45 minutes later
Bulma and Vegeta walked hand in hand down the hospital corridors. Groups of nurses kept looking at Bulma and whispering to each other. They got to a door sign-posted 'Sunflower ward'. Bulma gave Vegeta a reassuring look as he went to open the door. They walked inside slowly. When they got to the reception desk, a nurse looked at the oddly.
"Visiting hours are over children. You'll have to come back tomorrow."
Bulma sighed wearily.
"Excuse me, but I don't think you know who I am. I'm Bulma Briefs."
The nurse looked up with wide eyes.
"Bulma Briefs? The Bulma Briefs? Bulma Briefs, the daughter of Dr.Briefs? The man who founded this very hospital?"
Bulma smiled.
"Yep. That would be me."
"Oh my! Well, our doors are always open to you Miss. Briefs."
"Thank you. Now, if you could please point me in the direction of Mrs.Ouji I would be very grateful."
"Oh of course Miss. Briefs. Right this way."
Bulma gripped Vegeta's hand tightly and followed the nurse down the hallway until they got to room 35. The nurse gestured towards the door.
"She's in there miss."
"Thank you."
The nurse smiled and walked off. Bulma looked at Vegeta. He looked nervous and had beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. Bulma reached out and opened the door. Vegeta walked in, followed by Bulma who shut the door behind her. She looked over at Vegeta's mum lying on the hospital bed with an oxygen mask over her face. Vegeta stood at her bedside, pale faced. Bulma walked over to him and slipped an arm round his waist. Bulma looked at her chest, moving slightly.
"She's still breathing. Slightly."
"The bastard."
His voice was quiet but grew louder with every word.
"I can't believe he did this to her!"
Bulma placed her hands on Vegeta's tense arm.
"Hey. Calm down. How do you even know he did this? She may have been in a car crash."
Vegeta sighed and slumped down in the armchair in the corner of the room. Bulma went over to him and sat down on his lap. She put her arms round his neck and lay her head on his shoulder. She looked over at Vegeta's mum.
"Vegeta, what was your childhood like?"
"Well, when I was really young, like one until about when I was four, my dad neglected me……
Flashback
A little boy is thrashing about in his cot. His face is red and covered in tears. He's hungry, thirsty and needs to be changed. He hears voices outside.
"He needs changing."
"Leave him. If he's going to be strong he has to do things on his own."
"He's just a baby! He can't even crawl!"
"Leave him!"
"He needs me!"
A slap echoes through the hall. He hears footsteps stomp downstairs and the front door slams shut. A young woman bursts through his door and runs over to him. She picks him up and cradles him in her arms.
"Shhh. It's ok. Mummy's here. Mummy will look after you."
End flashback
"My mum always tried to look after me as best she could. When my father was out she would take care of me, but when he returned, she left me. When I was five, she neglected me more because I was able to do things myself. I still remember the first time my dad hit me…"
Flashback
A small boy, of five years is cowering in front of his father. A broken plate at his feet.
"Well? What do you have to say for yourself young man?"
The boy stares at the broken plate and stays silent.
"Hey! Answer me you brat! Don't ignore me!"
The boy looks up and is met with his fathers hand, hitting him full force, in the face. The boy is thrown to the other side of the room. His father stands over him.
"That'll teach you to be disrespectful."
End flashback
"He's been like that all through my life."
Bulma leant her head against his shoulder and started to cry. Vegeta cradled her head in his hands.
"Come on. Don't cry. We've got to be strong, together."
"But I just feel so bad for you."
"Well, I'm dealing with it as best as I can, but I need you a lot right now so please don't crack up."
Bulma laughed slightly.
"Ok. I just wish it would all stop. That he'd stop hitting and that your mum was at your home, living an ordinary life."
"Me too."
"I just wanna know why he does it. He's got no reason to hit you. Well, not that I know of."
"I dunno. I never did anything to him!"
"Well, I guess some dads are just like that."
Suddenly, the steady beeping of Vegeta's mum's heart machine turned to long, continuous tone. Vegeta and Bulma looked up with panic stricken faces. A nurse came rushing in, followed by a number of doctors. The nurse ushered Bulma and Vegeta out of the room; closing the door in their faces. Bulma looked at Vegeta as he stared at the closed door in front of him. Noises could be heard coming from the room. Vegeta slowly turned his head and looked at Bulma.
"Do you think…………?
