Author's Note:
I am so excited to finally publish this! I have been wanting to write a story based on this song since I saw a prompt a few months back.
I hope you all enjoy!
smutty goodness ahead*
Sk8er [Girl]
He was a boy
She was a girl
Can I make it anymore obvious?
[She] was a punk
[He] did ballet
What more can I say?
[She] wanted [him]
[He'd] never tell
Secretly [he] wanted [her] as well
Vegeta stood by the bay window as he chugged some water.
"Good job today, 'Geta," Goku said, patting Vegeta on the shoulder as he got his own water from his gym bag.
Vegeta just grunted in response.
"Are you excited for Saturday? The big day!" Goku asked with his signature goofy grin.
"Any excitement you feel should be focused on getting your form perfect. You're still slacking on your Sissonne. Your landing is weak."
"Oh, come on, Vegeta. It'll be fine. Enjoy yourself for once. That was a great practice. We've come such a long way."
"And still have a long way to go in just two days," he grunted, stuffing his water bottle back into his bag roughly. He heard shouting coming from outside, which only made him more frustrated and yearn to be home already.
He looked up to see a girl outside the window. She wore a red bomber jacket and cargo shorts with a snapback on top of a crown of aqua blue hair. He watched her glide down the sidewalk on a heavily stickered skateboard. Vegeta was instantly entranced with this woman. There was something about her. Her gleeful smile made his heart flutter as she came to a stop in front of the ballet studio, chatting up some people standing next to the newspaper stands in outfits as equally of an eyesore as the bluenette's.
"Whoa. She's pretty."
Vegeta didn't respond to Goku's statement. His eyes were glued to the woman outside the window. As if she felt his gaze, she suddenly turned and caught Vegeta's eye. He wanted to look away but couldn't, completely ensnared in her deep blue gaze. A slow smile spread over her face and she wiggled her fingers at Vegeta in the silliest form of a wave he'd ever seen someone give.
"Hey," Goku nudged him, "I think she likes you. Go talk to her, man!"
"Tsch. Whatever." Vegeta shouldered his gym bag and headed for the exit. He was determined to ignore the strange woman as he made his way down the sidewalk. But his plan was foiled when he heard the telltale sound of skateboard wheels on pavement.
"Hey!"
Damn. Vegeta didn't turn around. He just kept walking steadily forward, hoping she would leave him be. But unfortunately he didn't seem to be that lucky. He could see the woman's silhouette roll up bedside him.
"So you're just gonna pretend you weren't checking me out?"
"Can't pretend something that didn't happen," he practically growled. He was angry at her insinuation. Mostly because it was true.
But she just laughed at his annoyed tone. "Okay, buddy. Whatever you say."
He expected her to speed away on her skateboard after that statement, but she didn't. She maintained her leisurely pace next to him. Thinking he'd never get rid of her unless he acknowledged her, Vegeta finally turned his head. She's even more striking up close, he thought. She saw him staring and she winked.
"Name's Bulma," she said with a smile.
Vegeta remained silent.
"Do you have a name?" Bulma pressed.
Still, silence.
"Let me guess... Brad?" She watched his face for a reaction. "Um, Lance. No, no! Fabio!" She giggled at her silly guess. "Am I close at all?"
"No."
"Come on. I'm just asking for your name. It's not like we're having the past sexual partners conversation. It's not that deep."
Vegeta stopped. This woman! He couldn't believe she had just said that. He didn't even know her and she was already bringing up sex.
Bulma smiled at the slight blush dusting the man's cheeks. "What, never had that conversation before?" Her smile grew as she watched his blush deepen.
"Vulgar woman," he huffed under his breath as he picked up walking again. He released a deep, exasperated sigh before finally relenting. "Vegeta."
"I'm sorry?"
"My name."
"Vegeta?"
He nodded.
"Vegeta," she repeated, as if testing how the name felt on her tongue. Vegeta ignored the feeling in his chest as she said his name another time. "It's different. I'm guessing there's an interesting life story to go along with a name like that."
"As I can assume with a name like Bulma."
Bulma smirked. "Touché."
