Re-introductions
Three months. The two had rekindled their college years' relationship for about three months now. It was almost as it had been before, the only thing is, Bulma kept a wall of ice between the two. She was enjoying Yamcha and her time together again, but she didn't want to completely let her guard down just yet. Doubt was slightly a factor, but the main reason was habit. For the longest time, Bulma had been oblivious and for the longest time she had her feelings played with. Not going to make that mistake again…
"Do you want a refill Babe?"
They were at a popular restaurant on another date. Yamcha had yet to find a place for himself to stay so Bulma allowed him to live at Capsule Corp. temporarily. He also hadn't been able to find a stable job in the months he was back either. Things were going great between the two, but they were unconsciously slipping into the same routine that they had followed years ago.
Bulma, noticed this, however, but did not want to jump to conclusions. She wanted to see if the Yamcha she knew before would reappear now or if a new and improved one will emerge. It was a matter of time until the real him would show his true colors. So for now, Bulma just wanted to genuinely enjoy her time with her old friend.
"Sure, thanks." Her grinned dropped when she heard a commotion coming from the restaurant's entrance.
"Ouji!" " !" "Vegeta, I have a question!" "Miss Eighteen! How are you two?"
Bulma's eyes widened as she put her cup down. Yamcha just continued eating, almost completely ignoring the crowd at the front doors.
Vegeta pulled Eighteen out of the crown and into the restaurant. He was wearing sunglasses that hid his furrowed brows. Their driver and bodyguard were blocking the paparazzi's way of entering. Vegeta and Eighteen sighed.
"Ah, and -To-Be, we've been expecting you!" The manager greeted.
Eighteen smiled at him and whispered slyly in his ear. "If you don't mind, Vegeta and I would like to have dinner undisturbed tonight." She slipped a hundred dollar bill into his pocket and tilted her head towards the doors.
"Oh yes, of course! We will do everything in our power to make sure you two have a wonderful evening. Please, let me get you to your seat." The manager waved to one of the waiters who escorted them to their table.
Vegeta took his shades off. His features were rigid and his jaw was clenched. Today had been such a bother to him and the last thing he wanted right now was to be stalked by the paparazzi.
Bulma saw them coming their way and tried her best to hide her face from them. It has been three months since she had seen or spoken to Vegeta. For him to be with his fiancé rattled her enough but she was also with Yamcha. What would Vegeta think if he saw her dining with him? The wrong idea, that's what. Bulma shook her head. It doesn't matter he's getting married, he's getting married, he's getting marr-
"Here are your seats. I hope you don't mind that you're lacking a view. A table not near a window would be best if you don't want to be bothered by those reporters." The young waiter nervously bowed his head. He placed the menus on the table and took their drink order. He stood there, looking as if he was expecting a tip or something. Vegeta quickly noticed, and shooed him away with his hand.
"You may leave now." He said without looking at him.
The waiter nodded and swiftly left their presence.
"In a bad mood today, huh?" Eighteen joked placing a hand gently on top of his.
Sitting at the table right across from them, Bulma was surprised that Vegeta hadn't noticed her. But that wasn't on her mind right now. She was busy hiding her face behind an entrée menu watching the affection Eighteen was show her V… I mean Vegeta.
Vegeta looked down at their touching hands and pulled away, crossing his arms and turning his head away from her stunning face.
"As if you don't know why." He said bluntly. He raised an eyebrow as a familiar shade of blue caught his eye.
Bulma panicked when she noticed him looking her way. Her breathing hitched and her face turned a notable shade of red. Oh God, he saw me.
Eighteen pouted at his grumpy attitude and got up.
Vegeta positioned his head to face her once again.
"I'm going to go freshen up." She avoided eye contact and turned to walked toward restrooms.
Yamcha was slurping his noodles when Eighteen strut past him. He suddenly began to choke.
"Ah, are you okay?" Bulma asked, not aware of his wandering eyes.
"I- ahem- fine." He coughed out.
Bulma sighed and looked back towards Vegeta's table. He was tapping his fingers against the table looking dead at the blue haired maiden. Once he noticed her eyes met his, he winked and gave her a toothy grin.
Bulma's mouth fell open, unable to say a thing back. "Uh," She got up from the table and turned around.
