Hola amigos! I don't have much to say this time, but thank you to those
who reviewed. Without further delay, here's chapter 9!!!
Not mine.
Vegeta the Porn Star?!
Vegeta stepped in and the door closed behind him. Soft lights had come on automatically and Bulma left then dim. They were in a short entryway with doors to other rooms. Directly in front of Vegeta was the living room/kitchen area. On his left the door to the bathroom was open, but the one past it was closed. Immediately to his right was the door to Bulma's bedroom. It was ajar and he got a glimpse of clutter before Bulma ushered him into the living room.
There was very little furniture in the room, but that present was low to the ground. Large pillows were scattered all over a Persian rug. A long couch sat behind an oblong, green, wooden coffee table. Both faced what could only be described as an entertainment *center *. A big, flat screen TV hung on the wall above a combination DVD/VHS player. Cabinets on either side held movies, games and CDs. The stereo itself was on a shelf above the TV, but speakers were placed throughout the room. Vegeta just stood and stared for what seemed like hours.
"Are you done admiring? Or should I wait until the drool makes a puddle?" Bulma asked sarcastically. Vegeta blinked and turned around to face the kitchen part of the room. "Do you want something to eat now? I'm not entirely sure what I've got. Cereal for sure, and milk. Ice cream, chocolate syrup, waffles, maple syrup, hmm, maybe some frozen stuff."
"Could you check on the frozen items? I'm not hungry for breakfast or dessert yet."
"Sure. Go ahead and sit wherever. I'll yell out what I've got." Vegeta nodded agreement and sat gingerly on the edge of the couch. ::Her living area is very different from what I thought.:: Vegeta had been expecting an overwhelming amount of STUFF, strategically chosen and placed to show off her wealth. ::Instead, I'm pleasantly surprised to find a room that I could be comfortable in. This woman, Bulma, she's nothing like what I expected either. Apart from the screaming, of course. I wonder why people say she's cold and stand-offish.:: Vegeta's train of thought was interrupted by a yelp from the kitchen.
"OW!! Fucking chicken! I'll teach you to fall on my foot!" yelled Bulma as she threw it in the sink. "Let's see how you like being eaten!" She heard a muffled snort from the couch and spun around to glare at Vegeta. "What're you laughing at?! Do you think having a frozen bird fall on my foot is funny?!" The expression on her face sent Vegeta over the edge and he burst out laughing.
" N-no. But y-you YELLING-" he managed to get out. "You threatening a frozen piece of meat that's already long dead, that's funny." he replied when he'd recovered.
"Hmph. You'd better appreciate it, buddy. I was injured trying to find something for YOU to stuff in your big mouth." Bulma paused to absorb the outrage on Vegeta's face. "Now, to give you the dinner options, I've got cheese pretzels, several varieties of TV dinner, and the chicken."
"I'll take a TV dinner."
"Ok. Beef with mashed potatoes and fruit cocktail, chicken with corn and something that resembles oranges, or pork chop with baked beans and more fruit cocktail?"
"The beef one, please."
"Alrighty. I'll have the pretzels, since I'm not that hungry. You wanna come get your drink?" asked Bulma as she popped the containers into the microwave. She didn't wait for an answer, so Vegeta got up and padded over to the fridge. He opened the door and peered in at the barren shelves. Condiments and cans of pop were the only things Vegeta recognized. He pulled out a Coke for himself and asked Bulma what she wanted.
"Oh, Coke's fine, thanks. It should be ready in a couple of minutes. You can go ahead and get settled. I don't care if you eat on the couch as long as you don't spill anything." Vegeta took both cans back to the living room with him, setting them on the table. Bulma could hear him tossing pillows about, but decided to ignore it, figuring he was getting comfortable. He finally gave an aggravated sigh.
"Where did you hide the remote, woman?"
