Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ, I just checked it out of the library. And I also do not own the song "Walk Away"
A/N: Here is the second installment of my B/V song-fic series! Yay for me! This one is based off of the song "Walk Away" by Bree Sharp. She's the chick that sings the "David Duchovny" stalker song. Anyway, this is a pretty angsty/romantic piece, but there is a little light-hearted relief provided. And there is no lemon, but some suggestive dialogue. You have been forewarned, children!
It had been almost four months since Vegeta had left Capsule Corp., vowing never to return…two days short to be exact.
Bulma sat out on her balcony, staring up into the indigo sky. Each night since he took off in the gravity room for the second time it was the same. She would sit outside, in silence, regret in her heart. Sometimes she would hope beyond all hope that he would return to her, but knowing it was in vain. She was living a pathetic existence, rarely leaving the house and only occasionally taking phone calls. All she could do was think back to those few weeks of unbridled passion, and the night she threw it all away.
That was the night Vegeta let her know all that mattered to him was his heritage and legacy, and she was of little consequence. Yet, every night she sat, waiting. Something inside of her refused to believe it and that he would leave her forever. The feelings were there, she knew, he just had not been able to accept them. Not just yet.
"If only I had not pushed so hard…" The whispered words fell from her lips and faded into the warm, late august breeze that played through her hair. Then maybe he would know that I carry a piece of his heritage right here. A hand moved absent-mindedly to rest on her belly, which was beginning to swell with child.
Flashback * * * * * *
Walk Away
The moon is pulling at me, the moon is pulling at you
You swear to me it's the sun (son), that's shining through
Bulma awoke sometime during the night, her mind and body still reeling from the earlier ecstasies experienced. Vegeta had come to her bed again that night, as he had been every night over the last two and a half weeks since their first encounter. Her eyes came to rest on his sleeping form which was entwined with her own. He looked so serene, so unlike the tormented man he was when awake. She hated to tear herself away. But the night was calling out to her and she felt a strange need to oblige it. Like the song of a siren, sweet and inviting.
She carefully extricated herself from his embrace, not wanting to disturb his slumber. Then, throwing on a silk robe, she made her way to the open balcony door and stepped outside. Silver light radiated down from the full moon, engulfing her in its soft glow. It oddly fulfilled a yearning somewhere deep inside. Staring up at the moon's splendor, Bulma was reminded of something Vegeta had said to her the night before, when she had caught him out on the balcony doing the very same thing.
"All Saiyans are drawn to the moon. They have an instinctual need for it. Even now, without my tail, the dormant beast inside craves its light. It…fills me."
Without looking away, Bulma wrapped her arms around her midsection, cradling her belly. It made perfect sense, considering the circumstances she found herself in at the moment: she was over a week late.
But how in Kami's name was she going to tell Vegeta?
It's hard to push for the truth when lies are easy to find
I'm left with, I'm left with this trouble in mind
Bulma sank down to her knees at that prospect. Vegeta treated her no differently during the day than he had before they started sleeping together. But his actions each night, the burning passion in his eyes, had told her everything she needed to know.
Only at that point there was a child, a new life growing within her womb to consider. Vegeta was so unpredictable that Bulma had absolutely no idea how he would react to the news that he was going to be a father. She knew she'd be strong enough to handle his rejection of her, but the rejection of their child was a thought she could not bear to dwell on.
Grasping on to the balcony railing, Bulma pulled herself up. She turned around to go back inside only to find Vegeta in the doorway, arms crossed over his bare chest.
"What are you doing out here, woman? Come back to bed with me," he said in a low purr.
Bulma managed to flash him a warm smile, masking the apprehension she felt. Should I tell him now? He does seem to be in a good mood… She watched as Vegeta's eyes drank in every inch of her body. …A very good mood.
She took a few steps forward, careful to keep her façade intact. When she was within reach, Vegeta uncrossed his arms and pulled her to him, leading her inside.
Alright, here goes nothing. "Vegeta, I…" but a pair of lips stopped her short. Oh Kami, I can't do this.
Vegeta broke the kiss to place a lingering one on her forehead as his hands slid the robe off her shoulders. It floated gently to the ground as he lifted her up and carried her over to the bed, where he proceeded to lay her down.
I'm left to counting the days
While my life drifts away
Bulma woke up the next morning to an empty bed. Not that he was ever there when she awoke. A soft hum in the background told her that he was already in the gravity room, training. She rolled over to bask in the sunshine pouring in from the windows, but there was a frown on her face.
