Grasping At Love's Last Straws
Part 1: New Beginnings: Dead Ends
There had been some concern of rain, but the day awoke bright and clear. The few dark clouds, which had gathered in the easternmost portion of the sky this morning, had broken apart so that the sun could shine down uninterrupted from its appointed place. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After all, if it had rained, they would have had to move the reception indoors.
Gohan and Videl, newly married, were all smiles at the reception, but Goku couldn't help but notice the nervousness beneath their happy appearance. He had been nervous when he had gotten married to Chichi, but their marriage was a happy one. Turning towards his wife, he smiled. Chichi wasn't looking at him. She was watching Gohan, dabbing tears away from her eyes with an already soaked tissue. She had cried throughout the entire service, mumbling about losing her 'baby', (Goten seemed a little upset at that although he was at the age where he no longer wanted to be called a baby) but still seemed pleased about Gohan finding someone like Videl.
Goku had always liked Videl. She was smart, fairly strong, and brave. Most importantly, she loved Gohan. The first time he had seen them together, Goku knew that she loved his son. And Gohan, despite his original protests, had fallen for Videl. It was a good match.
Chichi smiled as new tears began to flow down her flushed cheeks. "Oh, Goku isn't it just wonderful!"
Goku nodded. "Yeah. Gohan was lucky to find someone like Videl."
"Luck had nothing to do with it!" Chichi announced, "It was fate! Just like us." She smiled up at him and leaned her head over on his arm.
He wrapped his arm loosely about her shoulders and allowed her to lean against his chest. "Maybe so," he agreed.
Suddenly Chichi jumped back. "What if they have kids soon?" she asked, "I'll be a grandmother! Am I really that old?" Tears were streaming again.
Goku shook his head, answering her question, and in relevance to her mood swings. However, Chichi wasn't satisfied. "That would make you a grandfather, you know," she added.
This did throw Goku off-guard. When he thought of grandfathers, his mental image was that of his Grandpa Gohan: old and wise. He didn't feel that old or that wise, but still the prospect of being a grandfather didn't sound all that bad. It sounded kind of good, actually.
Chichi had become more and more concerned about age and appearance lately. Because he was a Saiyan, Goku didn't outwardly age causing his black spiky hair to remain black and his face unlined with wrinkles. In fact, while out with Gohan the other day, a salesperson had immediately recognized Chichi as his mother, but thought Goku was Gohan's older brother. Chichi's response was to buy various chemicals, dyes, and solutions that were supposed to make her look younger. Truthfully, Goku couldn't see much difference, but he didn't dare say that to Chichi.
He was just about to walk over to Krillan, when he felt a faint, yet familiar ki. Glancing at Piccolo, who had actually attending the affair, he saw him nod. So Piccolo had felt it too. He started away.
"Goku?" Chichi called after him, "Where are you going? They're going to be leaving soon?"
"I'll be right back," Goku responded, trying to smile, "Don't worry." Of course telling Chichi not to worry was like telling a fish not to swim, but Goku didn't have time to think of that now. Slowly, he flew to the top of a nearby hill and found himself looking at a familiar form. "Hello, Vegeta," he said, landing a few feet away.
Vegeta turned to look at him, and Goku was surprised and how much his fellow Saiyan had changed over the years. Like Goku, Vegeta's hair was still dark (although his hair was actually a dark brown and not a true black like Goku's) and his face wasn't wrinkled. Yet Vegeta looked old, far beyond his years and Goku was unsure as to how to react. It looked as if he has lost weight, his angular cheekbones jutting out more than ever. His bloodshot eyes appeared sunken in his pale face and his shoulders seemed slightly rounded and slumped, as if he had been carrying a heavy load for a long time.
One of the things that had always amazed Goku about Vegeta was his ability to carry himself as if he stood seven feet tall, rather than just a bit over five feet. It was mostly because of the way he could look at you, as if there was raw power burning within his dark eyes that carried an unspeakable intensity. Goku could not have imagined Vegeta without his intense glare, but here he was standing before him, seemingly naked and defenseless. At one time, few could have stood up to Vegeta's power but now it looked as if a strong wind could carry him away.
"It's been a long time Vegeta," Goku continued, "How are you?"
Vegeta looked him for a few minutes with his haunted, vacant eyes and Goku couldn't help but remember the last time he had asked Vegeta that same question. Would he respond the same way?
"Okay," Vegeta said. His voice has lost some of its gruffness as well. "Gohan is married?"
Goku nodded. "Yeah. To Videl."
It was Vegeta's turn to nod. "I thought so."
"She's a good girl," Goku said, trying to keep the conversation going.
Vegeta snorted. "Amazing considering who her father is."
Before he could stop himself, Goku laughed a bit. "Yeah, it's amazing." He remembered Mr. Satan from the wedding being his loud obnoxious self. At least, he was spending the money to give Gohan and Videl a nice honeymoon and even offered to help them get their first house. He had his faults, but at least he genuinely cared for his daughter. It was one of his few admirable traits.