"Hey Babe!" Yamcha called out, still chewing his noodles. "Where you going?"
Bulma looked at Vegeta, who was now playing with his phone, then back to Yamcha. "I'm just going to use the restroom." She smiled nervously and swiftly made her way toward the other end of the restaurant.
She was in a complete panic. Oh my gosh, what do I do! He knows I'm here now! She thought while frantically trying to straighten out her hair. She took a look in the mirror and felt unsatisfied and insecure. She frowned at her reflection and tore through her bag to find lipstick. She pursed her lips and applied the deep red color. When she finished, she took another look at herself. I'm a wreck. There's no competing with Eighteen. Ugh! Might as well leave with Yamcha before he gets suspicious.
She heard one of the toilets flushing and jumped a little. She didn't realize she had "company" in the ladies' room with her. She tried fixing up her hair a little more when she noticed silky blonde locks coming from the stall.
Bulma nearly choked on her tongue.
Eighteen's face was a bit flustered because Vegeta was taking his anger out on her today and the previous days as well. She didn't understand why he was being such a child at times. It annoyed her. Exhaling dramatically she took notice of the woman at the sinks.
Approaching the sink next to Bulma, Eighteen looked toward her and put on a fake smile. "Hi." She said washing her hands.
Bulma awkwardly looked at Eighteen. "Hello." She forced a grin.
"Briefs, right?" Eighteen reached for a paper towel. "Bulma Briefs?"
Bulma went to get a towel as well. "Uh, yes. You're Miss Takamatsu?"
Eighteen raised an eyebrow at her formality and giggled softly. "Eighteen is fine. You're Capsule Corporation's heir? My fiancé's company does business with you right?"
"Yeah, a little. Isn't Vegeta Ouji your fiancé?" Bulma asked innocently.
"Yeah. We're getting married…" Eighteen said softly while facing the mirror, retouching her make up.
"Oh, I see." Bulma turned to do the same. "Congratulations, really. I don't know Vegeta well, but he seems like a great guy." She spoke with shining eyes.
Eighteen began laughing. "Aha. Well, he can be a pain but yeah, he's okay. What about you Bulma? You married yet?"
Bulma nearly dropped her eyeliner in the sink. "N-no. I'm still single. I'm having dinner with a friend of mine. I happened to notice that you were seated at the table across from us."
"Oh really? Well, why don't we sit together?" Eighteen suggested.
"Uh- well umm. Are you sure? I don't want to make your meal awkward or anything." Bulma waved both of her hands in front of her. What would she say to Vegeta anyways?
"No no. it's totally fine! Things are already awkward to be honest, haha. Plus I've missed talking with someone about girl stuff. I am a fashion designer you know!" Eighteen winked.
"Of course." Bulma returned her smile and approached the exit. "Well, let's go then."
The two made it back to their tables noticing that their dates have already met and were conversing.
"You're an idiot."
"What?! Who asked you man?"
"I don't need to be asked when the answer is as clear as day." Vegeta snapped back.
The two were glaring at each other when they noticed the two women standing in front of them. Vegeta crossed his arms and huffed.
"Oh, hey Babe!" Yamcha greeted. "And hello to you, Miss." He winked at the blonde vixen.
Eighteen blushed. "Hi. Vegeta what are you doing?!"
"We were discussing…business." He said getting up, moving back to their original seats. Eighteen grabbed his arm.
"Actually, Bulma Briefs and I had a nice talk just now. I want to sit by her. Plus you guys are in league, right? You can relieve some of your business stress to her." Vegeta looked to Bulma who was play fighting with Yamcha. He narrowed his eyes and coughed trying to get her attention.
"Ahem."
"Oh." Bulma looked up pushing Yamcha back in his chair. Her gaze met his and lasted for a couple seconds. "Hello, Vegeta?" She said as if they had never spoken before.
"Bulmoose Briefs. So I see my fiancé is fond of you. You and your idiot boyfriend will be seated at our table until you're done eating." He half smiled at Bulma's maddened face and dragged Eighteen back to their table.
"What a jerk." Yamcha got up and put an arm around her. "He's the idiot." He said sneaking a kiss on her neck.
