A/N: Remember I own nothing back some empty candy wrappers and oh, cookies!
Yummy! Please don't take those! DBZ, sadly, is not mine and if it was I'd
be super psyched. But alas...
What's Bulma thinking about being with Vejita? Are they friends or are they not? Will Vejita strike her down if she toucheshim again? Will I ever stop asking these stupid questions to which I already know the answer? Actually, I just don't know.
Another day, another...
Bulma woke up with the first rays of the sun hitting the lids of her eyes. She moaned and flipped over. 'Just how I wanted towake up…' She grumpily through the covers over her head and soon fell back asleep. She awoke three hours later and,throwing off the heated covers, she stretched cat-like across the bed. She yawned, emitting a high squeak. She tried toremember just what had happened last night. She remembered Vejita…saving her from…herself. She shuddered at thethought of what she had almost done. She looked to her side and saw a small indent in the mattress where she had pulledVejita to comfort her. She moved a hand over the stretched sheets and was
surprised to feel that it was still warm. She gave asmall smile then sighing; she rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to pull herself together.
Bulma emerged an hour later dressed in a khaki skirt and a pressed blouse. She adjusted her look in the hallway mirror then headed down to the labs. She passed quickly through the kitchen when she noticed that Vejita was in from training and it was only ten.
"Vejita?"
"Hmm?" he grunted from the refrigerator.
"What are you doing in from training so early?" she glanced ather watch.
He looked annoyed at her from the corner of his eye, "I destroyed the droids…"
"AGAIN?! Honestly, Vejita, if you don't stop destroying things, I'll—"
"You'll what? Save us from the androids? Give me a break, woman." She just huffed. "That's what I thought. Now fix them." She rolled her eyes and gathered up the droids in her arms and went to the lab.
She didn't reemerge till later that night, which had given her plenty of time to think of what torture she had subjected Vejita tolast night and it almost killed her with laughter. He was probably mortified to have actually had to TOUCH somebody. 'But I really must thank him though…for stopping me from doing something…awful. I don't know what—' Her mood suddenly turned somber as she realized the other thing she had almost done. She gathered the droids back into her arms and deposited them back on the kitchen counter.
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"Shit!" A week had passed and Bulma had been going nonstop since that night presenting the plans to high branch executives, the plans that had been completed due to a certain unnamed source. She told noone. Her father vaulted her across the globe, covering five countries in that one week and I'm sure he would have pushed for more if the sudden typhoon hadn't hit India. Bulma enjoyed the time she spent with her father though it was only professional, but she couldn't help but feel that he was detached from her, from everyone. Bulma looked at the steady stream of blood
running from her finger as she set downthe knife. Here she was just trying to make a stupid little sandwich and she
couldn't even do that anymore. She went to the sink and run her finger under the lukewarm water.
"Knife problems again?" she heard a deep voice inquire from the doorway. She looked back to see Vejita leaning against the doorframe.
"Oh yes, Vejita, I decided life was too painful that I would bleed myself to death...from my finger!" she shook her finger at him for emphasis.
"Well, isn't that the most stupid idea I ever heard," he muttered shaking his head. Bulma narrowed her eyes, either he was placating her or he was mocking her. He looked up at her from picking at his shirt. "Really,woman, you should know that if you wanted to end your life, all you need to do is ask me... and I'll quite happily oblige," he added with a sinister tone.
"I don't need your help for anything, thank you!"
"You don't need me. You just need my hand."
She turned bright pink. "Actually, I think you get more use out of it than I do, Vejita. I mean, a lonely man like--"
He growled suddenly, "Never imply that I would do something that lowly."
"Of course not, Vejita. I implied nothing at all..."
"Right," he scoffed. "I bet the world will be real glad when I finally get rid of you, woman. I know I will be. In fact, the world will worship me for terminating an annoying bitch like you."
"Wow, Vejita. Coming from you, all that almost sounded like a compliment because I've heard much worse."
He chuckled, "Oh, that was just the tip of the iceberg."
"Vejita, you haven't seen even the tip yet," she smirked menacingly at him.
"Oh, I'm so scared. I'm shaking in my boots," he stated, fear dripping sugary sweet off his tongue.
"I look forward to an actual challenge, woman."
She just flipped her hair over her shoulder, grabbed her sandwich and made for the door, she paused at the threshold, "And Vejita," she
added over her shoulder. "Your hands aren't THAT nice. You caught me at an all time low and that will NOT happen again."