"I didn't see Trunks," Vegeta spoke up suddenly.
"He didn't come. Dr. Briefs got sick the other day and he's in the hospital."
"Is he okay?"
Goku nodded. "The doctors say he'll be fine. He just needs to take some medicine for his heart and quit smoking."
Vegeta smiled ever so slightly. "It will be hard to imagine Dr. Briefs not smoking."
"I think Trunks is at Capsule Corp," Goku said, "Why don't you…"
"I can't," Vegeta interrupted in a soft yet stern tone. "I can't."
"But why…" Goku began, but a soft rumbling distracted him. Looking up, he saw that the clouds had begun to darken again and was now spreading across the sky steadily.
"You should go, Kakarott," Vegeta said, "Say goodbye to your son. If you want to talk, we can later. I suspect you want answers and you are entitled to them." He turned as if to go. "Kami knows we all are," he added in a soft tone. Slowly, he flew away.
Goku watched him for a moment before hurrying back to the reception. Gohan was just about to leave, but he was in time for a last hug and a wave goodbye. Chichi, who was overcome by tears once more, clung to Goku as Gohan and Videl drove from sight. Goku continued waving, but his mind was elsewhere. What answers did Vegeta have?
That evening at home, there seem to be an uncommon quietness that had descended upon the Son household. Goten had hurried to his room to change and Goku was doing the same. He couldn't understand how anyone could stand to wear a suit for long. Those things were so uncomfortable. He had just put on his gi when Chichi came to the doorway.
"Where did you disappear to?" she asked.
"What?"
"At the reception. Just before Gohan left, you disappeared for a while. Where were you?"
Goku was unprepared for the question, but he knew he had to tell Chichi. "I saw Vegeta. Well, actually I sensed him first, but then we talked for a minute."
Chichi gasped. "Vegeta was there?"
"Yeah. I think he was watching the wedding."
"What did he want?" Chichi demanded, her tone growing harsh.
"I think he was looking for Trunks."
"Looking for Trunks?" Chichi repeated, "We'll he's doing a lousy job of looking. Last time I checked, the poor kid's still at Capsule Corp right where he abandoned him!""
"Chichi," Goku said in a soothing tone, "A lot happened..."
"A lot did happen," Chichi interrupted, "But that's no excuse!" She walked over to Goku. "You know you try to find the best in everyone," she said in a softer tone, "and that's one of the things I love about you. But sometimes you need to see people for who and what they really are."
Looking at her directly, Goku asked, "Do you think I'm too soft?"
"Sometimes. Yes."
He smiled slightly. "Vegeta always accused me of the same thing."
"This is different," she insisted, "Why do you feel the need to defend him?"
"If only you had seen him," Goku responded, "He looked like he needed defending." At that moment, Goku once again sensed Vegeta nearby and knew that the time had come. Quickly saying goodbye to Chichi, he ran outside. Vegeta was flying towards the mountains, so Goku followed along. They had both just landed on a ledge, when it began to rain. The rain fell down in quick, icy sheets and soon both Saiyans were soaked to the bone, but Vegeta seemed prepared. Wordlessly, he made his way to a small cave where a pile of wood had been gathered. As Goku said down, Vegeta lit the wood ablaze, the fire's light flickering on the cave walls.
Neither spoke or moved for several minutes. Finally, Goku broke the silence. "What did you want to tell me?"
Vegeta stared at the flames, the reflected light causing his face to appear hollower than before. He almost looked like a skeleton sitting there. "I thought you'd like to know," he said, "what happened there in the end. I never stuck around to tell my side and I know that some of the others blame me for what happened."
"I never thought it was your fault," Goku countered, but he had remembered the conversations of his friends. Some of the HAD blamed Vegeta, at least partly.
"I didn't think you would," Vegeta responded, attempting to smile.
Goku returned a weak smile. Chichi's words, about how he always looked for the best in everyone, echoed in his head. "I guess you wouldn't," he finally managed to reply, "but there is something I would like to know."
"What is it?"
"How did it all begin? You know – you and Bulma together. I want to know that more than the ending."
Vegeta looked momentarily surprised. "Yes, I guess this is a mystery of sorts. However," he looked Goku straight in the eye and, for the briefest of moments, Goku saw a tiny flicker of Vegeta's old spirit. "You weren't very surprised to hear about my being with Bulma, were you?"
Goku shook his head. No, he hadn't been surprised. It had been a bit of a shock the FIRST time he had heard about it, when he had met the Trunks that had traveled from the future, but it made sense long before he saw baby Trunks. Vegeta had never asked him the specifics, but it was obvious he had figured it out.
Throwing another piece of wood on the fire, Vegeta allowed his gaze to drift back to the flames. "I don't know why I'm telling you this," he said, "I just feel like it needs to be told."
