two months with barely a word of communication. He seemed happy to see her, but things remained as cordial as ever between them. She didn't even feel comfortable bringing up the topic of him writing her mother and disclosing details of their private life to her, and so she left it for now.
Being that he still seemed to have no interest in trying to turn their relationship into something more normal, it eased Bulma's guilt over her more recent actions almost entirely. If he did not want her that way, that was fine with her. She had someone who did.
They found themselves out for a New Year's party on New Year's night. Bulma had made sure she looked nothing short of stunning; it had been nearly two weeks since she'd seen Vegeta. While she knew the possibility of having an intimate collusion would likely be impossible, she still was excited by the possibility of seeing him.
Her dress was a classy royal blue A line, off the shoulder ball gown; she'd had her hair curled but pinned to the side so that the curls cascaded like gentle waves all on the left side of her face and shoulder.
It did not take long for Vegeta to find them shortly after they arrived.
"My friend, how have you been keeping?" Yamcha asked, tipping his champagne glass at him.
"I am well, thanks," he nodded, glancing at Bulma appreciatively.
"I hear you were kind enough to keep my wife company on the train while on her way back home from visiting her parents last month."
He glanced at Bulma briefly in surprise, but did not miss a beat. "It was nothing," he shrugged off. "It was nice having someone to visit with on my way home,"
"All the same, I appreciate that," Yamcha said. "Where is Lazuli?"
Vegeta shrugged. "Somewhere. I have not seen her since we arrived here."
"Well I promised Bulma an evening with no political talk so I will be sticking close tonight," Yamcha joked and Vegeta had to refrain from snickering at the way Bulma discreetly wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes. "I won't burden you with babysitting her this evening, so please enjoy yourself."
Bulma turned and glared him.
"It was a joke, dear," he chuckled. "Poor Vegeta is always the one stuck entertaining you when I'm sure he'd rather be finding someone else to occupy his attention; no offence to you, my friend. I just know how you feel about these large festivities. What did you used to call them back in the day? Oh right, fishing expeditions."
Vegeta winced at his friend's mocking tone. "Believe me, it is a pleasure to entertain someone as classy and endearing as your wife," he said. "You after all asked me to look out for her in your absence,"
"I did and I cannot thank you enough for that," Yamcha nodded.
"That being said, do you want to dance?" Bulma asked him, wanting to change the subject before he said anything else stupid. She could tell Vegeta was not amused with him.
"Not yet, dear," Yamcha replied. "I haven't finished my first drink yet and I am quite curious to see who all is here,"
"No politics!" She snapped.
"No, no, I know, don't worry," he chuckled. "Though there are a few people I should talk with. Why don't you dance with Vegeta if he is willing?"
Bulma looked pointedly at Vegeta. She'd like nothing more and she made a point of mentally remembering this so that if the worst case scenario came to pass, she would be more than happy to tell him that he essentially drove her into Vegeta's arms. Especially since it was not even a moment ago, he told Vegeta that he would not be ditching her this evening!
"I would be very happy to dance with your wife and get her warmed up for you," Vegeta replied slyly.
"Great!" Yamcha smiled, putting his hands together. "I won't be long, I promise," he said to Bulma, kissing her on the cheek. "Go have fun!"
"I plan to," she said sourly to him, going with Vegeta.
"Nothing has changed, I see," he said as he lead her to the dance floor.
"Nope," she replied. "Though I'd rather dance with you,"
"I am sure you would," he chuckled.
"I've missed you," she told him quietly. "He's leaving again in a few weeks. I will be counting down the days,"
"As will I," he said, discreetly pulling her closer, but watching their surroundings carefully.
They danced together a few songs and of course Yamcha never came. "We should leave," Bulma said to him. "He wouldn't even notice,"
"No, but someone else might," he advised even though he'd been having similar thoughts. He did not know the building well enough to know if there was someplace they could discreetly slip away to undetected.
"Are you sure you don't want to… look around then for someone to amuse you?" She asked him. Yamcha joking about fishing expeditions earlier had reminded her that Vegeta may feel like he's wasting his time with her, especially if Lazuli had found someone to entertain her for the evening, which she obviously had. She was nowhere to be seen, which was alright with Bulma. She had not seen her since the morning after her first night with Vegeta.
"There is no one else's company I would rather," he said, then added quietly. "I am not finished with you yet, unless you wish to be done."
"No, not at all," she replied.
He smirked at her. "Good," he said. "Wait here, I want to take a look around. I will return,"
Bulma nodded at him, grabbing a fresh glass of champagne from one of the passing waiters.