With that she stalked down the hall way and slammed her way into the main office. Vejita's eyes trailed after her, "Sure it won't, woman. Women and their promises," he shook his head. "I'd like to find a woman who couldn't keep her hands off me." He looked overconfidant and smug as he crossed his arms and looked daringly down the hall way. He'd just wait and see what a bad liar this one was.
Bulma sat down at the main desk, her secretary briefly looking up at her from typing her forms.
"Ms. Briefs, you okay?"
"Oh, of course, Hecate. Hecate?" Her secretary looked up at her from her work once again, readjusting the thin-rimmedglasses on her nose.
"Hmm?"
"What is it about men?"
"Men?" Hecate gave a small smile accompanied by a bemused look. Bulma didn't notice as she concentrated on her sandwich.
"Yes, men. Am I a loser magnet or are all men morons?" Hecate coughed and showed Bulma her lovely engagement ring. Bulma squealed and jumped out of her chair, knocking it backwards.Immediately, she felt bad about what she had said. "Oh, Hecate, I'm so happy for you!" Bulma ran and gave Hecate a giant hug over her desk. "Oh, congratulations!"
"Thanks, Ms. Briefs."
"Oh, you must have an engagement party here!"
"Oh, we couldn't."
"I insist!"
Hecate nodded excitedly, "I'm so happy right now!"
Bulma agreed, "You should be."
Hecate gave Bulmaa motherly look, "Cheer up, Ms. Briefs. You'll find it soon enough."
"Knowing me, it'll go off with a bang, huh?"
Just then Bulma heard a giant explosion. She ran to her window to see the Gravitron in pieces and its 'master' was nowhereto be seen. Bulma cursed silently. She grabbed her coat, "I'll be back, Hecate." Hecate nodded dumbfounded and continuedher typing. Bulma walked out the Capsule Corps. main building towards the pile of mishapen jagged rubble. She gingerly began to pick around the disabled walls of metal. Suddenly a hand shot up and grabbed her ankle, pulling her down. Shescreamed and fell upon a choice piece of concrete right on her butt. The hand
continued to pull as the body emerged from a hole in the concrete.
"Shit, Vejita. Don't do that..." she whispered. Her heart beat furiously as she over came the shock andfear that ran through her body. He looked worn and beaten but he pulled himself up to his full height, towering above her seated form.
"Not so brave now are we?"
She rolled her eyes after having calmed herself down and playfuly slapped at one of his legs. Suddenly both legs gave out beneath him and he came crashing down, upsetting the delicate balance of the pile ofrubble. Bulma started sliding down the side of the concrete as it tilted. Her hand shot shot out and grabbed his to keep from falling along the dangerous shards of the once-was Gravitron. He looked down amused at her she held onto his hand, trying topull herself back up.
"Thought my hand wasn't that nice," he grinned.
She cursed, " Fuck off."
He chuckled, "Seeing as your busy, I guess I'll have to use my trusty hand, hmm?" He moved his hand and she screamed. "Enough is enough, Vejita!"
"You're right," and he moved his hand again.
"You are such a jerk!"
"You know, name calling is not a high marks earner on my list and you are not in the position to be making rude comments."
She sighed heavily still hanging from his arms. "You're right. Why the hell don't I just STAY out here, Vejita."
He smirked, "Why the hell not, is right."
She squearmed around a bit, trying to raise herself to the level surface. He rolled his eyes and in one swift movement she was up on the stable conrete. She fell ontothe hard slab after he threw back his hand, sending her vaulting over the edge.
She landed most unlady-like with her rear in theair and the rest of her clutching the structure like it was her life. He glanced
at her and couldn't happen but crack a small grin ather position.
She glared at him, "That was NOT funny."
"Maybe not for you."
"Oh yeah, that's right, resume being an ASS!"
"I was never otherwise, woman."
"Oh, excuse me."
"From what? Being a totally useless waste of air."
She turned several shades of red before a darkness descended over her features. This he did not like. "Fine, rot in Hell, Vejita. That's what's going to happen anyway, hmm?" She looked at him coolly then turned to make her way down the treacherous path of destructed material. He rolled his eyes and quickly leaped down onto the ground. He looked up as she gingerly picked herway.
"Hurry it up, woman!" he demanded tapping his foot.
"Oh, shut up."
"WHAT?!"
"You heard me. You'll just have towait."
He huffed then snapped around and stalked inside.
Five minutes later, Bulma jumped the last foot to the ground. She was slightly out of breath as she entered the main building.Vejita was sitting in the kitchen with an army sized pile of food in front of him. Bulma rolled her eyes and grabbed an apple,which he tried to grab back.
