Disclaimer: see chapter one.
* * *
Amour Foncé
A dark romance by ShaggyDiz
Encounter Two: Rendezvous
* * *
The last three days were hell to Bulma. She had spent much of the time gathering the details for the project she wanted to discuss with Gohan as well as complete the one she was stuck on. Time was not on her side. She was happy to be finally done one of her projects though, albeit it was on the third morning, working all through the night to do so.
Table for two under 'Briefs', please, she said to the bellboy.
It was then that she remembered that she hadn't set dinner reservations for the evening. She decided to sleep till two and make the call when she woke up. The restaurant wasn't particularly pleased at the late reservations, but they managed to get them set without delay (it was then that she remembered that conversation with Gohan days earlier about revealing who she was so soon).
Ah yes right this way, he said to the pair.
It was also then that she remembered the true intention of this little dinner. It was stuck in the back of her head during the last few days, but with everything that she did, she hadn't figured out a way to come forward with her proposition. She thought about it in the shower and for three hours after that. Nothing came to her though, so she just packed her briefcase and patiently awaited Gohan for the eight o'clock dinner date.
Your table, like you requested madam. The pair took their seats and their menus. They made some light talk, deciding on not discussing anything with work until they had food in their stomachs. Twenty minutes later, the appetizers were brought out.
So what do you have planned? Gohan asked. She pulled a folder out of her briefcase and handed it to him.
Nothing too much. I figure I give you something to work on for once without having me look over your shoulder. He scanned over it quickly before looking back at Bulma, a small smile set on his face.
You're giving me a major project?
She looked at him dumbly. Let me see that. The blue haired woman looked over the contents herself before smiling herself. I was sure I packed that for you.
You have that much confidence in me to perform something big like that? he asked curious.
I didn't think this project was that big. I was wondering what you were getting all excited about. Gohan gave her a slightly shocked look.
It is big! At least to me it's big. It looks to be easy, but it really is something major that could have benefits to the company.
Well, your reasoning sounds good: just think of it as moving up. You're becoming more of a man everyday I see you. Gohan blushed slightly, and she knew then that she had something to work with.
I don't deserve that much credit Bulma.
Nonsense! You're much better than some of these boneheads that I know that are much older than you. Trust me: you're growing up to be something good. Chichi raised you well.
I guess. Dinner saved him from further embarrassment, for which he was highly grateful. Bulma was slightly happy as well. She realized a slight flaw in her approach. Embarrassing him so much isn't a good thing. I have to find a way to praise him without him getting so worked up.
Dinner didn't provide a solution to her question, and as they awaited dessert, she decided to try something bold.
my reasons for coming weren't just for giving you a job.
Wrong move. What do you mean? Bulma panicked slightly.
Damn it! Why did I have to be so blunt about it? Can I tell you later after dessert? she asked, hoping for a slight reprieve to formulate a new move.
Gohan looked at her, confused and curious to what she was going to tell him. His thoughts cycled back some to her praising of him, but didn't dwell on it long. He could wait. he said honestly, trying to make this revelation as easy as possible for her.
She panicked more. Why the hell does he act so calm all the time? He's making it worse! And why am I getting all worked up on this though? I'm just asking him to be my oh
I'll tell you after dessert. The tension was quite thick between them right now: Bulma nearly losing it completely and Gohan, still confused, but still having some pressure on her to explain herself. The wait for dessert seemed like an eternity to them, but as they got it, Bulma took her time with it, trying desperately for time to slow down completely. The teen got slightly upset with this, and made his concerns known.
Bulma, I'm waiting outside, he said, standing up and giving her a few bills to pay for the dinner. Quietly, he made his way outside and to the sidewalk.
Bulma panicked. She didn't expect this to happen, but now everything she wanted to do had nearly crumbled apart. She got the check as quickly as she could and paid for it at the table, leaving the restaurant and bumping right into Gohan at the entrance. He happened to start walking back in that direction when she collided with him.
he mumbled, reaching down and picking her up. He held onto her lightly and led her away from the restaurant, planning on finding a slightly reclusive place to speak. It was after a few minutes that Bulma regained her senses and stepped out in front of Gohan.
Stop here, she said. She looked around before pulling him to a bench that was a short distance ahead. They sat down, Gohan looking at Bulma and the woman looking out ahead of her.
Do you want the long version or the short version? she asked. He thought about it, trying to think of what the right answer to give.
I'll take the short version, he decided. She cursed in her head.
It's now or never. Bulma looked into his eyes and nearly turned away, but couldn't. She was completely captivated by his eyes. She would have to look away soon, but for now, Gohan was the center of her focus. I want you to be my boyfriend.