She wandered around, looking for Yamcha. It took her a few minutes, but she did find him. Surrounded by four people giving what sounded like a passionate speech over one of his ideologies. She leaned against the wall as she sipped her champagne and observed him from a distance. She supposed he was handsome, there was no doubt about that. While a part of her was angry at being ditched again, a small part of her had to admire him for being so persistent. This was something he really wanted and he wasn't about to let anything or anyone stand in his way. Unfortunately for her, it meant being neglected whenever they went out and she supposed she should be used to that by now and quit taking it so personally. A part of her felt guilty for not being able to put up and simply wait for things to get better.
Her father had indicated that perhaps the problem was that they were still too newly married and needed to still get used to one another. Maybe that was true? However they had been married for seven months. How could she get to know someone who was never around and chose to bail on her at every social event they attended together?
She was so lost in her thoughts she almost didn't notice Vegeta appear and subtly beacon her with a nod from across the room. She looked at Yamcha once more; he had not noticed her standing not too far off from where he was and she paused, silently asking herself what the hell she was doing? It didn't take her long to make up her mind and meet Vegeta at the other end of the room, which led into another dining room.
"I found a way to slip away unnoticed to another area of this place," he said discreetly to her.
"Take me," she said, making her decision, unable to say no to him.
He turned and she followed him.
Everyone was fairly inebriated or so absorbed in their own conversations that from what Bulma could tell, no one even noticed them slip away; she hoped anyway. She followed him and he discreetly indicated for her to go into a room as he walked passed it so as to make it not obvious that both of them would be entering it.
Bulma walked in; it was a small room with nothing for furnishings. It was dark, so she could not tell what it was typically used for.
A moment later, Vegeta entered and quietly closed the door. They could still hear the orchestra playing.
She went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and he placed his hands on her hips, drawing her close. They swayed slowly to the tune of the music playing in the ballroom, enjoying the privacy of the room where no one would see them or judge how close they were dancing.
Bulma rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying the moment of being close to him, wishing now more than ever that he was who she could have been with. It was so easy with him. They could pass the time in silence and it was comfortable in that she didn't feel like she needed to be constantly engaging him in conversation.
She suddenly remembered. "I have a Christmas gift for you, kind of," she said, looking up at him.
"Hmmm and here I did not get you anything because I was worried it would attract attention," he replied.
"That's alright. Technically neither did I," she smiled, not upset. "I finished your gun."
"Did you?" He replied in surprise. "That did not take you very long,"
"No," she agreed. "Though I have not fired it to see if it is truly fixed. I added a few modifications as well though." She told him, getting excited.
"Save it for when you can show me," he said, chuckling at her enthusiasm. The music had stopped and the count down to midnight was beginning. "You should leave and go find Yamcha,"
Bulma shook her head. "I'm exactly with who I want to be with on New Years,"
"Is that so?" He asked, raising his eyebrow. "Well, the feeling is mutual."
He lowered his lips to hers as everyone began cheering in the other room that it was officially the New Year.
She clung to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself into him as she kissed him back fiercely, wanting to forget that she would not be going home with him at the end of the evening. His arms were around her waist; one on her hip, the other travelling slowly and sensually up and down her back, holding her close as he kissed her back intently, making her feel warm and secure and she never wanted him to let her go.
They remained that way, making out intensely for a few minutes after the fact before he let her go. "I am sure he will have noticed your absence by now. Go,"
"Where will you be?" She asked.
"I will go home," he said. "But you leave first and in a few minutes I will leave this room and head out."
"Alright," she said, still holding one of his hands, not wanting to sever the physical contact. She quickly kissed him one last time before stepping away from him. "Happy New Year, Vegeta,"
"Happy New Year," he responded, watching her as she exited the room and closed the door behind her.
Vegeta sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. It was becoming harder and harder to let her go after each time they were together. He waited a few minutes like he said he would and then decided to leave.
He stepped outside and noticed their carriage was gone. Lazuli must have left already, he assumed. "Fucking bitch," he muttered under his breath for her essentially stranding him there.
With a heavy sigh, he began walking in the direction of his home; it was not that far and the weather was fairly mild. A cool walk would do him some good right now, he told himself.
-0-0-0-
Bulma walked quickly around the dance hall looking for Yamcha but could not find him. Anxiety began to wash through her at the thought that perhaps he had discovered them or someone had told him that she and Vegeta had snuck away.
As she began to panic, she found him.
"Where have you been?" He asked, somewhat annoyed. "I've been looking all over for you!"
