Last time:
"Vegeta, what the hell are—"
But her words fell short, as he cupped her face and pulled her in for a kiss they'd both been waiting for their entire lives. Suddenly she wasn't so sad anymore.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
For that moment her world was perfect. All the pain she'd suffered, mental and physical, was nothing in that moment; wiped clean and ready to start fresh. A happiness consumed her that she'd feared she would never feel again. But, just as quickly as that feeling enveloped her, another, all too familiar one, took its place; confusion. Along with mild anger, that she couldn't explain, and a small bit of fear; what was going on!
"Vegeta," she finally said, taking a step back. They couldn't avoid speaking forever. Time didn't stand still the way it teased it could.
"I know," he sighed, brushing past her and into the living room. She followed, hesitantly, taking a seat on the couch opposite the one he was on.
"You're not mad at me anymore?" she said quietly, almost a whisper, as if saying it louder would somehow make it null and void.
"I doubt I ever was…really," he admitted, unable to look at her. "But not coming back is harsh."
Bulma flinched. He was right, but what hurt the most was that it was HIM that she'd hurt, and made him use that word with such conviction. And all these years she thought he could care less.
"There's so much I should tell you," she sighed, shaking her head slowly. "So much I should have told you a long time ago."
"But you're not going to tell me, are you?" he asked, anger evident in his tone; but he restrained himself.
"I don't think I could," she admitted. "Its too…hard. I can say one thing though."
"What?"
"I have not gone one day," she said, lifting her head, her eyes catching his, "without thinking about you, without wanting to give up everything I have and go to you and tell you…tell you what you really mean to me."
"And what could I mean to someone like you?" he spit out without thinking. He didn't intend to be so cruel when he came here.
"Everything," she whispered, tears beginning to breach the rims of her eyes. "But why are you the one that came here? I don't understand. I've been so horrible to you all, especially you, who I care for the most, and you come to me…You shouldn't be here. I'm no good. Not anymore. I don't deserve to see you ever again."
She was halfway off the couch, when she felt his hands gently push her back. He sat beside her, wrapping his muscular arms around her shoulders, and pulled her head to his chest. She was sobbing so hard, she almost didn't hear his words.
"I came because there is nothing for me in Satan City…You took it when you left…"
Her tears seemed to stop in that instant, and she lifted her head and looked him in the eyes, searching them for truth. When he didn't falter, she knew he was telling the truth, and it seemed her heart couldn't handle it. Her breathing quickened and the tears started again, fat droplets staining her cheeks. When she tried to calm herself, it seemed she only got worse. One month ago she was depressed, but content in her life. She was so sure then that nothing would ever change, ever get better. And now, in only a few weeks, her entire world was upside down. Vegeta was sitting beside her, holding her, comforting her; she didn't know what to make of it all, only that it was what she wanted.
"But I don't deserve it," she cried softly, pushing him away. She was standing before he could stop her. By the time he was to his feet as well, she'd run up the stairs. He found her soon enough, curled in a ball on the floor in the third room he checked in; but the pain had already cut deep.
"Why?" was all he needed to say as he knelt down beside her. And all he could think was: What the hell happened to her? What don't I know?
"What I did," she sobbed. "I just…I don't deserve anything from you, or anyone in Satan City. I left and never came back…End of story."
"I don't think so," he said sternly, pushing on her shoulder to face him. He couldn't have done anything more stupid.
"Stop it!" she screamed, clamping her hands over her ears, her entire frame shaking violently. For almost five minutes he could do nothing more than stare at her, shocked into silence. Then, very slowly, very gently, he wrapped his arms around her shivering body, lifted her off the floor, and placed her on the bed on the other side of the room. Her body made a soft thudding sound as she hit the mattress, her head falling back into his lap.
Immediately he noticed her scar.
"Please go," she all but whimpered, unaware of his discovery. But, as his finger quickly touched it, confirming it was real, she bolted up, pressing herself against the headboard.
"Bulma, where—"
"Please, just go!"
"Not until you start telling me what's going on. Bulma, let me see."