Bulma pulled away. "Actually, I think he has you spot on." She nudged his side. "Just kidding. Come on."
"Whatever, Bulmoose."
"Hey." She warned, poking his ribs.
They took a seat. The waiter came to take Eighteen and Vegeta's order.
"And will that be all?" The man asked, pen in hand.
"Actually," Yamcha butted in "Can I get a couple beers. You want anything to drink B?" He looked to Bulma.
"Beer's fine."
"You heard the lady. She'll have a couple beers as well. Oh and do you mind bringing us some shot glasses too?" Yamcha gave the waiter a tip.
"No problem." He walked back towards the kitchen.
"Sooo, what's your name?" Yamcha asked facing Eighteen's direction.
"Eighteen. And this is my fiancé, Vegeta, if you didn't already know."
Vegeta ignored her and went back to his phone.
Yamcha gave him a side glance and smiled flirtatiously. "Well Eighteen, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you are beautiful. I hope your fiancé here appreciates that."
Bulma scoffed at him. Is he seriously hitting on her right in front of me? She stomped on his foot.
"Oww!" Vegeta hissed. "What the hell?" He glared at Bulma.
Her mouth dropped. Ooops.
Yamcha and Eighteen looked at her questionably.
Bulma put a hand over her mouth, embarrassed. "Sorry, Vegeta. I was playing this game called Flappy Bird and lost."
"Hn." He looked into her eyes for the third time that night. What was on his mind?
"Oh I hate that game!" Eighteen responded, not noticing the two's interaction. "I totally understand."
"Haha yeah!" Bulma laughed.
"Here you guys go." The waiter was balancing to plates on each of his arms, along with the jug of beer and shot glasses in his hands.
"Alright! Thanks man!" Yamcha took a glass and handed it to Bulma. He placed a glass in front of Eighteen and slid one in front of Vegeta.
"The hell is this for?" Vegeta asked sliding the cup back to Yamcha who slid it right back.
"Come on man. You seem tense. A little drink won't hurt anyone. What, can't hold down your liquor?" Yamcha chuckled pouring the gold liquid in his cup.
Vegeta snatched it up and gulped it down in a second. "Fuck you." He slammed the cup down pouring more in his glass.
"Oh. You do drink. That's good." Yamcha narrowed his eyes conceitedly, taking in his beer slowly, loving the burn it gave his throat.
"Yamcha, take it easy." Bulma scolded. "If you get drunk again, you can walk home."
"Oh, you two live together? But I thought you said you were single, Bulma?"
Vegeta looked up at Bulma while chewing his food.
"Oh I am. Yamcha's just staying at my place temporarily."
"Oh. I see."
"But, it's not like we don't have our fun." Yamcha placed a hand on Bulma's face bringing her in close. There was a slight glow in his cheeks, indicating that he was no longer sober.
Bulma pushed his face away, earning a laugh from Eighteen. Vegeta was eyeing the two's interaction.
"So there is something. You don't have to be shy Bulma. Yamcha's not bad right?"
"Thanks Eighteen." He said pouring her another glass.
"Well, Yamcha and I aren't really official or anything. We're just old friends."
"Who use to date in college." Yamcha gulped down his drink.
This time Bulma made sure to stomp on his foot. "Oww Babe."
"You use to date? Well, I guess now that you mention it, it is kind of obvious." Eighteen giggled at Bulma's flustered features.
"That was long time ago." Bulma said darkly.
Suddenly, Vegeta's stomach began knotting. He pushed his bowl away from him and stood up.
"I need to see my father for something. Eighteen, go home without me."
Eighteen looked up, not understanding what had gotten into him. "What? But what about dinner, Vegeta?"
"I'm not hungry anymore. I must leave." Eighteen grabbed his hand to stop him, and placed a kiss on his cheek. "See you later then." She said with a touch of disappointment in her tone.
Vegeta didn't say anything and left.
"Is he okay?" Bulma asked a bit worried.
"I guess he's just stressed from work. Being heir to a corporation really isn't easy. But you understand right Bulma?" Eighteen sat back down and dug back into her meal.
"I guess so." Bulma said, narrowing her eyes to Vegeta's now empty seat.