They kept moving down the street in quiet unison for a few seconds, getting closer and closer to Vegeta's apartment. He came to an abrupt halt. He had no intention of allowing the woman to know where he lived, so he grumbled, "do you just plan on following me all day?"
Her small giggle sent a shiver down his spine. "Would that be so bad?"
"I prefer not to have strangers know where I live."
"You know my name is Bulma. I like adventure and Thai food. I'm 24. And I think you're cute. There. No longer a stranger!" Bulma could see the subtle blush reach Vegeta's ears and it only made her smile again. He's so bashful. It's adorable.
"You know nothing about me. I'm still a stranger."
"Well, we can change that." He looked at her quizzically. "Over dinner."
Vegeta scoffed, but Bulma was undeterred. She grabbed his arm and pulled a sharpie from her pocket, scribbling something out on his forearm.
"My number. Feel free to call me whenever you want to become less of a stranger." And with that, she gave a final wink before scooting down the sidewalk on her skateboard.
Later that night, Vegeta stood in the shower staring at the big purple numbers marring his tanned skin. He took his loofa and tried to scrub the phone number from his arm. He scrubbed until his skin was red and only the faintest purple lines were visible. He layed in bed and prayed to the gods that he'd forget about the woman. But it was of no use apparently because when he finally fell asleep, his dreams were filled of the blue-haired vixen.
—
The next day as Vegeta rounded the corner headed for the studio, he looked up to see Goku happily chatting with the annoying bluenette from the day before. He couldn't help but be extremely curious as to what they were discussing. But he had no intentions to ask. And Bulma departed ways before Vegeta could get any closer to possibly eavesdrop on the conversation.
Goku noticed him approaching and waved. "Hey 'Geta!"
Vegeta just continued on past him and entered the studio. He could feel the big oaf following close behind him. He found himself asking, "what were you doing with her?"
"Who?"
He hated that he had to explain himself further. It was like he was having to admit he was slightly jealous seeing her with the idiot."That woman on the skateboard from yesterday."
"Oh! You mean Bulma. We were just talkin'. She saw the flyer for our performance and was just asking about it."
Vegeta's eyebrows furrowed. Why the hell would she want to know about that? he thought. Like someone like her even knew anything about ballet. He threw his bag down and started on his stretches, trying his best to not think about the blue-eyed stranger or her intentions.
On his walk home after practice, his mind was riddled with thoughts of Bulma. As he turned down his street he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the blue-haired woman perched on his stoop. Knowing he'd have to face the inevitable, he picked up his feet and stood in front of the steps to his apartment building.
"How'd you find out where I lived?"
"Your friend from the studio told me."
Dammit Kakarot.
"I knew you'd never actually call me up for a date, so I decide to take you out myself," she continued. "And I won't be taking no for an answer. I know where you live," she winked.
"So you're not just a stranger, you're a stalker."
"Maybe tonight I won't be one of those anymore," she said almost hopefully.
Vegeta didn't have the energy to argue with the woman tonight. "Lead the way then," he huffed. He had a feeling he was going to regret this.
Bulma clapped her hands excitedly. She jumped up and quickly made her way down the steps to Vegeta's side. "This way! I know the perfect place!"
Vegeta and Bulma walked side by side down the street in silence, which was surprising to him. Before that, he never would've thought Bulma could stay quiet for this long. He kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She looked giddy. Just glowing with glee. He took in her baggy overalls and neon pink undershirt that bore her own name. She had her hair in little space buns that Vegeta hated to admit were adorable. Even in her odd clothes she was still beautiful. Her confidence was such an attractive quality. On the surface she seemed Vegeta's complete opposite; excessively loud, unnecessarily vulgar, and dangerously spontaneous. But all those qualities were what drew him to her. He was like a moth to a very vibrant flame. And he didn't like it.
"We're here!" Bulma exclaimed suddenly. They had came to a stop in front of a small diner tucked back in between a laundromat and a shoe repair store.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "This is where you chose for a first date?"