Vegeta walked down the hallway, wiping the sweat away from his forehead. It had been a good day of training, even though he had yet to reach the level of Super Saiyan. Still, he was confident that it would not be long before he too reached the legendary status. He was feeling fairly good as he headed towards the bathroom so that he could end this day with a nice, hot shower. He rounded the corner and…
There stood Bulma and Yamcha, just outside of Bulma's bedroom door. They had been preparing to enter and no doubt had heard him coming. They had probably assumed it was one of the Briefs, which explained why they were standing there with almost guilty looks upon their faces.
Yamcha face darkened with a mixture of anger and fear. Vegeta doubted if Yamcha could hate him anymore than he already did, but that didn't concern him. Almost protectively, Yamcha put his hand upon Bulma's upper arm.
Bulma's expression was hard to read, which confused Vegeta. There were traces of the same fear and anger he could see in Yamcha's face, but there was something else. What was it?
Finally, he realized he had been staring at them for a few minutes, so with a loud "humph", he turned and went into the bathroom. What they did was no concern of his.
He turned the water on the hottest setting and stepped in, turning his back to the water. He had taken showers of all temperatures in his lifetime, but he preferred hot water – and the hotter the better in his opinion. He stood there, allowing the nearly scorching water to pound upon his neck, shoulders, and back. Usually this helped him to relax, but it seemed to have little effect tonight. His mind kept going back to Bulma and their little encounter.
Snorting, he decided to wash his hair so he turned his attention to the six bottles that were on a rack beside him. Two of the bottles were conditioners and one was a body wash, so he looked past those immediately. The first bottle was Head and Shoulders, but Vegeta had never had any real problems with dandruff. The second was supposed to at height and volume to you hair, which was probably the last thing Vegeta needed in a shampoo. The last one was designed to make ones hair more manageable. Unfortunately, the strange, purple concoction was lilac scented and there was no way he was going to make himself smell like a little, purple flower.
Bulma would probably find it funny. It would be just like that pink shirt fiasco. Even Kakarott had noticed that shirt. Bulma had probably just given him that shirt to wear so that everyone could have a good laugh.
Why did all his thoughts return to Bulma? What was it about her that caused him to constantly think of her? He just didn't know, as he turned his attention back to the bottle of Head and Shoulders and lifted the cap to smell the shampoo.
The shirt probably hadn't been that big of a deal. Even Kakarott had said that the only reason he had said anything was that he had been surprised to see Vegeta in pink. He even went on to add that he himself owned a pink shirt. However, Vegeta was convinced if that was true, Kakarott's wife had been the one to make that particular purchase and that he could probably count, on one hand, the number of times it had actually been worn.
The Head and Shoulders had an unpleasant smell – too much like medicine, so Vegeta lifted the cap and smelled the lavender shampoo. It wasn't too bad. The smell was not strong and actually rather pleasant. He poured a generous potion onto his hair and began to work it into a lather.
Bulma intrigued him. She acted almost as if she was not afraid of even him. She seemed almost as spirited as, well, a Saiyan, yet she was with that pathetic weakling…
Hold it right there, Vegeta told himself, she is with a weakling because she herself is weak. She is nothing but a human female and should be none of his concern. He rinsed his hair and prepared to lather it again, his mind still consumed with questions.
When he finished, he stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. The large, bathroom mirror was covered in a fine mist, obscuring his image, but Vegeta took his right hand and wiped a small section clean. His face came into view and he found himself staring into his own dark eyes. He knew his own features well and realized that he would never be considered 'classically handsome', but this was no concern to him. He was a warrior so his looks didn't matter. However, as he studied his reflection, he found himself wishing that his forehead wasn't quite so high, his cheekbones so pointed, and his chin so narrow.
What was he doing? Concern for physical appearance was for weaklings like that Yamcha.
Yet there was the way that Bulma looked at Yamcha.
STOP IT! He barely resisted an urge to smash his fist into the mirror as he slipped his shorts back on. Stepping into the hallway, he went back to his room to try and get some sleep.
He entered his room without turning on the light, and made his way to the bed. The bed was far softer than he liked but it would do as he lay on his back, staring at the darkened ceiling. Listening to the steady sound of his own breathing, he tried to will himself to sleep.
After many unsuccessful minutes, he became aware of another sound. Soft, yet unmistakable, it was coming from just outside. Getting out of bed, he crossed the room to open a window and stare out into the dark night.
He quickly saw the source of the noise: Bulma was sitting in the grass below, softly crying to herself. The nearby outside lights of Capsule Corp fell upon her body, highlighting her form and created a halo about her. Why was she crying?
Bulma suddenly stopped and looked up towards Vegeta's window. He stepped back into the dark, confident she couldn't see him as he continued to watch her.
She looked towards his window for a few more minutes before finally turning away. Rising slowly, she walked back into Capsule Corp and out of his sight.
Vegeta also turned away and walked back to his bed. Lying down, his mind finally quieted down enough for him to sleep, but still he couldn't help but wonder: What had made Bulma cry?