"Oh, sorry. Should be on one of the shelves by the TV. It's silver." The microwave beeped and Bulma pulled out the trays with her fingers. She regretted it instantly as she waved them around frantically before sticking hem in her mouth. Vegeta watched with an amused smirk, but made no comments. Bulma grabbed a pair of hot pads, some silverware and carried it all into the living room. They sat in silence for a minute, both enjoying the quiet and warm food. Vegeta put his empty container on the table and sat back, flicking on the TV. Once he figured the remote out he flipped through the 100 plus channels rapidly, spending no more than a second on a single one.
"Vegeta! Slow down! You're making my head hurt." He grunted by way of reply, but did slow down a little. "Wait, back up!" commanded Bulma through a mouthful of pretzel. "I like that video." Vegeta went back to one of the many music channels and watched in bemusement as Bulma sang along enthusiastically. When she hit a high note he decided it was time to change the station. Bulma took a few seconds to register the change.
"Hey, I was watching that!" she protested.
"No you weren't, you had your eyes closed. Besides, you're not supposed to torture guests." She made an outraged noise before retaliating.
"Only someone as uncultured as yourself would call my singing torture. You should feel honored, I- oh, would you just pick something!"
"I would if there was anything halfway decent on. I'm sure you spend a lot of time here, what's on Saturday nights?"
"Well, it's more like Sunday morning actually, but I don't know. I watch more movies than TV. Would you mind watching one, or do you have to get home?"
"No. Technically, I don't have to be home until I need some clothes." ::Damn you, Vegeta!! Why'd you just say that? Now she's going to ask questions you don't want to answer.::
"Wow, must be nice, having all the freedom. I wish my parents were like that."
"No, you don't." he blurted out. ::Asshole! why am I telling her all this?:: Bulma looked thoughtful, but chose not to push the subject.
"Hey, Vegeta, I've been wondering something. Why did the detention teacher sound like he was sacred of you?"
"Hn? Oh, him. I used to know him before I came here."
"Oh?" Bulma prompted.
"We worked together."
"Doing what? C'mon Veg-head, don't make me beat it out of you."
"He directed a movie I was in."
"YOU were in a MOVIE?!?! Like, a feature film, or- Vegeta, you're not a porn star, are you?" Vegeta nearly choked on his pop from laughing at her expression.
"No woman, not that kind of movie. Action films, a kung-fu type of thing. Nothing big."
"Whew. Had me worried for a minute. That would've been *really * disgusting. Still, I just can't picture that stuffed shirt (AN: What a cool expression!) directing something so unintelligent. No offense or anything."
"That's why he's scared of me. He turned into a geek and he doesn't want me to tell anyone about his sordid past. Of course, that was about the worst film I ever did, so I'm saving it for an appropriate occasion. Graduation sounds good." Vegeta was amazed with himself. He'd never talked this long to someone before without it being scripted. ::I've never told someone this much about me either. Why do I feel so comfortable around this woman? Damn her, she's too easy to talk to with those innocent blue eyes. They just suck you in-wait a minute, what am I saying?! I sound like a damn sappy romance novel.::
"Interesting. I'll have to remember that as well. Were you very successful? I mean, I know you're not a billionaire or anything, but do you have a mansion? I bet that's why you can come and go as you please. You live in a big house and you've made so much money that your parents don't care what you do. Or-" she paused to contain her laughter, not noticing that Vegeta's expression had turned cold. "Or, they're scared of you, because you're a kung-fu star!" She leaned back into the cushions, proud of herself for figuring it all out.
"No woman, it's not like that." Vegeta said sharply.
"Ok then, tell me how it is."
"No."
"C'mon Veg-head, I'll tell you about me." Bulma clearly hadn't caught onto the fact that this wasn't a subject he wanted to discuss.
"I said NO, woman!!! What part of that don't you understand?!" he yelled. His eyes had gone even blacker and his hands had unconsciously balled into fists. Bulma shrank back further into the couch, her eyes wide.
"I-I'm sorry, Vegeta. I didn't mean to make you angry." Vegeta closed his eyes and took deep breaths. ::Why did she have to push so far? I didn't want to blow up like that. especially not at her.:: Vegeta, for some reason he couldn't begin to fathom, didn't want to make Bulma mad at him, or push her away like he had done so many times in the past. He cared about what she thought of him, and that frightened him more than a little.