"All it took was a single kiss and all my resolve was gone. When did I become such a pushover?" With that disconcerting thought, she reluctantly got out of bed to face the day.
Cause you come and go again like the tide
While on the shoreline I stand washed of my pride
And the truth I keep pushing aside
Is that it's time to walk away
Most of the morning Bulma kept to herself, sitting in the living room. She stayed silent, but she was constantly berating herself in her mind for being so spineless. That was what bothered her the most.
I have never in my life let any other man treat me as poorly as he does, not even Yamcha. And I had been in love with him! Bulma had contemplated more than once throughout that morning to end things with Vegeta and not tell him about their child. But each time she thought she had made up her mind, she would think about how it felt to be with him, how simply his touch set her ablaze with passion and desire. And each time her will crumbled.
"Ack! I'm so pathetic!"
"I could have told you that."
Spinning her head around towards the living room entrance, she saw Vegeta, wearing his signature training shorts and smirk. She stood up and groaned. "You're one to talk, bud."
Vegeta was about to comment back when instead of seeing Bulma in front of him, he was face-to-face with Goku. His smirk faded and was replaced with a look of annoyance that deepened when he saw that Chi-chi and Gohan accompanied him.
"Kakarot! What are you, the harpy, and the half-breed doing here?!"
Goku grinned sheepishly and scratched his head. "Well, we haven't seen you or Bulma in a while, so we decided to pop in, instant-transmission style!"
Big guns are pointed at me, big guns are pointed at you
Everybody's waiting to see what we're gonna do
He then turned his attention to Bulma. "So, how's it going?"
"Oh, I'm alright. I'd be much better though if a certain Saiyan Prince would quit insulting me." Her eyes locked onto Vegeta, narrowing into slits.
"Please, woman. You said it, not me," he retorted.
"I wasn't even talking to you, so why don't you just mind your own business!" she shouted back. Not wanting to argue with Vegeta anymore, Bulma instead knelt down so she would be at Gohan's eye level.
"And how are you, Gohan?"
The little half-Saiyan smiled broadly, obviously quite excited. "I'm great! Mom let me spar with Mr. Piccolo this morning!" It was then Bulma noticed a few bandages on his arms. Before she could inquire about them though, Chi-chi's temper flared at the mentioning of Piccolo's name.
"That horrid green monster beat up my poor little baby! Every time Gohan trains with him, he comes home all battered. And then he wonders why I'm so worried about him all of the time." Bulma sat there quietly and let Chi-chi blow off steam. She learned long ago to just let her rant all she wants when she was on a tirade about her son's well-being.
Vegeta, on the other hand, would have none of it.
"Kakarot! Will you shut your damn harpy up?! Her incessant shrieking is irritating me!"
Goku winced as Chi-chi inevitably redirected her fury towards Vegeta. "And you! You insufferable, sorry excuse of a man! I don't remember asking your opinion on the subject! Honestly Bulma, I don't know how you can stand living with such an infuriating jerk!"
"If Kakarot wasn't here, you'd be eating your words, harpy!" Vegeta replied, the smirk returning to his face. He was clearly enjoying the verbal spat.
With a nervous laugh, Goku attempted to diffuse the escalating situation. "Now Chi-chi, try to calm down. Everything is okay. Besides, if you had seen Piccolo this morning after he trained with Gohan, I don't think you would worry so much." He winked proudly at his son, whose face lit up from the fatherly praise.
"What am I going to do with you two?" Chi-chi moaned in defeat. She walked over to the couch and collapsed onto it, tears forming in her eyes. Both Gohan and Goku exchanged glances, bit their lower lips in guilt, and went to her side.
While father and son tended to the fretting Chi-chi, Bulma marched across the room up to Vegeta. She was not happy to say the very least. "Vegeta," she said through clenched teeth, "can I speak to you in the kitchen for a moment?"
"Whatever for, woman?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm.
Attempting to restrain her anger, Bulma spoke in the calmest voice she could muster. "Just get in there now!"
"Hmph!" was all his reply consisted of as he presented her with his backside and strode towards the kitchen.
You spin around and disappear under the floor where I stand
I'm left with, I'm left with a bag in my hand
Once they were both in the kitchen, the flood gates opened and Bulma's anger poured out. "What do you think you are doing, mister? Goku and his family are guests in my house and all you have managed to do is insult them since they got here! If you can't say something nice, keep your mouth SHUT!"
Vegeta regarded the fuming woman before him with arrogant contempt. "I will do as I please, woman. And that, as you say on this ridiculous planet, is that."