The next morning began the same as many before it. Vegeta had been training for a few hours when Mrs. Briefs called to say breakfast he was ready. Mumbling to himself, he left the newly build gravity room and made his way to the kitchen. He had been pushing himself hard, but he just couldn't seem to concentrate on his training. He wouldn't get anywhere at this rate.
Bulma was already sitting at the table when he arrived. Even with her hair mussed, she was still beautiful. He examined her face, trying to see some trace of her tears, but all he could see was a peculiar shimmer in her eyes. Then, she noticed him looking at her and shot him a nasty face.
"What are you looking at?" she said, but he was unable to tell if she was joking or angry. It was strange how she could confuse him the way she did.
He growled a response and sat down just as Mrs. Briefs sit a steaming pile of food in front of him.
"Where's Yamcha?" Bulma's mother asked. Vegeta almost choked at the question. It didn't really have any negative effects on his appetite, but why did she have to bring HIM up?
"He left early this morning," Bulma replied.
"Early?" You two haven't been fighting again have you?" Mrs. Briefs seemed worried.
"Of course not, Mother," Bulma replied, seemingly exasperated. Then she smiled, brightly. "He had to leave early because he starts a new job in the city today!"
"Really?" Mrs. Briefs became excited. "What kind of job?"
"Physical trainer. But he told the boss that he only wants to work with men because he said that I'm the only woman he wants to touch!"
Vegeta snorted softly. And she believed him, he thought to himself.
"Is he allowed to do that?" Mrs. Briefs inquired.
Bulma nodded. "Only now, he says that the boss thinks he's gay!" She burst into bright, cheery laughter and her mother joined in.
Vegeta watched silently, knowing that there was more to this than was obvious. After all, he had heard Bulma crying last night and it hadn't been tears of joy. He continued to eat in silence but he was now determined to keep his eye on Bulma.
The next several weeks passed with a slow regularity. Everyday, Vegeta trained – always trying to push himself passed all limits while Bulma spent her days waiting to hear from Yamcha. He called her every night at first, but that had slowly dwindled down to one call a week. He hadn't come by to visit – he claimed to be to busy. Bulma was convinced one minute he was being unfaithful and the next she was sighing over his absence.
There was also another routine that had started: Vegeta and Bulma's daily argument. Actually, they sometimes argued more than just once a day and it was always over nothing important. One day, Bulma had spent an hour ranting and raving because Vegeta had squeezed the toothpaste tube from the top rather than the bottom. She had actually paraded through the house, waving the toothpaste tube about like a banner as she screamed about his "crime." He never knew what would set her off and quickly realized that avoiding her would be the best deterrent.
But he found himself reluctant to completely avoid her. Their paths rarely crossed anyway with his almost constant training. Besides, sometimes when he was alone with her, she would talk to him. She usually did most of the talking actually, but he would listen, as he studied her beautiful features. This was one of the few things that didn't confuse him. He was a warrior first, that much was definite, but he was still a man and just looking at a beautiful woman had no negative consequences, or so he thought.
One evening, he finished his training early and decided to head upstairs to grab a bite to eat. He was just rummaging through the refrigerator when Bulma came into the room. She was wearing a brand new blue dress and seemed happier than she had in days. "What are you doing?" she asked.
She seemed to be in a good mood, so Vegeta decided to answer. "I was looking for something to eat."
Smiling, she walked over to him and placed her hand upon his arm. "Sit down. I'm kinda hungry myself so I'll fix something for us both."
Vegeta sat down, but he looked at her skeptically. "I didn't think you could cook."
"Well, I can't cook too well," she admitted. "but I'm the Queen of the Microwave!" She stuck one arm in the air in a mock gallant pose beside of the heating machine Vegeta supposed (correctly) was the microwave.
He chuckled. "Queen, huh? Well then, your Prince is requesting a warm meal." Still sitting, he bowed slightly at the waist.
She shook her head. "No, if I'm the Queen, then you must be the King! Or," she smiled slightly, "Perhaps I am the Princess." She turned and started looking for some leftovers in the fridge.
Vegeta was a little surprised. Could it be that Bulma could actually be flirting with him? She was far prettier than any woman he had been with. He watched her leaning down as she rummaged in the fridge and noticed how much of her legs were being revealed by her short dress. He leaned over slightly, he gaze moving up and down those shapely legs emerging from her blue dress and the sparkling blue eyes of the owner of those legs.
Eyes? He jumped back, almost causing his chair to tip over when he realized that Bulma was looking at him. She had caught him staring at her legs. Vegeta felt an uncomfortable warmth in his cheeks and he realized that he was blushing. He turned away quickly, hoping Bulma hadn't noticed.
"What were you doing?" she asked.
"Nothing," Vegeta immediately responded.
She smiled and walked over closer. "You were checking out my legs, weren't you?" Vegeta didn't respond. A denial would have been in vain at this point. "That's okay," Bulma continued, "You get used to it when you're beautiful."