"I dunno. I'm sorry Vegeta. I know you want me to tell you not to worry, and that everything will be ok. But I can't. I don't know. But even if you mum does….you know…you'll still have me. I'll always be here for you. Always."
Vegeta put his arms round Bulma's shoulders, she could feel him shaking.
The nurse walked out of the room, grim-faced.
"Please follow me to the waiting room."
Bulma and Vegeta walked behind the nurse down the corridor and into a cream room with a line of chairs against the walls. The nurse turned to them.
"I will come and inform you if anything happens Miss. Briefs."
"Thank you."
The nurse hurried away. Vegeta sat down and Bulma followed suit. She sat down on the chair next to him. Vegeta held his head in his hands. Bulma put her hand on his knee.
"Vegeta? Babe look at me."
"Vegeta raised his head and looked her in the eye. She could see fear in his eyes, mixed with anger and sadness.
"It's all his fault. I hate him."
"Vegeta, I've had an idea. How about you move in with me until we find a house of our own. I'm sure we can come up with a believable excuse for my parents."
"How about we tell them the truth?"
"What? You want to tell them?"
"I figure it's for the best."
"My parents won't do anything you don't want them to. They'll just try and help."
"Like you then huh?"
Bulma smiled. Suddenly a tune emitted from her pocket. She reached down and picked up her cell phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey B! It's Goku."
"Oh hey Goku. Listen I can't really talk right now. Can I call you later?"
"Sure. Is everything ok?"
"Yeah. Everything's fine. I'll speak to you later ok?"
"Ok….bye."
"Bye."
She hung up and put her phone back in her pocket. She looked at Vegeta.
"Sorry about that."
Vegeta grunted and looked at her.
"I'm been thinking about what you told me about Yamcha."
"Huh? What bit? I've said a lot of things about Yamcha."
"About how he used to beat you up."
"Oh. Why were you thinking about that?"
"I dunno. I guess I was just thinking about my mum being beaten up by my dad, and then I started to think about you being beaten by Yamcha. What a creep."
"Oh. Yeah. It used to get really scary. He was fine when we were around friends, but when we were on our own, he got violent."
Flashback
Bulma was struggling in Yamcha's iron grasp. He kept licking and kissing her neck. They were standing in Bulma's bedroom and he had her back against the wall. Bulma put her hands on his chest and tried to push him away.
"Yamcha, get off me. Please, I don't want to hurt you."
Yamcha smirked evilly at her.
"You, hurt me? Oh please. Bulma I want, and I want you now. And I always get what I want."
He put his hands round her wrists and held them above her head tightly.
"Ow. Yamcha! You're hurting me."
He pressed his body against hers, crushing her against the door.
"Yamcha! Get off!"
She brought her leg up quickly and kneed him in the crotch. He let go of her immediately and stumbled backwards. Bulma nursed her aching wrists and slid to the floor. Yamcha stood over her angrily.
"I'll make sure you regret that!"
He brought his hand down and…
"Agh!"
A scream flowed through the house. Bulma stared at Yamcha in disbelief. He held out his hand to her.
"Well?"
End flashback
Bulma was shaking in Vegeta's arms. He stared at her.
"So, that time you came into school with bruises on your arms, wasn't because you fell over?"
"No. It was him."
"If I get my hands on him I'll…"
"Vegeta, don't do anything. I think me leaving him is punishment enough."
"Whatever you say."
1 hour later
Bulma shook Vegeta gently. His eyes shot open quickly. He saw the nurse standing in front of him. He gripped Bulma's hand tightly.
"What's going on?"
The nurse hung her head.
"I'm sorry kids. We did everything we could. She didn't make it. She was unconscious when it happened so she didn't suffer. I'm so sorry."
The nurse turned and walked away. Bulma felt Vegeta's iron grasp increase on her hand. A single tear fell from his face.
"Vegeta, I'm so sorry. I…don't know what to say."
Vegeta reached out and pulled her onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"Vegeta, are you ok?"
"Do you think I am? I've just lost the one parent that was nice to me. I…feel…weird. I dunno how to explain it."
"Don't worry about it. I understand. Look, why don't we go back to my house now? We both need our rest."
"Can I see my mum, one more time?"
"Lets go and see."
They stood up slowly and made their way to Mrs. Ouji's room. There was a nurse inside. She looked at Bulma.
"Can I help you?"
"Um…yeah. She's my boyfriends mum. We were wondering if we could have a few moments to say goodbye."