"Umm, I just remembered! I need to go to my office right now!"
"Uhh, you too?" Eighteen asked.
"I'm sorry. Yamcha, can you get home without me?"
Yamcha was gulping down the contents from his jug. "Sure Babe. I'll keep Eighteen here company for a bit though." He smiled devilishly at Eighteen who gave him a blank, innocent look.
"That's fine. See you later." She ruffled his hair as she got up then quickly made her way to the restaurant's exit.
Please still be here!
And sure enough, Vegeta was pacing in the parking lot with a lit cigarette in hand.
"Vegeta!" Bulma called out, making him stop in his tracks. He took a long drag of his cigarette and exhaled. He kept his back to Bulma who was right behind him.
"Where's your car?" Bulma asked, wanting to place a comforting hand on his back, but restrained herself.
"I told my driver to leave. I'm walking home."
"What? But isn't your house like thirty miles from here? I can give you a ride if you want!"
He turned to face her. Though it was dark outside, he had his sunglasses on. Without seeing his eyes, Bulma couldn't tell the emotions the man was feeling.
"Vegeta?" She motioned her hands to reach his glasses but he stopped her midway catching her wrist. In one motion, Vegeta had Bulma against a random car, one hand on her face the other holding her down.
"Vegeta?" His sunglasses fell to the ground revealing his dark eyes. He stared at her for a couple of minutes, pressing his body against her to keep her on the car. Their faces were close, and she could feel his hot breath tickle her cheek.
Bulma knew that look he was giving her well. It was confusion, mixed with anger. And if she looked deep enough, she could see loneliness.
"Vegeta, I'll drive you home. Come on." She spoke while avoiding eye contact. He looked at her for a bit longer then let his grip go.
"Sorry." He whispered. He bent down to pick up his glasses and put them in his back pocket.
"My car's this way." Bulma pointed to a red convertible two lanes away.
"I'll drive." He held out his hand for the keys.
"Sure you didn't have too much to drink? For a while there, it looked like you and Yamcha were having a drinking competition." She said trying to lighten the mood.
Vegeta didn't say anything though, and kept his palm out flat.
"Okay then. Be careful with my baby. The gas pedal's sensitive. Ha. Hope you can drive stick." She gave in and tossed him the keys.
"It's sensitive, huh?" Vegeta turned the car on and shifted to first. "Drives smooth."
"Ha. I know." Bulma replied putting her seatbelt on.
"But what if I…?" Vegeta shifted to third, then to fourth and fifth without warning. The kick threw Bulma's head back.
"Damn it, Vegeta!" She shouted.
"Ha. It is sensitive." He grinned playfully.
Bulma noticed his change in attitude and settled back in her chair, turning on the radio in the process.
It was a long ride, full of awkward silence. Halfway to their destination, Bulma noticed that Vegeta wasn't driving in the direction of his corporation, but refused to say anything. She decided that it'd be better to just let him drive.
He stopped on a high mountain top and parked the car at the edge.
Genki Dama Park: The place where they met up about three months ago.
Why'd he come here?
Vegeta turned the car off and got out to sit on the hood. Bulma followed suit and took a seat next to him. The moon was crescent shaped tonight, to the lighting was a bit dimmer then before. Nevertheless though, it was a beautiful night and couples still littered the ground near the river.
Bulma glanced at Vegeta who was looking at the dark sky. Twinkling reflections of stars were dotted on his eyes. Something was obviously troubling him and Bulma wanted to help. She just didn't want him to freak out and leave like he suddenly did at the restaurant.
"Vegeta, can you tell me a little more about yourself? What's your life like?"
Vegeta closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. "You don't want to know."
"I do. Tell me."
Vegeta exhaled deeply and slowly lifted his eyes to the shiny blue of hers.
"It's not something that I feel is worth sharing."
A/N: Sorry for the long update! I guess I had writer's block or something. Don't worry; these two will have more interactions as the story progresses. Until then, stay tuned for Vegeta's background- and maybe a kiss? You'll just have to wait and see! ^^ ~ Hika - sa
P.S. : If you don't know, Flappy Bird Is an actual game where you try to make this birdy thingy fly through some pillars. It's so simple, yet a total pain in the ass.