"Mine."
"Well, learn to share, Vejita. Honestly, you are just like a kid sometimes."
"I resent that but you're not one to talk, spoiled brat."
"Am not!"
"Are too," he persisted while shoving a sandwich into his mouth.
"Youknow nothing about me--"
"And I hope I never do." he interrupted. He then finished off the last of a bottle of water, stood upand walked to the door.
Suddenly, Bulma's head shot up. She remembered something. "Vejita," she called. He stopped inhis tracks but didn't turn around. She took this as a cue to give a reason why she had bothered him. "I forgot to tell you that tonight is New Year's Eve."
"And this would mean something to me, why?"
She stared angrily at his back. "Well, I justthought you might like to know so you won't be caught off guard if a firework explodes right in your face! Though I wouldapplaud the man that did it."
"Like anything would catch me off guard."
Bulma shrugged, "Just thought I'd let you know."
Vejita scoffed and continued to walk down the corridor to the padded training room he sometimes used for meditation. Bulmaraised an eyebrow, "Honestly, men..." She shook her head. She heard a light laugh from the doorway. Hecate stood there,clipboard in hand.
"Ms. Briefs, is everything all right?"
"Of course, Hecate."
"New Year's party tonight?"
"You bet! I heardthe fireworks display is going to be the best in years."
"So rumors say, but you know how that goes."
Bulma noddedknowingly, "Yup. Well, here's hoping." and with that she downed a small glass of wine she had poured herself. She smacked her lips, savoring the taste.
Hecate ushered back to the office, "Shouldn't we get back to work?"
Bulma agreed, "Is there anything else in life?" Hecate laughed and shook her head.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
That night Bulma ran downstairs in a pair of comfy sweats, a muscle tank and her Capsule Corps. bomber jacket.
"Mom?Are you ready?"
The bombshell blonde came out of a closet with two flashlights and a bag of snacks. "Mom..." Bulma whined.
"Yes, dear?"
"The sweets...?"
"I thought we might need them."
"Only if you want to turn me into a pufferfish!"
"Fine." Her mother choose a packets of snacks and put them on the counter and closed up the bag.
"Mom..."
"No complaints, Bulma. Let's go!"
"Yes!" Bulma felt let a child as she ran through the building with her mother behind that shealmost ran smack into Vejita.
"Watch where your going, woman!" Bulma looked hurriedly at the obstrusion. "Gee, I didn't see a 'one way' sign here." He glared at her and went to pass her by when he noticed the woman's mother trailing behind with abag.
"Moving out, are we? To what do I owe the pleasure."
"No, dummy, we're going to watch the fireworks."
Vejita narrowed his eyes, "Another human custom?"
"I told you this morning, remember?"
"Oh, yes. I'll try not to get blown out of the sky tonight," he smirked.
"See that you don't," she laughed.
"Bulma, dear, let's go!"
"Oh yeah!" Bulma continued her run through the building, her mother close behind. Vejita quirked an eyebrow and shook his head. 'Silly humans. Excited over littlepops in the sky. If they wanted a show, HE could give them a show.' He smirked again. And what a show that would be. He chuckled to himself and headed upstairs to his room.Bulma and her mother hurried down the street to the community park. Pulling out
a flannel blanket, they spread themselves out under an elm tree to watch the beginning of the fireworks. Mrs. Briefs took a thermos out of the bag and poured some hotchocolate.
"Mmm...thanks, Mom."
Mrs. Briefs smiled into her cup. Bulma had looked so worn these past few weeks. She knew her husband was running their daughter ragged but she did not say anything. As far as anyone was concerned, all Mrs. Briefs did was buy sweets and serve tea. Little did anyone know the more perceptive and wise side of the blondehomemaker. Mrs. Briefs sighed. She loved to pamper and coddle her daughter and the more time she spent with her, thebetter. Bulma had never had much good experience with men so she responded more to female bonding, though she enjoyed a 'Prince Charming' just as any woman would. She pulled out a box of chocolate and after popping one into her mouth, sheoffered some to her daughter.
"No thanks, Mom," Bulma smiled as she turned back to watch the beautiful display in the sky. The night was clear and cloudless, a few brightly sparkling stars and a blanket of fainter ones. A perfect background to thegorgeous explosion of color and light in the sky in different pattern, the dying embers falling like rain to the earth. She breathed deeply the cool night air and resisted the urge to succumb to it and sleep. She yawned slightly and gaze around her at the other "campers" parked out on the ground. Some couples, she noticed sadly, and some families, she glanced at cheerfully, were all convened here to watch one of the most beautiful spectacles she had been. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed onecouple locked in a tight embrace, kissing and coong to each other. She smiled warmly...until she realized who it was.