"No one would be looking if you didn't have it on display!" Vegeta shot back.
"So you admit you were looking," Bulma said.
Vegeta was left without a response. He felt the flush return to his cheeks, so he turned away. How was he expected not to look?
Bulma began whistling cheerfully as she put some food in the microwave. "Food will be done soon," she sang out. "Sorry our microwave is so slow. You would think that here of all places we have a great microwave, but we don't. Dad keeps meaning to build a new one, but his mind is always so full of ideas he never seems to get around to it. I guess I could build a new one, but you know how it is." She sat down beside him, her gaze still on the microwave. "Dad is scatterbrained but I love him. What was your father like?
Vegeta spun around to face him, so surprised by the question he forgot he was aggravated with her. "I don't really remember him too much," he admitted, frankly.
"How old were you when you saw him last?"
Vegeta shrugged. "I'm not sure. I wasn't very old, but I didn't exactly celebrate birthdays. Plus, the span of one year varies from place to place. If I had to guess I would say I was about 5 Earth years."
"That young?" Bulma seemed shocked. Of course, that made sense. Vegeta was that much older than Goku and, if she accepted the idea that Planet Vegeta was destroyed just after Goku was sent to Earth, than the timeline seem to fit together. "How sad," Bulma added. "Do you remember anything about your father?"
Vegeta seemed reflective. "He was tall," he said. Then, a slight smile softened his features. "I suppose that sounds like a ridiculous thing to say. After all, when you're a child, everything looks bigger. Still, that's how I remember him. I would have to crane my head all the way back just to see his face. He seemed like a mountain to me – tall and immovable."
Bulma smiled. "You miss him, don't you?" she asked.
"Of course not," Vegeta responded, "I am a warrior. I can not waste my time worry about those who have fallen." He looked at Bulma, but she didn't seem convinced of his statement. That was no surprise considering he was still trying to convince himself it was the truth.
The microwave 'dinged', so Bulma went to retrieve their dinners. Vegeta was in no mood to talk any more and it seemed that Bulma felt the same way. They ate in silence, barely glancing at each other. Vegeta felt unsure why he had told Bulma so much about his past. Perhaps it was because she had actually asked.
She finished eating before he did and left the kitchen silently. Vegeta heard her talking to her mother saying that she was not feeling well and she was going to go on to bed. Vegeta was unsure what he would do for the rest of the afternoon. Perhaps he would also retire early so he could get an early start on training the next morning. He placed the dishes in the sink and walked upstairs. For some reason, he felt more at ease than he had in months.
Bulma was standing beside her bedroom door, leaning against the wall. At first, Vegeta thought that she might be ill, until he heard a soft, familiar noise. She was crying. "Bulma?" he inquired, walking towards her.
Bulma turned around slowly, tears streaking down her face. Some tears dripped off her chin and unto the carpeted floor while others gathered at the corner of her lips. She moved her mouth as if to say something, but no sound came forth.
Vegeta stepped closer and put his arms upon her shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Her next move caught Vegeta by surprise. Without warning, she stepped forward and leaned her face towards his. It was as if she meant to kiss him. Closing his eyes, he leaned towards her.
SMACK! Her right hand came up and slapped Vegeta across the face. It didn't hurt, but he couldn't stand to be hit in the face. He grabbed her right wrist angrily, but was still careful not to be too rough. He could break her wrist all too easy if he wasn't careful. Her left hand came up as to also slap him, but he was prepared this time. Easily, he caught her left wrist before it made contact with his face.
He stood there for a few minutes, holding her wrists as he stared down into her face. She closed her eyes again and leaned forward, he didn't respond at first. Not until she touched his lips with hers. The kiss was brief, but Vegeta could taste the salt of tears. What had just happened? He let go of her wrists and encircled her waist and she placed her hands upon his shoulders.
Vegeta made the first move this time, as he brought his lips to hers. He had planned to kiss her longer, but he felt her moving away, or at least trying to, so he stepped back. He could have restrained her easily, but didn't really want to force himself upon her. She stared at him, her blue eyes wide and frightened. It was as if she had never seen him before in her life. Then, her eyes seem to slide behind her eyelids as she collapsed.
He caught her before he hit the floor, but had no idea what to do. Finally, he decided to put her in her bed and then tell the Briefs that something was wrong with Bulma. He carried her easily and gently placed her in bed. Turning away, he started downstairs.
"Vegeta," she called out softly. She opened her eyes, but still only seemed semi-conscious.
"Yes," he said, walking back towards her.
"Don't go."
"What?"
"Don't go," she repeated, "I don't want to be alone. I need to be with someone."
"I don't understand," Vegeta began.
"I can't really explain right now," Bulma replied, "but please stay with me. Just hold me for a while. That's all I need." She closed her eyes.