"It's not going to change anything," she insisted, looking more scared than anything. Like a jittery field mouse that's just spotted the neighborhood cat, and knows its hungry. "We'd both be better off if you just left now and never came back. I promise I won't bother you, or the others, ever again."
"You think I can feel this way about you and just leave?" he demanded, causing her to flinch. All the fears from two and a half months ago came rushing back. Without thinking, she pushed him as hard as she could and ran into the bathroom, locking herself inside. "Bulma, please!" He banged vehemently on the door, realizing his mistake immediately when she cried out for him to stop. "Please," he pleaded, fear coursing through his veins. Even when facing his uncle, he couldn't remember being so terrified. "Open the door."
"I won't let you hurt me anymore!" she screamed. "I'm leaving, Takao! And you can't stop me this time!"
Vegeta's mind went blank. Takao? Who was she talking about? What the hell was she saying? What—
"Is he the man that hurt you?" he asked, pressing himself against the door in an effort to hear her. She was crying softly by the door. When she didn't answer for a long while, he went to her nightstand, rummaging through the drawers for anything that could unlock that door. All he found were bobby pins, which he doubted would work, seeing as they only worked in movies, but it was all he had. He ran back to the door, stuck the pin in the keyhole, and wrenched it angrily. To his utter surprise, he heard a distinct "clicking" sound. The door was unlocked.
Before Bulma was the wiser, he swung open the door and practically fell to her side. She tried in vein to get away, scratching at his neck and chest, but the more she struggled, the more he held on. He knew it was probably the worst thing for him to do, but how else was he supposed to get her to calm down? To stop screaming?
"Takao, please," she whimpered, her eyes half shut, her head hanging back, as if broken. "Please…"
And then she was completely still and her entire body went limp. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. He sat down, his back to the headboard, and cradled her in his arms. If he had to stay here for days he would. She shut him out once; she was not going to do it again.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Please don't hate me," Bulma sighed, nursing a mug of honey tea. An hour ago she'd awoke to the feeling of being in someone's arms. She thought she was having an amazing dream, but when she opened her eyes, saw Vegeta asleep behind her. And then the events of the night before came rushing back, and she cried softly on his chest until he too woke up. She immediately apologized and went to take a shower. Now, sitting in her robe, her hair wet and hanging on her neck, there was no escaping him. She had to tell him the truth; now.
"I never hated you," he said, grabbing the toast when it popped out of the toaster. He went to the fridge, grabbed a jar of grape jelly, then took a seat opposite her. It was the only time in his life that he'd spent the night at a girl's house and not had sex with her. Not that he whored himself around Satan City. In actuality, he'd only slept with four girls, including his date the night before. But she had been a mistake, a way to keep his mind off his problems. He regretted it completely.
"I feel awful about last night. I never meant for you to experience that. And I'm sorry."
He nodded and took a long sip of his coffee, closing his eyes to feel his burn down his throat. He'd always liked his coffee scalding, though now it did nothing to numb him. He still couldn't get her screaming, terrified voice out of his head. He had no idea that she'd been through so much, and he didn't know the half of it.
"I will tell you," she finally said, as if reading his thoughts. "I just…I need to think of the right words. I still have a hard time talking to my stupid shrink about it." She rolled her eyes and set down her mug.
Vegeta sighed, almost painfully, and reached for a piece of toast. He had it halfway covered in jelly, when he set it down, stood, and went to the chair beside Bulma. She looked at him in confusion for a moment, and by the time she realized what he was thinking, their lips were already pressed together, filling her with that wonderful, glowing happiness. But, at the same time, it reminded her of how cold and empty her life was, and she pulled back and frowned.
"Not now," she whispered, pulling her mug to her lips. "I do care about you Vegeta. More than you know, but I can't deal with us right now."
"And when you're ready?" he asked, his face masking the anxiety he was feeling inside.
"When I'm ready," she sighed, looking at the table, "I will do everything in my power to show you what you mean to me, show you how much you've always meant to me, and that even though…even though we were apart for so long, I…I still fell for you…And no matter how long it takes, I'll make you feel the same."