"Vegeta took sick while we were dancing and so he went home," she said. It was the first thing she could think of on the fly. It seemed legitimate; Vegeta had indicated he would be leaving. "I was trying to find Lazuli to let her know, but I could not find her so I stayed with him outside until he seemed well enough. I think he just drank too much,"
"Hmmm," he replied, though he did not seem completely convinced. Mentally she cursed herself for not asking Vegeta for a cover story in case Yamcha had noticed her brief absence. "Well hopefully she is not left stranded. However I am sure he wouldn't do that to her. They live not that far from here. Did he walk?"
"I'm not sure," she shook her head and wished she'd thought this through better. She was a terrible liar. "He was out side when I left him,"
"I'm sure it will work itself out," he shrugged. "Those two have a bit of a strange relationship. I wonder about them from time to time,"
"It's not our business," she said quickly, wanting to change the subject.
"Quite right, it isn't," he agreed. "Are you ready to head home?"
"I was hoping you would dance with me," she said, hoping that if he danced with her if he had any suspicions, that would cancel them out and it would ease some of her guilt for slipping away to have a heated make out session with Vegeta.
"Really?" He sighed. "I kind of just want to go home,"
She looked at him and debated for a moment on how to react. On one hand she was ready to go home, but on the other she was annoyed by him just bailing on her all evening again! No, she decided she wasn't going to let him get away with it that easily. "Seriously? I asked you earlier and you pawned me off on Vegeta as usual even though you told him you wouldn't do that! Then you ditched me again to go schmooze with your political buddies when you promised me that you would actually spend the evening with me!"
Yamcha looked around, hoping that no one was listening to her tirade. Thankfully it appeared that everyone was too drunk to care or notice. "Can we have this discussion at home? I'd like to for once not have a fight with you at a gathering."
"Well maybe if you didn't treat me like a burden you have an obligation to carry around instead of a wife that you actually care for, I wouldn't get angry!" She told him. "You've warned me so many times about people getting the wrong idea if I say or do something, guess what? People are probably going to think I'm married to Vegeta and not you! I'm always dancing and conversing with him and never you!" She knew she was pushing her luck, but didn't really care.
"Are you drunk? Because you're being ridiculous," he snapped at her.
"No, I'm not drunk!" She replied. "I wish I was though! Maybe I'd find this whole thing funny instead of depressing."
"Alright," he sighed. "Do you really want to dance that bad? Let's go,"
"No, I don't want to anymore," she shook her head. "Apparently it's a chore so no, I agree with you, it's time to go home."
Yamcha sighed and shook his head at her. Sometimes she made no sense to him and when she got like this. Her mother always told him how easy going and easy to please she was, yet he had yet to see that side to her.
"Alright, lets go home then."
Bulma followed him and they went home.
The next two weeks were spent avoiding each other for the most part. Except for meals. The weather was mild one morning and Yamcha had requested they have their mid morning coffee outside on their balcony, overlooking the ocean. It was still fairly chilly, but the sun was shining warm on them and it was a nice, peaceful setting, he was due to leave again in a few days and he did not want to leave her behind on bad terms.
To his surprise and delight, she grabbed a blanket and agreed to sit outside with him and so they settled in.
As they were enjoying coffee and snacks on the veranda, watching people on the beach, she noticed Vegeta coming up out of the water. Had he actually been swimming? It was the middle of January; the water had to have been freezing!
"Is that Vegeta?" Yamcha commented, noticing him at the same time she must have.
"I don't know," Bulma replied nonchalantly, pretending to scan the beach for him in the other direction. "Where?"
"Right there," he said, pointing.
Her stomach fluttered pleasantly as he was fully emerged from the water now and stood on the beach. They were a fair distance away, but her heart beat faster and she felt warm at the sight of him despite the crisp weather. He was shirtless, only wearing long, tight shorts that accented his well-defined thighs and she vividly remembered what it felt like to have him between her thighs or how he'd nudge her legs apart with one of his thighs. Or what it felt like to lay against his strong chest or run her hands along his perfect abdomen, or casually falling asleep in his arms after...
She started and her indecent thoughts were rudely interrupted when Yamcha whistled loudly in an attempt to attract Vegeta's attention.
Vegeta heard him and raised his arm in greeting as he picked up his towel and quickly dried himself off and began to approach their home after picking up a large leather bag she assumed had his clothes in it.
"Come over! Join us for some tea, you must be freezing!" Yamcha said when he was close to the house. "And for god's sake put some clothes on. You make the rest of us mere mortals think poorly of themselves."
Vegeta nodded once, making brief eye contact with Bulma and went around to the other side of the house where Bulma assumed Baba had let him in to change. In a few minutes, he greeted them on their veranda, fully clothed.