"I didn't mean to yell at you. Just don't ever ask about my family. It's not something I like to talk about." he said quietly.
"Ok, I'll try to remember that." Bulma said just as quietly. "I don't like to talk about mine either, but I'm guessing it's for a completely different reason."
"Let me guess, they're famous porn stars?" Bulma chuckled at his weak attempt at humor.
"No, that would just be, ewww. They're just really embarrassing. Probably every kid thinks that, but how many of then can say their dad carries around a cat and their mom's named Bunny? That's just a tad too weird for my tastes. But at least they don't meet me at the end of the driveway anymore. They used to do that when I rode the bus."
"Sounds like they need a hobby."
"Believe me, they have plenty. They'd just drop everything to come see how their 'little baby' had survived the day. It got so bad that sometimes I would purposefully miss the bus. That way they'd send someone to get me, or at least wait until I was in the car before interrogating me. Oh, I almost forgot, do you still want to watch a movie?"
"No, it's more entertaining to hear about your disjointed family."
"Funny. I shouldn't do all the talking though, I know you don't want to talk about home, but you can tell me about yourself." Vegeta didn't look convinced. "Come on, I've babbled enough."
"That's for sure." Vegeta muttered.
"HEY!! That wasn't very nice."
"Really? I wondered how long it would take you to notice."
"Haven't you ever heard of being polite to your hostess? I bring you home, feed you, let you watch my TV, and all you can do is insult me? I guess there is some truth to the rumors that movie stars are snobs."
"Didn't I tell you not to blabber about that, woman?"
"Yeah. But I still don't think that I should have to carry on a conversation by myself."
"What do you want me to talk about? Not that I will."
"Tell me something about yourself. What kind of music do you like, how do you like school so far, anything." Vegeta considered her words for a moment. ::I don't particularly want to talk about myself, but complaining about school seems to be a popular pastime. Maybe she'll forget what she asked if she gets to yapping."
"This school is no different from any other I've attended."
"Oh?" inquired Bulma.
"The classes are boring, the teachers are stupid and all the students are imbeciles." Vegeta had said all this in total seriousness, which made it even easier for Bulma to laugh.
"Wow, you sounded almost normal. But I do agree with you, for the most part. Especially on the students. They're some real idiots in this school."
"There is one in our grade, I can't remember his name. Very popular with the females, or at least he thinks so. Takes remedial classes, short black hair, scars on his face. Do you know who I'm talking about?"
Bulma nodded with a disgusted expression. "Unfortunately, I know him all too well. Yamcha." She spat his name out like it was a piece of nasty food. Vegeta decided to jump on this little bit of information.
"Oh?"
"Do I really have to explain it to you? It was a long time ago, gah, I was such an IDIOT!"
"You don't have to tell me that. It's blatantly obvious to me what a complete moron you are, practically useless."
"Thank you, Vegeta, for reminding me. I don't think I'm going to tell you now. Live in ignorance, it seems to suit you." Bulma crossed her arms and stuck her chin up, acting snooty. Vegeta glared at her, then had a better idea. He'd play along all right, but not in the way she was hoping for.
"Fine with me woman. I didn't want to hear it anyway." Bulma looked slightly annoyed, but managed to control any outbursts.
"Fine, if that's what you want."
"It is." he said stoically. ::Weak woman, she'll crack soon. I can already see her losing control.::
"Good." Vegeta didn't make any response, he simply sat there with his arms crossed. Bulma straightened her posture and tried her best to look miffed, not pissed. It was a good facade, but Vegeta had much experience in reading body language; he could tell she was getting ready to explode. Bulma heaved a sigh as she uncrossed her arms and turned to face Vegeta.
"Fine, I'll tell you anyway, since I can see that this is just a ploy to get me to talk."
"Glad you recognize it as such. Now, about this Yamcha..." Vegeta said with half a smirk.
Mwwahahahha! A semi-cliffhanger! I promise I'll try not to make you guys wait so long for the next chapter, but I'll go even faster if I have sufficient motivation!! (Read: REVIEW!!!)