It took Gohan nearly a minute to recover from the shock he was in. He didn't expect her to be so blunt with what she had to say. He recovered though and saw Bulma still sitting next to him with her eyes locked with his. It was then that he noticed something odd about the way she looked at him. He cursed himself for not figuring out what it was.
I think I'm going to need the long version of it, he finally said. Bulma broke the eye contact and looked ahead, letting the stars ahead of her be the driving force.
I've never found any comfort in my life. Yamcha was a good guy, but I never really let him into my heart. Vegeta one night he got it, and ever since, I have yet to find it from another man. I told you three nights ago how it's been for the last year and a half. I've lost, Gohan. I've lost. Silence filled the air momentarily.
Gohan broke it after several seconds with the question that's been plaguing his mind since the statement she gave a few short minutes ago: Why me?
She didn't need to say anything, knowing that was going to be his question. Vegeta was the most serious of men. He didn't let me in though. He never showed me what kind of person he was.
Yamcha was the complete opposite: he was never serious. He never had any ambition to settle down or anything. His life was settled around baseball and fighting. I would still be with him if it weren't for those little facts.
That doesn't answer my question, Gohan said, interrupting her.
I know I'm getting to the point. You want to know why I'm asking you to be my boyfriend, and it's simple: you're more of a man than anyone else I've ever known.
Bulma, I-
Gohan, you're in line to become one of the highest ranking people in Capsule Corp! No one has ever gotten that chance at such a young age! You're mature and ambitious, and you're pretty funny at times. You play with your brother and my son like a father would to his kids. You're you're just perfect. You're more human than anyone I've ever known.
It all set in very slowly for the teen. There were words he knew were true, but perfect? He doubted himself as being , yet the woman before him sought to believe so, which is why she was asking him such a bold question.
you know I'm only sixteen.
I know, she said. I've taken that into consideration.
She sighed. I'm not asking much out of you. I just want someone to hold from time to time and not look at me like an object of obsession, or as an overly rich woman. I just want comfort Gohan.
I understand, he said, nodding. He stood up, walking a few feet in front of the bench, his gaze set on the night sky. Bulma followed his every step, hoping for some sort of answer soon. She didn't want to push him to a hasty – and quite possibly bad – decision.
I think, he said after a few minutes, breaking the silence.
I think I can do this. I mean, Mom can't know.
Bulma giggled. I know. That wouldn't be good.
I don't think the boys will worry too much. They see us together all the time, so they won't expect much of a change.
Anything else? she asked.
He thought silently for a moment. For your sake, I don't think anyone should know that you're dating a sixteen year old. That wouldn't look good to your peers.
I've thought of that. This will be our little secret, okay? He finally turned around, looking down into her eyes, smiling brightly at her.
our secret. He reached a hand out to her. How should we go about this then? Should we hold hands walking home? His voice carried a slight nervousness to it, mostly because he had never attempted such a bold thing before. Bulma was just as confused.
don't know Gohan. I'd like you to take me home. She paused briefly, contemplating. Can I just lean on you? she asked with hopeful eyes.
He smiled. and if anyone asks, I'll just say you had a bit too much to drink.
That sounds good, Bulma said laughing. Confidence we've both gained a sort of confidence tonight. I don't think I've been this happy in quite some time. She took his arm into her small hands, wrapping them around his appendage and letting her head come to rest on his shoulder. She smiled contently, happy that this day has come and gone, with beneficial results.
The only question in her head now was how long this romance would last.
* * *
Bulma's Omake Corner: Encounter Two
Hello everyone, and welcome to the second installment of my omake corner! I'd like to apologize ahead of time for the lack of update from before, but from what I know, the creator and his legion of type writing monkeys had too good of a time at a couple of parties, and, well that's all I can say without incurring the wrath of the boss.
Now for today, we have a little scene from the end of the shoot that Gohan got a little carried away with. Just watch:
I think, he said after a few minutes, breaking the silence.
I think I can do this. I mean, Mom can't know.
Bulma giggled. I know. That wouldn't be good.
I don't think the boys will worry too much. They see us together all the time, so they won't expect much of a change.
Anything else? she asked.
He thought silently for a moment. For your sake, I don't think anyone should know that you're dating a sixteen year old. That wouldn't look good to your peers.
I've thought of that. This will be our little secret, okay? He finally turned around, looking down into her eyes, smiling brightly at her.
Hang on I want to do something. He took a step back, looking around the area for any people passing by. Bulma looked on, confused at what the kid was doing.
Out of nowhere, Gohan threw his hands up into the air before pointing to Bulma. I, LOVE, this woman! I love her!
He shouted it three more times, and by that time, three police cruisers had pulled up.
Damn it Gohan. I'm leaving. She started walking away before cracking up. Cut the cameras!