"You can stop trying," he said, almost startling her. She looked up, catching his eyes immediately, those cold black orbs she'd dreamed of for years. Why didn't she kiss him? What was holding her back? Takao was gone; nothing was stopping her. "I don't want to pretend to hate you anymore," he said after a long pause. His voice was still course, but it was different somehow. Why had she never seen this side of Vegeta? Sure, he'd been there for her several times in the past, but he was always so rough, so violent about the whole thing. Somehow her Vegeta had softened over time, and though it wasn't much, it was enough to keep him at her side for this long, and for that she was beyond grateful.
"How can it work?" she asked, leaning her head in until their foreheads were touching. "Everyone will—"
"No one has to know," he said quickly. "No one knows I'm here now."
"You want to sneak around everyone?" He nodded, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. "Vegeta, how is that going to work? If the press doesn't catch on, my parents will. Someone is bound to find out, and then they'll hate you too for being with me…I can't ask you to do that."
"If they can do that, they're worth nothing to me," he sneered. "And I swear on my parents' grave, that I will protect you. No one will hurt you again." The amount of conviction, and anger, that twisted his face almost made Bulma laugh. He was so different from before, but completely unchanged at the same time. Here he was being spiteful and angry, but he was vowing to protect. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"This is insane," she said, and then she did laugh, freely, for the first time in months. Vegeta's eyebrows knit in confusion. "But it's perfect." She smiled up at him, capturing his lips, and pulling him to her for the first time. "I've waited all my life for you," she whispered in his ear, unable to keep from hugging him so tightly. Not that he minded, though, for he'd been waiting just as long for her. "I think now I'm ready to tell you…"
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"It's been a month," 18 said out of nowhere, her calculus book tumbling to the floor as she stood and went for the phone. Krillin, ever practical, grabbed her wrist at the last second and brought her back to the bed. "Krillin Roshi," she seethed. "You let go of me right now."
"Be rational, hun," he said, letting go. "If you're going to call her, you need to think about what you're going to say. And you need to tell Chi-Chi first."
"Kuso," she swore under her breath. "Yeah, you're right. Why are you always right?"
"Someone needs to be," he joked, tackling her to the bed. "I don't feel like doing homework anymore," he said, leaning down to capture her lips.
"Me neither, cue ball. How's Play Station sound?"
"I love you," he laughed, pulling her closer.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Goku stretched his arms out, giving way to a deep yawn, and catching the attention of the rest of the class. The teacher frowned at him from her desk, then went back to her paperwork, waiting for the rest of the class to finish their tests. It was a culinary class, so any exam, written or otherwise, Goku almost always scored perfectly.
"Hey 18," he whispered, tapping her on the shoulder from behind. "Where's Vegeta?" He looked to the empty seat beside him, as if confirming what he already knew.
"I don't know," she hissed, not looking back. She hated cooking, in any form, and despised this class. "17 called him this morning about some assignment, and his uncle said he's been gone since yesterday. Doesn't know where he is."
Goku sulked back into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Where could Vegeta be?
A few moments later, the bell rang, causing several students to groan and drop their pencils. Goku and 18 walked out of the classroom together to go to lunch.
"Did he mention anything to you?" Goku asked, slipping his backpack into his locker before they went to the cafeteria.
"Who?"
"Vegeta."
"He'd tell you or 17 before he told me."
"How is 17 doing anyway?" He bit his lip almost nervously. It was very obvious why he'd been so distant from the others lately. "I haven't seen him in awhile."
"He's dealing with it," she said with an offhanded gesture. "He wants some time to himself before he comes back to the group."
"But he still hangs out with you and Vegeta?"
"He couldn't beat Vegeta off with a stick," she laughed, swinging her bag over her shoulder, and heading towards the lunchroom. "He wanted so badly to be alone right now, but Vegeta wouldn't have it. And 17 had been so sure that he'd be the most likely to agree that they not see each other for a while…I guess everyone underestimates what kind of a person Vegeta is."
"What about your dad?"
"Dad's livid," she sighed. She pushed through a group of cheerleaders to get into the cafeteria; Goku tried his best to keep up. "If me and Vegeta hadn't been there, I think he would have thrown him out. It's not fair, but that's dad. Same asshole he's always been." She turned around as someone tapped her on the shoulder, smiling at her three-minute-older brother. "Hey bro."