Yamucha had his large, muscular arms wrapped around a delicate-looking girl of about Bulma's age. She was the willowy,wispy type, with a far off gaze with hazel colored eyes and honey hued hair that tossed fairy-like in the wind. She was every bitas pretty as Bulma, maybe prettier with that far off, ethereal gaze. Bulma gazed shrewdly as the lovers whispered to each other in the pending darkness and nuzzled. Bulma thought she was going to be sick sitting here and being subjected to watching her ex and his new beloved. Bulma got up quickly.
"Excuse me, Mother," she whispered and started jogging back to Capsule Corps. Mrs. Briefs looked worriedly at the retreating form of her daughter as she disappeared into the darkness. Mrs. Briefs was no fool and she knew when her daughter did not want to be bothered. She would stay here and finish the night off. Besides, there was too much hot chocolate made to waste. She noticed a couple in front of her and recognized one of the pair. She tapped his shoulder, "Yamucha, dear!"
He turned around, "Oh, hey, Mrs. B." She pushed the thermos towards him.
"Here, I've made much too much for myself, dear. Why don't you and your ladyfriend share it?" He grabbed it gratefully.
"Hey, Mrs. B, this is my girlfriend, Lana."
Mrs. Briefs turned her ever- friendly face to the wispy young girl, "Why hello, Lana..."
Bulma quietly opened the door to the main building and slipped in. She really didn't want to wake anyone. She crept up the stairs to her room, passing Vejita's. She noticed his door was open, which it never was. She leaned in to close it when shenoticed the Saiyajin Prince leaned against his balcony railing staring at something. She crept in though she knew that he knewshe was there. She walked onto the balcony.
"Vejita?"
"Hmm?" He didn't even turn his head.
"Whatcha doing out here?"
"What does it looking like I'm doing?" She turned to look in the direction he was looking. She saw the fireworks exploding in the distance.
"Oh...wow..." she whispered. "It's much nicer seeing it from here than the park."
He looked back at her. "You left..."
"I was getting cold," she excused herself quickly.
"And being out here is going to better?" he remarked. She shrugged and leaned against the railing, still watching the fireworks. He looked at her
quizzically then also went back to watching the display.
"What do you think of them?" she asked, finally breaking the silence.
He shrugged, "Not bad, though I could put on a muchbetter show," he smirked. She laughed, "I'm sure you could have." They continued to watch until the very last fury of light exploded in the sky and dripped down the dark curtains like a cascading waterfall. She sighed content.
"Well?"
She turned to him. "Well what?" she asked.
He pointed to the door, "You are no longer welcome here."
Bulma huffed, "And here I thought you were going to be civil."
"Not a chance in Hell." "Obviously not, bastard."
"Not a nice way to end a night, woman."
"I don't care." She stalked to the door and slammed it shut behind her. He almost
visibly flinched.
That woman took things way too seriously. 'And she thinks I have problems.' He went into the shower, emerging a few minutes later with a towel tied abouthis waist. He removed it and slid under the covers. Turning slightly to hug one pillow to his chest.Bulma emerged from her room. It was about two a.m. She made her way silently down the hallway, stopping before herdestined door. She turned the knob and walked in, shutting the door carefully behind her. A small streetlight outside gave a little glow to the room and showed the only evidence of her misery. Small tears
stained her cheeks. 'Why? Why didn't anyone like her? Why didn't they want to be around her? Was she that horrible?' She sniffled then stopped herself as she heard a figure move. She held her breath. She sidled to the side of the bed, trying not to hurt herself. She slid her body under the covers, turning onto her side to grip a pillow to her chest. She moved up, bringing her body to the pillow and quickly fellasleep, feeling more safe than she had in a long time.
She had tried to fall asleep and had remained to stare at the ceiling fortwo hours. There was only one way to calm herself. She found it strange but soothing. She only hoped she wouldn't regret it. Soon she was deep in her dreams.
So? So? Hee hee... sorry took so long. I'm crazy lazy like that but I've got an idea so next chap won't be such a long wait. I was having writer's block. hee hee! Remember, read and review! Love always!
all reposted now, right? grrr... still racking my brain to write the 'unwritten' chapters. yes, i really DID leave this fic alone for like a year..until it started to get reviews again out of the blue. gah... what to do, what to do...