Bulma stood to greet him and was pleasantly surprised when he took her hand and kissed the back of it tenderly, giving her a heated glance all the while. It took every ounce of self-control for her to not fall into a puddle of mush in front of him and she was instantly irritated that he would flirt with her like this in front of her husband!
"Are you insane, swimming in the ocean on a day like today?" She snipped at him, taking her hand back and sitting back down and re wrapping herself in her blanket. "It's freezing in there and the waves are simply treacherous!"
"Irresponsible and reckless as always," Yamcha commented with a grin, shaking his friend's hand in greeting. "That's Vegeta. That will never change, I'm afraid."
"I was told by a fortune teller when I was eight that I would die a glorious and honorable death," he boasted. "Since such is the case, it means I am free to live my life on the edge. I take much comfort in the old proverb, a man destined for the gallows can never drown."
"Surely you aren't that morbid or that stupid so as to risk your life based on the prediction of some gypsy," Bulma said in irritation. The waves were strong and crashing against the rocks! It would be dangerous for anyone to be swimming, no matter how strong or experienced.
"Your concern is touching, my lady," he said, nodding once at her. "Yamcha your wife is far too kind and caring."
"Isn't she?"
Bulma refrained from rolling her eyes at them both.
"However if it is a war you are hoping to find your glorious end in, I am afraid you'll either have to go to China or find a roundabout way of instigating something here, for I cannot see a war breaking out here for some time." Yamcha said. "Though even so, you should have more care for your well being, one day you will not be so lucky,"
"Is that your advice of the day, Yamcha?" Vegeta scoffed at him. "What fun is life if you never take any risks or do the things you wish?"
"Do as you want, my friend," Yamcha said, putting his hands up in surrender. "I am simply admonishing you to be careful because one day your luck will run out. Don't you think it's time you grew up and settled down? Maybe start a family with Lazuli while you both are still young and able?"
"Speak for yourself," Vegeta snorted at the suggestion. "Why would I want to brig a child into this world? We are both far too selfish and Lazuli is much too vain to want to ruin herself by carrying a child. How about you?"
"Oh no," he shook his head. "I am far too busy to even think of expanding our family right now."
Bulma had tuned out from their conversation a while ago. She was watching another young couple ride their horses along the shoreline longingly. If only her parents hadn't sold her horse when she'd left and if only she had thought to ask for her… She had been so preoccupied worrying about the wedding and how much she didn't want it to happen that she hadn't even thought to ask to bring her horse with her.
"What's wrong, my dear are we boring you?" Yamcha asked, interrupting her thoughts.
"No, I am not bored. I was thinking about how sad it was that I did not ask my parents to send Shadow with me when I moved here with you. I forgot how much I missed riding." She mused, still watching the couple on the beach.
"Well that is easily remedied," Vegeta shrugged.
"Not necessarily," Yamcha said. "It will take a lot of time to find an appropriate mount for her. Time which I do not have right now,"
"I'm experienced enough that I don't need an old nag," she argued.
"I can look for one for her," Vegeta offered, raising an eyebrow at her.
Bulma felt her stomach flip. Here he was, shamelessly making plans for a rendezvous right in front of her husband! "Please, Yamcha?" She asked sweetly and she wanted it to be okay for more than just an excuse to spend time with Vegeta for obvious reasons. She really did want her own horse again. It would mean freedom. "It would mean so much to me to have my own horse. I could ride on the beach and go do my own shopping. I get so bored here when you aren't home."
"I suppose," he gave in with a sigh, though he wasn't thrilled about the prospect. "Though I still don't want you riding alone when I am gone. Vegeta, be sure you choose something appropriate for her; I don't need her breaking her neck."
"I shall only choose the best," Vegeta agreed. "As for her riding alone, Raditz and I ride together quite frequently. She may accompany us. I may be able to entice Lazuli to come out as well, it's been ages since her horse was ridden. Maybe this will convince her to start riding the poor thing again,"
"Hmmm, that is my other worry," he admitted. "Once the novelty wears off, it will be nothing more than a neglected extra mouth to feed and an expensive one at that. Are you sure you're not content with just walking Puar? Or I could get you a puppy instead?" He suggested.
"No," she shook her head firmly. "I want a horse. A big, beautiful, black horse with the longest, thickest mane and tail that I can groom and braid and make pretty."
"You'll get whatever Vegeta decides is safe for you to be riding," Yamcha said. "Ugly or otherwise. Is that clear?"
"Quite," Vegeta nodded, but quickly gave Bulma an amused glance and she wasn't sure if that meant he would try to find what she wanted or he would look for the ugliest horse he could find just because he thought it would be funny.