"Hey," he said, smiling meekly. "Hey Goku."
"Hey," Goku said, trying his best not to make 17 feel uncomfortable.
"Can I talk to you?" 17 said to his sister, tugging gently on her arm.
"Sure…Goku, I'll catch up with you."
"Right."
He waited for Goku to walk away before saying another word.
"I need your help with something," he admitted, shying away.
"Name it."
"Can you set me up with someone? I know you know a lot more people than everyone I know; you're friends with almost everyone. You would know better than me who I can date."
"You're too cute, big brother," she laughed, patting him on the back. "Have anyone in mind?"
He blushed furiously and nodded.
"And?"
"Azumamaro Baba," he whispered in her ear, his cheeks reddening further.
"Great choice. We go way back. When were you planning on having this date?"
"Friday night, of choice," he laughed, feeling completely comfortable now. He always knew his sister would back him one hundred percent. Vegeta had been a major surprise, but a very welcome one. Goku and the others were supportive as well, of course, but he could only deal with so many people, and, seeing as 18 was his sister and Vegeta refused to stop seeing him, he made a choice to only hang out with them for now. Soon, he hoped, he'd be able to be around the others, but there was still so much he needed to learn about himself first.
"Perfect. I'll tell Baba next period."
She was about to walk away, when he caught her arm again and pulled her into a great bear hug.
"Thanks sis," he sighed, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "For everything."
"What are sisters for?" she shrugged, though couldn't help her smile. "And don't worry. I've known Baba forever. You're perfect for him."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Hey Vegeta," 17 said, walking into his room without knocking.
Vegeta looked up and nodded, the phone cradled on his shoulder. He motioned for him to sit down, and that he'd be done in a minute.
"You are?" he sighed to the person on the other line. "Why?…I know, but…Ok. Fine…Yes…No…Well, you just wait 'til the lights go out," he laughed. "Really? I'm that dumb. Thanks for clarifying…Alright…Yeah…Bye."
"Who was that?" 17 asked, eyeing the phone as he hung it up.
"A date."
"I've never heard you talk to a date like that."
"Yeah, well, I've never seen you kiss a guy 'til now. Things change." He slid off the bed, went to his mini-fridge in the corner, and grabbed two cans of beer. He handed one to 17, then sat next to him on the bed, cracking open his own.
"Technically," 17 said, opening his can and taking a swig, "I haven't kissed any guys…yet."
"Yeah, well, 18 told me you're going on a date with Baba." He couldn't hold in his laughter, nearly spitting out his beer. "Kami, you and Baba. I always knew that football player was queer."
"Why do you think I asked 18 to set me up with him?"
"Makes sense."
"Vegeta, why are you so cool with this? I was the more terrified to tell you than even my dad, and you're the best with it. I don't get it."
"What do I care what you do in your bed?" he shrugged, taking a big gulp of beer. "Besides, I always knew you were gay. You didn't hide it very well." 17's eyes widened slightly and then he nodded. "Remember when I beat up those seniors last year?"
"Yeah."
"Why do you think I did?"
17 shrugged.
"They were saying shit about you. Calling you a fag or whatever morons say. So I knocked them out."
"You're a better person than you let people know," 17 said, standing up and tossing his empty can in the trash.
"If everyone knew how wonderful I was," he laughed, "then I'd be swarmed with fans and groupies…I like my solitude."
"Are you ever going to tell me where you were last night? Why you came home at four o'clock this afternoon?"
"Not likely," he said, frowning a little. "And not right now."
"Someday."
"I sure fucking hope so."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
---Chapter 6!! Hmm…Interesting twists I'm adding, huh? :P And 17 is gay! Heehee. I think its adorable. I've never written him gay before, though I've thought about it. I think it fits him better anyway; I mean, think about the scarf and socks from DBZ. Heehee!
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ReviewsMore Chapters)
Next time: Can Bulma and Vegeta keep their relationship secret forever? And what's the whole story with Bulma's past?