Not mine.
Vegeta the Porn Star?!
Vegeta stepped in and the door closed behind him. Soft lights had come on automatically and Bulma left then dim. They were in a short entryway with doors to other rooms. Directly in front of Vegeta was the living room/kitchen area. On his left the door to the bathroom was open, but the one past it was closed. Immediately to his right was the door to Bulma's bedroom. It was ajar and he got a glimpse of clutter before Bulma ushered him into the living room.
There was very little furniture in the room, but that present was low to the ground. Large pillows were scattered all over a Persian rug. A long couch sat behind an oblong, green, wooden coffee table. Both faced what could only be described as an entertainment *center *. A big, flat screen TV hung on the wall above a combination DVD/VHS player. Cabinets on either side held movies, games and CDs. The stereo itself was on a shelf above the TV, but speakers were placed throughout the room. Vegeta just stood and stared for what seemed like hours.
"Are you done admiring? Or should I wait until the drool makes a puddle?" Bulma asked sarcastically. Vegeta blinked and turned around to face the kitchen part of the room. "Do you want something to eat now? I'm not entirely sure what I've got. Cereal for sure, and milk. Ice cream, chocolate syrup, waffles, maple syrup, hmm, maybe some frozen stuff."
"Could you check on the frozen items? I'm not hungry for breakfast or dessert yet."
"Sure. Go ahead and sit wherever. I'll yell out what I've got." Vegeta nodded agreement and sat gingerly on the edge of the couch. ::Her living area is very different from what I thought.:: Vegeta had been expecting an overwhelming amount of STUFF, strategically chosen and placed to show off her wealth. ::Instead, I'm pleasantly surprised to find a room that I could be comfortable in. This woman, Bulma, she's nothing like what I expected either. Apart from the screaming, of course. I wonder why people say she's cold and stand-offish.:: Vegeta's train of thought was interrupted by a yelp from the kitchen.
"OW!! Fucking chicken! I'll teach you to fall on my foot!" yelled Bulma as she threw it in the sink. "Let's see how you like being eaten!" She heard a muffled snort from the couch and spun around to glare at Vegeta. "What're you laughing at?! Do you think having a frozen bird fall on my foot is funny?!" The expression on her face sent Vegeta over the edge and he burst out laughing.
" N-no. But y-you YELLING-" he managed to get out. "You threatening a frozen piece of meat that's already long dead, that's funny." he replied when he'd recovered.
"Hmph. You'd better appreciate it, buddy. I was injured trying to find something for YOU to stuff in your big mouth." Bulma paused to absorb the outrage on Vegeta's face. "Now, to give you the dinner options, I've got cheese pretzels, several varieties of TV dinner, and the chicken."
"I'll take a TV dinner."
"Ok. Beef with mashed potatoes and fruit cocktail, chicken with corn and something that resembles oranges, or pork chop with baked beans and more fruit cocktail?"
"The beef one, please."
"Alrighty. I'll have the pretzels, since I'm not that hungry. You wanna come get your drink?" asked Bulma as she popped the containers into the microwave. She didn't wait for an answer, so Vegeta got up and padded over to the fridge. He opened the door and peered in at the barren shelves. Condiments and cans of pop were the only things Vegeta recognized. He pulled out a Coke for himself and asked Bulma what she wanted.
"Oh, Coke's fine, thanks. It should be ready in a couple of minutes. You can go ahead and get settled. I don't care if you eat on the couch as long as you don't spill anything." Vegeta took both cans back to the living room with him, setting them on the table. Bulma could hear him tossing pillows about, but decided to ignore it, figuring he was getting comfortable. He finally gave an aggravated sigh.
"Where did you hide the remote, woman?"
"Oh, sorry. Should be on one of the shelves by the TV. It's silver." The microwave beeped and Bulma pulled out the trays with her fingers. She regretted it instantly as she waved them around frantically before sticking hem in her mouth. Vegeta watched with an amused smirk, but made no comments. Bulma grabbed a pair of hot pads, some silverware and carried it all into the living room. They sat in silence for a minute, both enjoying the quiet and warm food. Vegeta put his empty container on the table and sat back, flicking on the TV. Once he figured the remote out he flipped through the 100 plus channels rapidly, spending no more than a second on a single one.