"So, any interesting stories to tell me, Vegeta?" Yamcha asked casually, wanting to change the subject. "It's been so long since we had a chance to catch up properly. Are you seeing someone special on the side or have you finally grown up and given up your promiscuous ways?" he asked, mockingly. Bulma wasn't sure if he was asking out of sincere interest or because he was jealous of Vegeta's lifestyle. Whatever the reason, it seemed to really pick at him when really, it shouldn't have been any of his business how his friend lived his life. Another thought occurred to her though; maybe he wasn't jealous at all. Yamcha kept picking on his friend over it because it confirmed to him in his mind that he was better than Vegeta in terms of morality. The conversation she'd had with Vegeta in his gun room the night Lazuli had invited her over and she'd wandered into his private study and seen his gun collection came to mind. Vegeta had told her that Yamcha was extremely insecure. Was that why he constantly brought up Vegeta being reckless or Vegeta's womanizing ways? So he could feel superior to his friend? She wasn't sure, but it annoyed her to no end.
"As a matter of fact, there is someone," he admitted and Bulma felt the blood drain from her face straight to her gut. He wouldn't, would he?
"Is there? Do tell! Do I know her?" Yamcha asked with interest.
"You do," he confirmed with a nod. "However this one is different. I will not be boasting about this one."
"That's unlike you," Yamcha commented. "She must be special or someone of high status that even you don't want it to get out. Vegeta, when will you learn?"
Vegeta shrugged with a sly smile, not looking at Bulma and making certain he was not giving anything away. "Once again, why live with rules?"
"What I don't understand is why you feel the need to seduce every female that catches your eye when you have a delightful wife who is charming to be around and strikingly attractive to look at? Surely she disagrees with your many affairs," Yamcha went on.
Bulma rolled her eyes. Apparently he was determined to stand up on his soap box this morning giving sermons and make light of everyone else's indiscretions in his eyes instead of examining what was wrong in his own home. This was a trait of Yamcha she had come to detest. He could find fault with everyone else, yet apparently saw himself, his own principles and the way he conducted his life as above reproach.
"Not everyone has a happy marriage," Vegeta shrugged.
"I'm sorry to hear that, my friend," Yamcha said. "It saddens me that not everyone can be as happy as Bulma and myself.
Bulma fought the urge to not choke on her tea as she was as mid sip. Was he seriously flaunting that illusion like a charlatan? What embarrassed her even more about his comment was that Vegeta knew he was lying about this supposed happy marriage he was talking about. While it may be true that he was happy with the way things were, she wasn't and Vegeta knew that. She just hoped Vegeta didn't say something to indicate that he knew Yamcha was lying. He did like to antagonize people subtly, like he had her mother. She just hoped he would refrain from throwing his own digs back at Yamcha.
"Lazuli has her vices, I have mine and we both stay out of each other's way. That is the key to a happy marriage I have found," Vegeta shrugged, ignoring Yamcha's claim that his own marriage was wonderful. "You are still newly married, you have much to learn. Call on me when you are in need of advice. Pleasing the ladies is my forte,"
"A true Casanova in his own mind," Yamcha snorted, shaking his head.
"Is that a hint of jealousy I detect?" Vegeta asked, though his tone was humorous.
"None at all," Yamcha shook his head. "I just think at your age, it is time to start being serious and quit with the womanizing and death defying acts. It will all catch up with you one day, mark my words; however I hope I am not around to be the one to say I told you so,"
Vegeta shrugged. "It would take something or someone very special to reform me from my ways,"
Bulma, who had been silently listening closely, but trying to appear disinterested, looked up at him and felt her cheeks redden at not only his statement, but the fact that he was looking at her when he's said it. "That's enough!" She snipped. "Now you two are boring me! When will we go shopping for my new horse?"
"When would you like to go?" Vegeta asked.
"When are you available to look around?" She countered.
"I am available any time for you," Vegeta said.
Yamcha raised an eyebrow at the casual flow of their seemingly easy banter. For the first time, it dawned on him how... familiar they seemed with each other. "I suppose I could make time this afternoon, if you really want to start looking. If we don't find anything today, then I'll have you take over, Vegeta."
Bulma's heart sank. She'd really been looking forward to going with Vegeta. She was sure he would put in the effort to not only find her an appropriate horse, but a beautiful one too. Yamcha wouldn't care and would probably choose something old and dying.
"Actually, I have a proposition for you that may save you both some time," Vegeta spoke up. "I am in need of a new mount. Mine is getting old and I would like something new I can use for hunting and sporting purposes; however he is reliable, still has many good years left in him as a companion and pleasure horse and is aesthetically almost exactly what you have in mind, Bulma. You are welcome to take a look at him. He is here, I rode him to the beach this morning,"
"Your old war horse?" Yamcha scoffed. "Not exactly what I had in mind, Vegeta but thanks for the offer."