"Vegeta, what the hell are—"
But her words fell short, as he cupped her face and pulled her in for a kiss they'd both been waiting for their entire lives. Suddenly she wasn't so sad anymore.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
For that moment her world was perfect. All the pain she'd suffered, mental and physical, was nothing in that moment; wiped clean and ready to start fresh. A happiness consumed her that she'd feared she would never feel again. But, just as quickly as that feeling enveloped her, another, all too familiar one, took its place; confusion. Along with mild anger, that she couldn't explain, and a small bit of fear; what was going on!
"Vegeta," she finally said, taking a step back. They couldn't avoid speaking forever. Time didn't stand still the way it teased it could.
"I know," he sighed, brushing past her and into the living room. She followed, hesitantly, taking a seat on the couch opposite the one he was on.
"You're not mad at me anymore?" she said quietly, almost a whisper, as if saying it louder would somehow make it null and void.
"I doubt I ever was…really," he admitted, unable to look at her. "But not coming back is harsh."
Bulma flinched. He was right, but what hurt the most was that it was HIM that she'd hurt, and made him use that word with such conviction. And all these years she thought he could care less.
"There's so much I should tell you," she sighed, shaking her head slowly. "So much I should have told you a long time ago."
"But you're not going to tell me, are you?" he asked, anger evident in his tone; but he restrained himself.
"I don't think I could," she admitted. "Its too…hard. I can say one thing though."
"What?"
"I have not gone one day," she said, lifting her head, her eyes catching his, "without thinking about you, without wanting to give up everything I have and go to you and tell you…tell you what you really mean to me."
"And what could I mean to someone like you?" he spit out without thinking. He didn't intend to be so cruel when he came here.
"Everything," she whispered, tears beginning to breach the rims of her eyes. "But why are you the one that came here? I don't understand. I've been so horrible to you all, especially you, who I care for the most, and you come to me…You shouldn't be here. I'm no good. Not anymore. I don't deserve to see you ever again."
She was halfway off the couch, when she felt his hands gently push her back. He sat beside her, wrapping his muscular arms around her shoulders, and pulled her head to his chest. She was sobbing so hard, she almost didn't hear his words.
"I came because there is nothing for me in Satan City…You took it when you left…"
Her tears seemed to stop in that instant, and she lifted her head and looked him in the eyes, searching them for truth. When he didn't falter, she knew he was telling the truth, and it seemed her heart couldn't handle it. Her breathing quickened and the tears started again, fat droplets staining her cheeks. When she tried to calm herself, it seemed she only got worse. One month ago she was depressed, but content in her life. She was so sure then that nothing would ever change, ever get better. And now, in only a few weeks, her entire world was upside down. Vegeta was sitting beside her, holding her, comforting her; she didn't know what to make of it all, only that it was what she wanted.
"But I don't deserve it," she cried softly, pushing him away. She was standing before he could stop her. By the time he was to his feet as well, she'd run up the stairs. He found her soon enough, curled in a ball on the floor in the third room he checked in; but the pain had already cut deep.
"Why?" was all he needed to say as he knelt down beside her. And all he could think was: What the hell happened to her? What don't I know?
"What I did," she sobbed. "I just…I don't deserve anything from you, or anyone in Satan City. I left and never came back…End of story."
"I don't think so," he said sternly, pushing on her shoulder to face him. He couldn't have done anything more stupid.
"Stop it!" she screamed, clamping her hands over her ears, her entire frame shaking violently. For almost five minutes he could do nothing more than stare at her, shocked into silence. Then, very slowly, very gently, he wrapped his arms around her shivering body, lifted her off the floor, and placed her on the bed on the other side of the room. Her body made a soft thudding sound as she hit the mattress, her head falling back into his lap.
Immediately he noticed her scar.
"Please go," she all but whimpered, unaware of his discovery. But, as his finger quickly touched it, confirming it was real, she bolted up, pressing herself against the headboard.
"Bulma, where—"
"Please, just go!"
"Not until you start telling me what's going on. Bulma, let me see."