What's Bulma thinking about being with Vejita? Are they friends or are they not? Will Vejita strike her down if she toucheshim again? Will I ever stop asking these stupid questions to which I already know the answer? Actually, I just don't know.
Another day, another...
Bulma woke up with the first rays of the sun hitting the lids of her eyes. She moaned and flipped over. 'Just how I wanted towake up…' She grumpily through the covers over her head and soon fell back asleep. She awoke three hours later and,throwing off the heated covers, she stretched cat-like across the bed. She yawned, emitting a high squeak. She tried toremember just what had happened last night. She remembered Vejita…saving her from…herself. She shuddered at thethought of what she had almost done. She looked to her side and saw a small indent in the mattress where she had pulledVejita to comfort her. She moved a hand over the stretched sheets and was
surprised to feel that it was still warm. She gave asmall smile then sighing; she rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to pull herself together.
Bulma emerged an hour later dressed in a khaki skirt and a pressed blouse. She adjusted her look in the hallway mirror then headed down to the labs. She passed quickly through the kitchen when she noticed that Vejita was in from training and it was only ten.
"Vejita?"
"Hmm?" he grunted from the refrigerator.
"What are you doing in from training so early?" she glanced ather watch.
He looked annoyed at her from the corner of his eye, "I destroyed the droids…"
"AGAIN?! Honestly, Vejita, if you don't stop destroying things, I'll—"
"You'll what? Save us from the androids? Give me a break, woman." She just huffed. "That's what I thought. Now fix them." She rolled her eyes and gathered up the droids in her arms and went to the lab.
She didn't reemerge till later that night, which had given her plenty of time to think of what torture she had subjected Vejita tolast night and it almost killed her with laughter. He was probably mortified to have actually had to TOUCH somebody. 'But I really must thank him though…for stopping me from doing something…awful. I don't know what—' Her mood suddenly turned somber as she realized the other thing she had almost done. She gathered the droids back into her arms and deposited them back on the kitchen counter.
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"Shit!" A week had passed and Bulma had been going nonstop since that night presenting the plans to high branch executives, the plans that had been completed due to a certain unnamed source. She told noone. Her father vaulted her across the globe, covering five countries in that one week and I'm sure he would have pushed for more if the sudden typhoon hadn't hit India. Bulma enjoyed the time she spent with her father though it was only professional, but she couldn't help but feel that he was detached from her, from everyone. Bulma looked at the steady stream of blood
running from her finger as she set downthe knife. Here she was just trying to make a stupid little sandwich and she
couldn't even do that anymore. She went to the sink and run her finger under the lukewarm water.
"Knife problems again?" she heard a deep voice inquire from the doorway. She looked back to see Vejita leaning against the doorframe.
"Oh yes, Vejita, I decided life was too painful that I would bleed myself to death...from my finger!" she shook her finger at him for emphasis.
"Well, isn't that the most stupid idea I ever heard," he muttered shaking his head. Bulma narrowed her eyes, either he was placating her or he was mocking her. He looked up at her from picking at his shirt. "Really,woman, you should know that if you wanted to end your life, all you need to do is ask me... and I'll quite happily oblige," he added with a sinister tone.
"I don't need your help for anything, thank you!"
"You don't need me. You just need my hand."
She turned bright pink. "Actually, I think you get more use out of it than I do, Vejita. I mean, a lonely man like--"
He growled suddenly, "Never imply that I would do something that lowly."
"Of course not, Vejita. I implied nothing at all..."
"Right," he scoffed. "I bet the world will be real glad when I finally get rid of you, woman. I know I will be. In fact, the world will worship me for terminating an annoying bitch like you."
"Wow, Vejita. Coming from you, all that almost sounded like a compliment because I've heard much worse."
He chuckled, "Oh, that was just the tip of the iceberg."
"Vejita, you haven't seen even the tip yet," she smirked menacingly at him.
"Oh, I'm so scared. I'm shaking in my boots," he stated, fear dripping sugary sweet off his tongue.
"I look forward to an actual challenge, woman."
She just flipped her hair over her shoulder, grabbed her sandwich and made for the door, she paused at the threshold, "And Vejita," she
added over her shoulder. "Your hands aren't THAT nice. You caught me at an all time low and that will NOT happen again."