Vegeta was beyond confused. Should he go and talk to her parents, or do as Bulma requested? Finally, he slipped into the bed beside her, his head and shoulders resting against the headboard. She snuggled up beside him and placed her head upon his chest. Hesitantly, he laid his arm around her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said softly, "Oh, by the way, your hair smells nice. Did you use the lilac shampoo?"
"Maybe," he replied, trying not to smile, "Bulma?"
"Hmm," she murmured.
"Why did you kiss me?"
She mumbled something that he couldn't understand. He looked down and realized that she had fallen asleep. "Good night, Bulma," he said. He pushed a stray hair back behind her ear, amazed at the softness of her skin. There was something pleasant about lying here with her, but Vegeta was still confused. One minute, it was as if Bulma wanted to be with him and the next she didn't. Were all human females like this? Shaking his head, he closed his eyes. He would worry about those things in the morning.
Vegeta awoke when the sunlight fell upon his face and he looked about the unfamiliar. At first, he didn't know where he was, but the pleasant weight of Bulma by his side, quickly reminded. He looked down at her, still sleeping soundly as he listened to the steady sound her breathing. A part of him could have stared there much longer just looking at her, but he had training to do. He couldn't allow himself to be soft now, yet he still moved away from Bulma as gently as he could so he wouldn't wake her.
That morning's training was a combination of the best and the worst. For the most part, he was more focused than he had been in years as he found himself moving farther than he could have dreamed. Yet other times, he found himself pausing to think reflectively the events of last night. He could still imagine the way she had looked and the way her kiss had felt.
When he caught his mind wandering, he would force himself to train even harder as if to purge the thoughts from his mind. He was a warrior and he could not allow himself to be distracted by even the most beautiful of women. Sweat was pouring off of him by the time breakfast had been prepared.
Bulma was not at the table when he arrived, which was unusual. "Where's Bulma?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"She left early this morning," Mrs. Briefs responded, "I think her and Yamcha are fighting again."
"Such a shame," Mr. Briefs said, over a cup of coffee, "He's seems like such a nice young man."
"They've been fighting?" Vegeta questioned.
"That's all I can figure out," Mrs. Briefs explained, "Last night, Yamcha came by. It was just after Bulma went to bed. I told him to go on up. He hadn't been gone but a minute when he ran back down here and out the front door. I yelled after him, but he didn't seem to hear me.
"Then, this morning, I asked Bulma what had happened. When I reminded her about Yamcha going up to her room, she just got so pale. She got dressed and hurried off."
"I never saw that girl get ready so fast," Dr. Briefs mumbled, "She usually spends at least an hour on her hair."
"Well a girl has to look good when she goes out," Mrs. Briefs said. She placed the food on the table. "Are you alright Vegeta? You look kind of sick all of a sudden. Do you have a fever?" She started to place her hand on his forehead.
Vegeta jerked away. "I'm fine," he said. Without touching his food, he hurried away from the table and back to the gravity room. His heart suddenly felt like it had dropped into his stomach.
Last night, Yamcha must have seen Vegeta in Bulma's bedroom. Although anyone could have seen they had both been fully clothed, that idiot had no doubt thought the worst. Now, Bulma was out trying to patch things up with that pretty-boy boyfriend of hers. He should have expected as much, so why was it tearing him apart inside? It wasn't as if he had developed feelings for her. Except for two short kisses, he hadn't really even touched her.
Yet, he realized he must feel something for her or this wouldn't be affected him this much. This realization caused rage to surge within him. He had allowed himself to become weak and sentimental, so he deserved this pain. He would survive and become stronger and know that he mustn't allow himself to be infected but such weakness again.
He trained, although by now his concentration was horrible. Krillan would almost have a chance of defeating him in his current state. Which, of course, meant he would have no chance against Kakarott and his Super Saiyan abilities. He cursed his lack of concentration, the unfairness of the universe, Kakarott, Yamcha…everything and everyone except Bulma.
A few hours went by before Bulma finally returned. He knew she was back, although he had not been told by anyone. He just knew. Almost shaking with emotions, he made his way upstairs where he knew he find Bulma. She was in her room, but he didn't take time to knock and she didn't seem particularly surprised to see him. She was crying again, and a part of him felt pleased to see her tears. But another part of him…
"What happened?" he demanded, coldly.
Bulma looked at him directly. Despite the tears streaming down her face, her expression was calm. She merely shook her head.
"What did Yamcha say?" he continued.
She gasped. "How did you…"
"I'm not an idiot, Bulma!" he shot back, "It didn't take a genius to figure out where you ran off to this morning."
"So you know," she said softly, lowering her eyes.
"And now you're crying. So what happened? Didn't he believe you when you told him what happened?"
"Vegeta," Bulma began.
"And now he no longer wants to continue with the relationship," Vegeta interrupted, "Is that it?"
"Vegeta," Bulma repeated, her voice rising slightly, "You don't understand."
"What don't I understand?"
She took a deep breath. "I went there to break up with Yamcha."