"Oh, so it's a date now? I thought it was just a getting-to-know-your-stalker dinner." Bulma enjoyed watching Vegeta splutter nervously. I love watching him blush. She finally decided to rescue him from his awkwardness. "I'm just kidding. And besides. This place has character. They make a mean burger and serve bomb ass pancakes." She opened the door for Vegeta to enter. "Gentleman first," she giggled.
Vegeta couldn't help the blush that he felt at having her open the door for him. He quickly stepped into the restaurant if only to avoid further embarrassment. Bulma entered behind him and immediately headed for a booth near the front window. She took a seat and gestured for him to join her. He slid along the vinyl cushion in front of her, feeling out of place having to look at her head on.
"So," Bulma began. "I definitely recommend the Triple-Patty Bacon Deluxe. They make an in-house special sauce and ugh it's to die for."
Vegeta wrinkled his nose at the suggestion. "I can't eat that. I have a performance Saturday."
"Oh yeah. I guess you have to watch what you eat until then, huh." Vegeta noticed her face fall a little bit. "Well, can you at least have some pancakes? They're really good here."
"Sure," he assented, not liking the disappointed look on her face.
Her answering smile took his breath away.
A middle-aged woman who looked like she hated the world approached them then and took their orders. Bulma ended up taking her own advice and got the burger and fries with a side of pancakes. Vegeta just ordered pancakes, eggs, and a side of Canadian bacon. It was quiet for a time as they waited for their food, the only sound the buzzing of the fluoresces and Bulma slurping her soda.
"So ballet, huh. How'd that happen?"
Such an odd way to ask that, Vegeta thought. "My father was an instructor, so naturally I followed in his footsteps."
"Was?"
A cold chill ran over Vegeta. He felt like he shouldn't have been surprised she caught that. She seemed to be pretty perceptive.
"Both my parents died when I was younger."
"I'm sorry."
"It was a long time ago."
The table fell silent again.
Vegeta asked a question this time, tired of the sorrowful atmosphere. "What do you do? Besides stalking people."
"Aw, look atchyou, you made a joke." Vegeta rolled his eyes. "And I don't have a profession yet. I'm mostly just millin' around the University, dabbling in whatever I find interesting."
"And what's of interest for you now?"
Bulma gave him a knowing smirk which made him blush. She's so vulgar!
"At the moment, astronomy," she answered. Even though what she really wanted to say was 'you'.
Vegeta was taken aback. He never would've thought science would be this woman's forte.
Bulma immediately understood his expression. "Surprised?"
"I-"
She cut him off. "It's okay. I get that a lot. Don't really look the part, do I?" She sighed. "I just like to build and create things. And I love to travel. So why not study and learn about space travel? My life's greatest ambition is to go to space. The stars are just so beautiful. And I've always wondered what else is out there, you know?"
Vegeta had been right. This woman had her head in the clouds. No ambition or plans for the future. The opposite of him who was disciplined and methodical. He knew what his goals were. Did this woman? It didn't seem so.
Their food arrived then, cutting off conversation. Vegeta eyed Bulma's burger in slight disgust. But he was once again surprised to see her daintily cut the giant burger in half and put her napkin in her lap. Never would've expected her to have proper table manners, Vegeta mused.
They ate their meals for a few minutes without any mundane chatter before Bulma spoke again.
"So Goku speaks highly of you. He said you guys have known each other for a few years."
"Yeah? What else did Goku say?"
Bulma didn't miss the annoyance at the name. She lifted a brow at him. "That you are super dedicated to your craft. That your goal in life is to choreograph your own ballet someday."
Vegeta's grip on his fork was a little too tight.
"Honestly, I just can't fully understand the appeal," Bulma added thoughtfully. Ballet was never something she found utterly enthralling.
"Ballet isn't just about evoking emotion," Vegeta stated. "It's about power and strength. The determination to try to reach perfection."
"And here I thought it was just something bored socialites or people who wanted to seem 'cultured' attended."
The corner of Vegeta's mouth lifted slightly. "For the patrons, maybe. For the performers, it's different. Being on that stage is otherworldly."