With that she stalked down the hall way and slammed her way into the main office. Vejita's eyes trailed after her, "Sure it won't, woman. Women and their promises," he shook his head. "I'd like to find a woman who couldn't keep her hands off me." He looked overconfidant and smug as he crossed his arms and looked daringly down the hall way. He'd just wait and see what a bad liar this one was.
Bulma sat down at the main desk, her secretary briefly looking up at her from typing her forms.
"Ms. Briefs, you okay?"
"Oh, of course, Hecate. Hecate?" Her secretary looked up at her from her work once again, readjusting the thin-rimmedglasses on her nose.
"Hmm?"
"What is it about men?"
"Men?" Hecate gave a small smile accompanied by a bemused look. Bulma didn't notice as she concentrated on her sandwich.
"Yes, men. Am I a loser magnet or are all men morons?" Hecate coughed and showed Bulma her lovely engagement ring. Bulma squealed and jumped out of her chair, knocking it backwards.Immediately, she felt bad about what she had said. "Oh, Hecate, I'm so happy for you!" Bulma ran and gave Hecate a giant hug over her desk. "Oh, congratulations!"
"Thanks, Ms. Briefs."
"Oh, you must have an engagement party here!"
"Oh, we couldn't."
"I insist!"
Hecate nodded excitedly, "I'm so happy right now!"
Bulma agreed, "You should be."
Hecate gave Bulmaa motherly look, "Cheer up, Ms. Briefs. You'll find it soon enough."
"Knowing me, it'll go off with a bang, huh?"
Just then Bulma heard a giant explosion. She ran to her window to see the Gravitron in pieces and its 'master' was nowhereto be seen. Bulma cursed silently. She grabbed her coat, "I'll be back, Hecate." Hecate nodded dumbfounded and continuedher typing. Bulma walked out the Capsule Corps. main building towards the pile of mishapen jagged rubble. She gingerly began to pick around the disabled walls of metal. Suddenly a hand shot up and grabbed her ankle, pulling her down. Shescreamed and fell upon a choice piece of concrete right on her butt. The hand
continued to pull as the body emerged from a hole in the concrete.
"Shit, Vejita. Don't do that..." she whispered. Her heart beat furiously as she over came the shock andfear that ran through her body. He looked worn and beaten but he pulled himself up to his full height, towering above her seated form.
"Not so brave now are we?"
She rolled her eyes after having calmed herself down and playfuly slapped at one of his legs. Suddenly both legs gave out beneath him and he came crashing down, upsetting the delicate balance of the pile ofrubble. Bulma started sliding down the side of the concrete as it tilted. Her hand shot shot out and grabbed his to keep from falling along the dangerous shards of the once-was Gravitron. He looked down amused at her she held onto his hand, trying topull herself back up.
"Thought my hand wasn't that nice," he grinned.
She cursed, " Fuck off."
He chuckled, "Seeing as your busy, I guess I'll have to use my trusty hand, hmm?" He moved his hand and she screamed. "Enough is enough, Vejita!"
"You're right," and he moved his hand again.
"You are such a jerk!"
"You know, name calling is not a high marks earner on my list and you are not in the position to be making rude comments."
She sighed heavily still hanging from his arms. "You're right. Why the hell don't I just STAY out here, Vejita."
He smirked, "Why the hell not, is right."
She squearmed around a bit, trying to raise herself to the level surface. He rolled his eyes and in one swift movement she was up on the stable conrete. She fell ontothe hard slab after he threw back his hand, sending her vaulting over the edge.
She landed most unlady-like with her rear in theair and the rest of her clutching the structure like it was her life. He glanced
at her and couldn't happen but crack a small grin ather position.
She glared at him, "That was NOT funny."
"Maybe not for you."
"Oh yeah, that's right, resume being an ASS!"
"I was never otherwise, woman."
"Oh, excuse me."
"From what? Being a totally useless waste of air."
She turned several shades of red before a darkness descended over her features. This he did not like. "Fine, rot in Hell, Vejita. That's what's going to happen anyway, hmm?" She looked at him coolly then turned to make her way down the treacherous path of destructed material. He rolled his eyes and quickly leaped down onto the ground. He looked up as she gingerly picked herway.
"Hurry it up, woman!" he demanded tapping his foot.
"Oh, shut up."
"WHAT?!"
"You heard me. You'll just have towait."
He huffed then snapped around and stalked inside.
Five minutes later, Bulma jumped the last foot to the ground. She was slightly out of breath as she entered the main building.Vejita was sitting in the kitchen with an army sized pile of food in front of him. Bulma rolled her eyes and grabbed an apple,which he tried to grab back.