"Retired war horse," Vegeta corrected him. "I can assure you, he is as stable and sound as they come and has even saved my life on occasion due to his soundness of mind in a chaotic battle field setting,"
"Yes well, I doubt Bulma will be riding into the middle of a war zone," Yamcha pointed out, still not keen on his offer. "He's too big."
"Can we at least take a look at him?" Bulma asked, beginning to become exceedingly annoyed that she was being cut out of the conversation and that Yamcha was so down on her getting any kind of horse.
"I suppose taking a look wouldn't do any harm," Yamcha said, though he didn't seem enthused. "You are certain it's a horse you want?"
"Yes!" She insisted.
"The key to a happy married life is a happy wife," Vegeta said jokingly.
"Very well, then," Yamcha sighed. "At least when she gets bored of it, you can have it back."
"Certainly," Vegeta nodded.
Bulma rolled her eyes. Why was he treating her like a child in front of a guest? And Vegeta making light of his stupid comments and joking it off as though no big deal was also making her angry, however she gave him the benefit of the doubt. He couldn't exactly out right defend her or Yamcha might figure out that something beyond a casual friendship was between them. At least he was on her side in helping her to choose a horse for herself.
The trio finished their tea before heading outside to take a look at Vegeta's horse. Of course, Bulma fell in love with him immediately. He was exactly what she'd wanted, though Vegeta kept his mane and tail fairly short. It would just take time to grow it out and then he would look like her dream horse she'd always wanted.
In the end, Yamcha begrudgingly agreed to let her have him and they took Vegeta home together in their carriage, now that he no longer had a horse to ride home.
"Thank you, Yamcha," she said to him, simply beaming as she began grooming the beautiful horse once they'd returned home.
"You're welcome," he said, watching her. "I suppose it was a worthwhile investment if it makes you smile like that."
"I'm bored, Yamcha," she sighed. "I cannot just hole myself up in my work room all the time,"
"Well I have told you time and again to go out and meet people. There are always lots of festivities going on. You decline every invitation,"
"I don't know anyone!" She said. "Maybe if I was able to leave and go out and about, I'd meet people and I would actually feel comfortable going to these things on my own."
"Alright," he nodded. "I just want you to be happy,"
She gave him a fleeting glance as she continued to work on grooming her new horse. For someone who claimed to only want her to be happy, he sure didn't seem to want to put in the effort; or that's how she felt. "I will be happy," she said finally. "Just stop treating me like a child,"
"Right," he said. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to. You're just so much younger than me…"
"I don't want to hear it," she cut him off. "Just make it right. That's all I ask."
"Right," he said again. "I will be leaving in two weeks again; for a while this time,"
"I know," she replied, not glancing at him. She didn't even bother asking him if she could come along with him. There was no point, plus if she remained here, it would mean she could resume spending time with Vegeta. She realized for the first time, she couldn't wait for him to leave! Now that she had her own horse and someone to keep her company and offer companionship, what did she really need Yamcha around for?
"Can you do me a favor while I am gone?"
"What's that?" She asked.
"I'm not accusing you of anything, I just want you to watch yourself around Vegeta is all."
"How do you mean?" She asked, pretending to be surprised. "He's your friend and you made it clear to me that he was to be trusted. He's been nothing but a perfect gentleman to me when you are gone."
"I'm sure he has," he snorted sarcastically. "Just be sure you aren't making too good an impression on him and that you're not too comfortable with him is all I'm saying,"
Bulma became instantly irritated. "Well it's not like I know anyone else really, other than Vegeta and Lazuli," she said coolly.
"Alright and whose fault is that?" He asked her. "You don't go out unless I am with you and when we do go out-"
"You ditch me to rub shoulders with and talk politics with everyone you know and leave me behind with all the old snobs who won't give me the time of day and the only person who will talk to me is Vegeta!" She pointed out.
"And why do you think that is?" He asked her.
"Because he's a gentleman?" She shrugged.
Yamcha chuckled. "Sure, he is. But he's also an opportunist who will prey on young, naïve girls like yourself."
Bulma didn't say anything. What could she say? Anything she might say in Vegeta's defense might implicate them both. However she was resentful of Yamcha for basically pushing her in Vegeta's direction and now being uncomfortable that they were friends. How was that her fault? "Well, all I can say is, he's been nothing but proper and wonderful to me."
"Right," he snorted sarcastically again, not buying it.