Bulma froze, watching the man before her intently. The way he spoke about his art, the far off look in his eye as if he were visualizing himself on stage at that very moment, it made Bulma view him in a completely different light. Even though he was posh, there was something underneath that facade. "Adrenaline junky?" she found herself asking before she could stop the words from tumbling out. She mentally slapped herself for potentially ruining the mood. She found the way Vegeta spoke about ballet incredibly... erotic.
But Vegeta just scoffed. "Hardly."
They grew quiet once more. Bulma finished only half of her burger, but went to town on her pancakes. The waitress returned with their check then. Vegeta had hardly touched his food, but Bulma didn't comment on it as she asked, "finished?" Vegeta just nodded.
They slid from the booth and made their way over to the register at the front of the restaurant. Vegeta went for his wallet, but Bulma halted his movement.
"Uh-uh. This is my treat. You didn't even want to come, remember?"
Vegeta scowled. "I can still pay for my half of the meal."
"Nope. No going Dutch here, sir. Trust me, I can more than cover the cost of both our meals," she said with a wink.
Vegeta once again felt slightly uncomfortable by her chivalry.
When they walked back outside, night had fallen. The street lamps illuminated the sidewalk as did the trees which were covered in fairy lights.
Vegeta watched Bulma's eyes glitter in the glow from the treetops. A small, content looking smile played on her lips. All too soon they arrived back at Vegeta's apartment. Bulma stopped in from of him and smiled.
"Thank you for joining me for dinner."
Vegeta remained silent as he stared at her. Taking in her beautiful face. He didn't want to say what he was about to, but he knew he had to. He couldn't let this go any further.
"I-"
Bulma cut him off once again.
"You don't have to say anything."
She stepped up towards him. Their eyes stayed locked on each other's as she moved closer. Bulma placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, stepped back slightly, and said, "goodnight Vegeta," before turning and practically running down the street.
Vegeta stood in shock as he watched her retreat around a corner. He touched the place where her lips had been. His skin still tingled from the contact. "Fuck," he said as he looked up at the sky above him, "what am I going to do?"
"Come on, Bulma. You can't be serious about this guy?" Lazuli exclaimed as Bulma got ready to leave for Vegeta's ballet performance Saturday night.
"Why not?" she asked, annoyed her friend was bringing this up again.
"Because he's so uptight. He's a freaking ballerina for fuck's sake!"
"So."
"So?! You're not anything alike. You have absolutely nothing in common."
"You don't know that," Bulma countered. "Zip me up, please." She thought back on their date from the other night. How she just felt... comfortable around Vegeta.
"Who's a ballerina?" Raditz asked as he stuffed his face with popcorn and flopped down on Bulma's sofa.
"The guy Bulma is going to see tonight," Launch, Raditz's girlfriend and one of Bulma's best friends, answered as she took a spot on the couch too.
"Would you guys stop eating my food," Bulma demanded as she put in her necklace.
"You're going out. You won't need it," Raditz said as he continued shoveling handfuls of popcorn in his mouth. Launch snatched the bag away from him.
"So what is it about the ballerina man, anyways," she asked Bulma. "He can't be that interesting considering he listens to show turns and prances around a stage."
Raditz guffawed. "Yeah! Any man who willingly runs around in a leotard has to be a stick in the mud. Ballet is too prim and proper."
Bulma didn't like them talking about Vegeta like this. They were judging him before they even knew him. And she was already used to being judged by everyone else, so it hurt to see her so-called friends being so callous. "You guys don't even know him. I just see something in him. I don't know what, but I like him, okay. So I'd prefer it if you wouldn't talk crap about him anymore, please."
Lazuli came up beside Bulma and handed her her clutch. "Sorry, B. If you're about this guy, we'll hold our tongues from now on." She smacked Raditz in the back of the head. "Right?" she seethed between her teeth.
"Jesus! Fuck! Okay! God. You didn't have to hit me so hard, ya crazy."
Bulma just smiled at her friends' antics. "Thank you." She headed for the door, calling over her shoulder, "and don't eat anymore of my food!"