Vegeta was completely surprised. "What?" he managed.
"You are partly right," she continued, "I originally went there to try and convince Yamcha that nothing happened between us last night, but he wouldn't believe me."
Vegeta smirked. "I didn't think he would."
"But instead of wanting to break up, he starting saying that he forgave me and that we could make it work. Do you know he came here last night to propose to me?"
"Propose? What was he going to propose?" Vegeta asked.
Bulma laughed slightly, which angered Vegeta. She must have seen his anger, so she quickly explained herself. "I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you. I sometimes forget you really haven't lived on Earth all that long." She paused and became serious once more, "He was going to ask me to be his wife."
Suddenly, Vegeta understood what she was saying. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. "Yes. When it went to his apartment, he was mad at first but then he kept going on about forgiving me. That made me mad, but all at once he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He even had a ring. He told me that's why he had come here last night."
"But you told him no?" Vegeta was growing more amazed by the second.
"Yes. It would have been wrong for me to say yes. Part of me wanted to accept, but I just knew that I couldn't." She stood up to look Vegeta in the face. "You have no idea what was wrong with me last night, do you?" Vegeta started to shake his head, but she continued without waiting for an answer. "I've been really upset lately. All this stress has drained me mentally and physically. Last night, it was just like my body collapsed under all the pressure."
"What kind of pressure? What are you talking about?"
Bulma tried to smile, but it was a failed attempt. "I met Yamcha when I was sixteen. I had been looking for the 'perfect boyfriend' at the time. That's why I originally went looking for the dragon balls. Did you know that? No, of course you didn't. Anyway, I met Yamcha and at the time he seemed, well, perfect. I haven't really dated anyone since." She laughed bitterly. "I don't know why I'm telling you this. I know you don't want to hear it." A few new tears coursed down her face.
"I did care for Yamcha and I still do in a way. Almost all my friends and my parents seem to think that we were meant to be. But, there was something they didn't know: I wasn't in love with Yamcha. I may have been at one time. I don't know, but I slowly realized I didn't love him. Do you know how bad it makes you feel to continually find yourself failing at a relationship that's 'meant to be'? I had found my soul mate, but I couldn't love him.
"I found myself trying to push Yamcha away. I was always accusing him of cheating on me, and I think I was trying to make him break up with me so the failed relationship wouldn't be my fault."
"But, wasn't he unfaithful?" Vegeta asked.
"Not to my knowledge. The few times he dated someone else, we were already separated. Of course, I never really admitted that." She sighed. "Then, when he asked me to marry him today I knew that we couldn't go on. I wouldn't be alone if I married him and our friends would be happy, but it would be a lie."
"So, why did you come to me last night?" Vegeta demanded, "Was that another one of your schemes to end the relationship? Did you think that if he thought you were being unfaithful, he would finally end it?"
Bulma looked at him, a surprised look on her face. "No," she said, "last night I just needed to be with someone. I won't deny that I wanted that someone to be you, however."
"But, why?"
She put her arms around his back and laid her head upon his chest. "I was hurting and I knew how you've been hurt…"
He pushed her away from him. "I'm not hurt!" he insisted, "I'm strong and I have no need for foolish emotions."
"You are strong," she said, "You don't seem to need anyone or anything." She stepped forward. "But that doesn't mean you haven't been hurt."
"I'm not hurt," he repeated, but his tone had lost some of its edge.
Smiling, she put her arms around him once more and moved back into her former position. "Whatever you say," she replied, softly.
He stood there for a few minutes before wrapping his arms loosely around her. A part of him wanted to remain like this forever…
Goku watched the dying flames as Vegeta finished telling his story. Never in his life could Goku had imagined Vegeta being so brutally honest about his emotions, but this man before him was not the Vegeta he knew once upon a time. This was merely a shell. Goku wanted to say something, but he didn't know what he could say.
"Is that what you wanted to hear?" Vegeta asked, "That is the beginning."
"Thank you," Goku managed, "Yamcha did tell me later that Bulma had broken up with him because of you, but I don't think I ever really believed that."
Vegeta nodded and almost managed a smile. "He never would believe that Bulma and me never did anything that night."
"She loved you, you know," Goku said softly.
Vegeta's eyes begin to shimmer, and Goku thought for a moment that he was going to cry. He blinked a few times before turning back towards Goku. "I heard a saying once. I'm not sure if it was a movie, or a show, or maybe just one of the stupid commercials. Anyway, it went, 'It is better to have love and lost than to have never loved at all.'"
Goku nodded. "Yeah, I've heard it before too."
"It's crap."
"What?"
"It's crap," Vegeta repeated in a quiet tone, "Look at me if you don't believe it. Look at what I've become. If I had never loved or lost do you think I would be the wreck I am now?"
"No, I think you'd be dead," Goku admitted.
"And would that be worse?" Vegeta asked, "Would it? Besides, do you really think that I'm alive?" He sighed deeply. "And now we come to the ending," he announced.