"Well maybe if you at least tried to include me in your discussions at these parties instead of leaving me behind as quickly as possible and pawning me off on Vegeta to entertain me, as you so keenly put it on New Years, or if you stuck around here more often and treated me as a wife instead of a child or maybe if you asked me to accompany you on your extended trips, maybe I wouldn't be so chummy with him," she snipped back. "Ever think of that instead of immediately becoming jealous because another man enjoys my company and I enjoy his? What's next, are you going to be jealous because Mr. Satan sends me the odd letter here and there asking me how I am?"
"No," he shook his head as though she were being silly.
"Any why is that?" she asked. "Because he is a buffoon and you do not see him as a threat?"
"Of course not," he responded, waving his hand dismissively. "Mr. Satan may be eccentric, but his principals are beyond reproach. If he is writing to you, it is out of kindness to you and respect of our friendship; not because he has ulterior motives."
"And how do you know Vegeta's motives?" she challenged him. "He is your friend. Did you not charge him with checking in on me in your absence?
"I know Vegeta," he sighed. "I know him better than almost anyone and I know what he is capable of. His own principals would not keep him from cuckolding me, close friend or not, if he thought he had a chance with you. Just be careful around him is all I am saying,"
"Alright," she replied. "I will." Even though she wanted to add that it was a little late now for the counsel.
"The fall out from any scandal that would occur if people thought there was something more than casual friendship between the two of you would be more than detrimental to me," he added.
Bulma took a deep breath, held it in a moment before slowly exhaling as she refrained from lobbing the large horse brush at him. "So that's why you care?" she snapped at him. Apparently she could have an affair, so long as nobody found out about it because god forbid it ruined his political image. Instead of wanting to work on building their marriage so that no one would ever even think she would have the need to do such a thing, he was putting a guilt trip on her so she wouldn't tarnish his image.
"Oh course!" he replied. "What does that say about my leadership qualities if I cannot even have the loyalty of my own wife?"
"Or you mean control over your own wife?" she corrected him, giving him a snide glance. She knew she needed to shut up right now or she would give herself away, but she was angered and fed up with him to the point that she almost wanted him to know. maybe Vegeta was right. Maybe it would be good for him to know that she had found from someone else what she could never get from him?
"That's not what I said, but alright," he nodded.
"I won't do anything to jeopardize your political career," she assured him. So far, she and Vegeta had managed to be very discreet and no one suspected a thing.
"I appreciate that, thank you. That's all I ask," he said before leaving her alone with her new horse.
As Bulma continued on grooming, despite not really needing to, it occurred to her that he had not told her she could not have an affair with Vegeta; he just did not want anyone to find out if she did. She shrugged and decided that ruled out any wrong doing on her end as far as she was concerned.
The next day, they met Vegeta and Raditz on the beach for a ride.
"You bought a new horse already?" Bulma asked Vegeta as they met up. He was riding a beautiful dapple grey horse.
"No," he shook his head. "This one is Lazui's,"
"It reminds me of mine that I used to have," she told him, looking at the beautiful horse.
"I'd have offered this one to you, as Lazuli almost never takes her out anymore, however she can be as temperamental as her owner," he said.
The four of them rode together down the beach to a spot behind a cove of tall rock formations where there was a picnic bench. There, they shared a bottle of whiskey between them that Raditz had brought with him.
This had become part of the daily routine for the next two weeks before Yamcha had to leave again. Bulma kept up with it daily, meeting Vegeta and Raditz, who would usually leave for them to be alone for a ride and heated make out session if there was no one around to see. They carried on like this the entire time without second thought, simply enjoying the moments spent together while they could.
Yamcha was gone another five months with barely any correspondence before Bulma heard word that he would be returning within the week. The fact that Bulma had barely heard from him bothered her immensely, but didn't at the same time. It was odd.
It bothered her because she knew he was likely writing her mother on a daily basis for whatever reason, but on the other hand, it didn't bother her because it made her feel less and less guilty for continuing her adulterous affair with Vegeta. If Yamcha didn't care enough to even try to keep in touch and work on things from a distance, then she didn't care that she was having an affair with another man. No one, not Baba, not any one else that knew them knew of the affair and in her mind that was sticking with her promise to him that she would not do anything to sabotage his political career.
Bulma rolled over, feeling like she was going to be sick. She was going to get out of bed, but felt a strong pair of arms pull her back into the middle of the bed.
She smiled to herself, despite not feeling the greatest. "What are you still doing here?" She asked quietly.
"You said your husband would be home sometime today," he mumbled. "Who knows how long until he will be gone again. Didn't you say he said he would try to stick around a while this time?"