When Bulma arrived at the theatre, she was surprised by the amount of people in attendance. She hadn't been to the ballet since she was a little girl and refused to go with her mother anymore. She showed her ticket to the woman at the entrance and proceeded through the double doors to find her seat. She had managed to snag a spot near the front row, just behind the reserved section. The seats around her filled up quickly. She didn't have to wait long before the lights dimmed and the orchestra started playing.
When Vegeta came on stage, Bulma had to keep herself from drooling. That man sure can pull off those tights, she thought. But she was also mesmerized by his movements. Even with his muscular physique, he was so fluid and graceful. His muscles rippled in the spotlight, his movements sharp yet lax somehow. His performance was perfection. Bulma now understand what he meant on their date when he said ballet was otherworldly. Just watching him, in his element, she could tell how mesmerizing it must feel being up on that stage.
When the performance ended the applause was almost deafening.
Bulma waited until the majority of the audience were gone before she made her way back stage. She took in all the dancers in normal clothes as they hugged their families and accepted bouquets of flowers. She even saw Goku holding a slim brunette in a tight embrace. They all looked so cheerful and happy. It took her several minutes before she found who she was looking for.
Back in a corner behind a rack of costumes was Vegeta. He was shaking hands with an older man who looked absolutely pleased.
Vegeta looked up to see the familiar face of his stalker. She looked beautiful in a deep purple – almost black – evening dress, her hair in a chignon, and a diamond necklace resting at the base of her throat. Seeing her out of her usual crazy garb had Vegeta looking like a deer caught in the headlights. She approached him with a smile. As she got closer, she heard the older man say, "I'll send over the paperwork first thing in the morning," before bowing and walking away.
Bulma stopped short and let Vegeta make his way over to her. They stood in silence for a beat, the rest of the crew around them squealing with happiness and chatting loudly. Bulma spoke first.
"You were amazing up there."
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry I didn't bring you any flowers," Bulma giggled as she gestured around the room.
Vegeta smirked. "My heart is broken by your lack of flowers."
"I'm sure it is."
They continued to stare at each other. The atmosphere between them was so different than before. Gone was the cool, comfortable-ness from their date. In it's place was something heated. Vegeta felt the adrenaline coursing throw his veins, just as he usually felt after a performance. But this time was different. Bulma seemed to make him burn. He was completely overcome.
He took a step closer to her and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Wanna get out of here?"
Vegeta burst though his apartment door as he continued to kiss and fondle Bulma. They barely could keep their hands off each other in the taxi on the way over. He had her up against the entrance wall in seconds as he kicked the door shut behind him. He ran his lips down her neck hungrily. His hands roamed her body, grabbing at her hips, her breasts, and stopping at her thighs as he pulled up the length of her dress. Bulma wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted a leg to rest on his hip, grinding herself against him. She felt him groan against the top of her breast before grabbing her under her thighs and carrying her to his bedroom.
He dropped her on the mattress and just stared down at her. Her lipstick was smeared, her chest heaving steadily. She looked up at him through thick lashes, her eyes hooded. He slowly removed his shirt. When he looked back to the bed, Bulma was leaning back on her elbows watching him.
"Stand up," Vegeta said, the words reverberating at the back of his throat.
Bulma stood without question. He stepped forward and turned her around. He lightly touched the tops of her arms, his breathe spreading across her shoulders. Bulma shivered at the soft contact. She felt him run his finger along the edge of her dress, stopping at the top of the zipper. He slowly pulled it down and her dress pooled at her feet. She was wearing nothing underneath.
Vegeta chuckled behind her as he moved his hands over her hips. "You are a vulgar woman, aren't you?"
Bulma gasped as his fingers grazed her mound. She quickly turned and grabbed the elastic of his sweat pants and jerked them down. His erection sprang free and Bulma's eyes grew wide.
"Like what you see?" Vegeta asked, loving the astonished look on her face.
Bulma noticed Vegeta was far more confident tonight than he had been during the week. It made her lower belly clench. She met his eyes and stepped forward so their chests were touching. She reached down and grabbed hold of his cock. "Yes," she breathed.
Vegeta sucked in a sharp breath as she tightened her grip on him. He pushed her back onto the bed and watched her climb into the center before crawling up between her legs after her. He ran a hand up her thigh and stopped at the apex of her legs, rubbing his thumb against her clit. Bulma clutched at the bedsheets.