"Vegeta! Slow down! You're making my head hurt." He grunted by way of reply, but did slow down a little. "Wait, back up!" commanded Bulma through a mouthful of pretzel. "I like that video." Vegeta went back to one of the many music channels and watched in bemusement as Bulma sang along enthusiastically. When she hit a high note he decided it was time to change the station. Bulma took a few seconds to register the change.
"Hey, I was watching that!" she protested.
"No you weren't, you had your eyes closed. Besides, you're not supposed to torture guests." She made an outraged noise before retaliating.
"Only someone as uncultured as yourself would call my singing torture. You should feel honored, I- oh, would you just pick something!"
"I would if there was anything halfway decent on. I'm sure you spend a lot of time here, what's on Saturday nights?"
"Well, it's more like Sunday morning actually, but I don't know. I watch more movies than TV. Would you mind watching one, or do you have to get home?"
"No. Technically, I don't have to be home until I need some clothes." ::Damn you, Vegeta!! Why'd you just say that? Now she's going to ask questions you don't want to answer.::
"Wow, must be nice, having all the freedom. I wish my parents were like that."
"No, you don't." he blurted out. ::Asshole! why am I telling her all this?:: Bulma looked thoughtful, but chose not to push the subject.
"Hey, Vegeta, I've been wondering something. Why did the detention teacher sound like he was sacred of you?"
"Hn? Oh, him. I used to know him before I came here."
"Oh?" Bulma prompted.
"We worked together."
"Doing what? C'mon Veg-head, don't make me beat it out of you."
"He directed a movie I was in."
"YOU were in a MOVIE?!?! Like, a feature film, or- Vegeta, you're not a porn star, are you?" Vegeta nearly choked on his pop from laughing at her expression.
"No woman, not that kind of movie. Action films, a kung-fu type of thing. Nothing big."
"Whew. Had me worried for a minute. That would've been *really * disgusting. Still, I just can't picture that stuffed shirt (AN: What a cool expression!) directing something so unintelligent. No offense or anything."
"That's why he's scared of me. He turned into a geek and he doesn't want me to tell anyone about his sordid past. Of course, that was about the worst film I ever did, so I'm saving it for an appropriate occasion. Graduation sounds good." Vegeta was amazed with himself. He'd never talked this long to someone before without it being scripted. ::I've never told someone this much about me either. Why do I feel so comfortable around this woman? Damn her, she's too easy to talk to with those innocent blue eyes. They just suck you in-wait a minute, what am I saying?! I sound like a damn sappy romance novel.::
"Interesting. I'll have to remember that as well. Were you very successful? I mean, I know you're not a billionaire or anything, but do you have a mansion? I bet that's why you can come and go as you please. You live in a big house and you've made so much money that your parents don't care what you do. Or-" she paused to contain her laughter, not noticing that Vegeta's expression had turned cold. "Or, they're scared of you, because you're a kung-fu star!" She leaned back into the cushions, proud of herself for figuring it all out.
"No woman, it's not like that." Vegeta said sharply.
"Ok then, tell me how it is."
"No."
"C'mon Veg-head, I'll tell you about me." Bulma clearly hadn't caught onto the fact that this wasn't a subject he wanted to discuss.
"I said NO, woman!!! What part of that don't you understand?!" he yelled. His eyes had gone even blacker and his hands had unconsciously balled into fists. Bulma shrank back further into the couch, her eyes wide.
"I-I'm sorry, Vegeta. I didn't mean to make you angry." Vegeta closed his eyes and took deep breaths. ::Why did she have to push so far? I didn't want to blow up like that. especially not at her.:: Vegeta, for some reason he couldn't begin to fathom, didn't want to make Bulma mad at him, or push her away like he had done so many times in the past. He cared about what she thought of him, and that frightened him more than a little.