Don't you agree with me? Gohan was having a little too much fun there. I got to tell Chichi to cut back on his television time. Anyway, if you want to see more fun, stayed tuned next week for Encounter Three: Kiss. And I'll consider providing some fan service too!
Amour Foncé
A dark romance by ShaggyDiz
Encounter Two: Rendezvous
* * *
Table for two under 'Briefs', please, she said to the bellboy.
It was then that she remembered that she hadn't set dinner reservations for the evening. She decided to sleep till two and make the call when she woke up. The restaurant wasn't particularly pleased at the late reservations, but they managed to get them set without delay (it was then that she remembered that conversation with Gohan days earlier about revealing who she was so soon).
Ah yes right this way, he said to the pair.
It was also then that she remembered the true intention of this little dinner. It was stuck in the back of her head during the last few days, but with everything that she did, she hadn't figured out a way to come forward with her proposition. She thought about it in the shower and for three hours after that. Nothing came to her though, so she just packed her briefcase and patiently awaited Gohan for the eight o'clock dinner date.
Your table, like you requested madam. The pair took their seats and their menus. They made some light talk, deciding on not discussing anything with work until they had food in their stomachs. Twenty minutes later, the appetizers were brought out.
So what do you have planned? Gohan asked. She pulled a folder out of her briefcase and handed it to him.
Nothing too much. I figure I give you something to work on for once without having me look over your shoulder. He scanned over it quickly before looking back at Bulma, a small smile set on his face.
You're giving me a major project?
She looked at him dumbly. Let me see that. The blue haired woman looked over the contents herself before smiling herself. I was sure I packed that for you.
You have that much confidence in me to perform something big like that? he asked curious.
I didn't think this project was that big. I was wondering what you were getting all excited about. Gohan gave her a slightly shocked look.
It is big! At least to me it's big. It looks to be easy, but it really is something major that could have benefits to the company.
Well, your reasoning sounds good: just think of it as moving up. You're becoming more of a man everyday I see you. Gohan blushed slightly, and she knew then that she had something to work with.
I don't deserve that much credit Bulma.
Nonsense! You're much better than some of these boneheads that I know that are much older than you. Trust me: you're growing up to be something good. Chichi raised you well.
I guess. Dinner saved him from further embarrassment, for which he was highly grateful. Bulma was slightly happy as well. She realized a slight flaw in her approach. Embarrassing him so much isn't a good thing. I have to find a way to praise him without him getting so worked up.
Dinner didn't provide a solution to her question, and as they awaited dessert, she decided to try something bold.
my reasons for coming weren't just for giving you a job.
Wrong move. What do you mean? Bulma panicked slightly.
Damn it! Why did I have to be so blunt about it? Can I tell you later after dessert? she asked, hoping for a slight reprieve to formulate a new move.
Gohan looked at her, confused and curious to what she was going to tell him. His thoughts cycled back some to her praising of him, but didn't dwell on it long. He could wait. he said honestly, trying to make this revelation as easy as possible for her.
She panicked more. Why the hell does he act so calm all the time? He's making it worse! And why am I getting all worked up on this though? I'm just asking him to be my oh
I'll tell you after dessert. The tension was quite thick between them right now: Bulma nearly losing it completely and Gohan, still confused, but still having some pressure on her to explain herself. The wait for dessert seemed like an eternity to them, but as they got it, Bulma took her time with it, trying desperately for time to slow down completely. The teen got slightly upset with this, and made his concerns known.
Bulma, I'm waiting outside, he said, standing up and giving her a few bills to pay for the dinner. Quietly, he made his way outside and to the sidewalk.
Bulma panicked. She didn't expect this to happen, but now everything she wanted to do had nearly crumbled apart. She got the check as quickly as she could and paid for it at the table, leaving the restaurant and bumping right into Gohan at the entrance. He happened to start walking back in that direction when she collided with him.
he mumbled, reaching down and picking her up. He held onto her lightly and led her away from the restaurant, planning on finding a slightly reclusive place to speak. It was after a few minutes that Bulma regained her senses and stepped out in front of Gohan.
Stop here, she said. She looked around before pulling him to a bench that was a short distance ahead. They sat down, Gohan looking at Bulma and the woman looking out ahead of her.
Do you want the long version or the short version? she asked. He thought about it, trying to think of what the right answer to give.
I'll take the short version, he decided. She cursed in her head.
It's now or never. Bulma looked into his eyes and nearly turned away, but couldn't. She was completely captivated by his eyes. She would have to look away soon, but for now, Gohan was the center of her focus. I want you to be my boyfriend.
It took Gohan nearly a minute to recover from the shock he was in. He didn't expect her to be so blunt with what she had to say. He recovered though and saw Bulma still sitting next to him with her eyes locked with his. It was then that he noticed something odd about the way she looked at him. He cursed himself for not figuring out what it was.