"It's not going to change anything," she insisted, looking more scared than anything. Like a jittery field mouse that's just spotted the neighborhood cat, and knows its hungry. "We'd both be better off if you just left now and never came back. I promise I won't bother you, or the others, ever again."
"You think I can feel this way about you and just leave?" he demanded, causing her to flinch. All the fears from two and a half months ago came rushing back. Without thinking, she pushed him as hard as she could and ran into the bathroom, locking herself inside. "Bulma, please!" He banged vehemently on the door, realizing his mistake immediately when she cried out for him to stop. "Please," he pleaded, fear coursing through his veins. Even when facing his uncle, he couldn't remember being so terrified. "Open the door."
"I won't let you hurt me anymore!" she screamed. "I'm leaving, Takao! And you can't stop me this time!"
Vegeta's mind went blank. Takao? Who was she talking about? What the hell was she saying? What—
"Is he the man that hurt you?" he asked, pressing himself against the door in an effort to hear her. She was crying softly by the door. When she didn't answer for a long while, he went to her nightstand, rummaging through the drawers for anything that could unlock that door. All he found were bobby pins, which he doubted would work, seeing as they only worked in movies, but it was all he had. He ran back to the door, stuck the pin in the keyhole, and wrenched it angrily. To his utter surprise, he heard a distinct "clicking" sound. The door was unlocked.
Before Bulma was the wiser, he swung open the door and practically fell to her side. She tried in vein to get away, scratching at his neck and chest, but the more she struggled, the more he held on. He knew it was probably the worst thing for him to do, but how else was he supposed to get her to calm down? To stop screaming?
"Takao, please," she whimpered, her eyes half shut, her head hanging back, as if broken. "Please…"
And then she was completely still and her entire body went limp. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. He sat down, his back to the headboard, and cradled her in his arms. If he had to stay here for days he would. She shut him out once; she was not going to do it again.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Please don't hate me," Bulma sighed, nursing a mug of honey tea. An hour ago she'd awoke to the feeling of being in someone's arms. She thought she was having an amazing dream, but when she opened her eyes, saw Vegeta asleep behind her. And then the events of the night before came rushing back, and she cried softly on his chest until he too woke up. She immediately apologized and went to take a shower. Now, sitting in her robe, her hair wet and hanging on her neck, there was no escaping him. She had to tell him the truth; now.
"I never hated you," he said, grabbing the toast when it popped out of the toaster. He went to the fridge, grabbed a jar of grape jelly, then took a seat opposite her. It was the only time in his life that he'd spent the night at a girl's house and not had sex with her. Not that he whored himself around Satan City. In actuality, he'd only slept with four girls, including his date the night before. But she had been a mistake, a way to keep his mind off his problems. He regretted it completely.
"I feel awful about last night. I never meant for you to experience that. And I'm sorry."
He nodded and took a long sip of his coffee, closing his eyes to feel his burn down his throat. He'd always liked his coffee scalding, though now it did nothing to numb him. He still couldn't get her screaming, terrified voice out of his head. He had no idea that she'd been through so much, and he didn't know the half of it.
"I will tell you," she finally said, as if reading his thoughts. "I just…I need to think of the right words. I still have a hard time talking to my stupid shrink about it." She rolled her eyes and set down her mug.
Vegeta sighed, almost painfully, and reached for a piece of toast. He had it halfway covered in jelly, when he set it down, stood, and went to the chair beside Bulma. She looked at him in confusion for a moment, and by the time she realized what he was thinking, their lips were already pressed together, filling her with that wonderful, glowing happiness. But, at the same time, it reminded her of how cold and empty her life was, and she pulled back and frowned.
"Not now," she whispered, pulling her mug to her lips. "I do care about you Vegeta. More than you know, but I can't deal with us right now."
"And when you're ready?" he asked, his face masking the anxiety he was feeling inside.
"When I'm ready," she sighed, looking at the table, "I will do everything in my power to show you what you mean to me, show you how much you've always meant to me, and that even though…even though we were apart for so long, I…I still fell for you…And no matter how long it takes, I'll make you feel the same."