"You're already so wet for me," he whispered, his lips caressing the shell of her ear.
Bulma squirmed. His fingers on her just weren't enough. "Vegeta... please," she begged. She had been waiting for this since she first laid eyes on him. Her body felt like it was electrified and his fingers strumming against her was just more fuel to the fire.
"Please what?"
She could hear the smirk in his tone. "I need to feel you. Inside me. Please."
Vegeta didn't know why the woman seemed so docile now. He had expected her to be boisterous and dominant in bed, as she was with life. But she just laid back, mewling at his touch. Repeating 'please' over and over again. Their roles seemed to have switched. And he couldn't be mad about it.
He slid his finger along her slit one final time before lining himself up at her entrance. The room was silent except for their labored breaths. Vegeta could hear his blood pumping in his ears as he moved slowly. Bulma took him in inch by inch, her head thrown back as she felt him spreading her. He gave an involuntary final thrust to the hilt, making Bulma gasp and clutch at his bicep. Vegeta dropped his forehead against Bulma's as he tried to calm himself from the utter pleasure it was being inside her.
"You can move now," Bulma breathed after a minute. But Vegeta didn't know if he could.
He slowly pulled back, shuddering as her walls clenched around him. He began a slow rhythm, sliding carefully in and out. He wanted to take his time. Revel in the feel of her. He caressed her side, running his hands over every inch of her he could touch.
Bulma's nails scratched at his back. She was enjoying the leisurely pace Vegeta had set. She had imagined that their sex would be hot and hard. This is so much better, she thought. Because this wasn't fucking. This was slow, passionate lovemaking. And it had her heart pumping in her chest in excitement.
She wrapped her arms around Vegeta's back, wanting to be as close to him as possible. She grabbed at his ass, helping him thrust into her. Vegeta had his forearms bracketed around her head. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. They stayed like that, just staring, black to blue, as Vegeta continued to fuck her.
Vegeta could feel his abs tense and he buried his face into Bulma's neck. Feeling his hot breath on her pulse point had Bulma tightening around him. The build up was becoming too much and they were both on the verge. She felt his hand move between them as he swiped her clit with his thumb. It only took a couple more strokes and a few more thrusts from Vegeta before they were both spiraling, groaning out their climax.
They laid in the afterglow for a beat. Bulma could still feel Vegeta inside her and she clenched around him. He winced, lifting his head to scowl at her. Bulma just giggled. He rolled them over, draping Bulma over his chest and pulling the blanket up to cover them.
Bulma felt content as she laid in bed next to Vegeta while he rubbed circles into her back. She didn't think she could be anymore relaxed.
Vegeta's mind was a mixture of satisfaction and dread. He knew he was about to ruin the mood, but he had to tell the woman. "I was offered a spot with the Australian Ballet," he said quietly as he continued to rub Bulma's naked back and stared at the ceiling.
Bulma stiffened. "Oh? When did that happen?"
"Right after the show. Before you came and found me."
Bulma tried not to be sad about the news. Because she knew why he was telling her this now. He was ending this. Before it could even really get started. "When do you leave," she asked in a quiet voice.
Vegeta had feared this. That it would be hard to leave her. They had only just met, but she had somehow entangled herself into his life. She just got him somehow. And here he was already breaking her heart. "The day after tomorrow."
Bulma was silent. Here she thought that they had had potential. That they could actually be something together. That she could finally stop the endless cycle of ambivalence and finally focus on a career. To have a relationship that was meaningful. With a man who wouldn't cheat on her. But this future she imagined in the few minutes of pure, post-coital bliss, was now gone. Completely obliterated in just a matter of seconds.
"Say something," Vegeta demanded when the silence became too much.
"I think... I think I should go," she said, sitting up.
Vegeta didn't look at her as he said, "that's probably for the best."
He continued to stare up at the ceiling as he listened to her redress. He didn't dare look at her for fear he would break. Because Bulma hadn't been the only one to imagine what their life would've been like together. And Vegeta didn't want to admit his feelings.