I think I'm going to need the long version of it, he finally said. Bulma broke the eye contact and looked ahead, letting the stars ahead of her be the driving force.
I've never found any comfort in my life. Yamcha was a good guy, but I never really let him into my heart. Vegeta one night he got it, and ever since, I have yet to find it from another man. I told you three nights ago how it's been for the last year and a half. I've lost, Gohan. I've lost. Silence filled the air momentarily.
Gohan broke it after several seconds with the question that's been plaguing his mind since the statement she gave a few short minutes ago: Why me?
She didn't need to say anything, knowing that was going to be his question. Vegeta was the most serious of men. He didn't let me in though. He never showed me what kind of person he was.
Yamcha was the complete opposite: he was never serious. He never had any ambition to settle down or anything. His life was settled around baseball and fighting. I would still be with him if it weren't for those little facts.
That doesn't answer my question, Gohan said, interrupting her.
I know I'm getting to the point. You want to know why I'm asking you to be my boyfriend, and it's simple: you're more of a man than anyone else I've ever known.
Bulma, I-
Gohan, you're in line to become one of the highest ranking people in Capsule Corp! No one has ever gotten that chance at such a young age! You're mature and ambitious, and you're pretty funny at times. You play with your brother and my son like a father would to his kids. You're you're just perfect. You're more human than anyone I've ever known.
It all set in very slowly for the teen. There were words he knew were true, but perfect? He doubted himself as being , yet the woman before him sought to believe so, which is why she was asking him such a bold question.
you know I'm only sixteen.
I know, she said. I've taken that into consideration.
She sighed. I'm not asking much out of you. I just want someone to hold from time to time and not look at me like an object of obsession, or as an overly rich woman. I just want comfort Gohan.
I understand, he said, nodding. He stood up, walking a few feet in front of the bench, his gaze set on the night sky. Bulma followed his every step, hoping for some sort of answer soon. She didn't want to push him to a hasty – and quite possibly bad – decision.
I think, he said after a few minutes, breaking the silence.
I think I can do this. I mean, Mom can't know.
Bulma giggled. I know. That wouldn't be good.
I don't think the boys will worry too much. They see us together all the time, so they won't expect much of a change.
Anything else? she asked.
He thought silently for a moment. For your sake, I don't think anyone should know that you're dating a sixteen year old. That wouldn't look good to your peers.
I've thought of that. This will be our little secret, okay? He finally turned around, looking down into her eyes, smiling brightly at her.
our secret. He reached a hand out to her. How should we go about this then? Should we hold hands walking home? His voice carried a slight nervousness to it, mostly because he had never attempted such a bold thing before. Bulma was just as confused.
don't know Gohan. I'd like you to take me home. She paused briefly, contemplating. Can I just lean on you? she asked with hopeful eyes.
He smiled. and if anyone asks, I'll just say you had a bit too much to drink.
That sounds good, Bulma said laughing. Confidence we've both gained a sort of confidence tonight. I don't think I've been this happy in quite some time. She took his arm into her small hands, wrapping them around his appendage and letting her head come to rest on his shoulder. She smiled contently, happy that this day has come and gone, with beneficial results.
The only question in her head now was how long this romance would last.
Hello everyone, and welcome to the second installment of my omake corner! I'd like to apologize ahead of time for the lack of update from before, but from what I know, the creator and his legion of type writing monkeys had too good of a time at a couple of parties, and, well that's all I can say without incurring the wrath of the boss.
Now for today, we have a little scene from the end of the shoot that Gohan got a little carried away with. Just watch:
I think, he said after a few minutes, breaking the silence.
I think I can do this. I mean, Mom can't know.
Bulma giggled. I know. That wouldn't be good.
I don't think the boys will worry too much. They see us together all the time, so they won't expect much of a change.
Anything else? she asked.
He thought silently for a moment. For your sake, I don't think anyone should know that you're dating a sixteen year old. That wouldn't look good to your peers.
I've thought of that. This will be our little secret, okay? He finally turned around, looking down into her eyes, smiling brightly at her.
Hang on I want to do something. He took a step back, looking around the area for any people passing by. Bulma looked on, confused at what the kid was doing.
Out of nowhere, Gohan threw his hands up into the air before pointing to Bulma. I, LOVE, this woman! I love her!
He shouted it three more times, and by that time, three police cruisers had pulled up.
Damn it Gohan. I'm leaving. She started walking away before cracking up. Cut the cameras!
Don't you agree with me? Gohan was having a little too much fun there. I got to tell Chichi to cut back on his television time. Anyway, if you want to see more fun, stayed tuned next week for Encounter Three: Kiss. And I'll consider providing some fan service too!