"Of course."
The nurse walked out. Vegeta stood over his mum, he was holding her limp hand in his. He turned to Bulma.
"Can I have some time alone with her?"
"Sure babe."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked out. She stood outside the door, listening to him.
He looked down at her face, it seemed sad.
"Why mum? Why did you leave me? Why did you let dad do this to you? Why aren't you here to answer me? You were always there for me mum. I wish I had been there for you too. I could've helped you. I hope you're happy where you are now. I would have been joining you, if it hadn't been for Bulma. We're moving in together hopefully. She's being wonderful. I wish you could've got to know her better. I love you mum and I'll miss you."
He let go of her hand and slipped it under the covers. He gave her a kiss and had one last look at her before walking out. Bulma was leaning on the wall outside with tears falling down her cheeks. Vegeta curled his arms round her shoulders and kissed her lightly on the cheek. She looked up at him.
"I love you."
"I love you too. Can we go now? Every moment I spend here makes it harder."
"Sure."
She dried her eyes and walked out of the hospital with Vegeta.
2 hours later. CC
Vegeta and Bulma were sitting on the sofa opposite Bulma's parents. Her father took a sip of his coffee.
"We are very sorry Vegeta. It must be terrible for you. Will you be living with your dad now?"
Bulma looked up.
"Well actually daddy, I said he could live here."
"Shouldn't he be with his dad?"
Bulma turned to Vegeta.
"Do you want me to tell them or will you?"
"You."
"Ok"
She turned back to her dad.
"Ok. Well, Vegeta's dad…beats him up."
Bunny dropped her cup of coffee, Dr.Briefs looked stunned.
"He beats you up?"
Vegeta nodded.
"What about your mum? Did he beat her up too?"
"Yes. He did."
Bunny turned to Vegeta.
"Oh you poor dear. Listen, we'll talk more about this in the morning shall we? You both need your rest."
Bulma stood up and pulled Vegeta up with her.
"Ok. Thanks. See you in the morning."
Vegeta followed her up to her bedroom, Bulma shut the door behind her.
"Make yourself comfy. I'm just gonna get ready for bed."
"Is the bed ok in the spare room?"
"You're not sleeping in the spare room tonight. I want you with me."
Vegeta smirked at her as she walked into the bathroom.
5 minutes later
Bulma returned from the bathroom in her short, red nightie. Vegeta was lying on the bed in a baggy pair of trousers. She sat down at her dressing table and started brushing her hair. Vegeta got up and walked over to her. He took the brush from her and started to run it through her hair. He sat down next to her and carried on. He put the brush down and held her hair away from her neck. He leant in and started kissing her neck. Bulma moaned in pleasure. Vegeta slid his arms round her waist and held her tightly. Bulma put her hands on his chest and held him back.
"Vegeta, come on. You don't really want this. You're just upset. Let's get to bed ok?"
Vegeta scowled at her but picked her up and carried her to the bed. He climbed in beside her and wrapped his arms round her. She tilted her head up and kissed him lightly.
"Night."
"Night."
Next morning. 11:00am
Bunny knocked on Bulma's door for the third time, gave up and walked in. She smiled when she saw Vegeta and Bulma lying together. Bulma was smiling.
Even in her sleep she's happy if she's with him.
She went over to the bed and shook Bulma gently. Bulma turned over with a groan and opened her eyes.
"Hey mum."
"Good morning dear. Sleep well?"
"Yeah. Slept fine thanks."
"good. Well, you had better get up and get breakfast soon. It's already gone eleven."
"Ok. Thanks."
Bunny walked out and Bulma turned over and nudged Vegeta.
"Vegeta, wake up."
He rubbed his eyes and sat up with a yawn.
"What?"
"It's gone eleven."
"So?"
"So, lets go get breakfast you lazy bum."
Vegeta growled at her.
"Why don't you get the breakfast and bring it up here?"
"Cool. Good idea. Ok, same as last time?"
"Yeah please."
10 minutes later
Bulma returned to her bedroom with two plates of toast and marmalade. She handed a plate to Vegeta and cuddled up with him on the bed. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"I wish you never had to leave."
He looked down at her.
"Who says I do?"
Bulma laughed.
"No one. Oh yeah, we should start looking for our own place soon."
"Yeah…I guess. Something's really been bugging me lately."
"What?"
"I was just thinking about when we have to go to college. I want to be in the same one as you."