If he was going to get involved in a relationship, it wasn't going to be with someone like Bulma. He needed someone serious. At least that's what he kept telling himself as he heard the door to his apartment shut behind her as she left.
—
SIXTEEN MONTHS LATER
—
Vegeta entered the apartment he hadn't seen in months, feeling odd being back in the States. Everything looked as it had when he left. He made his way to his room and immediately flashes of his time with a certain blue-haired stalker played before him. Of her milky skin and the curve of her back. He scowled and dropped his bags on the bed, heading for the shower to wash off his day and try to forget.
After he emptied his suitcases, Vegeta flopped down on the sofa and turned on the TV. A random news station was on, televising a public announcement about some tech company. He watched unseeingly as an old man with a mustache and glasses was going on about his daughter. Vegeta was barely paying attention when he heard a familiar voice at the mic.
"Thank you all for being in attendance today. I am happy to announce my new role as Senior Executive Researcher of the Space and Aeronautics Division. It is an honor to be working beside such talented scientists to help further the technological advancements this city has come to expect from Capsule Corporation."
Vegeta's mind was buzzing as he watched the bluenette continue her speech and go on about her plans for the company. It was weird seeing her on the screen. She looked so different but somehow exactly the same. Her hair was cropped and she wore a lab coat which made a certain body part of Vegeta's twitch. He still couldn't believe it. Here she was. Still in the city, talking about her future goals and career path. Something he never expected from her. He felt completely blindsided and didn't know what to do with himself but to sit back into the cushions and just watch her lips as she spoke into the mic.
The announcement ended with information about a celebration banquet at the Brief's estate where anyone was welcome to congratulate the heiress on her success.
—
Vegeta had no idea what he was doing there. He entered the marquee in his black suit and tie feeling utterly out of place. People of all ages milled about under the canopy drinking from flutes and laughing. They all seemed to know each other and chatted amicably. I knew I shouldn't have come.
"Well, well, well. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" He heard someone call from behind him. He slowly turned to see Bulma standing before him in an elegant champagne colored evening gown that fell sensually over her curvaceous form.
"Never thought I'd see you here. When did you get back from Australia?"
"Yesterday. I saw your TV announcement and thought I'd come to congratulate you."
"Did you?" She smirked at him. She told herself if she played off her surprise at seeing him as smugness, then maybe it wouldn't hurt so much when he left her again. Because she had no expectation of Vegeta wanting to be with her. Not again. And definitely not the way she wanted. Or deserved.
Vegeta nodded. "Congratulations," he said. She just gave him a tight smile.
He took in Bulma's appearance and mood. Gone was the girl who wore cargo pants and had crazy hairstyles. In her place was a woman of stature and sophistication. Someone who was driven and good a schmoozing. The perfect bureaucrat. He hadn't expected any of this from her. And it was so jarring to see her again after so long that the added change in her demeanor threw him off kilter.
Bulma grazed her eyes over Vegeta as well. In the year that they'd been apart, she followed his performances in Australia. She'd seen photos of him in a tux. But it didn't come close to what it felt like seeing it in person. She hated that her body immediately reacted to him. Even after all these months. But what she hated more was that look in his eye. The one that said he screwed up. Guilt at having not seen her worth. She squared her shoulders. Well too bad he couldn't see that before. She had always been more than met the eye.
An older woman suddenly appeared beside them, effectively ending their silent staring contest. "Bulma dear I hate to interrupt, but someone has been asking for you," the woman said in a heavy southern accent, holding the small child in her arms toward Bulma.
"Mama!" the little boy cried, reaching out for her. Vegeta's eyes went wide. He looked at the baby as Bulma took him in her arms. He was wearing a sharp three piece suit. He had purple locks and a familiar little scowl on his face. He looked far too intelligent for his age. Vegeta gaped at Bulma as she cooed at the boy. When she met his gaze again, she could clearly see the shock there.
"I was gone sixteen months..." Vegeta could barely get out the words.
Bulma nodded. "Yeah. And little Trunks here is almost seven months old."
"I-I..."
"Use your words, Vegeta."