"You can stop trying," he said, almost startling her. She looked up, catching his eyes immediately, those cold black orbs she'd dreamed of for years. Why didn't she kiss him? What was holding her back? Takao was gone; nothing was stopping her. "I don't want to pretend to hate you anymore," he said after a long pause. His voice was still course, but it was different somehow. Why had she never seen this side of Vegeta? Sure, he'd been there for her several times in the past, but he was always so rough, so violent about the whole thing. Somehow her Vegeta had softened over time, and though it wasn't much, it was enough to keep him at her side for this long, and for that she was beyond grateful.
"How can it work?" she asked, leaning her head in until their foreheads were touching. "Everyone will—"
"No one has to know," he said quickly. "No one knows I'm here now."
"You want to sneak around everyone?" He nodded, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. "Vegeta, how is that going to work? If the press doesn't catch on, my parents will. Someone is bound to find out, and then they'll hate you too for being with me…I can't ask you to do that."
"If they can do that, they're worth nothing to me," he sneered. "And I swear on my parents' grave, that I will protect you. No one will hurt you again." The amount of conviction, and anger, that twisted his face almost made Bulma laugh. He was so different from before, but completely unchanged at the same time. Here he was being spiteful and angry, but he was vowing to protect. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"This is insane," she said, and then she did laugh, freely, for the first time in months. Vegeta's eyebrows knit in confusion. "But it's perfect." She smiled up at him, capturing his lips, and pulling him to her for the first time. "I've waited all my life for you," she whispered in his ear, unable to keep from hugging him so tightly. Not that he minded, though, for he'd been waiting just as long for her. "I think now I'm ready to tell you…"
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"It's been a month," 18 said out of nowhere, her calculus book tumbling to the floor as she stood and went for the phone. Krillin, ever practical, grabbed her wrist at the last second and brought her back to the bed. "Krillin Roshi," she seethed. "You let go of me right now."
"Be rational, hun," he said, letting go. "If you're going to call her, you need to think about what you're going to say. And you need to tell Chi-Chi first."
"Kuso," she swore under her breath. "Yeah, you're right. Why are you always right?"
"Someone needs to be," he joked, tackling her to the bed. "I don't feel like doing homework anymore," he said, leaning down to capture her lips.
"Me neither, cue ball. How's Play Station sound?"
"I love you," he laughed, pulling her closer.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Goku stretched his arms out, giving way to a deep yawn, and catching the attention of the rest of the class. The teacher frowned at him from her desk, then went back to her paperwork, waiting for the rest of the class to finish their tests. It was a culinary class, so any exam, written or otherwise, Goku almost always scored perfectly.
"Hey 18," he whispered, tapping her on the shoulder from behind. "Where's Vegeta?" He looked to the empty seat beside him, as if confirming what he already knew.
"I don't know," she hissed, not looking back. She hated cooking, in any form, and despised this class. "17 called him this morning about some assignment, and his uncle said he's been gone since yesterday. Doesn't know where he is."
Goku sulked back into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Where could Vegeta be?
A few moments later, the bell rang, causing several students to groan and drop their pencils. Goku and 18 walked out of the classroom together to go to lunch.
"Did he mention anything to you?" Goku asked, slipping his backpack into his locker before they went to the cafeteria.
"Who?"
"Vegeta."
"He'd tell you or 17 before he told me."
"How is 17 doing anyway?" He bit his lip almost nervously. It was very obvious why he'd been so distant from the others lately. "I haven't seen him in awhile."
"He's dealing with it," she said with an offhanded gesture. "He wants some time to himself before he comes back to the group."
"But he still hangs out with you and Vegeta?"
"He couldn't beat Vegeta off with a stick," she laughed, swinging her bag over her shoulder, and heading towards the lunchroom. "He wanted so badly to be alone right now, but Vegeta wouldn't have it. And 17 had been so sure that he'd be the most likely to agree that they not see each other for a while…I guess everyone underestimates what kind of a person Vegeta is."
"What about your dad?"
"Dad's livid," she sighed. She pushed through a group of cheerleaders to get into the cafeteria; Goku tried his best to keep up. "If me and Vegeta hadn't been there, I think he would have thrown him out. It's not fair, but that's dad. Same asshole he's always been." She turned around as someone tapped her on the shoulder, smiling at her three-minute-older brother. "Hey bro."