"Mine."
"Well, learn to share, Vejita. Honestly, you are just like a kid sometimes."
"I resent that but you're not one to talk, spoiled brat."
"Am not!"
"Are too," he persisted while shoving a sandwich into his mouth.
"Youknow nothing about me--"
"And I hope I never do." he interrupted. He then finished off the last of a bottle of water, stood upand walked to the door.
Suddenly, Bulma's head shot up. She remembered something. "Vejita," she called. He stopped inhis tracks but didn't turn around. She took this as a cue to give a reason why she had bothered him. "I forgot to tell you that tonight is New Year's Eve."
"And this would mean something to me, why?"
She stared angrily at his back. "Well, I justthought you might like to know so you won't be caught off guard if a firework explodes right in your face! Though I wouldapplaud the man that did it."
"Like anything would catch me off guard."
Bulma shrugged, "Just thought I'd let you know."
Vejita scoffed and continued to walk down the corridor to the padded training room he sometimes used for meditation. Bulmaraised an eyebrow, "Honestly, men..." She shook her head. She heard a light laugh from the doorway. Hecate stood there,clipboard in hand.
"Ms. Briefs, is everything all right?"
"Of course, Hecate."
"New Year's party tonight?"
"You bet! I heardthe fireworks display is going to be the best in years."
"So rumors say, but you know how that goes."
Bulma noddedknowingly, "Yup. Well, here's hoping." and with that she downed a small glass of wine she had poured herself. She smacked her lips, savoring the taste.
Hecate ushered back to the office, "Shouldn't we get back to work?"
Bulma agreed, "Is there anything else in life?" Hecate laughed and shook her head.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
That night Bulma ran downstairs in a pair of comfy sweats, a muscle tank and her Capsule Corps. bomber jacket.
"Mom?Are you ready?"
The bombshell blonde came out of a closet with two flashlights and a bag of snacks. "Mom..." Bulma whined.
"Yes, dear?"
"The sweets...?"
"I thought we might need them."
"Only if you want to turn me into a pufferfish!"
"Fine." Her mother choose a packets of snacks and put them on the counter and closed up the bag.
"Mom..."
"No complaints, Bulma. Let's go!"
"Yes!" Bulma felt let a child as she ran through the building with her mother behind that shealmost ran smack into Vejita.
"Watch where your going, woman!" Bulma looked hurriedly at the obstrusion. "Gee, I didn't see a 'one way' sign here." He glared at her and went to pass her by when he noticed the woman's mother trailing behind with abag.
"Moving out, are we? To what do I owe the pleasure."
"No, dummy, we're going to watch the fireworks."
Vejita narrowed his eyes, "Another human custom?"
"I told you this morning, remember?"
"Oh, yes. I'll try not to get blown out of the sky tonight," he smirked.
"See that you don't," she laughed.
"Bulma, dear, let's go!"
"Oh yeah!" Bulma continued her run through the building, her mother close behind. Vejita quirked an eyebrow and shook his head. 'Silly humans. Excited over littlepops in the sky. If they wanted a show, HE could give them a show.' He smirked again. And what a show that would be. He chuckled to himself and headed upstairs to his room.Bulma and her mother hurried down the street to the community park. Pulling out
a flannel blanket, they spread themselves out under an elm tree to watch the beginning of the fireworks. Mrs. Briefs took a thermos out of the bag and poured some hotchocolate.
"Mmm...thanks, Mom."
Mrs. Briefs smiled into her cup. Bulma had looked so worn these past few weeks. She knew her husband was running their daughter ragged but she did not say anything. As far as anyone was concerned, all Mrs. Briefs did was buy sweets and serve tea. Little did anyone know the more perceptive and wise side of the blondehomemaker. Mrs. Briefs sighed. She loved to pamper and coddle her daughter and the more time she spent with her, thebetter. Bulma had never had much good experience with men so she responded more to female bonding, though she enjoyed a 'Prince Charming' just as any woman would. She pulled out a box of chocolate and after popping one into her mouth, sheoffered some to her daughter.
"No thanks, Mom," Bulma smiled as she turned back to watch the beautiful display in the sky. The night was clear and cloudless, a few brightly sparkling stars and a blanket of fainter ones. A perfect background to thegorgeous explosion of color and light in the sky in different pattern, the dying embers falling like rain to the earth. She breathed deeply the cool night air and resisted the urge to succumb to it and sleep. She yawned slightly and gaze around her at the other "campers" parked out on the ground. Some couples, she noticed sadly, and some families, she glanced at cheerfully, were all convened here to watch one of the most beautiful spectacles she had been. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed onecouple locked in a tight embrace, kissing and coong to each other. She smiled warmly...until she realized who it was.