"I didn't know."
"And you wouldn't have, would you? It's not like you left me any contact info. And I was under the impression you didn't want to hear from me again."
Her words were like a knife to the chest. There hadn't been a day that went by that he hadn't thought of Bulma. Of what she was up to. Who she was with. If she'd gotten married or had a kid. But never in a million years did Vegeta think that she had had his child while he was away. And here he was just finding out about it.
"You don't have to worry," Bulma went on. "He's being well taken care of. We're both doing fine by ourselves."
Vegeta glared at her. "I'm sure. His mother just happens to be the heiress to Capsule Corporation. A small detail she never mentioned before."
"I already knew what you thought of me. You thought I was just some uncultured punk who happened to have a nice ass. You never wanted to actually get to know me. And what we had was just a random hookup in your eyes, no matter how much more it meant to me."
Vegeta balked. "How do you know I didn't feel the same?"
"Did you?" Bulma asked, her eyes intense.
They were interrupted again by the Southern blonde woman. "Bulma, there's some people wanting to talk to you over by the buffet. Your father is already over there waiting for you," she said as she took Trunks from Bulma's arms.
Bulma turned to walk away, but Vegeta grabbed her wrist. She stopped. His face was full of emotion, the prominent one being determination. He stepped up closer and cupped her cheek in his palm. Bulma's eyes were glassy with tears at finally seeing him again. Being touched by him again. And the possibility that he wanted her as well.
"I thought about you every day I was gone." He didn't give her a chance to respond. He just closed the distance between them, grabbing her by the nape of her neck and crashing his lips down on hers.
Vegeta joined Bulma on the couch after having put a cranky Trunks to bed. She was reading a magazine while E! News played on the television. She leaned into his side as he put his arm around her while she read.
Vegeta had moved in a few days after their kiss at the Capsule Corp. celebration. The two had been inseparable ever since. They were completely committed to furthering their relationship and growing together as parents. Vegeta swore he would be a father to the boy, no matter what. He was working hard at being a good parent and a loving partner for Bulma. Trying to make up for lost time. But he knew deep down that things would work out. He'd never felt this way about anyone before. And he liked it. He liked how the woman made him feel. And he was determined not to let anything come between them again.
The spokesperson on the TV suddenly said something that caught Vegeta's attention. He looked up to see a photo of Bulma on the screen. He grabbed the remote and turned up the sound.
"Rumor has it that Bulma Briefs, heiress to Capsule Corp. has reunited with the father of her seven month old baby." A headshot of Vegeta replaced Bulma's. "Vegeta Ouji is a professional male ballerina, who has just returned from a sixteen month contract with the Australian Ballet. The two were seen sharing a steamy lip lock in the middle of a Corporation dinner celebrating Ms. Briefs's promotion within the company. I guess when you're in love as much as these two seem to be, it's hard to keep your hands to yourself."
"We're in love?" Vegeta asked, eyeing Bulma teasingly.
"Yeah. Haven't you heard? It's all over the tabloids." She threw down a magazine with an image of them kissing at the banquette, the headline reading BULMA BRIEFS'S BABBY DADDY FINALLY REVEALS HIMSELF. It landed on top of another one titled BULMA BRIEFS SEES THE LOVE OF HER LIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A YEAR.
"Oh, so it must be true then," he deadpanned.
Bulma giggled. "Are you excited for your new job?" she asked him, snuggling into his side.
"Yeah. It'll be nice to finally get the chance to choreograph an entire show."
"D'you know what it's gonna be about yet?"
"Maybe..."
Bulma looked up at his face, curious about his playful evasiveness. "Care to elaborate?"
"It's just about a girl I used to know."
Bulma smiled. "Oh really?"
"Mhmm," he hummed as he leaned down and planted a soft peck to Bulma's lips, pulling her closer to him. He grabbed the remote and aimed it to turn off the television before tossing it over his shoulder and going in for a deeper kiss.
A/N: I hope this spurred in you all many, many lovely images of Vegeta in ballet tights... mmmm...
Also my beta/husband said Bulma walking out the door broke his heart and he hates me for it ;)