"I didn't mean to yell at you. Just don't ever ask about my family. It's not something I like to talk about." he said quietly.
"Ok, I'll try to remember that." Bulma said just as quietly. "I don't like to talk about mine either, but I'm guessing it's for a completely different reason."
"Let me guess, they're famous porn stars?" Bulma chuckled at his weak attempt at humor.
"No, that would just be, ewww. They're just really embarrassing. Probably every kid thinks that, but how many of then can say their dad carries around a cat and their mom's named Bunny? That's just a tad too weird for my tastes. But at least they don't meet me at the end of the driveway anymore. They used to do that when I rode the bus."
"Sounds like they need a hobby."
"Believe me, they have plenty. They'd just drop everything to come see how their 'little baby' had survived the day. It got so bad that sometimes I would purposefully miss the bus. That way they'd send someone to get me, or at least wait until I was in the car before interrogating me. Oh, I almost forgot, do you still want to watch a movie?"
"No, it's more entertaining to hear about your disjointed family."
"Funny. I shouldn't do all the talking though, I know you don't want to talk about home, but you can tell me about yourself." Vegeta didn't look convinced. "Come on, I've babbled enough."
"That's for sure." Vegeta muttered.
"HEY!! That wasn't very nice."
"Really? I wondered how long it would take you to notice."
"Haven't you ever heard of being polite to your hostess? I bring you home, feed you, let you watch my TV, and all you can do is insult me? I guess there is some truth to the rumors that movie stars are snobs."
"Didn't I tell you not to blabber about that, woman?"
"Yeah. But I still don't think that I should have to carry on a conversation by myself."
"What do you want me to talk about? Not that I will."
"Tell me something about yourself. What kind of music do you like, how do you like school so far, anything." Vegeta considered her words for a moment. ::I don't particularly want to talk about myself, but complaining about school seems to be a popular pastime. Maybe she'll forget what she asked if she gets to yapping."
"This school is no different from any other I've attended."
"Oh?" inquired Bulma.
"The classes are boring, the teachers are stupid and all the students are imbeciles." Vegeta had said all this in total seriousness, which made it even easier for Bulma to laugh.
"Wow, you sounded almost normal. But I do agree with you, for the most part. Especially on the students. They're some real idiots in this school."
"There is one in our grade, I can't remember his name. Very popular with the females, or at least he thinks so. Takes remedial classes, short black hair, scars on his face. Do you know who I'm talking about?"
Bulma nodded with a disgusted expression. "Unfortunately, I know him all too well. Yamcha." She spat his name out like it was a piece of nasty food. Vegeta decided to jump on this little bit of information.
"Oh?"
"Do I really have to explain it to you? It was a long time ago, gah, I was such an IDIOT!"
"You don't have to tell me that. It's blatantly obvious to me what a complete moron you are, practically useless."
"Thank you, Vegeta, for reminding me. I don't think I'm going to tell you now. Live in ignorance, it seems to suit you." Bulma crossed her arms and stuck her chin up, acting snooty. Vegeta glared at her, then had a better idea. He'd play along all right, but not in the way she was hoping for.
"Fine with me woman. I didn't want to hear it anyway." Bulma looked slightly annoyed, but managed to control any outbursts.
"Fine, if that's what you want."
"It is." he said stoically. ::Weak woman, she'll crack soon. I can already see her losing control.::
"Good." Vegeta didn't make any response, he simply sat there with his arms crossed. Bulma straightened her posture and tried her best to look miffed, not pissed. It was a good facade, but Vegeta had much experience in reading body language; he could tell she was getting ready to explode. Bulma heaved a sigh as she uncrossed her arms and turned to face Vegeta.
"Fine, I'll tell you anyway, since I can see that this is just a ploy to get me to talk."
"Glad you recognize it as such. Now, about this Yamcha..." Vegeta said with half a smirk.
Mwwahahahha! A semi-cliffhanger! I promise I'll try not to make you guys wait so long for the next chapter, but I'll go even faster if I have sufficient motivation!! (Read: REVIEW!!!)