Yamucha had his large, muscular arms wrapped around a delicate-looking girl of about Bulma's age. She was the willowy,wispy type, with a far off gaze with hazel colored eyes and honey hued hair that tossed fairy-like in the wind. She was every bitas pretty as Bulma, maybe prettier with that far off, ethereal gaze. Bulma gazed shrewdly as the lovers whispered to each other in the pending darkness and nuzzled. Bulma thought she was going to be sick sitting here and being subjected to watching her ex and his new beloved. Bulma got up quickly.
"Excuse me, Mother," she whispered and started jogging back to Capsule Corps. Mrs. Briefs looked worriedly at the retreating form of her daughter as she disappeared into the darkness. Mrs. Briefs was no fool and she knew when her daughter did not want to be bothered. She would stay here and finish the night off. Besides, there was too much hot chocolate made to waste. She noticed a couple in front of her and recognized one of the pair. She tapped his shoulder, "Yamucha, dear!"
He turned around, "Oh, hey, Mrs. B." She pushed the thermos towards him.
"Here, I've made much too much for myself, dear. Why don't you and your ladyfriend share it?" He grabbed it gratefully.
"Hey, Mrs. B, this is my girlfriend, Lana."
Mrs. Briefs turned her ever- friendly face to the wispy young girl, "Why hello, Lana..."
Bulma quietly opened the door to the main building and slipped in. She really didn't want to wake anyone. She crept up the stairs to her room, passing Vejita's. She noticed his door was open, which it never was. She leaned in to close it when shenoticed the Saiyajin Prince leaned against his balcony railing staring at something. She crept in though she knew that he knewshe was there. She walked onto the balcony.
"Vejita?"
"Hmm?" He didn't even turn his head.
"Whatcha doing out here?"
"What does it looking like I'm doing?" She turned to look in the direction he was looking. She saw the fireworks exploding in the distance.
"Oh...wow..." she whispered. "It's much nicer seeing it from here than the park."
He looked back at her. "You left..."
"I was getting cold," she excused herself quickly.
"And being out here is going to better?" he remarked. She shrugged and leaned against the railing, still watching the fireworks. He looked at her
quizzically then also went back to watching the display.
"What do you think of them?" she asked, finally breaking the silence.
He shrugged, "Not bad, though I could put on a muchbetter show," he smirked. She laughed, "I'm sure you could have." They continued to watch until the very last fury of light exploded in the sky and dripped down the dark curtains like a cascading waterfall. She sighed content.
"Well?"
She turned to him. "Well what?" she asked.
He pointed to the door, "You are no longer welcome here."
Bulma huffed, "And here I thought you were going to be civil."
"Not a chance in Hell." "Obviously not, bastard."
"Not a nice way to end a night, woman."
"I don't care." She stalked to the door and slammed it shut behind her. He almost
visibly flinched.
That woman took things way too seriously. 'And she thinks I have problems.' He went into the shower, emerging a few minutes later with a towel tied abouthis waist. He removed it and slid under the covers. Turning slightly to hug one pillow to his chest.Bulma emerged from her room. It was about two a.m. She made her way silently down the hallway, stopping before herdestined door. She turned the knob and walked in, shutting the door carefully behind her. A small streetlight outside gave a little glow to the room and showed the only evidence of her misery. Small tears
stained her cheeks. 'Why? Why didn't anyone like her? Why didn't they want to be around her? Was she that horrible?' She sniffled then stopped herself as she heard a figure move. She held her breath. She sidled to the side of the bed, trying not to hurt herself. She slid her body under the covers, turning onto her side to grip a pillow to her chest. She moved up, bringing her body to the pillow and quickly fellasleep, feeling more safe than she had in a long time.
She had tried to fall asleep and had remained to stare at the ceiling fortwo hours. There was only one way to calm herself. She found it strange but soothing. She only hoped she wouldn't regret it. Soon she was deep in her dreams.
So? So? Hee hee... sorry took so long. I'm crazy lazy like that but I've got an idea so next chap won't be such a long wait. I was having writer's block. hee hee! Remember, read and review! Love always!
all reposted now, right? grrr... still racking my brain to write the 'unwritten' chapters. yes, i really DID leave this fic alone for like a year..until it started to get reviews again out of the blue. gah... what to do, what to do...