"Hey," he said, smiling meekly. "Hey Goku."
"Hey," Goku said, trying his best not to make 17 feel uncomfortable.
"Can I talk to you?" 17 said to his sister, tugging gently on her arm.
"Sure…Goku, I'll catch up with you."
"Right."
He waited for Goku to walk away before saying another word.
"I need your help with something," he admitted, shying away.
"Name it."
"Can you set me up with someone? I know you know a lot more people than everyone I know; you're friends with almost everyone. You would know better than me who I can date."
"You're too cute, big brother," she laughed, patting him on the back. "Have anyone in mind?"
He blushed furiously and nodded.
"And?"
"Azumamaro Baba," he whispered in her ear, his cheeks reddening further.
"Great choice. We go way back. When were you planning on having this date?"
"Friday night, of choice," he laughed, feeling completely comfortable now. He always knew his sister would back him one hundred percent. Vegeta had been a major surprise, but a very welcome one. Goku and the others were supportive as well, of course, but he could only deal with so many people, and, seeing as 18 was his sister and Vegeta refused to stop seeing him, he made a choice to only hang out with them for now. Soon, he hoped, he'd be able to be around the others, but there was still so much he needed to learn about himself first.
"Perfect. I'll tell Baba next period."
She was about to walk away, when he caught her arm again and pulled her into a great bear hug.
"Thanks sis," he sighed, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "For everything."
"What are sisters for?" she shrugged, though couldn't help her smile. "And don't worry. I've known Baba forever. You're perfect for him."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Hey Vegeta," 17 said, walking into his room without knocking.
Vegeta looked up and nodded, the phone cradled on his shoulder. He motioned for him to sit down, and that he'd be done in a minute.
"You are?" he sighed to the person on the other line. "Why?…I know, but…Ok. Fine…Yes…No…Well, you just wait 'til the lights go out," he laughed. "Really? I'm that dumb. Thanks for clarifying…Alright…Yeah…Bye."
"Who was that?" 17 asked, eyeing the phone as he hung it up.
"A date."
"I've never heard you talk to a date like that."
"Yeah, well, I've never seen you kiss a guy 'til now. Things change." He slid off the bed, went to his mini-fridge in the corner, and grabbed two cans of beer. He handed one to 17, then sat next to him on the bed, cracking open his own.
"Technically," 17 said, opening his can and taking a swig, "I haven't kissed any guys…yet."
"Yeah, well, 18 told me you're going on a date with Baba." He couldn't hold in his laughter, nearly spitting out his beer. "Kami, you and Baba. I always knew that football player was queer."
"Why do you think I asked 18 to set me up with him?"
"Makes sense."
"Vegeta, why are you so cool with this? I was the more terrified to tell you than even my dad, and you're the best with it. I don't get it."
"What do I care what you do in your bed?" he shrugged, taking a big gulp of beer. "Besides, I always knew you were gay. You didn't hide it very well." 17's eyes widened slightly and then he nodded. "Remember when I beat up those seniors last year?"
"Yeah."
"Why do you think I did?"
17 shrugged.
"They were saying shit about you. Calling you a fag or whatever morons say. So I knocked them out."
"You're a better person than you let people know," 17 said, standing up and tossing his empty can in the trash.
"If everyone knew how wonderful I was," he laughed, "then I'd be swarmed with fans and groupies…I like my solitude."
"Are you ever going to tell me where you were last night? Why you came home at four o'clock this afternoon?"
"Not likely," he said, frowning a little. "And not right now."
"Someday."
"I sure fucking hope so."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
---Chapter 6!! Hmm…Interesting twists I'm adding, huh? :P And 17 is gay! Heehee. I think its adorable. I've never written him gay before, though I've thought about it. I think it fits him better anyway; I mean, think about the scarf and socks from DBZ. Heehee!
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ReviewsMore Chapters)
Next time: Can Bulma and Vegeta keep their relationship secret forever? And what's the whole story with Bulma's past?