"I don't think so, buster, not in my house. After I took you in when you had no where else to go, one would think you'd be at least a tiny bit grateful! And now I'm beginning to regret that momentary lapse in judgment." Her face was now twisted with blind rage at Vegeta's lack of concern. And his playful disregard had turned to cold indifference.
"I'm beginning to regret my own lapse in judgment for accepting the offer of such an idiotic human." His manner was nonchalant, but determined to have the last word, Vegeta flew out the open window above the sink and disappeared.
With the object at which she was directing her rage gone, Bulma found release the best way she knew how: screaming at the top of her lungs. This brought Goku rushing into the kitchen.
"Are you okay, Bulma?" he asked, exacerbated.
Taking in a deep breath, she took a moment to let her anger ebb a little before responding. "Vegeta's throwing a tantrum again. He flew out the window and I have no idea where that moron went!"
Goku shut his eyes in concentration. After a moment he swung around and opened them back up. "I sense his ki really close by. He's probably retreated to the gravity room."
Listening carefully, Bulma could just barely make out the drone of the powered up machinery. Though she was not going to admit it to Goku, she was secretly relieved. The last thing she wanted was for Vegeta to leave. He may upset her from time to time, well, most of the time, she corrected, but she had to concede that she wanted him around. She looked up at Goku only to be met with a puzzled look.
"Um, Bulma, have you been working out?"
"Huh? No, I haven't. Why do you ask?" It was Bulma's turn to be confused.
"It's just that while I was trying to sense Vegeta, I noticed a significant increase in your ki."
Oh crap! I should have known! The kid is part Saiyan, so why wouldn't he be able to sense it. But why hasn't Vegeta been able to? Then again, Goku didn't sense it until he was looking for ki. The increase might still be small enough to not be readily detectable. C'mon Bulma, think of something to tell him!
"Oh, you know, um, it's probably because I was so mad at Vegeta. Yeah, that's it. Nothing out of the ordinary," she blurted out nervously. "Why don't you go have a seat in the living room and I'll make some sandwiches for lunch."
As Bulma fidgeted and rambled on, Goku came to the realization that the stronger ki radiating from Bulma was not her own. I bet it's Trunks. According to what he told me, he is supposed to be born about nine months from now. Better not let her catch on. From the way she's acting, I believe she thinks I suspect something. Putting on a silly grin, he tried to put Bulma at ease. But the words spilled forth in a rapid succession.
"You're probably right. Anyway, lunch sounds really good right now. I'll send Chi-chi in to help you. Hehe…bye!" He then fled quickly from the room, leaving a relieved, yet extremely perplexed Bulma.
"He's so weird sometimes."
I'm left to counting the days
While my life drifts away
Evening was approaching when the Sons' left. Bulma was sad to see them go, but Chi-chi was very insistent that Gohan needed to go home and study. She was left all alone. Her parents were off gallivanting in the tropics, having left the day before, and Vegeta had still not returned. This seemed strange, especially since dinner time was soon and he had already skipped lunch. She was starting to get worried, but after stressing over him all morning, she was at her wit's end.
"Fine. He can starve for all I care. I'm going out!" Bulma announced to no one. She bounded up to her room, threw on a flower print summer dress, and grabbed the capsule for her pink convertible air-car. Being unusually warm for mid-spring, she did not bother to grab a sweater.
"I think a nice trip to the beach is in order!" she said excitedly. Jumping into her now un-capsulated air-car, she thought to herself with a mischievous grin. Now he can wonder where I am for a change when he's looking for his dinner. But all the while she was unable to shake the hope in the back of her mind that she would run into him by some chance.
Cause you come and go again like the tide
While on the shoreline I stand washed of my pride
And the truth I keep pushing aside
Is that it's time to walk away
Bulma parked on a secluded area of the beach. It was surrounded by shear cliffs on three sides and was only readily accessible on foot or by regular car when the tide was at its lowest point. She capsulated her air-car and climbed up onto a large, flat boulder. Dangling her legs over the side, Bulma sat quietly and watched the endless waves roll their way onto the shore. The ever-present rhythm of the sea calmed her nerves.
Night closes in, but I hear the water rush in
To his song I'm a slave
It did not take long, however, before her thoughts were filled with Vegeta. As the sky began to deepen with the approach of night, she imagined herself encircled in his arms, feeling his breath on her neck, the beating of his heart in sync with her own. She chuckled softly at the irony of the situation. The point of her trip to the beach was to get away from Vegeta for awhile, but there she was, wishing he was there with her.