"Well, I can get into any college I want."
"But I don't want you to come to a rubbish one because I'm going there."
"Well, yeah. But if you push yourself a bit harder I'm sure we'll be able to get into the same one. I really want us to be in the same one too. I mean, even if we're not in the same one it's not the end of the world, it's not like it's the end of the world. We'll be living together soon. But I would rather not go to college than not be with you."
"Really?"
"Course! I love you."
Vegeta smirked.
"Love you too."
"Vegeta, if I didn't exist, who out of our group would you pick as your girlfriend?"
"None of them. That Chichi girl is too loud and annoying, and 18's too bossy and overbearing."
"Ok, so what's my flaw? There's got to be something about me that annoys you."
"Nope. Nothing. You're perfect."
"That's really sweet Vegeta. If I could change anything about you I wouldn't change anything."
Vegeta smirked.
"Woman, about my dad. Do you think your parents will get the police involved."
"Not if you don't want then to. They might want to talk to your dad though."
"They can't! He'll hurt them."
"Yeah I know. That's what I'm worried about."
3 hours later
"Now Vegeta, tell me all the details. I need to know what he did and when he did it."
Dr.Briefs was sitting opposite Bulma and Vegeta with a pen and notepad in his hands. Bunny was outside doing the washing.
"Well, he does whatever he wants, whenever he wants to. Sometimes he would come home drunk and kit my mum. I know to stay out of his way then. He slaps me, hits me or kicks me. If I get in his way at all. Or for answering back. My mum used to stand up for me, but he just hit her."
His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles were turning white. Bulma placed her hand on his and his fists weakened.
"I see…and how often did he get drunk?"
"At least twice a week."
"Hmmm. Does anybody else know?"
"Just Bulma."
"Good. I think the last thing we want to do is draw attention to this. Now as for you Vegeta, I think the best bet for you is to stay here with us. Just until I come up with an idea. Bulma, I think it would be wise if you started looking for a house dear."
"Yeah sure dad. We will. Soon."
"Ok dear. I'll leave you alone for a bit."
Bulma rested her head on his shoulder and he took hold of her hand.
"It's ok."
"I know. I know it is. They'll do whatever they can to help you."
"I guess. Do you think it was the right move to tell them?"
"Oh god yeah! Of course it was. The good thing is that now you can stay here as long as you like."
"Mmm."
2 months later. CC 7:30pm
(A/N: Yeah I know I've skipped quite a lot but it was getting so boring!)
Bulma looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled.
I cannot believe it's the school dance already! It's gone so quickly!
She thought back to the last two months. Vegeta had moved in with Bulma, leaving his dad alone. His dad had to go to a therapist regularly. Bulma and Vegeta had gone to Vegeta's mum's funeral, after which Dr.Briefs announced that they could wish her back with the dragon balls. All of their gang had been told about Vegeta's father and had attended the funeral too. Vegeta was living at CC at the moment. They had found a house and were scheduled to move on the second week of the school holidays.
(By the way. That day was their last day of school.)
Bulma was, at that moment, getting ready for the long awaited school dance. She clipped another crimped lock of hair into her ponytail. Her hair looked wonderful. She had crimped it and put it into a stylish ponytail, with a few strands left loose to frame her face. She ran her lip gloss brush across her lips and blew a kiss to her reflection. She walked over to her wardrobe and carefully picked out her prom dress. It was a tight-fitting, dark blue, satin, short dress. She replaced her baggy jeans and t-shirt with her dress. It reached just about mid-thigh. She took out her black, translucent stole, (A stole is one of those shawl kinda things that go across your arms.) and draped it over her shoulders and round her back.
"Bulma dear! You don't want to be late!"
She glanced at her clock. 7:50.
Damn!
She slipped on her black stilettos and took a deep breath before walking out of her room to the top of the stairs. Vegeta was already downstairs with her parents. Bunny smiled at her, with a few tears in her eyes. Dr.Briefs's eyes were wide but he was smiling. Vegeta looked like his jaw could have hit the floor (if his jaw could reach that far. Lol)
She slowly walked down the stairs, never taking her eyes away from Vegeta's. Bunny started sobbing and Bulma looked at her sympathetically.
"You look lovely dear."
"Thanks mum."
Dr.Briefs smiled at his daughter.
"Yes. You are picture perfect."
"Thank you."
Bunny grabbed her husbands arm and dragged him away.
"Come on. Let's leave them alone."