"Hmmm," she nodded, her heart sinking at the thought that it may be a while before they would be able to find a way to see each other like this again. "That's what he said, but you know him. If something comes up, he'll be gone. I'm more worried about Baba discovering you here,"
"I'll be discreet," he said, running his nose along the back of her neck the way he knew she loved. He gradually moved on to nipping her neck and one of his hands around her waist began to travel down to dip in between her legs.
"I'm not feeling so great," she moaned quietly, though she could feel her body already responding to him. "I think I drank too much wine last night,"
"Hmmm," he grunted and settled for just holding her close instead. "Light weight," he teased her.
Bulma smiled to herself and settled in his arms. She would definitely miss him while Yamcha was home. He didn't spend the full night with her very often; t was far too risky, but she loved it when he did. She loved waking up in his arms. Now she'd be going back to sleeping alone and walking on egg shells around her husband.
It had been eight months since this affair had started and despite her conscience telling her it was wrong, it was the only right thing in her world.
"I'm going to miss you," she said.
"We'll still see each other," he replied.
"It won't be the same though," she sighed. Not to mention she knew it would hurt her if she saw him pursuing other women. She knew she had no claim on him, nor should she expect him to remain faithful to her; this whole thing was ridiculous as it was, but that wouldn't mean it wouldn't hurt any less to see him focusing on someone else. What if this was it and when Yamcha inevitably left again he didn't resume their affair? Her throat tightened at the thought of never feeling this contentment ever again.
As though able to read her thoughts, he squeezed her closer to him. "I will be here when he leaves," he whispered reassuringly into her ear.
"I understand if you wouldn't be," she said despite herself. Maybe time apart would be good? No good would come if this; it had to end sooner or later no matter how badly she wanted to hang onto him.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He asked.
Bulma shrugged. "We've been carrying on this way for almost a year. If you're bored, I would understand if you moved on."
"Did I say I was bored?" He bristled.
"No," she answered.
"Then do not dwell on idiotic notions,"
She smiled to herself again, relieved that for the time being it seemed as though he still wanted to stay with her. She placed the nagging thoughts of how long can this be sustained to the deepest recesses of her mind and turned herself in his arms, resting her head in his chest. She moaned in discomfort as her stomach objected to the sudden movement.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"I think so," she nodded.
They held each other and silently enjoyed the other's company for a few minutes longer before Vegeta decided it was time to leave.
"I hate to see you go," she said, curling up on her side, watching him dress.
"Your house staff is not up yet," he said.
"No, not yet," she agreed. "Baba will be up soon, if she isn't already. Stay far away from the kitchen when you leave, just in case. Roshi won't be up yet for a little while so you should be alright."
"Hmmm," he grunted, turning to face her when he was fully dressed. "I will see you soon,"
Bulma smiled at him. "I'll look forward to it," she said as he leaned in to give her a parting kiss good bye.
She propped herself up and kissed him back. "Don't forget about me," she said, sitting up and hugging him. She knew she was probably coming off as clingy, but he truly was her lifeline. Without him, she'd have likely ended herself by now.
Vegeta smirked and nipped the tip of her nose in response before quietly leaving her bedroom.
Bulma rolled back over in bed, bringing her legs up to her chest hoping to alleviate her upset stomach. Was it upset because she was hungover or was it just anxiety and dread knowing that Yamcha would be home in a few hours? She didn't know, but she knew she needed to get up soon and wash up and make herself presentable for him.
After about a half hour, she could smell breakfast and decided to get up to eat and ask Baba to run her a bath. She did a quick but thorough inspection of her bedroom to make sure there was nothing out of place that would give away the fact that she'd had a guest in her bedroom that evening and then made her way downstairs.
"You're up early," Baba commented.
"Yamcha's coming home today," she said. "I thought I'd have breakfast and an early bath and make myself presentable for his arrival,"
"A fine idea," she nodded with a smile and some of Bulma's anxiety diminished at the realization that the older woman had no idea what had gone on last night. "I received a letter from the master stating that he will be home in the late afternoon but to have a nice dinner prepared for the two of you, as he wishes to stay in this evening."
"That sounds nice," she agreed.
Baba smiled at her, hoping that after so much time spent apart, maybe they would be able to reconcile and start fresh. She did not like that Bulma spent so much time with Lazuli and Vegeta. A young woman needed her husband.
Bulma had a very light breakfast, her stomach still wasn't sitting quite right but she was alright for the most part and settled into the nice, warm bath after her meal.
As she soaked and relaxed, she began thinking that it was a good thing Yamcha was returning now. It would be time for her cycle within the next few days and that usually kept Vegeta away anyway for a week.
She washed herself thoroughly, more to clear her conscience of her sins than because she was really that dirty, and began getting ready for Yamcha's arrival.