A breeze began to blow in from the ocean, adding a chill to the air. Bulma could feel goose bumps forming on her arms as she realized it was a mistake to not have grabbed a sweater. She began to shiver.
Hopping down from the boulder, she went to un-capsulate her car. But when she looked up to throw it, she froze mid-toss. Leaning against the cliff wall was none other than Vegeta. Her face brightened and the pace of her heart quickened as she lowered her arm back down to her side.
"How long have you been there?" she asked.
"Long enough, woman," he replied with a smirk. "I'll never understand you humans. You laugh at yourselves too much." He started to walk slowly, but intently towards her.
Bulma's face flushed. Did he follow me here? Not wanting to give into him too easily, her demeanor took on an icy quality. "What do you want? Have you come to apologize?"
He stopped mere inches from her, so close but not touching. Raising one of his hands, he placed it gently on her cheek, stroking her soft skin with his thumb. He knew how to break down her defenses. "Hardly. I saw you leave the house and I wanted to know where you were going." His voice was husky and seductive. "Among other things."
I start to sink where I stand, I become part of the sand
He covers me like the sea, like a wave
Feeling her desire ignite, Bulma gave in to his advances. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, arms wrapping around each other to make any space between them nonexistent. Bulma shut her eyes, wanting only to experience him. She allowed Vegeta to lower her down onto the sand. They were both lost in the moment, caught up by its heat. His hand deftly moved up the curves of her body and found the buttons on the front of her dress. Skilled fingers began to undo them one by one.
Then Bulma's eyes flung wide open.
The road is turning for me, the road is turning for you
The light is red like a fire, but you drive on through
"Wait!" she cried out, eliciting a very confused look from Vegeta.
"What's wrong?" he asked, removing himself from atop her.
She sat up and began to re-button her dress. "I need to know how you feel about me."
Vegeta stood up in shock, backing away a few steps. "What are you talking about? Where is this coming from?"
Noticing the change in him, Bulma knew that whatever his answer was, she would not like it. But it did not matter. She had to know; if not for her sake, at least for their child's.
"Do you feel anything for me, in your heart?" she clarified.
"I told you before, woman. I am a warrior, therefore I have no emotions. They are a fault of the weak." He crossed his arms, closing himself off further. Each passing moment he grew colder and more distant.
Bulma was beginning to feel sick with heartache. But being the proud woman she was, her pain surfaced in the form of anger. "I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. On this planet, people's worth is not measured by how strong or powerful they are, but by how good their heart is. And obviously you are seriously lacking in that department!"
"You better watch what you say, or else…"
"Or else what?! You'll blast me into tiny pieces? I've heard it all before. I give myself to you every night and all I ever get in return is grief. I can't go on like this!"
"It's not like I have to beg."
Even though she had promised herself that she would never let Vegeta see her cry, Bulma could not stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks. They fueled her rage, and caused her to say something she regretted as soon as it was spoken.
"You cold-blooded bastard! I wish you were never brought back with the dragon balls! We'd all be much better off without you!
Vegeta's face twisted with hatred, but Bulma saw the pain reflected in his eyes. Her words truly stung him.
I stay behind and hear you call
Vegeta rose up into the air to leave, but before he did, he turned back to Bulma. "Woman, all I care about is fulfilling my destiny. You are nothing to me-
"You should have know this from the start"
And then he was gone, leaving her alone on the sand.
I'm left with, I'm left with a piece of my heart
Bulma buried her face in her trembling hands. Her body convulsed with each violent sob, making it hard to breathe. It took a good while for her to get herself under control enough to stand. Taking in a few deep breaths and steadying herself, she un-capsulated her air-car and took off for home.
The entire drive back was made in silence. She did not even turn on the radio. I was hard for her to even think straight. When she thought that her heart could not sink any lower, she reached Capsule Corp.
The gravity room was gone. And this time, after the events that had just transpired, she was sure he would never come back.
Cause you come and go again like the tide
While on the shoreline I stand washed of my pride
And the truth I keep pushing aside
Is that it's time to walk away
It's time to walk away
End Flashback * * * * * *
Bulma blinked away the few tears brought on by the memory. Pushing herself up from the chair she had been sitting in, she took one last look up at the stars. Then she turned away and walked inside, defeated.
I'm walking away
A/N: I know, the ending is sad, but the next one will have a happier ending. And since these first two have been from Bulma's perspective, the next will be from Vegeta's. Oh, and I realized the other day that my timeline is a bit off, but it doesn't really matter. Well R&R, and I hope you enjoyed it!