Never (Ch. 5)
Vegeta froze in his steps. His eyes flew to Bulma's face, only to see her waiting for his answer. As he turned his back on her, Bulma's blue eyes narrowed. 'What is he waiting for? If he really is my husband, this should be an easy thing.' She then realized that she was holding her breath, eagerly waiting for him to speak.
Vegeta had his eyes closed. By turning around, Bulma wouldn't be able to see the emotions that flashed across his face. Shock…confusion….anger….and unbelievably, vulnerability. Truth be told, Vegeta had never imagined that this moment would come.
Gruffly, Vegeta finally said, "Listen up woman, because I will only say this once." Turning back to face Bulma, his face had become stone – detached, not showing the smallest hint of emotion. But Bulma saw the intensity in his eyes. Black, with a soulful fire blazing in them. "When I first came to this mudball of a planet, I expected to find nothing but pathetic life forms...weaklings that would cower and beg for mercy. When I found Kakkarot…his courage and strength surprised me, yet it was understandable as he is a Saiyan. But you…a mere Earth woman…your bravery and courage was obvious from the beginning. Watching you defy me time after time, and how you interacted with your friends…I grudgingly grew respect for you." Vegeta smirked, "Plus, for a non-Saiyan, you're surprisingly good-looking." Although Bulma rolled her eyes at this comment, Vegeta could see the faint blush in her cheeks despite the darkness around them. "Things happened…some of which I do not care to reminisce upon, but all you need to know is that I moved into this house, and during this time, our son from the future arrived to give Kakarrot some cure for a heart condition he was going to have. Trunks also warned us about androids that he claims will appear in a year or so…and your friends and I have been training ever since. During this time…" Vegeta fell silent. "Yes?" Bulma prodded. Taking a deep breath, Vegeta continued.
"You and that poor excuse for a fighter Yamcha had been dating for some time. Although I had my suspicions, I'd never realized just how blinded you were to his cheating. You seemed happy, so I never bothered to give the issue a second thought. One night, I walked in to hear him pleading for forgiveness, and instantly I knew he'd been caught. Turns out that fool had been stupid enough to believe that he could lie his way out of lipsticks marks and the smell of perfume. Well, as I passed the living room, I chuckled and congratulated that idiot on his stupidity. Then you whirled around, and what I saw moved something inside of me."
Vegeta walked over to the window and leaned against the wall, staring out at the moon. "Instead of the tears and dramatics I'd expected…you showed nothing but cold anger. Your eyes were narrowed, your arms were crossed, and your voice…I will never forget your voice. It was cold…emotionless…and radiated a sense of underlying danger. Quietly, yet menacingly, you told me to get out and mind my own business. Then, you simply turned around, raised an eyebrow, and said, 'Yamcha. You are not worth the dirt beneath my shoes. Don't even attempt to exchange wits with me. To make it fair, I'd tie one hand behind my back, and I'd still win. Just fucking leave before you embarrass yourself any further.' Then, you walked out of the room. I stood there, amazed at the regal way you'd just handled everything. It was then that I truly realized that I'd grown rather fond of you. That night, as I lay in bed thinking, you came into my room. I knew your pride had been hurt, even if you refused to show it. You asked to be held just for a night, and at first, I told you to leave. When you made no sound, I turned around, and immediately, my mind changed. Even till today, I blame the moonlight…it cast a spell over you, for in you, I saw a vulnerability I wished to erase…and a pain that scared me. That night, you slept in my arms. The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. Your composure was calm and cool, and you returned my insults with quick rebuttals. But at night, I couldn't stay away. I walked into your room, laid down with you, and took you in my arms. Not one word was exchanged. Things continued like that for weeks. I'd train in the day, we'd argue every chance we got, and many times, you'd threaten to get Kakarrot to kill me. Yet you spent each night in my arms…and one night…lust took control…and Trunks was born nine months later."
Bulma sat silently, and Vegeta stared out into the night. For minutes, the silence was deafening. Finally, Bulma, with her head down, quietly spoke up. "Vegeta…but…do you love me?"
Vegeta closed his eyes. "Woman…I…I do not know what love is. But yes, I do…care…for you. Good night….Bulma." With one last glance at his wife, Vegeta flew out the window. 'Woman', he thought as he left, 'please…remember.'
Vegeta landed early the next morning in front of Capsule Corp. He'd spent a sleepless night in the woods…watching the stars and thinking back on the night. He wondered what Bulma had thought after he'd flown off. He felt hesitant to admit it, but a part of him desperately hoped she'd regained her memory. As he walked towards the front door, Bulma's parents came running out, worried looks upon their faces. Dr. Briefs reached him first. "Vegeta…thank goodness you're back! It's Bulma...she's missing!"