Bulma smiled at Vegeta, who still looked dazed.
"Vegeta?"
He shook his head and looked at her.
"Yeah?"
"Well?"
"You look wonderful. Radiant."
"You look pretty handsome yourself."
She eyed him up and down. He was wearing a black tux, white under shirt and black bow tie. Vegeta smirked at her and slid his arms round her waist. He bent his head down for a passionate kiss. Bulma ran her hands up his neck and into his hair. They both retreated as they heard the limo draw up outside. They linked arms and walked down the driveway. The chauffeur bowed to them and opened the door. Bulma smiled.
"Thank you."
She peered inside and saw the rest of the gang seated around. She went in and sat down, dragging Vegeta down beside her.
"Hey guys."
Chichi looked at her, impressed.
"Hey Bulma. Nice dress. I knew you would wear one."
"Thanks."
She looked at everyone else. Chichi was wearing a long, baby blue, spaghetti strapped dress, which had a long slit up the right side. Goku was wearing a dashing black tuxedo, as was Krillin. 18 was wearing a long, dark purple, strapless dress. Chichi had her hair down for once and had glittery streaks in it. 18 had her hair in a bun with a few loose strands round her face. Bulma looked around.
"Where's Yamcha?"
Goku looked uneasy.
"Erm…we dunno. He said he was getting his own ride."
Vegeta slipped his arm round Bulma's waist.
"No big loss."
Bulma rested her head on Vegeta's shoulder, smiling as the limo took off towards the dance.
20 minutes later
Bulma took Vegeta's hand and dragged him into the centre of the crowd. Chichi and 18 smirked at each other and pulled Goku and Krillin, reluctantly, to the middle of the dance floor. Vegeta looked around at all the people uneasily. Bulma noticed and smiled to herself. She took his hands and put them on her hips, then put her arms round his neck. She started to move slowly to the beat of the music. Vegeta pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms round her waist. She rested her head in his chest and closed her eyes as they moved together, in time with the music.
Chichi grabbed Goku's arms and put them round her waist. He looked at her and smiled.
"I could've done that myself you know."
Chichi smiled guiltily.
"Sorry."
She put her arms round his neck and kissed him softly. Krillin and 18 were dancing together and seemed to be lost in each others eyes.
Bulma looked up as Yamcha entered the room. He had his arm round another girl. She had long, blonde hair, blue eyes and was wearing a white dress that was too short and tight for her own good. Bulma slid her arms off Vegeta's neck.
"I'm just gonna get something to drink. Want anything?"
"Nah. Thanks anyway."
She made her way through the crowd to the drinks table. She picked up a glass and poured herself some punch.
"So, you're Bulma Briefs huh?"
She turned round and saw the girl Yamcha had been with, standing in front of her smirking.
"Yeah. That's me. Who are you?"
"I'm Tanya. Yamcha's new girlfriend. I've heard a lot about you."
"Hmm. Really?"
"Yeah. I don't know what Yamcha was thinking, dating a whore like you."
"Hey, wait a minute. I recognise you! You're the girl I caught Yamcha with by the school gates ages ago! You're the girl he was cheating on me with!"
"Yep. That's me. He needed me. You just weren't fulfilling enough for him. I can't believe Vegeta is going out with you. I heard he only dates whores and sluts. H must just be going out with you for the good reputation."
"you take that back! He loves me!"
"In your dreams! That's what you thought about Yamcha remember? And he cheated on you. I wouldn't be surprised if Vegeta's going out with someone else other than you. He'll tire of you eventually when you don't give him what every guy wants.
Tanya laughed evilly at her. Bulma's eyes hazed over. She grabbed her glass of punch and threw it over Tanya. Drenching her, then she ran from the room in tears. Everyone was looking at the scene that had just unfolded. Vegeta glared at Yamcha and stormed through the crowd after Bulma. He stepped out into the cold night air.
Tears were running down her face steadily. Her stole flew off her shoulders from the force of the wind, she didn't care, she kept on running. It was dark out and she just wanted to get home. She saw the bus stop looming ahead of her and slowed down. She leant against it, panting for breath. She looked at the time tables.
Good. Another bus should be here in around fifteen minutes.
She didn't sit down. She didn't want to muck up her dress. She just leant against the bus shelter. She heard footsteps coming down the road. Someone stopped outside the bus shelter. She looked up and saw who it was. She took a step backwards, shaking.