Goku stood up, "I have to go now," he said, "I'm sorry."
"What's wrong?"
"I don't want to hear the ending," Goku admitted, "I remember most of what happened. I don't want to relive it." He started towards the entrance of the cave. "You should go see Trunks," he said.
Vegeta shook his head slowly. "I don't think that would be a good idea," he said.
"At least think about it," Goku insisted, "I hope to see you around soon." He left the cave and flew back towards his house. The rain had slacked off to a light, cold drizzle and Goku thought that the first thing he wanted to do when he got back home was to change into some dry clothes. He paused and turned to look back at the cave, "I'm sorry," he whispered, "I just can't hear about the ending right now."
Turning away again, his mind became consumed with memories.
"Hey, dad! I bet you can't catch me!" Goten called out, running.
"You just wait!" Goku yelled out, running after his young son.
Gohan stood to the side watching. "He's pretty fast, Dad!" he yelled, "You'll have to run faster than that to catch him."
Goku finally caught up to Goten and playfully tackled him in the soft, summer grass. Goten collapsed with laughter as Goku tickled him. "You got me! You got me!" he squealed. "Now, let's catch Gohan!"
"Oh no you don't!" Gohan insisted, "I have homework to do and…"
"One, two, three. Go!" Goku cried. After "go" Goten and him began to chase Gohan around the yard.
"No fair!" Gohan yelled, teasing, "Two against one!"
Goku was still running when he heard the phone rang, but it never entered him mind to stop the game. Chichi would answer the phone and tell him if it was anything important. A few minutes passed and Goku and Goten had just tackled Gohan when Chichi stepped outside.
"Chichi is something wrong," Goku asked, noticing the expression on Chichi's face.
"That was Mrs. Briefs," Chichi said, slowly.
"What's going on, Mom?" Gohan asked.
Tears formed in Chichi's eyes as she nodded. "It's Bulma. They said she's dead."
Goku stood staring at her, his mind refusing to comprehend what she had said. That couldn't be right. Bulma couldn't be dead. She couldn't be. Chichi said they should drive over to Capsule Corp immediately and Goku nodded. Goten suggested flying, but Chichi said that driving would be more respectful.
Krillan, 18, Master Roshi, and Yamcha were already at Capsule Crop by the time the Son family arrived. They were gathered in the front room, along with the Briefs and Trunks, silently grieving. Mrs. Briefs was sitting on the sofa, quietly stroking Trunks' hair. The boy's face was pale, except for his red-rimmed eyes. His bottom lip was quivering.
It seemed that Bulma had suddenly suffered a heart attack. There had been no warning signs and her death had caught them all by surprise. Unfortunately, her death hadn't been the only tragedy.
She was pregnant.
The doctor said it looked like she was almost two months along, so she probably had known.
Vegeta, his face pale like his son's, came into the room, but it seemed as if he didn't notice the others. He walked like a blind man and Goku could see the hurt clearly written in his features.
Goku walked over to him. "How are you?"
Vegeta looked up as if he had just noticed that Goku was standing there. He moved his mouth a few times, but made no sound. Quickly he turned away and Goku noticed that he was carrying the dragon radar in his hand.
"What are you doing with the dragon radar?" Goku asked.
"Isn't it obvious," Vegeta said, in a coarse tone, "I'm going to find the dragon balls and wish Bulma back to life."
"You can't do that," Gohan said softly.
"Why not?" Vegeta demanded.
"The dragon can't bring people back to life who died of natural causes," Goku explained.
"What? But there has to be a way of bringing there back, isn't there?" Vegeta seemed desperate.
Tears had formed in Goku's eyes as he shook his head.
"Her death couldn't have been natural!" Vegeta raved, "It couldn't have been! You'll see!"
"Vegeta," Goku said softly, "I'm sorry." He reached out to place his hand of Vegeta's shoulder.
Vegeta shook off Goku's hand. With a roar, he slammed the dragon radar onto the floor and smashed the device. Without looking back, he ran from Capsule Corp and flew away.
And he hadn't returned. New tears formed in Goku's eyes just as his house came into view. He had been dead before, but Bulma's death was hard to accept. He had chosen his destiny, but she had no chose in the matter. She had died without warning and without a way to bring her back. She had left behind a son and a broken man who had truly loved her. Plus, there had been the unborn child she had been carrying. There had just been so much tragedy.
He quickly wiped away the tears as he entered his house. It was late and Goten and Gohan were already asleep, but Chichi had been waiting for him. "You were gone a long time," she greeted.
Goku shrugged. "Vegeta wanted to talk," he answered.
"About what."
"He told me about him and Bulma first got together."
Chichi snorted. "You mean about how they had an affair? I can't believe you spend all this time listening to such a sordid tale."
Chichi continued to complain, but Goku found himself smiling slightly. He could tell her the truth, but she probably wouldn't believe him. Just as Yamcha had never believed Bulma.
End of Part I