Vegeta's…father.
"Erm…hey…Mr.Ouji. How…how are you?"
"How am I? How do you think I am? My wife is dead, my son won't come anywhere near me, and everybody thinks I'm to blame. When actually it's all your stupid fault. You and your wretched father."
He took a step closer to her and ran a finger across her jaw line.
"You've made me angry. And I don't like people who make me angry. And do you know what I do to people I don't like?"
He brought his hand back and threw it at Bulma's face, sending her crashing through the side of the bus shelter. The glass was shattered everywhere and Bulma flew backwards and landed in it. She put her hands on the floor, pushing herself up. Her face screwed up in agony as shards of glass lodged themselves in her palms. He walked towards her with narrowed eyes.
"You've been a thorn in my side for far too long. If you haven't learnt your lesson by now, I'm gonna be the one to teach it!"
She raised her head and looked at him angrily.
"I was only doing what was best for Vegeta! I love him! Unlike you!"
He growled loudly as he punched her again, in the face. Sending her reeling backwards, onto the cold pavement. She landed on her back, and stayed there. He went over to her and took of her by her neck. He raised her in the air with a firm clutch on her throat. She clawed at his hand and kicked her legs out wildly. He just smirked at her as she began to run out of breath.
"Now, what to do with the body of Bulma Briefs? Bury it? Or maybe just leave it for her precious boyfriend to find so I can cause him more pain."
Bulma looked into his eyes with immense fear. His eyes were dark and cold. She could tell he meant to kill her. She was running out of breath quickly. Her eyes started to close and her arms fell limp by her sides.
"Vegeta…"
She whispered his name croakily with her last few breaths.
"He can't save you now. You're too far gone. Two more seconds, and I'll be rid of you for good. And free to do what I like with my son."
A tear fell from her face as she slowly drifted away.
"Let her go."
Vegeta's father turned his head quickly. Vegeta was standing in the dark like a silhouette.
"I said let her go!"
He charged at his father and rammed into his side. He was sent flying. Vegeta caught Bulma in his arms as his father let go. He laid her on the floor and held her upper body on his lap.
"Bulma! Come on Bulma! You've got to wake up. You're not dead. I know you're not. You've done too much to die like this."
He saw her fingers twitch slightly and her eyelids started to tremble.
"Bulma come on. I know you're alive."
She slowly opened her eyes, her vision was blurry but she knew Vegeta was there. Her hand reached out and ran across his chin. She smiled at him.
"I love you."
Her eyelids shut again and she fell limp in his arms. He picked her up and carried her to the bus shelter bench. He carefully took off his jacket and put it round her shoulders before laying her on the bench. He heard his father behind him and tuned round to face him.
"Well hello Vegeta. Nice to see you again. It's been so long."
"You had no right to do that to her. If you wanted to take it out on someone, it should have been me. She never did anything to you."
"Maybe not, but I knew that her death would be the greatest pain I could cause you."
"Well your plan backfired because she's not dead."
"Stop living in a fantasy boy. Of course she's dead. Look at her."
He turned and looked at her, lying still on the bench. A new sort of anger boiled inside of him. He clenched his fists tightly and flew at his father. Landing punch after punch. Sending his father to the ground. Blood trickled from his fathers face as he stood up angrily.
"I'll show you some manners boy!"
He ran towards Vegeta and smashed his fist into his face. Vegeta was sent reeling backwards to the floor, but quickly composed himself once again. Determined to fight till the end.
"You want me? Come and get me!"
Vegeta's spat out a mouthful of blood onto the floor. He stared at the blood for a moment before stuffing his hands in his pockets and walking away.
"We're done for tonight. I'll be back for you later."
Vegeta relaxed. His fists unclenched and the lost colour drained back to his face. He turned round and walked to Bulma's side. He knelt down beside her and ran his hand across her face.
"You've got to be alive. I don't know what I'll do with out you. I love you too much to let you die. I've lost everything. You're the only important thing left in my life and I'm not gonna loose you too. Not because of him. Please. You've got to wake up."
He held her blood stained hand tightly. He leant his head on the crook of her neck and a tear slid down his cheek onto her skin.
Suddenly he felt something grip his hand. He looked up and saw her fingers curled around his. He looked at her face as her eyes opened slightly.
"Vegeta?"
She croaked out his name. He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek lightly.
"It's ok. I'm here. And I'm not gonna leave you."
She reached out and put her arms round his neck, he picked her up and sat down on the bench with her on his lap. She buried her face in his shirt and cried. He put his hand on the back of her hand and the other round her shoulders.
"Shhh. It's ok now. You're ok. I'm ok."
"I'm scared."
"I know. But I wont let him do anything to you. I'm not gonna leave you."
"I was so scared when he came and you weren't here. I didn't know what to do. But I knew you would come."
"I've never been so scared in my life. I ran out of that stupid dance and I couldn't find you. I heard the glass shatter and I knew something was up so I ran here as fast as I could. I was so angry when I saw him holding you by the neck like that."
He ran his fingers across her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
"I thought I'd lost you. I thought I'd lost the one thing that means everything to me. Why did you leave the dance? What happened?"
A new batch of tears fell from her eyes as she stared at him. He ran his thumbs under her eyes and dried off her tears as best he could. To no prevail as she kept on crying.
"What did that slut say to you?"
"Vegeta…you love me right?"
"What? Of course I do! I…I…can't believe you just asked me that. You shouldn't even have to ask to know the answer to that. What made you think I don't? I love you to pieces! If I lost you, I don't know what I'd do!"
"I'm your only girlfriend?"
"God what's wrong with you? Of course you are! No one is better than you! I wouldn't trade you for anyone or anything. I would never cheat on you. Not for the world. You know that!"
"I should know that."
He cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her face upwards so she was looking at him.
"I love you. More than anything in the world."
She leant forward and pressed her lips against his. He brushed his tongue across her bottom lip, earning a soft moan from her. They looked up as they footsteps coming down the street.
"Bulma! Vegeta!"
Chichi ran up to them frantically.
"Are you ok?"
She sat down next to them and stroked Bulma's hair. Bulma slid off Vegeta's lap and sat next to her friend. Chichi put her arms round her and Bulma hugged her back. Goku ran up to them and looked at Vegeta.
"You ok dude?"
"Yeah. We're fine."
"Oh my god! Bulma! Your hands!"
Chichi grabbed hold of her bloody hands and inspected them closely.
"You have to get those treated B."
"I will. Later."
18 and Krillin ran up the road behind them. 18 put her hands on her knees and looked up apologetically.
"Sorry we're late. God, high heels are so hard to run in!"
She walked up to Bulma and wrapped her arms round her.
"What happened?"
Vegeta turned to her.
"My father happened that's what."
A gasp escaped everybody's mouths. Goku sat down next to Vegeta.
"What happened?"
"What does it look like. He tried to kill her! He was strangling her to death."
"Where is he now?"
"I dunno. I punched him and stuff then he got up and walked off, saying that we were done for tonight and that he'd be back for me later."
He spat on the floor.
"like he scares me now."
Chichi rubbed some dirt off of Bulma's face.
"You poor hunny! How are you feeling?"
"Scared. And shaken. Shocked. I dunno really. Dazed mostly."
"Well, at least you're alive. What would you do without Vegeta hmm?"
"I honestly don't know. And I don't even wanna begin to find out."
She turned back to Vegeta and he wrapped his arms round her. Chichi and 18 looked at each other.
"Awww."
Krillin tapped Bulma on the shoulder.
"We've got a surprise for you."
She looked at him.
"For me?"
"Well for both of you."
"Ok…what is it?"
"We're going on a road trip!"
"Huh? You're going on a road trip?"
"No! All of us are!"
"Oh my god! Really! Where to?"
"Well. We're not sure really. Just around the country. Camping in the woods and stuff. Don't worry it wont be as bad as it sounds. We've all got capsule homes."
"Oh my god! All of us!"
"Yeah. All of us. All of our parents chipped in to pay for it. It's like a little present before we go off to college."
"Oh wow! When do we leave?"
"In two weeks."
"What? Two weeks! But…we're moving in two weeks!"
"Yeah, we spoke to your parents about that. Now this is the big surprise, you've already moved. Your parents did it tonight while you were at the dance. All your stuff is at your new house. Most of it should be unpacked already, like drawers and stuff like that."
"Oh my god. You mean…Vegeta and I are gonna live together? In our own house?"
"Well, that's what we were counting on."
Bulma squealed with delight and threw her arms round Krillin's neck.
"Thank you sooo much! This is so fantastic!"
(A/N: Ok that's the end of this story. But don't worry. There's gonna be a sequel hehehe! I loved writing it so much I just had to have a sequel!)
